 Even 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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