Curing for a Cure

This weekend marks the final regular season farmers market here in Monroe, and one vendor has organized a way for them to end the year with a bang.

Our friend Stef Culberson from Goosechaser Farm has put together "Curing for a Cure", a fundraiser for breast cancer research. Come downtown Saturday for a live auction featuring a variety of meats and other goods from local business owners.

Curing for a Cure draws its name from a donation of two whole, cured hams and two full sides of bacon. There will also be other food items such as 5# packages of Goosechaser Farm's famous brats, meat sticks from Hoesly's, a produce basket from Brennan's, fresh produce from Avon Locker, a produce and book basket from Inn Serendipity, acupuncture treatments from Harmony Community Accupuncture, car washes from Pro Image Car Wash and more.

Come downtown and bid high for this great cause!

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.
  

Bounty of Green County

I don't know about you, but I am eagerly anticipating the return of fresh local produce. Everything is turning green, and the plants are popping up all over the garden. This time of year means that the opening of the local farmers markets is just around the corner.

Monroe's Farmers Market opens next week, May 12. Open on Wednesdays from 2 until 5:30 and Saturdays from 8 until 1 pm, the Monroe Market is on the Downtown Square.

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.

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.

If you need something in between markets or something that you cannot find at a market, check out the Bounty of Green County list as well.

There are so many wonderful foods being made in our area, and buying directly from the producer is important on so many levels: money stays local, consumers can talk with the producer about what they are purchasing and how it was grown/created, and producers feel more accountable when they sell directly, so they provide a consistent, quality product.

Things to Do Around Monroe

~ Come to Heritage House in Monroe tonight for the Young Professionals of Green County for a Holiday Happy Hour starting at 5:30. There will be Holiday Martini and appetizer specials. The YPs are also adopting a family in need this month, and they will be collecting donations tonight. Donations of food, cash, baby clothing and educational toys are encouraged. See YP website for details.


~ Prost! Baumgartner's in Monroe is having their holiday party this Friday evening from 7 pm until midnight. Enjoy oysters on the half shell, traditional Glugg, cheese and more.

~ Toffler's in New Glarus is hosting a CD release party for area artist Beth Kille. There will be live music and no cover charge for this event which starts at 9 pm on Saturday.

~ There is still time to see Monroe Theatre Guild's annual production of A Christmas Carol. Showtimes are 7:30 pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, as well at 2 pm on Sunday.

~ MTG's Stage Right youth program has a workshop on Saturday. Junk Puppets is for kids ages 8 through 12. Children will learn the art of puppet making combined with recycling as they use traditionally recycled and throw-away items to make their art. $18 for members, $21 for non-members, 9 am until noon.

~ Green County Humane Society has a fundraising event this Saturday. Pet Photos with Santa takes place from 10 am until noon at Monroe Auto Sales on the west side of Monroe. Bring your pets to be photographed with the big guy, and while you are there, pick up some treats at the bake sale there at the same time. Donations of baked goods are welcome; please contact Angie at 325-9600 for more information. Remember, the Humane Society is always in need of donations and dog walkers (see their website for a wish list), so chip in to help out the furry friends there this winter!

~ The Monroe Farmer's Market is starting up again! The first market of the season is today ~ Don't miss this weekend's Winter Market! Stock up on root vegetables, jams, jellies, baked goods and more at the farmers market on Monroe's Downtown Square. With a nod to the weather, the market moved indoors for winter, and it will be held in the lower level of Das Baumhaus from 9 am until 2. The next one isn't until January 16, so stock up now.

~ The Bel Canto Singers will perform a concert at 7 pm on Sunday at St Victor's Catholic Church in Monroe. Bel Canto is known for their rich vocals, and they will be teaming up with an organist, trumpeter and saxophonist for this performance. $5 admission.

~ Congratulations are in order for five Brodhead area ballerinas who will be onstage at the Overture Center in Madison this weekend for the annual Nutcracker performance. The girls, all students at the BHF Dance Academy, are Emily Beauchel, Nickole Becker, Carly Benton, Abby Jo Harnack and Rachel Jorgensen. There is still time to purchase tickets for the performances by contacting the Overture Center Box Office. Way to go girls! All that hard work really paid off for you. Break a leg!

Things to Do Around Monroe

Another weekend is closing in. Have you made your plans yet?

~ The Young Professionals of Green County are busy in the upcoming week. This evening, come to a Business Showcase at Country View Equestrian Center on Clarno Road from 6 until 7:30 pm. Get together again on Monday evening for a Trip to Italy Wine Tasting event at Vince's Pizza. The business showcase is free; the wine tasting has a choice of an appetizer, entree or both along with the wine tasting for $9.99 to $18.99 depending on your choice. Both events are helping out the Monroe Women's Club, so bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the toy drive if you are able.

~ Farmer's Market enthusiast! The first Winter Market is this weekend in the lower level of Das Baumhaus on the South side of Monroe's Downtown Square. Stock up on root vegetables, jams and jellies, baked goods and more. If you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner, it will be easier than ever to serve some local foods thanks to the new Winter Market. There will be two more winter markets this year: December 19 and January 16. Free coffee and punch.

~ Bring the kids to the Tree Trimming party at the Monroe Public Library this Saturday from 11 am until 3 pm. Make an ornament or five in Santa's Workshop, enjoy a story in the Story Corner at 11:30, 12:30 or 1:30, and stop in the Cookie Corner Cafe to refuel. Grown up elves, cookie donations are welcome!

~ Do some more of your holiday shopping at the Brooklyn Arts and Crafts Festival. This Saturday from 9 am until 4 pm, browse the vendors at the Brooklyn Community Center and find the perfect home-crafted gifts.

~ Lindo Theater in Freeport has a Family Holiday Movie series this November and December. This weekend's movie is A Chipmunk Christmas: 3 Alvin and the Chipmunks Holiday Featurettes starting at 10 am. This movie is free!

~ Stone Ring is playing at the Monroe Arts Center this Saturday evening. There is still time to purchase a ticket or two and enjoy an evening of wonderful music in the Gunderson-Stiles Concert Hall.

~ Famous Fossil Winery hosts another of their weekend movie events. This weekend focuses on not becoming a wine snob. Watch the movie "Enjoying Wine" and learn about how to relax and have fun with wine.

Things to do

It is time to take a look ahead at what is going on in the area in the upcoming week:

~ The Young Professionals of Green County are going mini golfing on Thursday, May 28. Join us at 6:30 pm at Swissland Mini Golf in New Glarus. The cost is only $7.50, and I've been told that YPs can feel free to bring the family. On June 11, the YPs will be having a business showcase featuring Brenda talking about the benefits of working with an EcoBroker and green real estate for everyone while touring a local home. More details on that to follow.

~ The kids from the Shakespeare Project have their show on Thursday evening at Monroe Arts Center. Shakespeare on the Edge is a local non-profit that supports teens making connections to the world through the works of Shakespeare. These teens have been working on their pieces since February; come out and support them in their performance while enjoying some of the great works of theater.

~ Come to Breakfast on the Farm on Saturday morning. The annual event is being held at Bruegger farms N4253 and N4611 Rechsteiner Road between Monroe and Albany off of Hwy FF. Just follow the signs. Breakfast is served from 6 am until 10 am. After you eat, enjoy the petting zoo, craft show, wagon rides, live entertainment and more.

~ Goosechaser Farm is having another culinary workshop on Saturday. This month's class targets cooking with children, particularly those between 4 and 8. Bring the favorite child in your life along for an entertaining, delicious and informative event. Check with Stef to see if space if still available.

~ Did you get the kids signed up for the puppetry classes at Monroe Theatre Guild? Our kids are looking forward to them.

~ Lindo Theater in Freeport is beginning their discount family movie series courtesy of FHN. Tickets are only $3 for the 10 am showing. This week, they are showing "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian".

~ Get outside! Hop on the bike and enjoy a leisurely ride on one of our area bike trails. If you prefer hiking, you can hike on the trails as well, or stop in at New Glarus Woods State Park, the Cadiz/Browntown Recreational Area or the Oakdale Nature Preserve (Freeport) for a hike through the woods or prairie. If you plan on spending time in your own yard gardening, remember that you can get the supplies you need at the independently owned nurseries in the area, and some of the Farmers Market vendors are selling vegetable and flower starts as well.

~ Live music! Enjoy Blue with Jimmy Voegli at Tofflers in New Glarus this Saturday evening. The Monroe City Band begins their summer concert series at Twining Park on Monday eveningat 7:30 pm. Also, make your plans now to attend next weekend's Brooklyn Bluegrass festival.

~ Don't forget to get out to the Farmers Markets locally in Monroe, Belleville and Paoli. The fresh foods taste so good, and it is great to buy local.

Have fun! The weather is supposed to be great, so enjoy your weekend here in Green County!

Things to Do Around Monroe

If you are not going camping for Memorial Day weekend, come out and enjoy our area events!

~ There is still time to enroll the kids into the MTG puppetry classes for next weekend. Kids 8-12 can take Introduction to Puppetry with Suzanne Miller and Kris Ault, using the Monroe Public Library puppets. Kids 6-9 can come in the afternoon for Sock Puppetry, creating their own sock puppet character based upon a story, and there will be a short performance as well.

~ Adults, come to the Stage building either Friday or Saturday evening for MTG Uncorked, the theatre guild's original content content comedy/variety show. Shows are on both evenings at 7 pm, and both are very affordable for an evening's entertainment at only $10 for members, $12 for non-members.

~ Come out of the Farmer's Market! There are new vendors this year in addition to most of the great people from last year. Paoli and Belleville also have their farmers market on Saturday morning.

~ The annual New Glarus community festival is this weekend. Bring the family to this old fashioned festival! Talent show, sports tournaments, kids activities, bands, food stands and more. The festival is on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

~ Albany is having their Yesteryear's Days also this weekend. Come Friday for a street dance. There will also be a tractor pull, chicken barbecue, Memorial Day parade and more throughout the weekend.

~ Train enthusiasts! Come down to Freeport to the Silver Creek Museum on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy rides on the Silvercreek and Stephenson Railroad antique steam train. The 1912 Heisler steam locomotive will pull an antique red caboose reported to be the oldest in the state along with two other cabooses and three passenger flatcars over Yellow Creek and farmlands for a four mile train ride. Come to the museum to purchase tickets for the rides and for the ice cream social. Once there, you can also browse the museum.

~ Catch a movie at the Goetz or Sky-Vu drive-in this weekend. Sky-Vu drive in is showing Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian and Marley and Me. Enjoy a classic Sky-Vu pizza with your movie. Goetz Cinema is showing Terminator Salvation, Star Trek, and Angels and Demons.

Have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend!

Things to Do Around Monroe

Have you had a chance to look at your calendar for the upcoming week yet? Here are some things that you might want to add in:

~ The Monroe Farmer's Market is starting up again! The first market of the season is today from 2 until 5 pm. The markets will run every Wednesday afternoon and every Saturday morning through fall. The Freeport Farmers Market starts on Saturday.

~ Future Forward Green County is having their large joint meeting tomorrow, Thursday, at Flanagan's in Monroe.

~ Come to the Monroe Public Library on Saturday from noon until 3 for the third meeting of the Monroe Lego Club. This is the last meeting until fall.


~ Raise money for Habitat for Humanity. There is still time to get in on the Bike 4 Habitat ride taking place this Saturday. There are 15, 30 and 50 mile routes available. The starting point is Veteran's Memorial Park in Brodhead. Check-in starts at 7:30, and the ride goes from 8 until 5 pm, with dinner lasting until 5.

~ The Belleville Fire Department is having their annual Fish Boil event on Saturday evening from 5 until 8 pm. Adults are $10, kids under 12 are $5 and kids under 5 are free.

~ Come to the Brodhead Airport on Sundy for their EAA Fly-In pancake breakfast. If you don't have a plane, don't worry. You can drive there too. They serve from 7 am until noon. Be prepared to catch your pancakes - it is tradition for them to just flip the pancakes through the air towards your plate. Plane rides are available if the weather permits.

~ There is still time to register for the upcoming Monroe Theatre Guild events. MTG Uncorked is a live comedy skit event schedules for May 22. There are also new children's workshops coming up: Advanced Scene Study for older kids, puppetry workshops for younger ones.

Be sure to take a look these area calendars for additional events: Green County Spotlight, Green County Tourism, Stephenson County CVB.