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The long-awaited Oklahoma Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program is set to begin at 9:00 a.m. on May 8th and information is finally starting to come out regarding how everything will work. A $200 per appliance rebate is available for the replacement of your old washing machine or refrigerator with new units bearing the Energy Star designation. We have a wide representation of these products in stock. The program is intended to be extremely easy for the customer. We as the retailer will handle the entire process, from registering you to processing your rebate claim. The rebates are offered on a first come, first served basis, and the state's system will allow us to tell at the time of purchase whether or not funds are still available. Because funds are limited and rebates are not available for appliances purchased before the 8th, we are offering our customers a valuable "pre-shopping" service. We will help you select and reserve your eligible appliance prior to the starting day so your rebate can be processed as early as possible. Please contact us for further information, or you can visit www.okCommerce.gov/recovery for a complete list of rules and requirements.
Aaron Clewell , 2010-04-27 09:42:24
When people come in our store, we often hear them say, "I didn't know you had that!" Whether it's our full paint department or our wide selection of appliances, folks may miss one of the many categories we offer. One of these "sleepers" is our bedding department. We stock a robust selection of Lady Americana bedding, with mattress sets from soft to firm and everywhere in between and prices starting at $399 for a queen set. Even more impressively, we guarantee you the absolute best price on Lady Americana bedding in the state of Oklahoma. Come by and lie down on one of the beds in our display. The comfort will give you a great night's sleep, and the price will let you rest easy.
Aaron Clewell , 2010-03-25 10:18:45
One of exciting new things we brought back from our recent buying show was a new furniture supplier. Coaster is a major player in many furniture categories, from sofas and loveseats, to audio/video cabinets, to dining room, bedroom, and office furniture. They even offer decorative artwork and mirrors! This new vendor increases our furniture offering 100 fold. Of course we have a full color catalogue at the store, but you can search the entire offering here on our website. Just click on the furniture drop down menu and see all of the categories available.
Aaron Clewell , 2010-03-16 18:13:25
Joe Carbone was Kobe Bryant's personal trainer for nine years before becoming the strength and conditioning coach for the Los Angeles Lakers. Both of these jobs came with a high profile and high pay yet he gave them up when he heard his son tell a friend, "I want to play basketball, but my Dad hasn't taught me yet." All of his Laker buddies thought he was crazy to quit, but he now works at a charter school teaching low income, mostly Hispanic students. The school is an educational experiment, founded on the idea that teachers, not facilities, systems, administrators, make the biggest difference in student development. He uses make-do equipment in dingy classrooms, but the school is trying to raise money to build a new school. Carbone has gone from one extreme to the other. He makes do with a classroom about the size of the dining room of an ordinary home, and his gym mats are squares of carpet on linoleum floors, one for each of his 31 fifth graders. By the end of each 45 minute period, he is sweating and hoarse and his back is sore. His day, which starts at 5 am, includes serving grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch and tracking school attendance. He teaches about proper diets and says he is trying to undo five grade levels of inattention. but some are learning and tell him they have counted calories. Most importantly, He has found time to coach his three kids. Quite a difference from his life with the Lakers.
Clemon Clewell , 2010-03-03 11:33:28
Rita and I were blessed with four children, all of whom have good singing voices. When our family was together this last Christmas, we were singing carols and I asked the three sons and grandson Aaron if they would pick a carol to sing together. It was beautiful and I wish I could have recorded it. That went so well I asked our daughter Marcia, daughter-in-law Jeanne, and granddaughter Macy to sing one, which they did. It was outstanding. Next time we get together I'll have a way to record all the great singing. Years ago, when our son David was pastoring the Methodist church in Sayre, the Bishop came to dedicate a new addition to the church. The three sons and grandson Nathan sang a blessing at the end of the dedication service which was beautiful. We were so proud of them. Someone asked our son Don once where the Clewell kids got all there musical talent (they didn't inherit any of it from us), and he said it was because we made them watch Lawrence Welk every Saturday night.
Clemon Clewell , 2010-02-09 10:09:21
As many of you know, we have recently changed our credit policy and closed all of our individual accounts. One thing that many people liked about charging with us was the newsletter we included in our statements, and I have had several people ask about how they will get Rita's recipe when they are no longer receiving their monthly bill from us. Well, never fear, the internet is here! We post our complete newsletter on our website: www.ClewellsHardware.com. Just click on the "Monthly Newsletter" link on the home page. And for those of you who have not yet merged onto the internet super-highway, we have printed copies available here at the store. We appreciate your understanding in this transition.
Aaron Clewell , 2010-01-26 12:05:13
Early in my hardware years, my boss L.P. Rice enrolled me in a Dale Carnegie course in Oklahoma City. Dale Carnegie was known then and is still known for his book How To Win Friends and Influence People. Mr Rice drove his car and went with me. I remember there were some important business people enrolled in that class, though I don't remember much of what was said by me or others. Dale Carnegie often spoke of his youth and the poverty in which his family lived. He grew up in the great depression, and sometimes their family had no food in the house. But this didn't deter his mother's faith. She would sing hymns and tell them that the Lord would provide. Dale said He always did, with food coming to them in strange and miraculous ways. He says they never went to bed hungry. Poverty can be a great source of motivation, and especially for the generation that lived through the depression, that motivation lifted many families to a better economic level.
Clemon Clewell , 2010-01-12 15:35:12
December's weather was a strange ending to a dry year. It is hard to believe that we had a 69 degree day on December 14 now that we've endured the Christmas blizzard with its 51 mph winds and horizontal snow. The last few cold days after that and the propect of an even colder 2010 has made us hunt our warm clothes. Our total moisture for December was only 0.28 and the yearly total was 23.97, about 5 inches below average. The total precipitation for 2008 was 31.84 while the 2007 total was 59.23. Now we have a blizzard of 2009 to go with our hurricane of 2007.
Clemon Clewell , 2010-01-06 16:13:20
As Christmas approaches, I think back on my many Christmas memories. The first one I remember was when I was about five years old and we lived in a two story house where the Poplin's house is now on North Noble. I came down stairs Christmas morning and there was Santa Claus, and I remember looking at his shoes and thinking they were just like Dad's. Tyler's used to hold a drawing and give away a car at Christmas time. One year our kids were running the store while we went to my brother's funeral. We stopped at Kingfisher on the way home to see one of our boys' basketball games, and Vera Davis came up to us to comment on how lucky our daughter Marcia was. We didn't even know what she was talking about. We later learned that Marcia had spent three dollars for three tickets and won the car. That was probably the biggest present she ever got. One other memory I had almost forgotten was from a long-ago Christmas program when Rita played Mary and I was Joseph. We even had a real baby to play Jesus, our son David who is now 60 years old. It is always a joy to get all of our family together at this time of the year, especially since they are more scattered now. I wish each of you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
Clemon Clewell , 2009-12-22 10:04:44
For many years my family has counted itself blessed to live in and serve such a wonderful community. I take seriously the lessons I learned from my father and grandfather about how to succeed in a small town business. They believed and I believe that you, our customer and friend, are to be treated with utmost respect and gratitude, and that we will only be successful if we can bring you value and treat you well. We have extended credit through our house accounts for many years, and we have always seen this as a way to offer both value and convenience to our customers. It has become clear in the last year, however, that the extension of credit as we have practiced it is in conflict with our broader commitment to you. Simply put, these accounts are too expensive to maintain. In order to continue providing products and services at our current level, we must discontinue our house accounts. Consequently, as of January 26, 2010, we will no longer charge to personal accounts. All outstanding balances on personal accounts must be paid in full by March 1, 2010. Business, farm, school, and organizational accounts will remain open, but should such an account become delinquent, it will be subject to immediate closure. For your convenience we accept many other methods of payment, including all major credit cards as well as our own private label financing through CitiFinancial, and we will be happy to assist you in finding an alternative credit source. Please feel free to contact me in person or by phone here at the store during business hours (Mon. thru Sat. 8:00 to 5:30) if you have any questions regarding your account. Thank you again for your business and your understanding during this transition. We look forward to serving you in the coming year.
Aaron Clewell , 2009-12-14 10:19:14
This Monday, December 7th, was Grandpa Clemon's birthday. He is still going strong after 85 years. Though his body doesn't always cooperate with him, his mind is still quite sharp, and for that we are all greatful. December 7th is also Pearl Harbor day, so I've always kidded him that his birthday is a day that will live in infamy. But that gets me thinking about all of the historical events he's seen in his life. He was almost five when the stock market crashed in 1929, sparking the Great Depression, and he turned 17 the day Japanese warplanes attacked Pearl Harbor. But perhaps most interesting are the changes he's seen in technology. What would seventeen-year-old Clemon, already working at Rice Hardware after school, have said if someone had told him about the world in 2009? Such a conversation woud probably be jibberish. Residential electricity was relatively new. He would have never seen a television, not to mention a 1-1/2" thick plasma or LCD TV you could hang on the wall like a picture. He used carbon paper and a manual typewriter then, but now he's a tech savvy senior citizen, surfing the internet on a daily basis and communicating with email. Heck, half of the words I used in the last two sentences didn't exist in 1941! So Happy Birthday Grandpa! You've come a long way!
Aaron Clewell , 2009-12-10 10:08:52
Many of you have received our December sales flier, and while there many great deals inside, we regret that there is a misprint on the front page. The Black & Decker 5 pc. tool set featured on the front page for $29.97 should be listed at $59.97. The error was discovered in time to reprint the circulars scheduled for distribution by newspaper, but the direct-mail circulars, our circulars, were already in the postal system. To make up for this misprint, not only will we offer the 5 pc. set at $59.97 (a great price), but we will also reoffer the Black & Decker 18v Cordless Drill featured in our Day After Thanksgiving Sale for $29.97 through Dec. 24th (while supplies last). We apologize for this error and hope you will find some great deals in the new circular.
Aaron Clewell , 2009-11-30 15:46:23
Historically the Thanksgiving that first comes to mind is the one the Pilgrims and Wampanoag Indians celebrated in 1621. The Wampanoag were thankful for their bountiful harvest, and the Pilgrims were thankful the Indians were willing to share it. I was not aware that several Indian tribes including the Creeks, Cherokees and the Pueblos had harvest festivals and ceremonial dances centuries before any Europeans arrived. We have so many things to be thankful for in this great land. I hope that everyone will be able to gather with family to give thanks to God for the many things that we have. Christmas is a very special time of year, though today much of what this day means has changed. It has become so commercialized that the true spirit has been cast aside. I think back to the Christmas holidays of my early childhood, they seem much simpler. There was no TV and few radios then and the tree was hung with homemade ornaments and popcorn strung as garland. I asked my Sunday school class if they could remember their first gifts. A great number of us grew up in the depression and a welcome gift could have been an orange or a homemade rag doll or toy, or a new garment to wear. When Rita and I were first married and had young children, our Christmas gifts were few, but we were all still excited and grateful. Everything has changed today, with Christmas centered more on money than on Jesus. This is why we start hearing advertisements for Christmas even before Thanksgiving takes place. I hope that each of you has a meaningful holiday season. We appreciate your friendships and your loyalty to our business through the years.
Clemon Clewell , 2009-11-29 19:08:20
I hope many of you were able to watch the Ken Burns documentary on our national parks. It was about six episodes and was the most interesting thing I have ever seen. I never realized what efforts were made in the 1800s and early 1900s to preserve these great treasures. John Muir was really the first of several important people, including presidents Teddy Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt and John D. Rockefeller, to focus the national attention on these sites. In Europe it was common for the wealthy to buy up beautiful natural areas and restrict the public’s access to them. In the United States we have several national parks that are unlike any other place in the world, including the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, the Smoky Mountains, the Everglades, and Glacier National Park, just to name a few. If they had not been preserved, no doubt man would have destroyed them for material gain. It is estimated that it took the Colorado River over two billion years to form the Grand Canyon. It was first charted by John Wesley Powell, a one-armed Civil War veteran, whose men navigated the river in wooden boats. Many of the men who set out with Powell on his expedition died in the endeavor. At the time of the expedition, one man claimed the entire Grand Canyon, having filed more than 15,000 mining claims. Even after many years and the intervention of the Supreme Court the man continued to pursue his claims. Still others would have built dams to fill the canyon with water. The same selfish motives threatened many other future national parks. Loggers wanted to destroy the giant redwoods of Redwood National Park that dated back to the time of Christ. They also would have clear cut the Smoky Mountain National Park had it not been for the efforts of a F.D.R. and other concerned men. After the earthquake and fire that destroyed San Francisco in 1906, opponents of John Muir were able to pass a law allowing a dam to be built, turning part of Yosemite into a reservoir. It is important for us to preserve the unique places that God has created in America.
Clemon Clewell , 2009-10-26 10:31:12
A cash-for-clunkers-style rebate program for major appliances is set to be approved for the state of Oklahoma at the end of next month with rebates to begin in the spring of 2010. Oklahoma Department of Commerce officials have submitted a comprehensive plan to the U.S. Department of Energy for the state's Energy Star Appliance Rebate Program—“dollars for dishwashers”—funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Oklahoma previously was approved for a $3.5 million federal grant for the program which was awarded based on the state’s population. Energy Department officials are expected to notify the state by Nov. 30 if that plan is approved. The program, which will be managed by a third party administrator selected through the state’s procurement process, is designed to assist Oklahomans in reducing their energy costs. While the details on qualified appliances are yet to be determined, most likely rebates will be targeted at refrigerators and clothes washers bearing the Energy Star label. Old appliances will have to be recycled and removed from the property in order to qualify, and rebates will not be available for appliances purchase prior to the program’s spring 2010 start date. There will be a maximum of one rebate per appliance and two rebates per household. Energy star appliances have been a growing portion of our inventory for several years now, and we look forward to participating in this program.
Aaron Clewell , 2009-10-21 10:43:32
As many faithful blog readers already know, my dad and I recently attended the TrueValue fall market in Salt Lake City, and we came back with some great "green" products that we think can really save our customers money. One thing that I want to tell you about in detail is an ingenious way to help your toilet save water. Some of you may have seen the new high-end toilets with two flush settings, a water saving partial flush for liquids and paper, and a full flush for solids. Such toilets have been mandatory in drought-stricken Australia since 1993, have been widely accepted in Europe for decades, and are even prevalent in China. But you don't have to buy a fancy new toilet to enjoy this water saving advantage. We now have an easy to install kit that makes any toilet a dual-flush toilet, saving as much as 70% per flush. Check out http://tinyurl.com/nypcx2 for complete specs. We have these in stock today!
Aaron Clewell , 2009-10-20 11:51:59
About three years ago we went with our daughter-in-law Kay to Pennsylvania to visit her large family. We stayed near Sandy Lake, a town of 696 people. Her brother-in-law had a Chevrolet dealership there which was founded by his family in 1933. They recently received the letter from GM telling them that their dealership would be terminated in 2010. GM cancelled 90 dealers in Pennsylvania, more than any other state, but the dealership in Sandy Lake was more than just a place for small town folks to buy cars. Walker Chevrolet of Sandy Lake, PA, sold about 70 new and 80 used cars a year and employed 12 people. The Little League got their uniforms from Walkers, the firetruck its tires, the church its paint, and fourth of July fireworks were paid for by them. If the dealership closes, the local bank will lose over a hundred loans and the insurance company will lose 150 policies, not to mention the business that will be lost by the gas station the only resturant. One resident wrote the Detroit paper about the Sandy Lake dealership and they ran a big story about it. Another customer wrote a story that appeared in major papers across the US, sparking widespread outcry. Unfortunately, none of the attention seems to have moved GM. Perhaps the owner said it best. He says, "I don't know how I hurt GM. I'm not bankrupt." It is a sad story that really exposes how the loss of a business can affect a small town.
Clemon Clewell , 2009-10-13 09:50:42
The sidewalk sale is a time-honored retail tool--move some regular merchandise outside with some colorful signs to entice passersby. The garage sale, on the other hand, is less a retail tool than than an act of homeowner desperation. You take the clutter threatening to overtake your home, spruce it up as best you can, and sell it for next to nothing, knowing full well you paid $20 for that shirt you're now selling for a quarter. So this year for the Watonga Cheese Festival, even though technically we're selling merchandise on the sidewalk and there's no garage in sight, the hardware store is having a garage sale. And I'll tell you why: becaue the definition fits. We have some clutter that's threatening to overtake us, and we're going to be selling it for next to nothing. Every time we put in a new assortment or bring in new merchandise (which we do all the time), we end up taking down perfectly good items and putting them in storage. We just don't have a good way to sell these things once we take them down, so they build up and take up precious space. So while you're here for the Cheese Festival, come dig through our clutter--hand tools, paint supplies, surge protectors, old sale items--all brand new, still in their packaging, and priced right. We may have a sidewalk sale someday, but this is definitely one for the garage.
Aaron Clewell , 2009-10-06 10:26:36
After a long day walking the aisles at hardware market in Salt Lake City, I'm taking a minute to review all of the neato stuff we came across. I'm sure I'll regale you with more specifics later, but among the highlights were a roof-mountable wind turbine that works at low wind speeds (not necessarily an Oklahoma problem) and can supply up to 25% of your home's electricity; an easily installed flush mechanism for your toilet that allows you to use less than half the water when flushing liquids but the full capacity when flushing solids; a machine we could use to produce custom colored latex spray paint; or how about a utility trailer with 1,000 lb capacity that you can turn into a water-tight storage shed when you're not towing it? These are just a few of our fascinating finds. Anything of them strike your fancy? Want us to locate something specific for you? Post here on the blog or on our wall on FaceBook. We'd love to hear from you.
Aaron Clewell , 2009-10-02 19:33:17
Though I know it's for members only, I think everyone would enjoy a TrueValue hardware market. Maybe it's because I'm a born and bred hardware nerd, but the spectacle--acres and acres of gadgets, tools, fasteners, pipes, even Christmas trees--is truly something to behold. Almost every item in our catalog is represented plus thousands more in what our kids have come to call "The Big Hardware Store." When preparing to tackle these thousands of square feet of hardware bounty as I am today, it is important to have a plan. I always try to go to market with a list of products to seek out, new assortments to buy, and questions to ask our vendors. Today is no different. I have an appointment with the DeWalt booth, I'm looking at expanding our assortment of brass fittings (compression, flare, and sweat) as well as our assortment of long handled tools. There's a greatly expanded display of cleaning supplies--mops, brooms and the like--that I've had my eye on, and maybe water softeners. Then there's the stuff you wander by and think, "That would be great in our store!" It's an exciting event! You're excited, aren't you?
Aaron Clewell , 2009-10-02 07:54:13
I'm heading to Salt Lake City this weekend for TrueValue's fall market. I'm going to try and blog/tweet/facebook all the details of the trip, so check back here for longer posts, follow @clewellshdw on Twitter for the short stuff, or become a fan on FaceBook for everything in between.
Aaron Clewell , 2009-10-01 11:12:50
The last federally issued converter box coupons will expire on November 9, 2009. Many of you are familiar with this program which provided assistance for the transition to digital broadcast from analog. We still have converter boxes if you need them. They can be purchased with or without the coupon. We even offer installation if you need it. And don't forget, all of the TVs we have for sale are 100% digital and high definition--no converter box necessary. Come in and let us help you make the switch to digital!
Aaron Clewell , 2009-09-29 10:34:23
This recipe is a variation of an old favorite. Do not overbake! These cookies are best when they’re soft and chewy. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies 2 c. raisins 3 eggs 1 c. water 1 t. vanilla 1 t. baking soda 2 c. quick oats 1 c. shortening 2 ¾ c. flour 2 c. sugar 1 t. baking powder ½ t. salt 2 t. cinnamon 1 t. nutmeg In a small saucepan, heat water and raisins and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda. Set aside to partially cool. In a large bowl, cream together shortening and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until smooth. Add raisin mixture then stir in dry ingredients. When combined, drop by spoonfuls onto lightly greased cookie sheet and bake at 375° for 11 to 13 minutes until set.
Rita Clewell , 2009-09-29 10:29:37
The cash for clunkers program was a big success for the car makers. The latest figures showed that 6l8,426 deals were made. It was a boost to the dealers as well, though many dealers had to wait a long time to get their money from the government. One dealer in New York was owed $3,000,000 and had to close until it received its money. Once dealers were paid, they were required to permanently disable the engines. Then they were free to sell the cars to junkers. The junk dealers then take every usable item that could be resold before sending the rest to the crusher. I’m sure a lot of memories—and some really nice cars—went to the crusher. Some metro dealers reported unique transactions with Oklahoma clunkers. A lady bought a new Chevrolet Impala and came back a few days later with a check for $4,500 saying no one was going to crush her baby. She repurchased her “clunker” and kept the Impala, too. The Fowlers, who have three metro dealerships, got in a late 90's Cadillac and almost bought it because it seemed a shame to send it to the crusher. It might have been a gas guzzler, but it was still a really nice car. In all my years I have owned one used car and two new ones of which I was truly fond. The first was a used Chevrolet that had belonged to Ruby Halverson, the bookkeeper at the car agency. It was two-tone green and had a slanting top from the front to the rear bumper. We loved that car and our family remembers the great times we had on trips to Red River in it. We took that car everywhere. It was higher off the ground than today’s cars and was a great car for travel. Our first new car was a 1959 Chevy that had those wide fenders on the rear almost like wings. We went to see Rita's sister and her family who lived in Lompoc, California. I can still recall almost all of that trip 45 years ago. The ‘59 Chevy comfortably seated the four children plus Rita and I, though Don was small at that time and didn't take up much room. I’ll never forget crossing the desert in the afternoon with no air conditioner. Our last memorable new car was a '69 or '70 Olds, and we had man
Clemon Clewell , 2009-09-26 14:12:15
A couple of weeks ago as we were getting ready to close the store, the power blinked and cratered my computer. Knocked it out. Down for the count. Some of you have heard of the "Blue Screen of Death" that appears when something truly horrible has happened to your computer? Well, that's what I had: the Blue Screen of Death. Had I backed up my critical files like everyone keeps insisting? Of course not! I was seriously hosed. Luckily this particular computer was purchased from Jim and Barbara Brocaw, local tech svengalis, about a year ago. So I called Barb, and Barb told me to bring it on out. Not only did they salvage my files through some PC voodoo I don't begin to understand, they actually saved the whole machine, all for a more-than-reasonable price! I tell you this story to say this: there are real, tangible benefits to buying locally. Sure, I could have bought my computer online or from some faceless mass retailer. Sure, I might have saved a few bucks (though the Brocaws quite competitive--believe me, I checked). But what are Best Buy or Dell or Walmart going to do about the Blue Screen of Death? Whatever they might do, it won't be as quick, as affordable, or as pleasant as what the Brocaws did for me.
Aaron Clewell , 2009-09-23 14:54:46
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The long-awaited Oklahoma Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program is set to begin at 9:00 a.m. on May 8th and information is finally starting to come out regarding how everything will work. A $200 per appliance rebate is available for the replacement of your old washing machine or refrigerator with new units bearing the Energy Star designation. We have a wide representation of these products in stock. The program is intended to be extremely easy for the customer. We as the retailer will handle the entire process, from registering you to processing your rebate claim. The rebates are offered on a first come, first served basis, and the state's system will allow us to tell at the time of purchase whether or not funds are still available. Because funds are limited and rebates are not available for appliances purchased before the 8th, we are offering our customers a valuable "pre-shopping" service. We will help you select and reserve your eligible appliance prior to the starting day so your rebate can be processed as early as possible. Please contact us for further information, or you can visit www.okCommerce.gov/recovery for a complete list of rules and requirements.
Aaron Clewell , 2010-04-27 09:42:24
When people come in our store, we often hear them say, "I didn't know you had that!" Whether it's our full paint department or our wide selection of appliances, folks may miss one of the many categories we offer. One of these "sleepers" is our bedding department. We stock a robust selection of Lady Americana bedding, with mattress sets from soft to firm and everywhere in between and prices starting at $399 for a queen set. Even more impressively, we guarantee you the absolute best price on Lady Americana bedding in the state of Oklahoma. Come by and lie down on one of the beds in our display. The comfort will give you a great night's sleep, and the price will let you rest easy.
Aaron Clewell , 2010-03-25 10:18:45
One of exciting new things we brought back from our recent buying show was a new furniture supplier. Coaster is a major player in many furniture categories, from sofas and loveseats, to audio/video cabinets, to dining room, bedroom, and office furniture. They even offer decorative artwork and mirrors! This new vendor increases our furniture offering 100 fold. Of course we have a full color catalogue at the store, but you can search the entire offering here on our website. Just click on the furniture drop down menu and see all of the categories available.
Aaron Clewell , 2010-03-16 18:13:25
Joe Carbone was Kobe Bryant's personal trainer for nine years before becoming the strength and conditioning coach for the Los Angeles Lakers. Both of these jobs came with a high profile and high pay yet he gave them up when he heard his son tell a friend, "I want to play basketball, but my Dad hasn't taught me yet." All of his Laker buddies thought he was crazy to quit, but he now works at a charter school teaching low income, mostly Hispanic students. The school is an educational experiment, founded on the idea that teachers, not facilities, systems, administrators, make the biggest difference in student development. He uses make-do equipment in dingy classrooms, but the school is trying to raise money to build a new school. Carbone has gone from one extreme to the other. He makes do with a classroom about the size of the dining room of an ordinary home, and his gym mats are squares of carpet on linoleum floors, one for each of his 31 fifth graders. By the end of each 45 minute period, he is sweating and hoarse and his back is sore. His day, which starts at 5 am, includes serving grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch and tracking school attendance. He teaches about proper diets and says he is trying to undo five grade levels of inattention. but some are learning and tell him they have counted calories. Most importantly, He has found time to coach his three kids. Quite a difference from his life with the Lakers.
Clemon Clewell , 2010-03-03 11:33:28
Rita and I were blessed with four children, all of whom have good singing voices. When our family was together this last Christmas, we were singing carols and I asked the three sons and grandson Aaron if they would pick a carol to sing together. It was beautiful and I wish I could have recorded it. That went so well I asked our daughter Marcia, daughter-in-law Jeanne, and granddaughter Macy to sing one, which they did. It was outstanding. Next time we get together I'll have a way to record all the great singing. Years ago, when our son David was pastoring the Methodist church in Sayre, the Bishop came to dedicate a new addition to the church. The three sons and grandson Nathan sang a blessing at the end of the dedication service which was beautiful. We were so proud of them. Someone asked our son Don once where the Clewell kids got all there musical talent (they didn't inherit any of it from us), and he said it was because we made them watch Lawrence Welk every Saturday night.
Clemon Clewell , 2010-02-09 10:09:21
As many of you know, we have recently changed our credit policy and closed all of our individual accounts. One thing that many people liked about charging with us was the newsletter we included in our statements, and I have had several people ask about how they will get Rita's recipe when they are no longer receiving their monthly bill from us. Well, never fear, the internet is here! We post our complete newsletter on our website: www.ClewellsHardware.com. Just click on the "Monthly Newsletter" link on the home page. And for those of you who have not yet merged onto the internet super-highway, we have printed copies available here at the store. We appreciate your understanding in this transition.
Aaron Clewell , 2010-01-26 12:05:13
Early in my hardware years, my boss L.P. Rice enrolled me in a Dale Carnegie course in Oklahoma City. Dale Carnegie was known then and is still known for his book How To Win Friends and Influence People. Mr Rice drove his car and went with me. I remember there were some important business people enrolled in that class, though I don't remember much of what was said by me or others. Dale Carnegie often spoke of his youth and the poverty in which his family lived. He grew up in the great depression, and sometimes their family had no food in the house. But this didn't deter his mother's faith. She would sing hymns and tell them that the Lord would provide. Dale said He always did, with food coming to them in strange and miraculous ways. He says they never went to bed hungry. Poverty can be a great source of motivation, and especially for the generation that lived through the depression, that motivation lifted many families to a better economic level.
Clemon Clewell , 2010-01-12 15:35:12
December's weather was a strange ending to a dry year. It is hard to believe that we had a 69 degree day on December 14 now that we've endured the Christmas blizzard with its 51 mph winds and horizontal snow. The last few cold days after that and the propect of an even colder 2010 has made us hunt our warm clothes. Our total moisture for December was only 0.28 and the yearly total was 23.97, about 5 inches below average. The total precipitation for 2008 was 31.84 while the 2007 total was 59.23. Now we have a blizzard of 2009 to go with our hurricane of 2007.
Clemon Clewell , 2010-01-06 16:13:20
As Christmas approaches, I think back on my many Christmas memories. The first one I remember was when I was about five years old and we lived in a two story house where the Poplin's house is now on North Noble. I came down stairs Christmas morning and there was Santa Claus, and I remember looking at his shoes and thinking they were just like Dad's. Tyler's used to hold a drawing and give away a car at Christmas time. One year our kids were running the store while we went to my brother's funeral. We stopped at Kingfisher on the way home to see one of our boys' basketball games, and Vera Davis came up to us to comment on how lucky our daughter Marcia was. We didn't even know what she was talking about. We later learned that Marcia had spent three dollars for three tickets and won the car. That was probably the biggest present she ever got. One other memory I had almost forgotten was from a long-ago Christmas program when Rita played Mary and I was Joseph. We even had a real baby to play Jesus, our son David who is now 60 years old. It is always a joy to get all of our family together at this time of the year, especially since they are more scattered now. I wish each of you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
Clemon Clewell , 2009-12-22 10:04:44
For many years my family has counted itself blessed to live in and serve such a wonderful community. I take seriously the lessons I learned from my father and grandfather about how to succeed in a small town business. They believed and I believe that you, our customer and friend, are to be treated with utmost respect and gratitude, and that we will only be successful if we can bring you value and treat you well. We have extended credit through our house accounts for many years, and we have always seen this as a way to offer both value and convenience to our customers. It has become clear in the last year, however, that the extension of credit as we have practiced it is in conflict with our broader commitment to you. Simply put, these accounts are too expensive to maintain. In order to continue providing products and services at our current level, we must discontinue our house accounts. Consequently, as of January 26, 2010, we will no longer charge to personal accounts. All outstanding balances on personal accounts must be paid in full by March 1, 2010. Business, farm, school, and organizational accounts will remain open, but should such an account become delinquent, it will be subject to immediate closure. For your convenience we accept many other methods of payment, including all major credit cards as well as our own private label financing through CitiFinancial, and we will be happy to assist you in finding an alternative credit source. Please feel free to contact me in person or by phone here at the store during business hours (Mon. thru Sat. 8:00 to 5:30) if you have any questions regarding your account. Thank you again for your business and your understanding during this transition. We look forward to serving you in the coming year.
Aaron Clewell , 2009-12-14 10:19:14
This Monday, December 7th, was Grandpa Clemon's birthday. He is still going strong after 85 years. Though his body doesn't always cooperate with him, his mind is still quite sharp, and for that we are all greatful. December 7th is also Pearl Harbor day, so I've always kidded him that his birthday is a day that will live in infamy. But that gets me thinking about all of the historical events he's seen in his life. He was almost five when the stock market crashed in 1929, sparking the Great Depression, and he turned 17 the day Japanese warplanes attacked Pearl Harbor. But perhaps most interesting are the changes he's seen in technology. What would seventeen-year-old Clemon, already working at Rice Hardware after school, have said if someone had told him about the world in 2009? Such a conversation woud probably be jibberish. Residential electricity was relatively new. He would have never seen a television, not to mention a 1-1/2" thick plasma or LCD TV you could hang on the wall like a picture. He used carbon paper and a manual typewriter then, but now he's a tech savvy senior citizen, surfing the internet on a daily basis and communicating with email. Heck, half of the words I used in the last two sentences didn't exist in 1941! So Happy Birthday Grandpa! You've come a long way!
Aaron Clewell , 2009-12-10 10:08:52
Many of you have received our December sales flier, and while there many great deals inside, we regret that there is a misprint on the front page. The Black & Decker 5 pc. tool set featured on the front page for $29.97 should be listed at $59.97. The error was discovered in time to reprint the circulars scheduled for distribution by newspaper, but the direct-mail circulars, our circulars, were already in the postal system. To make up for this misprint, not only will we offer the 5 pc. set at $59.97 (a great price), but we will also reoffer the Black & Decker 18v Cordless Drill featured in our Day After Thanksgiving Sale for $29.97 through Dec. 24th (while supplies last). We apologize for this error and hope you will find some great deals in the new circular.
Aaron Clewell , 2009-11-30 15:46:23
Historically the Thanksgiving that first comes to mind is the one the Pilgrims and Wampanoag Indians celebrated in 1621. The Wampanoag were thankful for their bountiful harvest, and the Pilgrims were thankful the Indians were willing to share it. I was not aware that several Indian tribes including the Creeks, Cherokees and the Pueblos had harvest festivals and ceremonial dances centuries before any Europeans arrived. We have so many things to be thankful for in this great land. I hope that everyone will be able to gather with family to give thanks to God for the many things that we have. Christmas is a very special time of year, though today much of what this day means has changed. It has become so commercialized that the true spirit has been cast aside. I think back to the Christmas holidays of my early childhood, they seem much simpler. There was no TV and few radios then and the tree was hung with homemade ornaments and popcorn strung as garland. I asked my Sunday school class if they could remember their first gifts. A great number of us grew up in the depression and a welcome gift could have been an orange or a homemade rag doll or toy, or a new garment to wear. When Rita and I were first married and had young children, our Christmas gifts were few, but we were all still excited and grateful. Everything has changed today, with Christmas centered more on money than on Jesus. This is why we start hearing advertisements for Christmas even before Thanksgiving takes place. I hope that each of you has a meaningful holiday season. We appreciate your friendships and your loyalty to our business through the years.
Clemon Clewell , 2009-11-29 19:08:20
I hope many of you were able to watch the Ken Burns documentary on our national parks. It was about six episodes and was the most interesting thing I have ever seen. I never realized what efforts were made in the 1800s and early 1900s to preserve these great treasures. John Muir was really the first of several important people, including presidents Teddy Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt and John D. Rockefeller, to focus the national attention on these sites. In Europe it was common for the wealthy to buy up beautiful natural areas and restrict the public’s access to them. In the United States we have several national parks that are unlike any other place in the world, including the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, the Smoky Mountains, the Everglades, and Glacier National Park, just to name a few. If they had not been preserved, no doubt man would have destroyed them for material gain. It is estimated that it took the Colorado River over two billion years to form the Grand Canyon. It was first charted by John Wesley Powell, a one-armed Civil War veteran, whose men navigated the river in wooden boats. Many of the men who set out with Powell on his expedition died in the endeavor. At the time of the expedition, one man claimed the entire Grand Canyon, having filed more than 15,000 mining claims. Even after many years and the intervention of the Supreme Court the man continued to pursue his claims. Still others would have built dams to fill the canyon with water. The same selfish motives threatened many other future national parks. Loggers wanted to destroy the giant redwoods of Redwood National Park that dated back to the time of Christ. They also would have clear cut the Smoky Mountain National Park had it not been for the efforts of a F.D.R. and other concerned men. After the earthquake and fire that destroyed San Francisco in 1906, opponents of John Muir were able to pass a law allowing a dam to be built, turning part of Yosemite into a reservoir. It is important for us to preserve the unique places that God has created in America.
Clemon Clewell , 2009-10-26 10:31:12
A cash-for-clunkers-style rebate program for major appliances is set to be approved for the state of Oklahoma at the end of next month with rebates to begin in the spring of 2010. Oklahoma Department of Commerce officials have submitted a comprehensive plan to the U.S. Department of Energy for the state's Energy Star Appliance Rebate Program—“dollars for dishwashers”—funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Oklahoma previously was approved for a $3.5 million federal grant for the program which was awarded based on the state’s population. Energy Department officials are expected to notify the state by Nov. 30 if that plan is approved. The program, which will be managed by a third party administrator selected through the state’s procurement process, is designed to assist Oklahomans in reducing their energy costs. While the details on qualified appliances are yet to be determined, most likely rebates will be targeted at refrigerators and clothes washers bearing the Energy Star label. Old appliances will have to be recycled and removed from the property in order to qualify, and rebates will not be available for appliances purchase prior to the program’s spring 2010 start date. There will be a maximum of one rebate per appliance and two rebates per household. Energy star appliances have been a growing portion of our inventory for several years now, and we look forward to participating in this program.
Aaron Clewell , 2009-10-21 10:43:32
As many faithful blog readers already know, my dad and I recently attended the TrueValue fall market in Salt Lake City, and we came back with some great "green" products that we think can really save our customers money. One thing that I want to tell you about in detail is an ingenious way to help your toilet save water. Some of you may have seen the new high-end toilets with two flush settings, a water saving partial flush for liquids and paper, and a full flush for solids. Such toilets have been mandatory in drought-stricken Australia since 1993, have been widely accepted in Europe for decades, and are even prevalent in China. But you don't have to buy a fancy new toilet to enjoy this water saving advantage. We now have an easy to install kit that makes any toilet a dual-flush toilet, saving as much as 70% per flush. Check out http://tinyurl.com/nypcx2 for complete specs. We have these in stock today!
Aaron Clewell , 2009-10-20 11:51:59
About three years ago we went with our daughter-in-law Kay to Pennsylvania to visit her large family. We stayed near Sandy Lake, a town of 696 people. Her brother-in-law had a Chevrolet dealership there which was founded by his family in 1933. They recently received the letter from GM telling them that their dealership would be terminated in 2010. GM cancelled 90 dealers in Pennsylvania, more than any other state, but the dealership in Sandy Lake was more than just a place for small town folks to buy cars. Walker Chevrolet of Sandy Lake, PA, sold about 70 new and 80 used cars a year and employed 12 people. The Little League got their uniforms from Walkers, the firetruck its tires, the church its paint, and fourth of July fireworks were paid for by them. If the dealership closes, the local bank will lose over a hundred loans and the insurance company will lose 150 policies, not to mention the business that will be lost by the gas station the only resturant. One resident wrote the Detroit paper about the Sandy Lake dealership and they ran a big story about it. Another customer wrote a story that appeared in major papers across the US, sparking widespread outcry. Unfortunately, none of the attention seems to have moved GM. Perhaps the owner said it best. He says, "I don't know how I hurt GM. I'm not bankrupt." It is a sad story that really exposes how the loss of a business can affect a small town.
Clemon Clewell , 2009-10-13 09:50:42
The sidewalk sale is a time-honored retail tool--move some regular merchandise outside with some colorful signs to entice passersby. The garage sale, on the other hand, is less a retail tool than than an act of homeowner desperation. You take the clutter threatening to overtake your home, spruce it up as best you can, and sell it for next to nothing, knowing full well you paid $20 for that shirt you're now selling for a quarter. So this year for the Watonga Cheese Festival, even though technically we're selling merchandise on the sidewalk and there's no garage in sight, the hardware store is having a garage sale. And I'll tell you why: becaue the definition fits. We have some clutter that's threatening to overtake us, and we're going to be selling it for next to nothing. Every time we put in a new assortment or bring in new merchandise (which we do all the time), we end up taking down perfectly good items and putting them in storage. We just don't have a good way to sell these things once we take them down, so they build up and take up precious space. So while you're here for the Cheese Festival, come dig through our clutter--hand tools, paint supplies, surge protectors, old sale items--all brand new, still in their packaging, and priced right. We may have a sidewalk sale someday, but this is definitely one for the garage.
Aaron Clewell , 2009-10-06 10:26:36
After a long day walking the aisles at hardware market in Salt Lake City, I'm taking a minute to review all of the neato stuff we came across. I'm sure I'll regale you with more specifics later, but among the highlights were a roof-mountable wind turbine that works at low wind speeds (not necessarily an Oklahoma problem) and can supply up to 25% of your home's electricity; an easily installed flush mechanism for your toilet that allows you to use less than half the water when flushing liquids but the full capacity when flushing solids; a machine we could use to produce custom colored latex spray paint; or how about a utility trailer with 1,000 lb capacity that you can turn into a water-tight storage shed when you're not towing it? These are just a few of our fascinating finds. Anything of them strike your fancy? Want us to locate something specific for you? Post here on the blog or on our wall on FaceBook. We'd love to hear from you.
Aaron Clewell , 2009-10-02 19:33:17
Though I know it's for members only, I think everyone would enjoy a TrueValue hardware market. Maybe it's because I'm a born and bred hardware nerd, but the spectacle--acres and acres of gadgets, tools, fasteners, pipes, even Christmas trees--is truly something to behold. Almost every item in our catalog is represented plus thousands more in what our kids have come to call "The Big Hardware Store." When preparing to tackle these thousands of square feet of hardware bounty as I am today, it is important to have a plan. I always try to go to market with a list of products to seek out, new assortments to buy, and questions to ask our vendors. Today is no different. I have an appointment with the DeWalt booth, I'm looking at expanding our assortment of brass fittings (compression, flare, and sweat) as well as our assortment of long handled tools. There's a greatly expanded display of cleaning supplies--mops, brooms and the like--that I've had my eye on, and maybe water softeners. Then there's the stuff you wander by and think, "That would be great in our store!" It's an exciting event! You're excited, aren't you?
Aaron Clewell , 2009-10-02 07:54:13
I'm heading to Salt Lake City this weekend for TrueValue's fall market. I'm going to try and blog/tweet/facebook all the details of the trip, so check back here for longer posts, follow @clewellshdw on Twitter for the short stuff, or become a fan on FaceBook for everything in between.
Aaron Clewell , 2009-10-01 11:12:50
The last federally issued converter box coupons will expire on November 9, 2009. Many of you are familiar with this program which provided assistance for the transition to digital broadcast from analog. We still have converter boxes if you need them. They can be purchased with or without the coupon. We even offer installation if you need it. And don't forget, all of the TVs we have for sale are 100% digital and high definition--no converter box necessary. Come in and let us help you make the switch to digital!
Aaron Clewell , 2009-09-29 10:34:23
This recipe is a variation of an old favorite. Do not overbake! These cookies are best when they’re soft and chewy. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies 2 c. raisins 3 eggs 1 c. water 1 t. vanilla 1 t. baking soda 2 c. quick oats 1 c. shortening 2 ¾ c. flour 2 c. sugar 1 t. baking powder ½ t. salt 2 t. cinnamon 1 t. nutmeg In a small saucepan, heat water and raisins and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda. Set aside to partially cool. In a large bowl, cream together shortening and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until smooth. Add raisin mixture then stir in dry ingredients. When combined, drop by spoonfuls onto lightly greased cookie sheet and bake at 375° for 11 to 13 minutes until set.
Rita Clewell , 2009-09-29 10:29:37
The cash for clunkers program was a big success for the car makers. The latest figures showed that 6l8,426 deals were made. It was a boost to the dealers as well, though many dealers had to wait a long time to get their money from the government. One dealer in New York was owed $3,000,000 and had to close until it received its money. Once dealers were paid, they were required to permanently disable the engines. Then they were free to sell the cars to junkers. The junk dealers then take every usable item that could be resold before sending the rest to the crusher. I’m sure a lot of memories—and some really nice cars—went to the crusher. Some metro dealers reported unique transactions with Oklahoma clunkers. A lady bought a new Chevrolet Impala and came back a few days later with a check for $4,500 saying no one was going to crush her baby. She repurchased her “clunker” and kept the Impala, too. The Fowlers, who have three metro dealerships, got in a late 90's Cadillac and almost bought it because it seemed a shame to send it to the crusher. It might have been a gas guzzler, but it was still a really nice car. In all my years I have owned one used car and two new ones of which I was truly fond. The first was a used Chevrolet that had belonged to Ruby Halverson, the bookkeeper at the car agency. It was two-tone green and had a slanting top from the front to the rear bumper. We loved that car and our family remembers the great times we had on trips to Red River in it. We took that car everywhere. It was higher off the ground than today’s cars and was a great car for travel. Our first new car was a 1959 Chevy that had those wide fenders on the rear almost like wings. We went to see Rita's sister and her family who lived in Lompoc, California. I can still recall almost all of that trip 45 years ago. The ‘59 Chevy comfortably seated the four children plus Rita and I, though Don was small at that time and didn't take up much room. I’ll never forget crossing the desert in the afternoon with no air conditioner. Our last memorable new car was a '69 or '70 Olds, and we had man
Clemon Clewell , 2009-09-26 14:12:15
A couple of weeks ago as we were getting ready to close the store, the power blinked and cratered my computer. Knocked it out. Down for the count. Some of you have heard of the "Blue Screen of Death" that appears when something truly horrible has happened to your computer? Well, that's what I had: the Blue Screen of Death. Had I backed up my critical files like everyone keeps insisting? Of course not! I was seriously hosed. Luckily this particular computer was purchased from Jim and Barbara Brocaw, local tech svengalis, about a year ago. So I called Barb, and Barb told me to bring it on out. Not only did they salvage my files through some PC voodoo I don't begin to understand, they actually saved the whole machine, all for a more-than-reasonable price! I tell you this story to say this: there are real, tangible benefits to buying locally. Sure, I could have bought my computer online or from some faceless mass retailer. Sure, I might have saved a few bucks (though the Brocaws quite competitive--believe me, I checked). But what are Best Buy or Dell or Walmart going to do about the Blue Screen of Death? Whatever they might do, it won't be as quick, as affordable, or as pleasant as what the Brocaws did for me.
Aaron Clewell , 2009-09-23 14:54:46
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