When members of the Stirling Rotary club heard about the proposed event they quickly offered to lend a hand. “Julie and Min have always supported us along with so many others in our community,” explained Stirling Rotarian, Laurie Osborne, “so we saw this as a terrific opportunity to thank them for all that they do.”
News travels fast in the Little Village with a Big Heart and when the local Lions’ club heard about the event, they were eager to help as well. “Our two clubs already work together on various projects,” noted Stirling Lion, Deb Brown, “and we simply wanted to be a part of this to show our club’s appreciation to Min and Julie for all they do in the community.”
And so it was that Min and Julie (with a little help from their friends) were able to host this delightfully delicious event – featuring hot-off-the-grill, burgers and hot dogs along with a variety of cold drinks and tasty treats – all offered free of charge.
And just a few minutes north of the Pro One Stop on Hwy 14 is the Water Buffalo Farm – owned and operated Lori Smith and Martin Littkemann. “I’ve known Lori for as long as we have been here,” noted Julie, “and a few years ago, she and Martin offered to donate burgers to our barbeque. It was great to be able to add Buffalo Burgers to the menu and they were such a big hit that we just had to do it again. People love the Water Buffalo products.”
Lori and The Buff Stuff Store, manager, Kristina, were on site for the entire event, last Saturday, offering delicious samples of various Water Buffalo products along with an informative laptop presentation. And despite about twenty minutes of rain and dark clouds midway through the two-hour event, this year’s customer appreciation barbeque can be deemed a success.
The Pro One Stop continues to be a most popular stop for locals and tourists alike as Min and Julie make certain it is one of friendliest stops in the village.
“I’ve been coming here for gas and to pick up my lottery tickets and whatnot for as long as the Pro has been here,” proclaimed Stirling resident, Sandra Wilson, “and I wouldn’t think of stopping anywhere else. Julie has a welcoming smile that lights up a room and she calls all of her regular customers by name.”