Experience Lindsborg Fall/Winter 2018 | Lindsborg, KS
Välkommen to the inaugural issue of Experience Lindsborg! Many years ago when our family was visiting Lindsborg, we walked the brick streets lined with luminaries. Our young children came with us and we mingled with a friendly crowd as we crunched along in the snow to Swensson Park to warm us inside and out with Christmas carols and cider. “We should move here,” we said. It was just a matter of time. It’s our joy to bring you some of the highlights of our community during the fall/winter season in this digital, interactive feature magazine. Please enjoy and share, save it as a PDF, print it, or pass the link along on social media. We are honored to have the support of so many community members and business people who have embraced the vision to bring this dynamic project to life. There is much to celebrate in Lindsborg, and this is only a sampling of it. Every ad is clickable and will take you right to the sponsor’s site for more details. The videos within the pages are produced by our small team in our Main Street studio, in the heart of the town we love most. We welcome you to visit our website to find more stories of the people of the Smoky Valley at DalaTown.com or come alongside us on social media. Everyone’s got a story to share, and our mission is to introduce you to as many as possible, so come explore with us!
This vibrant, caring community that sparks creativity still stands firm on the values the Swedish immigrants brought with them to the Smoky Valley. Many people have similar stories of how they happened upon this charming town. And even if you’re not nearby, we hope you can understand a little more about what makes this place extra special because of what you see as you flip through these pages. Our hope is that visitors and residents alike will be blessed with the wonder of the season and will find the new and the old endearing as they Experience Lindsborg. Jeff, Deb, Olivia, Amy and Randyl
Cel ebr ating Li fe i n t he Smok y V alley #dalatown
On Friday, October 13th, join in on this annual bicycle ride. The Falun Classic begins and ends in Lindsborg’s Swensson Park on north Main Street, with a 32-mile loop on paved roads through the town of Falun. The Classic is sponsored by the McPherson Area Cyclists and helps raise funds for local cycling infrastructure and advocacy work. mcphersonareacyclists.com
October 1
Open chess night each Monday for all ages from 6:30-8 pm (also 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th), Anatoly Karpov International School of Chess
1
Sandzén Art Gallery exhibition (through 21st): paintings by William Counter of Chapman, Kansas
12 Makers Street Art Walk, 5-8 pm 12-14 Bethany College homecoming 13 Coronado Heights Run, 7:30 am, Main and Lincoln 13 Marquette Street Dance, 7 pm
14 Falun Classic Bicycle Ride, 1 pm, 400 block of N. Main 20 Kasino Royale, a Svensk Hyllningsfest fundraiser, 6-10 pm, Sundstrom Center
20 Autumn In The Valley, 9 am - 3 pm, Downtown Marquette 27 Raymer Society art auction
November 2-3 30th Annual Marquette Melodrama 4
Sandzén Art Gallery, 2-4 pm, artists’ reception and Holiday Gift Show artists. Exhibit through Jan. 6.
5 Open chess night each Monday for all ages from 6:30-8 pm (also 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th), Anatoly Karpov International School of Chess 9 Downtown holiday windows & lights unveiled 9 Makers Street Art Walk 5-8 pm 10 Holiday Open House 10 am - 4 pm 12 Veterans Day (service at the school) 22 Thanksgiving 24 Small Business Saturday 10 am - 4 pm
Recipe // Swedish Potato Pancakes with Lingonberries
By Julie Bodenhamer
The Road to Lindsborg
Rick and I discovered Lindsborg by accident about 10 years ago. It was spring break and we were restless. We were looking for a quick adventure to get our young family out of Wichita for the day, and had heard that Kanopolis had some good trails that would be suitable for kids. We are a hiking family, so this sounded good. But Wichita is more than an hour southeast of Kanopolis, and by the time we were nearing the town of Lindsborg our 3- and 6-year-old sons were desperate to stretch their legs, and we were desperate to let them. So we took a detour. We hopped off K-4 and drove down Main Street, ultimately discovering Swensson Park and Viking Valley playground. That’s all it took to become enamored with the sweet small town flair of Lindsborg, and pique our interest in coming back. Over the years, we have returned many times for many things ‌ and sometimes for nothing at all, just because we had fallen in love with Lindsborg and wanted to soak it in all over again. As then-residents of a much larger city, coming to Lindsborg was so refreshing. Even driving along Smoky Valley Road towards the town and seeing the Smoky Hill Buttes rising in the distance gave us a feeling of being somewhere special. Leisurely strolling down Main Street was like a miniature vacation. We could relax here. The shops were fun, Viking Valley continued to be a must-stop location, and we continued to be amazed at the huge array of things to do in such a small place.
Things like picnicking atop Coronado Heights, hiking at Kanopolis, taking in a summer Broadway RFD show at the bandshell in Swensson Park, being amazed by the power of music at the Messiah Festival, feeling cultured at the SandzĂŠn Gallery, and enjoying the many festivals and parades honoring Swedish culture and heritage in various ways. Kubb anyone? I used to think I had to live in a big city to have access to such things, but Lindsborg was rapidly changing my mind. It has been 10 years since my family first stumbled upon this community, and today we call it our home. We live two and a half blocks from the Viking Valley playground we first discovered, and own a shop on Main Street. We now get to greet visitors and share the joy of Lindsborg with them. My boys are actively involved in several school and community events, have some of the best teachers and friends around, and a freedom they never knew in Wichita. Who would have thought my high school son could get so excited to be involved in Swedish folk dancing? They are stretching their legs in a new way as they embrace their new community, and we are excited to see the part Lindsborg will play in launching them into their futures. And those hills rising in the distance that create such a perfect backdrop to this town? They still make us feel like we are somewhere special.
Julie and Rick Bodenhamer are the paren and archaeology, combined with Rick’s lo Outfitters in Lindsborg. Mostly you can fin
nts of two busy teenage boys and one crazy puppy. Julie’s love of history ove for the outdoors, culminated in opening Rendezvous Adventure nd them at the shop, or hiking and exploring Kanopolis.
Ag Impact By Christine Rocco
The teacher looked at me, nodded toward a student sorting Kansas crops, and said Johnstown Farm in rural Kansas, I am startled at the thought of someone not havin husband and I host “Ag Impact: Our Class on the Farm.” It’s an agriculture educatio children discover what agriculture is and how it affects their daily lives.
After hosting a pumpkin patch for seven years, my husband and daughters experien evidenced in questions from all ages such as, “What do cows do in the winter? Hibe ground, it will make a plant?” As small farming diminishes there is a growing discon everyday products that are used and consumed. My family believes that it is import so that they can be informed consumers.
Coming from a long line of educators and being certified teachers themselves, two developed a curriculum designed to educate and engage students in agriculture. W thentic hands-on activities? After teaching in the traditional classrooms, we decided that’s what we do.
It is not an easy task, but there is great reward in seeing the joy and pride on a sec product back to its root: agriculture! For more information about our programs visit
d, “This is her first time on a farm.” Having grown up at ng experienced life on the farm, but this is why my on program that brings classrooms to the farm helping
nced firsthand the need for such a program. This was ernate?” and “Do you mean that if I put a seed in the nnect, even in rural Kansas, between agriculture and tant for people to know where their products come from,
of our daughters, Angie Flippo and Laura Mourn, What better way for children to learn than through aud we must bring the students out to the farm itself, so
cond grader’s face as he traces his outfit, meal, or other johnstownfarm.com/ag-impact.
Christine and Vince Rocco reside at Johnstown Farm, which was homesteaded by Christine’s grandfather in 1902. They are thankful God has placed them on this small acreage in the Smoky Valley by Indian Creek. They delight in country living and hold dear their faith, family, friends and farm.
Swedish Coloring pages by Carla J. Wilson (click to download)
Simply Lindsborg by Dana Bowman Winter in Lindsborg means many lovely things: the golden lights on the bridge, the gnomes of Main Street, Julotta, Father Christmas and spritz cookies galore. But one of our family’s favorite Christmas traditions involves no decor, no music, and certainly no baking. It’s sledding on the Soderstrom hill. It is inevitable. As soon as our little town is blessed with the lightest dusting of flakes, my boys fire questions with relentless optimism: “When are we going sledding? Can we go tonight? Or tomorrow morning? Can we?” And I eye the outdoors and sigh. “Darlings.There isn’t even an inch out there. Your sled would just … sit.” We try anyway. The hill at Soderstrom Elementary is just that good. Last winter we were blessed with one of those thick, fluffy, glorious snows that blanketed our town with heaps of the white stuff. And as the snow blowers started their morning orchestra, my boys and I started gearing up. We tugged on snow pants and socks and thermals and boots, and by the time we were all outfitted up my enthusiasm was waning a bit. The bitter cold slapped at our cheeks as we headed out, and I wondered if this would all be worth it. Know what made it worth it? A school principal. Eric Sjogren happened to be driving past and spied us. He pulled over, grabbed his fluffball of a white dog from the passenger seat, and jogged up to us on the hill. He then looked down at a kid and asked, very politely, “Can I borrow that?” The kid nodded solemnly and handed over his Flexible Flyer. And this gentleman put the tiny cotton ball of a pup on his lap and with a loud “WHOOP!” proceeded to sled the hill too. The kids all cheered and clapped, and Mr. Sjogren was a hero, as was the dog. Winter in Lindsborg. It’s glorious and full of color and Swedish ceremony and festivities. But sledding with your school’s principal? That’s simply the best. That’s simply Lindsborg. Dana speaks and writes about recovery, momhood and beating the perfection myth. An English teacher for over 20 years, she decided to take up a writing career while mothering two babies, because she had so much free time. Her first book, “Bottled,” was selected as a Kansas Notable book in 2016. Her second book, “How to be Perfect Like Me,” was published August 2018. These are available on her blog, momsieblog.com.
This fall, art classes made a triumphant return for the students to enjoy hands on learning.
A Town for All Seasons By Holly Lofton
When we think of travel, thoughts typically shift to the lazy days of summer, sandals, and sunscreen. While summer truly is a great time to grab the kids and make some memories, you will find that in Lindsborg the fun doesn’t end in August! Take advantage of those last days of leave that generally slip by, unused, and head for Little Sweden. With activities from Old Fashioned Christmas to the beautiful Swedish traditions of Lucia Festival, you won’t run out of things to do. There is ALWAYS something going on in Lindsborg! When autumn whispers your name, hike to the top of Coronado Heights and catch the vibrant, warm colors of the changing seasons in the waving prairie grasses, fiery sumac, and prairie wildflowers. Savor a meal at your favorite eatery, stay overnight. Bring your own bike or rent a quadricycle for an hour and enjoy the trails through and around Lindsborg. As the holiday season approaches, find your favorite gifts at specialty shops carrying artisan-crafted products and unique Scandinavian toys, gift items that truly speak to the heart of the recipient. And, as the calendar year comes to an end, simply turn the page and jumpstart the new year with events like Chocolate Lovers and Våffledagen. The best part? The hospitality in Lindsborg is something truly special and a reason that visitors return again and again. Utilizing her background of 20+ years in graphic design and marketing, Holly Lofton has been the director of the Lindsborg Convention and Visitors Bureau for 5 years. A Kansas resident since childhood, she not only enjoys sharing Lindsborg with travelers, but also sharing interesting places across the state of Kansas. She and her husband, Craig, frequently plan weekend jaunts based on recommendations from “The Kansas Guidebook 2,” published by the Kansas Sampler Foundation.
Kansas farmers continue to feed the world with cutting edge technology and old world wisdom.
Celebrating Our Fall Harvest Kansas farmers continue to feed the nation and the world with cutting edge techniques and old world wisdom that keeps them operating in the field. According to the National Ag Statistic Service, in 2017 producers brought in an estimated 686 million bushels of corn for grain and over 5.3 million tons of corn used for silage. Soybean production totaled 189 million bushels, while sorghum for grain last year hit 201 million bushels and 1.11 million tons used for silage. Alfalfa grown for hay production topped 2 million tons, while greenchop production was listed at 200,00 tons. Oil sunflower production brought in 71 million pounds, while the nonoil sunflower production weighed in at 17.8 million pounds.
A collaboration stitched together by friendship and creativity is coming to life in Lindsborg.
richardson photo
Lindsborg’s Svensk Folkdräkt, seen here on five local models is now the official folk costume of the Swedish immigrant-founded community in McPherson County. Costume designers Carla Wilson (far right) and Tara Killingsworth (far left), Nadia Carver (second from left), Ron Wilson (second from right), and Crew Elliott (center). Photo by Jim Richardson smallworldgallery.net
The Lindsborg Svensk Folkdräkt is a collection of Swedish Folk costumes designed by Tara Killingsworth and Carla J. Wilson. The collection has been proclaimed by Mayor Becky Anderson to be the Lindsborg Community Swedish Folk Costume. All the details of the costume (fabrics, cuts, trims, headwear and even buttons) tell a vivid story of Lindsborg’s Swedish-American heritage. The community had a part in the design by choosing the colors for the collection through a random Facebook survey. This collection includes a costume for men, women, boys, and girls. The work of designing this costume has meant more to Carla and Tara than just designing interesting articles of clothing. It is meant to be a gift to the community that celebrates the arts, culture, and living heritage in Lindsborg. A community costume that is uniquely Lindsborg will enhance, strengthen, and preserve our Swedish heritage. Donations help pay for the production of home sewing patterns which will be available to the community in time for Lindsborg’s 150th anniversary. Contributions may be taken to The Ivory Thimble located at 124 N. Main Street in Lindsborg.
Four siblings share more than chores at home as they carry on a special kinship and family tradition of being part of the Swedish Dancers.
Renovation and renewal are in the air as Lindsborg approaches its 150th anniversary. As the town fine-tunes its plans for the celebration year, the proprietors of three of Lindsborg’s lodging options are working hard to improve their offerings to travelers. One family business is the Viking Motel, under new ownership this season. Just off the highway with a large parking lot and easy access, the motel is now getting many updates. The remodel plan involves replacing decades-old furnishings, adding a king suite, and redoing all the rooms, including granite countertops. Guest breakfast will be served in the lobby.
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Country Inn, also recently changing hands, will unveil its new xt year as it becomes The “New” Swedish Inn downtown. The will temporarily close the inn from mid-December until early w for a complete renovation. Among the changes: expanding menu; upgrading the lobby, rooms, bathrooms, dining room and reworking the HVAC and plumbing. This historic building s has housed grain, a Studebaker showroom, college students, continue as a hotel with a new life.
crew will be working to make a new beginning for the oldest sidence in town. The stone house, with Swedish Bible verses in the 1800s above the windows, will offer modern comforts Swedish style. As part of the Lindsborg Vacation Rentals and mes owned by Jim Prugh, the Stenhuset vacation rental will paces on three levels to help each traveler “live like a local” near downtown.
The annual Coronado Heights Run includes a 15K, 5K, 1-mile youth run, and a 2-mile fun walk. The 15K run includes a challenging 1-mile run up and back down Coronado Heights, with an elevation change of 300’. sv.smokyvalley.org/svaf/CoronadoRun/Welcome.html For photos of past events
CLICK HERE
The Sounds of Music By RoJean Loucks
Music and Christmas are interwoven in Little Sweden, USA. Holiday tunes waft through the air for downtown visitors throughout the season. On December 1st, in local artists’ studio open houses, Lindsborg area musicians perform mini concerts, offering a prelude to the holiday sounds that will follow. Jultide at Bethany College the next evening is a highly anticipated community tradition, when the college music department entertains with seasonal renditions. The second Saturday in December features the legendary St. Lucia, with live music, dancing, and a downtown parade processing to Bethany Lutheran Church on North Main for the annual St. Lucia crowning. That evening, we cross to the south end of town. Heritage Park takes on the character of an old fashioned Christmas; lanterns sparkle along the walk and the old buildings are lit to welcome our visit. Entering the grand Swedish Pavilion, we discover musical performances by area vocal and instrumental ensembles. The season’s crowning touch is Julotta, the early Christmas morning service at Bethany Lutheran Church, heralded by a brass ensemble high up in the bell tower. It’s Christmas in Lindsborg! RoJean is a local harpist and composer. She performs regionally, facilitates workshops and gives harp lessons in Lindsborg. Her CDs and sheet music are available at www.roharps.com.
BANK SMART. BANK LOCAL.
118 N Main | Lindsborg, KS
Meagan De Vore (St. Lucia ’13) reflects on the meaning of the holiday and its prominent role in Lindsborg with scenes from the 2017 celebration.
One night a month, Lindsborg’s Main Street transforms to Makers Street: an interactive art walk event featuring artists and crafters (makers). Enjoy the local late night atmosphere and friendly conversations along with live music, food and drink. Mingle downtown on the 2nd Friday of each month (except December) and find your inner creative spark! Past themes have included: Heart Art, Busking, Pie Night, Printmaking, Pet-tember, Community Art Showcase and Fiber Arts. There’s more to come!
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ur smartphone stored hundreds of messages, photos and contact people started conversations with a dial telephone, perfected by des from Lindsborg. Alexander Graham Bell patented the basic 1876 but many improvements came .
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This is a story told by a local pastor about a man who wanted to remain anonymous, but whose giving heart shone like a new bicycle under the Christmas tree. Sixty years ago there was a little boy in the Smoky Valley who grew up with an abusive, alcoholic stepfather. The boy’s prize possession was his bicycle. In one of his stepfather’s abusive outbursts, the boy’s bicycle was permanently taken away from him. This was one of many injustices the boy suffered growing up. But through his suffering, he learned to overcome. The boy grew up. He became a mechanic. He became a Christian. He married. He had children. The boy had truly overcome. Life was good. But one day at work he severely injured his back in an accident. After a series of surgeries over many years he ended up unable to walk and in constant, severe pain.
man had to quit work. With a lot of time on his hands, the man reflected is childhood often. He remembered the pain of having his bicycle taken y. And knowing that there were kids who currently didn’t have bicycles, he inspired to do something to help.
he man went to garage sales and bought old, beat-up bicycles. Using his s as a mechanic, he would take the bicycles apart, replace worn out parts, the paint, repaint, and reassemble the bikes. Each one he finished looked wroom new. The man would refurbish several bikes a year and then give bikes to his church to distribute to needy children at Christmas. The man ained anonymous to the children he blessed, but his ministry to these dren in need ministered healing to his own heart.
eral years ago the man died. His last bicycle was given away this past stmas, one of many broken-made-beautiful parts of his life.
Making a Difference — Nutt Gift Answers Need By Betty Nelson
It all started in May 2016, when the first conversations about the soon-to-b took place at Lindsborg Community Hospital involving administration, dep providers, board members and eventually with the Salina Regional Hospita By the end of 2016, the Patient Centered Remodel had far exceeded early renovation to the pharmacy and was carrying a big cost estimate. But plan and the knowledge that there would have to be a capital campaign to mak
And then the unimaginable happened with the arrival of a letter in January Walnut Creek, California. The Lindsborg Community Hospital had been nam trust of a man who had not resided in Lindsborg since his high school grad The Lindsborg Community Hospital share of the David J Nutt Trust would b
Today, construction is underway to renovate the former pharmacy space in be open daily. An addition to the Family Health Care Clinic will add a new p exam rooms. Registration for hospital and clinic patients will be combined, hospital, patients and guests will be greeted by people and a common wai
be vacated pharmacy space partment managers, al administration. deliberations about a ns moved ahead with faith ke it happen.
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nto an urgent care clinic to physician office and three , and upon entering the iting area instead of a wall.
The lab will be moved to where the existing hospital waiting area is, instead of being located at the back of the hospital, and the current hospital business office space will become a conference room with space for 30 people. Many more changes are taking place, and the goal of each is to improve the patient experience at Lindsborg Community Hospital ‌ by making it more accessible, improving the workflow and maximizing the use of space.  The Patient Centered Remodel today was made possible because the hospital staff caring for the parents of David J Nutt more than four decades ago made a difference. Now that impact will make a difference for those we will serve into the future.  Betty Nelson is the Director of Marketing and Development at the Lindsborg Community Hospital. She proudly claims Lindsborg as her hometown, where she lives with her husband Jim and Goldendoodle Ozzie. She is active in her community and is dedicated to keeping healthcare local.
Handmade Swedish Crafts from Bethany College students are available for order through the Bethany College website.
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The Holiday Season in Lindsborg is the perfect place to make lasting memories.
The Lindsborg Arts Council presents...
February 9th, 2019 Silent & Live Art Auction Edible, Chocolate Centerpieces Artist of the Year Presentation Hors d'oeuvres & Cash Bar
Become a member to enjoy a free drink ticket at this event along with several new membership beneďŹ ts added for 2019! Learn more at lindsborgarts.org
Recipe // Toast Skagen
LINDSBORG AREA CHURCHES BETHANY LUTHERAN 320 N. Main, Lindsborg 785-227-2167 Sunday services 8am and 10:30am
Christmas Eve :Communion 10 pm Christmas Day -Julotta Service 6 am Brass Ensemble from the Steeple 5:30 am Annandag Jul (2nd day of Christmas) 10 am Service in Swedish
CORAM DEO FELLOWSHIP 1639 Smoky Valley Rd, Lindsborg 785-212-9146 Sunday service starts at 9:30am CROSSPOINT 101 ½ N Harrison St., Lindsborg (620) 663-4164 Sunday service at 11am
EVANGELICAL COVENANT 102 S. Washington, Lindsborg 785-227-2447 Sunday services 8:00 (contemporary) 9:30 Sunday school 10:55 (Traditional) Christmas Eve:10:30pm FALUN LUTHERAN 317 E. Third, Falun 785-668-2551 Sunday service 9am
FREEMOUNT LUTHERAN 2511 Eighth Ave., Lindsborg 785-227-3154 Sunday service 10:30 am Christmas Day Julotta and candlelight service 6 am in Old Stone Church
FIRST BAPTIST 1101 E. Swensson, Lindsborg 785-227-2360 Sunday service 10:30am Christmas: Day Julotta at 7 am MESSIAH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN 402 N. First, Lindsborg 785-227-3977 Sunday Service 9:30 am Christmas Eve 5pm and 10 pm ST. BRIDGET OF SWEDEN CATHOLIC 206 W. Swensson, Lindsborg 620-241-0821 Sunday mass 11 am SALEMSBORG LUTHERAN 3831 W. Salemsborg Rd., Smolan 785-668-2522 Sunday Service 11am Christmas Eve service, call for time SMOKY VALLEY BAPTIST 780 N Kansas St, Lindsborg 785-227-4451 Sunday Service 10:30 am 1 pm TRINITY UNITED METHODIST 224 S. Main, Lindsborg 785-227-3326 Sunday service 10 am Christmas Eve 5pm Contemporary in Fellowship Hall 7pm Traditional in Sanctuary
CHAPELS: BETHANY COLLEGE Bud Pearson Swedish Chapel 785-227-3380 X8340 Service time M-W-F 10:30-10:50 am BETHANY HOME 312 N. Chestnut, Lindsborg 785-227-2721 Service time Wed 2:15 pm
December
1 Artists’ Studio Open House, 10 am - 4 pm, artists and musicians throughout downtown Lindsborg. Maps provided 1 Snowflake Parade,10 am 2 Jultide at Bethany College 3 Every Monday of the month Open Chess night for all ages from 6:30-8 pm (also on 10th, 17th) 8 Lucia Festival 8 “Freeze Your Brass Off ” band in Swensson Park 8 Old-Fashioned Christmas at the McPherson Council Old Mill, evening 9 Annual Sandz é n Gallery Christmas Concert, 2 pm 15 Cookies and Mrs. Claus at First Bank Kansas
See our schedule of area church services for Christmas Eve/Christmas Day 25 Christmas Day -Julotta Service 6:00 am, Bethany Lutheran 26 Annandag Jul (2nd day of Christmas) 10:00 am Service in Swedish at Bethany Lutheran 31 Lindsborg Sesquicentennial kickoff party at the Sundstrom Center
January
1 New Year’s Day 7 Every Monday of the month open chess night for all ages from 6:30-8 pm (also 14th, 21st, 28th) 11 Makers Street 13 King Knut’s Day, Sweden, which marks the end of the holiday season. 20 Sandz é n Gallery artists’ reception, 2-4 pm. Display through March 16, 2019: paintings, drawings, fossils by Ray Troll of Ketchikan, AK, and Chuck Bonner of Scott City, KS. 26 Latte Art Throwdown, Blacksmith Coffee Shop, 7 pm
February
1,2 Sondheim on Sondheim, Broadway RFD, 7:30 pm Burnett Center, Bethany College 4 Every Monday of the month open chess night for all ages from 6:30-8 pm (11th, 18th, 25th) 8 Makers Street 9 Chocolate Lovers Affair 20 150th anniversary of the naming of Lindsborg celebrated with historical reenactments, readings and more. For Smoky Valley events http://events.smokyvalley.org
She obviously didn’t know it was Christmas, or that we were coming out to the barn that cold, clear morning to join her. The snow crunched under our feet like styrofoam as our troops marched out, some bouncing from the excitement of the big day. Our milk cow’s brown eyes glanced up at the growing crowd as she munched on hay. Huddled close in the stall we sang “Away in a Manger” and the lyrics turned into ice crystals that floated up. A simple tune in simple surroundings; for a moment we were all transported back to a dingy stable where livestock and shepherds first glanced upon Jesus the newborn king. The reading of the Christmas story, the smell of hay and the sting of winter on my cheeks made me feel alive! It was a moment I had been yearning for during the entire holiday season. A chance to connect with my wife and children, to catch the simple and majestic joy of Christmas without the wrapping paper. Our wish for you this Christmas is a simple connection to the Maker. And may the miracle of Christmas stay in your heart throughout the new year!
Watch for our upcoming feature page, Adventure Kansas! We’ll have excerpts from Marci Penner/WenDee Rowe’s “The Kansas Guidebook 2” with day trips from the Borg, all within a few hours’ drive. Make some plans for adventuring in Kansas in the coming months, with a home base of Little Sweden!
