Newsletter of the Stahl-Conrad Homestead
www.HistoricHalesCorners.org______
9724 W. Forest Home Ave., Hales Corners, WI 53130 November, 2016__
Christmas tree sale
Good news---the Homestead will again be having a Christmas tree sale! We have found a new supplier and will begin selling trees on Saturday, November 26. Hours for the sale are 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday through Friday and noon to 7:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. The lot will be closed on Monday and Tuesday. We will have balsam and Fraser firs and the price will vary based on size and species.
This sale has been our major fundraiser in past years. We sincerely appreciate the loyalty many of you have shown and we hope you will check out our selection when searching for your “perfect tree.” Also, swags, wreaths, centerpieces and other decorations made by members of the Hawthorn Garden Club will be available in the barn during the sale. This is the perfect time to pick up a gift item or something to beautify your own home. Proceeds from the sale of those items help the club pay for gardening programs as well as to make donations to places like Boerner Botanical Gardens and Wehr Nature Center.
Stahl Savanna Project event
Have you noticed the large old oak trees that still grace many yards and roadsides in this area? To learn more about their significance, please join us at 2:00 pm on Sunday, February 19, 2017 as we introduce the Stahl Savanna Project. The speaker will be Certified Arborist Jim Uhrinak who will present a program titled “Great Savanna Oaks Still Speak in Our Neighborhood.” As one of three members of the International Oak Society who reside in Wisconsin, Jim will explain oak savannas and how they fit into original local landscape. He will also cover the ideas behind the Project and how you can get involved. The program is free and open to the public and refreshments will be served. Save the date!
In memoriam
One of the Homestead's most loyal supporters, LaFonda Kinnaman, passed away on June 11, 2016 at the age of 88. She had a deep interest in history and was a regular attendee at our programs. Native American history was of special interest to her, and she was very excited to meet anthropologist Nancy Lurie when she spoke at one of our programs. LaFonda was a soft-spoken and kind woman who is missed by all who knew her.
Raffle results
Many thanks to all of you who supported our cash raffle. Marlene Grossert was the lucky winner of the $1000 prize, with George Berger and Bob Wilson winning $500 and $250, respectively. Many thanks to George for donating half of his prize back to the Homestead. The raffle netted $1370 for our treasury.
Time to renew memberships
Homestead memberships follow the calendar year so it is again time to renew. Dues are very reasonable at only $15 for an individual and $25 for a family. Membership dues provide a valuable source of funds to keep the Homestead operating, and we appreciate the support many of you have shown by renewing year after year year. A preprinted envelope is enclosed for your convenience. Also, donations are tax-deductible and appreciated in any amount. So when you are doing your year-end financial planning, please keep the Homestead in mind.
Gifts of appreciated securities can also save you taxes and provide needed funds for the Homestead. You can even designate how you would like your donation to be used, i.e. capital improvements, debt reduction, etc. Please consult your tax advisor to see how such a gift might fit your situation.
Annual meeting
The Homestead's annual meeting was held on Wednesday, September 28. Members elected a new board member, Rita Thomas, and reelected George Berger and Jim Bruening to three year terms. The speaker for the evening was photographer/writer Eddee Daniel who gave a very interesting and thought provoking talk titled “Why Milwaukee should be considered a green destination.”
Holiday wishes
On behalf of the entire Homestead board, have a very happy and blessed holiday season and a healthy and prosperous 2017!
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The mission of the Stahl-Conrad Homestead is to create a museum focused on transitions in the land in Hales Corners and its environs from presettlement into the future and to preserve the Stahl-Conrad Homestead as a remnant of a bygone
lifestyle.
The Homestead’s vision: The land is restored and the buildings are renovated to accommodate changing exhibits and public events.
The Homestead is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization. Your donations and in-kind gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law.
Officers and directors are: president, Delene Hanson; vice president, Jim Bruening; secretary, Betty Braun; treasurer, Michael Jedrzejewski; directors: Bette Arey,George Berger, Rita Thomas and Dave Zepecki.
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