Things to do around Monroe, WI

~ Take a tour of the old world at the annual Amish Quilt Auction. Bid on hundreds of handmade quilts, Amish made furniture, collectibles, and even horse implements. Bake sale and hand made ice cream made with a diesel engine featured. The auction is on Saturday at the Amish Schoolhouse - corner of Hwy. 104 and Atkinson Rd.

~ Turn your trip to the auction into an adventure. Bicycle there by joining the ride sponsored by Bombay Bicycle Club, and the Earth Rider van will bring your purchases back for you. Meet at Earth Rider in Brodhead at 8:00am for the ride. Pace 12-14 mph; Distance: 24 miles; Route: Moderate.

~ Come to New Glarus on Saturday to celebrate the 108th Anniversary of the New Glarus Fire Department. This fundraising event will feature bucket brigades, water fights, children's activities and live music. There will be food stands throughout the day, and there is a steak fry in the evening.

~ If you are experimenting with gardening this year and are curious about how to put up your bounty for winter, consider attending the food preservation workshop sponsored by UW Extension. This one day workshop is from 9 am to 3 pm at Pecatonica High School in Blanchardville. There is a $25 per person charge that includes preservation publications that you will be able to take home. Contact Bridget Mouchon at 328-9440 to register.

~ Fore! Join the YPs of Green County for their annual golf outing this Friday. Registration is required, so get over to their website to print out the form and get it in. $45 per person includes 9 holes at the Monroe County Club, beer on the course, and dinner. Tee time is 5:30.

~ The Green County Entrepreneurs Monday at 6:30 PM at the AmericInn Lodge conference room in Monroe. This month's speakers is Kate Walker from the Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation.

~ The free outdoor movie in Cedarville this Friday evening is "Calamity Jane". The movie starts at dusk, and there will be series of shorts in addition to the main feature.

~ Downtown Freeport will be happening this weekend. Friday evening is Brats, Beer & Blues at the Freeport Art Museum. Saturday, it is Cruise Night. Classic cars will fill the downtown lots. Starting at 7, the drivers can cruise around downtown Freeport as the roads closed to other traffic. Spectators line the street light a parade to enjoy the show. There is also a burnout contest, winners judged by applause and amount of smoke.

~ Don't forget about the great farmers markets happening in the region: Monroe, Monticello, Paoli, Belleville, Orangeville, Lena... Come out, meet your producer and get some great food straight from the source.

Helping local disaster victims

Our hearts go out to all the victims of the recent flooding in northern Illinois. Brenda's sister lives in Pearl City, and we have been hearing first hand about the flood conditions there.

We would strongly encourage all in the area to do what they can to help out. The Northwest Illinois chapter of the American Red Cross is operating two shelters and responding to needs in the area. Donations to that organization is always helpful.

Unfortunately, we have been unable to find a comprehensive list of volunteer needs and contact information online, but the basics certainly apply. Food to the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Contact local churches for volunteer opportunities. Call your local city hall to inquire about volunteer needs. Try calling the Freeport Housing Authority to see if they have opportunities for people with construction skills to help out. Clothing and household items will be needed for those who have been devastated by the flooding and lack adequate insurance.

An afternoon spent helping others, a bag full of food, a few clothes that you don't wear often, that rarely used kitchen appliance that you received as a wedding gift, the spare bed that was left behind after the kids moved out - all of these are pretty minor in the long run, but could make a world of difference in the life of someone else in our area.

For residents who are working to clean up after the flood, we encourage you to read the safety information from the Stephenson County Health Department before you begin.

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, 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.

Things to Do Around Monroe

Looking for a little something to do?

~ Tonight, there is a political forum at the Monroe High School's Performing Arts Center. Candidates for the local contested races will be there to talk about their positions on various issues. The event starts at 7 pm.

~ The 40th Annual Rock, Gem and Mineral Show will be held this weekend at the Monroe High School. Sponsored by Badger Lapidary and Geological Society, this event is open to the public Saturday and Sunday from 9 until 5 pm.

~ whooOOOOoooo Come to the Owl Night at New Glarus Woods. The annual Owl Talk and Night Hike is a popular event sponsored by the Friends on the New Glarus Woods. The interactive and interpretive program will begin with a bonfire and end with a night hike through the woods to try to spot some of the feathered friends. Free, but parking requires either an annual or daily state park sticker. Dress appropriately for the weather and hiking.

~ The local Democratic Committee is hosting “ORGANIZING FOR AMERICA” strategy meeting at First National Bank Community Room across from the historic Courthouse Square in Monroe from on Saturday from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Refreshments will be available.

~ The Monroe City Band is presenting "Music of Miller" this Saturday at Turner Hall. This variety show and dance starts at 8 pm, and the band will play two sets. Tickets are available at Ruf's, from band members and at the door for $6 each.

~ Enjoy a little music with your dinner at Vince's this Sunday. CalvagnaHarris is playing jazz for your pleasure between 5 and 8 pm.

~ Green County Development Corporation has their annual meeting and dinner next week on Tuesday evening. A celebration of what makes Green County extraordinary, this meeting will feature speaker Robert Ady. A buffet dinner will be served. Reservations required, $35 per person. Contact Susan at GCDC for more information.

Things to Do Around Monroe

Even though the weather is not looking good for the weekend, there are still things to do in the area.

~ River Valley Trading Company has their monthly documentary showing on Thursday evening. This month, the movie is "Blue Gold: World Water Wars." The screening starts at 7 pm.

~ Monroe Theatre Guild has a children's theatre workshop this weekend. Help your children prepare for the upcoming try outs for Music Man with the audition workshop on Saturday. Visit the MTG website for registration information.

~ Pick your favorite type of live music!

• The benefit concert for the children of Haiti is on Friday at the Monroe Arts Center,
  
• There is a Green County Barbershop Concert at the Monroe High School Performing Arts Center on Saturday,
• Beth Kille (known locally at the lead of Clear Blue Betty) performs at Baumgartner's on Saturday evening,
• Tofflers has The Midwesterners on Saturday night,
  
• The Monroe Theatre Guild Youth Choir performs their spring concert on Sunday evening at MAC.

~ How about a traditional German-Swiss dinner? Enjoy Kabelwurst at a fundraiser for the New Glarus Fire Department on Saturday. Advance tickets are available for $10 at the Bank of New Glarus, Hoesly's Meats, Ott Haus Pub and Grill, Chalet Landhaus or from any NG firefighter. $11 at the door, kids $5. First come, first served, but carryouts are also available.

~ Don your Pink Ladies jacket and head to Freeport for the Aquin Theater Department (of St Thomas Aquinas Church) production of Grease on Friday or Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. $7 per person at the Aquin Auditorium on Galena Ave.

~ If musicals aren't your thing, how about "The Cheddar Curtain" at the Winneshiek Playhouse? Four local theatre groups work together to bring four short plays. Tickets are $15.

~ Looking to improve your cooking skills? Kookaburra's in Monroe has a Knife Skills class on Tuesday evening. $20 per person. I'm is already enrolled, so come and join me!

Things to Do Around Monroe

I should have posted some of these events a few days ago because there are some great things happening tonight!

~ The second Stirring the Pot picnic and discussion event takes place this evening on the lawn of the Monroe Arts Center. Chef demonstrations begin at 5:30. Bring your blanket, your dinner and enjoy watching Representative Brett Davis with his friends from Peppercorn Banquets as well as Chef Kate Thomas from BTC as they show us how to prepare some favorite dishes. Discussion will follow the cooking demonstrations, and stay for the live music.

~ Also this evening is the annual Pork Producers Dinner. This popular annual event moved to July this year, and it now takes place at SLICE. Tickets are $8 at the door, and serving starts at 5 pm.

~ The Young Professionals of Green County have a business showcase at Kookaburra's on Monroe's Downtown Square on Thursday evening. Laura will be demonstrating how to make some fun and easy summer appetizers and dinners along with Stef from Goose Chaser Farms. $10 per person.

~ Belleville hosts Bastille Day this Saturday. Who knew we celebrated that here in Green County? The day is full of family events: K-12 talent show, live music, fishing demonstrations and contest, quilt show, bike races, wine and cheese tasting and more. Stop by the Green County Humane Society area in Liberty Park to celebrate Bastille day fully - by liberating a pet and adopting it. Hey, we can be cheesy here in Green County, can't we?

~ Brodhead hosts Twilight in the Park on Sunday evening. This live music event in Veteran's Park is free for everyone. This week's featured act is Opan Jii playing jazz. There is also music at Toffler's in New Glarus on Saturday evening. Join them to hear the Kristy Larson Honky Tonk Trio.

~ 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! Aviation enthusiasts have the opportunity to go up in a vintage bi-plane for ride. 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 815-232-1078 to sign up.

~ Lena is host to wilderness survival skills workshop this Saturday. The focus is Nature Observation, Movement and Camouflage. Learn to how move in the woods without being seen or heard. All ages are welcome, contact the Lena Parks Department to register (815-990-0146).

~ Finish off a fun filled Freeport Saturday with Stargazing at Oakdale Nature Preserve. The Tricounty Astronomers will be at Oakdale at dusk to watch the night sky.

~ Next week, be sure to keep your calendar clear! It is Farm Technology Days (interesting even for cityfolk in my opinion), the Green County Fair, Fairy Tale Theatre performances, the youth triathlon, and Christmas in July on Monroe's Downtown Square. Can we get a couple more days in our weekend please??

~ Biking enthusiasts! There is still time to sign up for next week's Swiss Cheese and Spotted Cow bike tour. This event takes place from July 22 through July 26. Tour the gorgeous back roads of Green and Lafayette Counties as you travel from Mineral Point to New Glarus, Monroe, Galena and finally back to Mineral Point. All of these communities are well know and frequently mentioned in Midwest Living as places to go. Microbrews, local foods, wineries, art studios, bakeries, chocolates, cheeses, beautiful countryside and charming small communities await. You'll average about 60 miles a day over rolling terrain with stops in all of the best places. Participants rave about this tour and come in from all over the nation. Local bike riders, are you ready for a vacation in your backyard?

Things to Do Around Monroe

Don't forget to check Monday's post for additional things to do this weekend.

~ Moonspinners of Northwest Illinois, a fiber arts guild, has their monthly meeting tonight from 7 until 9 pm at the Methodist Church in Organgeville. New members are always welcome.

~ Stef from Goose Chaser Farm is doing a workshop entitle Sustainable Styling from Thursday through Saturday. Photographers, come learn from an expert. Stef is a professional, and she teaches this workshop that blends photography, love of food and sustainability to help other professionals capture the essence of green styling. There is one day on location at our favorite herb farm, one day in the studio, and a workshop session on marketing. Contact Stef immediately to check on availability if you are interested.

~ The Monticello Homecoming Celebration takes place this week. From Thursday evening through Sunday, enjoy small town festivities with a carnival, softball tournaments, fish boil, beer stand, talent show, motorcycle ride, chicken barbecue, water fights, parade and more.

~ Downtown Monroe plays host to another Concert on the Square at 6:30 on Thursday evening. The band this time is "Stranded in Iowa". Boxed suppers are available from Turner Hall, Garden Deli and Cafe Claudeen.

~ New Glarus hosts their annual Maxwell Street Days. Walk around town and browse for deals on the sidewalk table on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Shop for bargains through the entire town on Saturday at the annual New Glarus Citywide Garage Sale.

~ Green County Humane Society's Pedal for Paws takes place on Saturday. Bike 12, 15 or 30 miles in support of the Humane Society. Registration is $35 for individuals or $60 per family.

~ Cheer on your favorite team as the Cubs take on the Cards at Little Cubs Field in Freeport. These are the Little League versions of those teams, of course. The Black Earth Cards are coming in to play the Freeport Cubs. Game time is 3:10 pm. Even if you don't like the majors, there is a special exuberance to a Little League game.

Here's to another great weekend in the Green County area!

Things to Do Around Monroe

It looks like the hot weather, sunny weather will hold throughout the weekend. Are you looking for something to do outside to enjoy the sunshine or inside to beat the heat?

~ Bring your lawn chair to Downtown Monroe to enjoy the second Concert on the Square. Red Hot Dixies take the stage at 6:30 pm. Order your boxed lunch in advance from Turner Hall, Garden Deli or http://www.turnerhallofmonroe.org/.

~ New Glarus hosts the Heidi Festival this weekend. Come watch the Heidi play, shake a leg in the Street Dance, sign the kids up for the children's tractor pull, browse the Art Fair, and enjoy a wagon ride. The festivities take place Friday through Sunday.

~ Don't forget about MTG's Odd Couple! This is the final weekend for the show, and I have heard it is great. Maybe we'll see you there.

~ Have you been to the Piazza yet? This is a large private party where crashers are welcome. Terry and Nancy host incredible music acts in an intimate, outdoor setting. Come for the potluck dinner after 6:30, music starts around dusk. Bring a dish to pass and your beverage of choice. Reusable tableware is provided. The cost is pass the hat. The musical act is Cajun Strangers, and the potluck theme is "From France to Nova Scotia and Down to New Orleans."

~ A new exhibit opens at the Stephenson County Visitor's Center by Freeport this week. "Cruisin' in Style" is an expo featuring automobiles, old and new. There is also information on Freeport's annual Cruise Night in August.

~ Stef at Goose Chaser Farm has a culinary workshop scheduled for Sunday, June 27 at her farm. The class this month focuses on Fresh Cheese. Make cheese, and then learn what to do with it. $30 per person, registration required.

~ Splish splash! Area pools are open for business, and they are very popular places in this heat. Monroe, New Glarus, Monticello, Brodhead, Lena, and Freeport all have community pools open to the public. Purchase a season pass or just come for the day, but remember the sunscreen! Don't forget about Yellowstone Lake or Lake Le-Aqua-Na if you prefer nature's swimming pools.

However you spend this weekend - at any of the above place, picking strawberries, biking the trails, watching the kids chase fireflies at dusk or hanging out in the hammock with a glass of lemonade - enjoy the fleeting days of summer.

Property of the Week

This week's featured property is an energy efficient home in Freeport.



This well thought out, custom built home has all the details! Go green without even trying with energy saving features that make sense for every family.

Light pours through tilt-out, low E, double paned windows. The entire home has solid 6 panel oak doors, even the closets. Oak trim is also throughout the home. The custom kitchen has oak cabinets and a huge pantry with swing out shelving.

Stay warm or cool without paying a fortune thanks to the high efficiency features not found in just any home. There is R-38 insulation in the attic and R-18 in the 2x6” construction walls. The builders utilized a raised heel truss system to allow space for the full depth of 24" of insulation to extend to the edges of the walls, an energy saving feature that also helps prevent the build-up of ice dams. There is a high efficiency furnace and water heater. In the summer, you will appreciate the efficacy of the whole house fan and how quickly it can cool off your new home without even using the central air.

Upstairs are four spacious bedrooms including a master suite with walk-in closet, double wide jetted tub and extra large shower. In addition to the formal living room and dining room this home features a roomy family room with gas fireplace and a bonus room with exterior access. If you work from home, this is the perfect place for your home office.

A spacious deck overlooks the development and miles of countryside. There is a walkout basement with 9’ ceilings and a bathroom rough in, should you ever decide to expand your living space.

Enjoy your life in this home near all of the Freeport area amenities. You will be close to the Jane Addams Recreational Trail, lakes and rivers. Freeport has a multitude of parks. Krape Park is home to four season recreation opportunities including ice skating, paddle boat rentals and even a Merry Go Round. Read Park has a public aquatic center and skate park, the Oakdale Nature Preserve is a stunning public natural space with miles of trails. Little Cubs Field is a unique community asset, a nearly exact replica of Wrigely Field, Little League sized, that is free for anyone to use. Freeport is home to golf courses and an active league sport community. Enjoy the arts through community theater, professional performances and more.

All of these features plus a desirable location in the Cherokee Hills subdivision makes this one of a kind home a must see!

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.