Monroe, WI

If you have not heard of the South Central Wisconsin Archers (SCWA) Youth League, you are not alone. They seem to be one of the better kept secrets in the Monroe Area. SCWA has a shooting range in the lower level of the commercial building across from Wisconsin Community Bank, underneath Tommy Thompson's Chiropractic office. They run a number of tournaments each year, both indoor and outdoor, and all are open to the public. The indoor archery range is open for public use during posted times, and members have the open of using it at any time. Fees are minimal.

Each winter, SCWA runs a Youth League during the dreary winter months. It is a different way to get kids out of the house, moving and learning new skills during the coldest months. They getting ready for the 2009 Youth League season right now.

They do not offer youth lessons, but no previous archery experience is necessary to participate in the Youth League. The children are guided by more experienced archers under the watch of the coordinator, Allen Metz. There are 10, 15 and 20 yard shooting lines depending on age and skill level. Children must be at least seven years old to participate. Beginners must also attend a safety clinic.

Shooting dates are every weekend in January and the first, third and fourth weekends in February (March 1 for high school students). The annual Youth Tournament will be on March 7. There are also SCWA Indoor Archery Tournaments on January 1, February 1 and February 22, and the children can participate.

Registration is only $20 for the entire season. Children may use their own equipment if they have it or the SCWA has equipment they can use. Contact Allen Metz for more details and a registration form: almetz@tds.net, youth@thescwa.com or 608-429-1819.

Maybe we will see you at the range this winter. Our older children had a wonderful participating last year and are already looking forward to this year's season.

Above is Re/Max Towne Square Realty’s Christmas tree for the Festival of Trees, an annual event of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce. This fund raising event raises support for area non-profit organizations. The program starts at 6 pm on Saturday December 6 at the Ludlow Mansion. There will be a silent and live auction running throughout the evening’s festivities. The Christmas trees will be auctioned off later in the evening. Re/Max Towne Square Realty’s tree is raising support for Green Haven, and is on display now in the front window of our office on Monroe’s Historic Square.

Don’t forget to check out the great selection and fantastic home values, by searching my web sites MLS listings. Visit greencountyhomeguide.com December is a great time to buy a home.

Winter activities are starting in full force, and with them come the annual holiday events. There is a lot to do in and around Monroe in the upcoming weeks!

• The annual Christkindlemarkt is happening this weekend, November 28 and 29, at Turner Hall in Monroe. The Christkindlmarkt is a German tradition dating back to the 14th century. Ours features unique items from hand-selected quality vendors for your holiday gift-giving. A European cafe and Swiss baked goods round out this special shopping experience.


• Rainbow Fleece Farm in New Glarus is having their annual holiday Open House on November 29 and 30. Call for directions or more information. 608-527-5311


• A new art exhibit is opening in Frehner Gallery at the Monroe Arts Center. "Watercolors...to Delight the Eye and Stir the Senses" by J. Eric Anderson is an exhibit of watercolor landscapes from rural Wisconsin and Illinois. The opening reception with the artist is on December 4 from 5 until 7 pm. The exhibit will run until December 27.


• The annual Holiday Lighted Parade in Monroe is slated for Friday, December 5 at 6 pm. Watch the floats and other parade entrants circle Monroe's Downtown Square, pop in to some of the Downtown merchants to get a good start on your holiday shopping, take the kids to visit Santa at Wisconsin Community Bank, visit one of the cafes for a hot drink and finish off your evening at Turner Hall for their Alpine Carol Sing and Tree Lighting event.


• Monroe Theatre Guild is presenting their annual production of A Christmas Carol. Last year's show was a stunning success, and this year is shaping up to be just as good. The show is playing at the Monroe Arts Center on December 5, 6, 12 and 13 at 7:30 pm and on December 7, 13 and 14th at 2 pm. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children under twelve. MAC and MTG member save $3 on each adult ticket. Tickets are available now at MAC. Purchase in person, order via phone at (608) 325-5700 or visit their website.


• The annual Festival of Trees is back this year! The fund raising event helps out area non-profits like Green Haven Family Advocates, Green County Humane Society and more. It starts at 6 pm on December 6 at Ludlow Mansion. A silent and live auction will be running through the evening, and the decorated trees will be auctioned near the end. Re/Max Towne Square Realty is donating a tree to benefit Green Haven Family Advocates. Pamela Lakowske, the broker/owner of Re/Max Towne Square, did a fantastic job decorating the tree with a crimson and gold theme. It is on display now in the front window of our office on Monroe's Downtown Square. Tickets are available through the Chamber of Commerce.

School kids nowadays can rattle of the 3 Rs quickly. Reading, Writing and 'Rithmatic? No. I mean the 3 new Rs.

Reuse, Reduce, Recycle.

The Monroe Clinic has an expansion project underway, and they are doing a stellar job implementing the new 3 Rs into their construction plans.

A few existing homes were acquired by the Clinic and had to be removed in order to accommodate the expansion project. Before razing the homes, all of the cabinetry, appliances, light fixtures, radiators, windows and other reusable parts were removed. The Clinic donated them to Habitat for Humanity of Green County. The donations will help the new Habitat homeowners have better quality fixtures than they might normally be able to afford while reducing the mortgage cost at the same time.

Other parts of the homes will find interesting lives after recycling. Bricks and foundation materials were saved to be used for things such as the garden border in a Habitat home. They will also live on as the base for the new parking lot for the Clinic and a fire pit that a local Boy Scout troop is constructing.

During the construction process, the Monroe Clinic is also working to reduce waste. As anyone who has worked in the trades knows, construction sites can be very wasteful places. The Clinic is utilizing practices to divert at least 50% of construction waste to other uses in order to prevent them from ending up in landfills. In the work done to date, they have been surpassed their goals and have been able to divert 65% of the construction waste to other uses.

The Monroe Clinic is also showing forward thinking in the new addition itself. The project was developed using LEED principles. It will include such things as green space, limited use of asphalt, heat reducing roofing and more.

Kudos to the Clinic for setting an example for the community and showing how easily green building concepts can be incorporated into local building projects!

Scott,

Beth and I wish to express our sincerest gratitude for your assistance in selling our home. We couldn’t believe we received and accepted an offer within 3 days of listing with you! This is even more amazing given the very tough housing market for sellers. We knew when we compared your proposal to other realtors that your plan would be most successful. The quick sale proves you were the right man for the job.

Thanks again for all your hard work in helping us complete this sale.

Sincerely,

Mike and Beth Figi

Michael Figi

Certified Public Accountant

(608) 325-3283 Monroe

(608) 543-3744 Argyle

www.figifinancial.com