tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35816733756712197132024-03-04T22:42:36.623-08:00Galena FoundationGalena Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811579016493325516noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581673375671219713.post-61592375260274369442017-09-13T06:34:00.000-07:002017-10-17T06:34:55.890-07:00New entry tile for Turner HallCourtesy of Galena Gazette<br />
Hillary Dickerson, Editor<br />
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GALENA–It looks like the entry way at historic Turner Hall will be getting a bit of a makeover.<br />
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New tile–projected to cost around $6,000 for 280 square feet–will likely be finalized and approved at the October meeting of the city’s Turner Hall committee.<br />
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The committee, meeting Thursday, Sept. 7, heard a brief presentation by Todd Lincoln of Knautz Flooring. Lincoln recommended a white tile with black accent but said he is open to ideas and suggestions from the committee as well.<br />
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Funding for the tile project will come from the Joe Miller Trust through the Galena Foundation. The city owns the Bench Street property and has been working with the foundation to restore the building.<br />
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The committee also discussed the budgeted amount for the flyloft project and the work still to be done.<br />
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There is about $46,000 in funding available, said Janelle Keeffer, city facilities manager, and the flyloft work is expected to cost around $28,000 for insulation, a thermal barrier paint, ceiling fan and some tuckpointing and sealing.<br />
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City staff will solicit revised dollar amounts for the work, so that the project will be under contract by the end of the year with the work likely to be completed next spring.<br />
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In other business, the committee reviewed the rate structure for the hall and briefly discussed a recent drawing by architect Adam Johnson of the proposed addition which will include a kitchen and storage space.<br />
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The next Turner Hall meeting is Thursday, Oct. 5 at 8:30 a.m. at Turner Hall.Galena Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811579016493325516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581673375671219713.post-89084047933456426022017-09-06T06:31:00.000-07:002017-10-17T06:31:43.291-07:00City commits $50,000 to Grant Park projectCourtest of Galena Gazette<br />
Hillary Dickerson, Editor<br />
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GALENA–The city of Galena will commit $50,000–$25,000 for two years–to the Grant Park restoration project.<br />
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The city council, during its meeting Monday, Aug. 28, unanimously approved the contribution level, a request from the Galena Foundation, which is set to kick off its fundraising campaign for the project.<br />
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This multi-year project is estimated to cost $250,000. In addition to the city, the Galena Foundation has pledged $50,000.<br />
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The goal is to raise another $150,000.<br />
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The Galena Foundation has already contributed over $70,000 to the project, according to City Administrator Mark Moran.<br />
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Considerable progress has been made on the short and long-term projects planned for the historic part, including: new main entrance and upgraded secondary entrances, designated accessible entrance point with defined accessible parking area, pergola and pavilion restoration, reconstruction of elliptical garden and planting beds, erosion management, repair and replacement of concrete sidewalks and concrete surroundings, new playground equipment and improved basketball courts and preservation of Johnson Street, Galena’s last brick street.<br />
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“It’s a beautiful park and it’s a city park,” said council member Robert Hahn, giving his support to the city’s contribution.Galena Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811579016493325516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581673375671219713.post-2548910858053386692017-07-19T06:27:00.000-07:002017-10-17T06:27:58.602-07:00New Acoustical Curtain for Turner HallCourtesy of Galena Gazette<br />
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Turner Hall has a new acoustical curtain, thanks to the cooperative efforts of three local organizations. The Galena Festival of the Performing Arts secured the $3,000 in funding necessary for the purchase with a $1,500 grant from Jo Daviess County Country Fair Charities, Inc., and a $1,500 donation from the Galena Foundation from the 2016 Hunter Fuerste concert. The curtain was donated to the city and will be available for various groups to use in the performance space.Galena Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811579016493325516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581673375671219713.post-32322535841571950502017-07-03T18:30:00.000-07:002017-10-17T06:20:50.998-07:00Grant Park fountain work shows the art of restorationBy Hillary Dickerson, Editor<br />
Courtesy of Galena Gazette<br />
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GALENA–The fountain at Grant Park is taking center stage after months of restoration work. On Wednesday, June 28, Jeremy and Cory White, contractors for the project, turned on the water, stood back and marveled at the fountain’s beauty.<br />
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Added to the park in 1891, the fountain was last restored in 2004. As part of the ongoing Grant Park project, a partnership between the city and Galena Foundation, the fountain restoration–including caulking, painting, a new pump to improve the spray and miscellaneous work–is the latest improvement. The project budget was $15,000, with all expenses paid by the foundation. The bid from White Construction was for $14,000.<br />
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It’s been quite a project.<br />
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During the winter, the Whites removed the center sculpture and four cherubs, as well as the benches on the sidewalks surrounding the fountain. While the center sculpture is original, Jeremy said, the cherubs are all aluminum. No one is certain of the date they were replaced, but they appear very similar to the originals.<br />
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After inspecting the center sculpture, Jeremy found major issues that no one was aware of up to that point. He sought the assistance of Galena artist Charles Fach to make the repairs.<br />
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Fach, who knew full well what he was getting himself into, agreed. All together he spent 40-and-a-half-hours making a replacement foot and fingers and then ensuring the head was securely attached to the zinc casting sculpture that was soldered and pieced together.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Galena artist Charles Fach spent 41 hours repairing the sculpture.</td></tr>
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In the end, Fach charged only $100 for his work, an amount included in the original bid; Fach was only interested in covering the cost of the materials he used in the process.<br />
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Fach said he found the head of the sculpture held on by a rotten piece of wood. He went to work, logging time each day. He created molds to make the melting lead pieces necessary, a multi-step process. All the pieces were attached with stainless steel screws.<br />
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When Fach was finished, the Whites painted the sculpture and put it in place.<br />
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“It ought to last a couple hundred years,” said Fach of the restored sculpture.<br />
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“We’re extremely fortunate to have (Fach),” said Jeremy, noting that the sculpture probably would have been taken to Chicago for the repair work if Fach hadn’t been able to take on the project. Jeremy estimates Fach’s work was worth at least $5,000.<br />
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The work has been significant for Jeremy as well. He remembers falling in the fountain as a child as he tried to grab the coins that had sunk to the bottom.Galena Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811579016493325516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581673375671219713.post-57708361213438815772017-06-13T11:00:00.000-07:002017-07-06T09:43:41.211-07:00The Galena Foundation to host Hunter Fuerste June 16Courtesy of Galena Gazette<br />
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GALENA–The Galena Foundation announces its annual concert featuring Hunter Fuerste and his American Vintage Orchestra. This authentic re-creation of popular music from the big band era will take place at Turner Hall on Saturday, June 17 from 6 to 8 p.m.<br />
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Although donations are welcome at the door, admission to the concert is free and the public is encouraged to attend. Balcony and handicap-accessible seating on the lower level will be available. Attendees are also encouraged to hit the dance floor on the main level or just relax and listen to the sounds of the orchestra and featured singers.<br />
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All donations received will be used to support the work of the Galena Foundation. Recent foundation projects have included work at the Galena Train Depot, the Old Market House State Historical Site, Turner Hall and Grant Park.<br />
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Sponsors include Vincent, Roth, Toepfer & Leinen, P.C.; Ellen Steinbrecher; Prairie Ridge of Galena; Nack, Richardson & Nack, P.C.; Log Cabin Steakhouse and Gobbie’s Sports Pub and Eatery; La Vie en Rose; Illinois Bank & Trust; The Galena Gazette; Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery; Fried Green Tomatoes; First Community Bank of Galena and Apple River State Bank; DeSoto House Hotel; John and Bonnie Cox; BestOfGalena.com Bed & Breakfast Innkeepers; Baranski Hammer Moretta & Sheehy Architects; and in memory of Annemarie E. Bluhm.Galena Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811579016493325516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581673375671219713.post-4433484842054012382017-05-01T17:00:00.000-07:002017-10-17T06:15:33.709-07:00Foundation, city celebrate a public-private partnership that benefits the communityCourtesy of Galena Gazette<br />
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GALENA–The city of Galena joined with the Galena Foundation on Tuesday, April 18 for a Galena Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours. The aim of the event was simple: to celebrate public and private partnerships for the benefit of the community.<br />
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And Turner Hall–the site of the event–has certainly seen benefits from those partnerships.<br />
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On hand to celebrate were Charlie Marsden, chairman of the Turner Hall Project Committee, and Ken Robb, president of the Galena Foundation.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ken Robb, president of the Galena Foundation speaks as Charlie Marsden, <br />chairman of the Turner Hall Project Committee looks on.</td></tr>
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Marsden summarized the work done at Turner Hall, thanks to the contribution from the Galena Foundation. Some of the work included lighting control upgrade, interior lighting fixture restoration, rear stage wall reconstruction, exterior balcony painting, exterior cleaning, restroom updates, kitchen rewiring, tuckpointing and sealing, interior painting, new stage floor, complete refinishing and painting of interior and several more.<br />
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“This is the 35th anniversary of the Galena Foundation, founded in 1982. At one of our earliest meetings a small group of dedicated community members had a vision, to build an endowment to preserve, enhance, and protect Galena’s history, heritage and culture,” said Robb.<br />
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As the years passed, the Galena Foundation’s assets grew, now reaching over $895,000. “Thanks to the city of Galena for your partnership and for the generous support of many individuals in our community,” said Robb. “Beginning with our first project to restore the Old City Cemetery, this endowment has made it possible to fund more than 50 projects for a total investment in excess of $650,000 in our community since 1982.”<br />
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The next big Foundation project is the multi-year Grant Park restoration project. The Foundation intends to raise $200,000 to support this effort and has recently expanded the planning committee to partner with the city of Galena.Galena Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811579016493325516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581673375671219713.post-59628779156396290362017-04-24T17:00:00.000-07:002017-07-06T09:37:35.556-07:00Grant Park work progressesBy Hillary Dickerson, Editor<br />
Courtesy of Galena Gazette<br />
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GALENA–With work progressing on the joint Galena Foundation and city of Galena work at Grant Park, the city’s Grant Park committee turned its attention to an approaching fund-raising push.<br />
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Meeting Friday, April 21, committee members Paul Jackson, Ken Robb, Pat Smith, Joel Holland and committee chair Charles Marsden discussed a six-month push that will likely run from July 1 to the first of the year.<br />
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Committee members will start brainstorming potential donors.<br />
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The preliminary suggestion for the fund-raising goal is $250,000, with at least $50,000 coming from the Galena Foundation, Marsden said.<br />
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The campaign will be finalized by July 1, Marsden noted, and must be approved by Grant Park Committee and Galena Foundation board since the foundation will handle the campaign.<br />
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The committee also reviewed work on tree removal and pruning, seeding, the pavilion and fountain.<br />
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Additionally, the pergola will be cleaned and painted, and the granite on the Civil War monument and U.S. Grant statue will be pressure washed.<br />
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In terms of the work planned to refurbish the pavilion, City Administrator Mark Moran presented the committee with the request for quotes that will be distributed and available at cityofgalena.org. The pavilion will be pressure washed, the open joints repaired, ceiling lights removed, loose stucco removed and replaced with mortar, cracks and joints sealed and the entire structure repainted, among other improvements. The work will be completed between July 2 and 28.<br />
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Grant Park committee’s next meeting will be Friday, May 19 at 10:30 a.m. at Galena City Hall.Galena Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811579016493325516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581673375671219713.post-34378740878114639092017-04-06T20:13:00.001-07:002017-04-06T20:21:50.569-07:00Celebrating SuccessBy Hillary Dickerson, Editor<br />
<i>Courtesy of Galena Gazette</i><br />
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GALENA–The Galena Foundation celebrated at its annual meeting on Wednesday, March 29 at the DeSoto House Hotel. Attendees celebrated a year of projects; honored Charlie Marsden, outgoing board president; presented the Frank L. Einsweiler Award for historic preservation to Terry Cole; and elected board officers.<br />
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The Einsweiler award is given each year to an individual who has “contributed significantly” to historic preservation efforts in the Galena area, according to Beth Baranski, Foundation vice president, who introduced Cole.<br />
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Einsweiler served as Galena mayor for four terms as well as served on the community’s planning commission for 25 years.<br />
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Baranski noted, “This year’s recipient has been involved in historic preservation in our area for many years, in many ways and many levels. His personal and professional commitment has played an important role in establishing Galena as a respected model for historic preservation.”<br />
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Baranski also cited Cole’s service as mayor and his involvement in the rebuilding of the Meeker Street pedestrian bridge, the creation of the “Galena Historic Preservation Guidebook,” designed to help residents to better understand preservation ordinances, and the installation of the Main Street light posts.<br />
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Also cited was Cole’s business, Renaissance Restoration, that was featured in a 2007 edition of Remodeling Magazine as one of the 50 companies that “exemplify best practices in business systems, customer service, workmanship and support of their employees, communities and the profession as a whole.”<br />
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Baranski noted, “Terry’s business has developed experience throughout the Midwest in downtown revitalization, orphanage complexes, museums, jails, educational institutions, ag buildings, churches, railroad depots and residential programs.”<br />
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Included on that list are a number of Galena properties his firm has restored as well as his relationship with the Campbell Center. He also served on The Galena Foundation board.<br />
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For Cole, receiving this award is especially meaningful due to the role Einsweiler played in his life. Cole told the crowd, “Frank was my mentor. I started my business with no experience. When I’d go to city hall, I’d go into his office and we’d talk for an hour.<br />
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“What I didn’t know was that he was priming me for his job.”<br />
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He noted that one of the interesting things with his company “is that when the phone rings, you never know if it’s about a log cabin or a governor’s mansion.”<br />
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The Foundation also honored Marsden, who is leaving after nine years of service on the board, including the last five years as president.<br />
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Ken Robb, incoming Foundation president, noted that the Foundation has achieved many things during Marsden’s tenure on the board. Legacy membership increased from 60 to 150 members; annual meeting attendance has increased and the Foundation’s assets have increased from $753,000 to $896,000.<br />
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And, during that time, the Foundation has provided funding of $519,000 for more than 30 projects including restorations of the Grant Park gazebo, train station, Turner Hall and Grant Park.<br />
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Robb stated, “Charlie, your contributions have been many and your efforts have been much appreciated.” Robb also quoted one of Marsden’s frequent comments, “No one retires from the Galena Foundation Board,” meaning that Marsden still had work as chair of the Turner Hall and Grant Park committees.<br />
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For his part, Marsden gave credit to all the people who have served on the Foundation board before and during his involvement and that having the opportunity to contribute something to the community “is a great part of my life. It’s been a really great ride.”<br />
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At the meeting’s start, Marsden reviewed some of the Foundation’s successes.<br />
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He stressed the importance of the Joe Miller Trust, which is administered through Illinois Bank & Trust Co., and said it was the greatest public/private partnership program in the community’s history.<br />
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When established in 2009, the trust had assets of $450,146 and today has assets of $550,000. In that time, Marsden said, the Foundation, through the trust has supported projects totaling $231,000, including $33,000 for Turner Hall restoration this year. Another $30,000 is dedicated from the trust for Turner Hall in 2017, part of a $200,000 multiyear commitment.<br />
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The next big Foundation project is the multi-year Grant Park restoration project. The Foundation intends to raise $200,000 to support this effort and has recently expanded the planning committee to partner with the city of Galena.<br />
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Other action taken at the annual meeting involved election of officers: Robb, president; Baranski, vice president; Jamie Loso, secretary; and David Wilmarth, treasurer.<br />
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Upcoming Foundation activities include:<br />
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•Galena Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, Tuesday, April 18 at Turner Hall. Includes a combined presentation of the city of Galena and The Galena Foundation.<br />
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•Hunter Fuerste Concert, Saturday, June 17 at Turner Hall.<br />
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•Legacy Luncheon, Sept. 15 at the Old City Cemetery.Galena Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811579016493325516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581673375671219713.post-39014478793284903132017-03-06T08:39:00.000-08:002017-10-17T06:11:13.330-07:00Grant Park work is underway<br />
By Hillary Dickerson, Editor<br />
<i>Courtesy of Galena Gazette</i><br />
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GALENA–Grant Park is getting a make over, thanks to the Galena Foundation and the city of Galena.<br />
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During the Monday, Feb. 27 Galena City Council meeting, the council approved four recommendations from the newly-formed Grant Park committee.<br />
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For a total cost of $13,500, paid by the Galena Foundation, the park’s fountain will be completely restored.<br />
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The contract with White Construction includes repairing the center figurine, walnut blasting all figurines and repainting, sandblasting all surfaces of the fountain to remove paint, repairing all cracks, painting the fountain, replacing plumbing to the figurines to restore the original fan spray pattern and installing a filter on the pump.<br />
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The four benches around the fountain will be sandblasted and repainted for $500. Full funding will be provided by the Galena Foundation.<br />
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The third Galena Foundation project, at a cost of $11,500, will be to reconstruct and plant the landscape beds surrounding the fountain, remove all urns from the fountain (they were not original) and use one of the urns in each of the four landscaped beds around the fountain.<br />
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The city crew, for an estimated cost of $200, will remove the plantings in landscape beds that form a diamond shape to the west of the fountain, remove narrow concrete edging and return the landscape beds to grass.<br />
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Other work<br />
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In addition to the fountain restoration and the gardens around the fountain, the committee, meeting Feb. 17, also talked about other projects that are in the works.<br />
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Dan Cole and his crew have been working throughout the winter on tree removal and pruning at the park.<br />
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Ken Robb, a committee member, reported that Cole has made considerable progress. There were originally 90 trees in the park, with 21 of those trees recommended for removal. Seventeen of the trees have been removed, and there are 35 trees designated for trimming.<br />
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As with any project, there are funding needs. The committee briefly touched upon future plans to raise a minimum of $200,000 to help fund the improvements to the park.<br />
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There was discussion about a campaign that would allow donors to honor or memorialize loved ones by donating to specific projects. Plaques would be placed at the site and the donors would be publicly recognized as well.<br />
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Plans are also underway to assess the current conditions of the stone Civil War monument and the Grant statue.<br />
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The White Construction lift will be used to better assess the condition when the fountain restoration work is taking place.<br />
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The next Grant Park committee meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 17 at 10:30 a.m. at city hall.<br />
<br />Galena Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811579016493325516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581673375671219713.post-81219722128700331122016-12-06T11:54:00.000-08:002016-12-12T12:00:05.396-08:00Miller Trust funds go to Turner Hall<br />
By Hillary Dickerson, Editor<br />
<i>Courtesy of Galena Gazette</i><br />
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GALENA–The work on Turner Hall continues.<br />
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On Thursday, Dec. 1, the Galena Foundation, which is working with the city of Galena to complete projects at the historic structure on Bench Street, received the annual grant payment from the Joseph Miller Charitable Trust.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Attending the check presentation from the Joe Miller Trust to the Galena Foundation for phase two of the Turner Hall project are, from left: Beth Baranski, Charles Fach, Ken Robb, Adam Johnson, Charles Marsden, Libby Miller, Kay Fitzsimons, Mark Moran, Jeremy White, Janelle Keeffer, Craig Albaugh and Gavin Doyle.</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <i style="font-size: 12.8px;">Hillary Dickerson photo</i></span></td></tr>
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This year’s grant, for $33,971, will be used to help fund phase two projects, many of which have already been completed.<br />
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Phase two projects include lighting control upgrade, interior lighting fixture restoration, rear stage wall reconstruction, exterior balcony painting, exterior cleaning, restroom updates, kitchen rewiring, tuckpointing and sealing, interior painting, new stage floor, complete refinishing and painting of interior and several more.<br />
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According to Kay Fitzsimons, wealth advisor for Illinois Bank & Trust, which oversees the Miller Trust, the first grant was issued in 2009, the year after Miller, a lifelong Galena resident, died at age 79.<br />
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Since that time, the trust has granted $231,034.81 “for civic improvements, historical preservation, interpretation and enhancements and cultural development in the city of Galena with an emphasis on tangible works and improvement projects.”<br />
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Some of the projects for which Miller funds have been used, in addition to the Turner Hall project, include restoration of the Old Train Depot, renovations to the Galena & U.S. Grant Museum, Galena ARC chimney restoration, old high school steps signage, Galena Public Library exterior repair and maintenance, Galena Historic District survey, renovation of the Old Market House State Historic Site and renovation of the Hess farm house on Ferry Landing Road.<br />
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City officials point to the work already completed as being a tremendous boon in drawing people and events to the city-owned facility.<br />
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Janelle Keeffer, city facilities manager, reported that in 2015, 23 events were held at Turner Hall with the hall booked for 92 days, drawing revenue of $9,265.<br />
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In 2016, the numbers climbed to 27 events, 133 days booked and revenue of $24,255.<br />
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And in 2017, the numbers go up again with 51 events, 156 days booked and projected revenue of $39,075.<br />
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“Turner Hall continues to be a building that represents and celebrates community. Our events are diverse and the rental structure helps provide an affordable option for a variety of different uses–by our school, theater groups, concerts, dances, the Winter Marketplace, health fairs, elections, Boy Scouts and private events such as weddings and receptions,” said Keeffer. “Our building enhancements are focused on improving energy efficiency as well as overall functionality and aesthetics. Our improvements are not only generating more rentals, but also decreasing expenditures on cost of operation.”Galena Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811579016493325516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581673375671219713.post-1854082106349693912016-06-15T09:12:00.001-07:002016-12-12T11:50:26.792-08:00Hunter Fuerste concert at Turner Hall for the Galena Foundation in its 10th yearBy Hillary Dickerson, Editor<br />
<i>Courtesy of Galena Gazette</i><br />
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GALENA–“There’s something about Galena,” said Dr. Hunter Fuerste, the Dubuque, Iowa-ophthalmologist, who will lead his vintage orchestra in concert Saturday, June 18 at Turner Hall in Galena.<br />
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The concert, from 6 to 8 p.m., is hosted by the Galena Foundation and made possible by the generosity of a number of local table sponsors.<br />
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Performing in Galena at Turner Hall is one of Fuerste and his band’s favorite events of the year.<br />
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“I wouldn’t miss that for anything,” he noted, speaking specifically of the friendly people who attend and really seem to thoroughly enjoy the music as they sit in the historic building on Bench Street.<br />
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The band presents an authentic recreation of the big band era, the music of 1935 to 1945. The evening features recreations of the original hits of Glenn Miller, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Count Basie and others. In addition to a 14-piece big band, the program features singers, dancers and a special tight harmony vocal group, The Penthouse Serenaders.<br />
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Fuerste is constantly trying new music as he works to recreate the sounds of a bygone era. Pre-show, he worries and frets over what the response will be.<br />
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In Galena, his worry is always for not as the audience always responds positively, some even rising from their seats to dance and enjoy an evening out. He appreciates the enthusiasm, as do members of his band.<br />
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“Is there any better way to spend a Saturday night,” said Fuerste, noting in the age of electronics, a live concert really can’t be beat for the interaction and warmth a concert elicits. “There’s something fun about it.”<br />
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Fuerste and his orchestra members are grateful for the opportunity to perform in Galena and look forward each year to working with Galena Foundation officials and volunteers to pull off a successful concert. Many of those individuals, including Scott Lawlor and Tracy Furlong, have become friends through the years.<br />
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“I’m really thankful for that,” Fuerste continued.<br />
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Looking back over the past decade of concerts, Lawlor is also pleased with the response from the community to the concerts.<br />
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Lawlor remembers that first year, 2007, the 25th anniversary of the foundation, when the board–David Eaton, Lawlor, Libby Miller, Donna Wilmarth, Terry Cole, John Cox, Duane Grenier, Joel Holland and Pat Smith–wanted to host an event to raise community awareness about the work of the foundation.<br />
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The first concert, held in June 2007 at Grant Park, near the newly renovated fountain, was just what the foundation wanted it to be, a perfect way to make people in the community aware of the work of the foundation as they enjoyed a world class concert.<br />
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“It was a group effort,” said Lawlor, who is no longer on the foundation board but offers his time to help at the concert. He believes the foundation is one of the greatest community groups the city has as it leads and supports restoration and preservation efforts and offers grants to organizations whose efforts align with the foundation’s mission. “We all worked hard to put that first concert on.”<br />
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The first year was such a success that the board agreed to make the concert an annual event. Eventually, though, because of weather concerns, the venue became Turner Hall.<br />
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And now that the foundation is working in partnership with the city to restore Turner Hall, Lawlor said, it really is a perfect location. The concert draws the community into the building and allows them to see the work that has been done and the plans for the future.<br />
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The 250 to 300 people who typically attend the concert can give to the cause and help with the foundation’s mission. Table sponsors pay for the concert and have since the very beginning, Lawlor explained. The event really helps get the entire community behind the work of the foundation.<br />
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It’s a concert for all ages, Lawlor noted.<br />
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While those in the older generations remember the music of the big band era, the bands they listened to at local dance halls, younger people are just as interested.<br />
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Fuerste and his orchestra are fun and engaging and make sure the evening is entertaining.Galena Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811579016493325516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581673375671219713.post-33744866970357548792016-04-26T14:15:00.000-07:002016-04-27T14:17:11.999-07:00Foundation ends year on positive note with assets of $933,875<i>Courtesy of Galena Gazette.</i><br />
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The Galena Foundation ended its fiscal year on Dec. 31 on solid financial footings. The organization listed assets of $933,875.<br />
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The foundation ended the year with $161,026 in its general fund and $564,167 in its permanent endowment. Other special funds include the train depot fund, $2,223; fountain project, $7,588; Grant Park cannon, $3,100; public stairs fund, $3,122; David J. Dodds Fund, $472,596; Margaret Gardner Award, $28,257; JJ O’Bel Trust, $55,164.<br />
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Marsden also noted that the Joe Miller Trust, which is not part of the foundation’s asset base, but which is used to fund projects has been a great success. He noted that the trust’s value in 2008 was $450,146 and today has a value of $550,000. Since 2009, $197,000 has been spent from the trust to support projects.<br />
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In 2016, $30,000 from the trust will be used as part of a $200,000 long-term commitment to Turner Hall.Galena Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811579016493325516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581673375671219713.post-66011183551875256392016-04-19T14:19:00.000-07:002016-04-27T14:20:32.735-07:00Maintenance and Improvements at Grant Park<i>By Hillary Dickerson, Editor</i><br />
<i>Courtesy of Galena Gazette</i><br />
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GALENA–The plan is for Grant Park to get a bit of an update, and members of the Galena City Council appear ready to work with the Galena Foundation to make that happen.<br />
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During the Monday, April 11 city council meeting, the council unanimously initiated a project as part of the Grant Park Maintenance and Improvement Plan with the Galena Foundation.<br />
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As part of the discussion on the matter, council member Robert Hahn praised the foundation for all the work it does for the city. He felt assured that any project the foundation was involved in would be successful.<br />
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Council member Jerry Westemeier, while in agreement with Hahn on the foundation’s track record, was uncertain about funding the work since nothing was included in the 2016-17 budget for a match.<br />
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City Administrator Mark Moran explained the plan for this coming year is to get a plan in place and estimates on the work to see how much the city’s match will be.<br />
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Mayor Terry Renner pointed out that while funding is a concern, there were no costs associated with initiating the work. Projects would come back before the council as the process moves forward. Renner suggested it might be a good idea to move forward in phases, much like the work at Turner Hall, another city and foundation project, is being handled.<br />
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Charles Marsden and Ken Robb, representing the Galena Foundation, were in the audience.<br />
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During public comments, Marsden spoke about the recent tree survey the foundation funded which indicated there are 90 trees at the park, 35 of those in need of trim work, 15 removal and 15 more in need of other work.<br />
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Later in the meeting Marsden clarified that the foundation paid for the survey done by Mississippi Valley Tree Service on the trees in the fall of 2015.<br />
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Renner reminded everyone that when the city is involved and tax dollars used to fund work, the projects will need to be bid out. Marsden assured Renner that was the intention.<br />
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Marsden also emphasized the foundation has a number of funds applicable to Grant Park–the foundation and cannon funds, for example–that it plans to use for future maintenance and improvements. He is interested in working with Moran to develop a plan so that can happen.<br />
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“I think it’s a good plan working ahead,” said Renner.<br />
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Moran has broken the Grant Park projects into short term and long term efforts.<br />
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“Like Turner Hall we have to start out with the rough work and the work needed to stabilize the park before we can get into the really substantial improvements,” the outline in the council packet explained.Galena Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811579016493325516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581673375671219713.post-47800485340022305962016-03-30T14:17:00.000-07:002016-04-27T14:17:47.093-07:00Galena Foundation elects officers<br />
The Galena Foundation honored retiring director Joe Nack, elected Dan Kelly to the board and approved these officers: Charlie Marsden, president; Beth Baranski, vice president; Jamie Loso, secretary; and David Wilmarth, treasurer.Galena Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811579016493325516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581673375671219713.post-33927321401955544892016-03-29T13:04:00.000-07:002016-04-27T14:13:52.244-07:00Galena Foundation honors Daryl Watson<i>Courtesy of Galena Gazette.</i><br />
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GALENA–In July 1978, fresh out of graduate school at the University of Illinois, Daryl Watson enrolled at the University of Galena. The rest is history, as the saying goes.<br />
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This past week, The Galena Foundation honored Watson for his community historic preservation work, presenting him with the Frank Einsweiler Award for historic preservation at its annual meeting on Wednesday, March 23 at Fried Green Tomatoes.<br />
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With typical Daryl Watson modesty, he quickly deflected the attention, “I wasn’t expecting it. I think there are a number of others more deserving. . .I am very appreciative,” he says.<br />
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Watson says he “loves” the idea of the award to honor citizens for their historic preservation efforts. And, it was especially important to him that there were so many people he’s known through the years in attendance.<br />
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“It was a great evening,” he said.<br />
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It seems especially fitting for Watson to receive an award named after a man who was elected Galena mayor four times and who made an indelible mark on the community. Einsweiler made an indelible mark upon Watson. He hired Watson, fresh out of graduate school, to serve as the city’s administrative assistant.<br />
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Since the late 1950s–when Einsweiler convinced community leaders to invite a University of Illinois team to Galena to study the city’s economic development potential–Einsweiler kept in touch with one of the professors, Fred Foster.<br />
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Through Foster, Einsweiler learned that Watson, who was thinking of a career in teaching, was finishing his doctorate. Watson says he graduated from UI and enrolled in the University of Galena. “Frank Einsweiler was the chancellor,” Watson chuckles.<br />
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Watson admits he did receive quite an education from Einsweiler. The mayor, born into a long-time Galena family in 1905, attended school here and then business school in Rockford before working at and managing a lumber yard in Freeport.<br />
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He came back in 1941 to purchase a lumber yard and threw his efforts behind flood control in the community. Later he started a construction company which built a number of area schools and dormitories at the University of Illinois.<br />
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“Frank had a tremendous knowledge of buildings from the bottom up. He knew what he was talking about. Sometimes he would sit down with a person and draw up plans. That was unique. And, he was really good at crunching numbers and knowing what would work.”<br />
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The course work at the University of Galena required Watson to wear a number of hats. “We were constantly working on something different,” he recalls. “I jumped right in. Frank was a strong mayor in every sense of the word. He delegated responsibility to me in ways he saw fit.<br />
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“That’s life outside the academic environment and I learned a lot of stuff. Being able to work with historic buildings, planning and preservation. . .was a huge plus.”<br />
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One of Watson’s big projects involved helping Einsweiler obtain grants for the restoration of the Coatsworth Building. “It took four grant applications before we had a successful one. Frank was the chief author.”<br />
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The pair also teamed up to write a grant for the pedestrian bridge connecting downtown to Grant Park. “Frank always had to look through the federal registry,” he said. One of those perusals came up with a gem: highway grant funding was available for amenities.<br />
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“We stayed up until 11:30 p.m., one night to get the grant done,” Watson notes. They submitted the grant application to the Illinois Department of Transportation office in Dixon. They didn’t know anything about such a grant so they called the Springfield headquarters. Springfield staff in turn called the United States Department of Transportation n Washington, D.C.<br />
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“We were the first in the area to get that type of money,” he noted. “Ultimately that has led to walking paths and better maintenance to the dike.”<br />
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Watson is especially appreciative of Einsweiler’s vision, which is part of his legacy. “Frank saw historic preservation as a way to improve economic prosperity in Galena. What does Galena have that no one else has? It was our tourism and architecture.”<br />
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Watson’s tenure with the city lasted six years. But, he didn’t stay away for long. In April 1987, Einsweiler asked him to work in Galena again, this time for a badly divided Galena Historical Society. Watson took over the reins with a new board and by the end of the year had nearly wiped out the museum’s $30,000 indebtedness. He also fondly recalls his “best achievement” during the 18 years he spent with the museum: writing a grant and working with city hall to move the blacksmith shop to its current location and then operate the facility as part of the museum’s programming.<br />
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“That worked out well and is now self-supporting. It’s a great visitor attraction,” he said.<br />
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Since then, Watson has taught part-time at Highland Community College and speaks to the Jo Daviess County Leadership Forum participants.<br />
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Through the years, Watson has worked with many organizations and activities including The Galena Foundation, city, Turner Hall. He helped with the interpretive signs on the levee, restoration of the cannons at Grant Park as well as attending numerous meeting about parking and wayfinding.<br />
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Charlie Marsden, Foundation president, notes that Watson is a very deserving recipient of the award. He noted, “Daryl is one of those gems of our community. A humble person who has excelled at whatever he set out to do. When asked to lead Galena through some difficult times, when preservation was virtually impossible, but so important, he rose to the occasion, leaving his mark on Galena forever.<br />
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“And he is still excelling. His recent work on the Historic Structures Report for Turner Hall is the best there is. And knowing Daryl, he will be making his contributions, whenever asked, for many years to come. It is so fitting that Daryl receives the award named after his good friend Frank Einsweiler.Galena Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811579016493325516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581673375671219713.post-32087311116264825232016-03-22T12:48:00.000-07:002016-04-27T13:03:29.199-07:00Positive review for Galena Foundation book<i>Courtesy of Galena Gazette</i><br />
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GALENA–The recently published book “Galena, Illinois A Timeless Treasure” from The Galena Foundation has been cited as highly recommended by the Midwest Book Review (midwestbookreview.com) in its March 2016 issue.<br />
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James A. Cox, the magazine’s editor-in-chief, writes that the book is “a must have for any Galena enthusiast. . .a model of regional history and highly recommended. . .would well serve as a template for similar histories of other American communities.”<br />
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Written by Philip A. Aleo, historian and author, the book is filled with archival photographs from the Alfred Mueller Historical Collection, recounts of personal stories and newspaper articles dating back to the 1820s and then and now photos of commercial and public buildings, residences, and churches.<br />
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The book is available now and may be purchased at many locations throughout Galena including Book World, Tammy’s Piggly Wiggly, La Vie en Rose, Galena & U.S. Grant Museum and Gateway to History Museum Store, U.S. Grant Home State Historic Site, Ink & Stamp with Sue, Galena Cellars Tasting Room, Galena Welcome Center at the Old Market Place, Amelia’s Galena Ghost Tours, Galena Gazette, Whispering Willow Gift Shop at Midwest Medical Center, the Apple River Fort in Elizabeth, the River Lights Bookstore and the National Mississippi River Museum in Dubuque.<br />
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Founded in 1982, The Galena Foundation is a non-profit organization of volunteers that funds the preservation and restoration of historic Galena buildings and cultural institutions. Recent foundation projects have included work at the Galena Train Depot, the Old Market House, and Turner Hall, with plans for work to begin in Grant Park this coming year.Galena Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811579016493325516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581673375671219713.post-16236691971529882462016-02-02T21:39:00.000-08:002016-02-05T13:57:14.254-08:00Where to Purchase "Galena, Illinois - A Timeless Treasure" Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The book, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Galena, Illinois–A Timeless Treasure” is filled with old and new pictures and narrative about Galena. The 9" x 11" coffee-table sized hard cover book details </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the history of Galena from its earliest beginnings. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bringing a fresh perspective on Galena’s history through the written page, numerous newspaper articles from the 1800's, and hundreds of restored vintage photographs, this premium edition book presents the reader with a comprehensive view of what life was like in Galena in the early 1800’s.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">320 Pages in Length, 4-Color</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Printed on Premium 100 lb. Gloss Text Weight Paper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Embossed Hard Cover with a 4-Color Laminated Dust Jacket</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WDJVY2n4bCiNgHJkhATsBzR7w5vgEuC63lraidQpMhDKFB_B7Fr2T-dnMalho2HhDPdFvcaLKZlB5xUMvpNLyT_3rXqJVbE9FU5ZmFnrxeI-CoqBE-unt7rnvShkN6nIs-q16K559Gc/s1600/Galena_Illinois_book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WDJVY2n4bCiNgHJkhATsBzR7w5vgEuC63lraidQpMhDKFB_B7Fr2T-dnMalho2HhDPdFvcaLKZlB5xUMvpNLyT_3rXqJVbE9FU5ZmFnrxeI-CoqBE-unt7rnvShkN6nIs-q16K559Gc/s320/Galena_Illinois_book.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Available for purchase at the following locations:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Galena & US Grant Museum on Bench St.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Gateway to History Museum Store on Main St.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Apple River Fort in Elizabeth</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> The Galena Gazette</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Old Market House - VisitGalena.org Welcome Center</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Book World on Main St.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Midwest Medical Center - Whispering Willow Gift Shop</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> La Vie en Rose on Main St.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Tammy's Piggly Wiggly</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> US Grant Home</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Amelia's Ghost Tours on Main St.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Galena Cellars Tasting Room on Main St.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Ink & Stamp with Sue on Main St.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> River Lights Bookstore in Dubuque</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Mississippi River Museum Store in Dubuque</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For more information about the work of the Foundation, to purchase a book or to donate to the Foundation, email galenafoundation@gmail.com.</span>Galena Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811579016493325516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581673375671219713.post-11977947341800861822016-02-02T20:53:00.000-08:002016-12-12T11:54:05.952-08:00Trust helps preserve city’s treasures<div class="ArticleBody" id="body_ContentModule_ctl00_ucArticleTemplated_acContainer_pnlBody" style="padding-top: 10px;">
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt;">By Hillary Dickerson</span><span id="body_ContentModule_ctl00_ucArticleTemplated_acContainer_lblBody"></span><br />
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<span id="body_ContentModule_ctl00_ucArticleTemplated_acContainer_lblBody"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial";">GALENA–Most people who knew Joe Miller, an unassuming Gear Street resident who worked for decades at Galena’s Kraft plant and later the Dubuque Packing Company, never would have guessed that upon his death, Miller would leave a substantial gift, a trust with the sole purpose of funding historic preservation in the city he loved. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial";">But that’s exactly what he did. And his money continues to help with the preservation of some of Galena’s treasures. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial";">Upon his death at age 79 in March 2008, Miller’s trust was established and funds have been distributed for various projects each year through the Galena Foundation. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial";">The current project is the restoration and renovation of historic Turner Hall on Bench Street. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial";">In December, Kim Keuter of Illinois Bank & Trust, presented members of the city of Galena’s Turner Hall Committee, city officials and representatives of the Galena Foundation with the $34,368.94 distribution of the Joe Miller Trust funds for 2015. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.6667px; text-align: left;">Members of the city of Galena’s Turner Hall Committee, city officials and representatives of the Galena Foundation gathered recently at Turner Hall for the distribution of the Joe Miller Trust funds for 2015. Presenting the check for $34,368.94 was Kim Keuter of Illinois Bank & Trust. From left: Pat Smith, Ken Robb, Janelle Keeffer, Mark Moran, Charles Marsden, Keuter, Adam Johnson and Paul Jackson.</span><i style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.6667px; text-align: left;">Hillary Dickerson photo</i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial";">According to Charles Marsden, president of the Galena Foundation and chair of the city’s Turner Hall committee, the first Turner Hall phase of work benefited from $29,257.86 from the Joe Miller Trust, which is now paid in full. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial";">The first phase included window repair, re-glazing, and painting; repair and tuckpoint stone around all windows; storm windows on all windows; new exterior doors to match original, insulated and weather stripped; new fire escapes and sidewalks on north side of building; exterior balcony repair; temporary waterproofing at rear of stage. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial";">Additionally, funds from The Save Turner Hall Fund–$81,000–and city of Galena–$44,000–were also used for the first phase.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial";">The second project received $5,111.08 as first payment of a four to five year program to do about $180,000 of work at Turner Hall, all with Joe Miller Trust funds, Marsden continued. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial";">The second phase work includes many items. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial";">Two of the projects benefited from grants funds. The interior lighting controls upgrade was made possible by funding from the city of Galena and Galena Foundation Hunter Fuerste Concert funds. The Historic Structures Report was completed, thanks in part to a grant from Landmarks Illinois, to justify renovation of facility according to national preservation guidelines and research original interior finishes. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial";">Additionally, other work done in 2015 included the rear stage wall reconstruction, waterproofing and tuckpointing. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial";">Other future projects in the second phase include exterior balcony painting, complete exterior cleaning, tuckpointing and sealing, small roof over south side door, main hall floor wood repair and total refinishing, new stage floor, minor restroom updates, kitchen wiring upgrade, new roof and insulation on kitchen, patch and paint exterior kitchen wall, exterior flyloft insulation and finish, complete refinishing and painting of building interior using historic colors determined from paint samples. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial";">The work yet to be completed will be bid in February 2016 and completed in 2016 and 2017.</span></div>
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Galena Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811579016493325516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581673375671219713.post-66285478030133860912016-02-01T20:57:00.000-08:002016-02-05T13:37:43.277-08:00Remembering Galena’s Joe MillerBy Hillary Dickerson<br />
Courtesy of Galena Gazette<br />
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GALENA–Born in February 1929 in Galena, the son of Joseph H. and Lidwina T. (Fleege), Miller spent many years of his life at the family’s home just off Gear Street on South High Street.<br />
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Miller graduated from St. Michael’s Catholic Grade School in 1943 and then attended Galena High School. He graduated in 1947.<br />
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It was during high school that Huck Muehleip knew Miller, who was a year ahead of Muehleip in school.<br />
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Muehleip fondly remembers Miller driving his friends around in a Model T during those teenage years.<br />
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“We had a lot of fun with that in high school,” said Muehleip.<br />
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Besides the time they spent on the road in the Model T, there were hours spent at the Millers’ home playing pool.<br />
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The Millers had a nice shed area near their house that was fixed up with a great full size historic pool table in it.<br />
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Ron Smith, although younger than Miller, grew up just a couple houses up from Miller and his parents on Gear Street. It was around the Millers’ pool table that Smith and his siblings and friends–known as the Gear Street Rangers–spent a lot of time.<br />
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After high school Miller served in the U.S. Army at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo., as a mess sergeant and cook during the Korean War from 1951 until his honorable discharge in 1953.<br />
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Upon his return to Galena, Miller worked at Kraft Foods for 44 years.<br />
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It was at Kraft that Smith again knew Miller. Smith worked at Kraft from 1961 to 1965, during the same years Miller was there in the cheese room, wrapping shipments of the Swiss cheese that was made there.<br />
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“He was an excellent worker at Kraft,” recalled Smith, noting Miller always wanted to make sure everything was done right.<br />
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Smith thought of Miller as leading a fairly reserved, conservative life.<br />
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Although Miller always had a nice car, he lived with his parents for years–55 years total–before moving into his own home, after their death, further up on Gear Street in 1984. Just the same, Smith said, no one ever had the idea that Miller was saving money for a substantial donation at the end of his life.<br />
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For 15 years, while working day shift at Kraft, Miller drove to Dubuque to work the night shift at the Dubuque Packing Company.<br />
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Smith said Miller most likely didn’t need to continue working but he did because he could.<br />
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“That’s the kind of guy he was,” said Smith.<br />
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Miller had a special relationship with the river that carried him throughout life. Miller loved to hunt, fish and also water ski. He was a member of the Galena Hydros Ski Club.<br />
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Muehleip and Miller were both members of the Galena Hydros water ski team. They spent a lot of time together on the river even though Miller typically kept to himself and was quite reserved, Muehleip recalled.<br />
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In addition to the Hydros, Miller was a 50-plus year member of the American Legion, Galena Elks Lodge and St. Michael’s Catholic Church.<br />
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Miller would often share with people his Galena memories.<br />
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He loved to walk around town and see how things had changed over the years.<br />
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Dubuque attorney Jeff Trannel first met Miller when working years ago at the Dubuque Packing Company.<br />
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Years later, it was Trannel who worked with Miller before his death to set up the trust.<br />
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After Miller died, Trannel helped establish the trust and get it up and running.<br />
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“He was one heck of a hard worker,” said Trannel, emphasizing Miller was interested in doing good for the community he loved.Galena Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811579016493325516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581673375671219713.post-20178876400537178172015-12-24T08:07:00.000-08:002016-02-05T13:55:07.677-08:002014 Joe Miller Trust Contribution<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mission accomplished. Kim Keuter from Galena State Bank recently presented a check to The Galena Foundation on behalf of the Joe Miller Trust in the amount of $33,408.69 as its 2014 contribution.</div>
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The money will be used to make the final payment --$22,198.84--to the city of Galena for the depot restoration project. The balance will be applied to a matching grant for the Old Market House State Historic Site restoration project in the amount of $10,775 and to the Hess Farm House on Ferry Landing Road, owned by the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation, in the amount of $434.85.</div>
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From left: David Wilmarth, Galena Foundation treasurer; Ken Robb, Galena Foundation board member;</div>
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Charles Marsden, Galena Foundation president; and Keuter. Hillary Dickerson photo.</div>
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Galena Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811579016493325516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581673375671219713.post-46632614475039128602015-12-01T22:11:00.000-08:002015-12-10T08:07:12.065-08:00New book on Galena out next week<div>
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<i>Courtesy of Galena Gazette</i></div>
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GALENA–The Galena Foundation is starting a new fundraiser in a new way.</div>
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The Galena Foundation has partnered with author Phil Aleo, to write a book, “Galena, Illinois–A Timeless Treasure.” This 320-page book is filled with old and new pictures and narrative about Galena. The book will be released in Galena on Dec. 9, and will be available at different venues around town.</div>
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An ad in next week’s Gazette will provide specific information as to where the book will be available, and where the author will be available for book signings. </div>
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The Galena Foundation was organized more than 30 years ago by a group wishing to preserve Galena, its heritage and history. The Foundation’s mission is to initiate and/or provide financial support for community projects which preserve, enhance or nurture Galena’s heritage, culture and quality of life. </div>
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The Foundation has recently partnered with the city of Galena and finished work on the accurate restoration of the Galena Train Depot. One of next year’s projects will be working in the restoration of Grant Park. The Foundation is also in the process of registering a total database of Galena’s historic district at ruskinarc.com/galena.</div>
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For more information about the work of the Foundation, to purchase a book or to donate to the Foundation, email galenafoundation@gmail.com.</div>
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The Foundation has a nine-member board of directors. For more information, visit galenafoundation.org.</div>
Galena Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811579016493325516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581673375671219713.post-88479433664741954632015-11-10T14:48:00.000-08:002016-02-05T07:54:11.321-08:00Saving Turner Hall: City presented with $81,325 for improvements to Turner Hall<div>
<i>by Hillary Dickerson, editor</i></div>
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<i>Courtesy of Galena Gazette</i></div>
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GALENA–Years ago there were some intense evenings of bingo at Turner Hall. It was the social event of the week as people lined the tables, set up their cards, set their good luck charms in front of them and settled in for what they hoped would be a winning evening. </div>
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Many dedicated community volunteers helped pull off those successful bingo fundraiser evenings, and now, Turner Hall will benefit from the proceeds. </div>
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The Save Turner Hall Committee and Galena Foundation recently presented the city of Galena with a check for $81,325.29–the remaining Save Turner Hall funds that were entrusted to the Galena Foundation to be used for improvements at the city-owned Turner Hall on Bench Street.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">Galena Foundation board members, former Save Turner Hall Committee members and city officials gathered for the presentation of a $81,325.29 check -- all funds raised by the Save Turner Hall Committee and turned over to the Galena Foundation. The funds will be used for renovations at the city-owned facility on Bench Street. From left: David Eaton, Karen Greiner, David Wilmarth, Adam Johnson, Carl Johnson, Charles Fach, Pat Smith, Daryl Watson, Janelle Keeffer, Mark Moran, Fern Moyer, Craig Albaugh, Jim Lander, Charles Marsden, Jeremy White and Beth Baranski. Hillary Dickerson photo.</td></tr>
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Those funds will help pay for exactly what Save Turner Hall Committee members hoped, according to Charles Marsden, president of the Galena Foundation board and chair of the city’s Turner Hall committee. </div>
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Just before the check presentation, Marsden explained the goals of the committee and foundation in focusing on Turner Hall are three-fold: make Turner Hall more appealing and comfortable, reduce energy consumption and utility bills and save taxpayers’ money. </div>
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The hope is that when all work is complete, Turner Hall will be a first-class historic venue for all to use and enjoy. </div>
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Projects recently completed and paid for with the Save Turner Hall funds include: window maintenance, removal and replacement of loose mortar around windows, repair and tuckpoint around windows, new exterior doors, new fire escapes and sidewalks, balcony repair, storm windows, and temporary waterproofing at the rear of the stage. </div>
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The city council in May approved an agreement with the Galena Foundation for the work at Turner Hall that goes beyond the funds from Save Turner Hall. </div>
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As part of that agreement, the Galena Foundation, working in cooperation with the trustees of the Joe Miller Trust at Illinois Bank & Trust, intends to commit several years of funds to the work at Turner Hall. </div>
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“It is the intention of the Galena Foundation that it will take on 100 percent of the cost of this project and will not require the city of Galena to provide the normal 50 percent match of funds required in the foundation’s typical grants for historic preservation,” the agreement reads.</div>
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The work is estimated to cost approximately $180,000, including design and analysis, labor, materials, contingencies and fees.</div>
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Future work includes interior lighting upgrades, a historic structures report and paint study, exterior balcony painting, small roof over south side door, restroom updates, upgrade of kitchen wiring for caterers, new roof on kitchen and several other items. </div>
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The Turner Hall committee and Galena Foundation continue to investigate possible grants that could eventually help fund an addition to the building. That project, however, would be several years in the future.</div>
Galena Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811579016493325516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581673375671219713.post-70145819673621309272015-10-13T14:34:00.000-07:002015-12-10T08:06:11.319-08:00Historic preservation: Program highlights incentives for historic buildings<div>
<i>Courtesy of Galena Gazette</i></div>
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GALENA–Interested in learning about financial incentives for preserving historic buildings? </div>
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If so, The Galena Foundation, First Community Bank of Galena and the DeSoto House are sponsoring a historic preservation program “Financial Incentives for Historic Buildings,” on Tuesday, Oct. 27 from 6-8 p.m., at the DeSoto House Hotel.</div>
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This program may be of interest if you are planning any major projects on a designated historic home or if your commercial building is located in the National Register Historic District. The program covers saving money with historic tax incentives and other financial sources for rehabilitation work.</div>
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Homeowners of owner-occupied residences can receive property tax benefits by qualifying for the property tax assessment freeze program. Income-producing property owners (commercial, office, rental residential, bed and breakfast, etc.) can qualify for federal income tax credits by utilizing the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credits.</div>
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Easements and a limited number of grants may also be available for certain historic buildings. </div>
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Carol Dyson, AIA, Illinois Historic Preservation Agency chief architect and tax incentives manager, and Frank Butterfield, Landmarks Illinois Springfield office director, will present program information. </div>
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This is an opportunity to learn about the different applications and eligibility procedures for each of these programs.</div>
Galena Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811579016493325516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581673375671219713.post-80932468111592280622015-10-07T23:43:00.000-07:002015-12-10T08:05:42.332-08:00City, Galena Foundation plan to make improvements to Grant Park<div>
<i>by Hillary Dickerson, editor</i></div>
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<i>Courtesy of Galena Gazette</i></div>
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GALENA–The Galena City Council, during its Monday, Sept. 28 meeting, approved a memorandum of understanding with the Galena Foundation for improvements to Grant Park. </div>
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In a letter to the council, Charles Marsden, president of the Galena Foundation, explained work would include the development of a master plan for the improvement of the park prepared by a licensed landscape architect, a tree inventory prepared by a certified arborist, and research of the park’s plantings using historic information and photography. </div>
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“The work of the project is intended to improve the appearance and appeal of Grant Park as a venue, to be enjoyed by people living in and visiting Galena, reduce maintenance costs for the city, and promote public involvement in the maintenance of plantings in Grant Park,” Marsden wrote. </div>
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There is currently not a cost estimate for the project, Marsden said. The master plan and tree inventory need to be completed before that information will be available. </div>
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Marsden indicated it is the intention of the Galena Foundation to “take on 100 percent of the effort to develop this project by undertaking the development of the master plan and tree inventory, followed by the prioritization of improvements to be made to the park. Once this prioritization is established, funding will be obtained for the improvements.”</div>
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There was little discussion by council members other than to thank the Galena Foundation for the work it does for the community. </div>
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The council will hear more about the project as new information becomes available and the project moves forward. </div>
Galena Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811579016493325516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581673375671219713.post-74260673294917897272015-07-16T21:38:00.000-07:002015-12-10T08:05:13.063-08:00It’s Gary! Galena pastor will share musical talents Saturday<div>
<i>by P. Carter Newton, publisher</i></div>
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<i>Courtesy of Galena Gazette</i></div>
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This coming Saturday, June 20, Hunter Fuerste will be bringing his big band to Turner Hall. Some in the crowd will be seated at tables. Others will be seated in rows of chairs on the main level or in the Turner Hall balcony.</div>
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One thing can almost be guaranteed: When the music starts, the toes will be a tapping. I’ll guarantee you that!!!</div>
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I’ll guarantee you one other thing: There will be a band member who will be enjoying the occasion as much as anyone. That person is the Rev. Gary Kirst, pastor of Galena Bible Church.</div>
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Or. . .if I can be a bit less formal. . .Gary. You just can’t be too formal with a guy who’s on your Tuesday night golf league team!</div>
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Gary’s a member of Hunter Fuerste and his American Vintage Orchestra. That’s interesting enough: a local guy who has the chops, as the saying goes, to pursue his musical interests with a big time big band.</div>
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What’s really interesting is the relationship Gary has with the band’s leader, Hunter Fuerste. You might also say that musically, the two are joined at the hip.</div>
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In the early 1980s, the two played in a Milwaukee, Wis., based big band, the Harry Kay Orchestra. Gary attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison pursing a master’s degree in meteorology and drove over to Milwaukee on weekends to play with the band. Hunter was attending the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.</div>
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Then life happened. Hunter graduated from medical school and ended up back in Dubuque, Iowa.</div>
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Gary finished his master’s program. “I was the worst forecaster in the class,” he admits. “I wasn’t headed for greatness in the field.”</div>
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He was blessed, though, with a strong music foundation. He started playing trumpet in the fourth grade. “My band director was an enthusiastic guy who happened to be a trumpet player,” he adds.</div>
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Then he fell into musical friendship with a group of guys in high school who all liked jazz. Like, man, they were really into it.</div>
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The formed a quintet. The piano player could transcribe the tunes and they gave each other room to improvise.</div>
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“That’s the way you learn,” he continues. “You need to improvise in order to get comfortable doing it.”</div>
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When Gary moved onto college, he continued fostering his interest in music.</div>
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In graduate school, he and his wife, Linda, became ever more involved in their Madison church. He really enjoyed his pastor/mentor, the Rev. Dick Sisson.</div>
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And since he wasn’t “headed for greatness” in the meteorological field, Gary began thinking about loftier pursuits. “I thought that if I could do anything in the world, I would like to serve God full-time,” he recalls. “I was beginning to spend more time on Bible studies than meteorology studies.”</div>
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As was his band director, his minister was also enthusiastic and encouraging. Seminary was in the future. He applied to and was accepted to Trinity International University in Deerfield. It was the only place he applied.</div>
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If it was good enough for Dick Sisson, it was good enough for him. Gary will tell you that, point blank.</div>
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While in seminary, Gary paid his tuition by doing various jazz gigs around Chicago.</div>
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The music never left him.</div>
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In the early 1990s, Gary accepted a call at the Galena Bible Church.</div>
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Upon moving to Galena, Gary heard about Hunter’s jazz quintet that played mostly in nursing homes and other local venues. He reached out to Hunter.</div>
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When a secretary told Hunter about a Rev. Gary Kirst who had called, Hunter simply said, “Oh, that’s Gary.”</div>
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Gary joined the quintet and later the big band when Hunter formed that band. Although their relationship is now one of 20-plus years, Gary is still amazed with Hunter’s musical abilities.</div>
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Hunter doesn’t go out and buy the music. He listens to the original 78s and transcribes the part for each instrument, for each musician.</div>
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If Gary were proofreading this, he’d say “Hunter painstakingly transcribes each part.” He’d also say that Hunter makes every effort to represent multiple facets of the big band era in the music which the band plays. </div>
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“That makes it fun,” he adds.</div>
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Playing with the band is a good outlet, he continues.</div>
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“It’s fun. I enjoy playing with the guys. It’s a whole different group of people (than with whom he interacts everyday). I enjoy these friendships and would like to think I can be a good example of a Christian to other people who may not go to church. I feel I’m always a pastor and an encourager. It’s an outlet and it’s fun.”</div>
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Gary’s musical interests aren’t limited to this big band. “What I love to do is bee bop jazz from the Charlie Parker and Miles Davis era. That’s my cup of tea. And, I like combo jazz even more,” he adds.</div>
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For this night, Gary will put these interests to the side and make music with Hunter Fuerste and his American Vintage Orchestra. I hope you let your toes tap in appreciation of these wonderful musicians.</div>
Galena Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811579016493325516noreply@blogger.com0