Fundraising Chair Steve Steiber reminded the group that, despite our warm temperatures, it’s almost time to be thinking of holiday garlands, hams, and pecans. With the assistance of top Saleswoman Ann Searles, the Holiday Sale Committee will be forming a group to help new members with the Holiday Sale.  It’s a critical element of our fundraising and will be here before you know it! Steve also promoted a joint effort by SASI (Services for Adults Staying in Their Homes) and Creative Care Management. “Holiday Observations” sessions will be taking place on Tuesday evening, Sept. 27, and Thursday noon, Sept. 29. These free workshops will offer holiday-related insights to caregivers. For more info, or to register, please call (847) 864-7274 or email info@SASIathome.org.

 

Kristin Brown asked that Board members meet for a few minutes after the meeting to discuss a candidate for Rotary’s Outbound Youth Exchange program.

 

Ken Green, Community Service Chair, briefly brought the membership up to date on the committee’s activities.  In addition to its spring grant-making, the Community Service Committee would like to incorporate "hands on" service into some of its meetings.  A recent session with Bundled Blessings was both satisfying to our members and helpful to the organization. This activity may be repeated as conditions permit. The committee also established a set date/time for its meetings.  It will meet every second Tuesday of the month (as needed) at 7 p.m.  Ken also encouraged members to think about other opportunities for service, such as packaging food at our local food pantries.

 

Ken announced that volunteers are needed on Thursday, Sept. 29, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. for Dental Access Days set-up at the Levy Center.   There is no heavy lifting required, just a willingness to help!  Volunteers are also needed for Saturday afternoon take-down.  This worthwhile effort serves more than 130 individuals who could otherwise not afford dental care.

 

 

Joan Borg boasted several friends who wanted to thank her and consequently donated to the Ak Tenamit project in Guatemala.

 

Linc Janus boasted Ken Green and his wife for presenting him with a birthday gift at the Beach Clean-up  --  a T-shirt (used, but clean).  

 

Ken Green, who recently attended a Rotary meeting in Vail, Colo., brought back a banner and noted that he was "fully recovered" and able to hike and climb.   He also roasted himself for neglecting to include new member Barb Miles in his Beach Clean-up write-up. 

 

 

 

 

Fran Caan introduced Tom Zipprich, owner and innkeeper at Stone Terrace, one of Evanston’s two legal, luxury Bed & Breakfasts, developed by Tawani Enterprises. Tom is a lifelong resident of Evanston and trained culinary artist.  His wife, Sue, taught special education for many years and is currently in New York with a new grandchild. 

 

A boutique B&B, Stone Terrace is located at 1622 Forest Place (3 doors south of the intersection of Sheridan Road and Church Street).   Tom explained that the home dates from 1883 and was originally a Queen Anne Victorian with a wrap around porch.  Owned by Curtis Remy, the house was home to his wife, daughter, and more staff than family.  In 1910, while owned by Paul Tietgens, an extensive interior and exterior conversion was overseen by Mayo & Mayo Architects.  A Tudor style home emerged. Subsequently, four other families lived in the property. In 1980, it was recognized as an Evanston Landmark.

 

Once the decision was made to convert the home to a Bed & Breakfast, construction/renovation began.  After 2 ½ years, the work concluded in January 2016.   Tom shared numerous photos of the property.   A beautiful structure, the home has views of the lake and Arrington Lagoon fountain, a prime location, a delightful terrace, and an English walking garden.

 

Among the changes made was the installation of an elevator that was seamlessly added to the outside of the building. Original elements were maintained and updated including fireplaces, windows, hardware, light fixtures, wet plaster appliqués, and friezes.  The home features a beautiful Tudor staircase and spacious rooms. The first floor boasts nearly 800 square feet of living room space, a formal dining room, morning/breakfast room, and updated kitchen. The lower level contains a workout room, billiard room, media room, and quiet room.  (A masseuse and Pilates instructor are “on call” to meet guests’ needs.) 

 

Stone Terrace offers five guest room suites on the second floor, each named after a prominent Evanston woman.  Rooms honor Florence Walwrath (founder of The Cradle), Carol Blymer Dawes (“Second Lady” of the U.S. from 1925-1929), Mary Chaplin Glenn (an ambulance driver in WWI), Isabella Garnett (one of the first African American female physicians in Illinois), and Frances E. Willard (American temperance reformer and women’s suffragist).  These rooms feature unique amenities including televisions behind mirrors, heated floors, fireplaces (or an outside porch), ‘in room’ safes, luxury robes, and a convenience center.

 

A geothermal heating system (with seven pumps, dug down 500 feet) was installed to control the temperature efficiently and quietly.

A coach house in back provides six parking places and a hospital grade generator, with living space on the second floor. Twenty-three security cameras record activity and there is 24-hour monitoring of the property.  The building is also fully sprinklered.

 

Stone Terrace serves a full breakfast each day and is able to meet special dietary requests.

 

The vision for the property was four-fold:  a boutique accommodation, maintaining architectural integrity, an asset to the neighborhood, blending with the environment. 

 

Stone Terrace is available for meetings and events (fashion shows, weddings, birthdays, graduations).  In addition to Tom and Sue, the B&B is staffed by four highly competent assistants.  A luxury accommodation, rates at the Stone Terrace are $350-$400/night (with possible increases on football and graduation weekends). Since its grand opening in January 2016, occupancy has averaged about 35 percent.  Meeting rooms of varying sizes are available for $75+/hour.

 

Carmen Karlesky of the Tawani Foundation explained that the organization was established by Col. Jennifer Pritzer as an offshoot of Tawani Enterprises.  Tawani Enterprises developed the two B&B properties (Stone Porch by the Lake & Stone Terrace) with the current owners/operators as partners.

 

While the City of Evanston had some concerns on the front end, they have been very supportive of the Stone Heritage properties since their opening, Zipprich said.

 

Charlotta Koppanyi thanked Tom for generously donating a stay at the Stone Terrace B&B to our Taste of Evanston Auction.