Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Take the Survey

Future Forward! is working through a series of surveys on life in the Green County area this year. Future Forward! is a local non-profit that is looking to retain and attract younger professionals in our area to keep Green County vital and competitive in the coming years.

In order to improve the life here for current residents and make our area more attractive for new residents, Future Forward! is assessing our assets and areas for improvement in seven key areas. They are doing a series of seven surveys over the year, one in each area. Two surveys are already complete, and a third is going on right now. Each survey ends with a drawing for a prize, and at the end, all survey participants will be entered into a drawing for an iPod Touch.

The current survey is about learning opportunities in the area. It is a quick survey, so please take a moment to fill it out.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

"As-Is, Where-Is"

Usually when a buyer is purchasing property or a home, the seller provides a form called a real estate condition report. The seller is legally required to make no mis-representations about the property and its condition.

Sometimes, though, the condition report is not filled out or the contract contains a provision that states "The buyer accepts the property as-is, where-is. Seller makes no warranties, expressed or implied." This happens most frequently in the case of bank-owned properties (foreclosures) or when a personal representative fills out the documents for an estate, but it can also happen in regular transactions as well.

Buyers need to be very aware of what they are signing when they agree to an as-is, where is statement in a contract.

When a buyer agrees to an as-is, where is statement in the contract, they effectively lose their right to sue the seller later for mis-representation. This statement implies that the buyer is purchasing a property that is not in perfect condition and cannot rely on the seller to diclose any or all defects. Wisconsin Court of Appeals recently heard a case regarding a real estate transaction where the seller assured the buyer that the property had a clean environmental analysis, but where there was soil contamination. The buyer signed a contract with an as-is, where is provision. Because of the provision that the buyer agreed to, the court ruled that the buyer was in breech of contract when attempting to back out of the deal.

Buyers should tread carefuly with any offer that has an as-is, where is provision attached. Try to obtain any inspections or testing that could help determine condition prior to submitting an offer. Perfect properties rarely come with the as-is, where is language, so keep buyers need to be aware of any potential hidden risks.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Things to Do Around Monroe

Are you looking ahead to the weekend plans? Here is a snapshot of area events in the upcoming days:

~ Behring Senior Center in Monroe has a Brat Fest every fall, and it is here again. On Thursday from 10 am until 6 pm, you can stop in for single brats at $3 each or a meal for $6 (brat, chips, soda/water, and a cookie).

~ The Young Professionals of Green County are playing wiffleball and kickball with the YP of Freeport on Saturday at Little Cubs Field at 2 pm. Bring the whole family for a day of fun. Afterwards, some of the YPs are planning to head over to Cannova's in Freeport for dinner.

~ Bag Ladies in Monroe has an open house event this week from Thursday through Saturday. New fall purses are in, so come and browse.

~ Get your registration in for the collaborative class between Stef at Goose Chaser Farm and Laura at Kookaburra's in Monroe. The October 5 class will feature Oktoberfest foods. Who better to teach it than a native German? Brats, kraut recipes and much more including the beer. Also sign up for the Fall Foods class on October 11 where Stef will be cooking soups and stews.

~ Artisan Gallery in Paoli has a new exhibit opening on Friday evening. The opening reception of the 6th Annual Ceramics Invitaional Art Show is on September 25 from 5 until 9. The show will be on display through November 1

~ It is Oktoberfest weekend in New Glarus! Festivities kick off with a brew master from New Glarus Brewing Company tapping into a keg of their Oktoberfest Staghorn beer. There will be classic cheese fondue, a tractor pull, chainsaw wood carving demonstrations, and plenty of food and live music all weekend long.

~ Monroe Arts Center has Big Top Chautauqua’s “Wild Woods & Waters" coming to the Monroe High School Performing Arts Center at 7:30 pm on Saturday. The Blue Canvas Orchestra and singers travel to Monroe with an original musical theatre production highlighting the natural beauty and history of Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest. The multi-media performance features live music and songs by talented musicians, dramatic storytelling, and hundreds of breathtaking large screen, historical images.

~ Dance to beat of your own drummer. Oakdale Nature Preserve in Freeport will be the site of a Community Drumming Circle on Friday evening from 7 until 9. All ages are welcome and a variety of percussion instruments will be available or bring your own. Reservations are preferred by the day of the event; call 815-235-6114. $4.

~ Argyle has a Homecoming celebration this Sunday with a parade and high school football game. Come support the youth athletes! The parade starts at noon and kickoff for the football game versus Benton/Scales Mound is at 2 pm.

Green County Entrepreneurs and Inventors Club

The Green County Entrepreneurs and Inventors Club is all set to discuss internet marketing at their next meeting on October 5. The meeting, Internet Business Strategies--Gaining an Edge in Cyberspace, will feature a panel of Blackhawk Technical College teachers, including Brenda, discussing the hows and whys on internet marketing.

The panel of speakers consists of Richard Grahn, Brenda Carus, Greg Isley and Anita Huffman. Grahn will present information on internet marketing and sales, Carus on social networking for businesses, Isley on website design and creation and Huffman on the various business classes that BTC offers in Internet Business Strategies and how to register for them. Brenda will be teaching a Social Media for Small Business class at Blackhawk, and Richard will be teaching Internet Marketing for Small Business, both in October. Richard's class was very popular last time it was offered.

Internet questions are welcomed by all the participants. Each presenter will have information that attendees can use immediately and also give a taste of the class they will be teaching this fall semester in the continuing education curriculum. Come get a taste of where the web can take your business and how you can plan your own internet business strategy.

Discussion and networking among attendees will be encouraged in the evening's program, as with all E&I club events. For more information, contact the GCDC offices at 608.328.9452 or email gcdc@tds.net. The E&I Club meets in the New Glarus room of the Monroe Hospital on the first Monday of every month starting at 6:30 pm.

This event is free and open to the all without pre-registration.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Homeschool Art class enrolling now for fall session

Primitive Soul Art Studio is enrolling now for the fall 2009 semester of Homeschool Art.

There are two options for classes - Elementary Art (ages 4yrs-10yrs) and Adolescent Art (ages 11 yrs to 18 yrs).

Elementary Art meets on Tuesdays from 10am-12:30pm, from September 22 through December 22. The class will focus on age appropriate art theory, art history and creative art experiences, while helping the young artists to develop their skills, delve into their creativity and learn about the art that came before them. Students will visit the Monroe Arts Center, as well as view the world around them at the studio and in Monroe to inspire their creativity. $130 for the 14 session semester, and Primitive Soul offers family discounts for multiple children enrolled.

Adolescent Art also meets Tuesdays, but in the afternoon from 1pm-3:30pm, from September 16th through December 16th. The class will focus on art theory, art history, creative problem solving in art and self-expression. Students will have the opportunity to explore art theory, art appreciation, learn about the classics and modern art, explore various media, such as: sculpture, found object, print making, painting on canvas, life drawing and the principles and elements of design. Students will keep a weekly sketchbook that they are required to art in. $155 for the 14 session semester, and Primitive Soul offers family discounts for multiple children enrolled.

The teacher is Jennifer Edge Bethel, an artist with a masters in art therapy and years of experience in the schools and working with children of all ages. Jennifer is also the creator of The Shakespeare Project and the executive director of the arts non-profit Shakespeare on the Edge that we often talk about in this blog.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Open Houses this Saturday

Come view two of our homes for sale in Monroe this Saturday from 11 am until 1 pm.


Located at 1315 25th St, this 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom ranch with finished basement is located near Abe Lincoln Elementary School and the high school. $219,977

This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom split level home has a large yard, fireplace and wood stove. It is located on a quiet street. $152,000

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Things to Do Around Monroe

From Ren Faire to snowmobiles, there is plenty to chose from for activities this weekend.

~ The Monroe Public Library has a new program this fall for kids in grades 6-12. Teen Tech is a group meeting on the second and third Thursday of the month from 3:30 until 4:30. All teens are welcome to come interact with technology from playing on the Wii to creating digital movies. On the fourth Thursday of the month, join Teen Chatter, a book club especially for this age group.

~ Come to the Piazza to support the Shakespeare on the Edge kids in their annual Renaissance Faire fund raising day.

~ Channel your inner Ghost of Christmas past present or future! MTG is auditioning for parts in this winter's production of A Christmas Carol on Thursday from 5 until 7:30 or Saturday from 10 until 12:30.

~ Come to the Badger State Tractor Pullers Fall National pull this Saturday. Categories include super farm, pro stock, light super stock, light limited super stock, unlimited super stock, two-wheel drive trucks, pro farm, and mini rod. There will be food stands by Green County Beef Producers and Monroe Lions. The pulling will be finished by about 8 pm, but stick around for more fun. The popular 8-piece country show band "Madison County" takes the stage. Proceeds from ticket sales are donated back to various charitable causes in the Green County area.

~ Stateline Trailblazers snowmobile groups has a Vintage Show & Swap this Saturday at SLICE. Bring your classic sleds in for judging in the show, or bring sleds or parts for swapping at the meet. Gates open at 7 for participants of the show and swap, with gates opening for the public at 10. Judging takes place at 2 pm.

~ The American Legion post in Albany has their monthly breakfast buffet on Sunday from 8 am until noon. Stop by the Legion Hall on Water St for a great breakfast this weekend.

~ Enjoy sports at their most fun by watching one of the area youth teams this weekend. Football, cross country, volleyball, elementary school through high school, there are kids out there who will appreciate a cheering home crowd.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Renaissance Faire sponsored by Shakespeare on the Edge

Hear ye, hear ye!

Let it be known throughout the land that all goode people from the Monroevian realm to the far reaches of the kingdom are invited to the Second Annual Gathering of Rogues and Ruffians Renaissance Faire from noon until 10 p.m. on September 19 at The Piazza.

The Renaissance Faire, sponsored by the nonprofit group Shakespeare on the Edge, offers an afternoon of food, fun and revelry for the whole family, followed by a candlelit performance of William Shakespeare’s play, The Tempest, by the Eclectic Rogues youth acting troupe beneath the stars on the Piazza’s enchanting outdoor stage. Showtime begins at 7:00 p.m.

Roaming the Faire grounds throughout the day will be more than 50 entertainers, pirates, insulters, fairies, jugglers, musicians, minstrels and storytellers, and a host of artisans and vendors will display their wares. Food will also be available, and the Faire will be held rain or shine.

Family friendly entertainment includes:

* Midwest Knife and Axe Throwers (teaching even the youngest lads and lasses to throw knives and axes at targets)
* UW-Madison Belly Dancers (performances, as well as classes for children)
* Chicago’s The Suitcase Shakespeare Company (performing Much Ado About Nothing in under an hour)
* The Guild of St. Michael Military (A Bristol group that spends their summers as Bristol Renaissance Military)
* Archery lessons for all ages
* The Complete Fool Juggler and Supplies

A silent auction of items donated by area businesses will be held from noon until 5:30 p.m. The auction is the primary fundraiser for Shakespeare on the Edge, which is also funded by grants from the Wisconsin Arts Board and United Way of Green County. With the dual focus of building self-empowerment and communication skills through acting, Shakespeare on the Edge sponsors the Eclectic Rogues Core Company, the Shakespeare Project for kids ages 8-18 and, beginning this fall, the Adult Shakespeare Project.

Admission to the Renaissance Faire is $1, with a $5 maximum per family. The Piazza is located at W5549 Center Road, 3.6 miles north of Monroe on Highway 69. For more information contact 608-325-5268 or search Shakespeare on the Edge at GreenCountySpotlight.com

Friday, September 11, 2009

Things to Do Around Monroe

Rather late this week, but if you are looking for something to do this weekend, here is a sampling of what is going on in the area.

~ Dad's Corn Maze by Monroe is open. Make your way through the corn maze, play on the straw pyramid, go for a hayride, and have fun. Hours are from 10 until 6 on Saturdays and noon until 5 on Sundays.

~ Brodhead Trap Club hosts the Straight Shooters Trap Shoot on Saturday. $8 at the door includes a round of shooting, a speaker and door prizes. Additional rounds of trap can be added on. The club is located at N 4105 County Rd E outside of Brodhead.

~ The New Glarus Brewing Company Hilltop Facility is the site of Saturdays "Meet Your Maker" feast and celebration. Come meet area artisan food producers, sample goods, watch demonstrations and listen to the music at this outdoor event. $5 at the door.

~ Stop in the at the Monroe Public Library to pick up a script for the upcoming auditions for Monroe Theatre Guild's annual production ofA Christmas Carol. Auditions are on Thursday, September 17 and Saturday, September 19.

~ Habitat for Humanity is working on their build in Monticello every Saturday this fall. Everyone is welcome to come help build a house for a local family. While you are there, browse some of the offerings at Monticello's Community Wide Garage Sale.

~ Monroe Youth Hockey is sponsoring a wine and beer tasting event with food, music and a raffle on Saturday. Contact Patti Stauffacher 329-7103or 324-6011 for ticket information.

~ Mighty Richland Players Dinner Theatre in Orangeville is putting on "Murdered to Death" by Peter Gordon, a hilarious whodunit set in a country manor in the 1930s. Dessert choices for this show include apple crisp or chocolate bundt cake, both served with a sauce and ice cream on the side. Shows are on September 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, and 20. Call or email for reservations.

~ Plan ahead for next weekend! Shakespeare on the Edge has their 2nd annual local rennisance faire, Stateline Trailblazers has a Vintage Show and Swap, and Evansville hosts a Harvest Windmill festival.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Things to Do Around Monroe

The long Labor Day weekend should be easy to fill this year.

~ Famous Fossil Friday! Come down to Famous Fossil Winery by Cedarville for wine, dinner alfresco, music and a Harvest Full Moon rising over the vineyard at 7:13 pm. Enjoy an evening on the deck, walking the grounds or in the pergola. BBQ pork sandwiches and chips will be available at the food stand from 5 until 7 pm. There will be live music by Bobbie Edler on accordion. No advance tickets are required, and everyone is welcome.

~ Pop over to New Glarus for the Wilhelm Tell festival all weekend. New Glarus embraces its Swiss roots with many events of the year, and this festival is no exception. Come see the Wilhelm Tell play by Friedrich Shiller. Multiple performances occur throughout the weekend, in both German and English. There will be a children's lantern parade, yodel contest, library book sale, and more.

~ New Glarus also hosts Art in the Park on Saturday and Sunday. The show has exhibitor booths open from 9 am until 4 pm, and there is a juried contest as well.

~ Marshall Bluff Bowhunters 3-D Tournament hosts a 3-D Tournament Shoot this Saturday. The even benefits the Monticello Physical Eduction Archery program. Cost is $10 for adults, $7 for youth and $4 for FFA club members.

~ There is another Piazza concert this Saturday. It is Pirate Day with Bill Rients and Maru. This is a private party concert, but the hosts love meeting new friends so gate crashers and new people are always welcome. Bring a dish to pass for the potluck and what ever you wish to drink. Potluck starts at 6:30 and the band begins at dusk. Potluck theme- Bully Beef, Salt Pork and Rum. We will pass the hat to cover the band cost.

~ Krape Park in Freeport is also the site of an Art in the Park festival on Sunday. From 10 until 5, there will be a celebration of visual and performing arts. Artist will be exhibiting their works, and live music will be performed throughout the day. There will also be free art activities for the entire family all day.

~ The local merchants need our help these days. Remember to dine at a locally owned restaurant this weekend, or stop in at one of the locally owned businesses to pick up gifts or necessities. You might notice the link above to the 3/50 Project. Pick 3 of your favorite locally owned businesses, the ones you would really miss if they were gone, and stop in to say hi. When you are doing your purchasing this month, pledge to spend $50this month at locally owned businesses (not $50 each, but just $50 per month). It can be things you already purchase - pharmacy goods, cards, clothing, food - but make the purchases at independent stores. It makes a difference.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Property of the Week

This week's featured property is a starter home in Monroe.

This charming home has been professionally remodeled and updated. It is move in ready for you! There is a new high efficiency furnace, new kitchen appliances, new plumbing and new carpeting throughout this beautiful home. The generous backyard is fenced and has a deck overlooking it. There is a storage shed and plenty of room to play. Why look at those fixer uppers? This home finished and ready for your family.

Learn something new

If you are looking for an interesting way to spend an evening this fall, consider the new cooking classes at Kookaburra's!

Laura hosted a few classes over the summer, and these events were very popular. She is expanding the class offerings to be a weekly event all through the fall.
  • Sept 8th 5:30-7pm Chinese Hors’douvres
    Menu: Crab Rangoon, egg drop soup and Teriyaki beef sticks. Fee $20
  • Sept 15th 5:30-7pm Knife/cutting/Prep Skills
    Hands on class for any cooking level, learn basic techniques. Fee $15
  • Sept 22nd 5:30-7pm Tailgate Menu Ideas
    Menu: Roasted Garlic Onion Jam Pizza, apple jalapeno meatballs and Buffalo Chicken and Blue Cheese Pizza. Fee $15
  • Oct 6th 5:30-7pm Authentic Oktoberfest
    Menu will feature authentic German cooking with Stef Culberson of the Goose Chaser Farm. Fee $15
  • Oct 13th 5:30–7pm Soups and Stews
    Learn how to make broths and bases for stews and soups. We will be making French Onion soup as well as others from seasonally available ingredients. Fee $15
  • Oct 20th 5:30-7pm Fall Harvest Menu
    This menu incorporates all the wonderful benefits from the fall harvest. Fee $15
  • Oct 27th 5:30-7pm Trick or Treat for kids
    Parents can learn tips and tricks to get kids to eat healthy foods. Fee $15
Kookaburra's is hosting some additional special events happening this fall.
  • Woman to Woman. This is a 4 part series focusing on how we as women care for those in our lives. Dates for this series are Sept 14th , Oct 12th, Nov 9th, and Dec 14th, from 7-8 pm. Cost for is Free. Pre-Registration is required due to the limited seating available.
  • Holiday Open House November 7th and 8th
  • Freeport Cooking Show Nov 10th
  • Gifts from the Kitchen November 17th
  • 2nd Annual Christmas Cookie/Fudge Contest on December 5th.
Come on over to the north side of Monroe's Square to learn some new skills and have a fun evening with old friends or new. I have signed up for the knife skills course, and Luis is thinking about taking the Chinese Cooking class. Will we see you there?