News and Notes 1/15/2018

​“Never succumb to the temptation of bitterness.”  Martin Luther King Jr. 1929-1968
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      Ad Hockers are planning and looking ahead:
       •    A significant piece of incomplete work is before us:  additional outdoor seating in the downtown footprint. There is consensus that more seating options in shaded areas would add a lot to the area’s livability and visual message. Ad Hoc already has surveyed seating needs/opportunities, as well as discussed the qualities we seek (durability, weight, styles). Now it’s time to commit ideas to paper and circulate, then work on a funding plan. We have talked about making it possible for families to make memorial donations toward seating that can be marked with a dedication. There may be other ways to fund these amenities. Who would be willing to work on helping us toward specifics?  Can we make some progress in time for spring?
       •   Ad Hoc is seeking commitments of $30 a month for advertising and social media boosts in 2018. Sharing  Lindsborg as a place to live and visit to fresh audiences remains a worthy collaborative project we do with the Lindsborg Convention and Visitors Bureau. Twenty organizations and businesses were signed up in 2017.  Because our advertising plan is expanded this year, we’d like at least that many again in 2018 — and we are far from it right now. Please consider. Then if you are so moved, please contact David Hay of First Bank Kansas, Megan Dauer of American Family Insurance, or Kathy Richardson at Small World Gallery.  
      •  The 2018 Messiah Festival weekends will offer great opportunities -- if we can harness them in advance through word of mouth and promotion.  For example, here’s partial details of what is shaping up to be a juicy Palm Sunday weekend.
      Friday, March 23:  Evening Downtown Jazz Walk as part of the Lindsborg Landmark Concert Series, spearheaded by Mike Dreier of Fuqua Insurance and funded by local business donors. Last year’s Jazz Walk was the first, and incredibly successful it was, especially with younger people and families.  Groove along from location to location to hear multiple styles of jazz, culminating in an all-performers jam to end the evening. If you’d like to help, please contact Mike.
       Saturday, March 24: Lindsborg Vaffeldagen, our quirky day of waffle edibles, waffle people, and waffle games.  Initiated by volunteer powerhouse Carla Wilson and staffed/funded by businesses, Vaffeldagen has gained statewide recognition and beyond; in 2017 it was the subject of a four-page spread in KANSAS! Magazine along with the Liberal Pancake Race. The CVB has been receiving queries about it since last fall.  What can you do to Waffle On?
       Sunday, March 25:  Messiah Sing Along at Bethany College’s Presser Hall. On this occasion, anyone may feel the glories of a big chorus in this special performance of selected works from Handel’s Messiah with full orchestra and big organ. Advance tickets are $10; bring your score — or pay $10 if you wish to purchase one.
      •  We have seen some new faces at our Monday gatherings recently. We know that first thing Monday mornings don’t always work for everyone, so we’re always happy to see an expanding and revolving cast of good peeps in the room. An informal, no-agenda Ad Hoc gathering is set for 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of each month at The Ol Stuga. It’s called Ad Hops. Come to relax and chat and connect; hop in and hop out at your convenience. Everyone is welcome. Try it on for size, please.  The next Ad Hops is Wednesday, Jan. 24.
       •  In another sign of growth and outreach, Bethany College and its Music Department are preparing to welcome a record-setting 900 5th-12th grade young men to the vocal workshop called "Real Men Sing” on Thursday, Jan. 25. Help yourself to a thrilling choral performance experience that day.  Plan now to attend the 2:30 p.m. all-voices finale performance  that will include the singing of “God Bless America.” Presser Hall. Be there if possible at this extraordinary event.