30 Aug 2010

43rd annual Tour of Homes showcases historic Galena

By Nancy Breed
September event to feature 19th century architecture

GALENA, Ill. - Autumn is always a popular time to visit scenic Galena, but add the chance to tour inside five private historic homes and the lure becomes irresistible.  Architecture, interior decorating, antiques and history are featured elements of the 43rd annual Tour of Historic Galena Homes showcasing five private homes plus the Galena History Museum. A signature event for the Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Society, the tour runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine, both Saturday and Sunday, September 25 & 26, 2010.

Built in 1870 by Otis Horton, a prominent local contractor, the Italianate Horton-Eustice House cost $2,500 to build. Two generations of the Eustice family, who made their fortune in the Galena Axle Grease Company, lived in this home almost 80 years, beginning in 1910. The Eustices replaced the narrow Victorian porch with a generous Craftsman-style porch, creating an airy outdoor living space for wicker furniture, art and plants. The stucco exterior was recently repainted in Victorian colors. After dreaming of living in historic Galena for 13 years, the current owners purchased the spacious two-story home in 1999, relocating from California. The interior is decorated in proper Victorian style with Lincrusta-Walton wallpapers and antiques. The spacious vintage kitchen features a 1923 monitor-top refrigerator, Hoosier cabinet, bin table, St. Charles cabinets and an antique stove. Recently restored sun porches face the river and provide a scenic view of Galena.

In 1845 Andrew Telford built what is now one of Galena's oldest homes, Telford House, facing the Galena River. It has not been open to the public for several decades. A graceful example of Greek Revival architecture, its exterior has changed little since 1845. Previous owners carefully restored and updated the interior and added a screened porch. The current owners are committed to its preservation, and have undertaken minor renovations. The interior houses British antiques appropriate to the original and current owners, including English porcelain, brass candlesticks, and 18th and 19th-century watercolors. Hand-embroidered crewel fabric draperies, imported from London, frame the tall windows. Near its Park Avenue façade, the original covered well has a storybook charm. Nearby stands the oldest surviving Galena street lamp.

Colonel Darius Hunkins arrived in Galena in 1838 to superintend the Illinois Central Railroad. In 1842 he engaged in mining and smelting, and in 1847 he built the Spring and Meeker Street bridges. He used part of his fortune to build an elegant Greek Revival mansion named the Hunkins House in 1846. An 1877 addition on the back connected the house and its close neighbor through a doorway (now bricked in) as the Hunkins' daughter and her husband were given the adjoining home as a wedding gift. The current owners purchased the home in 1998 and turned it into an opulent, high Victorian bed and breakfast named Annie Wiggins Guest House with seven guest rooms. Original wood trim, fireplaces, and plank flooring?some 24" wide?present an historic ambiance while new luxurious bathrooms and finest linens make this home casual and comfortable for guests. Cozy side porches with wicker furniture and comfy pillows are surrounded by lush gardens, fountains, and statuary.

The DeZoya House, a comfortable federal brick home, was built in 1838 by John P. DeZoya and his wife Anna Maria. Mr. DeZoya came to Galena from Switzerland, where he had been a lieutenant in Napoleon's army. The current owners purchased the house in 2008 and completely renovated the interior. With the original floors uncovered and restored, this cozy home is tastefully decorated with antiques, including Scandinavian and historic items. A two story addition, containing a single car garage and master bedroom suite, was added in 2009. The addition was one of the three finalists for the 2010 Galena Annual Historical Preservation Award. The house is set on a 1 1/4 acre park-like setting on the edge of town bordered by Davis Creek. Visitors to the DeZoya house will likely agree that it is a wonderful blend of old and new and understand why the owners affectionately refer to her as "Windows and Spindles."

Just five minutes from Galena, the Muchow Farmstead is a Craftsman-style house with scenic vistas that has been home to four generations. Built in 1931, this home replaced a previous one destroyed by fire just sixteen days after the first Muchow family moved in. Only the original limestone foundation, which turned a lovely pinkish hue when exposed to the fire, remains; it is now incorporated into the lower level family room. Like many rural farmsteads, there was no electricity until 1941; no plumbing until 1951. The current generation has lived in the home for 20 years. The family connection is palpable in photographs and heirlooms. Country antiques are creatively displayed with a casual flair, anchored by original honey-colored wood flooring. Cottage-style flower and vegetable gardens grace the spacious yard dotted with red outbuildings and a pen of geese. A dedicated canning kitchen preserves the seasonal abundance from this bucolic farmstead steeped in family tradition.

A free shuttle service will operate between all tour homes and ticket locations. Tour guides, many in period attire, will provide historic narrative at each home. Free admission to the Galena History Museum is included with the home tour ticket and will include a behind-the-scene guided tour of the 1858 mansion/museum's non-public areas. During the home tour, the museum will be hosting a new temporary exhibit entitled "Citizen Grant: 1860-61," showcasing the Ulysses S. Grant family's pre-Civil War year of residency in their new home town.

The 43rd annual Tour of Historic Galena Homes is sponsored by the Galena - Jo Daviess County Historical Society. Tickets are $14, $12 in advance (before September 15); children under 10 are free with an adult. Tickets and maps are available tour weekend at the Old Train Depot Visitor Information Center at 100 Bouthillier St., the DeSoto House Hotel at 230 S. Main St., the history museum at 211 S. Bench St. and any home on the tour. Advance tickets (non-refundable) are available at the Galena History Museum, or phone (815) 777-9129 to purchase by credit card.

For further event information, contact the Historical Society at (815) 777-9129 or visit www.galenahistorymuseum.org. 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) Go-Galena. 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.

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26 Aug 2010

WQPT'S BREW HA HA SET FOR SEPTEMBER 18TH IN LECLAIRE PARK

By Rick Martin

MOLINE, ILLINOIS - WQPT hosts their annual fundraiser, Brew Ha Ha at LeClaire Park in downtown Davenport on Saturday, September 18th from 1 to 5 p.m.  A wide variety of ales, pilsners, and porters are available for tasting as well as cheeses provided by Cabot Creamery Cooperative of Vermont.

Musical performances for the 11th annual event will be performed by Corporate Rock, while Comedy Sportz returns to provide their own brand of improvisational merriment at 2:30 pm.   New this year is a variety of games for attendees to try their hand at, like the Beer Bottle Ring Toss and the Golf Ball Stack. Admission to Brew Ha Ha includes an event program, unlimited tasting, and a commemorative tasting glass.

Presenting Sponsors for Brew Ha Ha are Old Chicago, Rock 104.9, River Cities Reader, Rhythm City Casino and Riverboat Development Authority, along with Dimitri Wine & Spirits, Inc., Glazer's Distributors of Iowa, Miller Lite, Budweiser, KWQC, City of Davenport, Mediacom, and Cabot Creamery Cooperative. With additional support from Comedy Sportz, Hawkeye Ice, Iowa American Water, Iowa QC Chamber Downtown Partnership, Millennium Waste, Quad City Golf Cars and Sunbelt Rentals.

Tickets for Brew Ha Ha are $20.00 prior to the event and $25.00 at the gate. "We are continuing our tradition of keeping ticket sales capped so that our attendees are able to try as many of the tastings as possible," said WQPT Special Projects Coordinator, Bea Brasel. Tickets may be purchased at the WQPT offices at 3800 Avenue of the Cities, Suite 101, Moline, Old Chicago in Bettendorf, CO-OP Records in Davenport and Moline (add a $1.00 service fee at CO-OP locations) or at www.wqpt.org. Attendees must be 21 or older. Children in strollers and animals will not be admitted. Feel free to bring your own lawn chair.

Brew Ha Ha is a fundraising event to support WQPT, the local public television station serving eastern Iowa and western Illinois.

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23 Aug 2010

9/11/10 - Author/Activist Tom Cordaro at St. Ambrose in Davenport

By Nicholas Depew

Mark Your Calendar!  Tom Cordaro , author of "Be Not Afraid," is presenting a Seminar: Be not Afraid: An Alternative to the War on Terror, Living Unafraid: a Biblical Path to Freedom.

Tom has worked for many years at the National level of Pax Christi. He organized anti-war disarmament, economic justice and peace campaigns. Tom has a Masters Degree in pastoral studies from St. Thomas University, Miami, Fl.

  • Seminar Date: Sat. Sept 11, 2010 from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

  • Place: St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa in the New Hall Building lower level at the corner of Gaines and Lombard Streets. Parking is available across Gaines St.

  • Early registration: $8.00. Call Ollie 563-332-1007 - at the door $10.00 Students with ID free.

  • Sponsors: Pax Christi QC, Sisters of Humility, Davenport, IA, Sisters of St. Benedict, Rock Island, IL, Ambrosians for Peace and Justice, Davenport, IA.

Be Not Afraid;  An Alternative to the "War on Terror", Tom Cordaro

Grounded in history and a faith tradition, Be Not Afraid invites us to overcome the narrative of fear in our country promoted by the "War on Terror" and the attacks of September 11, 2001. Instead, we are called to embrace an alternative narrative of hope and freedom. This alternative requires that we, as individuals and as community members, act to reclaim the civic and religious principles at the core of our national story, principles that can build genuine peace rooted in justice at home and around the world

Named "Best Book by a Small Publisher" in 2008 by the Catholic Press Association and "Peacemaker of the Year" award from the Independent Publishers.

We are often told that the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001, changed everything and that we must support an endless, ongoing "War on Terror." But is this what we are called to as Christians? What if we chose a different path? What if the fear-based story?the narrative?we are asked to believe is not the only alternative?

In this challenging book, long-time peace activist Tom Cordaro helps us first to understand terrorism in a historical context and to examine the story we are told we must believe after 9-11. Then, he outlines what the creation of an alternative story might look like.

We need to tell such a different story, one grounded in the underappreciated and often unacknowledged U.S. history of a democratic republic founded on principles and ideals now under attack by the "War on Terror," a story that continues the work-in-progress of our country, a nation continually striving to more fully live up to its ideals. This alternative story is based not on fear or on a view of peace as enforced order, but on the concept of peace as an enterprise of justice. We need to tell this different story, a story linked to our great Christian narrative: the hope and promise of God as revealed in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

This book invites us to overcome the narrative of fear in our country. It invites us instead to embrace a narrative of hope and to play an active role, as individuals and as members of a community, in reclaiming our U.S. story from those who would seek to delete it.

Updated and reissued 2010--with a new preface addressing the Obama Administration.

23 Aug 2010

St. George's Big Fat Greek Festival will be September 17-18

By Rick Martin

Opa! Delicious cuisine, pastries, a wine tasting and Greek music will highlight the festivities as St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Rock Island invites the community to the sixth "Big Fat Greek Festival" on Friday and Saturday, September 17 and 18.

Food will be served from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the church's Gold Room, with seating in and outside.  Admission is $2, kids under 12 are free. The church will again offer a drive-through window for Greek food to go.

A cash bar will be open with beer and wine available. Baklava sundaes will be sold outside, under the big tent; and an extended children's area will host games, prizes and  inflatable bounce houses. The kids' area will be open 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.

Scheduled events include :

*Greek music by Manoli Productions

*Performances by the Hellas Dancers from Chicago.

*Saturday wine tasting hosted by Dimitri Wine and Spirits (5:30 p.m-7 p.m.)

* Large boutique area with Greek souvenirs, jewelry and more.

This year the festival corresponds with the church's 100th anniversary. "This year we feel especially blessed as our parish celebrates its Centennial," said Father Leo Gavrilos.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the church. For more information, call
309-786-8163. St. George is located at 2930-31st Ave. (corner of 31st Avenue and 30th St.) in Rock Island.

-end-

19 Aug 2010

Parade Deadline Monday, August 23rd

By Mary M. Chappell
Monday, August 23, 2010, is the entry deadline for the 2010 Rock Island Labor Day Parade. The 26th annual event is scheduled for Monday, September 6, 2010.

This year's Labor Day Parade theme is "Learning Comes to Life!" It was selected to acknowledge the many ways we learn or receive education. Ideas to consider include walking books, an entry honoring teachers, a float inspired by music or a painting, dancing computers, a particular story brought to life, members of a team, a family on vacation, or graduates of a particular class or program.

Non-theme related entries are always welcome. The Labor Day parade provides an excellent opportunity to promote an organization, to announce a special promotion, or to call attention to an upcoming special event.

Parade organizers are excited about the number of musical groups returning to this year's line-up. The Western Illinois University Marching Band will be back for a 12th year along with high school marching bands from Alleman and Rock Island. The outstanding Metropolitan Drill Team or "MetroSteppers" and the Blackhawk Bagpipers are also returning to the line-up.

Staging for the parade begins at 8:30 a.m. in the area around Washington Junior High School, located at 33rd St. and 18th Ave., with the start of the parade set at 9:30 a.m. The parade route travels west along 18th Ave., beginning at 33rd St., turns left on 24th St., and then right on 25th Ave. and disbands into the parking areas at Rock Island High School at 25th Ave. and 17th Street. The parade route is approximately two miles long.

The first Rock Island Labor Day Parade was held in 1984 as part of the Rock Island's Sesquicentennial (150th Birthday) Celebration. Over the past 26 years, the parade has grown into a popular event that averages 150 entries and draws thousands of spectators.

Interested parties should contact the City of Rock Island at 732-2923 for more information. Parade information and an entry form are also available from the City's website at www.rigov.org.

(END)
19 Aug 2010

Step Out for Diabetes Walk

By Shari Tisinger

Remember this date on your calendar: 10-10-10.

Take that day to help us in the fight against diabetes. The annual "Step Out to Fight Diabetes" event in the Quad-Cities will be Oct. 10 at LeClaire Park, Davenport. Registration is at 1 p.m., with a 2 p.m. start time.

Routes include a 3.2- mile walk and 5K run, and are accessible to people of all ages and levels of mobility.

Along the walk, participants are supported by volunteers offering water, snacks, entertainment and encouragement.

For more information on how to participate, visit the Web site at diabetes.org/stepout or call 888-DIABETES

19 Aug 2010

Davenport increases parking rates

By Eric West

Beginning on Thursday August 19th, the City of Davenport will begin charging the rate of $5 dollars for all downtown event parking. This will replace the old rate of $2 dollars. After studying downtown parking trends and surveying several cities, we feel like this new rate will bring us current with surrounding communities pricing for event parking.

For more information, contact Eric West, Parking System Supervisor at (563) 888-3030.

17 Aug 2010

Upcoming event at St. Ambrose

By Sharon Meilahn Bartlett, PhD

On Tues Sept 7th from 3-6pm the Modern Language Department at St. Ambrose University is holding an Open House to share opportunities to study and use
foreign languages.

Interested students, their families, and individuals who use a foreign language in their professions are invited to attend this informal event and enjoy free pizza and refreshments. It will be held in 120 McMullen Hall on the St. Ambrose campus (the corner of Gaines and Locust Streets).

For more information contact Sharon Meilahn Bartlett at bartlettsharonm@sau.edu

16 Aug 2010

Call for Nominations Pioneer Award 2010

By Eunice Schlichting
Through this annual award, the Quad City Heritage League recognizes an individual who has made contributions of lasting significance toward the promotion and preservation of the Quad Cities' rich heritage.

Through his/her activities, the nominee shall have contributed one or all of the following:
• Increased awareness and appreciation for local or community history
• Promoted interest in the history of the community and continues to generate enthusiasm
• Provided long-term preservation of the community's history
• Encouraged collaboration and support from a cross-section of individuals and groups in the community

Recognition

The award recipient will be recognized at the QCHL's annual meeting which is held in November or December.

Selection Process

A committee of the Quad City Heritage League Board of Directors will review the submissions. The committee selects the finalists, and the Board of Directors will name the winner.

Members of the Board of Directors are not eligible for nomination during their terms on the board.

The deadline for nominations is September 1, 2010. Nominations must be submitted on the attached form and mailed to: Quad City Heritage League
PO Box 414, Davenport, IA 52805-0414

For more information, contact Eunice Schlichting, Award Committee Chair at 324-1043 ext. 223 or schlichting@putnam.org.

09 Aug 2010

German-Wends Cultural Festival at the German American Heritage Center

By Kathryn Seyfarth

DAVENPORT, IA- (August 9, 2010)- The German American Heritage Center will be hosting a German-Wends Cultural Festival where visitors can enjoy a full day of Wendish cultural demonstrations, music, dancing and more. The festival will be held on Saturday, August 21st at the German American Heritage Center located at the bottom of Centennial Bridge on 2nd St. in Davenport, IA.  Admittance into the festival is free with museum admission and free for members.

In addition to the festival, visitors can explore the museum's 4,000 square feet of exhibits. Here they will enjoy an interactive experience as they learn about immigrants' journey by sea, train and foot, to their final destination at the German American Heritage Center building which was originally a very busy hotel for thousands of immigrants in the 1860s.

For more information on the museum's exhibits, programs, events, classes, and workshops, visit www.gahc.org or call 563-322-8844.  General Admissions is: Adults: $5; Seniors: $4; Children (5-17 years old): $3; Free for children under 5.  Museums members are free.  Hours are Tuesdays through Saturday open 10 am- 4 pm; Sunday open 12 pm- 4 pm.

-END-

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