News and Notes 11/5/2018

​     One story, then six reminders.
     * * *
     About 12 years ago, Jim Prugh of Colorado, a successful engineer thinking about his next act, purchased a downtown Lindsborg building. At that time, Jim did not — could not — know that he would become a noted developer of beautiful historic vacation and executive-stay properties. Neither did he know that his purchase of 105 N. Main would only be the first of several properties in this community, both in the downtown area and in residential neighborhoods. 
     Nor did Jim know how much his work would so significantly steer the story of Lindsborg.
     Still, back then Jim and spouse Diane Fatheree *did* sense something remarkable here. They asked themselves, “Why is this town here? Why is it different?” This sense made them want to stay plugged in and pursue a path that was not at all clear at the beginning.  
     Meanwhile, thanks to a lot of work from a lot of people, Lindsborg built its capacities and possibilities over 12 years.  
     Today Jim and Diane — and Lindsborg — find themselves celebrating the grand opening of an innovative “co-living” corporate executive stay lodging. Five bedrooms and baths with shared kitchen, living and dining areas. In a 100+ year-old farmhouse moved whole onto a new foundation at 204 W. Grant St.  Restored with research, honed skills and creativity by a local team led by Brian and Victoria Freeman of Lindsborg.  
      When walking into the executive stay housing called Akerhuset, it’s difficult to miss a massive chunk of wood beam suspended as a light fixture over a gleaming central kitchen island. That chunk was salvaged from the recent Coronado Heights castle restoration and purchased from the Smoky Valley Historic Association. The beam-light fixture was held firmly with custom metal work by Dauer Welding and wired by local professionals. It is a symbol for much of what Jim and Diane, Brian and Vicki, the numerous local artisans and professionals have done in 12 years —  show us how redevelopment can succeed on a national playing field using local history, resources and talents.
      That’s why a can of the Lindsborg Ad Hoc Roundtable's elbow grease found its way into new hands this morning. The can was filled with house-made lemon shortbread cookies from the artisans at Lindsborg’s Courtyard Bakery — and our thanks for, well, umm, everything.
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      •  Tonight, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. in Pearson Swedish Chapel at Bethany College is a screening of a film called “Eating Animals.”  The film features several national farmers, including Lindsborg’s own Frank Reese Jr. of Good Shepherd Poultry Ranch.  Q&A with Frank to follow.
     • Keep a good thought for Smoky Valley’s gridiron team, which remains undefeated in regular season play and also so far in post-season play.  On Friday night, Nov. 9, at Anderson Field, the Vikings are slated to play undefeated Pratt.  Go Vikes!
     • Also on Friday night, Nov. 9, a whopping 16 locations will be open late for Lindsborg's regular 2nd Friday Makers Street Art Walk from 5-8 p.m.  If you make a purchase that night, find complimentary gift wrapping from by our friends at Nee-Tech Wireless.
      • Lindsborg’s seasonal lighting, both in the downtown area and at the Old Mill Bridge, will be turned on at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9. So many local people request and enjoy these lighting treatments, and everyone’s help is needed to pay for new and replacement bulbs and strands. If you haven’t chipped in to the lighting fund yet, please do so. We need you now. Drop cash or checks to David Hay at First Bank Kansas.
     • On Saturday, Nov. 10, it’s the annual Lindsborg Open House from 10-4.  Get involved in the Tomte Scramble game to win a giant Lindsborg shopping spree or baskets of gifts.  Or just stroll and enjoy what visitors often tell us is some of the juiciest independent shopping, dining and positive community atmosphere in the state.
     •  On Sunday, Nov. 11, at 2 p.m. at the Birger Sandzen Memorial Art Gallery, we are being offered a hybrid visual and performing arts experience called "Pictures At An Exhibition."  Several performers in varying music styles will counterpoint with visual arts on display. As are all the Lindsborg Landmark Concert Series performances, this one is sure to be amazing.  Free admission to all, thanks to the series' sponsors, including the Lindsborg Arts Council.