February, 2010 Newsletter
January Meeting
Members Kristen Smith and Jim Swenson hosted our meeting this month. They purchased the white brick home about 3 years ago. The home was built in 1896. In older city directories, there were two street numbers for this address – suggesting that it used to be a duplex. The home has only been owned by four or five families since it was built.
Our guest speaker was Nancy Van Milligen of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque.
Our Community Foundation was started in 2003 and already manages $22 million in assets.
A Community Foundation is an umbrella organization that does 3 things: it is a vehicle for donations, a grant-making organization,
and a community leader for initiatives like “Every Child Every Promise.” They have 130 area non-profits with endowments.
What could the Foundation do for Old House Enthusiasts?
If we set up an endowment of at least $10k, they will invest the money for us and give us 5% every year from the investment income.
This money would grow over time and the Foundation’s donors who love old homes would have an opportunity to donate to our fund.
The Foundation would manage all of this and give us the annual pay out once a year. We would also be able to use their facilities – a conference room and other services.
Business meeting
President Diane Schulz called the meeting to order at 7:15pm.
Guests and Introductions
Guest speaker Nancy Van Milligen joined us. In addition, member Mike Gibson from Loras College attended – good to see you again Mike!
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Dale Knipschield reported a balance of $7348. He also followed up on the bill we got from Washington School after last years’ tour. It included $141 for the use of electricity that the concession tent. Gwen Kosel paid for this instead of the club.
Correspondence
President Diane Schulz noticed that several phone numbers and email addresses are out of date on Dale’s list. The list was sent around for everyone to update their contact information.
Grants
The Grant Committee expert Meg Wall-Wild noted that the grant application is up on the website. (Webmaster John Martin noted that it still needs some work to be able to email it directly from the site.) The Press release should be mailed the week of Jan.18 and grant submissions should come in over the next 6-8 weeks. The Grant Committee will review the submissions and make a recommendation for the membership to vote on. Our grant winner will be featured in the House Tour brochure and other communications.
House Tour
Co-chair Kay Kluseman explained that the Tour dates are now May 22 & 23 to match the Dubuquefest dates. Letters to the homeowners were sent last month and they are working to get 5 homes for the Tour.
Preservation
Dick Vorwald requested that people sign up for future meeting sites. (and several attendees did – see below)
Social
Phyllis Lee and Diane Schulz reminded everyone that meeting hosts are expected to provide beverage s (soda and beer – Phyllis will bring wine). They will be reimbursed up to $35 and keep any leftover drinks. We are shooting to have 3 members bring treats for every meeting. This means everyone who attends meetings should be bringing treats about twice a year.
Old Business
none.
New Business
This years’ Dubuque’s Main Street Business PM at the Hotel Julien is scheduled for February 16, 5-7pm. We are signed up to have a booth. This years’ event is Carnival-themed. Please contact Kay Kluseman if you’re interested.
Future Meetings & Events
February 11 at 7pm - Vance & Trish DeLire’s house – 1921 Madison Ave Treats by Marie Fitzgerald, Paula & Paul, and Dick Vorwald.
March 11 at 7pm – TBD Treats by Kay Kluseman, Diane Schulz, and Frank & Cindy Kraus
April 8 at 7pm – Diane Schulz’s house – 1045 W. 3rd Street Treats by Jackie Arnold and Jim & Jo Edwards. (Any more volunteers?)
May 27 (first Thursday after the Tour) at 7pm – Tom & Cinda’s – 2609 Broadway Treats by Kay Kluseman (so far).