Our Hometown • Oct 2023 by Newspaper

OUR hometown Daily Freeman-Journal

HAMILTON COUNTY

The

October 2023

Inside the Elks Club

City Scene pg. 12

2 OUR HOMETOWN | OCTOBER 2023

V.9 Issue 11 | October 2023 A peek inside the historic Elks Club building

OUR hometown PUBLICATION INFORMATION

CONTRIBUTORS

EVERY ISSUE : 12 City Scene 14 Let’s Eat

EDITOR

JANE CURTIS

16 Landmarks

PUBLISHER

TERRY CHRISTENSEN

ADVERTISING

TREVOR CHRISTENSEN

18 Savvy Senior

GRAPHIC DESIGN

MICHELLE COLSHAN

STORY & PHOTOS

JANE CURTIS, DAVID BORER

23 Parting Shot

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OCTOBER 2023 | OUR HOMETOWN

A peek inside the

Elks Club

4 OUR HOMETOWN | OCTOBER 2023

By JANE CURTIS Passion and hard work. What else would explain the rebirth of the historic former Elks Club building in downtown Webster City? From its purchase by the City of Webster City in 2018 after it had long become the receptacle of the former owner’s “collections,” to the transition of its ownership to a relentless nonprofit, LIFT WC, anyone who has traveled the 700 block of Second Street, or its north alley, has been witness to the transformation of this brick monument built in 1908. LIFT — or Local Initiative for Transformation WC LLC — organized in 2019 to undertake the journey. Guided by its board of six — Darcy Swon, president; Lindsay Henderson, vice president; Zach Chizek, treasurer; Shannon Swon, secretary; and board members John Hawkins and Jake Pulis — the journey began with a facelift after taking possession of the building on Good Friday that year. An $800,000 Community Development Block Grant got the ball rolling. It paid for roofing, tuckpointing, and windows. “We had an opportunity to spend Community Development Block Grant funds on the blight of the building by restoring the facade,” Henderson said in 2019. At the time, she was Webster

Main floor ceiling tiles were removed and are headed for resurfacing.

OCTOBER 2023 | OUR HOMETOWN

The stage in the ballroom is ready for its new look. City’s community vitality director. Immediately, though, the need to raise funds above that initial grant was obvious. So began an aggressive campaign to let the public know what returning this building to its former glory means. Slipped into the process are the educational, recreational, social, and cultural goals the group initially laid out. Afterall, it’s a real learning experience watching a group of dedicated individuals rescue a failing landmark. Now, in 2023, with Phase 1 of the project complete, LIFT is well into Phase 2. Here’s what is happening, according to Swon. “Demolition in the basement, main floor, and ballroom are near completion,”

6 OUR HOMETOWN | OCTOBER 2023

she said for this retrospective. w Basement — the basement is a shell right now — and is a blank space for many different types of businesses or organizations to lease. w Main floor — ceiling tiles in the back room have been removed in addition to some walls due to water damage and the back staircase — main floor bathrooms have been gutted — flooring in the back room has been removed — the main floor will have a common area as well as space(s) for lease. “Repairs to the front sidewalk and outside staircase are near completion,” Swon said. “This will ensure future stability and eliminate any sloping issues.” Up next?

Darcy Swon walks through the main floor, above. Rubble remains in the basement, right. Basement windows that had been covered will eventually be windows again, below.

OCTOBER 2023 | OUR HOMETOWN

FUNDRAISING DINNER “The Annual Taste of Fall fundraising dinner was held October 1, 2023, at Briggs Woods Conference Center. More than 110 guests dined on a four-course meal with dessert that were deliciously paired with wines. “It was a very successful event. Official numbers are being tallied and will be released soon. Fundraising monies are currently sitting at over $50,000 from the event.” — Darcy Swon

8 OUR HOMETOWN | OCTOBER 2023

Looking north, the rear of the upstairs ballroom is cleared. Opposite: A staircase is revealed. “In the upcoming weeks, work will begin on plumbing the building,” she said. “Then the electrical and HVAC work will be started.” In Phase 3, the Ballroom has gotten attention. “All the ceiling tiles, wall coverings have been removed, the bathrooms have been gutted, the header dividing the two sections of the ballroom has been removed, flooring in the back of the ballroom has been removed (north side).” Swon said a small “people mover” elevator will be kept. A hidden room discovered between the main floor and ballroom will also remain.

LIFT expects the basement and main floors will be completed by June 2024, Swon said. “The ballroom and elevator will be the last areas to be completed and are totally dependent on funding (i.e. grants, charitable donations),” she added. Thus, the fundraising is ongoing. “The Enhance Hamilton County Foundation has issued a Challenge Grant, that will match dollar-for-dollar on all donations received up to $150,000,” Swon said. “Donations are now being accepted and can be made by sending a check made out to: LIFT WC to Enhance HamilOCTOBER 2023 | OUR HOMETOWN

Two modes of transportation: The main staircase and an elevator chain. Opposite: Windows to the rear of the basement were uncovered.

ton County Foundation (501 Bank Street, Webster City, IA 50595) or by donating online at desmoinesfoundation.org/LiftWC. All donations are tax-deductible.” The EHCF has also already awarded LIFT WC the first $50,000 distribution with another $50,000 coming soon, Swon said. Eventually, the restored What will this space house? “We are currently in discussion with potential tenants for the main floor and basement,” Swon said. “The ballroom will be managed by the LIFT WC and available for private parties/events as well as many events that LIFT WC will coordinate including live music, dinners, educational events, and more!” 10 OUR HOMETOWN | OCTOBER 2023

COMMUNITY SUPPORT “The community’s continued support is pivotal in making this vision a reality as this building project is bigger than the rehabilitation project itself. Once the building is operational it will assist with: · Investment in Community Growth: Funds generated from the use of the event venue space will be channeled back into the community, facilitating improvements through grants, microloans, innovative programming, and the rejuvenation of additional historical buildings. · Boosting the Local Economy: The completed event venue is expected to be a vibrant gathering spot, drawing visitors downtown and providing a stimulating environment that will benefit existing businesses and attract new commercial interest. · Beautifying and Building Partnerships: With its aesthetic enhancements and opportunities for collaboration, the project is poised to enrich downtown’s visual appeal and forge meaningful connections with local service providers. · Preserving a Cherished Landmark: The Elks Building holds a special place in the hearts of many residents who have shared memories and connections to the structure. This restoration honors those memories and fulfills the community’s desire to see a cherished landmark revitalized.”

— Darcy Swon

OCTOBER 2023 | OUR HOMETOWN

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LET’S EAT A magical dessert for Halloween gatherings Sweet treats are on display come Halloween. People hosting Halloween parties or bringing items over to others’ homes for the holiday may need to scare up some new ideas for dessert. Chocolate never goes out of style and is right at home on Halloween. This recipe for “Black Magic Cake,” courtesy of The Food Network, is decadently rich. Don’t let all that chocolate frighten you. Drizzle as much melted marshmallow as necessary to brighten up the flavor. Turn into a mummy face or transform the top of the cake into a spiderweb instead.

14 OUR HOMETOWN | OCTOBER 2023

Black Magic Cake 8 to 10 servings

2⁄3 cup vegetable oil, plus more for greasing the baking pans 1 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder (or any cocoa powder if on hand) 1 cup boiling water 2 cups granulated sugar 1 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour (see cook’s note) 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon fine salt 1 cup whole milk 2 large eggs 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract Filling and Frosting: 1 1⁄2 cups heavy cream 3⁄4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped 1 teaspoon espresso powder 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Pinch fine salt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1⁄3 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted Decoration: 2 cups 1 or more

mini marshmallows (about 4 ounces) Cooking spray candy spiders or two candy eyes for decorating

For the cake: Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 F. Line the bottom of two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment and crease the parchment and the sides of the pans with oil. Stir together the cocoa powder and boiling water in a small bowl and let sit to bloom for 5 minutes (this step intensifies the chocolate flavor in the cake). Whisk together the granulated sugar, flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Whisk together the bloomed cocoa, oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla in a medium bowl. Pour the cocoa mixture into the sugar mixture and stir until smooth (the batter will be thin). Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake until the cakes bounce back when pressed in the middle and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool completely in the pans on a rack. For the filling and frosting: Heat the cream in a double boiler over low heat, whisking occasionally, until it begins to steam. Whisk in the cocoa powder, chocolate, espresso powder, vanilla, and salt until the mixture is smooth, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the butter until melted. Whisk in the confectioners’ sugar until incorporated. Let the frosting cool completely. To assemble: Put one cake, bottom-side up, on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread about 1 cup of the frosting over

the top but not all the way down the side. Top with the other cake, bottom-side up, and frost the top and sides with the remaining frosting. For the spider web or mummy decoration: Microwave the marshmallows in a microwave-safe medium bowl until they swell and are soft enough to stir, about 1 minute. Let sit a few minutes until cool enough to touch. Spray your hands with cooking spray. For a spider web, pick up a tablespoon-sized blob of the melted marshmallow and stretch it over and around the cake; repeat so that the strings of marshmallow crisscross one another in many directions. Continue until you have what looks like a spiderweb. For a mummy, stretch the marshmallow so that all the strings on the top of the cake run in the same direction, leaving a small gap between strings for the mummy’s eyes to peak out. Garnish with a candy spider or several candy spiders for the web cake or candy eyes for the mummy cake. Cook’s note: The candy directions are a nice touch, but the cake will be fun and delicious without them as well. When measuring flour, spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off the excess. Semi-homemade tip: Purchase a premade chocolate cake and use the decoration to make the mummy or spiderweb only.

OCTOBER 2023 | OUR HOMETOWN

LANDMARKS

DO YOU

How well know Hamilton County?

Look at these photos and see if you can identify these local landmarks.

Photo #1

WINNER-WINNER: August Answers: 16 OUR HOMETOWN | OCTOBER 2023

Melissa Bock Photo No. 1 La Perla Jarocha sign Photo No. 2 Osweiler’s awning

Submit your entry Correct answers will be entered into a drawing for

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to the Webster Theater

Photo #2

Please include the name of the building icon on which the Landmark is located, your name & phone number. Submit your entry jcurtis@freemanjournal.net or deliver to The Daily Freeman-Journal at 720 Second St., Webster City, IA OCTOBER 2023 | OUR HOMETOWN

SAVVY SENIOR by Jim Miller

Protecting Your Pets After You’re Gone Dear Savvy Senior, What is the best way to ensure my pets are taken care of after I’m gone? I have two dogs and a cat that are my fourlegged family, and I want to make sure they’ll be well taken care of after I die.

Solo Senior

18 OUR HOMETOWN | OCTOBER 2023

Dear Solo,

It’s a great question. Every year, approximately 500,000 cats and dogs enter shelters when their pet parents experience an emergency or pass away. Without a proper plan in place for the future care of your pets, they are at risk of ending up in a shelter where they could be euthanized. To avoid this terrifying scenario and ensure your furry family is cared for both physically and financially after you’re gone, you should consider including them in your estate plan. Talk to your attorney about how to insert them in your will or trust in accordance with your state’s laws. Here’s what you’ll need to do. Wills If you already have a will or are planning to make one, you could simply add in a trusted caretaker clause for your pets, along with an alternative if your first choice falls through. You should also set aside money in your will for your pet’s care with an explanation of how the funds should be spent. To determine how much to leave, multiply your pet’s annual food, care and medical costs by their life expectancies. You may want to add a separate document, called a letter of instruction, describing your pet’s routine, food and medication. But be aware that even with this provision in your will the caretaker is not legally obligated to follow your instructions, spend the money as you intended or send the pet to another caretaker that you’ve named. Once the money is distributed to the caretaker, it’s an honor system.

d Sen r you or senitions s que to

Trusts Another option is to create a pet trust, which provides more legal protections. Depending on your state’s laws (see aspca.org/pet-care/pet-planning/ pet-trust-laws), you could set up either a revocable pet trust, which can be changed or canceled during your lifetime, or an irrevocable pet trust that can’t be reversed. A pet trust can be completely separate or part of an existing trust that encompasses your other assets. Along with appointing a trustee to manage your trust’s finances, you name your pet’s caretaker (who could also serve as the trustee), and any alternative caretakers, as well as an optional trust protector for added oversight of the trustee given that the beneficiary (your pets) can’t defend their own rights. Unlike a will, the caretaker has a fiduciary duty to follow your letter of instruction if you include one. The cost for a living trust ranges anywhere between $1,000 to $3,000, while a will typically costs between $200 and $1,000. There are also cheaper do-ityourself resources for making a simple will or trust, like Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust (Nolo.com, $99) and Trust & Will (TrustandWill.com, $159). Or, if that’s more than you’re willing to pay, you can make your will for free at FreeWill.com or DoYourOwnWill.com. Other Arrangements If you don’t have anyone who would be willing to take care of your pets after you’re gone, you should make arrangements to leave them to an animal retirement home, a rescue, humane society, pet care program or other animal welfare group. Many of these organizations find new homes for pets or offer lifetime care but may require a fee or donation. Talk to your veterinarian about the options available in your area.

Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

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