2013 Tour Of Home Announced
The home of Judy Belzer was looking like a warm country Christmas for the Tour of Homes 2010
The Christmas season is rapidly approaching and the Oskaloosa Area Association of Churches is sponsoring the Annual Tour of Homes. We invite you to spend Sunday afternoon, December 8, 2013, from 1-4 p.m., visiting these beautifully decorated homes, visiting with friends, and preparing for the Christmas Season. The host church this year will be Central Reformed Church. The following homeowners will share their homes with you this year, Shawn and Angela Dawson, Tara Rozenboom, Randy and Kathy Pleima, and Don and Carol Houk. Each home is different and unique.
The profits from this 2013’s Tour off Homes will be shared with the Oskaloosa Senior Center, located at 715 B Ave East. The Oskaloosa Senior Center is incorporated with the Seneca Area Agency on Aging, whose central office is in Ottumwa. Numerous recreational activities take place at the Oskaloosa Senior Center on a regular basis. As the very first congregate meal site in the state of Iowa, our local Senior Center has grown and evolved since then. The Center relocated 4 years to the present site at 715 B Ave. E. They not only serve between 25 and 30 congregate meals five days a week at the site, but around 100 meals are delivered to shut-ins or those otherwise unable to attend the site. For those who eat on site, there are a variety of programs and entertainment including bingo, exercise before eating, musical offerings and educational programs appropriate to seniors plus there is also a lot of good conversation that goes on at the center, noting the wealth of knowledge and history many senior citizens possess. If you are 60 or older, come join us for lunch. To reserve call 673-3033 the morning before you plan to come. Your support is much appreciated.
Central Reformed Church is located at 815 2nd Ave East. This church was founded in 1912 and continues to be a growing church that has “passion for God and compassion for people.” Central’s theme for Christmas 2013 is “Christmas is for Singing,” and you’ll notice that theme playing out throughout the building. You’ll want to make sure to check out the special set pieces in the sanctuary depicting Bible era Bethlehem and a modern day living room. You’ll also want to visit the fellowship hall for refreshments and to see several additional tree displays.
Shawn and Angela Dawson’s home is located at 839 Fox Run Lane. They have lived in their house a little over a year. They make many family memories every year around their Christmas tree, which is located at the front of the house. Christmas has always been a fun time around the Dawson household, with friends and family members gathering to share the joy. They all chip in to put up the Christmas tree as soon as they are done with their Thanksgiving meal. It is a tradition. Every year, the kids take turns putting the star on the top of the tree, and they always keep track of whose turn it is. Many of the Christmas decorations have been gathered through the last 17 years. The kids have received a musical stuffed animal each year. They look forward to putting the batteries in them and starting them at the same time. It brings all of them much laughter. The ornaments on the trees are a mixed sort. Some are from Shawn and Angie’s childhood. The rest have been accumulated with their children. They receive a new ornament each year. There are many fond memories in their Christmas Tree, memories that will hopefully be passed on through many generations.
Don & Carol’s Houk’s home is a brick ranch style home built in 1970 and located at 2295 Lynn Ave. A lot of it has been updated, with more yet to do. A family room and laundry room was added in 2012. In this location, we consider that we have the best of both worlds, as we still have country living but only a mile from town on a hard surfaced road. Our home will feature decorations to interest men, as well as women. We have a full size 1940’s restored gas pump and several gas memorabilia in one room, die cast cars, trucks, old toys & games in another. Many unique nativity sets in another, dolls in one, snowmen in another. Decorations that we hope will appeal to everyone. This home is filled with a lot of love & sentiment.
The home of Randy and Kathy Pleima is located at 211 North 9th Street. They live in a charming two-story home built in 1910. They have gradually remodeled every room over the past 28 years. Eclectic decorations include old, new and even some funky Christmas ornaments that accent the warm and bold color scheme throughout the house. We invite you stop by their home and enjoy the warmth and coziness of this Holiday Season.
Tara Rozenboom invites you to her home, “The Old Brick” at 713 High Ave East. Tara recently purchased “The Old Brick” and has just finished a bathroom and kitchen renovation. During construction she also exposed some of the original brick in the entryway and the dining room. A few of the architecturally interesting aspects to the home are; 10’ ceilings, large rooms, incredible wood work, 2 fireplaces, tall windows and wide plank wood floors. There are four levels, which include three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Decorating for Christmas has always been special to Tara and this year even more special as she welcomes you to her home.
Share the fun and excitement of Christmas on a wonderful Sunday afternoon, December 8, from 1-4 p.m. Enjoy Coffee Time at Central Reformed Church and tour the homes that afternoon. The cost of each ticket is $10 (non-refundable) and are available for early sales at Mahaska Drug, The Book Vault, and the Oskaloosa Chamber Office. Tickets sale the day of the event will be at Central Reformed Church and at each home.
