 However, for a few, this may mean crunch time. It's time to hit the
pavement, rush through every store and grab whatever you think is
suitable for gift-giving. If you are one of the latter, then
don't fret, there is still plenty of merchandise in the wonderful
shops in downtown Lincoln, and store owners will be there today and
Christmas Eve to help you scratch off all the names on your list.
Among the many downtown stores waiting to help you fill the wish
lists of your loved ones is Mary Todd's Hallmark.
Mary Todd's is this week's spotlighted business in the Main
Street Lincoln organization's weekly promotion of downtown
merchants. The promotion has been going on since mid-November.
The last of the Main Street drawings will take place at Mary
Todd's at 1:30 Saturday afternoon. Winners will receive Main Street
Money, a gift card from Mary Todd's Hallmark or another special
prize.
Those who have been in the Mary Todd Hallmark know this store is
much more than just a card shop. While the name of the store boasts
its affiliation with America's favorite greeting card company, once
inside, the shopper will find the store has much more to offer.
Resembling an upscale department store, with a small-town feel,
the shop features items such as Yankee Candles and a variety of
toys, including this year's must-have Hallmark toy, Jingle the Husky
Pup. The store also offers a fine selection of gift items in the
back room, with a wide variety of items, including jewelry. Looking
for a special photo album to fill with pictures for grandma? Then
check out the small brag books that are extra-special, or the larger
family albums that are pretty enough to be a coffee-table book on
display year-round.
Does someone on your list enjoy makeup, or have you worked so
hard this year you deserve to treat yourself? Then be sure to visit
the Merle Norman section and maybe get yourself a makeover for the
new year.
Recently Wanda Lee Rohlfs, director of the Main Street Lincoln
organization, offered a few comments about the Mary Todd Hallmark
and its owner, Julie Tarter.
"When we look at historic preservation, we sometimes think of the
exterior appearance; however, with Mary Todd's it is the interior,"
Rohlfs said.
"For those who have frequented the store over the years, we have
seen various changes on the interior. Today you see a setting that
goes back in time to the uniqueness the store had years ago.
"We are proud of the work that Julie and Greg Tarter have done to
restoring the interior and making Hallmark/Merle Norman/That Place a
worthwhile experience to visit.
Rohlfs continued: "Julie and her employees are always a delight
as they visit with shoppers and help them with their purchases. You
will not find a finer Hallmark store with better displays than at
Mary Todd's. There is always something new and a wide variety of
choices for shoppers of all kinds.
"Greeting cards may be their forte, but their gift items are high
on the list of quality merchandise. What can you find a delightful
setting, a warm atmosphere, pleasant conversation and multitudes of
choices? It's at Mary Todd's Hallmark," Rohlfs concluded.
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In addition to Mary Todd's, Rohlfs also wanted to draw attention
to another valuable organization in the downtown area, the Lincoln
Area YMCA.
This background information is copied from their Winter 2011-12
Newsletter:
"We are a cause
driven organization and our cause is to strengthen our community.
Each of our 30-35 annual programs, events and services offered to
our community members fit into the architecture of Youth
Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. Our four core
values, Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility are instilled
and developed in every Y participant in every Y program. We believe
these four important values provide a strong foundation for
strengthening the family and community."
Rohlfs talked about the Y and the contribution they have made to
the community, as well as to Main Street Lincoln, in this year's
Saturday With Santa event.
"Lincoln's Area YMCA is a wonderful addition to downtown
Lincoln," she said. "The staff, projects and special attraction of
children and parents entices a diverse sector into the downtown. It
also provides an opportunity to have young people find activities in
the center of town.
Rohlfs continued: "We want to thank the YMCA director, Jan
Schacht, and her staff for their support with our children's
activities. This year's Saturday Morning With Santa was well
received and fun for the children, with special treats made by Jan
and decorated by the children.
"Our partnership with these various entities make us a more
complete downtown, where there is not only shopping, dining and
historic sites to see, but possibilities of sharing our beautiful
district with the younger set," Rohlfs concluded.
Rohlfs also said that this year, she has spent time with a
variety of the downtown business owners, and many have reported to
her this has been a really good holiday season for them, something
they and Rohlfs are very grateful for.
Keeping a downtown area alive and thriving is not an easy task in
this modern age of big-box stores and Internet shopping. It takes
the dedication of the community and their understanding that without
shoppers, shops cannot survive.
Rohlfs and the downtown merchants work hard every year to draw
attention to the downtown area, and they encourage shoppers to keep
their dollars local, especially in the holiday season.
Rohlfs also said she wanted to express an appreciation to
everyone who has so far purchased a 2011 Christmas ornament. This
year's ornament features the Lincoln Theater and serves to
commemorate the revival of the theater as a vital part of the
downtown landscape. Rohlfs said the supply has nearly run out, and
she is going to be checking into ordering a few more.
[By NILA SMITH]
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