Items of note as we head into the weekend:
•   Bethany College advises that a video crew from GA are roaming the town today, Friday, Sept. 15.  Please greet -- and help if needed.
•    Please mark the week of Monday, Sept 25, through Friday, Sept. 30 for a special visiting group -- alumni of the Marymount College of Nursing.  Having gathered in major cities over the years, the group made its first gathering in Lindsborg last year.  These successful women relished our town so much that they are back again in 2017.
•      Our friends at C&W Ranch would like to share news of a law enforcement fundraiser at the ranch -- and it looks like fun.  
•      Also a reminder about grant applications due in mid-October for the Smoky Valley Community Foundation.  
•     Last but not least, a reminder about our very first fourth-Wednesday "Ad Hops" gathering. Because we all need a break today.
     Best wishes.  Until next week!
​

​Neatness counts.  So said our teachers about homework,  but it's generally true in the world, too.
     That's why we ask everyone -- residential or commercial -- to make and work their own checklists of pre-festival needs.  We are grateful for your work under way already.  There's 30 days until Hyllningsfest.  To get you started:
     •     Sidewalks: remove unlicensed and unpermitted items, pull weeds out of cracks, power wash if needed, unlicensed items, update/replace worn public seating.
     •     Windows: wash inside and out, dust and clean surfaces nearby inside and out, refresh displays, open curtains if possible to create a sense of openness and access.
     •     Signs/flags: replace the worn, tattered or faded of any kind.  PS:  Do you need a fresh Bethany College support sign? Hyllningsfest is also BC homecoming, and we want to welcome alums and visitors with crisp greetings.
     •     Pots, planters and flower beds:  Weed, remove out-of-season and drooping specimens. If no flowers have been planted in a bed that needs them, organize to get them planted -- soon.  Your help is needed.
     •     Alleys:  Weed and police trash. Wash away odors from trash receptacles.  Maybe a planter of flowers at the back door?
     •     Streets:  Take a look at the street in front of your property and remove weeds from lightly trafficked areas.
      Thanks a bunch, everybody.

​One of life’s immutable facts: Everything costs something.  Even indecision costs, for pity's sake.
      So it is with Svensk Hyllningsfest 2017. From portable toilets and tents to insurance and entertainment, this beloved festival has needs.
      The lion’s share of Hyllningsfest carries no admission charge. Sponsorships and grants from local businesses, organizations and families help -- as do considerable services provided by the City of Lindsborg. Most of all, volunteers — including the Lindsborg Swedish Folk Dancers and Folkdanslag, our public schools and families, and a host of individuals and organizations — create the rare backbone of a signature event for both Kansas and American-Scandinavian community.
     To assure that future Hyllningsfests will be possible and of continuing quality, the festival planning committee intends to further emphasize the Hyllningsfest support button in 2017.  
     Here’s what to know:
     •  Before the festival, $5 support buttons will be available for purchase at local stores and offices. All proceeds go to Hyllningsfest operations. 
     •  On festival days, at four decorated entryways to the downtown area and with roving representatives during the parade on Saturday, we'll ask festival-goers to voluntarily participate at $10 per button with complimentary program.
      We all realize that not all festival-goers will be able to pin a support button on every lapel in the family. However, the hope is to continue building voluntary financial participation — and keep Hyllningsfest the authentic, fresh event that we all want.
       Meanwhile, please note that Hyllningsfest also *pays* for all of us.  If you’ve ever represented Lindsborg anywhere in Kansas (and beyond), you’ll almost certainly be asked about "that wonderful Swedish festival of yours.” Smiles of admiration and memories ensue. Hyllningsfest is a key to  Lindsborg’s identity and a whopping-yet-quiet part of our ability to connect with future residents, business owners, and students.  Buy and proudly wear your support button bling.
* * *
      •     Volunteer Lesa Larson and team plan to offer a preview of Hyllningsfest's exhibit of historic costumes. The preview will be 3-5 pm Sunday, Oct. 8, in the studio of Kelly J. Wilson Design, 113 W. State St.  The preview is envisioned for the many who are unable to be part of the browsing during the festival itself Oct. 12-14.  Some at Ad Hoc were thinking about how more of us could be part of that preview -- welcoming locals to see shops and other "prepared-for-the-festival" features at the same time. If your location/organization is interested/able to be part of the Sunday preview, please contact Becky Anderson at bandersoninn@ks-usa.net or Kathy Richardson at smallworldgallery@mac.com.
      •     Please watch for upcoming Lindsborg CVB Facebook posts about what's new and traditional at 2017 Hyllningsfest -- and share, share, share. It is the easiest and least expensive way to remind friends, family and the public at large about the festival.

​The Smoky Valley Community Foundation (SVCF) is now accepting applications for its fall grant cycle. Funding is available for programs and projects that:

• strengthen and preserve the region’s heritage

• encourage healthy lifestyles and environments

• and address the current and future needs of the Smoky Valley area.
      Grants will be awarded from the Heritage Fund, Smoky Valley Community Enhancement Fund, and Smoky Valley Healthy Living Fund. Each grant will be limited to $3,000.
     Non-profit organizations may apply, as well as for-profit organizations and individuals if the request is for a charitable project. Grants will be limited to projects within northern McPherson County and southern Saline County.
     Applications must be submitted online by midnight on October 15, 2017. The application and guidelines are available at http://smokyvalleycf.org/search-apply-for-a-grant/.
About the Smoky Valley Community Foundation...
     Since 2002, the Smoky Valley Community Foundation has served as a vehicle for charitable giving, connecting donors with philanthropic causes they love. As an affiliate of the Greater Salina Community Foundation, SVCF is proud to serve the Smoky Valley region, including northern McPherson County and southern Saline County. For more information, visit www.smokyhillscf.org. 
For more information:
• Cassie Johnson, SVCF Co-Chair (620) 344-0864
• Jeanne Lucas, SVCF Co-Chair (785) 212-1846
• or email the foundation board at smokyvalley@gscf.org