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Tickets can be purchased at the following locations: the Clayton County Conservation Board office at Osborne, or at these businesses: Moser Pharmacy, Elkader; Guttenberg Pharmacy, Guttenberg; Edgewood Reminder, Edgewood; McGregor Pharmacy and McGregor Coffee Roasters, McGregor; Bob’s Foods, Garnavillo; Nading’s, Strawberry Point; Fisk’s Farm & Home, Monona.

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View our 2008  Sponsor List

The diverse musicians of Big Blue Sky will return to the Elkader Opera House on Saturday, October 25, for the third annual benefit concert for Motor Mill.
Big Blue Sky began with the father-son duo of Jon Stravers Sr. and Jon-Jon Stravers in the mid-90’s. Their musical style - inspired by wild places and celebrating the natural rhythms of life - includes the influence of folk, bluegrass, blues, and reggae. Following Jon-Jon’s death in 2007, the Big Blue Sky musical and educational efforts have continued, including 40 different musicians from 10 states.
The Motor Mill benefit on Oct. 25 will include nationally known singer/songwriter Dave Moore of Iowa City, with his rich tradition of American roots music. Moore has been a guest on “A Prairie Home Companion” and other national broadcasts.

Others musicians will include guitarist Folko Landvoight of Prairie du Chien, Wis.; Kevin Dohse, of Gays Mills, Wis., on harmonica and mandolin; Mike Ombascher, of Evansville, Wis., on the 12-string bass; vocalist Kristina Castaneda of Dubuque; and percussionist Scott Rose, aka “Washboard Lou,” of McGregor.
The event is sponsored by the Motor Mill Foundation, which is working to preserve, interpret, and restore the Motor Mill Historic Site along the Turkey River southeast of Elkader. Funds raised at the concert will go for renovation of the 1869 mill, and to repairs of other buildings at Motor, including the Inn, Stable, Cooperage, and Ice House.
The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. to allow concert-goers to bid in a silent auction. Items in the auction will include wildlife art, as well as local foods, crafts, and woodwork. All proceeds will go to the Motor Mill Foundation.

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Dave Moore:

The music of singer-songwriter Dave Moore reflects over 20 years of interest in the various roots of American music, preformed on guitar, button accordion, harmonica, and vocals.  Alongside his original songs, expect some blues, a bit of Tex/Mex accordion, and even a few children’s song, written during his spells as an artist-in-residence in the schools of Iowa.  Moore was a frequent guest on American Public Radio’s “A Prairie Home Companion,” and records for Minneapolis-based Red House Records. His compact disk “Over My Shoulder” was named one of the top ten folks albums of 1990 by Tower Records, and he tours throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe.


Reviews:

“On his second album, Over My Shoulder,” this Iowa City folksinger shuffles Buck Owens and Blind Willie Johnson covers in with his originals so deftly you can’t tell which is which.  A critic’s choice.”  -  Jeff Salmon, the Village Voice

“Moore’s originals are memorable tunes honed in so many classic North American music forms you’d have to consult the Library of Congress to catch their deep continental drifts.  They embrace blues, humor, and an unassuming personality, all of it capable of sending you to foreign and familiar places.  A guaranteed delight. 
- Martin Keller, Minneapolis Reader.

2008 Motor Mill Benefit Silent Auction Items Bidding from 6:30 through Intermission: 5-night stay at Natural Gait Cabins – The Natural Gait, Harpers Ferry Beveled mirrors in Clayton County walnut frames - FreedomBank Milano Table Lamp - Fire Farm Lighting, Elkader  Covered bridge intarsia - Jim Ohl, Elkader  Cedar walking sticks -  Don Mork, Mederville Maple syrup -  Ruff Sugar Bush, McGregor Gift certificate -  Fennelly’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, Elkader Cave tours -  Spook Cave & Campground, McGregor Scarves and socks - littlemissmatched Cutting board, pizza board - Johnson Wood Products, Strawberry Point Cottonwood bark hand-carved turtle - Roger Beane, Oelwein “Book of North American Birds” -  Rivertown Fine Books, McGregor  Hand-made candles -  Wally Reichstadter, Strawberry Point Fishing bear -  McGregor Pharmacy, McGregor Wildlife placemats - McGregor Pharmacy, McGregor  The Wisdom of Chief Seattle - Dennis Beck, Elkader Conservation Package -  Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation Titmouse art by Dean Biechler, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation One night’s stay for two - Aunt B’s Inn, Strawberry Point Oil changes -  Brown’s Sales & Leasing, Elkader/Guttenberg Honey gift pack -  Johnson Honey Farm, Guttenberg “Mississippi Barge” photo – Ted Fleener, Elkader Whole smoked ham -  Edgewood Locker, Edgewood Pumpkin stand, autumn wreath -  Monona Greenhouse, Monona Garden welcome rock -  Riveland Nursery, Monona Framed picture, winter scene - Elkader Carpet & Design, Elkader Twilight Gold” photo - John Wenck, Des Moines Pickled eggs -  Tim Mason, Marquette Mississippi River tours – Mississippi Explorer Cruises, Lansing Door mats - Smith’s Triple H, Strawberry Point Quartz work light - Munter’s Hardware, Strawberry Point Gift certificate - Franklin Hotel, Strawberry Point Silver coins, Farmers Savings Bank, Strawberry Pt.-Colesburg-Elkport/Garber-Arlington “A Long December” – Don & Mary Harstad, Elkader Motor Mill photo – Larry A. Stone, Elkader “Memories of Clayton County” – Clayton County Register, Elkader Cabin table - Jerry Healy, Elkader Birdhouses – Russell & Juanita Loven, Guttenberg “Winter Welcome” sign – Russell & Juanita Loven, Guttenberg Folding luggage, Russell & Juanita Loven, Guttenberg Honey – Cedar Creek Apiaries, Guttenberg Fishing “Boundary Pack” - Murray’s Outdoor Store, Guttenberg Riverside Cooperage cut-out – Mary Klink, Elkader Gift certificate - Bender¹s Foods, Guttenberg Gift certificate ­ Wilke¹s Grocery, Elkader Antique sale bills, posters ­ Bob Griffith, Elkader Gift basket ­ Valley Fish & Cheese, Prairie du Chien Airplane ride, 1/2 hour from Elkader ­ Raleigh Buckmaster, Lansing Gift basket ­ Valley Fish & Cheese, Prairie du Chien Gift certificate ­ Schera¹s, Elkader PLEASE THANK OUR DONORS!   Milano Table Lamp By Fire Farm Lighting Elkader Description: Soft Light Calms the space creating tranquil beauty through pure porcelain. The Milano is part of the Fire Farm Porcelain series. Birds of North America maple syrup Cutting Board Pizza Board covered bridge intarsia Hand-carved turtle Winter Welcome sign bird house bird house work lamp door mat Pumpkin Stand Riverside Cooperage cut-out - Mary Klink, Elkader Wildlife place mats Beveled mirror with walnut frame   Fishing bear   Titmouse art   Honey gift pack   Scarves and socks   Fishing "Boundary Pack"   Door mats   "Mississippi Barge"   Honey   Conservation package " "Memories of Clayton County"   Pickled eggs   Framed picture, winter scene   Cabin table   Folding luggage   The Wisdom of Chief Seattle   Cedar walking sticks   Hand-made candles   Autumn wreath   "Twilight Gold

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!


MILLWRIGHT - $250 OR MORE

Freedom Bank, Elkader, Monona, Postville
Central State Bank, Elkader   
Community Savings Bank, Edgewood 
Fire Farm Lighting, Elkader 
Garnavillo Savings Bank, Garnavillo
Gifford Insurance, Elkader 


MILLER - $100-$249

Garnavillo Mill, Garnavillo
Clara Swan & Daryl Bruxvoort, Elkader 
Alpine Communications, Elkader
Clayton County Abstract, Elkader   
Ehrhardt, Gnagy & McCorkindale, Elkader  
James J. Osterhaus, DDS, Guttenberg
Denny Lautner, Jefferson
Terry L. & Jean Marie Green, Guttenberg
Nading’s Service & Sporting Goods, Strawberry Point
KCTN/KADR, Elkader 
Dr. Ken & Fran Zichal, Elkader 
Pro-Build, Elkader 


STONE MASON - $50-$99

Elkader Eye Clinic, Elkader 
Steve Clausen, Dietz Donald & Co., Elkader
Esser’s Clothing, Guttenberg
Elkader Carpet & Design, Elkader 
Roger & Connie Halverson, Eagle’s Lansing, Marquette
Pat & Shorty Matt, Elkader 
Charles & Janine Schiller, Elkader
The Buttery, Elkader 
Voss Realty, Elkader 
Moser Family Pharmacy, Elkader
Citizens State Bank, Strawberry Point
Bodensteiner Implement Co., Elkader
Dan Bickel Insurance, McGregor 
Birdnow Chevrolet, Monona
The Chiropractic Advantage Clinic, Dr. Tim Kane, Elkader  
Johnson’s Restaurant, Elkader
Scherer Chiropractic Clinic, Guttenberg
Seedorf Masonry, Strawberry Point
N. Joseph Stender, DDS, Elkader 
Security State Bank, Guttenberg
Rodas Chevrolet, Strawberry Point
Robin Fortney, Des Moines
The Backstitch, Elkader  
Central Plumbing & Heating


INNKEEPER - $25-$49

Leonard Funeral Homes, Elkader 
Richard & Jane Worm, Bellevue
Hinzman Feed, Guttenberg
Elkader Cinema, Elkader 
The Riverview, McGregor 
Steve Saunders, Clefisch & Saunders, Elkader  
Goshawk Farm Bed & Breakfast, Elkader  
Corby’s Tire & Muffler, Elkader
Obarts, Ed Olson, Elkader 
Turkey River Mall, Elkader 
Lisa Gregorson, Images by Lisa, Guttenberg
Elkader Inn, Elkader 
Elkader Bed &  Breakfast, Elkader 
The Landing, Guttenberg


OTHER DONORS
Fisk Farm & Home, Inc., Monona
Noretia Wilcox-Kramer, Strawberry Point



Special Thanks To:
John Mellinger, artist, Newton
Pam & Dave Kester, Marquette
Moser Family Pharmacy, Elkader
Gifford Insurance, Elkader 
McGregor Coffee Roasters, McGregor 
McGregor Pharmacy, McGregor 
Fisk’s Farm & Home, Monona
Edgewood Reminder, Edgewood 
Bob’s Grocery, Garnavillo
Guttenberg Pharmacy, Guttenberg
Nading’s Service, Strawberry Point
Valarie Raney, Heritage Printing, Elkader 
Joleen Jansen, Jansen Products, Elkader 

 

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