​For those of you following the distribution process for Lindsborg/DN Fund, an announcement from the McPherson County Community Foundation….

      "The McPherson County Community Foundation plans to host a community meeting on Tuesday, September 25, at 7 pm in Lindquist Hall, Bethany College to announce the distribution process and this year’s amount available from the Lindsborg/DN Fund.
      "The Lindsborg/DN Fund was established in 2004 by former resident David J. Nutt. Upon his death in December 2016, Mr. Nutt had specified 50% of the remaining assets in estate were to be added to the fund administered by the Foundation. The amount donated equaled $7.4 million. Because it’s an endowment, grants up to five percent (5%) of the fund’s value will be awarded annually to organizations or projects benefitting the Lindsborg community.
      "Representatives from the Foundation will be available that evening to describe the granting process and administration procedures for the fund. There will be an opportunity for questions from attendees. The meeting is free of charge and no RSVP is required. For additional information, contact Becky Goss, MCCF President/CEO at 620.245.9070 or toll free 1.866.245.9070. Questions may also be emailed prior to the meeting to becky@mcphersonfoundation.org<mailto:becky@mcphersonfoundation.org."

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    This morning Ad Hoc received a quick and basic introduction to the concept of crucial conversations. Crucial conversations address the elephant in the room — in other words, topics that we may tend to avoid or might make some of us shut down.  Crucial conversation tools can be used in businesses and in interactions with friends and families. Thanks, Lindsborg Community Hospital CEO Larry VanDerWege, for sharing your explorations with us. Hats off to everyone at LCH who have been working with these techniques for several years.
    As noted this morning, no person or organization ever masters the art of crucial conversations; it always is a work in progress — with successes *and* failures, to be sure.  When these concepts are acknowledged among everyone involved in a workplace discussion, crucial conversations may save money and time, increase safety and, for organizations that build part of their long-term culture, foster satisfaction.  
    If you’d like to review crucial conversations concepts for yourself:

    • subscribe to the weekly newsletter a free weekly newsletter at newsletter@crucialskills.com

    • get a used copy of Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by McMillan and Switzler.

    If there are topics, large or small, that you’d like to hear more about in the Ad Hoc setting, please let Kathy Richardson or David Hay know.  One suggested discussion: ideas for showing creative flair in unexpected places.

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    The results of Lindsborg’s 1st Impressions report reflected well on our community. The results confirm the many years of efforts to increase curb appeal, maintain a     welcoming atmosphere, and tell our story. As part of the 1st Impressions program, five first-time visitors from Marysville made written observations about their trip to Lindsborg; visitors from Lindsborg did the same for Marysville’s consideration. 1st Impressions is project of K-State Research and Extension, and the City of Lindsborg facilitated. Thanks to everyone who helped.
    To review the overview presentation given by K-State’s Nancy Daniels, go here:  http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/community/civic-engagement/first-impressions/Lindsborg%20Comm%20Report.pdf
    To read the full narrative, go here: http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/community/civic-engagement/first-impressions/LINDSBORG%20Comm%20Narrative.pdf
    While the 1st Impressions sample size is small, it reminds us that every visitor forms an impression of Lindsborg that could (and often does) lead to more — return visits, new enrollments, property purchases, and the purchase of services of all kinds over the longer term.  K-State Extension believes that visitors explore with these questions:  How would it be to live here? Could I see myself or my family here? So visitors often poke around across the entire community, not just in one area.  
    In the meantime, let’s give a high five to our friends at MKC-Lindsborg for being noted in the 1st Impressions feedback as cleanest co-op ever.  Go MKC!

September

21    SV Schools homecoming, 5:30 tailgate, 6:40 crowning, 7 p.m. game vs. Hesston
28    Hymn Festival at Bethany College, workshops for church musicians, starting 7 p.m.
28-30    Prairie Festival, Salina (often busy in Lindsborg)
29-30    Swedish Genealogy Workshop/Old Mill/both days    
30    Bethany Home dinner, silent and live auction with keynote speaker, Sundstrom Center
October

12    Makers Street Art Walk 5-8 pm with emphasis on Bethany College students and alums
13    Bethany College Homecoming
13    2018 Coronado Heights Run, registration 6:30 a.m, 2 mile walk, 5K and 15K, 1 mile fun run starts 7:15-8:30
14    2018 Falun Classic Bike Ride, 1 p.m. 400 block of N. Main
20    Kasino Royale benefit for Svensk Hyllningsfest 6-10 p.m. at the Sundstrom Center
November
9    Makers Street Art Walk  5-8 p.m.; at 5 p.m. lighting of trees and Old Mill Bridge and unveiling of decorated shop windows with theme “Unwrap Lindsborg”
10    Lindsborg Holiday Open House 10-4 p.m. with Tomte Scrambler game, gift certificate/gift item baskets as prizes; shopper rewards also will be given
24    Small Business Saturday 10-4 p.m. with multiple in-store raffles, horse-drawn wagon rides and treats for children
December 
1    Artists Studio Open House 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with maps to participating galleries and local artists studios in the Lindsborg area; demonstrations, refreshments and new projects
1    Snowflake Parade 10 a.m. downtown, a friendly little parade for children and other imaginative people
1    Pulled pork meal 11:30-2 at Trinity Methodist, by donation
2    Jultide at Bethany College, afternoon performance of beautiful holiday music
8    Lucia Festival, check the schedule of offerings at www.visitlindsborg.org for this beautiful and popular Swedish-American celebration of light
8    Old-Fashioned Christmas at the McPherson County Old Mill
15    Cookies and Mrs. Claus, morning First Bank Kansas; visit Mrs. Claus and decorate your own cookies
31    Roaring ‘20s-themed NYE party to launch the celebration of Lindsborg’s 150th year; see www.lindsborg150th.com

       Ad Hockers recently reaffirmed a commitment to working together:
      "The Lindsborg Ad Hoc Roundtable is in its sixth year as an informal crossroads for SmoAAky Valley people and organizations. Together we pursue common interests across boundaries for shared benefits, both direct and indirect. We work with the 501 (c) 3 Lindsborg At Work Association to fund our community oriented efforts.  
     “We have no officers, employees, bylaws or dues; thus,  we share work, costs and successes. We also each share in upholding the Kansas Sampler Foundation’s "yellow card” rule, meaning that negativity and stuck-in-the-past thinking are pointed out and the comments are reframed.
      "We gather at 8 a.m. most Mondays in Lindsborg City Hall for one hour only. We share our news each week via email and on Facebook. Anyone may sit in on these gatherings, receive Ad Hoc News and Notes, or be involved. To learn more, ask any Ad Hocker.”
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      It’s always a sunny day in Lindsborg when funding for local projects comes our community’s way. Thus, we sent up a big ol’ cheer for the Lindsborg Car Show Committee, which donated $1,000 of the 2018 show proceeds to Ad Hoc's effort to expand public seating in business districts. Lindsborg Police Chief Tim Berggren presented the check on behalf of fellow (and long-serving) committee members Ken Swisher, Kathy Malm, Jim Harty, Barry McMillan and others. The car show committee also presented $1,000 to the City of Lindsborg for new seating in Swensson Park.  We appreciate your enduring community spirit, folks. Thank you all.
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      We also cheered Bethany College Swedish Crafts for passing along good word about the college and Lindsborg to Kansas State Fair visitors last week and this week. Fairgoers clearly are attracted to the craft demonstrations, and broom maker Justin Burton and ceramist Kayla Borell are among the deft representatives for college and community alike.  It’s a big commitment, so thank you!
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     Holly Lofton of the Lindsborg CVB and David Hay, board member of the 501 (c) 3 Lindsborg At Work Association, put heads together to apply for funding from the Smoky Valley Community Foundation to replace worn lighting strands used by volunteers to decorate downtown and on the Old Mill Bridge.  This grant anticipates matching funds raised in the community, and we have just begun to ask residents to chip in on creating these beloved Lindsborg visuals. We have a bigger-than-usual fundraising job ahead. Thank you, Holly and David, for getting our ball rolling.
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       Speaking of Holly, the CVB office just uploaded to Google Maps about 200 photographs of Lindsborg's public places in a 360-degree format. Holly applied to Google for the loan of the 360-degree camera.  Visitors find these photographs enticing as well as helpful in planning.  Thanks for that.
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     Wearing his non-profit Lindsborg At Work Association hat, David Hay reported this morning on spending and balances for each activity fund that Ad Hoc uses for special and seasonal events such as Lindsborg In Bloom and Lindsborg Holiday Open House; Lindsborg Landmark Concert Series; social media boosts, and other projects.  There were no questions or concerns in the moment, but anyone is welcome to ask follow-up questions. The checkbook recap is available from David.  It’s worth reminding everyone that there is now liability coverage now on Ad Hoc events and activities. Serving with David as Lindsborg At Work Association board members:  Corey Peterson, Meg Dauer, Mike Dreier and Ryan Biegert.  Thanks to you all. 
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        We discussed the continuing challenges of spreading the word about opportunities and events. Nobody had a silver bullet solution this morning but there were a couple of general observations: 1.)  On Facebook, we can best help each other by sharing posts with short personal endorsements/encouragements.  Please do more of this.  2.) There is a literal fire hydrant stream of information and conversation coming toward and flowing around every one of us every day in various ways — and the flow builds. This is the environment in which we must operate, even in a small community.
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       Here’s a note in advance of Small Business Saturday in Lindsborg on Nov. 24:  This year, instead a drawing for one or two giant stockings filled with toys and treats, we decided that each participating location will offer an in-store raffle for an item/basket that will be listed on a free map for the day’s activities. Please continue to plan as usual on receiving giveaway promo items including cloth bags, as well as for complimentary horse-drawn wagon rides and treats coming and going from the Bank of Tescott.  Questions and thanks to volunteer organizers Debbie Jacobson, Tara Killingsworth and Brian Johnson.  Thank you all. 
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       So much planned this week, everyone.  A few reminders that were offered this morning:

tonight, Monday, September 10

• 6:30 p.m. at City Council chambers, Lindsborg receives its report from the KSU 1st Impressions program of secret visitor observations about our community.

Wednesday, Sept. 12

• 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.  Lindsborg Community Hospital Auxiliary “meat and greet” sloppy joe lunch at Trinity Methodist Church, by donation, eat in or carry out

Friday, September 14

•  5-8 p.m. Makers Street Lindsborg Art Walk in support of the Lindsborg Dog Park project; “Pet-tember” theme with pet related activities, pet portraits for a small fee, pet-related art, and treats. Leashed and well-behaved pets welcome on the street and in selected businesses. Free maps.

•  5-7 p.m. Weiner Dog Races (including friends of weiners) at the tennis courts at Swensson Park.

•  start of Moms Weekend for Bethany College football families; about 75 women are registered and the fun starts at Connected Fair Trade in coordination with Makers Street activities. (Show your your blue and gold, please.)

•  deadline for anyone taking part in Dala Town’s inaugural on-line magazine covering the coming fall and winter season.

Saturday, September 15

•   8 a.m. Bethany College Alpha Theta Chi sorority's one-mile walk for domestic violence awareness, starting line behind Gregory Hall, by donation to Jana’s Campaign, register and check in between 7 and 7:45 a.m.

•   7 p.m. Bethany College vs. Ottawa University, football home game at Anderson Stadium

Cheers for a creative couple, Tyler and Molly Johnson, and The Good Merchant's fab new restroom....

​      It's always intriguing to hear what first-time visitors notice, for better or worse, about our place.
      Maybe first-timers stop for a quick leg stretch.  Maybe it's a detour based on curiosity. These folks don't intend to stay long. Yet their first impressions are so critical. As we know from experience, leg stretches and curiosity detours regularly turn into decisions to relocate, retire or recommend Lindsborg to others.  That is often the difference between building or at least maintaining a tax base -- and not.
     Come hear a set of first impressions later this week organized through the K-State Extension Office and the City of. Worthy of your time. Details below.
      Meanwhile, Ad Hoc gatherings resume at 8 a.m. Monday, Sept. 10, in city council chambers.

Reminder:  No Ad Hoc gathering on Monday morning, Sept. 3, Labor Day.  Gatherings resume at 8 a.m. Monday, Sept. 10. All are welcome.
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     Doesn't everybody already know of Mary Patrick? Mary does *so many* good things in Lindsborg and vicinity — all quietly, no fanfare. She’s currently president of the hard-working and effective Lindsborg Community Hospital Auxiliary. Mary also works with the Lindsborg Senior Center and her church. Beyond that, Mary is what could be called a freelance kind soul, helping individuals and groups as she is able. Two other freelance kind souls, Karmon and Mary Anne Almquist, wanted Ad Hockers to pass along their honorary can of Lindsborg Elbow Grease to Mary this morning. So we did -- with pleasure.  Here’s to you, Mary! Many thanks.
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     A big ol’ three cheers went up for Meg Dauer, David Hay and Cassie Johnson for their work on this past Saturday’s street dance. Summer sounds! We warmly appreciate you — and all the business sponsors who made it possible.  Also robust three cheers for another successful and tasty SVHS BBQ fundraiser for After Prom.
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     Did you know that Lindsborg’s Hairymolairys and the Brickhouse Grill were named finalists in The Salina Journal’s “Best of….” promotion?  Hat tip to both. It’s always notable when Lindsborg businesses break into “best” conversations in larger markets.
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     Opportunities to connect with/support Bethany students:  

1.) Reverse Career Fair, a new idea in which BC student organizations hold booths for roaming potential employers.  The fair will be open 10-noon Thursday, Sept. 13, at Lindquist Hall. Great networking. Bring business cards and other information for students.  

2.)  The Alpha Theta Chi’s Domestic Violence Awareness one-mile walk at 8 a.m Saturday, Sept. 15, starting behind Gregory Hall on campus. For a suggested $5 donation, you can support BC students in their work for Jana’s Campaign, a national domestic violence awareness effort.  Sign up between 7 and 7:45 a.m. on the day of the event or email aoxbethany@gmail.com. 
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    The Good Merchant will help us get into the new season with its annual fall open house on Saturday, Sept 8.  Photo ops on Main Street with a turquoise vintage truck full of mums — and cider making with a vintage cider press. Thanks, Molly Johnson, for kicking fall off with scent, taste and color.

     Mari Loder of the Svensk Hyllningsfest Committee tantalized us with emerging plans for entertainment programming at the 2019 festival. A new twist in 2019? Expanding entertainment and programming into Swensson Park as yet another venue for music, markets and Scandinavian-style games, new and old.  Mari said that incorporating the park enables the committee to expand options to respond to what Ad Hoc and many other groups hear from guests, to wit: more active experiences, please.  Look for live music, including the popular area band “Everyday Lights.” Also look for expanded opportunities in the park for guests to learn/experiment with the Scandinavian game of kubb and participate in the Helga Hoist, a game in which one person traverses an obstacle course carrying another person against the clock.  Lots of good Hyllningsfest  discussions going on, so please stay tuned for more information as it gels.  Let’s all thank the H-fest Committee members, too. It’s an extra big job in the sesquicentennial year.
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Looking ahead to themes for coming events:  

1.)  The volunteers organizing Lindsborg Holiday Open House on Nov. 10 are using “Unwrap Lindsborg” as its tag line for the event (and we usually use that tagline for the rest of the season's promotions). Those words do an especially nice job of meshing with an event the night before, Nov. 9, which is Maker’s Street Art Walk devoted to original creations as gifts and the unveiling of holiday windows and lighting. Tayla Mace has kindly offered to help businesses connect with a designer/artist who can bring some extra creativity to seasonal windows. Please contact Tayla soonest if you’d like this of kind help. Trollslanda Toy Store’s Deb Briggs helped in this capacity in previous seasons, and Lindsborg’s window displays for the holiday season have been the better for Deb's effort.  Tayla is pickup up from Deb, who has moved. That email is taylamace16@gmail.com.  Thanks, Tayla, for all your community efforts.  

2.)  There’s a kickoff party planned on New Year’s Eve at the J.O. Sundstrom for Lindsborg’s sesquicentennial year.  Liz Lahodny and her team have announced that the theme will be “Roaring into the Future.”  Think Roaring ‘20s, gangsters, and The Great Gatsby.  Now think about ‘20s clothing and props that might be available for wearing that night.  Costume not required but, hey, maybe a fringe-y dress, bold gangster pin-stripe suit, gatsby-esque tux or bootlegger-chic hat could be available if you had the heads up now.  Please consider.

​Difficult to top the fun of last weekend, yes?  Unless, of course, it’s the fun planned for the coming weekend in our town.
      Let’s check the rear view first. Ad Hockers gave several hearty three cheers for the businesses, organizations and people that supported and sponsored last weekend's events.
      •  Community Water Fight: Fuqua Insurance, The Good Merchant, Lindsborg Realty, Hemslojd, People’s Bank and Trust, Lindsborg Arts Council, Scott’s Hometown Foods and the Lindsborg Volunteer Fire Department, among others
      •  Lindsborg Landmark Concert featuring "Everyday Lights”:   sponsored by First Bank Kansas with the Lindsborg Arts Council and Smoky Valley Community Foundation (and Loren Banninger and Jason Hooper on sound, Officer Eric Kruckenberg for impromptu traffic control, and Karmon Almquist for bridge lighting).  Not to mention concert series hub and chief organizer Mike Dreier of Fuqua Insurance.   
       •  children’s art projects to rehab the Viking Valley dala horse and tiles:  city recreation director Beth Ferguson, USD 400 art teacher Courtney Friesen, Lindsborg Arts Council president Amy Dreier, everyone at the Hemslojd, and Lindsborg CVB director Holly Lofton.
      There’s gobs of good community energy represented in just those three bullet points, friends. Now add that to the incredibly detailed, multi-day plan hatched over the past year and carried out by Bethany College staff, faculty and administration with help from the community and alums to orient and welcome a record-smashing 358 freshmen (including 96 freshmen in The Good Life Scholarship program).  Orientation period ends tonight with a “glow party” replete with music and glowing wearables and washable glow paint from 8-10 p.m. on campus. 
      It’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the scope and meaning of all that work and shared effort in just. one. weekend. in Lindsborg.  Hats off to all.
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     Among those enjoying the community water fight, Old Mill Bridge concert, and children’s art projects was the irrepressible Matt Landau, international spokesman for the fun of “living like a local” in vacation rentals all over the world.  Matt and his two-person video crew, Tammy and Stu, were, yes, impressed.  Matt told CVB director Holly Lofton that everyone he talked with during his week-long stay “sang about Lindsborg with one voice.”  After a few rest days, they will head to Lisbon, Portugal, to being work on a program there.
      Matt came to Lindsborg at the invitation of Lindsborg historic property owner Jim Prugh, whose new vacation rentals and other high-quality redevelopment projects have attracted new investment, businesses and people to the community over more than a decade. Jim told Holly that he appreciated Lindsborg trusting him and swinging into action when he said Matt’s visit was important.  “I could only have asked this of Lindsborg because I trust Lindsborg,” Jim said.
     We are grateful to Jim's confidence in making this invitation to Matt.  We are grateful to the “Sense of Place” host and crew for being open and able to experience to what Lindsborg and its neighbors in rural Kansas offer. And we are grateful to CVB director Holly Lofton for organizing an incredible range of options for and gently shepherding Matt, Stu and Tammy.  The Lindsborg episode of “Sense of Place” may be available for viewing later this year. We’ll keep you informed.
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      In celebration of the start of its sixth year, Ad Hockers looked back this morning at past and current priorities as well as the vibe and connections that make Ad Hoc work. We also began to look ahead — to reaffirm some priorities and seed some new.  We’ll have recap these discussions in next week’s News and Notes.  For now, suffice to say that 8 a.m. Mondays should remain on your calendars.
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       Now about the coming weekend:
       •  Smoky Valley School supporters will hold a benefit BBQ competition and frisbee feed on Saturday, Aug. 25 Proceeds of entry fees and food sales go to Smoky Valley After Prom Fund. Competitors’ meats go on their barbecues early in the downtown area. The winner will score a Green Mountain tailgate grill donated by Anderson Body Shop of Lindsborg.  Sandwiches, beans and chips will be served on frisbees on the 100 block of South Main starting at 6 p.m.  That’s $7 a plate as long as it lasts, folks.
       •  How many years has Lindsborg had a back-to-school season street dance?  It’s been so many years we can’t remember, but Lindsborg’s Street Dance has become a community and visitor fave.   Singer/guitarist Sam Unruh serenades from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Main Street, then the band “Free Range Chicken” takes the stage from 8-10 p.m.  It’s free to all, thanks again to generous sponsors, and geared for all ages.  Children’s activities will be available, as will cotton candy and popcorn for purchase from the Kiwanis Club of Lindsborg and Lions Club of Lindsborg. And here’s something new. Ice cream will be served by our friends at the Swedish Country Inn!   
        It’s a summer trifecta — food, free open air music and family fun.  Spread the word and bring your lawn chairs for another great weekend in The Borg.

​Sending for your info a list of the business/non-profit participants that signed up with Bethany College for the Swede Scavenger Hunt 2018 from 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18. This event is a small part of a packed-to-the-gills, multi-day slate of orientation activities for new and transfer students.
       The scavenger hunt kicks off at the Bethany amphitheater with a welcome from BC alum Mike Dreier of Fuqua Insurance. Then students and their upperclass leaders will head out to snag a photo with staffers in each of the following locations:

Majestic Footwork Dance Studio
The Good Merchant
The White Peacock
Small World Gallery, also hosting Lindsborg Comm Hospital
Hands of Time Gallery
Rendezvous Adventure Outfitters
Scott’s Hometown Foods
Courtyard Gallery and Bakery
NexTech Wireless
Connected
Raymer Society/Red Barn Studio
Hemslojd
First Bank Kansas

      Participating businesses have been asked to provide props, backgrounds or activities that would lend themselves to memorable -- maybe even hammy -- pictures that can be hash- tagged for social media, #welcometotheborg. The best photo collected by a student as judged by Bethany College representatives will win a $100 gift certificate for shopping in Lindsborg. Students earn extra points by photographing and catching the names of BC alums in the downtown area.  Let's have fun with this!
       Thanks, everyone, for creating for Lindsborg this chance to interact with BC students and make them feel acknowledged.
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       Please note the local businesses and organizations that have joined with the Lindsborg Volunteer Fire Department in making possible tomorrow’s scheduled community water fight. That’s 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17, at Swensson Park. Not braggin', but just sayin’: So much more front-porch style fun happens in Lindsborg because of this kind of sponsorship.

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       The same can be said for Saturday night’s Lindsborg Landmark Concert at the Old Mill Bridge. Local and area sponsorships are at work, making the appearance of the marvelous band “Everyday Lights” a free family event. That's 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at Mill Street and Second.  Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy life in The Borg. (And if you see Landmark Concert organizer Mike Dreier, give him a high five, pls.)

​• Ad Hoc’s ceremonial can of elbow grease was handed off this morning to First Bank Kansas’ David Hay from CVB director Holly Lofton. In a world of casual “tkx" in texts and emails, Lindsborg-brand elbow grease an antidote. The delight of appreciation is good for everyone. (Plus there is a list of good reasons to cheer for everything that David does for the community.)  So tkx, David!

• Ad Hoc welcomed vacation rental expert Matt Landau, in Lindsborg this week to “live like a local” as part of a nationally sponsored series of programs about how to delve in into world destinations through vacation rentals.  Matt flew in from St. John earlier this week (*not* St. John, KS, as someone noted) with a two-person video crew.  Of course, Matt got the idea to make one of his programs in Lindsborg because of historic property redeveloper Jim Prugh, who introduced the vacation rental concept to Lindsborg several years ago. 

Before arriving at the Ad Hoc gathering this morning, Matt already had done a run with Bethany College track coach Aaron Yoder, world record holder for backward running. Matt’s schedule is chock-full of the stuff we enjoy as a matter of course — from folk dancing and viewing night skies from Coronado Heights to community water fights and live music.   It’s a reminder that the sense of place we enjoy in Lindsborg (and sometimes take for granted) is something that others would like to learn how to sample and explore.

• At our next gathering on Monday, Aug. 20, we will talk about the Ad Hoc Roundtable’s purpose and role. This month is the sixth anniversary of Ad Hoc's first gathering. We will discuss strengths and weaknesses in our dynamic and assess what’s next for our group.

Reminder:  Please drop 50 promotional items to Kathy Richardson by Friday, Aug. 17, so that our fast-shrinking supply of new resident welcome bags can be replenished.  Other calendar items follow below.  Meanwhile, here’s to us and keeping collaboration and good vibes in the mix.

August

17    Community Water Fight, Swensson Park, featuring Lindsborg Volunteer Fire Department, 5:30 p.m., no fee, contact Mike Dreier, Fuqua Agency
18    NEW EVENT  Downtown Scavenger Hunt for new Bethany College students and families, 3-5 p.m. contact Ashtyn Snider or Andrea Allen at snidera@bethanylb.edu  
18    Lindsborg Landmark Concert, “Everyday Lights” at Old Mill Bridge, 8 p.m. no fee, bring lawn chairs, contact Mike Dreier, Fuqua Agency
20    Bethany College Job Fair, pairing part-time student workers with potential employers, 3-5 p.m. Wallerstedt Learning Center, contact rethorstcr@bethanylb.edu   
23    Community welcome reception for Dr. Luke Rosebraugh and family by Lindsborg Community Hospital, 5-6:30, J.O.  Sundstrom Center, contact Betty Nelson at bettyn@lindsborghospital.org
25    Bank of Tescott shred event, 9-11 a.m. contact Debbie Jacobson at djacobson@bankoftescott.com
25   Downtown Street Dance with featured band “Free Range Chicken” from 8-11 p.m, opening performer Sam Unruh from 6:30-7:30, no fee, contact David Hay, First Bank Kansas, dhay@firstbankkansas.com, or Meg Dauer, American Family Insurance, mdauer@amfam.com
25    BBQ Competition and Frisbee Feed to benefit Smoky Valley After Prom; pre-register to compete by Aug. 17, frisbee feed at 6 p.m. $7 per person including sandwich, chips, beans, contact Vonceil Heble vheblecox.net or Roxie Sjogren sjogrenr@bethanylb.edu
September
3    Labor Day, no Ad Hoc gathering
12    LCH Auxiliary "Meat and Greet” sloppy joe lunch 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Trinity Church
14    Makers Street, 5-8 p.m. Theme: “Petember”
28    Hymn Festival at Bethany College/Lutheran Church Musicians
28-30    Prairie Festival, Salina
29-30    Swedish Genealogy Workshop/Old Mill/all day    
30    Bethany Home dinner, silent and live auction with keynote speaker, Sundstrom Center
October
12    Makers Street, 5-8 p.m. Theme: Bethany alums/students/staff
13    Bethany College homecoming
13    Coronado Heights Run, 7:30 a.m. Main and Lincoln
14    Falun Classic Bicycle Ride, 1 p.m. 400 bl of N. Main
20    Kasino Royale, a Svensk Hyllningsfest fundraiser, 6-10 p.m., Sundstrom Center
27    Raymer Society art auction
31    Halloween

​1.  Believe it or not, it's nearing time to restock new resident welcome bags.  Although we have 15 in stock, applications for new utility accounts at City Hall are mighty brisk. So please drop off 50 promotional items of your choice to Kathy Richardson at Small World Gallery no later than Thursday, Aug. 16. Please don't make us beg.

2.  Fast approaching is the 2018 orientation for new and transferring students at Bethany College.  Between Friday, Aug. 17, and Monday, Aug. 20, the college has scheduled for students and their parents a full slate of activities that welcome and introduce them people and traditions, both on campus and across the community.  It’s an exciting time for these students and families.
      One orientation event is new: the Swede Scavenger Hunt in downtown Lindsborg from 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18.  It replaces the Swede Business Expo of years past.
      Here’s how this new scavenger hunt will work:
     
      • During the hunt, students will be asked to capture phone snapshots at each of 12 participating locations. 
      • Specifically, students will be encouraged to generate hammy, fun-filled photographs with owners/staff at each participating location. 
      • Students will submit their most zany or enthusiastic photograph to Bethany College Student Services, which select the best.  The winner will receive the hunt’s grand prize, a $100 certificate toward purchases made in Lindsborg. 
       • Students can earn extra points by listing the names and photographing BC alumni they encounter during the scavenger hunt.
      • Everyone will be invited to use photographs during the scavenger hunt on social media with the hashtag #welcometotheborg
       • You needn’t give chits or stamps to students or collect names, just ham it up for their photographs. Photos will be the coin of our realm.
      • BC alum Mike Dreier will give an energetic send-off on behalf of us all to students and parents gathered at the BC amphitheater at 3 p.m.
       •  By the end of this active hunt, we hope there will be discoveries, memories and connections for everyone in a NOT-business-as-usual way.

Everyone in the downtown area, it’s a day to wear Bethany Swede gear, spice it up with Bethany blue and gold inside and outside, mark up your chalkboards and make signs of welcome.  

Bethany alums, feel free to stroll in the downtown area during this time.

Businesses and organizations participating:

    1.) please prepare props, backdrops or decor that could make great scavenger hunt photos at your location. Create visual potential, then see what fun the students can spin up with you or your staff.
        
    2.) please plan to offer special drawings or gifts of your own, coupons, refreshments, information — and a good sense of humor.

       Please thank BC’s Angela Allen and Ashtyn Snider of the orientation planning team at Bethany Student Services for organizing.

CALENDAR  
August

12    Bethany Home’s annual ice cream social, 6:30-8:30 p.m. feat. “Silvertones” vocal group; by donation
12-19    Visit to Lindsborg by blogger and international vacation rental advocate Matt Landau
13    No Ad Hoc gathering
14    Special Ad Hoc gathering with possible videography by Matt Landau, 8-9 a.m. city council chambers
17    Community Water Fight, Swensson Park, featuring Lindsborg Volunteer Fire Department, 5:30 p.m., no fee (contact Mike Dreier, Fuqua Agency)
18    NEW EVENT  Downtown Scavenger Hunt for new Bethany College students and families, 3-5 p.m. 
18    Lindsborg Landmark Concert, “Everyday Lights” at Old Mill Bridge, 8 p.m. no fee (contact Mike Dreier, Fuqua Agency)
20    Bethany College Job Fair, pairing part-time student workers with potential employers, 3-5 p.m. Wallerstedt Learning Center, employers pre-register by Aug. 13, contact  rethorstcr@bethanylb.edu   
23    Community welcome reception for Dr. Luke Rosebraugh and family by Lindsborg Community Hospital, 5-6:30, J.O.  Sundstrom Center
25    Bank of Tescott shred event, 9-11 a.m.
25   Downtown Street Dance “Free Range Chicken” from 8-11 p.m, opening performer Sam Unruh from 6:30-7:30, no fee (contact David Hay, First Bank Kansas, and Meg Dauer, American Family Insurance)
25    BBQ Competition and Frisbee Feed to benefit Smoky Valley After Prom; pre-register to compete by Aug. 17, frisbee feed at 6 p.m. $7 per person including sandwich, chips, beans (contact Vonceil Heble vheblecox.net or Roxie Sjogren sjogrenr@bethanylb.edu)
September
3    Labor Day, no Ad Hoc gathering
12    LCH Auxiliary "Meat and Greet” sloppy joe lunch 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Trinity Church
14    Makers Street, 5-8 p.m. Theme: “Petember”
28    Hymn Festival at Bethany College/Lutheran Church Musicians
28-30    Prairie Festival, Salina (often busy in Lindsborg)
29-30    Swedish Genealogy Workshop/Old Mill/all day    
30    Bethany Home dinner, silent and live auction with keynote speaker, Sundstrom Center

​Three cheers for the transformation of Alma Swensson Hall on the Bethany College campus and another colorful 2018 Smoky Valley Car Show.  Thanks also for organizations that are helping Smoky Valley students and families get school supplies.
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      Important reminder:  Next week’s Ad Hoc gathering is 8-9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14, at City Hall. No Monday gathering.  In attendance will be vacation rental expert Matt Landau. Matt and his crew are doing video of the meeting for a program  about "living like a local" in Lindsborg (as compared to his customary international and large-city destinations). Vacation rental developer Jim Prugh asked Matt to come to Lindsborg to see our unusual community. The positive vibe of the Ad Hoc network is part of what Jim would like Matt to experience. Come be part of it, even if you’ve never come to Ad Hoc before. We would welcome you, always.
      • Because video will be produced community wide, now is the time to take care of important but small visual details in your realm.  Before Monday, clean windows, blow grit out of the sidewalk cracks, mow and weed if needed, freshen pots and flowers. Please? Thank you.
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      So, about 2018 holiday lighting. We have been able to have this lighting in past years at the Old Mill Bridge and downtown largely by dint of good will by key volunteers and business donations. As trees grow and lighting strands fray in the Kansas weather, we need more funding and help to carry it off this season.  
      Our goal is to have $2,500 gathered by Oct. 1 so that we can have all lights up and shining brightly by the first week of November. We shall put out donation canisters at public locations and write a grant or two.  In final analysis, this is a wider community project and something that Lindsborg residents enjoy and take pride in. Everyone’s help will be needed to continue.
     We need folks to help with the Old Mill Bridge project, allowing super-volunteer Karmon Almquist do more coordinating than strand hanging. We need folks to work with the amazing Merle Larson on downtown trees; this is a job Merle has largely taken on with limited help.  He does a detailed job and would take a few minutes to train folks in his time-tested method if they are willing to work with him regularly. 
     Let's get Lindsborg lit. If you are willing to offer $ or hours, contact David Hay at dhay@firstbankkansas.com or Kathy Richardson at smallworldgallery@mac.com.  Checks or cash to the non-profit Lindsborg At Work Association.
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      We are grateful for a couple of new operations coming to downtown Lindsborg.
     •  At the former location of the much-missed Reminiscent Antiques will be Dala Town, the digital lifestyle publication offering videos and articles about Smoky Valley people, places and things. Modern local is Dala Town’s emphasis — in businesses, education, fine art, cooking, crafts, community organizations, festivals and sports. Dala Town has been creating content for about a year.  (See it here: www.dalatown.com.)  Now the multi-talented Garretson family is ready to take the next step and produce even more content fueled by advertising. Plus, Dala Town may offer collaborative space. Whatta deal.
      •  Majestic Footwork Dance Studio is coming to 112 N. Main in the former toy store location. Owner Jennifer Lochard will offer beginner, intermediate and advanced ballet, along with tap, jazz, and hip hop classes for children 3 years old and up beginning Aug. 20. Emphasis will be on families, she said.  Jennifer already has 50 students signed up, and so she is off to a solid start.  Check for Majestic Footwork Dance Studio on Facebook to keep up with offerings and times, including a schedule for adult fitness activities.

​Here’s quick round-up of Ad Hoc discussions, questions and comments from the past three weeks:
     •  Ad Hoc was grateful for the recent background briefing from the Rev. Jeff Waugh and the Rev. Chris Carlson about the operations of The Associated Churches of Lindsborg, known as TACOL (tack’-el) in local parlance. It continues an essential  tradition of helping, and one of its many projects is the popular Thrift Store at 509 E. Swensson. (Let's say a warm thanks to all the community members who volunteer there. And those who donate items)  Proceeds from store sales are put back to work in the community. Ad Hoc heard more about the scope of TACOL's work and funding — as well as current challenges and evolutions in working with those of us in poverty.  Thanks again, Jeff and Chris, for taking time with us.
      •  Shoutout to the makers of Broadway RFD 2018 and its audiences.  Thanks for creating and supporting live theater in our town.
      •  Don’t miss the Makers Street “busker edition” from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10. Would you be willing to do some street side entertainment for this event — singing, dancing, playing an instrument, hoola hooping, juggling, street theater?  Just for fun.  Here’s your invitation to join in. Really. Get an act together and call Tayla Mace at The White Peacock to arrange a busking location.  Would love to see you.
      •  Our friend and colleague Deb Briggs has announced that her Trollslanda Toy Store is for sale and that she and her family are moving to Copenhagen. If you or someone you know would like to buy the inventory of a delightful business with a great rental location that many families and grandparents have come to rely on, get with Deb. Now. That’s debbriggs@gmail.com.  It’s difficult to lose Deb and her family. In a word, pffffft.  (On the bright side: We’ll have a hometown contact in Copenhagen.) Bon voyage, Deb! 
      •  Connected Fair Trade will celebrate five years in downtown Lindsborg this Friday. Amy Kay Pavlovich and the Connected staff over the years have contributed *so much* to the substance and vibe in Lindsborg, and we thank them.  Please stop by, whether Friday or another time, to add your words to Connected’s celebration. 
     •  As we approach the 150th anniversary of Lindsborg in 2019 and the extra company that's sure to come, it’s time to take a more urgent and critical look at our spaces.   Improvements and cleanup can begin now as the weather moderates.  Please: take a look at every aspect of your place’s exterior. What looks tired? Paint? Outdoor seating? Flower pots? Signage? Sometimes it’s difficult to look at everyday sights with new eyes. Ask your friends and neighbors to look with you and solicit their kind suggestions. Say, sponsors of public art: How does your piece look?  Art panels at Viking Village Playground? Public art throughout the community? Wild Dala Horses?  Should they come off display or can they be refurbished? Don’t wait. Ask for help and ideas and get organized. Of special note: Stubborn weedy patches and lonely corners. These can be more attractive with some moderate effort and expense — and ultimately can turn into places that need far less maintenance. Ask for help and kind suggestions.  Let’s swing into action, folks.
       •  We’re thinking with the Lindsborg CVB about ways to further the cause of overnight stays. Sometimes it’s as simple as encouraging friends and family or visitors to stay instead of drive on. Or consider a long weekend here.  Meanwhile, it also will be important to invent or extend events to make it worth an overnight stay for some of Lindsborg’s historic and natural audiences. We also are focused on spreading the news of weekday event and meeting availabilities at the J.O. Sundstrom Conference Center.  We’ve been working on this since Ad Hoc came to be almost six years ago. There has been good progress, and that work continues.
       •  Lindsborg is seeing more success in attracting larger meetings and events to the Sundstrom Center (a doll convention this year and a 2019 museum association meeting, for example). That also means use of overnight accommodations beyond those that can be offered in Lindsborg. The CVB works with lodging establishments within easy driving distance when needed and asked. However, the issue of transportation between Lindsborg and these lodging establishments crops up more often now. Conference organizers are asking for shuttle vehicles to be provided so their members can enjoy the community without worry about finding their way back to their lodgings.  It is an amenity that larger communities are able to provide to larger overnight groups.
      •  What does it mean for us when a lesser level of hospitality is offered at area and statewide recreational events --  hiking, biking among them —on roads and properties associated with Lindsborg? What could it mean if Lindsborg were able to field a few volunteers for select events to improve welcoming and guidance to our area?