[OMS_MANAGERS] Downtown Update - April 2026 Newsletter Extra

[La Grande Main Street Downtown]

Email from La Grande Main Street Downtown April 2026 Newsletter Extra LA GRANDE MAIN STREET DOWNTOWN About Us Support Our Mission Greetings! So much news, so little space for the April edition. So, we are sending out a Special Edition to keep everyone in the loop! Meet some more new Board Members, check out the details on the Main Street Monday Neighborhood Downtown Coffee coming up, get in on the Downtown Residents Survey, and gear up for Crazy Days! There are also opportunities for artists coming up, The May Newsletter will be landing in your inbox on May 15th.   MEET MORE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE LA GRANDE MAIN STREET DOWNTOWN BOARD OF DIRECTORS Keisha Anderson  If you’ve spent any time in La Grande, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Keisha Anderson, whether through her work as a principal broker with Blue Summit Realty Group, her volunteer leadership, or simply her deep roots in the community she’s always called home. A proud La Grande High School graduate, Keisha has built her career around helping people plant their own roots here, and she brings that same commitment to her role as an LGMSD Executive Board Member and Secretary. She’s also active with Soroptimist of La Grande, reflecting her belief that strong communities grow from people showing up for one another. Ask Keisha why she serves on the LGMSD Board, and her answer comes straight from the heart: she’s passionate about the health and vitality of downtown and wants to help create a vibrant, welcoming space for residents and visitors alike. When she’s not working or volunteering, you’ll likely find her outdoors — hiking, camping, fishing, or hunting — or curled up with a good book (she’ll be the first to tell you how lucky we are to have such a wonderful library). She also shares her home with three dogs who keep life lively. Keisha’s blend of hometown pride, professional insight, and genuine care for La Grande makes her a valued voice on the board and a champion for the future of our downtown. Bailey Ault You already know Bailey Ault from her work as Finance Manager at M. J. Goss Motor Company, but now you’ll also see her stepping into a new role as a member of the LGMSD Board. Bailey studied at both EOU and ASU, and while she hasn’t been involved in community organizations before, she’s jumping in with enthusiasm. Living and working downtown has given her a front‑row seat to the energy, challenges, and potential of Main Street, and she’s eager to help strengthen the place she loves calling home.  Bailey says she “absolutely loves living in La Grande,” and that passion shines through. She wants to see downtown thrive and is ready to pitch in wherever she’s needed to help make that happen. Outside of work and volunteering, Bailey keeps busy with her kids, plenty of time at the gym, and what she cheerfully admits is probably too much matcha tea. Her fresh perspective, downtown pride, and willingness to dive in make her a welcome addition to the LGMSD Board. Eric Laurence Eric Laurence may be a man of few words, but his dedication to La Grande speaks volumes. As the owner of Laurence’s Auto Body & Paint and a Blue Mountain Community College graduate, Eric brings a hands-on, community-minded perspective to the LGMSD Board. He’s also active with the Timber Cruisers Car Club, reflecting his longstanding love of cars, craftsmanship, and the people who keep this town rolling. What keeps Eric involved with LGMSD is simple: he loves seeing downtown come alive. Events that bring people together, neighbors catching up, families exploring, visitors discovering La Grande, are what inspire him to give his time. When he’s not working or volunteering, Eric is happiest outdoors or spending time with his grandkids and family. His steady presence and genuine commitment make him an invaluable part of the board and the broader downtown community. Downtown Resident Survey  La Grande Main Street Downtown is once again inviting residents of the downtown district to share their perspectives through the Downtown Resident Survey, which is still open for participation. With nearly 200 people calling the neighborhood home, this survey remains an important opportunity for those living in the heart of La Grande to help shape future priorities, improvements, and initiatives. Your insights continue to guide our efforts to make downtown an even more welcoming, livable, and connected place. You can still take the survey by scanning the QR code above or visiting www.lagrandemainstreet.org. CALL FOR VENDORS — 66th Annual Crazy Days Crazy Days returns to downtown La Grande on Saturday, July 18, and vendor applications are now open. This year’s theme, “Stars, Stripes, & Summer Nights,” sets the stage for a festive day filled with food, crafts, treats, apparel, and more. If you are interested in participating as a vendor, applications are available on our website, or you may contact the LGMSD office for assistance. Website: https://lagrandemainstreet.org/events Phone: 541-963-1223 Email: lgmsdsocial at gmail.com  We look forward to welcoming new and returning vendors as we celebrate this longstanding community tradition. MAIN STREET MONDAY NEIGHBORHOOD DOWNTOWN COFFEE La Grande Main Street Downtown has invited our downtown community to gather for a warm and welcoming start to the week at our upcoming Main Street Monday Neighborhood Coffee on Monday, May 4, from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at The Press Room, 1124 Washington Avenue. This casual morning meetup offers a chance to learn about upcoming façade grant opportunities, share ideas for making our downtown even more inviting, and connect with fellow business owners and neighbors, all the while enjoying complimentary drip coffee. Hosted by La Grande Main Street Downtown, a proud member of Main Street America, this hour of conversation and collaboration is a simple way to stay engaged and help shape the future of our historic district. Reservations are appreciated. To reserve your space or if you have any questions, please call Jeanne Williamson at 503-433-5922. CALL FOR ARTISTS La Grande Main Street Downtown is seeking artists for new mural opportunities in Art Alley, located in the heart of downtown La Grande. Artists are invited to submit their portfolios, mural concepts, and either a project price or cost‑per‑square‑foot estimate for consideration. Multiple mural spaces are available, offering a chance to contribute lasting public art to the downtown district. All inquiries and submissions may be sent to lgartalley at gmail.com. Have an event coming up that you’d like La Grande Main Street Downtown to help share? We’re launching a monthly “Goings-On in Downtown La Grande” roundup in the Newsletter and would love to include your happenings. Call us at 541-963-1223 or email lgmsdsocial at gmail.com with your event details (and graphics, if you have them). May Happenings at Cook Memorial Library  The library will be closed Monday, May 25 for Memorial Day. Local children’s book author and illustrator Suzanne Achilles will be here on Friday, May 1, at 4:00 PM to share her latest book, “Scroungeman the Fisherdog”! Books will be available for purchase and Suzanne will be signing. Bright Beginnings is Wednesday, May 6 at 10:15 AM. A movement and music class for children 0-3 and their caregivers. Please text Olivia at 541-786-2259 to register and learn about upcoming sessions. Storytime is Thursdays, May 7, 14, 21, and 28 at 10:30 AM in the Story Circle. Join us for songs, stories, and crafts. Mysteries ‘n’ More Book Club meets Friday, May 8 at 1:00 PM. The club will discuss “The Lost Coyote,” by Michael Connelly. New members welcome. This book club meets the second Friday of each month. Summer Reading Program registration opens on Tuesday, May 12. Download the Beanstack app to register for Summer Reading! This year’s theme is “Plant a Seed, Read,” and runs from June 9 – August 7. Join us on Thursday, May 14th, for a visit with Sarah Rose Nordgren to discuss her book, “Feathers: A Bird-Hat Wearer’s Journal.” EOU’s MFA Director, Nick Neely, will lead us in a book discussion at 4:30 PM, followed by a virtual conversation with the author at 5:30 pm. This event is a collaboration between the Friends of Ladd Marsh, Eastern Oregon University, and the Cook Memorial Library. Free and open to the public. Fiber Art Friday meets from 5 – 6 PM on May 15. Adults are invited to bring portable, new or work-in-progress fiber art to work on and socialize. Fiber Art Friday meets on the third Friday of the month. Join us for a Genealogy Workshop led by Janet Marrs is Friday, May 15 at 5:30 PM in the Community Room. Learn how to use the MyHeritage website and other genealogy resources. Spells & Stars Book Club meets Saturday, May 16 at 3:00 PM. The read for May is “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” by Douglas Adams. New members welcome. This book club meets the third Saturday of the month. Visit our StoryWalk© at Riverside Park along the Greenway and the Linda Elegant Memorial StoryWalk© at Birnie Park. Books are sponsored by local individuals, families, and businesses. Discover and Go: Cultural Passes are available with a library card. Free passes are available for the Children’s Museum of Eastern Oregon, OMSI, the Columbia Gorge Museum, and more! See the link from the library’s webpage. Provided by the Libraries of Eastern Oregon. Get weekly updates on events, the latest additions to our collections, and more with our newsletter through Wowbrary. Visit wowbrary.org to sign up. All library activities are free and held at Cook Memorial Library at 2006 4th Street in La Grande, unless otherwise noted. Visit CookMemorialLibrary.org, follow the library’s social media pages, or call 541-962-1339 for details. We're always looking for volunteers! Give back to your community through work on one of our main committees (Promotion, Design, Economic Vitality, or Outreach) or help downtown clean up, or a specific event! Click HERE to see all the different opportunities Interested in being a Partner? Learn more about our impact in the community and our available partnership levels on our website here. LGMSD Partners Allied Mortgage - a division of Mann Mortgage LLC Anderson Perry Associated Design and Engineering BELLA Mercantile Benchwarmers Pub & Grill Birddog Glass Blue Summit Realty Blue Mountain Outfitters Brent Clapp Media Cam Credits Carol Summers City of La Grande Clanktronix/The Archives Claudson's Sew and Soak Community Kindness of Eastern Oregon Community Merchants Connected Professional Accountants LLC Country Financial, Paul Swigert Direct Music Source Dirty Girls Detailing Edge Home Finance - Team Klebaum Edward Jones - Shawn Mangum Eastern Oregon University Eleven Fifteen Salon Elkhorn Media Group Evermine Labels Fairway Independent Mortgage Fit Fuel LG Fitzgerald Flowers Flying Cloud Gifts Grande Ronde Hospital Guyer and Associates JC Woodworks K Voelz Wines La Grande Theatres Les Schwab Tire Center Longbranch Lucy's Boutiques at the Market Place Underground Mary Ann and Arlan Miesner Merlyn's Catering MJ Goss Motors Monkeys On The Run Mountain Valley Therapy Mountain Works Nate Conklin State Farm Nature's Pantry Nicole Haggerty Northwest Furniture & Mattress OTEC Peak Lifestyle Studio Perky's Play Cafe Press Room Coffee & Books Raul's Taqueria RE/MAX Real Estate Team Rob's Speedy Delivery Rosewood Cottage Scott's Heating and Air Side A Brewing Spokane Teachers Credit Union Sure Shot Virtual Range Sorbenots Tap That! Growlers, LLC The Potter's House The Royal Clothiers Timothy Bishop Travelodge Union County Chamber of Commerce/Tourism United Finance Wheatland Insurance Williamson Insurance Yuri Books ​Ziply Fiber   Upcoming Events   Contact Us     Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email About Events Calendar Projects Contact La Grande Main Street Downtown | 102 Depot St | La Grande, OR 97850 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
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