Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Open House

Stop in between 5 and 7 pm this evening to view this lovely home at 1610 16th Ave in Monroe.


Traditional home with all the updates! If you love the grace and charm of an older home, but worry about updating one, look no further. This 3 bedroom home has the gorgeous woodwork and details of yesteryear, but everything has been updated or redone in the last ten years: roof, Energy Star furnace, high efficiency central air, vinyl siding, energy efficient windows & more.

You'll have plenty of room for your family in the 1800+ square foot home. The eat in kitchen transitions to a light-filled sunroom, perfect for enjoying a winter morning. The formal dining room has the built-in hutch that adds so much charm to homes of this era. The formal living room is expanded by a a clever under-staircase nook. Upstairs, you will find a spacious loft waiting to be your home office, media room, or family room. The master bedroom suite is also upstairs with an attached half bath and large walk-in closet. There are two more bedrooms downstairs. The main floor is also where you will find the laundry room, a space large enough to be used for sewing and crafts as well.

Privacy abounds in the yard, filled with an array of perennials in the flower beds. You are sure to spend many weekends, grilling out or enjoying the large patio with nearby fire pit with music in the background from the built-in sound system.

The garage simply must be seen to be believed. The two car attached garage is oversized with built in shelving for storage and a workshop area. It is insulated with hot and cold running water, floor drain, stereo sound and a wall-mounted television. The one car detached garage will fit an SUV, perfect for parking that third vehicle or storing that boat, ATV or a passel of bikes.

Don't miss this jewel of a home!

Things to Do around Monroe July 4th Weekend

~ Fireworks time here in Green County! If you are looking for a real hometown celebration, you are in the right place.
  • Monroe's celebration takes place on Sunday at Twining Park. There will be events throughout the day including a soccer tournament, little league games, wagon rides and concerts. Concessions are available. The big event takes place as soon as it is dark, about 9:30 most years.
  • Brodhead celebrates with a parade and culminates with a fireworks display E Third Ave, the south side of the city behind McDonalds. There is also a concert at the Veteran's Memorial Park at 6:30 featuring Lou and Peter Berryman.
  • Why pick and choose? Monticello lets you visit some of the other area displays on the Fourth, then does their display on Saturday, July 10th, shooting form the island on the lake at Hwy 60 and Hwy F.
  • Shullsburg does their display on July 4 starting at 9:45 p.m. in Badger Park.
~ Need a quick dinner tonight? Grab something from the Pork Producers annual event at the SLICE. Dine in or carry out available.

~ The Green County Garden Club meets at Zwingli Church on Thursday to learn about and discuss container water gardening.

~ The Monroe Arts Center hosts a new 2-person exhibit starting on Thursday. Mineral Point, Wisconsin artists Carole Spelic' and Richard Moninski, explore the art of textiles in this exhibit in Frehner Gallery.

~ See some of the relics of Green County's agricultural heritage in the 8 Miles of Ag-tiques event this weekend. Hwy 69 from Monroe to Orangeville will be lined with different stops featuing different types of tractors and other agricultural relics. John Deere, Oliver, International Harvester, Massy-Harris, Minneaplis-Moline, Allis Chalmers - if these names mean anything to you, you might find this annual event fascinating. Come and see the bits of history at these free events.

~ "...that start with 'T' and that rhymes with 'P' and that stands for POOL." Come see Harold Hill, Marian and all the rest at Monroe Theatre Guild's performance of "The Music Man". Opening night is Friday evening, and there is a matinee performance on Saturday. If this weekend doesn't work, there are performances next week from Thursday through Sunday as well. Tickets are available through the MTG Box Office or at the door. $10 members, $12 non-members, children and seniors $8. All children under 12 are FREE with a paid adult at any matinee performance!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Things to do around Monroe this week

~ Stop by the Historic Cheesemaking Center at 4 pm for the groundbreaking for their newest addition: a farmstead cheese plant that is being restored after sitting dormant for nearly 100 years. This is an exciting addition to the Center, and should be ready to host live demonstrations of cheesemaking in the late 1800 to early 1900s later this year.

~ Bring your picnic dinner and lawn chair to Monroe's Downtown Square on Thursday evening for the Concert on the Square. Spare Time Bluegrass Band is playing this time, with the music starting at 6:30. If you prefer not to pack your own dinner, order a boxed supper from one of the Downtown restaurants. There will be a beer garden raising funds for the Green County Humane Society.

~ This weekend is the Heidi Festival in New Glarus. The festivities get underway on Friday and run through Sunday. Grab a meal at the Lions Club BBQ or the Taste of New Glarus, browse the arts and crafts fair or local merchants, enjoy a wagon ride or listen to (or dance to!) the music at this traditional small town festival. The Dairy Days parade is on Saturday with the crowning of the New Glarus dairy queen.

~ Join local bicycling enthusiasts this Saturday evening for a ride on the Badger State Trail. How does Stewart Tunnel look in the moonlight?? Meet at the Monticello Trail Head at Cty EE along the east edge of the village. Time: 7:30 pm; Pace: 10-12 mph; Distance 10 miles. Co-sponsored by the Bombay Bicycle Club and the Friends of the Badger State Trail.

~ The Friends of the Badger State Trail are also sponsoring a smart cycling class on Sunday. The free class will cover topics like fixing a flat, bicycle safety checks,on-bike skills and crash avoidance techniques. Meet at the Monroe trail head by Twining Park at 9 am. A trail pass is required ($4).

~ It must be a safety focused weekend here in Green County. Monroe Area Skate Enthusiasts are hosting their 3rd Annual Skate Board Clinic on Saturday from 1-4 pm at Honey Creek Skate Park (rain date is July 10). This event is sponsored by Monroe Park & Rec, organized and conducted by MASE. All participants must have a safety helmet and pads to participate in this free camp. Ages 7 and up.

~ Children of all ages! The Zor Shrine Circus is coming to town this Saturday as well. Bring the kids to enjoy the show at the Green County Fairgrounds in Monroe. There are two shows: 4:30 and 7:30 pm. Free tickets for children can be found at many area businesses and public libraries.

~ For next week, don't miss the Pork Producers Pig Out on Wednesday evening. Pick up your dinner, dine in or drive up, at SLICE from 4:30 until 8:30 pm.

~ Also next week, Monroe Theatre Guild's production of Music Man opens on Friday evening. Pick up advance tickets to the show at the box office at the STAGE building or by calling 325-1111.

~ Finally, don't forget about the area Farmers Markets.
  • The new market in Monticello kicks off this week on Friday starting at 2:30. The Sugar River Market will take place on Tuesday and Fridays through October from 2:30 to 6:30 across from Lake Montesian.
  • The Monroe Market on the Square takes place on Wednesdays from 2 to 5:30 pm and Saturdays from 8 until 1 on the north side of the Square.
  • Belleville's Farmer's Market opened last weekend. It is in the library park on Wednesdays from 2 to 6 and Saturdays from 8 until noon.
  • The market in Darlington is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am until 7 pm at the fair grounds.
  • The Paoli market opens in June, and takes place in the park on Wednesdays from 3 until 6 and Saturdays from 9 until 1.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Property of the Week

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


They don't make homes like this anymore! This home is classic perfection inside and out.

A full brick Colonial, this home has 4-7 bedrooms. There are three main floor rooms with closets can be bedrooms if you need the space for a large family. Otherwise, use them like the current owner: home office, family television room, toy room. The master bedroom is truly a retreat from it all. There is a private balcony patio, a tiled bathroom with soaking tub, an alcove waiting for a chaise lounge and a truly enormous 11x9' walk-in closet.

There are oak floors throughout the home, and the original woodwork is beautifully maintained. In the living room, enjoy the stone fireplace with cherry mantle.

The retreat feel continues as you step outside. The fabulous 3 season porch lets you enjoy the view of the landscaped yard even when the rain falls or the mercury dips. It opens to patio and deck that are the ideal place for entertaining in pleasant weather.

Come see this one of kind, classic quality executive home today. Call Brenda or Luis at 214-5796 to set up a showing.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Cheese Days Parade entries

The clock is ticking if you are part of a group thinking about entering the Cheese Days parade in Monroe this September.

All entries must be submitted no later than July 8, 2010. All floats or units are required to decorate and/or sign their entry to reflect the parade themes of cheese or cheesemaking, dairy farming, or Swiss heritage.

The Cheese Days parade is a local tradition that attracts hundreds of people from all over the region and beyond. All businesses and local service groups are welcome to submit and entry, but remember that the parade committee will not accept entries that simply promote. The purpose is to entertain the crowd, so put on your thinking caps and get creative with your entry!

There is a $25 entry fee, and the top winner in each of the parade categories (Best Decorated Float or Unit, Best Use of Theme, and People’s Choice Award) will $100. A complete set of guidelines for the parade can be found on the Parade page on the Cheese Days website www.cheesedays.com. Applications can be requested by emailing cheesedays@tds.net, or by leaving a message at the Cheese Days office at 608.325.7771.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Enjoy the music

The Monroe Concerts on the Square start this week. The Thursday evening concert series will happen every other week all summer long.

The concerts kick off this week with a performance by Beth Kille. Beth has treated Monroe to some great concerts in the past as part of Clear Blue Betty. She gives a great concert with a combination of rock, country, folk and blues.

The concerts start at 6:30 pm. Bring your chair and pack a picnic supper. You can also order a boxed supper from some of Downtown Restaurants.

Come on Downtown for a great evening of entertainment!

Friday, June 4, 2010

May Market Report for Green County, Wisconsin

Regarding the number of single family homes that sold in Green County in May of 2010:
  • 37 homes sold in May of 2010,
  • The homes were on the market for an average of 111 days,
  • The average sale price was $150,139,
  • The median sale price was $132,000,
  • The highest priced property sold was $425,000,
  • The lowest priced property sold was $20,000.


Let's compare with May of 2009:
  • 33 homes sold in May of 2009,
  • The homes were on the market for an average of 96 days,
  • The average sale price was $157,000,
  • The median sale price was $425,000,
  • The highest priced property sold was $765,000,
  • The lowest priced property sold was $75,000.


Two very expensive property sold in May of last year, and no very inexpensive homes sold in that month, which accounts for the very high average and median home prices. These are not normal numbers for our area.

Comparing the two years, it is great to see the number of single family homes sold still stable. Perhaps it is a little early to say that our real estate market has recovered, especially since our days on market are still high indicating a higher than average housing inventory, but we are certainly showing great signs of life again in the Green County area.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Things to do around Monroe, WI

Another weekend is nearly here in Cheese Country. Do you have some blank spots on your calendar?

~ Join the Young Professionals of Green County for their monthly Happy Hour event. They will meet on the patio at Suisse Haus in Monroe tonight starting at 5:30.

~ Brat Bash is at Twinning Valley this Friday. All proceeds will benefit the Monroe Clinic Hospice. Pick up a brat, chips, and soda for $5 from 11 am until 4 pm on Friday. Treat the office to lunch and help a good cause!

~ Monticello crowns a new Dairy Queen on Friday. The Bank of Monticello will host this and the Green County Malt Wagon from 2 until 7 on Friday afternoon. Maybe pick up dessert after a brat lunch??

~ Did you register for Wine Down and Cookout at Famous Fossil Winery? These event will happen monthly, so if you are too busy this month, stop in another month.

~ Pack up a picnic, get out the bike. Have you hit the trails yet? The area bike trails are happening places these days. Whether you are heading out for a leisurely two miles or aiming high for a 30 mile day trip, the trails are ready and waiting for you.

~ The village of Argyle will be bargain hunting central this Saturday as they host their citywide garage sale day. Sales are to start at 8 am, rain or shine.

~ Baumgartner's has live music this weekend. Dave Hecht takes the stage on Saturday evening. If you are up in New Glarus instead, visit Toffler's to listen to Fedora on Saturday or Beth Kille on Sunday.

~ Strawberry season is upon us. Head out to the local U-Pick places to pick up som summer bounty. Christianson's Strawberry Farm in on Freeport Rd just south of Monroe. Jerry's Berry Farm is on Rock City Rd between Ridott and Rock City, IL. Morningstar Farm is on Hwy T by Brodhead.
~ Oh, go fly a kite. Seriously. It is Kitefest at Taylor Park in Freeport from 1 until 3 pm this Sunday. Kids will have the chance to build and decorate a kite with their parents. The first 50 participants will get a free kite; $2 per kite after that.

~ The Monroe City Band has started their summer concert series. They play Monday evenings starting at 8 pm in the band shell at Twining Park.

~ Green County Area Entrepreneurs & Inventors have their next meeting on Monday from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the AmericInn Lodge in Monroe. This month's speaker is Ronald “Bud” Gayhart, from the Center for Innovation & Business. He'll be speaking on "What is the Wisconsin Innovation Service Center and How Can It Help you?"

~ It must be music festival time in Green County! New Glarus hosts Polkafest next weekend and Brooklyn hosts their Bluegrass Festival. Make plans to attend either or both.

Property of the Week

This week's featured property is a three bedroom bungalow in Monroe.


Traditional home with all the updates! If you love the grace and charm of an older home, but worry about updating one, look no further. This 3 bedroom home has the gorgeous woodwork and details of yesteryear, but everything has been updated or redone in the last ten years: roof, Energy Star furnace, high efficiency central air, vinyl siding, energy efficient windows & more.

You'll have plenty of room for your family in the 1800+ square foot home. The eat in kitchen transitions to a light-filled sunroom, perfect for enjoying a winter morning. The formal dining room has the built-in hutch that adds so much charm to homes of this era. The formal living room is expanded by a a clever under-staircase nook. Upstairs, you will find a spacious loft waiting to be your home office, media room, or family room. The master bedroom suite is also upstairs with an attached half bath and large walk-in closet. There are two more bedrooms downstairs. The main floor is also where you will find the laundry room, a space large enough to be used for sewing and crafts as well.

Privacy abounds in the yard, filled with an array of perennials in the flower beds. You are sure to spend many weekends, grilling out or enjoying the large patio with nearby fire pit with music in the background from the built-in sound system.

The garage simply must be seen to be believed. The two car attached garage is oversized with built in shelving for storage and a workshop area. It is insulated with hot and cold running water, floor drain, stereo sound and a wall-mounted television. The one car detached garage will fit an SUV, perfect for parking that third vehicle or storing that boat, ATV or a passel of bikes.

Don't miss this jewel of a home!