Meet Lora Arneberg, New Harmony Friend
My family moved to New Harmony when I was 10 years old. I went to college and studied Economics, International studies, and Studio Art. International travel has always been a passion of mine, and I’ve been lucky enough to live in India and Malta in the process. Food is another passion of mine- after starting and operating my own bistro in New Harmony for several years, I started the Masters in Gastronomy at Boston University, studying the history and anthropology of food. When I was 20 I fell rock climbing and broke part of my spine and spent the next year back at home and going through several surgeries. That time back home allowed me to meet new people and see my hometown in a new way as an adult. I am raising my children here now, am on town council heading Economic Development, president of our Main St. Organization- One New Harmony, and have a business flipping historic homes, rentals, and Airbnb’s.
Lora Answers our 5 Questions:
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
My family and friends enjoying the outdoors and a beautiful meal on a sunny day in a beautiful place.
Which living person(s) do you most admire?
It’s tempting to name someone famous, but the people I work with here in New Harmony that bring inspiring dedication and life experience to make this town better every day - I am constantly in awe of all they do because they love this special little place and want to contribute to it.
Who are your favorite writers?
I rarely read fiction. I love biographies, food history, and economics. So it’s more the subject matter than the writing style for me. In the world of fiction - live theater is my love.
Who are your heroes in real life?
Jane Blaffer Owen looms so large in this community, and I was lucky enough to get to know her when she was still with us. I married her nephew, Erik Arneberg, and our children are growing up here and will hopefully continue to her legacy here. Her vision for how to build on this communities incredible history of thought and creativity have deeply touched my life. She helped to build a concrete place here that has touches so many lives in deep ways.
What does the New Harmony Project mean to you?
As I said, live theater is a love of mine. Watching the readings over the years has been really touching for me. Watching these stories - in such a bare bones environment still come to life and be so powerful is an amazing thing. There are many plays I’ve seen here over the years that stick with me today.