Hold on to your hats, it is a busy weekend in the area!
~ Artisan Gallery in Paoli is having an opening reception for Joel Wish: New Work in Pastel & Digital Photographs & Five by Seven: Five works by seven artist. The reception will be on Friday evening startimg at 5 pm.
~ The 39th Annual Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show will take place on Saturday and Sunday from 9am - 5pm at Monroe High School. Come explore earth sciences in a fun and festive way. There will be cool demonstrations, interesting displays, fun stuff for the kids.
~ The Monroe City Band is having their annual Cabaret Show on Saturday evening at Turner Hall starting at 8 pm. Admission is free.
~ Winneshiek Playhouse in Freeport will have a concert by solo acoustic guitarist Michael Gulezian on Saturday beginning at 7:30.
~ Also on Saturday, come hear Voices Unlimited at the Monroe Arts Center. Thoughtfully crafted arrangements, a masterful use of tight, five-part harmonies, infectious rhythms, and exhilarating improvisations all characterize this group's unique style.
~ There will be a wine tasting at the new Vince's Ristorante & Pizzeria on Monday evening. There will be two different wine companies there, and you will be able to sample up to twelve wines. There are two dining options: wine sampling and choice of two appetizers for $20.00 (plus tax and tip); or wine sampling, choice of two appetizers, soup or salad, choice of two main courses and dessert for $37.95 (plus tax and tip). Please call for reservations, 608-328-3222.
~ Get your tickets now for the upcoming performances of "Godspell" by the Monroe Theatre Guild. The shows will be on the first and second weekends of April. Also, sign up for MTG's upcoming theater classes.
For even more area events,visit Green County Spotlight or Stephensen County CVB.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Can that home handle modern life?
Monroe and the Green County area have been home to people for many decades. There are homes in the area that date back 50, 100 or even 150 years.
Our lifestyles have changed as the years have gone by. Naturally, these older homes have been modernized to keep up with the changing times, but the degree of change in a home can vary a great deal.
If you are looking at an older home, pay attention not just to the stunning woodwork or charming quirks, but also look for some of the things that will make your modern life in the home easier.
Are the outlets in each room? How many? Many older homes tend to only have a few outlets run to some rooms, especially bedrooms. This can limit your ability to arrange furniture as well as limiting the types of electronic systems that can go into the rooms.
Does the home have light switches? This sounds silly, but do look. There are a fair number of homes in the area that do not have light switches in the bedrooms. Instead, they have wall lights or outlets for lamps. This may not sound like a big deal to you, but if you have younger children, it could matter a lot.
Has the electrical system been updated? Your home inspector can tell you more about the electrical system, but if you have any doubts, write an offer to purchase allowing for an inspection of the electrical system by a qualified electrician.
How many cable jacks and telephone outlets are there in the home? Are they positioned in rooms that you want them in? It can be a simple project to run outlets and jacks to the places you want them, but it could also be very difficult depending on how those old walls were constructed.
Does the home have the wiring necessary for DSL or high speed internet? Many people get around this issue by setting up wireless internet in their older homes, but if you prefer to be hard wired, you will want to check for internet infrastructure in the home.
How modern is the thermostat? Is it programmable? This can be a simple update if necessary, but a programmable thermostat will help reduce your heating and cooling costs.
I am a huge fan of older homes, but they are different from newer construction. By going in with eyes wide open, buyers can save themselves headache and heartache later down the road.
Our lifestyles have changed as the years have gone by. Naturally, these older homes have been modernized to keep up with the changing times, but the degree of change in a home can vary a great deal.
If you are looking at an older home, pay attention not just to the stunning woodwork or charming quirks, but also look for some of the things that will make your modern life in the home easier.
Are the outlets in each room? How many? Many older homes tend to only have a few outlets run to some rooms, especially bedrooms. This can limit your ability to arrange furniture as well as limiting the types of electronic systems that can go into the rooms.
Does the home have light switches? This sounds silly, but do look. There are a fair number of homes in the area that do not have light switches in the bedrooms. Instead, they have wall lights or outlets for lamps. This may not sound like a big deal to you, but if you have younger children, it could matter a lot.
Has the electrical system been updated? Your home inspector can tell you more about the electrical system, but if you have any doubts, write an offer to purchase allowing for an inspection of the electrical system by a qualified electrician.
How many cable jacks and telephone outlets are there in the home? Are they positioned in rooms that you want them in? It can be a simple project to run outlets and jacks to the places you want them, but it could also be very difficult depending on how those old walls were constructed.
Does the home have the wiring necessary for DSL or high speed internet? Many people get around this issue by setting up wireless internet in their older homes, but if you prefer to be hard wired, you will want to check for internet infrastructure in the home.
How modern is the thermostat? Is it programmable? This can be a simple update if necessary, but a programmable thermostat will help reduce your heating and cooling costs.
I am a huge fan of older homes, but they are different from newer construction. By going in with eyes wide open, buyers can save themselves headache and heartache later down the road.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Little bit of this, little bit of that
I often come across little snippets that are just too short for a full post here, but still are things worth spreading the word on. Today's post is a compilation of some of these announcements.
The Green County Humane Society is featuring special pricing on all cats and kittens in the months of March and April. Kittens up to one year old can adopted during this time at the price of two for $63. One kitten is available for $32. Two adult cats can be adopted for $30, or one adult cat for $15. As with all pets from the Green County Humane Society, the pets are checked are vets and are up to date on all necessary shots. Visit the Green County Humane Society website for more information.
As a class project for the Green County Leaders program, some area residents are doing a survey on Community Networking. Please help out by filling out the survey. It takes just a minute. Community Networking Survey
The streetscaping project in Downtown Monroe will be starting as the weather begins to warm up. If you have not had the opportunity to see plans, visit the Monroe Main Street website and view the documents in the design gallery. There will likely be a little inconvenience for us all during the construction, but the project will take care of some much needed underground repairs while at the same time improving the flow and appearance of our downtown area. I for one am very excited about it and can't wait to see the finished project.
The City of Monroe has canceled Spring Clean Up days this year to increased costs. Never fear - there are options for getting those unwanted items out of your home! Consider posting on the Green County Freecycle list anything that is in usable condition, wood or other building supplies, or metal and other materials that could be recyclable. There are people who would be happy to take these things off your hands for you. You also can take your recyclable metals to Behr in Monroe to sell yourself. If you have trash that needs to be removed, you can take it to the Green County Landfill. It is located at W2002 CTH SS between Monroe and Brodhead. You can call 608-897-8605 with any questions; the cost is quite nominal at $5 for up to about 300 lbs or $34 per ton. They are open 7 until 3 Monday through Friday. Read our post on Out with the Old from New Year's for some more options on what to do with your unneeded items.
The Green County Humane Society is featuring special pricing on all cats and kittens in the months of March and April. Kittens up to one year old can adopted during this time at the price of two for $63. One kitten is available for $32. Two adult cats can be adopted for $30, or one adult cat for $15. As with all pets from the Green County Humane Society, the pets are checked are vets and are up to date on all necessary shots. Visit the Green County Humane Society website for more information.
As a class project for the Green County Leaders program, some area residents are doing a survey on Community Networking. Please help out by filling out the survey. It takes just a minute. Community Networking Survey
The streetscaping project in Downtown Monroe will be starting as the weather begins to warm up. If you have not had the opportunity to see plans, visit the Monroe Main Street website and view the documents in the design gallery. There will likely be a little inconvenience for us all during the construction, but the project will take care of some much needed underground repairs while at the same time improving the flow and appearance of our downtown area. I for one am very excited about it and can't wait to see the finished project.
The City of Monroe has canceled Spring Clean Up days this year to increased costs. Never fear - there are options for getting those unwanted items out of your home! Consider posting on the Green County Freecycle list anything that is in usable condition, wood or other building supplies, or metal and other materials that could be recyclable. There are people who would be happy to take these things off your hands for you. You also can take your recyclable metals to Behr in Monroe to sell yourself. If you have trash that needs to be removed, you can take it to the Green County Landfill. It is located at W2002 CTH SS between Monroe and Brodhead. You can call 608-897-8605 with any questions; the cost is quite nominal at $5 for up to about 300 lbs or $34 per ton. They are open 7 until 3 Monday through Friday. Read our post on Out with the Old from New Year's for some more options on what to do with your unneeded items.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Property of the Week
This week's featured property is a custom home near Monroe.

This one a kind home is filled with upgrades galore. There are elegant arches over doorways and windows and flowing curved walls. Enter the home into the large living room with gas fireplace. There is a formal dining room with hardwood floors, beautiful lighting and long views from the large window. There is an oversized curved sunroom with hot tub and panoramic views of the countryside. The custom maple kitchen has tons of storage and a breakfast bar. You have to see the size of the pantry to believe it. Stay comfortable all winter long thanks to the in floor radiant heat, R-70 ceiling insulation and R-25 wall insulation.
The bedrooms are all oversized with enormous walk-in closets. The main floor master bedroom opens with double doors into a surprisingly large room that could be a home office, study, den, family media room, toy room or nursery. This room has a custom mural by local artist Suzanne Miller gracing one entire wall. Downstairs, you will have another larger family room as well as two more bedrooms, a full bathroom and a walkout to the patio and yard.
The home is fully handicap accessible with no stairs at any of the entrances; 8' garage doors to accommodate taller vehicles; large doorways; low pile carpeting; keyless entry and two way swinging doors from the extra-large garage; wide, shallow stairs on the strengthened staircase to the lower level and more.
Outside the landscaped yard offers room for the kids or grandkids to play. There is a large Cleary building on the property for extra storage of all those big boy toys or for a workshop. The home security system will offer you peace of mind.
Located in the desirable Edelweiss subdivision, you will be only moment from Monroe. This custom home is truly special and a must see.

This one a kind home is filled with upgrades galore. There are elegant arches over doorways and windows and flowing curved walls. Enter the home into the large living room with gas fireplace. There is a formal dining room with hardwood floors, beautiful lighting and long views from the large window. There is an oversized curved sunroom with hot tub and panoramic views of the countryside. The custom maple kitchen has tons of storage and a breakfast bar. You have to see the size of the pantry to believe it. Stay comfortable all winter long thanks to the in floor radiant heat, R-70 ceiling insulation and R-25 wall insulation.
The bedrooms are all oversized with enormous walk-in closets. The main floor master bedroom opens with double doors into a surprisingly large room that could be a home office, study, den, family media room, toy room or nursery. This room has a custom mural by local artist Suzanne Miller gracing one entire wall. Downstairs, you will have another larger family room as well as two more bedrooms, a full bathroom and a walkout to the patio and yard.
The home is fully handicap accessible with no stairs at any of the entrances; 8' garage doors to accommodate taller vehicles; large doorways; low pile carpeting; keyless entry and two way swinging doors from the extra-large garage; wide, shallow stairs on the strengthened staircase to the lower level and more.
Outside the landscaped yard offers room for the kids or grandkids to play. There is a large Cleary building on the property for extra storage of all those big boy toys or for a workshop. The home security system will offer you peace of mind.
Located in the desirable Edelweiss subdivision, you will be only moment from Monroe. This custom home is truly special and a must see.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Things to Do around Monroe, WI
So, what is on the calendar in the upcoming days?
~ The Dining Room at 209 Main in Monticello is having an Indian Cooking Class on Sunday, March 22 and Tuesday March 24. Learn to make mild and hot homemade curry powder. There will also be carrot chutney, cucumber mint raita, chick pea salad, and rice and lentils. $60 for the class and food. Space is still available according to the website. Contact them at 938-2200 for more information.
~ Moonspinners of Northern Illinois is having their monthly meeting tonight, Wednesday, March 18, from 7 until 9 pm at the Orangeville Methodist Church. Spinners of all skill level from complete novice to expert are welcome to attend.
~ Calling all kids! The Monroe Lego Club will be meeting on Saturday, March 21 from noon until 3 pm in the community room of the Monroe Public Library. Lego lovers of all ages are invited to come and build with the Legos provided. Bring your creations to display, but please leave the legos at home to prevent mix-ups.
~ Movie and popcorn. Are you in the mood for a classic date night? Goetz Theater on the southeast side of Monroe is the place to go. Now showing: Coraline, Race to Witch Mountain and Watchmen. Call 325-4545 for specific showtimes. Coming soon are Knowing, and Monsters versus Aliens.
~ The next session of the Revitalizing Wisconsin's Downtown webinars is scheduled for Thursday, March 19 from 12:00-1:30 at Wisconsin Community Bank. This month’s theme is “Creating an Entrepreneurial Climate Downtown.” The webinars are hosted by Main Street, UW Extension and Monroe Chamber of Commerce and Industry. $12.50 includes lunch. Contact Cara Carper at 328-9441 to register.
~ Zone Health Care in Monroe is sponsoring a free seminar on detoxifying your body on Thursday, March 19 from 8 until 9 pm in the community room at Amcore Bank on Monroe’s Downtown Square.
~ There will be a community drumming circle in Freeport at Oakdale Nature Preserve on Friday evening from 7 until 9 pm. A variety of drums and shakers are provided, and drumming experiences is not necessary. Families are welcome. We've been to these, and they are fantastic events.
~ Zweifel Brothers are playing at the New Glarus Hotel on Friday and Saturday evenings. Enjoy your meal and stay for the entertainment. They begin playing at 7:30 pm.
~ Have you registered for Diva Daze in Monroe? If not, call your sisters or girlfriends, fill out the registration form and make you plans to attend this fun filled weekend. Wine tasting and appetizers, buffet brunch, shopping, style shows, swag bags, “Women in the Arts”, entertainment options – wheeee! It will be a weekend to relax and enjoy. Diva Daze happens March 26 through 28.
~ Senator Russ Feingold will be having a town hall listening session at the New Glarus town hall on Saturday starting at 3:45. Senator Feingold is a great guy and great senator, so come out to meet him.
~ The Freeport Public Library Foundation is hosting another lecture in their American History series. Jim Phillips is presenting "Dawn at Weehawken: The Duel Between Alexander Hamilton & Aaron Burr" on Wednesday, March 25 at 7 pm.
~ The Dining Room at 209 Main in Monticello is having an Indian Cooking Class on Sunday, March 22 and Tuesday March 24. Learn to make mild and hot homemade curry powder. There will also be carrot chutney, cucumber mint raita, chick pea salad, and rice and lentils. $60 for the class and food. Space is still available according to the website. Contact them at 938-2200 for more information.
~ Moonspinners of Northern Illinois is having their monthly meeting tonight, Wednesday, March 18, from 7 until 9 pm at the Orangeville Methodist Church. Spinners of all skill level from complete novice to expert are welcome to attend.
~ Calling all kids! The Monroe Lego Club will be meeting on Saturday, March 21 from noon until 3 pm in the community room of the Monroe Public Library. Lego lovers of all ages are invited to come and build with the Legos provided. Bring your creations to display, but please leave the legos at home to prevent mix-ups.
~ Movie and popcorn. Are you in the mood for a classic date night? Goetz Theater on the southeast side of Monroe is the place to go. Now showing: Coraline, Race to Witch Mountain and Watchmen. Call 325-4545 for specific showtimes. Coming soon are Knowing, and Monsters versus Aliens.~ The next session of the Revitalizing Wisconsin's Downtown webinars is scheduled for Thursday, March 19 from 12:00-1:30 at Wisconsin Community Bank. This month’s theme is “Creating an Entrepreneurial Climate Downtown.” The webinars are hosted by Main Street, UW Extension and Monroe Chamber of Commerce and Industry. $12.50 includes lunch. Contact Cara Carper at 328-9441 to register.
~ Zone Health Care in Monroe is sponsoring a free seminar on detoxifying your body on Thursday, March 19 from 8 until 9 pm in the community room at Amcore Bank on Monroe’s Downtown Square.
~ There will be a community drumming circle in Freeport at Oakdale Nature Preserve on Friday evening from 7 until 9 pm. A variety of drums and shakers are provided, and drumming experiences is not necessary. Families are welcome. We've been to these, and they are fantastic events.
~ Zweifel Brothers are playing at the New Glarus Hotel on Friday and Saturday evenings. Enjoy your meal and stay for the entertainment. They begin playing at 7:30 pm.
~ Have you registered for Diva Daze in Monroe? If not, call your sisters or girlfriends, fill out the registration form and make you plans to attend this fun filled weekend. Wine tasting and appetizers, buffet brunch, shopping, style shows, swag bags, “Women in the Arts”, entertainment options – wheeee! It will be a weekend to relax and enjoy. Diva Daze happens March 26 through 28.~ Senator Russ Feingold will be having a town hall listening session at the New Glarus town hall on Saturday starting at 3:45. Senator Feingold is a great guy and great senator, so come out to meet him.
~ The Freeport Public Library Foundation is hosting another lecture in their American History series. Jim Phillips is presenting "Dawn at Weehawken: The Duel Between Alexander Hamilton & Aaron Burr" on Wednesday, March 25 at 7 pm.
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