Things to Do Around Monroe

So, what is going on in the Monroe and Freeport region this weekend?

~ All aboard! Come to the Lena-Winslow High School this Saturday or Sunday for the model train show and swap meet. Admission is free, donations accepted.

~ Monroe Art Center hosts Marty Rayburn and Full Circle this Saturday. The show is at the Monroe High School PAC starting at 7:30.

~ Get out of the house and see a first sign of spring. Rainbow Fleece Farm hosts Cabin Fever Yarn on the Farm on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am until 4 pm. Fiber fanatics can come out to view the new yarns; bring the family to "ooooohhh" over the newly born sheep. Rainbow Fleece Farm is at W7181 Hustad Valley Rd., New Glarus. Call Patty Reedy at 608.527.5311 for more information.

~ SLICE in Monroe has open ice skating this weekend. Lace up and practice your twirls on Friday from 5:00-8:00, Saturday from 6:00-9:00, and Sunday from 4:15-6:45 pm. Costs are pretty minimal at $5 for skating and $2 rentals.

~ If you'd rather twirl on wheels, Roller Den in Monroe has a Talent Night this Saturday from 7 to 10 pm. Put together an act and go to town. Admission is $7.

~ Lend a helping hand at a community non-profit this Saturday. Monroe Theatre Guild has been working hard at the renovations in their building. MTG members and community people have been helping to reduce the costs of the renovations by pitching in and doing tasks that don't require contractors. This Saturday is a big day as MTG is carpeting the walls of the new black box theater for acoustical purposes. Come on down to the MTG building on 16th Ave on Saturday morning from 9 am to noon to help out. Luis will be there, so say hi and pitch in.

~ Remember to support your locally owned restaurant, coffee shop or pub if you feel like dining out this weekend. You don't have to travel and hour or more to the cities for a quality dining experience. Keep your money doing good work locally by spending it a locally owned eatery. From cafe to gourmet, coffee shop to dinner with all the trimmings, there are wonderful options in the Green County and Stephenson County area.

So, where we will see YOU around Cheese Country this weekend?

Things to Do Around Monroe

Those of us here in Cheese Country are always game for something to do. Will we see you at any of these events in the upcoming week?

~ The Monroe Chamber of Commerce Business After 5 event will take place at Orchid International this month. Come learn all about the new technologies in development at Orchid. The event goes from 5 until 6:30 tonight, Wednesday.

~ Come down to the Monroe Theatre Guild Community Arts building Downtown on Thursday evening from 6 to 8 pm for another Clean Up Night. Can you push a broom or move a chair? You have just the skills needed to help with the ongoing renovations at MTG. Other construction skills are always welcome too! If Thursday doesn't work, how about Saturday from 1o until noon? Come for one or both and have fun while helping out a great cause. Community support at these work days helps MTG to reduce the costs for the renovations, so contribute this way if you can't comfortably give financially to their campaign for an improved building.

~ Lace up your hockey skates! Head down to Freeport any Thursday evening for the rest of winter for a free hockey night. Read Park in Freeport is home to an outdoor ice arena, and Thursdays from 6:30 until 9 are reserved for a pick-up hockey game. There is no cost for this, but you must sign a waiver before playing. Contact the Park Department at 815-233-6114 for a waiver.

~ Homegrown talent is something we have an abundance of here in Green County. Come out to MAC this Friday and Saturday evening to the Showcase of Talent. Showtimes are at 7:30 both evenings, and tickets are $10. Purchase your tickets in advance or at the door. The Showcase of Talent is hosted at the Monroe High School PAC this year. If you can't make it, tune in to Big Radio as they will be broadcasting Saturday's show live on the air.

~ We here in Cheese Country really support each other, so come out to Flannery's Wilhelm Tell Club on Saturday starting at 4 pm for a musical event that is raising money to help the Kleeman family of New Glarus get back on their feet after a devastating fire earlier this month. The Kleemans lost both their home and their business in this fire, so come enjoy some music and camaraderie, bid high on the silent auction items, pick up some raffle ticket and do what you can to help.

~ You know we always are up for a good pancake breakfast. Immanuel Lutheran Church on Pearl City Rd in Freeport is hosting their this week. On the menu are buttermilk pancakes, sausage, applesauce and beverages. Unique to this breakfast is the fact that it also a booksale, so browse the selection before or after eating. Adults $6.50, children $5.

~ Sports, sports and more sports. Yes, the Packers are going to the Superbowl, but don't forget about all our of local youth athletes. Come out and support the home team in any of the upcoming games or matches.

~ Thespians, are you ready for the auditions for Monroe Theatre Guild's upcoming production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown"? Auditions take place on Thursday, February 3 from 5:30 to 7:30 and on Sunday Feb. 6 from 1-3 at the MTG Community Arts Building in Monroe. There are roles for four men and two women over the age of 18 (must be out of high school).

Things to Do Around Monroe

Come out, come out, wherever you are! Time for an update on what is going on in the area in the upcoming week:

~ New Glarus hosts their annual Winter Veteran's Rally. Events start Thursday evening and go throughout the weekend.

~ There will be live music at both Baumgartner's in Monroe and Toffler's in New Glarus this Saturday evening. Baumie's will feature blues with Glenn Davis. Toffler's has The Rowdy Prairie Dogs.

~ Film noir fans, take note of the upcoming series at Lindo Theater in Freeport. "Maltese Falcon" is showing this Saturday at 1 pm and 7 pm. The event is in conjunction with Highland Community College, and each showing will have an introduction before the movie and a discussion after. $5 per movie or $20 for the entire series. Other films to be shown in the series this spring will be "Double Indemnity", "Murder, My Sweet", and "The Third Man". Purchase tickets to the entire series, and you'll also get tickets to the bonus showing of "Swing Time" in April.

~ LeRoy Butler is speaking at the Monroe Chamber of Commerce dinner on January 20. The event will be at Peppercorn Banquets and Catering (aka The Mansion). Tickets are still available: $50 for Chamber members, $75 for non-members.

~ Tickets are on sale now for the Monroe Community Showcase of Talent at the Monroe Arts Center. The show takes place later this month on January 28 and 29.

Opening at Frehner Gallery

There is a new exhibit opening at Frehner Gallery in the Monroe Arts Center this week.

Mixed Media Time Four is, as the name implies, a exhibit featuring mixed media works by four artists. The artists each take their experience in painting, drawing, or photography and then add found objects into either the main work as embellishment. The result and then each add elements of found objects either into the main field of work or as an embellishment for framing. The result is mixed media works on great interest.

The artists, Randall Scott Zuber, Russell Gardner, Richard LeDuc, and Jim Salter, are all from the Green County and Dane County area. They work in media of acrylics, oils, photography and ink drawings.

The opening for this exhibit is on Friday evening from 5 pm until 7 pm. There will be an artist's talk at 5:30. Refreshments will be provided, and this event is free as are all Frehner Gallery exhibits.

Things to do around Monroe

~ Stop at Frehner Gallery in the Monroe Arts Center this evening for a new exhibit opening. "Drifting Forward" is a compilation of Driftless Area Artists works. The opening reception this evening includes an artist talk at 5:30 pm. Remember to check out the Silent Auction items also on display now.

~ Brodhead hosts "Christmas Walk" on Thursday and Friday evenings this week. There is a lighted parade on Friday evening and carriage rides will be available. The Downtown merchants will have in store specials both evenings.

~ There is still time to pick up your tickets to the Festival of Trees in Monroe this Saturday evening. Contact Pam at the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, 608.325.7648. Cocktails are at 6, dinner is served at 7.

~ If outdoors is more your thing, come to Cadiz Springs this Saturday evening for the Owl Prowl hosted by Ranger Brad Bates.

~ On Sunday, New Glarus will host a Holiday Shopping Open House event at many Downtown merchants. Be sure to stop by the Swiss United Church for their cookie sale too!

~ Gun enthusiasts will gather at the Juda Community Center and Fire Station this Sunday for the annual Gun Show. This event is open from 8 am until 3 pm.

~ The Monroe City Band will play two concerts on Sunday afternoon. At 1 pm, they will be at Pleasant View Nursing Home. Then, they will head to the United Methodist Church for a 3 pm concert as well.

~ The Democratic Party of Green County has their monthly meeting on Sunday at the Swiss Alps in Monroe.

Hope you have a great weekend here in Cheese Country!

Things to do around Monroe, WI

Time once again for a things to do in the area in the upcoming week.

~ Monroe Youth Hockey is sponsoring "Give Hockey a Try" this Saturday from 8 - 10 am and 10 am - noon at SLICE in Monroe. This if for boys and girls 10 and under who have NEVER played hockey to try on some equipment and skate with our coaches to try hockey. Must be accompanied by parent or guardian.

~ Do some holiday shopping early at the Monticello Lionesses Craft and Nut Fair this Saturday. The gym at the high school will be filled with exhibitors featuring handmade goods of all sorts. The Lionesses also will have nuts of all varieties available to purchase for your holiday baking. There is a cash raffle, and lunch is available on site.

~ The growing season is drawing to a close, but local farmers markets are still open for a few more weeks. Visit the market in Monroe, Monticello, Paoli, or Lena to stock up for winter. Honey, preserves of all sorts, baked goods, root vegetable, meat and much more area still available.

~ Local athletes always need community support. Come to a youth football or volleyball game this weekend and lend your voice to cheer for the home team!

~ Come back to Monticello on Sunday morning for the Lion's Club Pancake Breakfast fundraiser. The proceeds go to support Monticello school scholarship program, vision screening programs, and the Wisconsin Lion's Camp and more

~ Dad's Farm Corn Maze is open for the season. Friday night is flashlight night. They will be open until 9 pm, so bring your flashlight and get ready for a spooky time finding your way through the maze. The maze is open 10 m to 6 pm on Saturdays and 12-5 pm on Sundays.

~ Monroe Arts Center has two events coming up in the next two weeks. Have you purchased tickets yet? Dallas Brass performs at the PAC on Monday starting at 7:30 pm. Monroe High School band students will spend time with the band that afternoon and will take the stage with them that evening. Tickets are $10, general admission. Folk musician Arlo Guthrie will also perform at PAC next week, on Friday evening starting at 7 pm. Tickets for that event are $20-75 depending on section. Contact MAC to reserve your tickets.

~ The Young Professional of Green County have a social event scheduled for Tuesday evening. Join them at the Monroe Country Club after work from 5-6:30 for conversation, a drink and an chance to win free golf.

We apologize for the weeks without our regular "Things to Do" feature. Between vacation and illness, Brenda clearly missed a number of weeks. We're healthy now and back on track. See you around town!

Marley walks again this year

Monroe Theatre Guild has decided to take a year off from presenting A Christmas Carol, but Monroe Arts Center has picked up the reins.

This year, A Christmas Carol, will evoke the traditions of years gone by as a radio show production. This will be broadcast by Big Radio on December 24 and 25. There will be myriad audio and dramatic effects, just like the radio shows of decades past.

Interested in taking part? Auditions for the production will be held on September 10 from 6 to 8 pm, and on September 11 from 10 am until noon. All roles are open, and there is no restriction on age or experience. No memorization of the script is required, but you must possess a good speaking and character voice and have clear diction. Feel free to prepare multiple character voices and be prepared to read from the script provided.

Need more details? Give MAC a call at 325-6700.

Annual Monroe Arts Center Photo Contest

Local shutterbugs, it is time once again for the annual Monroe Arts Center Photography Contest and Exhibit.

Everyone is welcome to enter, and there are two classifications this year, Junior (under 18) and Adult. This year’s contest and exhibit will feature three categories, which are Landscape, Portraits, and Unclassified.

Participants may enter no more than two categories and a total of two photographs. All photographs must have been taken after January 1, 2009. They must be a minimum of 8 x 10, a maximum of 16 x 20, and must be framed and suitable for hanging in MAC’s Frehner Gallery. The entry fee for this contest is $20 per photographer and the deadline to enter is Friday August 20, 2010. Participants are not required to be Wisconsin residents.

Photographs entered in this contest will be on exhibit in the MAC Frehner Gallery from September 3 through September 24. An opening reception and awards presentation for this exhibit is scheduled for Friday September 3 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the Monroe Arts Center Frehner Gallery. First, second, and third place ribbons will be given in each Category and Classification based on merit and number of entrants. Cash awards for the Adult Classification are $125-for Best of Show, $75-1st Runner-up, and $50-2nd Runner-up, and cash awards for the Junior Classification are $50-Best of Show, $30-1st Runner-up, and $20-2nd Runner-up.

For Photography Contest entry forms or additional information contact the Monroe Arts Center office at 608-325-5700

Things to Do Around Monroe

Such choices this weekend!

~ The Cedarville Historical Society is showing a free outdoor classic movie this Friday evening at dusk. View "Comin' Round the Mountain", a Bud Abbott and Lou Costello comedy as to main feature, and selected shorts will be shown before it. Popcorn, soda and candy available at 1950s prices.

~ Get out the bikes again for another Bike the Badger Trail Explorers Ride. The group will leave Freeport and bike to Monticello on Saturday. Join the Friends of the Badger Trail on this 46 mile ride, and complete one leg of the trail for this year's Bike the Badger patch.

~ If that ride is too advanced, consider the Smart Cycling for Trail Users, also sponsored the the Friends of the Badger Trail. Get the confidence you need to ride safely and legally on recreational trails and roads. The course covers bicycle safety checks, fixing a flat, on-bike skills and crash avoidance techniques.
Recommended for adults and children above age 14. Register by calling 608-897-8300 and bring your bicycle and helmet to the class. The class is free but a State trail pass ($4) is required.

~ It is Christmas in July on Monroe's Downtown Square this Friday through Sunday. There will special sales, decorations, snow and music.

~ ~ The Stephenson County Fair is going on all weekend at the fairgrounds in Freeport. From 4-H judging to grandstand events and demolition derbies, all the classics are here. Are you up for something special? Participate in the American Barnstormers Flying Circus! The vintage New Standard D25 can hold up to four passengers (plus the pilot) and is perfect for a family flying adventure - there is no minimum age for flying. Go all out and sign up for the Stearman flight. This is a trainer plane, and for 30 minutes, the passenger will be able to fly. The pilot will handle take off and landing, but once in the air, the flying is up to you. No flying experience is required. Interested? Call 863-899-4322 to sign up.

~ Calling all Pink Ladies and T-Birds! Grease is playing at Highland Community College this week and next on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

~ It is Bastille Day in Belleville this Saturday. Who knew we celebrated that here in Green County? The day is full of family events: K-12 talent show, live music, tours of the tunnel, wine and cheese tasting and more. The event starts at 11 am with the live music running from 3-10 pm.

~ Tret Fure is playing at the Monroe Arts Center this Saturday evening at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $17-25 and can be purchased through the MAC box office.

~ There are many other options to enjoy live music all over the area this weekend. Baumgartners, Tofflers, Turner Hall, and New Glarus Hotel will all feature bands this weekend. Brodhead also has their Twilight Music in the Park Sunday at dusk.

~ There is a concert and dinner at the Piazza this Saturday evening. The Piper Road Spring Band will play bluegrass starting at dusk. The potluck theme is Call Any Vegetable, and the potluck starts around 6:30. This is a pass the hat event with a recommended contribution of $10-15. If you haven't been to a concert at this country estate yet, give us a call and we can walk you through the details. Piazza concerts are magical.

Have a great weekend in Cheese Country!

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!

"All the world's a stage"

If you can look into the seeds of time, and say which grain will grow and which will not, speak then unto me.

Another season of the the Shakespeare Project has wrapped up locally here in Monroe, and it is time for the youth to do their annual performance.

The words of the Bard will resonate through the Monroe Arts Center tomorrow evening as the youth from the project perform acts from many of the timeless classics. The performances start at 6:30 pm. As in past years, admission is a free will donation to Shakespeare on the Edge. Shakespeare on the Edge is a non-profit, so all donations are tax deductible.

Talking isn't doing. It is a kind of good deed to say well; and yet words are not deeds.

Take a little action and support these youth who are taking a step into the performing world. Creativity and enthusiasm abound during the performances by the members of Shakespeare Project and Shakespeare on the Edge.

Things to Do

Spring has sprung, so come on out and enjoy all that the Green County, Wisconsin, area has to offer!

~ Join the Young Professionals of Green County for their monthly Happy Hour event. This month, they are gathering at Turner Hall in Monroe on Thursday from 5:30 until 7:30 pm.

~ The Alternative Fuel Society meets at River Valley Trading Company in Blanchardville this Friday evening starting at 7 pm. New people are always welcome.

~ Branson on the Road is performing at the PAC in Monroe. Comdey, country, Bluegrass, Rockabilly, and Gospel should make for an entertaining evening. Contact Monroe Arts Center for tickets and information.

~ Ever been curious about how those heavy fleece coats come off the sheep in spring? Now is your chance to see. Patty at Rainbow Fleece Farm has Spring Sheering Days this weekend. There will be presentations on needle felting, spinning and a talk on Spindle Wheels by a textile historian. Fiber in all stages will be available for purchase. 11-4 Saturday and Sunday at Rainbow Fleece Farm.

~ Don't forget about the Knitter's Treat Spring Sale at the Dining Room in Monticello.

~ Argyle Community Theatre presents COPING, an evening of comedic songs telling people how to cope with stress. We know some of the performers, and it should be a fantastic show. The event is at Partridge Hall in Argyle with show times at Thursdays, April 8 & 15 at 7:30 (theater only, $5), Saturdays, April 10 & 17 at 7:30 (theater and buffet, $25), Sunday, April 11 at 3 (theater and brunch, $20).

~ Movie night? The Goetz in Monroe is featuring "How to Train Your Dragon," "Clash of the Titans," and "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" this weekend. Visit their website for movie times and information. Sky-Vu Drive In opens in May!

~ Curious about the behind the scenes work it takes to put together theater performances? MTG's Costuming Fundamentals workshop on Friday evening might interest you. Learn the nuts and bolts of the job of a costume assistant and how to set up a costume area backstage. This workshop is free for members ($10 for non). MTG's Stage Right also has two youth classes starting next week: Youth Improv Program and First Timer's Puppets.

~ Oakdale Nature Preserve in Freeport has their monthly Family Day this Sunday afternoon. Bring the entire family to learn a little something, explore nature and play a bit. Free will donation.

~ Get your tickets for the upcoming Monroe Theatre Guild production of the Pulitzer Prize winning play "The Rabbit Hole." This drama will be performed in MTG's Stage Building. Showtimes are April 16, 17, 22 and 24 at 7:30 PM or April 18 and 24 at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $10 for members, $12 for non-members. This production is recommended for adults or teens only.

From Swaziland to Monroe

An interesting multi-cultural, mixed media exhibit is opening at the Monroe Arts Center Frehner Gallery this Thursday.

"Message from Swaziland" was inspired by local artist Jennifer Rikkers' walk through parts of Africa when she participated in the 2008 Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation AIDS Walk Africa. Rikkers combined her photography with acrylic painting to create this exhibit highlighting the people of Swaziland who touched her so deeply during her walk through the country. Rikkers wanted to share the message of Swaziland's people, a people in a country that has been deeply affected by the HIV/AIDS crisis.

33% of the population of that country has the virus, and AIDS work there is critically important to that nation. Rikkers will be donating 33% of the proceeds from the sale of artwork in this exhibit to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation to help with their work.

This exhibit opens on Thursday, April 1 and runs through April 30. The opening reception is from 5 until 7 pm on Thursday, and the artist will giving a gallery talk at 5:30. This event is free, and families are welcome. We give kudos to the underwriters of this exhibit: The Swiss Colony, Monroe Publishing, Big Radio, Michael and Shelley Muranyi, Deb Thompson, Lee and Chris Knuteson, Barb Woodriff, and Pete Guenther.

Things to Do

Planning time. What is on your agenda for the upcoming week?

~ A new exhibit is opening in Frehner Gallery at the Monroe Arts Center on Thursday evening. "Women of Whimsy" is a show featuring five women who have all taught art locally. The opening reception is from 5 until 7 pm at MAC on Thursday evening.

~ The BoDeans are playing in Monroe, a MAC event that will take place at the high school's PAC starting at 7:30. Contact MAC for tickets. Ticket prices range from $32 through $12.

~ More live music! You can hear your choice at Baumgartners, Tofflers or the French Quarter or Turner Hall this weekend. Baumgartners will feature Glenn Davis, Tofflers has Mark Harrod on Saturday evening. Turner Hall will host the Zwiefel Brothers on Sunday afternoon.

~ "The Vagina Monologues" is playing in Freeport on Saturday evening courtesy of the Freeport Art Museum and Winneshiek Playhouse. This event is a fundraiser for VOICES DV. $12 per ticket.

~ The kids at Monroe Middle School have been working hard on this year's spring musical. "Cinderella" is ready to go. The young performers will present their work on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening at the middle school. The curtain rises at 7 pm. Admission is a free will donation that will go to music clinic scholarships and curriculum enhancements.

~ Brodhead Public Library has an open house event on Saturday afternoon to celebrate one year in their new facility. There will be live music starting at 1:30 and a dedication for a new piece of art at 2 pm.

~ Speaking of students, get out there and support our student athletes! Many of our area schools have tournament play going on for basketball this weekend and in the upcoming weeks of March Madness. Wrestling is going to state this weekend too!

~ Enroll now for upcoming Monroe Theatre Guild workshops. There will be a children's musical theatre workshop this Saturday from 10 am until 2:30 to help youth ages 12-18 prepare for this summer's Music Man production. Adults, how about Scenic Painting workshops? These are FREE for members! Remember, membership is only $20 per year per family and includes lots of perk. Junk Puppets for kids is coming up, and this time around the kids will be helping their puppets lip sync to create a musical video.

~ Kookaburra's in Monroe has a Quick Casserole class on Tuesday evening. On the menu are Baked French Toast, Bacon Noodle and a Stuffed Shells casserole. Class fee is $25.00 per person. Pre-registration is required. Register online or call 608.325.3955

~ Peeking at what is coming up later in March: the Celtic Pub Crawl, New Glarus Fire Department Kabelwurst dinner, bridal show, youth choir performance, and the popular Gem and Mineral show.

See you around town!

Things to Do Around Monroe

Hey there. What's shakin' this weekend?

~ The UW Alumni Club is meeting at Toffler's in New Glarus on Thursday evening at 8 to watch the UW Men's Basketball team play the Minnesota Gophers.

~ If sports isn't your thing, come over to Minhas Brewery's Lazy Mutt Lounge on Thursday evening instead for Monroe Art Center's Poetry on Tap. Award-winning Wisconsin poets will read aloud from their works starting at 7 pm. This event is free, and there will be libations courtesy of Minhas.

~ The Alternative Fuel Society meets at the River Valley Trading Company in Blanchardville this Friday starting at 7 pm. Newcomers are always welcome! RVTC also has a free documentary movie screening on Thursday at 7 pm. They will be showing "Mondovino".

~ Did you get your tickets for the Snowshoe Walk and Wine Tasting or the Pirate Night at Monroe Theatre Guild? We talked about these last week, but there are a few spots still available.

~ Calling all performers! Open Mic night at Winneshiek Playhouse in Freeport this Saturday night. From 7:30 to 9:30, you can take your 15 minutes of fame or just enjoy watching others doing their thing. Free will donation, free for performers. Sign up for performers starts at 7 pm.

~ Rainbow Fleece Farm near New Glarus has another Cabin Fever event this weekend. Yarn on the Farm! Come see the new lambs, new wools, new yarns. Saturday has a free needle felting session, and Sunday brings a spin and knit drop in session. Bring your projects, bring the family. Email Patty or call her at 608.527.5311 for more information. Rainbow Fleece Farm doesn't have a website, but you can find them at W7181 Hustad Valley Rd by New Glarus.

~ MTG has a History Day scheduled for Sunday. This free event is open to anyone who wants to come help incorporate MTG's history into scrapbooks for preservation. They also have an adult workshop on Monday evening. Junk Puppets for Adults is free for members ($5 for non-members). Have fun and get dirty learning to recycle everyday items in puppets for use in MTG's future youth programs. If you prefer to take your puppet home, they suggest a $10 supplies donation. Not a member? $15 will get an individual a membership for a year, $20 for a family.

~ Kookaburra's in Monroe has a cooking class next week. "Soups On!" will feature a variety of soups, and as always, participants get to taste. Check out Laura's new grapefruit and thyme dish soap while you are there. It smells superb.

~ Shakespeare on the Edge has a few spots open for their upcoming American Players Workshop with David Daniels. This full day workshop (10 to 4) will be at MAC on February 26, and is open to students ages 9-18.

Whew! Can you believe that is only a sampling? Hope to see you out and about!

Things to Do Around Monroe

Stop hibernating and come out to enjoy some of the area events this weekend. There are many choices for the arts in particular from a variety talent show to concerts.

~ Did you get your tickets to the Community Showcase of Talent at the Monroe Arts Center? The entertainment will be entirely homegrown on Friday and Saturday evenings, so come out and see what wonderfully talented people we have here in Cheese Country. Tickets are $10 a piece for general admission.

~ Go bowling and support high school athletics on Saturday evening. Four Seasons Bowl has a couples bowling event starting at 9 pm (check in at 8:30). All proceeds will go to the Freeport Pretzels sports programs. $40 per couple, door prizes.

~ Internationally acclaimed pianist David Gross is performing at the Freeport Masonic Lodge on Saturday afternoon starting at 3 pm. Come enjoy some wonderful music in Freeport's historic downtown. Adult tickets are $15, students are free.

~ Come listen to a variety of jazz on Sunday, also at Freeport's Masonic Lodge. There will be a concert featuring Dixieland Combo, Highland Community College Jazz Band, and Rock Valley Jazz Band. The event is sponsored by Highland Community College, and starts at 3 pm. Students are free, adults are $5.

~ Monticello has their annual Fisharee/Chickaree this Sunday. The free event is an outdoor celebration and ice fishing contest. There will be prizes for the largest fish caught, smallest fish caught and most fish caught and much more. The Lions Club also has their grilled chicken dinners available for purchase and carryout during the event. Come out and enjoy the weather that Mother Nature treats us to here in Green County.

~ On Monday, you can go out to dinner and support Relay For Life. Pizza Hut in Monroe is doing a fundraising event. Come eat at the buffet from 5 until 8, and all proceeds will go to the organization.

Things to Do Around Monroe

Welcome back after the winter holiday break! Now that the festivities are over, are you looking for something to do this weekend?

~ The Young Professionals of Green County are having a Business Showcase this Thursday evening. Join them at Beast Buffet from 5:30 to 6:15 where 2009 YP of the Year Nominee, Eric Jerdee, will talk about the services his company has to offer for pets and farms. The YPs are doing a semi-formal event next week at The Dining Room at 209 Main in Monticello. Join them on Thursday evening for appetizers, drinks and conversation. $20 includes a drink and appetizers; RSVP via email, Facebook or LinkedIn by January 7.

~ Goetz Theater in Monroe is showing "Alvin and the Chipmunks 2: The Squeakquel", "Avatar", and "Sherlock Holmes" this weekend. Matinees are $6, evening shows $7.50, kids are always $5.

~ There is a gallery reception at Frehner Gallery at the Monroe Arts Center on Thursday evening from 5 until 7 pm. The new exhibit, Positive Matter, features both two and three dimensional pieces in oil, acrylic, painted steel and bronze.

~ Tofflers in New Glarus has live music this Saturday evening starting at 9 pm.

~ There is a Family Day at Oakdale Nature Center in Freeport this Sunday afternoon from 1 until 4 pm. There will be plenty of opportunities for creative nature play for the kids. Warm up with cookies and cocoa.

~ The kids get started on Saturday for the SCWA Youth League. The nine week South Central Wisconsin Archers league is a popular winter activity. Is this the first you have heard of it? There might still be a little time to enroll. Contact Al at 439-1819.

~ Saturday's weather looks to be chilly, but the mercury should top 20 on Sunday, perfect for getting out and enjoying some winter sports. The Green County cross country ski trails are open and ready for fun!

Upcoming at the MAC

The Monroe Arts Center has some interesting events coming up.

Father Klarer will be speaking at MAC tomorrow, Wednesday, at noon in Welsley Hall for a free brown bag lunch event. The focus will be Victorian England, Charles Dickens, the script for Monroe Theatre Guild's upcoming performance of "A Christmas Carol," and the writing process Fr Klarer went through when adapting the story for the stage. Fr Klarer gifted MTG with an original adaptation for this holiday classic, and it will be performed for the first time this December by MTG. Follow along Fr Klarer's blog for all the backstage information on the performance and how it is coming together.

While you are at MAC for Fr Klarer's talk or to view the newest exhibit in Frehner gallery, which I highly recommend as it is fabulous, be sure to pick up some tickets to see StoneRing in concert in Gunderson Stiles Concert Hall at MAC on November 21. We've had the pleasure of listening to this Madison-area Celtic band in an intimate setting before, and they are simply wonderful. The four member band plays classic acoustical instruments and sings a variety of Celtic songs from ballads to rebel songs. Tickets are $22 and $17 for members, $25 and $20 for non-members.

Things to Do Around Monroe

~ There is an opening reception for the new exhibit in Frehner Gallery at the Monroe Arts Center on Thursday evening. "Looking In, Looking Out" is an exhibit by Lake Mills artists Karen Ragus and Leslie DeMuth. The show features artists working within a contrast of styles, a contrast of inspiration, and a contrast of imagery, but with a shared passion for color, mood and personal expression. The reception is from 5 until 7 pm, with a talk by the artists starting at 5:30 pm.

~ Did you get the kids enrolled for Monroe Theatre Guild's Stage Right Youth Theatre workshops this weekend? There is still time to enroll, so call Suzanne as soon as possible. There are two workshops for kids ages 7 and up this weekend, and two for kids ages 4 through 7 next weekend.

~ UW Extension is offering a free webinar for local farmers this Friday from 8 until 10 am in the new Justice Center. The topic will be on dealing with issues in the fall harvest, weighting the pros and cons of letting the crops dry naturally in the fields at the risk of potential mold development versus harvesting earlier and dealing with the costs of mechanically drying. Pre-registration is requested; call Mike Mayer at 328-9440.

~ Famous Fossil Winery is having Wine Movies and Cheesecake on Fridays and Saturdays this November and December. Enjoy a free wine-themed movie, pick up a slice of homemade Famous Fossil Cheesecake, and enjoy an evening out. This weekend's movie will be A Good Year; next week's is The Secret of Santa Vittoria.

~ Baumgartner's has live music this Saturday evening. Glen Davis will be playing blues starting at 8 pm. It should be a great event. Stop by Baumgartner's tonight for their Wednesday night Baby Back Ribs special!

~ Get some of your holiday shopping completed this weekend at the Brodhead Jaycees Arts and Crafts fair. Browse the many vendors all day on Saturday at the high school. Food will be available on site as well.

~ You can eat pancakes all day long in Freeport on Saturday. The United Methodist Church is having a pancake breakfast, and the Silvercreek Museum is having a pancake supper.

~ Monroe Arts Center hosts the final Sunday concert for fall on Sunday. Chicago pianist Mark Valenti will perform a series of works by Schubert, Stravinsky, and Debussy starting at 2 pm. Tickets are free for MAC members, $10 for the general public and will be available at the door.

~ Edler Glass Studio in Cedarville has their annual open house on Saturday and Sunday from 10 until 4. Watch the art of glass blowing, view the exhibit pieces and browse for something special to take home.

~ Small business owners, make plans to attend a workshop on financing options at Blackhawk Technical College Monroe's campus on Tuesday evening. The subject of the workshop will be Financing Opportunities for Small Business. Learn the myths and truths about small business loans, grants, financing and more. The cost is $10 and pre-registration is required. Call 342-1038 to register.

~ The Young Professionals of Green County are hosting a socializing and networking Happy Hour at Flanagan's Shenanigans on Tuesday, November 10 starting at 5:30 pm. Free snacks, drinks specials. The YPs are doing a Toy Drive for the Monroe Women's Club in conjunction with this event, so please bring a new, unwrapped toy if you are able.

~ Register for Chef Stef Culberson's Gifts from the Kitchen workshop at Goosechaser Farm next week. This popular class will be offered three times this year, twice at the farm and once at Kookaburra's in Monroe. Each participant will take home four wrapped and packaged gifts, all ready for giving.

~ Next Wednesday, November 11, MAC is auditioning local talent for the Annual Showcase of Talent Variety Show starting at 6:30. Groups or individuals, singing, dancing, instrumental music, comedy and more are all welcome. A second day of auditions is scheduled for Saturday morning, November 11.

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.