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Downtown offers more great Christmas shopping opportunities 

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[December 10, 2011]  The weekend is once again upon us, and according to the weatherman, it's going to be a little colder than what we have seen thus far this holiday season. 

HardwareEven so, there is nothing that can stop the determined Christmas shopper from getting out there and doing what they do best: shop. 

What better place to go shopping than downtown Lincoln? Consider all the benefits of shopping locally. Among the first is no hassles. You can sleep in, get up, take a short drive to the downtown area, leisurely shop the really great stores, drop in at one or more of the small, friendly eateries in town, and when you're all done, there is no hour commute back to the house. In just a few minutes you are home to enjoy the rest of the evening with your family or friends. 

This year Main Street Lincoln has done a lot to draw attention to the downtown area. Each weekend there is a townwide Christmas theme song. There are special drawings to be held through Christmas Eve, with prizes including Main Street Money, which is as good as a gift card in any participating store, a gift certificate from the weekend's feature business, and a third drawing with a variety of prizes being given out. 

This weekend, the feature business on Lincoln's downtown square will be Beans & Such. For those who have not had the opportunity to visit the store, there is no better time than Christmas to visit this beautiful and quaint specialty shop, but be prepared. Even if you're not a coffee lover, the aroma as you push open the huge wooden door will entice you to become one! 

Beans & Such is owned by Mary Lanterman with her son David. The Lantermans bought the business in 1991 from Sue Cause. At that time, it was located in the 500 block of Broadway. The Lantermans moved the business to South Sangamon for a period of time, but finally settled into the current location at 115 S. Kickapoo. 

When they took over that location, they purchased a building that according to previous reports in LDN could best be described as retro 1970. But, after a great deal of work, the pair transformed the shop, taking it back to a style that would be reminiscent of the era in which it was built. With rich, dark woods and soft lighting, the atmosphere alone will put shoppers in a very relaxed and mellow mood. 

In addition to all this, the items they offer are a wonder to the eye. Anyone who wants to stop in and just enjoy looking at the beautiful Christmas village pieces, glass works, figurines and much more will certainly not be disappointed. 

While there, enjoy a cup of fresh brew from the Lantermans' own selection of freshly ground coffees, and don't forget to take some home for the rest of the family. The Lantermans offer a variety of coffees, including some really luscious flavors. Coffee can be purchased in bean form, or they will be happy to grind up a batch for you. 

The Lantermans have been involved extensively with the Main Street Lincoln organization, with both David and Mary serving on the board and taking on officer positions. 

Main Street director Wanda Lee Rohlfs believes the shop just a few doors down from her office is a huge asset to the downtown area. Recently she offered the following commentary about the store: 

"Among the specialty shops that are unique in merchandise and atmosphere, Beans & Such provides that warm welcome with an aroma of coffee," she said.  "The aroma changes from day to day as a different coffee's featured each day of the week. Shoppers are engulfed by the aesthetic beauty of the surroundings and the home decor and gift items. The business has been there going on 20 years and provides the visitor a quiet moment to gaze and sip on coffee." 

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Not everyone Main Street is honoring this holiday season is a business in the downtown area. One of the groups Rohlfs is hoping to draw special attention to is the National Honor Society from Lincoln Community High School. 

This spring the organization surprised Rohlfs when they came to the aid of Main Street in watering and maintaining the flower baskets around the downtown square. For Rohlfs, it was a surprise, and it was also something she felt gave a genuine testimony of the youth of Logan County. The kids volunteered to run the water wagon around the square every morning before it got busy in the heart of town. Rohlfs said they were very reliable, never missing the days they were supposed to do the job, and she's very grateful for that. 

In addition, Rohlfs commented about the involvement of the society this holiday season.

"This holiday season we see the wonderful Santa Claus hut and Christmas tree decorations," Rohlfs said in commenting on the work the kids have done. "Their activities extended into our window decorating contest as they provided a dancing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. We hope to continue to see their involvement in downtown and the community. Thank you to these wonderful young adults." 

The National Honor Society is approximately 50 members strong this year. In order to be inducted into the society, the youngsters have to meet certain standards of excellence, more than just good grades.   

The youth are scored according to four categories: scholarship, character, leadership and service. To learn more about the National Honor Society, visit this story written by LDN education reporter Marla Blair:  

The group is under the leadership of teacher-sponsors Judy Dopp and Dawn Burton. 

[By NILA SMITH]

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