December, 2009 Newsletter
November Meeting
Our guest this month, Justin Thiltgen spoke about different sustainability efforts in Dubuque. He’s the Dubuque2 coordinator at the Community Foundation. Justin started by reminding us of Mayor Roy Buol and the City Council making sustainability a top priority for Dubuque after the 2005 election. A Sustainability Task Force defined sustainability to include Environmental Integrity, Economic Prosperity and Social/Cultural Vibrancy. From these areas, several different groups and initiatives have sprung up – generating lots of information on how to be sustainable. However, information alone won’t change behavior. So the Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation created Dubuque2 to coordinate efforts and convert the information into concrete changes.
Many of the green efforts center around historic buildings such as historic preservation, weatherization of older buildings, and urban revitalization.
Member Tom Welu asked about additional efforts to recycle construction debris. Member Kay Kluseman noted that Four Mounds re-uses architectural elements, but not everything that Tom asked about. Justin noted that although we’re not able to re-use all construction debris, that 75% of the material from the Roshek Building remodel was diverted from the landfill.
Business meeting
President Diane Schulz called the meeting to order at 7:15pm.
Thanks to VP Chris Keister for hosting our meeting at the last minute!
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Dale Knipschield reported a balance of $7887. (Dale and Maureen got married last month – congratulations!)
Correspondence
We’ve renewed our Chamber of Commerce membership. A request for a donation to the Carnegie-Stout Library Foundation was forwarded to the Grant Committee.
Grants
The Grant Committee and House Tour Committee presented a draft of the new grant application we’ll use next year. If you’d like to see a copy and comment, please contact Meg Wall-Wild at mwallwild@rivermuseum.com.
Guests & Introductions
Brian Ahl joined us (he owns the big brick home on Elm St next to the new Walgreens). Phyllis Lee’s friend Linda (from Waterloo) and guest speaker Justin Thiltgen were also there.
House Tour
Co-chair Kay Kluseman reported that they’ve compiled a list of 50 possible homes for the house tour. Letters to the homeowners was scheduled to go out mid-month.
Membership
no report.
Preservation
Dick Vorwald noted that Hartig’s Drug built the new parking lot, and it doesn’t look too bad.
Social
During the board meeting (prior to the regular meeting)
it was reiterated that meeting hosts are expected to provide beverages (soda and beer – Phyllis will bring wine).
They will be reimbursed up to $35 and keep any leftover drinks.
For meetings at public building, we’ll figure out drinks on a case-by-case basis.
It was suggested that we have 3 people sign up to bring treats for each meeting to spread out the work a bit.
Website
no report.
Old Business
None
New Business
Christmas party sign up by November 23.
Meg Wall-Wild noted that someone left a yellow water bottle at the last meeting (Four Mound). Contact her if it’s yours.
A genealogy researcher contacted Paula Connors after stumbling upon the OHE website. He said it was a great site.
He was delighted that we had a picture and history of an old family home.
Future Meetings & Events
December 10 – Christmas party – Black Horse Inn in Sherrill
Cost of $21.20 per person includes tax & tip.
Meal includes Cream of Broccoli Soup, Mixed Greens Salad, Roast Beef & Lemon Chicken,
Horseradish Mashed Potatoes, Vegetable Gratin, assorted pies, and coffee/tea/water.
We will also have a tour of the Inn.
Checks made out to OHE should be given to Marie Nadeau (1720 Mt. Vernon Ct., Dubuque, IA 52003) or Diane Schulz before November 23.