Your Congressman and both Senators are now home for the August
September Congressional Recess. It is critical that you attend any
meetings or town halls put on by your legislators.

Action Items:

-----1. Please forward this message to at least 10 other people.
You're whole list if possible.

-----2. Call your Congressman at (202) 225-3121 to ask for his or her
August-September Congressional Recess schedule. Attend any meetings
you can get to. Call even if you do not plan to go. They must feel
your hot breath on their necks. Be sure to alert your neighbors and
friends about any meetings.

-----3. Call both your Senators at (202) 224-3121. Ask them for their
August-September Congressional Recess schedule. But sure to go to any
meetings you can get to. When you call, tell them to oppose any
Omnibus Federal Lands Bill.

-----4. Send e-mail or fax to your Congressman and both Senators.
Here are the issues to discuss. Only put one issue in each letter,
fax or e-mail. You can send more than one letter, fax or e-mail.

Key issues:

Looming Omnibus Federal Lands Bill

EPA Corps of Engineers Wetlands Jurisdiction land and water grab.

LWCF (Land and Water Conservation Fund) (giant land acquisition
fund).

-----Lame Duck Congress (After election).

This means a Congress that meets after the election where all the
Senators and Congressmen who either retired or were voted out of
office still get to vote. They are no longer responsible to you, the
voter, so they do very foolish things.

You must get commitments from them now, before the election, that
your Senators and Congressman will commit to opposing any Omnibus
Federal Lands Bill either before the election or after.

-----Omnibus Federal Lands Bill:

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is planning a huge Omnibus Federal
lands bill for the Lame Duck session of Congress. He has not put it
together yet. He will put in many bills that did not pass the Senate
this year. You defeated him when he tried this tactic in 2010 by
adding over 200 separate pieces of legislation into one bill, the
Omnibus Federal Lands bill.

Reid snuck an Omnibus Federal Lands Bill through Congress in early
2009 after you defeated it in 2008. That must not happen again.

What Reid does is go to each Member of the Senate and asks about one
or more bills each Senator would like to have. Reid then adds those
bills to the Omnibus Federal lands bill. The Senators will often not
look at all the other bills in the Omnibus Federal Lands bill package
as long as they get their bill or bills. That hurts you.

Some of the bills in an Omnibus Federal Lands bill will be good. But
the entire package must be stopped.

You must get a commitment now from your Congressman and both Senators
that they will oppose any Omnibus Federal lands bill. Each bill should
be voted on individually.

Background:

EPA Corps Wetlands Jurisdiction
You want to support this bill. S 2245.

S 2245 blocks the EPA & Corps of Engineers from getting Wetlands
Jurisdiction Over Your Water & Land

*Do You Want The EPA & Corps In Your Backyard?*

Do you want EPA & Corps Wetlands jurisdiction over all forest roads,
Federal lands and adjacent private and State lands?

*-----Urge Your Senators To Vote Yes On The "Preserve The Waters Of
The US Act" (S-2245). Make it clear that you will oppose the bill if
Reid tries to add S 2245 to the Omnibus Federal Land Bill. *
* *
We've listed the fax of each Senator who is NOT a co-sponsor of S
2245 along with one or more staff with their e-mail address. You may
phone any Senator at (202) 224-3121. If the e-mail or fax does not go
through, call the Senator at the number above to ask for the correct
information. Be sure to pass any corrections along to American Land
Rights.

Be sure to note that there is an underscore between the first and
last name of each staff person listed below. For example:
paul_wilkins@.
* *
Kelly Ayotte (D-NH) -- F-(202) 224-2952 E-mail:
adam_hechavarria@ayotte.senate.gov
<mailto:adam_hechavarria@ayotte.senate.gov>

Max Baucus (D-MT) - F-(202) 224-9412 E-mail:
paul_wilkins@baucus.senate.gov
<mailto:paul_wilkins@baucus.senate.gov>

Scott Brown (R-MA) -- F-(202) 229-2646 E-mail:
nat_hoopes@scottbrown.senate.gov
<mailto:nat_hoopes@scottbrown.senate.gov>

Susan Collins (R-ME) -- F-(202) 224-2693 E-mail:
rob_epplin@collins.senate.gov <mailto:rob_epplin@collins.senate.gov>

Kent Conrad (D-ND) -F-(202) 224-7776 E-mail:
tom_mahr@conrad.senate.gov <mailto:tom_mahr@conrad.senate.gov>

Al Franken (D-MN) -F-(202) 224-0044 E-mail:
Benjamin_olinsky@franken.senate.gov
<mailto:Benjamin_olinsky@franken.senate.gov>

Lindsey Graham R-SC) - F-(202) 224-3808 E-mail:
sergia_sarkany@lgraham.senate.gov
<mailto:sergia_sarkany@lgraham.senate.gov>

Kay Hagan (D-NC) - F-(202) 228-2563 E-mail:
mike_harney@hagan.senate.gov <mailto:mike_harney@hagan.senate.gov>

Tim Johnson (D-SD) -F-(202) 228-5765 E-mail:
todd_stubbendieck@johnson.senate.gov
<mailto:todd_stubbendieck@johnson.senate.gov>

Mark Kirk (D-IL) - F-(202) 228-4611 E-mail:
Patrick_magnuson@kirk.senate.gov
<mailto:Patrick_magnuson@kirk.senate.gov>

Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) -F-(202) 228-2186 E-mail:
travis_talvitie@klobuchar.senate.gov
<mailto:travis_talvitie@klobuchar.senate.gov>

Mary Landrieu (D-LA) - F-(202) 224-9735 E-mail:
Elizabeth_craddock@landrieu.senate.gov
<mailto:Elizabeth_craddock@landrieu.senate.gov>

Joe Manchin (D-WV) -F-(202) 228-0002 E-mail:
Jason_prokkp@bennelson.senate.gov
<mailto:Jason_prokkp@bennelson.senate.gov>

Claire McCaskill (D-MO) - F-(202) 228-6326 E-mail:
Stephen_hedger@mccaskill.senate.gov
<mailto:Stephen_hedger@mccaskill.senate.gov>

Joe Manchin (D-WV) -F-(202) 228-0002 E-mail:
Jason_prokkp@bennelson.senate.gov
<mailto:Jason_prokkp@bennelson.senate.gov>

Ben Nelson (D-NE) - F-(202) 228-0012 E-mail:
charlie_ellsworth@bennelson.senate.gov
<mailto:charlie_ellsworth@bennelson.senate.gov>

Rob Portman (R-OH) - F-(202) 224-9558 E-mail:
Steve_kittredge@portman.senate.gov
<mailto:Steve_kittredge@portman.senate.gov>

Mark Pryor (D-AR) - F-(202) 228-0908 E-mail:
Kristin_sharp@pryor.senate.gov
<mailto:Kristin_sharp@pryor.senate.gov>

Olympia Snowe (R-ME) - F-(202) 224-1946 E-mail:
don_green@snowe.senate.gov <mailto:don_green@snowe.senate.gov>

Jon Tester (D-MT) - F-(202) 224-8594 E-mail:
james_wise@tester.senate.gov <mailto:james_wise@tester.senate.gov>

Mark Warner (D-VA) - F-(202) 224-6295 E-mail:
neeta_bidwai@warner.senate.gov
<mailto:neeta_bidwai@warner.senate.gov>

Jim Webb (D-VA) - F-(202) (202) 228-6363 E-mail:
david_bonine@webb.senate.gov <mailto:david_bonine@webb.senate.gov>

These Senators are already co-sponsors of
The Preserve The Waters Of The US Act (S 2245).
But they should still receive a call, fax or e-mail.

Call each one at (202) 224-3121 to urge passage but remind them not
to add S 2245 to any Omnibus Federal Lands bill.

Sen Barrasso, John [R-WY] (sponsor)
Sen Alexander, Lamar
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Alexander++Lamar%29%29+01695%29%29>
[R-TN] - 5/10/2012

Sen Blunt, Roy
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Blunt++Roy%29%29+01464%29%29>
[R-MO] - 3/28/2012 *

Sen Boozman, John
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Boozman++John%29%29+01687%29%29>
[R-AR] - 3/28/2012 *

Sen Chambliss, Saxby
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Chambliss++Saxby%29%29+00188%29%29>
[R-GA] - 3/28/2012 *

Sen Coats, Daniel
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Coats++Daniel%29%29+00209%29%29>
[R-IN] - 3/28/2012 *

Sen Coburn, Tom
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Coburn++Tom%29%29+00212%29%29>
[R-OK] - 3/28/2012 *

Sen Cochran, Thad
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Cochran++Thad%29%29+00213%29%29>
[R-MS] - 3/28/2012 *

Sen Corker, Bob
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Corker++Bob%29%29+01825%29%29>
[R-TN] - 3/29/2012

Sen Cornyn, John
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Cornyn++John%29%29+01692%29%29>
[R-TX] - 3/28/2012 *

Sen Crapo, Mike
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Crapo++Mike%29%29+00250%29%29>
[R-ID] - 3/28/2012 *

Sen DeMint, Jim
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+DeMint++Jim%29%29+01605%29%29>
[R-SC] - 5/16/2012

Sen Enzi, Michael B.
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Enzi++Michael+B.%29%29+01542%29%29>
[R-WY] - 3/28/2012 *

Sen Grassley, Chuck
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Grassley++Chuck%29%29+00457%29%29>
[R-IA] - 3/28/2012 *

Sen Hatch, Orrin G.
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Hatch++Orrin+G.%29%29+01351%29%29>
[R-UT] - 5/15/2012

Sen Heller, Dean
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Heller++Dean%29%29+01863%29%29>
[R-NV] - 3/28/2012 *

Sen Hoeven, John
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Hoeven++John%29%29+02079%29%29>
[R-ND] - 3/28/2012 *

Sen Hutchison, Kay Bailey
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Hutchison++Kay+Bailey%29%29+01368%29%29>
[R-TX] - 3/29/2012

Sen Inhofe, James M.
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Inhofe++James+M.%29%29+00583%29%29>
[R-OK] - 3/28/2012 *

Sen Isakson, Johnny
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Isakson++Johnny%29%29+01608%29%29>
[R-GA] - 3/28/2012 *

Sen Johanns, Mike
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Johanns++Mike%29%29+01899%29%29>
[R-NE] - 3/28/2012 *

Sen Johnson, Ron
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Johnson++Ron%29%29+02086%29%29>
[R-WI] - 3/28/2012 *

Sen Kyl, Jon
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Kyl++Jon%29%29+00655%29%29>
[R-AZ] - 3/28/2012 *

Sen Lee, Mike
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Lee++Mike%29%29+02080%29%29>
[R-UT] - 3/29/2012

Sen Lugar, Richard G.
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Lugar++Richard+G%29%29+01387%29%29>
[R-IN] - 3/28/2012 *

Sen McCain, John
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+McCain++John%29%29+00754%29%29>
[R-AZ] - 5/15/2012

Sen McConnell, Mitch
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+McConnell++Mitch%29%29+01395%29%29>
[R-KY] - 3/28/2012 *

Sen Moran, Jerry
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Moran++Jerry%29%29+01507%29%29>
[R-KS] - 3/28/2012 *

Sen Murkowski, Lisa
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Murkowski++Lisa%29%29+01694%29%29>
[R-AK] - 5/10/2012

Sen Paul, Rand
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Paul++Rand%29%29+02082%29%29>
[R-KY] - 3/28/2012 *

Sen Risch, James E.
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Risch++James+E.%29%29+01896%29%29>
[R-ID] - 3/28/2012 *

Sen Roberts, Pat
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Roberts++Pat%29%29+00968%29%29>
[R-KS] - 3/28/2012 *

Sen Rubio, Marco
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Rubio++Marco%29%29+02084%29%29>
[R-FL] - 3/28/2012 *

Sen Sessions, Jeff
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Sessions++Jeff%29%29+01548%29%29>
[R-AL] - 3/28/2012 *

Sen Shelby, Richard C.
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Shelby++Richard+C.%29%29+01049%29%29>
[R-AL] - 5/16/2012

Sen Thune, John
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Thune++John%29%29+01534%29%29>
[R-SD] - 3/28/2012 *

Sen Toomey, Pat
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Toomey++Pat%29%29+02085%29%29>
[R-PA] - 3/28/2012 *

Sen Vitter, David
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Vitter++David%29%29+01609%29%29>
[R-LA] - 3/28/2012 *

Sen Wicker, Roger F.
<http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery/?&Db=d112&querybd=@FIELD%28FLD004+@4%28%28@1%28Sen+Wicker++Roger+F.%29%29+01226%29%29>
[R-MS] - 3/28/2012 *

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
*Join or donate:*

*Please consider supporting American Land Rights* by visiting our
membership page http://www.landrights.org/members.htm
to join or donate." You may also mail a check for $35 ($25 if you
are a first time member) to American Land Rights, PO Box 400, Battle
Ground, WA 98604. ALRA is working hard to keep you informed. E-mail
is not that expensive but ALRA also sends tens of thousands of faxes
and letters to alert your allies and friends about your issues. In
addition we maintain a full time office and staff to serve our
members and allies. Your support at this critical time would be
appreciated.

CHICAGO -August 8, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bill:

 

 

Bill No.: SB 3597

An Act Concerning: Public Employee Benefits

Establishes a policy for Chicago Public Schools which allows retired teachers to return to work on a temporary basis without losing their pensions.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

###

Hennepin, Lewistown marshes attract endangered species, international praise

LEWISTOWN - August 8, 2012. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today dedicated two wetlands along the Illinois River that gained international prestige this year for transforming flood-prone land into natural habitats for endangered and native species and plants. Restoration of one wetland, the Dixon Waterfowl Refuge near Hennepin, helped bring back the pied-billed grebe from risk of extinction in Illinois, while the restoration of the Emiquon Complex near Lewistown has attracted thousands of American coots.

During a meeting of the Illinois River Coordinating Council (IRCC), Simon led council members and local conservationists in a joint celebration and dedication recognizing the Dixon refuge and the Emiquon Complex. The marshy ecosystems were officially designated Wetlands of International Importance by the federal government earlier this year in accordance with the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an international treaty signed by 162 nations committed to the protection of wetlands.

The Ramsar designation is a sought-after accolade for wetland advocates as it calls global attention to local conservation efforts and demonstrates the government's commitment to maintaining the ecological sites. In the case of Dixon and Emiquon, it highlights restoration efforts that returned the wetlands to their natural state. The sites are also home to several state and federal endangered species, including the Common Moorhen, Piping Plover, Yellow-headed Blackbird, and King Rail.

"The Dixon refuge and Emiquon Complex are international models of environmental restoration," Simon said. "By returning this land to its natural state, we created a home for plants, fish and birds that were being driven to extinction and an environmental tourism destination that will attract visitors from all around. I want to thank the Ramsar Secretariat for recognizing the work that's been done to restore these natural resources and helping to boost efforts moving forward."

Dixon and Emiquon are two of three sites from the United States that received Ramsar designation this year and join the ranks of recognized sites around the world including along the Nile and Danube rivers. Of the over 2,000 designated sites, 34 are in the U.S. including the Cache River-Cypress Creek Wetlands and the Upper Mississippi River Floodplain Wetlands in Illinois.

To be designated as a Wetland of International Importance, a proposed site must meet at least one of nine criteria that validate its global importance. These criteria include supporting 20,000 or more waterbirds, housing vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered species and supporting at least 1 percent of the population of one species or subspecies of waterbird.

The 14,000 acre Emiquon Complex, which includes the Emiquon and Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuges and the Emiquon Preserve, is jointly managed by The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Emiquon met or exceeded eight of the nine criteria including the presence of 4.5 percent of the continental population of American coots and supporting hundreds of thousands of ducks, geese, and other waterbirds including the Pectoral Sandpiper, far surpassing the Ramsar criterion of 20,000.

The Emiquon Preserve is a major source of economic development, pumping $1.1 million into Fulton and Mason counties in 2009, according to a study by the University of Illinois. The study estimated that 17,000 tourists visited the preserve in 2009 to take advantage of the hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing and waterfowl hunting opportunities that are available.

"This designation not only validates our successes to date, but also provides hope for conserving the ecological health of the Illinois River and other great rivers around the world as we share lessons learned at these sites," said Doug Blodgett, director of river conservation at The Nature Conservancy and an IRCC citizen member.

The 2,700 acre Dixon Waterfowl Refuge is managed by The Wetlands Initiative and met six Ramsar criteria including serving as an important example of the region's rare native landscape and supporting biodiversity including 148 animal and plant species that are vulnerable to extinction in Illinois. This includes plants such as the yellow monkey-flower, royal catchfly, and decurrent false aster.

The refuge is open to the public daily for hiking, bird-watching, and paddling. A 30-foot-tall observation tower provides an expansive vista of the restored lakes and marsh, while a half-mile boardwalk trail from the boat launch parking lot allows up-close views of unique wetland plants and wildlife. These opportunities attract between 5,000 and 8,000 visitors annually.

"At the Dixon Waterfowl Refuge, 260 bird species and more than 570 native plants are contained in one of the most diverse natural areas in the state," said Paul Botts, executive director of The Wetlands Initiative. "There is a rich variety of habitat communities, including a rare seep. When standing in the refuge, you almost feel like you are in ancient wilderness. This certainly is one of the most significant sites on our planet to support a diversity of life."

The celebration, dubbed A Great Day for the Illinois River, was held at the Dickson Mounds Museum in Lewistown, but attendees were connected to participants at the Dixon Waterfowl Refuge through a live video feed. Speakers at the ceremony included Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller and Ivan Zavadsky of the United Nations Development Programme's Global Environment Facility.

In addition to the IRCC, Simon also chairs the Mississippi and the Ohio and Wabash river coordinating councils. These councils promote the environmental and economic health of Illinois' rivers and tributaries. The councils are composed of a diverse group of citizens, not-for-profit organizations, and state and federal agencies, and hold quarterly meetings across the state to gather local input on conservation issues.

September 29 & 30 event features dancing, grape stomping and local artists in action

GALENA, Ill. - Celebrating the fruits of their labor, Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery and the Galena Cultural Arts Alliance are busy preparing for their upcoming Fall Harvest & Art Festival. The third annual two-day event will take place at Galena Cellars Vineyard, 4746 N. Ford Rd., Galena on Saturday and Sunday, September 29 and 30, with activities spanning from noon until 6 p.m. both days.

Nestled in the vineyard clearing will be tents of area artists, each demonstrating their talents. Artist wares will range from watercolors to pottery, textile arts to gourd art and baskets. "We think this partnership will create a great weekend for everyone. Our artists participate in our shop 'Hello Galena!', as well as in galleries, museums and art fairs throughout the year, but to be able to exhibit and sell in such a beautiful setting is a real treat," said Toni Klingler, manager of Hello Galena! artist co-op in Galena.

"In addition to showcasing the amazing work of our local artists, we have a full weekend of fun for the entire family: pumpkin painting (with volunteers from the Galena Art & Recreation Center), horse-drawn wagon rides and grape stomping," said Rob Steger, events manager for Galena Cellars.

Three-headed Monster Catering will offer their delicious barbequed sandwiches. And, of course, there is always the opportunity to sample wine, explore "tasting" through all of your senses and tour the vineyard.

Visitors are also invited to "kick up their heels and have a little fun" as the vineyard barrel room comes to life with music - rags, waltzes and hoe downs - with more local talent, the Fever River String Band on Saturday afternoon. Jordan Danielson performs Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.

Admission to the event is free. Vineyard tours are $5 each and include a wine appreciation overview. Galena Cellars will also be offering wine tasting and a keepsake glass for an additional fee.

For further event information, visit www.galenacellars.com/harvest.htm or call 815.777.3235. Additional area offerings and visitor information may be found at the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.galena.org or by calling 877.464.2536. While in town, visit the CVB's Old Train Depot Visitor Information Center at 101 Bouthillier St. (corner of Park Avenue) for on-site assistance and countywide information.

 

Sandra Principe paints at Galena Cellars' Fall Harvest & Art Festival. Last year, a variety of art was offered for sale as attendees enjoyed a beautiful fall day at the vineyard. Photo courtesy of John Gallegos.

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