Touring for a cause

Families across Wooster are opening doors to visitors from 1-5 p.m. Oct. 19, in order to raise money for the Greenbrier School District as part of the annual Greenbrier Tour of Homes. Anyone interested can visit eight different residences across the area.

This year, Christy Wallace and Dawne Trent spearheaded the project, as both their children received the title of Fall Festival King and Queen for their first-grade class Oct. 19.

The Fall Festival is Greenbrier's public fundraiser, "the only one they do all year," said Wallace, mother of Cayden Wallace. "The money is divided between all the schools."

Wallace said each class does something different to raise money. She participated in the Tour of Homes in 2005, when her son Paxton was King for his class.

"It's just a great fundraiser because we've got some great homes out here," she said. Ticket prices include a brochure with information on the eight homes and a map with detailed directions to each. In the past, money has gone to purchase various items for schools, such as playground equipment or headsets for the teachers.

Trent, mother of Queen Morgan, said she also plans on selling bracelets at her home in order to raise extra money.

As both Cayden and Morgan will be part of the first classes to experience the new Wooster Elementary School, both parents felt it was important to do something special for the district.

"We're very, very proud of our new school," Trent said.

She said there were more than 100 tickets sold in past years but hopes for a larger amount this time, adding that the tour is a good way to get decorating ideas.

"You're visiting people's family homes," she said. "They're lived in."

Those who want to purchase tickets can contact Wallace at 679-2389 or Trent at 679-7455. Both said tickets can be purchased that day at the individual homes.

65 Grumpy's Lane, Tom and Rita Grumbles

Designed for family holidays, this home hosts a fish-filled pond, pool and pool house, and a must-see Razorback room. The self-titled Grumpy Hollow home also hosts a Coca-Cola living area upstairs with an additional kitchen.

12 Jentar Farm Road, Bryan and Dawne Trent

This home's wrap-around covered porches offer a view of the pond and surrounding property, and the downstairs living area has a two-story wood-burning fireplace.

18 Jewell Lane, Greg and Heather Oaks

Built in 2006, the main appeal of this house is evident upon walking in, when visitors will see a two-story arched entry with radius staircase. The backyard includes fun for all ages, with a swimming pool, hot tub and sitting flower garden.

140 Slatey Ford Road, John and Beverley Bergstrom

This four-bedroom house includes a game room complete with bar and pool table, with a double-oven kitchen fit for a chef. The three-car garage hosts a safe room and overhead storage.

64 Patton Road, Todd and Tammie Dawn Patton

Located on property owned by the Patton family for more than 100 years, the home's chief draw will appeal to any hunting lover. A special room features vaulted antique tin ceilings and log walls, as well as custom mounts.

19 Harbor Drive, Dr. Jason and Leann Skinner

This custom-built home is a draw for all cooking enthusiasts, boasting a covered outdoor kitchen, complete with a rock fireplace. The house itself includes a chef's kitchen with industrial range, granite countertops and a butcher block island.

163 Shaw Bridge Drive, Tommy and Peggy Browning

Built in 1963, the house was remodeled in 2007 to accommodate grandchildren Paxton and Cayden with a special "Greenbrier Panthers" room. The kitchen includes brand-new appliances and a reverse pan ceiling spelling out the Galatians 5:22 Bible verse.

71 Hankins Road, Brent and Carrie Brown

This five-bedroom, four-bathroom house features several amenities, including a master suite with a whirlpool tub, a screened back porch and a 20-foot entry area with arched glass.

(Staff writer Jerrica Ryan can be reached by e-mail at jerrica.ryan@thecabin.net or by phone at 505-1266. Send us your news at www.thecabin.net/submit.)