Editor’s note: Click the link to see a short video created by Rich Criss and Mick Welding. Criss stated, “This video shows a route to get from home-to-home, as well as a description of the décor in each home. It is an amateur video that, unfortunately, ends abruptly at 30 minutes. I hope you enjoy it!” https://youtu.be/OSXmzd5LAZg.
Rich Criss begins a series of introductions to residences that will be open for viewing, during the MCH Foundation’s First Annual “Holiday Tour of Homes 2021.” Titled “The Halls Be Decked!” this fundraiser features four Morrison, IL, homes. Each will be lavishly decorated and open for public viewing on Thursday, December 2, through Saturday, December 4, 2021.
Thursday night, $100 donation tickets entitle you to stroll through homes without the crowds; this “evening of tidings and candles” is limited to 100 persons. Any time during your tours of the four homes, go to the Morrison Community Hospital new Conference/Board room. In this “Kaffee Haus,” enjoy festive meat and cheese trays, meat wraps, charcuterie boards, plus delectable desserts, such as chocolate dipped strawberries and many others. In addition, Thursday night guests will receive a commemorative Christmas ornament. Thursday tour hours are 4:00 p.m. to 8:00. The Kaffee Haus will be open until 9:00.
Friday/Saturday $12.50 tickets entitle guests to tour homes from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00, on Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., on Saturday. Any time during your tours of the four homes, go to the MCH Conference/Board room Kaffee Haus. Christmas cookies and coffee, hot chocolate, and hot apple cider will be served. The Kaffee Haus will be open for one hour after the tours close on both days. Ticket holders may choose to split the four tours over two days.
Our first featured home belongs to Dale Belt and Lori Neighbour, at 1006 Glenwood Drive. Located at the end of a cul-de-sac, this home is slightly hidden from view, as there is a short driveway into the timber.
Dale and Lori purchased the home in summer 2018 from Will and Sarah Thorndike. Sarah’s mom, Phillis Fell, was the original owner. Her son, Andy Fell, was the lead architect on the project, which began 30 yeas ago, in October, 1991. Phillis Fell is fondly remembered as Director of Morrison Food Pantry for many years. She initiated the United Way of Whiteside County “Let’s Feed Our Children” summer lunch program. Her late husband, David Fell, was a Medical Doctor for many years in Morrison. Featuring the home of his widow seems fitting for Lori and Dale to open, in honor of the Fells’ dedicated commitment to the community.
A modern structure sitting on 1.7 acres, just inside the City limits, it was built after the designs of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. A magnificent view overlooks the timber and wooded landscape, through an abundance of windows at the back side of the house. The main level contains a main living area with cathedral ceiling, fireplace, dining area, kitchen, den, master bedroom suite, and main floor laundry. Two decks open from the main floor. The upper level has a bridge to a room with more views of the timber and a storage area above the garage. The lower level features a dormitory setting with bedroom, living room, full bath, and walk-out patio. The basement contains a large mechanical room and storage area.
The Dale Belt and Lori Neighbour home will be featured during “The Halls be Decked!” inaugural event. Other residences will be on tour: Rich and Lynelle Criss, Jean Decker, and Loren and Connie Tenboer. Watch for their introductions in November.
For tickets, send a request with check made payable to “MCH Foundation.” Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Rich Criss, 603 Diamond Court, Morrison, IL 61270. Specify which day to order tickets.
Stop at Emmanuel Reformed Church, 202 E. Morris Street, to purchase tickets, or go to the front desk of Morrison Community Hospital, 303 N. Jackson Street.
We would love to see you at this premier Holiday Tour of Homes event! Contact Mick Welding at 815-772-5510 with questions.