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

Don't let the cold winter weather keep you at home this weekend. Here is a sampling of local events and things to do:

~ Come down to the Monroe Theatre Guild's STAGE building tonight from 6 until 8 pm for a clean up party. Construction is well underway with the renovations there, and help is needed with some general tasks. No special constructions skills or ability required. If you can move a chair or pick up some trash, you have the skills MTG needs tonight.

~ The Jimmy's are playing at 8 pm this Thursday at Toffler's in New Glarus.

~ Movie night! Come to the Goetz Theater in Monroe or the Lindo Theater in Freeport to enjoy a movie this weekend. The Goetz is showing Tangled, True Grit, Tron Legacy and Gulliver's Travels. Head to the Lindo to enjoy Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Fighter, Gulliver's Travels, How Do You Know, Little Fockers, Tangled, The Tourist, Tron Legacy, True Grit, and Yogi Bear 3D. Check the theaters' websites for showtimes.

~ Toe pick! SLICE in Monroe has open skate times this weekend. Practice your figure 8's from 5 until 8 pm on Friday or 3:45 to 6:45 pm on Saturday. The cost to skate is only $5. If you don't have your own skates, rentals are available for $2 or purchase a $10 discount card for unlimited free rentals for the skate season.

~ This Saturday, the Freeport Public Library is holding a Free Book Day. Stop in between 11 am and 2 pm to pick up a copy of Playing with the Enemy. The author, Gary Moore, will be on hand to sign copies as well.

~ It is not too late to register the kids for winter basketball programs through the Park and Rec departments in both Monroe and Brodhead. The 2nd and 3rd grade program starts in Brodhead on Saturday, and registrations must be turned in by Friday. In Monroe, 3rd to 6th grade program starts on Monday. Call the local Park and Recs for more information and registration.

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Festival of Trees 2010

One of our favorite local events is coming up in just a few weeks.  The Festival of Trees is a community fundraiser combined with an evening out.  Four area non-profit groups benefit from the evening:  Monroe Theatre Guild Stage Right Youth Theatre, Green County Humane Society, Green Haven Family Advocates or Green County Habitat for Humanity.

Festival of Trees takes place at the Mansion on December 4 this year.  There will be silent auction items, and the proceeds from these go directly to the non-profit group that has put them together.  Many area businesses and individuals contribute items both big and small for the bidding.  Each non-profit group also decorates a few holiday trees, also sponsored by local business.  These trees area auctioned at the end of the evening in an entertaining live auction.

Cocktails start at 6 pm, and dinner is served at 7.  The dinner choices this year will be prime rib, rosemary chicken or your choice of butternut squash or mushroom ravioli with alfredo sauce. If you prefer the vegetarian ravioli option, you should specify that when purchasing tickets.

Tickets are $40 per person, and they can be purchased through any of the non-profit groups above or through the Monroe Chamber of Commerce.

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.

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!

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.
  

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

What to do, what to do.

~ The Wisconsin Regional Art Exhibit opens at the Monroe Arts Center on Thursday evening. This multi-media exhibit features artist from all over the region. The exhibit culminates with an artist workshop on Feburary 27. That all day workshop has $5 admission at the door, but the exhibit in Frehner Gallery is, as always, free.

~ MAC also has a painting workshop this weekend. "Approaches to Winter Painting" with Tina Duemler and Jonathan Wilde is this Saturday from 9 am until 5 pm. $70 fee, registration required. The deadline was actually Tuesday, but try giving MAC a call anyways if you are interested.

~ Young Professionals of Green County are participating in a free curling exhibit this Saturday. Come over to SLICE in Monroe on Saturday from 1 until 3 to learn about curling with other YPs.

~ Brooklyn has a free family movie night this Saturday at their community center starting at 7. Doors open at 6:30, and there will be concessions. Bring your own seating! Did you know that Brooklyn also has drop in Yoga and Zumba classes on Thursday evenings? Classes are from 6:30 to 7:30 at the community center, bring your own mat, $5 per class.

~ Monroe Theatre Guild has a "Painting Cinderella" workshop starting this Saturday. This FREE workshop will involved learning scene painting while working on the set for the middle school musical production of Cinderella this spring. Ages 12 through adult are welcome, 9 am through noon. This is the first of three Saturday workshops for it; come to one or come to all three. Sign up also for the music and movement classes for kids ages 4-7 next weekend or the spring youth choir, both next weekend.

~ MTG members can come over the STAGE building on Sunday for their big Super Bowl Party. Watch the big game on the BIG screen! The fun starts at 1 with board games and cards. Bring your snacks and drinks or a dish to share if you want. They will be pooling for pizza later in the evening. Not a member? Join for just $15 for individuals, $20 for members.

~ Cat's Pajamas is doing an vocal concert at the Performing Arts Center on Monday at 7 pm. Friends who have seen this group perform in the past rave about them. Everything is vocal, but you would swear there was an entire band up there when they perform. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for student, and are available through the any Monroe School office. The event benefits the Monroe School District Choral Department.

~ It will be a busy week for YPs. Tuesday evening is their monthly happy hour networking event. Pop in at Baumgartner's any time after 5:30 for free cheese trays and drink specials. Baumgartener's is owned by fellow YP'er Chris Soukup, and he is sponsoring the food.

~ After the YP happy hour, come over to Kookaburra's in Monroe for one of their cooking classes. Cooking for 2 is this week's class. Sign up on their website or by talking with Laura, $25 per person. They will be making fondue, ravioli gratin, custard and more, and attendees get to eat what they make!

Goodness, there is a lot going on. This doesn't even cover the normal movies and dining options in the area. Have fun!

Things to Do Around Monroe

Wednesday means time to look ahead at what to do this weekend.

~ Future Forward! has a gathering tomorrow, Thursday, at Toffler's in New Glarus. They will reveal the results of the surveys, discuss the direction of the organization, how people can get invovled and the status of the creating of the non-profit group.

~ Monroe Theatre Guild has their annual meeting and party on Saturday. The events starts at 6 with time for socializing and membership renewals, followed by a potluck dinner at 6:30. There will be entertainment at 7, and the annual meeting begins at 7:15. The board will update members on how last year's season went, what is on tap for 2010's shows and workshops, the state of the capital campaign, and future plans for the building. This event is open to the public.

~ The Jimmy's will play at Tofflers on Saturday evening. The music starts about 8 pm.

~ Head over to SLICE for open skate times this weekend. Bring your ice skates or rent there. The open skate times are Friday from 5 to 6:45pm, Saturday 4:30 to 8, Sunday 4:30 to 6:45. It is always good to get out and move in the depths of winter!

~ Come support some of our local youth athletes this weekend. Many of the high school basketball and wrestling teams have games or matches in the area, and the YMCA has a wresting tournament too.

~ Remember the locally owned restaurants when making your plans for the weekend. We have some fabulous dining establishments locally, so visit one for a meal or two. Visit our Community Information page for a summary of area restaurants.

~ Plan ahead for your tickets to the Community Showcase of Talent at Monroe Arts Center on January 29 and 30.

Things to Do Around Monroe

If you have finished digging out from yesterday's blizzard and can think ahead again, here is a look at what is happening in our area in the upcoming week:

~ On Friday evening, the Monroe Arts Center plays host to the Community Sing Along starting at 7 pm. Patrick Beckman will play the piano, and the audience will be directed by the Allen Redford, Director of Choral Music at Highland College. Songs will include traditional holiday fare such as Deck the Halls, Jingle Bells, White Christmas, Silent Night, and Joy to the World. Prior to the singing, there will be a reception from 6 until 7 to close the annual holiday Silent Auction. It will be your last chance to bid on great items in this annual fund-raising event.

~ Trolley Rides will leave from Monroe's Downtown Square this Friday evening to highlight the entrants in the annual Holiday Lighting Contest. The trolley stop is on the southeast corner by Das Baumhaus.

~ No time for holiday baking? Stop by St John's in Monroe for their annual holiday cookie and candy sale. A huge variety of goods will be available including traditional Swiss bratzeli and much more. All cookies are $6 per pound, stop in any time between 8 am and 1 pm.

~ Freeport Public Library has a children's book drive going on through December 15. Bring in a new or slightly used children's book for donation to local non-profits to distribute to children in need in the Freeport Area.

~ If the kids are looking to give their Santa lists to the big guy in person, he is making some local stops this weekend. He will be at the Monticello Fire Department from 11 am until 1 pm on Saturday, the Monroe Public Library from 10 am until noon and 1 until 3 pm, the Lena Fire Station from 8 until 11 am, the Freeport Public Library at 10 am for storytime and from 2 until 4 for visiting, McConnell Historical Society at 1 pm.

~ Monroe Lego Club meets this Saturday from 10 am until 1pm at the Monroe Public Library. This free event is open to Lego-lovers of all ages. Children under 10 must have an adult in the library. Bring your creations to share. Bricks are provided; please do not bring your own to prevent mix-ups.

~ Opening night for Monroe Theatre Guild's production of A Christmas Carol is Saturday evening. There will be a 7:30 show this Saturday, as well as Thursday, Friday and Saturday of next week along with 2 pm matinees on this Sunday and next. Tickets are available at the door, $12 for members and $15 for non-members.

~ After you warm up your singing voice at the MAC, switch gears and head over to Leisure Lanes in Monroe on Saturday evening. They are hosting a Karaoke night with DJ Jackie Lee in Spirits Bar and Grill.

Get your tickets now

Tickets are currently on sale for the Monroe Theatre Guild's upcoming production of "A Christmas Carol." Do you have yours yet?

Things to Do Around Monroe

So, what is going on in the upcoming days?

~ Monroe Arts Center is auditioning local talent tonight and Saturday morning for this season's Showcase of Talent. Come to MAC tonight after 6:30 or Saturday between 9 am and noon.

~ Come see the newly completed Downtown Square in Monroe this weekend and join in the festivities as the Downtown businesses celebrate with an Open House event all weekend. Enter to win one of four gift baskets valued at up to $1000.

~ If this gorgeous weather holds, it will be a perfect weekend to get outside and enjoy a fall hike at one of the local state parks. New Glarus Woods, Cadiz Springs, Yellowstone Park, Donald Park just north of New Glarus, all have miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate. Get the bike out for one last ride on the Badger State Trail or Sugar River Trail.

~ Live music is at Toffler's in New Glarus this weekend. Enjoy an evening out with soloist Mark Harrod.

~ Remember to sign the little kids up for Monroe Theatre Guild's music and movement classes this Saturday. It is exciting to see them start offering classes for the younger set, and these should be fantastic. Full scholarships are available; contact Suzanne for more information.

~ The International Lantern Festival in Freeport this Saturday is an event to help promote cultural understanding and diversity. This celebration of hospitality, diversity and charity will feature local choirs, children's cultural activities, decoration of a giant community lantern and more. Make your own lantern in advance with directions from the website, or participate in a lantern making event from 5:30 to 6 pm. At 6, join in a parade of lanterns through the park, culminating in the final musical performance about 7 pm. Donations for the food pantry are appreciated.

~ Saturday evening, bring your favorite dish to the Broken Barn in Orangeville for Recipe Swap 2009. Make a dish from scratch, bring copies of the recipe, and come share. There will be judging and the top 3 dishes win a prize. This event is to benefit the local food pantry, and admission is 3 non-perishable food items per person. Please do RSVP so that they can plan enough seating and utensils; contact information is on their website.

~ If you enjoy the Badger State Trail, consider joining the Friends of the Badger State Trail. Their annual meeting is this coming week, November 18, at 6 pm at the DNR offices in Madison on Fish Hatchery Road.

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

Hopefully this gorgeous fall weather will hold for another weekend!

~ Monroe Theatre Guild hosts a Business After 5 event for the chamber and a general public open house this Thursday evening. Come by the Stage to see the updates to the building and learn about MTG's upcoming events. Pick up your tickets to Singing on Sunday and Craig Tuttle for either Friday or Saturday evenings, or sign up for one of the upcoming theatre workshops for children or adults.

~ Monroe Lego Club is meeting again this fall and winter. The first meeting will be on Saturday in the meeting room of the Monroe Public Library from noon until 2 pm. Kids are welcome to come and build with other lego enthusiasts. Legos are provided, so please do not bring your own bricks to build with in order to prevent mix-ups, but bring creations to show if you would like. Kids 10 and under must have parent with them or in the library building at all times. Email Lisa if you have any questions.

~ Dad's Corn Maze is offering Pumpkin Carving on Saturday. Pick out the pumpkin of your choice and let your artistic side have at it. Wander the maze before or after carving.

~ Green County Habitat for Humanity is still working on their home build in Monticello. Stop in at the site on Summett Ave in Monticello to help out. Contact Cathy for more information.

~ SLICE is open for public skating this weekend. Bring your skates or rent a pair, then get out on the ice for some exercise and fun. Open skate times are 5 untiil 8:30 Friday evening, 6 until 9 Saturday evening and 4 to 6:30 on Sunday. Plan ahead for Halloween! SLICE is hosting the 2nd Annual Pumpkin Ball and Costume Contest. $5 per person for ice skating, live DJ, dancing, costume contest and more.

~ On Sunday, there will be a Native American Artifact Show in the gym of the Monticello School from 8 am until 2 pm. The show features authentic American Indian and Pre-Columbian artifacts and Indian cultural items. This show is hosted by the Badger State Archaeological Society in conjunction with the Central States Archaeological Societies.

~ Head out to one of our local, independently owned restaurants or cafes this weekend. In these economic times, supporting local businesses and restaurants makes a huge difference in keeping these businesses around. Craving a casual coffee shop atmosphere? Hit Fat Cat Coffee Works, Caribbean Coffee and Cream, or Perks. Looking for good old fashioned diner food? Try Corner Cafe or M&M Cafe. Maybe you want to enjoy some local foods or beverages? Cafe Claudeen, Pancho and Lefty's, Creamery Cafe and Barrett's Brick Cafe all feature some of the bounty of Green County. Going gourmet? The Dining Room at 209 Main or Deininger's can accommodate your palette.

Things to Do Around Monroe

Another weekend is approaching quickly. Do you have your plans ready?

~ Monroe Main Street hosts a webinar on Green and Sustainable Downtowns on Thursday, October 17 at Wisconsin Community Bank over the lunch hour. Contact Cara at Green County Extension to register: 328-9440. Cost is $12.50 for the webinar, and that includes lunch.

~ John and Lisa over at Inn Serendipity are hosting a Sustainable Living in the 21st Century workshop on Friday and Saturday. Nationally recognized in the green movement, they are an incredible resource in sustainability and going green. This workshop covers buying a farm property, sustainable gardening, renewable energy, divirsified business planning in a rural setting and raising a family on the farm. There will be resources on getting started and a hands-on tour of the farm, gardens, a strawbale greenhouse under construction and various renewable energy systems. Registration required, $30 per person. Call Lisa or John at 608-329-7056 for information and registration.

~ Toffler's in New Glarus has special events for the weekend's football games. Saturday they are playing the UW game on the big screen, and come in on Sunday for the Packer game and a free nacho bar.

~ Live music at Baumgartner's this Saturday evening. Fever River String Band takes the stage at 8 pm.

~ Dad's Corn Maze just east of Monroe has Flashlight Night this Saturday until 9 pm. Bring your own flashlight and wind your way through the twists and the turns of the maze.

~ The Monticello Lioness Craft Fair is Sunday from 9 until 3 in the school gym. There will be over 60 vendors on hand, and the Lionesses sell nuts every year as well. Don't forget your tickets for the raffle!

~ Plan ahead for next weekend! Monroe Theatre Guild has a lot going on at the Stage building. Get your tickets for Singin' on Sunday and Craig Tuttle, performing on Friday and Saturday evening. There is also a Stage Right Youth Theatre workshop on Saturday, Acting Essentials for Teens.

Monroe Theatre Guild Capital Campaign

The Monroe Theatre Guild officially announced plans to conduct a major $750,000 capital campaign for the purchase and renovations of the Stage Building located in downtown Monroe. Earlier The Swiss Colony announced a challenge grant of up to $100,000 if the community pledges reach certain levels during the effort. The announcement of the community campaign and plans for the building were revealed at a dinner for the Guild’s Inner Family. The “Inner Family” includes members of the Theatre Guild’s board of directors, committee members and campaign leaders.

The campaign is divided into four phases: Inner Family Gifts, Pacesetting Gifts, Major Gifts and Community Teams Gifts. Rick Maliszewski, owner of Ekum Abstact is the Chair of the campaign.

The goal of the Inner Family campaign was to raise $75,000 and to receive 100 percent support from the board and committee members. , Maliszewski, stated that he is extremely happy that the Theatre Guild’s “Inner Family” has reached its goals as he announced that the Inner Family has pledged a total of $92,700. He adds, “It demonstrates to the people of Monroe and Green County and the surrounding area that the Inner Family of the Monroe Theatre Guild supports this tremendous project; our first capital campaign ever.”


Additional campaign leadership was also announced. Jeff Ingebritsen will chair the Major Gifts Committee, Joe Peters will chair the Community Teams effort, Mary Soddy will chair the Prospect Committee, Stephen and Katee Eliasson will chair the P.R. Committee and Suzanne Miller will chair the Speakers Bureau. The campaign is scheduled to begin quietly over the next few weeks and conclude with the Community Phase which well begin in October and run through November.

The funds raised during the campaign will assist in renovating The Stage. Specific plans call for a flexible performance space and theatre, full modern lighting and sound system, large scale rehearsal area, costume storage and work area, full scene shop, prop storage, rehearsal space for youth theatre programs and workshops, conference room and offices.

The Monroe Theatre Guild offers performances, workshops, seminars and artistic opportunities for local constituents throughout Green County and the surrounding area.

Things to Do Around Monroe

~ Have you made reservations for this month's Famous Fossil Wine Down and Cookout? Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 the day of. The July menu includes rib eyes on the grill, seasonal salad, Mrs Mike's chips, wine specials and Famous Fossil Sangria, all served on the patio at the winery overlooking the vineyards.

~ Enjoy live music at Tofflers in New Glaurus on Friday night. Enjoy the sounds of Mark Harrod on the patio. On Sunday, the Alex Wilson Band will perform at Caribbean Coffee and Cream in Brooklyn from 2 until 5 pm.

~ There is still time to sign the kids up for Fairy Tale Theatre through Monroe Theatre Guild, and scholarships are still available. Visit the MTG website for details.

~ From Friday through Sunday, "Eight Miles of Ag-tiques" will line highway 69 from Monroe to Orangeville. International Harvestor. John Deer. Minneapolis Moline. Oliver. Allis Chalmers. Massey Harris. If these names mean anything to you, come see your favorites. If these names mean nothing to you, find out why the are special. There will be displays at farms and businesses lining Highway 69 filled with vintage farming equipment and one farm will even feature a draft horse demonstration.

~ Washington Church in Monticello celebrate their anniversary with an annual music fest on July 4. There will be 5 bands playing starting at 11 am and going until 4 pm.

~ Monroe's big Fourth of July celebration takes place on Saturday at Twining Park. Events kick off at 11 am. Watch the soccer, volleyball and softball games or enjoy entertainment in the band shell. Food vendors will be in the park all day. Children's events are scheduled from 11 am until 3 pm. The big fireworks display starts about 9:30.


~ Brodhead's Fourth of July celebration on Saturday starts with a parade at noon and finishes with fireworks at dusk. This year's event will feature special events celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Fire Department.

~ You can also find fireworks celebrations in Brooklyn at Legion's park. There will be bands, games for the family and a grand fireworks finale.

~ Stephenson County will be having a big fireworks display for Independence day on Friday evening at dusk at the fairgrounds in Freeport.

~ Green County Entrepreneurs and Inventors Club meets on Monday evening at 6:30 in the New Glarus Room of the Monroe Hospital. This month's featured speaker is James Schneider of Blue Chip Training & Marketing. His topic will be "Building and Maintaining a Winning Business Attitude."

Things to Do Around Monroe

Come out, come out wherever you are! What are you going to do this weekend?

~ Sign the kids up for free junior golf lessons at the Monroe County Club. All kids 13 and under are eligible for a free lesson to introduce them to golf. Call the Pro Shop at 325-3159 to register. I just spoke with them to sign up our children a little bit ago, and there are plenty of open slots still.

~ Don't forget the traditional balloon glow at the Fairgrounds this Friday and Saturday evening. All the festivities for the balloon rally take place over there this weekend, and walk-in admission is free.

~ Laugh away at the antics of Felix and Oscar in Monroe Theatre Guild's production of The Odd Couple. There will be shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, along with next weekend as well. Tickets are $10 for member, $12 for non-members. You can purchase them at the box office in the STAGE building or at the door.

~ There is a new exhibit opening up at Frehner Gallery at the Monroe Arts Center. Reality3 features three artists from the Momentum Art Guild of Northwest Illinois. This is a multi-media ehhibit featuring watercolor, pencil, acrylics and digital photographic compositions. The opening reception is at MAC on Thursday from 5 until 7 pm, and the artists will be on hand to talk with during the reception.

~ UW Alums! Come to Toffler's in New Glarus on Thursday from 6 until 8 pm for a special Alumni Happy Hour. I'm not sure that I'll be able to be there (the art opening is calling my name), but go big red! Come back to Tofflers on Saturday evening after 8 for live music. The featured act this week is acoustic rock with Mark Croft and violinist Julia McConahay.

~ Manny B is playing at Baumgartner's on Saturday evening. Manny does a great show and plays a mean guitar. Stop on in for an evening of camaraderie, good drinks and a good time.

~ The FHN summer family movie at Lindo Theater in Freeport for this Saturday is "Imagine That." Showtime is 10 am; $3 per person.

~ June means strawberries, at least to seasonal food-focused people like myself. Have you gone picking yet? The grocery store version can't hold a candle to a freshly picked, perfectly ripe berry. Christianson's Farm just south of Monroe is open for picking. Pick your own for $2 per quart of Honeoye, or pick up pre-picked berries for $4 per quart. They are at the Farmers Market too. Margharita does not spray her berries with chemicals.

~ Take dad to the Lions Park in Lena on Saturday or Sunday for a game of family mini-golf. Parents play free when the whole family plays together ($3 for kids).