March 29, 2024

Dollars for Scholars annual home tour set for Saturday

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Newton Dollars for Scholars, now in its 32nd year, has announced the homes that will be featured on the annual Newton Tour of Homes, which is the group’s sole fundraiser for scholarships.

“This year, we are featuring four homes and also cross-promoting a great community asset, the Jasper County Historical Museum, which is having a holiday open house on the same day,” said Hilary Montalvo, president of the Newton Dollars for Scholars Board. “We’re always so grateful for the support of the community and the homeowners who choose to open their homes to the public each year.”

Montalvo added that the generosity of donors as well as the tour-goers’ ticket purchases allowed the group to give more than $115,000 to Newton Senior High graduates last year.

“We’re a nonprofit group that is careful with our funds and has few expenses, so when you donate to us, the money you provide will end up almost directly in the hands of a student who is headed to a trade school, or a two year or four-year college,” she said.

The tour runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and tickets are sold at the door of each home on the day of the tour, and in advance at the Newton Chamber of Commerce office, the Jasper County Historical Museum, Advantage Credit Union and FNNB. Tickets are $10.

Featured this year:

Home of Adam and Noreen Otto, 1110 S. Sixth Ave. W.

The 1952 Cape Cod style home has had numerous additions over the years, expanding both its footprint and function. A full kitchen remodel in 2017 added new cabinetry, countertops and custom built-ins, all designed and installed by local businesses. The family-friendly home has two fireplaces, which will be ready for Santa, a front porch and a large backyard in constant use by this busy young family. The house has five bedrooms, frequently filled with family and friends from out of town. The large finished basement will be decorated in anticipation of a “magical” Christmas! This classic dwelling was featured on the tour eleven years ago when it was owned by close friends of the current owners! Come and see the changes they’ve made during their three happy years in the home.

Home of Greg and Brenda Stewart, 1031 Meadowbrook Ave.

This contemporary take on Colonial Revival was completed in 2000 and has three bedrooms and four bathrooms on 2.5 acres. The two-story entry is full of light, highlighting the beautiful wood floors, which lead to the rear of the home, passing a home office on the way. The open-concept kitchen and living area are full of windows, and the back doors open on a large deck at the rear of the home where the Stewarts relax and enjoy their spacious backyard and overlook the patio. On the upper level, the master bathroom has recently been updated with a soaking tub and new tiled shower, and the downstairs walk-out basement is fully finished as well.

Home of Josh and Teresa Wermager, 944-5 Meadowbrook Ave.

The Wermagers’ 2x6 stick-built, half-log home was built in 2002 and fits perfectly into its wooded surroundings. The outdoors features prominently in the design and decor, with the half-log siding both indoors and out, as well as a floor to ceiling cultured stone fireplace in the family’s great room. Look for additional rustic, cabin-style touches, including fresh evergreen Christmas decorations with pine cones and pepper berries. In 2013, the home received a makeover on its lower level, and the walk-out basement contains a full kitchen, family room, and bedroom and bath, so the Wermagers’ extended family can stay over often. Tour-goers may also notice the unusual 1906 Howard upright grand player piano with 65 keys, which is a fifth-generation family heirloom.

Home of Shawn and Vicki Wade, 909 S. Fifth Ave. W.

Shawn and Vicki Wade purchased this 1910 Foursquare in 2010. Shawn, a business owner and contractor, has spent the last seven years restoring this four-level home to its original woodwork and features, while adding modern day amenities. The main floor features quarter-sawn oak trim, pocket doors, hardwood floors, and several built-ins to house artwork, books and decor. The second floor consists of an updated bath, custom closets, laundry, a guest room for their adult son, Logan when he is home for the holidays, and a sleeping porch turned game-room for their teen son, Tucker. Vicki, a local boutique owner and artisan, claimed the third story of the home for her studio. This level of the home offers a quiet space to work on projects, many of which Vicki displays and sells through her business. The basement level of the home was most recently finished to include a family/teen entertainment area with custom cabinetry by Shawn. Much of the home has restored woodwork, doorknobs and other details. Note the original lead glass windows, a Maytag home chandelier in the dining area that was carefully restored by Shawn, an open front porch and a double lot for outdoor entertaining.

Jasper County Historical Museum, 1700 S. 15th Ave. W.

As part of the tour, Newton Dollars for Scholars invites everyone to stop at the Jasper County Historical Museum to experience the “home” of our local history. Tickets will also be available here and a holiday open house will be in progress. The museum is featuring Christmas trees decorated by all kinds of local groups, which will be located throughout the museum. The theme for this year’s open house is the World War One Christmas Truce, where soldiers from both sides of the conflict temporarily laid down arms, exchanged presents, and played games and celebrated Christmas together on Dec. 25, 1914. Attendees can enjoy cider and candy with as they learn about this event and the history of Jasper County.

In case of inclement weather, the tour will be held on Sunday instead.