Things to Do Around Monroe

Time to look ahead to what is happening in the next week or so.

~ There is still a little bit of time to register for tomorrow's See Jane Grow workshop led by Lisa Kivirist of Inn Serendipity and hosted at Kookaburra's in Monroe. I just spoke with Lisa, and while there are 20 registered attendees, there is still room for a few more.

~ The Monticello Historical Museum opens for the season on Saturday. They will be unveiling a new exhibit, Jim Town, and there will be a Civil War Living History Encampment. The encampment will be across from the fire department at the end of Main Street, and it will open at 9 am. The museum opens at 10 am, and there will be a parade at 1:30 pm. Following the parade, the City Band will have a concert at 2 pm in Community Park (alternate location is the school gym in case of inclement weather). Free, but donations are appreciated.

~ Time is running out to register a team for the annual Big Brothers and Big Sisters Bowl For Kids Sake. The event takes place over the next week and half at area bowling alleys. Register your team and gather your pledges, then lace up your bowling shoes.

~ The UW Extension Master Gardeners are having a plant sale in the Auditorium of the Government Services building on Saturday from 9 until noon. They will have perennials, annuals and herbs, and volunteers will be available to help you choose the best plants for your garden.

~ Live Music! Come to Baumgartner's on Saturday night to listen to the sounds of Robert J and the Rowdy Prairie Dogs. Tofflers will feature Joel Pingitore and the Playground of Sound. Tofflers is also having a Kentucky Derby Party on Saturday including a Fancy Hat Contest at 5 pm.

~ Thursday, April 30 is the last day to register to attend Monday evening's "Taste of Spring" benefit event for MAC.

~ Young Professionals of Green County are having a Business Showcase at Quest Industrial, a locally company owned by a YP'er, on Monday evening at 5:30. Tour the facility and learn about the company's current robotics projects. There will be a socializing time at Smokey's following the event for anyone who wishes to stay.

We'll see you around town!

First Impressions

"You never get a second chance to make a first impression."

Spare me the cliche, right? Or maybe not. Cliches get to be cliche because there is a strong grain of truth in them. This one is no different.

First impressions matter. It is human nature to judge, and most people judge very quickly. Many people will decide to buy a home after spending less than 20 minutes in it. Curb appeal is important because people will judge a home's interior based upon how it looks from the street as they drive by.

Fair or not, those are facts.

The feeling that a buyer gets upon opening the door and walking in for the first time is one thing that we never get a second chance at. They will judge the entire home based upon what they see and feel in those first few moments. Knowing this, pay attention to how a buyer enters your home.

What door are you having realtors and buyers enter through? Sometimes, sellers will have us enter through a back door, garage or a side door because it is easier for them to have the lockbox there. It may be easier, but is it the best place for a buyer to enter and fall in the love with your home?

Think about the emotions evoked as someone walks up to the entrance. If you were a buyer, how would it feel to walk up the utilitarian back entrance looking at the kids bikes and toys under the staircase compared to walking up the wide front stairs and porch while looking at the blooming flowers in the front gardens?

Does your door need a coat of paint? What is the condition of your doorknob? A rattling, loose doorknob and a shabby front door give the buyer the idea that the house has not been well maintained and needs work, even if it is not true.

What greets the buyers inside the home? If you bring the buyer in through the garage or back, they might be greeted with a view of your mudroom or laundry room. Compare this to the feeling of walking in your foyer and front entrance. Which is a better first impression?

Try to put yourself into the shoes of the buyer as you get ready to sell your home. Ask your realtor for help on creating a better first impression. It can be hard to look at our homes through new eyes, but give it a try. It can help your home show better and sell faster.

Beyond the Friday Night Fish Fry

Green County has so much to offer those of us who live here as well as those who are visiting. Last month, Midwest Living recognized our area in their article "The New Vacation" under "Surprisingly Hip Small Towns". This month, Midwest Living gave our area another nod.

In their June 2009, Midwest Living has a wonderful article on dining, "5 Star Food Towns." Nearby Madison was given huge recognition, and rightly so in my opinion. There are some great dining choices there. However, our own New Glarus was featured in the "60 More Places Worth The Trip" addition to the article.

New Glarus Hotel is a place that we have mentioned often here at Cheese Country Realtors. Midwest Living recognizes New Glarus Hotel as a great dining destination too. They specifically recommend the Swiss bourguigonne, which is cubes of prime beef that diners can dip into hot oil, like fondue. Other specialties at New Glarus Hotel are the Swiss cheese fondue dinner (mentioned in our Tasting Tour #2), schnitzels, wursts, Roesti potatoes, fish and beef entrees

If you are looking for a delightful dining experience, give the New Glarus Hotel a try.

Survey Says!

Did you grow up in Green County and are now reading this blog because of the reminders of home?

Are you considering relocating here and read this blog for a preview of the community?

Are you a Green County resident currently?

Whichever group you fall into, Future Forward Green County would like to hear your opinions. Future Forward is working to improve the quality of life here in Green County. The group is currently doing a survey, and is especially looking for input from professionals under the age of 45.

What does Green County lack in your opinion?

What makes it a great place to live?

How can we improve the quality of life?

Why would (or wouldn't) you consider living here?

The survey is short, and you can enter to win a $50 gift certificate. Take a moment to fill it out. Future Forward is a very responsive group, one that truly listens to what people say. They will pay attention to what people say on this survey.

Make your voice heard. Take a minute right now to fill out the survey.

Things to Do Around Monroe

If it is Wednesday, it is "Things to Do" day...

~ Remember that Thursday is the evening for both Poetry on Tap and the Young Professionals recognition event.

~ Evansville is having their 7th annual Energy Fair on Friday from 4:30 until 8 pm at the school field house. There will be over 65 exhibits and businesses featuring various alternative energy and sustainability displays.

~ Have you signed your child up for Masks & Mime from Monroe Theatre Guild yet? The class is Saturday, and there is still time enroll. MTG members, come for Classic Movie Night at 7 pm. They are showing Hitchcock's "North by Northwest", $5 admission.

~ Get outside and enjoy the spring weather this Saturday. Help the Cadiz Browntown Recreation Area get ready for summer with their spring work day. Bring a pair of sturdy gloves, shovels, rakes and a sack lunch to enjoy at the park with your fellow workers. It is a great way to spend some time outdoors while helping a noble cause. The work day will be from 9 am until 3 pm; come for all of it or just part, whatever works for you.

~ World Qigong and Tai Chi Day is on Saturday, and there will be local events in honor of this. Stop by Infinity Yoga Studio in Monroe at 11:30 for a discussion and demonstration of Tai Chi and Qigong. At noon, there will be an overview of acupuncture, and then at 12:30, try it yourself with the group participation of Tai Chi and Qigong (no prior experience necessary). Infinity is on the west side of the Square in the lower level. Enter through the alley behind the building next to the municipal parking ramp.

~ Tofflers, the New Glarus Hotel and the Road House will all be having live music on Saturday evening. You can also head to Freeport for the Royal Scots and Big Band Show at Highland Community College for an evening of jazz.

~ Brooklyn is having their annual Depot Days event this weekend. New this year is the Geo-Caching Poker Run! There will also be speeder car rides, a city wide garage sale and more.

~ Celebrate Earth Day with Saturday's event in Monroe featuring lectures, demonstrations and much more. $7.50 includes lunch, contact Art at 608.325.2995 for more information.