News and Notes 7/9/2018

​A big cheer went up this morning for the Old-Fashioned Fourth of July program at Swensson Park and community fireworks at Bethany College. Ad Hockers are grateful for this community collaboration and for each and every person who played a role. Entertainment, activities and food at the park were delightful. With calm winds aloft, the very satisfying fireworks show went smoothly. 
       Here are some thanks: to Molly Johnson and friends of The Good Merchant for helping with the Swensson Park events. To the City of Lindsborg for its park and other preparations. To the Lindsborg Kiwanis Club for again permitting the fireworks show to come under its insurance umbrella and to Bethany College for its gracious hosting at its athletic stadium. To Ahlstedt Fireworks and showmeister Bob Alhstedt for his key role. To all the local organizations, individuals and businesses that paid for the show.  And one final cheer — to David Hay of First Bank Kansas. David spearheaded this big collaboration several years ago and continues to serve as shepherd and chief fundraiser.
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      Other cheer-worthy items:

• The J.O, Sundstrom Conference Center was named a finalist in The Salina Journal’s “Best of…” promotion. Nicely done!

• Community education continues as Circles of McPherson County renames itself Steps of McPherson County. Steps continues in the Circle aim: to be way for neighbors to walk alongside those who want to learn paths out of poverty.  The name change comes because Circles, a national organization, chose to become local case management sites for state and federal programs.  McPherson County’s local program leadership preferred to remain independent of state and federal mandates.  Steps is on its own — a move that has been generally well-received — and now home-grown support is more important than ever.  You can learn more about what it takes to become an intentional friend to those who are learning and working on independence, choices and growth.  That’s 9 am to 2 pm at the Covenant Church on Saturday, July 28, with lunch served.  Just show up or call director Chris Carlson at 620-241-9011.