Holiday Housewalk 2022
2022 Holiday Market and Holiday Housewalk in The Galena Territory
Looking for that perfect gift? Look no further! Venture out to The Galena Territory on Dec. 3 for the annual Holiday Market with Territory Farmers Market vendors for seasonal decorations, gift items, art, baked goods and much more from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Then take a self-guided tour of five beautifully decorated homes located throughout The Territory and absorb the splendor of holiday decor during this year’s Holiday Housewalk, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.The Holiday Market is located in The Galena Territory Association’s (GTA) Owners’ Club. Holiday Housewalk tickets and maps are available to purchase at the Owners’ Club the day of the tour for $12 per adult. The GTA Owners’ Club is located at 2000 Territory Drive in the heart of The Territory. Just follow the signs upon entering The Territory from U.S. Highway 20.
Holiday Housewalk proceeds are donated to five local non-profit organizations as designated by the participating homeowners, including: the Elizabeth Food Basket, Riverview Center, The Galena Territory Fire Station, Kiwanis Club of Galena, and Safe Haven Humane Society. Light holiday refreshments will be served at the Owners’ Club and an opportunity to purchase raffle tickets on a colorful quilt made by the Quilters of The Territory.
For more information, please call the Owners’ Club at 815-777-2000.
One home may be modern, another one rustic. One may be older, the other newer. However, the common denominator among all homes in the Holiday Housewalk, is that their owners wish to support a worthwhile charity in Jo Daviess County by opening up their homes to you. Be our guest and enjoy the day visiting each home, talking with the owners, and making a difference in Jo Daviess County!
The Territory Farmers Market is sponsored by the Greenspace Advisory Group of The Galena Territory Association, Inc. This volunteer group helps oversee the preservation and maintenance of the GTA's 1,900 acres of common grounds, trails and natural areas located in The Galena Territory.
Quilt raffle
Attendees to the Holiday Housewalk on Dec. 3 will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets on a colorful quilt made by the women of the Quilters of The Territory (QTs).
THE BERNHARD HOUSE
In the Marla and John Bernhard house, located at 380 West Wachter Road, Christmas season does not begin until the Nativity set is unwrapped and displayed on Dec. 15. We’re fortunate that it will be displayed early this year so that everyone can appreciate the 125-year-old heirloom handed down to Marla from her great-grandparents.Originally from Elgin, the Bernhards permanently moved to The Galena Territory in 2019 after being part-timers for 16 years. Everything about their current house exceeded their wish list, so why bother to build?
Now, enjoying their retirement while volunteering in the area, as well as in The Territory, the Bernhards have chosen the Elizabeth Food Basket as their charity, where John has volunteered for the past two years.
THE ERICKSON HOUSE
The home of Patricia and Curt Erickson at 40 Shenandoah Drive has previously been on display. I like to call them “repeat displayers!” They’re back after having so much fun years ago showcasing their beautiful hillside home. New quilts and wall hangings will be displayed as more of the house will be open to explore. Formerly of Polo, the Ericksons bought their “rustic” (another word for needing a lot of tender, loving care) house in 2014.Pat’s favorite Christmas memory is sitting around the family piano singing carols. They continue this tradition, when they can, with their three children and eight grandchildren, as well as pets Tinker and Moe.
Knowing that not everyone gets to experience the holidays as joyfully, the Ericksons have chosen Riverview Center as their charity with the hope that those in difficult situations get the help, therapy and counseling they need.
THE FOOTE HOUSE
“When we walked in, it felt like home!” That’s how Mary and David Foote felt about their home of three years, located at 21 Harbor Drive, after looking for three years! Former residents of Naperville, Mary and David, along with their dog, Tanner, continue to create special holiday memories by showcasing Mary’s mother’s Byers Choice carolers and English cottages, along with Mary’s Mackenzie-Childs figurines.Of course, what would Christmas be without a special dinner? For over 23 years, the Footes hosted the traditional English dinner of crown pork roast with stuffing and Beef Wellington. After the 2.5- hour feast, the family would begin the frenzied “opening of the presents.” Imagine Tanner getting in on the fun as well!
Grateful for the assistance they’ve received, the Foote’s have chosen The Galena Territory Fire Station as their charity. The donation from the Housewalk will be used to repair/replace outdated equipment and train the next generation of first responders.
THE MUZZEY HOUSE
With plans to build a home on Shenandoah property purchased in 1996 quashed, Joanne and Mike Muzzey found their perfect log home at 15 Huron Trace on the day of The Galena Territory Association Annual Meeting in 2017. It was a house just waiting for them, so they left their home in Elmhurst and started anew as full-timers after enjoying being part-timers for nine years in a Long Bay Point condo.Their two children grew up with day trips and weekends in Galena, riding lessons at Shenandoah Riding Center, hiking The Territory trails, fishing in Lake Galena and swimming in the pools. Years ago, their daughter’s wedding reception was held at the Marina Pavilion. As you can see, they’re committed to the area and now enjoy hosting their seven grandchildren and creating new memories with them.
Each year, Joanne and John add a memory with the addition of a new Christmas ornament representing a special occasion or trip from that year. Be sure to check out what is new this year!
The Kiwanis Club of Galena was chosen by the Muzzeys to be one of the beneficiaries of the Housewalk. Their mission is serving the youth of Galena through scholarships, donations to various youth centered events, and let’s not forget the fireworks on the Fourth of July!
OEFELEIN & SLATER HOUSE
Q. What do you do when you outgrow an Oak Glen townhouse after eight years? A. You buy a bigger house with your sibling in 2020!Thus begins the story of the “cozy compound” owned by sisters Jessica Oefelein and Amanda Slater, along with Amanda’s husband Adam; their children Gavin, Clara and Isabelle; and fur-babies CC, Rocket and Odin. The “compound,” located at 6 Wagoner Lane, has the benefit of watchful caretakers when Jessica, Amanda and Adam aren’t in residence. Mom and dad, Sue and Carl Oefelein, full-time residents of The Territory, keep a watchful eye. (Jessica told me to give them a shout out.)
There may be some friendly competition starting because Jessica is also a Mackenzie-Childs collector like Mary Foote! In this blended holiday household, look for a Hannukah tree and menorah as the Slaters celebrate both holidays with the Oefelein family who love to bake cookies together. With recipes handed down through the generations, you’re sure to find a favorite!
Being that everyone involved is a dog lover, Jessica, Amanda and Adam have chosen Safe Haven Humane Society as their charity. Rocket, Odin and CC all agree with a hearty “woof”!
Quilt raffle
Attendees to the Holiday Housewalk on Dec. 3 will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets on a colorful quilt made by the women of the Quilters of The Territory (QTs).Holiday Market
In addition to your favorite Farmer Market vendors, join local crafters, artists and more inside at the GTA Owners' Club to welcome the holiday season with fall and winter decorations, gift items, art, baked goods and much more from 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.The Territory Farmers Market is sponsored by the Greenspace Advisory Group of The Galena Territory Association, Inc. This volunteer group helps oversee the preservation and maintenance of the GTA's 1,900 acres of common grounds, trails and natural areas located in The Galena Territory.
