LPNA Home Tour huge success!

Sunday's Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association Home Tour was a success as far as I was concerned. I don't know how many folks participated but there were crowds at each home we visited. I took several hundred pictures and many of them can be viewed on my Shutterbug website at: http://dsdigitals.shutterbugstorefront.com/g/brinkerhoff__lpna_christmas . You will need to log in with your e-mail address and then you can look at all the pictures of the tour and the Brinkerhoff Christmas party photographed Saturday night. If you look carefully, you can even see a picture of a ghost in one of the staircase pictures. I will post more about that later. I have set up the gallery so you can right click on a photograph and copy the picture to your computer to share with others. There is also a download option that will provide you with a non-watermarked photo. The cost for that is only $.99.

One of the delights of the tour was a little girl named Cloe. She wanted to be a photographer when she grew up. Her sister, Emma was equally enchanting. She gave us a tour of the upstairs. We even saw the "off limits" play room and an in depth tour of the bathroom. *chuckle* The home was located at 1434 N. Sixth St.

Best cookies were provided at 1501 N. Fourth St. We were tempted to go back for a second "look" make that taste. Best Memorabilia was provided at the Bed and Breakfast at 1317 N. Third St. It could definitely make for an interesting stay. I liked the Captain's quarters. My favorite office was at Clark's Computing at 401 E. Keys. The best presentation would be the 1331 N. Third house. I considered both inside and out for this award.

It goes without saying that The Brinkerhoff won the Best of Show but then I am a bit biased as their official photographer. Every time I go through there, I see something different to picture. It is a great place for parties or an intimate wedding. It exudes class!

You will find a link to the LPNA on the our web page.

Lincoln Park Historic Home Tours

This Sunday, the Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association will present it's annual Historic Home Tours from 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM. The Brinkerhoff Home is only one of the six homes to be on display. I have seen the home on several Christmas Tours and if this is anything like the other's it will be spectacular! You can see pictures of the Christmas decorations at: http://www.brinkerhoffhome.org/ and go to Picture Gallery then click on the Christmas '06 album.

The Brinkerhoff home is sponsored by Noonan's True Value Hardware. Your support of this family owned business is unappreciated.

I took a preliminary tour of the other homes the other day. I was only able to see them from the outside but I am assured that the true beauty is on the inside. I plan to take the tour on Sunday and will take pictures to share on the blog after the tour. I highly recommend your participation in this neighborhood event.

Other homes on the tour:

401 E. Keys

1317 N. 3rd St.

1331 N. 3rd St.

1434 N. 6th St.

1501 N 4th St.

If you see a guy with a couple camera strapped on and sporting a full grey beard, that will probably be me. See you on Saturday

December is just around the corner

CHAMPAGNE PARTY

The annual Champagne Party is scheduled for Saturday, December 5th from 4-7 p.m. The cost for the party is $10 per person. Make your reservations by mailing your check to Jane Vetter, 213 S. Walnut, Buffalo, IL 62515 by November 30th. Many of your old friends will be there, it will be a great way to start the holiday season. It is another chance to see why we are members of the Brinkerhoff Foundation – good times, good friends and to preserve our past. If you would like to bring an hors d’oeuvre, please call Jane at 364-4826.

LINCOLN PARK HOLIDAY HOME TOUR

The Brinkerhoff Home as well as four other homes in the Lincoln Park neighborhood will be on the holiday tour on December 6th from 12-5 p.m. Tickets may be purchased in advance for $10 at www.lpnaspringfield.org or at Noonan’s Hardware (8th & N. Grand). Tickets purchased at the door will be $12.

COOKBOOKS

The Brinkerhoff Cookbook will make the ideal gift for the holidays. At $10, wouldn’t it be the perfect stocking stuffer? You can pick up a few of the cookbooks at two upcoming holiday functions - the annual Champagne Party or the Lincoln Park Holiday Home Tour. If you are unable to attend either function, you can obtain a cookbook or two by calling Penny Greek at 546-8890 or email pgreek1@insightbb.com. Thanks for supporting our cause.

RENTALS

If interested in renting the Home for an event – wedding, reception, shower – please contact Nancy Nolan at 528-5087.

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to new members, Jan Steinhour and Judith Marcy.

BUNCO PARTY

Many thanks to everyone who helped in making our first annual bunco party such a success. The turnout was great and a good time was had by all!

2010 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

May 1 – Spring Fair

September 11 – Fall Fair

October 3 – Victorian Tea

November 7 – Bunco Party

December 4 – Champagne Party

DONATIONS

The Home is in need of a hall tree and matching sets of silverware. If anyone is interested in donating such items, please call Nancy Nolan at 528-5087.

VICTORIAN TEA

Many thanks to everyone who helped make the Victorian Tea a great success.

Anyone for tea?

The Brinkerhoff home was filled with tea cups and goodies while the sound of harp music filled the air the first Sunday of this month. Unfortunately, my return from SIU Carbondale was delayed and I arrived just in time to see the clean-up.

Susan Canny did share some of her pictures.

John Bucari, Foundation President can be seen here welcoming guests in the library. If you wanted something a bit more festive than tea, it was available here.



Empty cups and dishes surrounded by smiling faces indicates to me that a good time was had by all.

Even with the tables cleared, some old friends find it hard to leave such a warm comfortable setting. They linger just a bit longer to take it all in.

Who makes all this possible? The great group of volunteers; some pictured above!

After the guests are all gone and the tables all cleared and put away, the work continues.

2010 Calendar Released

The Brinkerhoff Home Foundation Board of Directors has announced the dates for upcoming 2010 events. Mark your calendars and watch this website for updates and additional information as it becomes available.

Spring Craft Fair – May 1st from 9 – 3
Fall Craft Fair - September 11th 9 – 3
Victorian Tea – Oct. 3rd 3 – 5
Christmas Champagne Party – Dec. 4th 5 – 7

Bunco Party

FIRST ANNUAL BRINKERHOFF HOME

BUNCO PARTY

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1^ST

1500 NORTH FIFTH STREET, SPRINGFIELD

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Cost: $8.00

Snacks, dessert and beverages will be served.

Hold this date and come out and enjoy the fun!

Please call Micki Paine at 546-1387 between

Oct. 8^th and Oct. 23^rd to make a reservation.

Proceeds of this fundraiser go to repairing the

front steps of the Brinkerhoff Home.

Brinkerhoff Victorian Tea

Sunday, October 4

3 p.m.-5 p.m.

$15 a person

You are invited to join us for the annual tea at the Brinkerhoff Home. Once again, please dust off your hats, dig out your gloves, and don’t forget the lace handkerchiefs! In addition to our delectable scones accompanied by Devonshire cream and lemon curd, the menu will include cucumber heart sandwiches, salmon fancies, and our famous chicken salad tea sandwiches.

Petite chocolate cupcakes, apricot balls, and special tea cookies are planned for dessert. And, of course, thanks to Miriam Keirs and Rhianon Dalby, plenty of English tea will be served.

Come savor this wonderful assortment of treats while enjoying the beautiful music of Jan Mulrooney-Kuhn at the harp. Doors will open at 2:45 p.m. and serving will begin at 3:00. Tables will be set for groups of four, eight or ten. Seating is limited, so please mail your reservation form along with a check to Sharon Strasbaugh, 5605 Grissom Drive, Springfield, IL 62711 by Friday, September 25. If you have questions, please call Sharon at 529-5624.

Many thanks to Diana Hetherington for her donation of a nice teapot and tea towels and also Sharon Strasbaugh for donating some demitasse’ spoons and cocktail forks for our upcoming tea.

Reservation Form

Name:____________________

Phone Number:_____________

Number of Reservations _____@ $15.00 per person = Total Amount________

Reservations must be received by Friday, September 25, 2009.

NEW MEMBER

Welcome new member Nahla Abu-Saba.

FALL FAIR

The Brinkerhoff Home Board of Directors would like to extend a big “THANK YOU” to Jim Shay of Shay’s Antiques and Fine Art. Jim very graciously donated three items (two clocks and a pressed glass compote) for sale in the Silent Auction held at this year’s Fall Fair.

This past September 12^th was a beautiful end-of-summer day: blue sky, few clouds, the smell of kettle corn in the air, and just warm enough to still wear those summer clothes while finding some shade under the big Ginkgo tree. And where better to have enjoyed all that than at the Brinkerhoff Home Fall Craft Fair! Those of us who spent time at the Fair were able to relish the great weather and have lots of fun brought about by so many people in attendance. We had 52 vendors, many returnees, but also some new vendors too. There was a nice mix of items for sale. As has been the practice, the Home was open for tours and over 150 people visited the Home. But with the good weather, high attendance and many vendors all taken into account, the success of the Fair was not measured by the people who came to look and purchase items from the vendors; the real measure of success was the number of volunteers who unselfishly gave of themselves in many ways to help bring about the Fall Fair. To those people who came on the preceding Friday to help with the set up, to those who baked goods, others who donated items, and to the many people who gave their time to come and help with various tasks for making the Fair a great accomplishment, the Board of Directors extends its thanks you. Now, on to the Spring Craft Fair 2010!

Congratulations to Lois Jirgal, winner of the 50/50 drawing.

FIRST ANNUAL BUNCO PARTY

Sunday, November 1^st from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

$8 per person - Snacks, dessert & beverages will be served.

Call Micki Paine at 546-1387 between October 8^th & 23^rd for reservations.

Proceeds of this fund raiser go towards repairing the front steps of the Brinkerhoff Home.

MEMBERSHIP DUES

Just a reminder – if you haven’t paid your dues, please send $15 to the Brinkerhoff Home, 1500 N. 5^th Street, Springfield, IL 62702.

MEMBERSHIP DUES

In an effort to be mindful of the economy and the tight budget many of our members are feeling, the Board of Directors has avoided any increase in membership fees. We are working to make sure that each dollar is spent wisely and carefully. In an effort to ensure that events can proceed at the Home, that maintenance is on-going, that the furnishings upkeep is current, and long term planning is accordingly programmed, the Board needs your continued financial support. If you have not submitted your annual dues, please do so at your earliest convenience. If you would to become more involved, there just may be a place for you in our organization. Some areas where we are seeking assistance are:event volunteers, event chairpersons, event planners. If you are seeking a way to keep yourself occupied, the Brinkerhoff Home Foundation may just have a spot for you. Or if you know of someone who would like to become involved with the Home, please pass their name on to us. If you don’t have experience but want to help, we’ll only be too happy to get you started. Feel free to contact us. We have some events rapidly approaching and if you looking for a start, now is the time. The Fall Craft Fair, the Victorian Tea, Bunco Party or the Christmas Party are occasions that you might want to participate “behind the scenes”. Call Nancy at 528-5087 or Susan at 494-1571. We look forward to hearing from you. If you know of a friend or family member who would like to join, please let us know.

COME JOIN US FOR A BIRTHDAY PARTY!

We are celebrating George Brinkerhoff’s birthday. We know it is difficult to believe but Mr. B is turning the big 170 this August. What better way to start off his 171st year than to have a party for the gentleman. His party will be held on August 28th from 6-8 p.m. on the grounds of the Home. Mr. B is kindly supplying (at HIS EXPENSE) the cake and the ice cream plus he is promising some entertainment for those attending. That’s right, since this is his birthday, there will be no charge for the fun and the food, just come and enjoy the evening. Of course, if anyone wants to give a gift to George for his birthday, we will be sure to accept it on his behalf.

See you on the 28th at 6 p.m. Come help Mr. B blow out all those candles.

URSULINE DONATION

The Brinkerhoff Home Foundation recently received notice from the Ursuline Convent of Springfield that the hall tree with mirror and marble top, which sits in the foyer of the Home, has officially been donated to the Home. In 1983, when the tree was placed in the Home, it was under loan by the Ursuline Convent. The Brinkerhoff Home Foundation Board of Directors graciously accepts the donation and extends it appreciation to the Convent for its continued support of the Foundation.

50/50 RAFFLE

Sharon Norris was the winner of the 50/50 raffle at the Spring Fair.

FALL FAIR

Just a reminder – September 12th is the Fall Fair from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. We are still looking for volunteers to help in the various booths – better buys, silent auction, memorabilia, Home tours, country kitchen, 50/50 ticket sales.

Don’t forget to call Nancy at 528-5087 or Susan at 494-1571 if you have items that need to be picked up for better buys.

If you have any antiques, collectibles, china or crystal items to donate, call Penny Greek at 546-8890.

Enclosed are tickets for the 50/50 drawing. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. The drawing is at 2 p.m. and attendance is not required.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Victorian Tea will be held October 4th.

Bunco Party will be held in November (date not yet set).

Christmas Decorating November 9-13th.

Christmas Champagne Party December 5th.

BAR STOOLS

The Home is looking for 3-4 new bar stools for the kitchen. If you have any stools you would like to donate, please call Nancy at 528-5087.

BRINKERHOFF WEB PAGE

Check out our web page for the Home at http://www.brinkerhoffhome.org/. and http://www.brinkerhoffhome.com/

Happy Birthday George

A new event is scheduled for August 28th from 6 to 8 PM. This new event is a birthday celebration in honor of George Brinkerhoff. Come to the party; the public is welcome and there is no admission fee.

Another schedule change involves the Victorian Tea originally scheduled for October 19th. It has been rescheduled for October 4th from 3 - 5 PM.

More information on both events will come later.

Don't forget the Fall Fair. It is still scheduled for September 12th.

If you have not visited our new website, check it out at http://www.brinkerhoffhome.com/

Ice Cream Social cancelled

The ice cream social originally scheduled for July has been cancelled. No further information is available at this time. Several additional activities will be announced later.

Spring Fair Saturday

SPRING FAIR MAY 2

The annual Brinkerhoff Spring Fair will be held on May 2nd on the grounds of the Home. Many vendors of merchandise will be available.

50/50 Raffle Tickets Enclosed

Tickets for the 50/50 drawing to be held at the Spring Fair are enclosed with this month’s newsletter. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. The drawing is at 2 p.m. and attendance is not required.

Please send your completed ticket stubs and donation to Kevin Beatty, 140 Sidener Lane, Springfield, Illinois 62707.

Country Kitchen Baked Goods

Country Kitchen will need lots of baked goods for the Fair. Suggestions are pies, cakes, breads, cookies, pizelles or brownies. We would appreciate it if you would package and label the goods in zip lock bags. Cakes, pies and breads should be labeled and covered in saran or clear wrap. Baked items can be dropped off at the home on Friday, May 1st from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. If baked items cannot be delivered on Friday, we need them no later than 8:00 a.m. on Saturday. If you are unable to bake an item and wish to donate to the Home, please send your check made payable to the Brinkerhoff Home at 1500 N. 5th Street, Springfield, Illinois 62702.

Better Buys

If anyone has any items for better buys, please contact Nancy Nolan at 528-5087 or Susan Canny at 494-1571 for pickup.

Free Home Tours

The Home will be open to the public during the Fair. If you would like to be tour guide, call John Bucari at 585-0845.



On the Auction Block

The Silent Auction, featuring antiques and collectibles, will be taking bids until 2:00 p.m. If you have any antiques, collectibles, china or crystal to donate, call Penny Greek at 546-8890.

Memorabilia

Polo shirts with the Home insignia will be available for $16 at the Fair. Cook books will be available for $10. Aprons, tote bags, Christmas ornaments, napkins and note cards will also be available for purchase.

Concession

Concession will be provided by Vose. Come have a corn dog!!


Restoration

Thanks to Riley and Ann Barber for the 1800-1900’s mantel clock for the Home.


Membership Dues

Just a reminder – if you haven’t sent in your membership dues, please send to the Home at 1500 N. 5th Street, Springfield, Illinois 62702 or bring your dues to the Fair. If you have moved or changed your phone number, please contact Nancy Nolan at 528-5087.


New Members

Welcome to new members – Mary Stewart, Kevin & Carolyn Delaney and Marian Kochmann.


Golf Outing
The golf outing scheduled for June 8th has been cancelled.

January News Letter

HOME BEAUTIFICATION THANK YOU

I would like to thank everyone with the Christmas decorating of the Home. Brian Eggemeyer, who did all the heavy work and gave the ladders a workout. Marcella Contri, who decorated the trees and was a valuable assistant. Diana Hetherington and her crew of Jane Bundy, Cheryl Neal, Kathy Jump and Jerry Thompson who donated the Yule log. Many hours went into all the work to make the rooms look inviting for the holidays. A big thanks also goes out to the “dismantling” crew of Jonathan Beatty and his friends, Justin Kirk and Ryan Doza who hauled all the containers, boxes, bags and trees up three flights of stairs. They also gave the ladders a good workout! Diana, Jane, Marcella and Sharon Bucari who also went out and got us lunch. The SCI staff who put up and took down the 12-foot tree and worked with connecting the lights on the staircase. To Mary Jo Rappe who has always helped us with coordination support.

UPCOMING EVENTS


February 15 Mrs. Lincoln’s Presentation

February 24 Mardi Gras Luncheon

May 2 Spring Fair

June 22 (tentative) Golf Outing

September 12 Fall Fair

October 18 Victorian Tea

November 9-13 Christmas Decorating

December 13 Christmas Champagne Party

NEW MEMBER

Welcome to new member, Nancy Jo Rogers.

MRS. LINCOLN’S PRESENTATION

Jane Lawder [shown at left] will present her biographical sketch of Mary Todd Lincoln on February 15th from 2-4 p.m. Ms. Lawder’s interest in Mary Todd Lincoln evolved from volunteering at the Lincoln Home National Historical site. Jane developed her interpretation and presentation over ten years, refining her views of Mary’s tragic life. All members and the public are welcome at no charge. Light refreshments will be served. Pictures from last year's event can be found at:
http://www.gallerypg.com/WebGallery/Brinkerhoff%20Home/4/med/Mary_Todd_Lincoln-2814.htm

DONATIONS FOR SPRING FAIR

Please remember the Brinkherhoff Foundation when you start your spring cleaning. If you have items you wish to donate, contact Nancy Nolan at 528-5087 or Susan Canny at 494-1571 for pickup. For silent auction items, please contact Penny Greek at 546-8890 or email her at pgreek1@comcast.net.

RENTALS

If you are interested in renting the Home for a wedding, reception, shower, dinner party, etc., please contact Nancy Nolan at 528-5087.

BRINKERHOFF BLOG

Check out our blog page for the Home at http://springfieldbrinkerhoff.blogspot.com/.
Event pictures can be found at: http://www.gallerypg.com/WebGallery/Brinkerhoff%20Home/index.htm

MEMBERSHIP DUES

Enclosed are membership dues envelopes for 2009. Please return envelope with your renewal by April 1st.

MARDI GRAS LUNCHEON – FEBRUARY 24

The menu will include New Orleans Jambalaya, Crusty French Bread, Mardi Gras Slaw and Bread Pudding with Amaretto Sauce. Iced tea and coffee will be served.

Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. and serving will begin at noon.


Name ____________________________ Phone Number _________________________
Number of Guests _________ Number of Tables __________

Please enclose check for $10 per person and mail to:
Kevin Beatty
140 Sidener Lane
Springfield, ILL 62707
Reservations must be received no later than February 20, 2009.