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OHS Drama Wins Outstanding Musical!

The Oconomowoc High School Drama Department’s fall production of “Into the Woods” has won an “Outstanding Musical” award. The newly opened Performing Arts Center was the backdrop for a fabulous display of talent by our local high schoolers. I attended the production, and was blown away! The poise and professionalism of these young actors, was incredible. The scenery, costuming, singing and acting were all comparable to a professional production.

The Tommy Awards are part of a state wide musical theater competition, administered by the Overture Center, in Madison. Professionals from around Wisconsin and Chicago spent 6 months attending and ranking performances to select the nominees. “Into the Woods” won in 7 categories, with 2 Honorable Mentions. The winners are as follows:

Outstanding Musical

Outstanding Direction – Thomas Klubertanz

Outstanding Lead Performer – Anna Herro (Little Red)

Outstanding Lead Performer – Hanna Gaffney (Witch)

Outstanding Lead Performer – Cria Ama (Cinderella)

Outstanding Lighting Design – Michael Duncan

Outstanding Costume Design – Cheryl Fillmore

Honorable Mentioned Supporting Performer-Scott Fillmore (Cinderella’s Prince)

Honorable Mentioned Supporting Performer–Tyson Monroe (Baker)

The ceremony to present the awards will take place on June 6th and 7th, at the Overture Center in Madison. Excerpts from the winning shows will be performed to a live, public audience. To be a part of this wonderful event, that celebrates the talents of our local Wisconsin youth, contact the Overture Center Box Office at: 608-258-4141, or visit their website.

For more wonderful theater in Oconomowoc, attend the current drama production, “Metamorphoses”, running through this Sunday, at the OHS Little Theater.

Location: OHS Little Theatre Comments: The OHS Drama Spring production of “Metamorphoses” presented in the Little Theater May 19-21 @ 8:00, May 22 @ 4:00 and 8:00, May 23 @ 2:00. Tickets are $15 for adult and $12 for students/seniors, general admission. Tickets go on sale at the OAC box office April 13th at 12:00. Tickets include sales tax. Service fees apply on all sales.

Posted by:  Karen Trepton

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TEAM SHOREWEST

The beautiful quiet roads of Lake Country beckon most to the quiet lifestyle and the easy pace of living in the midst of the 27 crystal clear lakes that dot our landscape. On most any day you will find the back roads teeming with bike riders–not the motorized kind, but the pedal type of enthusiast who loves the great outdoors and a good workout. A challenging ride for serious riders can be joined each Wednesday night at the Bike Doctor in Dousman, locally referred to as “Drop the Doc” The idea is to stay with the peloton as long as you can before you get dropped. The route is usually about 26 miles and winds through places like Sullivan and Rome. I usually get dropped by the “Doc” but it is a very fun experience. I decided to work on a ride for our office called TEAM SHOREWEST. We had Jersey’s designed and have lots of fun as an office. Our route is a little easier 17.5 miles and we also leave every Wednesday night at 6pm unless it is raining. The ride is open to all who want some good exercise and a quick ride. If you are an experienced rider this could be your coasting night. Regardless of skill level we would love to have you join us. We do not ride in the rain so you can plan accordingly. If you like these cool jersey’s let me know and we can order one for you on your next order.

In this picture some of the riders from TEAM SHOREWEST braved the 35mph winds on one ride. It was fun and breezy.

Here’s to the quiet roads of lake country!!

Posted by:  Glenn Hanon

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Sailing Icons at Milwaukee Yacht Club

On Wednesday, May 12th, approximately 100 people were treated to a very special evening at the Milwaukee Yacht Club. The Milwaukee Yacht Club Foundation sponsored a special event, benefiting high school sailors from our greater Milwaukee area. It was an evening made in “sailing heaven” as not one, but 4 sailing icons were present to support our youth.

The keynote speaker was Gary Jobson, current President of US Sailing, an America’s Cup Winner, ESPN commentator and all around “sailing all-star”. Introducing him, was our local sailing royalty, Buddy Melges. His sailing adventures also include the America’s Cup, in addition to Olympic Gold and Bronze, World Championship titles, and numerous other personal and business accolades, that are too many to highlight. John Ruf, Olympic bronze medalist, Wisconsin native, and local hero, showed his support and his ready enthusiasm for the sport, by supporting the event and inspiring the kids to see the potential for greatness in all of us. To round out the “final four” was Olaf Harken, legendary local businessman, who is the “supplier to the stars” in the sailing world. Harken is a leader in sailboat hardware and accessories.

Gary treated the group to numerous stories and video clips of world class sailing events, in addition to personal inspirational messages.

For more information about youth sailing in the Milwaukee area, visit the MYST website at www.mystracing.org. Additional information regarding summer lessons can be found at the MYC website, the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center, or the Inland Lakes Yachting Association.

Posted by:  Karen Trepton

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Smart Investing

Few will argue that the current Real Estate market is not tough, but history will prove again that those who take advantage of difficult markets find bigger rewards than those who wait for the market to fully recover. The reward is relative to the risk. What smart investors long for is a high reward with a low risk. You know the opportunities that, in hindsight,

have you beating your head against the wall saying, “Why didn’t I do something like this?” The real estate market is now offering opportunities like this to the savvy buyer, but you have to look for them. Depressed or foreclosed properties are one area to investigate but if you are not a seasoned investor showing up at the sheriff’s auction with checkbook in hand is probably not a good idea.

What should an investor look for? First if you are investigating residential real estate location is paramount. Nothing kills the re-sale of a property like a poor location. The second factor to consider is the surrounding properties. If the subject property would exceed the values of the neighbor’s homes then this might not be a good move. Finally the overall condition of the subject property is important when considering the purchase. If you are not good at estimating the real cost to bring back a home then you need the help of a pro. The experienced investors will know how much a roof will cost, what a new septic is likely to entail and the list goes on.

All of these are valuable assets when looking for the right opportunity in today’s market. You will need some of your own money too. Gone are the days when you can float the risk on the back of the bank, but make all the money. Lenders will not be willing to loan money if you are not willing to take the risk financially.

This will eliminate many from the market, but if you have capital and are looking for a good opportunity, they are out there. If you would like more information regarding this part of my service feel free to contact me at the office, 1-888-HEYGLEN

Posted by:  Glenn Hanon

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Schools Matter to Everyone

I’m looking at two houses in the same city in WI that sold within 20 days of each other in 2009.

 House #1House #2
Bedrooms44
Bathrooms1.51.5
Total Rooms88
StyleColonialColonial
Year Built19751969
Square Feet1,8851,807
Lot Size.23.27
UpdatedYesYes
Sold For$254,000$232,900

Even the descriptions are similar; both have natural fireplaces, patios and are described as beautiful.  The more expensive house even has smaller bedrooms.  Of course there are always “feeling” factors that can’t be compared.  Maybe one house was staged better.

But most likely it’s because they are in different school districts.  House #1 is in a school district with a high school 90.9% proficiency rating in math and reading, compared to only 78.8% for the high school in the district of House #2.

Even if you don’t have kids in school and aren’t planning to, the school district will always be a major factor in your home value.  Check out your school district at  www.schoolmatters.com or www.greatschools.net

Posted by:  Barbara Bay

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Safety Saturday in New Berlin

It’s that time of the year again.  Time to start thinking about outdoor activities and personal safety.  Every year the city of New Berlin puts on Safety Saturday.  This year it is May 22, 10:00 – 2:00 at the new Children’s Hospital at the corner of Moorland and Beloit.

There will be a limited supply of free bike helmets.  The fire department will have the very popular Fire Safety House and fire equipment.  Adventure Rock will have a rock climbing wall and there are bouncy rides for the kids.  Kids Are People Too will perform.

For a full list of sponsors and activities, click here

Posted by:  Barbara Bay

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Off the Wall - Thoughts on Wallpaper

 

My theory is that each pattern of wallpaper is designed for only one person in the world. Even people who love to decorate with wallpaper will hate the wallpaper other people chose. Since wallpaper is a chore to remove, I always get the question from sellers, “should I remove all the wallpaper and re-paint.” If you have the time and energy, absolutely yes. You don’t want buyers discouraged by the work they’ll have to do if they buy your house.

But not everyone has the time and energy; that’s a fact of life. So the advice I give to real people is, it depends on the wallpaper. If you put it up over 10 years ago, I don’t care how good of shape it’s in, it’s dated and it dates your house. Take it down and go with neutral paint.

If it’s more recent than that, meaning the pattern can still be found at the store, and is in good condition, leave it. Maybe yours is the one pattern loved by more than one person. If every showing report mentions removing wallpaper, then get it out of there.

And for Buyers, don’t let wallpaper turn you off if you love the rest of the house. Removing it will give you plenty of satisfaction, and you might just be able to learn to live with it. I’ve had many buyers who HATED the wallpaper in the house they bought, and discover years later it’s still up because they just got used to it.



Posted by:  Barbara Bay

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Time to Sign Up for New Berlin 4th of July Activities

Get Ready for New Berlin Fourth of July

  

If you or your group is looking to participate in the New Berlin Fourth of July festivities, now is the time to sign up. There is a parade, a pie bake off and a talent competition for teens. There is also a two mile run or 5K walk, the New Berlin National Dash. You can also sign up to have a booth at the festival. The New Berlin Fourth of July festival is on my family’s “must do” list every summer. Great fireworks and bands.

Click here for more information.

Posted by:  Barbara Bay

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Sandhill Cranes

  

I’ve never been much of a bird watcher, but if these guys keep coming around, I might change that opinion. I took this picture in a marshy area in the Town of Summit. After doing a little research, I found out the huge (at least five foot tall) birds I saw were Sandhill Cranes. Sandhill Cranes mate for life and their young stay with them until they mate at around four years of age. I think this must be a Mom, Dad and child. These beautiful birds were almost hunted to extinction in Wisconsin in the 1800’s, but the breed is now in good shape enjoying Wisconsin and other Midwestern states for breeding in the summer. I hope we’re lucky enough to see more of this family this summer.

Posted by:  Barbara Bay

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