BE OUR GUEST
The Heinemann Center Undergoes a Radical Renovation
Springing to new life--the trees, bushes, flowers
and outdoor plantings of the DABG have
always delighted the senses like no other space
in the world. Inside, in the Heinemann Center,
a radical renovation will tickle the fancy of
many in 2016.
Visitors to the Heinemann Center this year
will sense more than new views. The smell of
high-end Baronet fresh products and a small
lounge area now welcome visitors to kick back,
relax and savor the flavors of coffee, cocoa, tea
and smoothies, available for purchase.
A new natural and botanical product line graces
the gift shop, once-upon-a-time the Marshall
barn. In one corner, a graying chicken coop with
country character serves as the presentation case
for a delightful stuffed animal display. Fluffy
hens sit innocently in a bed of straw as a sly ol’
fox perches on the top. More toy animals ride
in an antique wagon with weathered wheels.
Other antique farm implements hold beautiful
jewelry, handcrafted artwork and various gift
items.
In mid-April, the gift shop welcomed sixty
returning volunteers for two orientation
meetings and sneak previews. Enthusiastic
volunteer gift shop buyers, Kristin WoodwardVaassen and Bev Graves, introduced workers to
new merchandise and an updated sales system
that will make transactions “easy peasy.” The
excitement grows!
It has been Kristin and Bev’s vision to
“bring the outside in.” Since early February,
the inspiring mother-daughter team have
labored to design and define the space and
select unusual merchandise that will create a
unique shopping experience for every guest. A
twelve-foot red oak replica is the centerpiece
for the gift shop “rotunda.” Kristin’s husband,
Steve Vaassen, has applied his construction
expertise as a volunteer to make lofty dreams
come true. Both the Gift Shop and the Garden
Room have been gutted and redesigned. All
spaces have undergone delightfully significant
transformations featuring new walls, new
The azaleas are in bloom near the gazebo.
flooring, new cabinetry and new sink areas/
plumbing.
The upper level of the Heinemann Center has
also been renovated to allow for more efficient
us e of space. Birdwatchers on the first floor
may spot the “Owl’s Nest,” a newly created,
lofted office space appearing through tree
branches on the second floor.
Please be our guest. We welcome you to come
and explore the wonderful changes volunteer
innovation and generosity have wrought!
DABG Playground Project
The
Dubuque
Lions
Club, along
with the
DABG, has
completed
the latest
phase of the
Arboretum
Playground
Project.
The
completed
playground
is the only
one of its kind in the Dubuque area..
The latest phase of the project included the
installation of playground pieces specifically
designed for children with sensory deficits
and other developmental issues. The panels
installed include: a sensory clock panel; a rain
sound panel; an alpha maze in Braille; a bongo/
xylophone panel; and a marble panel. Each of
these panels will provide the opportunity for
children with or without disabilities to enjoy to
the best of their abilities.
The Dubuque Lions Club would like to
recognize the major donors to the project
including: The Dr. Edward Scott Memorial
6
Fund, Walmart, Theisen’s, Hager Industries, the
City of Dubuque, DABG, Manders Concrete,
and individual Dubuque Noon Lions members.
The City of Dubuque Department of
Recreation provided an enormous amount of
planning and supervisory assistance during the
installation. Most of the hands-on work was
done by members of the Dubuque Noon Lions
Club.
A ribbon cutting (pictured) was held on
Sunday, May 15, during the Children’s Spring
Party.
The Lions Club hopes the equipment brings
together children with a variety of abilities and
needs on one playground to have fun.