As of today interest rates on a 30 year mortgage with no points is hovering around 3.875%. You may wonder if that is a good rate. Revisiting the past can shed some light on this question. If we look back 10 years it was January 2002. We had just lived through the horrific events of 9/11 and real estate sales were reeling from the trauma of that awful autumn.
Interest rates at that time were at 7.375% with no points! At the time this was a great interest rate. To put this into perspective, let's look at the difference in payments from 2002 to 2012.
For a $200,000 mortgage the payment in 2002 would have been $1,381.35 amortized over 30 years.
In 2012, that same mortgage amount with today's low interest rates is $940.47-- a savings of $440.88. But here is where the power of the interest rates gets very interesting.
Let's assume that one can easily afford the $1,381.35 payment of 2002, what does that do to the amount borrowed? The payment with the lower interest rate now allows the same buyer a mortgage amount of $293,700. The lower interest rates allow you to purchase a bigger home for the same price.
If you are thinking about upgrading your home now is an opportune time to take full advantage of the low market rates.
It doesn’t feel like spring yet, but then, April is not over either. I have listed below the major events that will soon take place. Jot a note of the one that best suits you and your family. Click here to check out a map of the parks in Oconomowoc that I received from the Parks and Recreation Department.
Spring Gallery Night (Downtown Oconomowoc) May 6
Farmer’s Market Saturday’s beginning May 14 thru October 29
Memorial Day Ceremony at the City Beach May 30
Legion Band Concerts—Bandshell Wednesdays June 15 thru August 17
Moonlit Movies (a must see if you have not been to one) June 16, July 14 (Fowler Park) August 18 (Downtown Oconomowoc)
Badgerland Ski Team Shows (Fowler Lake) June 16, July 14 (Just before Moonlit Movies) August 4
Concerts in the Park (Bandshell)Thursdays June 23, 30, July 7, 21 & 28
Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks (Fowler Park) July 2 (crazy huh??)
Festival Week August 13-21
Street Dance August 13—a fun time for everyone!
Ice Cream Social, Legion Concert and Parade of Lights (City Beach) August 14
Kid’s Day (City Beach) August 16
Festival of the Arts (Fowler Park) Artists from around the globe! August 20-21
Here are a couple friendly reminders with the parks in the City of Oconomowoc:
Dogs are not allowed
Roosevelt Park does have a dog exercise area
No fermented beverages or intoxicants after 10pm in the parks
Please don’t feed the ducks at the boardwalk or the parks
You can reserve Park Shelters. Please call the Superintendent of Parks at 262-569-2180 for more information.
As a Certified Shorewest Relocation Specialist, I have the awesome opportunity to be an “ambassador” for Southeastern Wisconsin. When someone mentions Milwaukee, or Wisconsin, the first things that come to mind generally revolve around cheese, beer, the Packers, more beer, Harley’s, more cheese, well…you get the picture! However, for those of us who live in Southeastern Wisconsin, we know that the culture here is rich and diverse and encompasses so much more than the “cheesehead” stereotype.
Within a 60 mile radius, the local resident is surrounded by award winning restaurants and museums, performing arts centers, professional, semi-professional and recreational sports complexes, award winning school districts and higher education institutions. Throw in diverse neighborhoods, where homeowners can select from Lakefront property, high rise luxury condos, urban lofts, suburban settings, equestrian estates, hobby farms and scenic Kettle Moraine wooded retreats, to name a few. The choices are endless!
Recent Idol contestant, Danny Gokey, says it best in this video, highlighting the “wonderful world of Milwaukee.”
If you or someone you know is moving to our fair city, give me a call! I’d love to show you the local side of Milwaukee. I can also show you where to buy cheese, watch a Packer game or buy a great beer!
If you are looking for a great “spooktacular” event this Halloween season, check out Haunted High in Oconomowoc. Sponsored by the OPEF, this “haunted high school” is bigger and better than ever! The 65,000 square foot haunt is back with terrifying new mazes, blood curdling special effects, trained spookers throughout - all housed in a dark and deep deserted old school.
This year, there will be an adults only, “glamorous haunted ball,” following the haunted high.
The haunt opens this weekend, on October 1st! Don’t forget to buy raffle tickets for the “Haunted Bus!” Tickets for both events can be found on on their website. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter !
Hey, readers! Summer is getting the better of me, and I’ve been delinquent in my blog posts, but, I’m baaaaack!
If you are looking for something really unique and fun to do this week, visit downtown Oconomowoc, Thursday August 12. Yes, that’s tomorrow night! Starting at 6pm, you will be greeted with food and retail therapy. Then, as soon as dusk hits, grab your camp chair, and claim your favorite spot in the street, yes, IN THE STREET! Get ready to see downtown Oconomowoc transform from a bustling commercial zone, into “Hogwarts,” as you are treated to a 40 foot outdoor screening of Harry Potter. If you were around last summer, you may remember the showing of The Wizard of Oz. This will be just as much fun, so don’t miss out!
For more info, be a friend of Moonlit Movies on Facebook.
Then, drop in on Sunday evening at the City Beach, on Lac LaBelle, to watch a “Venetian Boat Parade,” followed by fireworks, over LaBelle. This kicks of the annual Festival of the Arts in Oconomowoc. Juried artists from all over the country, come to display their wares in Fowler Park. There are activities, food vendors and entertainment all week long. For more information on this event, visit their webpage.
Have you ever done this? You find a great eating establishment and you order the same thing each time not wanting to switch to something different? I do it all the time, but last night rather than having the world famous Reuben at The Rochester Deli, I tried their Italian Panini and the Devonshire Panini. No I didn’t have two entrees, my wife, Lori ordered one and I the other then we swapped halves. WOW were they good. The Deli is such a great place to hang out. I prefer to eat outside at one of the patio tables, taking in the quiet pace of downtown Waukesha. Once those delish dishes were history I had my eye on the almond cookies that were hunkered down in the pastry case. I love almond and especially marzipan. If you don’t know what marzipan is go ask your grandmother. A hot cup of tea and a delectable fresh homemade almond cookie—ok it was really good. We chatted with friends until the place closed which was a little early for me 7pm, but hey it’s a deli and they were open all day. So now I can tastefully recommend the Reuben, Devonshire and the Italian Panini at The Rochester Deli.
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.
The spring season for MYST is up and running. Our local high school kids will test their mettle in an “Icebreaker” regatta, against college sailors from UWM and Marquette. They’ll be sailing 420’s and lasers in front of the Milwaukee Yacht Club. It’s supposed to be a nice day. Stop by and watch!
Spring is in the air! Nothing feels better after a long winter, than a beautiful spring bike ride! My husband and kids are tuning up their bikes to start their favorite weekly ride around Lac LaBelle. My girlfriend and I have committed to a daily ride, so my bike is on its way to Wheel and Sprocket, a local bike shop, for a much needed tune up. Click here to see the calendar of their events.
If you are considering bike riding in Wisconsin, here are some great resources. Bikewisconsin.com outlines various tours across our beautiful state, and they have a link to google maps for bikers, highlighting safe, biker friendly routes. OnMilwaukee.com highlights 5 bike routes within an hour of Milwaukee.
Lake Country is home to several school districts, the largest of which includes, Arrowhead, Kettle Moraine, and Oconomowoc Schools. I’d like to take a moment to highlight Oconomowoc Schools and some exciting news from this district.
Recently, I posted an article on the arts, highlighting Nature Hill Intermediate’s production of “Disney’s, Beauty and the Beast.” I was fortunate enough to enjoy the Friday evening production of the show, held in the Oconomowoc Arts Center, located at the High School. All I can say, is “WOW!” If you haven’t had a chance to see a recent production by the students in this district, you need to put it on your calendar for the future. The poise and polish of these young performers belied their ages. They received a standing ovation on Friday, and to my knowledge on the Saturday and Sunday performances, as well. Here’s a clip of the “Be our Guest” number. What a wonderful experience for the students and their families. It was superb!
Future performances at the OAC include, Milwaukee’s First Stage Children’s Theater performing “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on Sunday, March 28th at 3pm. They are accepting a $5 donation at the door, which benefits the OAC Artist-In-Residence program. This is followed by the Wisconsin Singers , performing on Saturday, April 17th in the evening. For more information on these and other performances in this beautiful new performance hall, visit their website.
Watch for my next post regarding the Oconomowoc Public Education Foundation. Formed for the enhancement of the Oconomowoc Public School System, it’s “PACE” fund allows for the financial support of the Arts Center. Visit OPEF’s website for a sneak preview of future news regarding the exciting things that the Foundation is working on. Better yet, become a FAN on Facebook to get the greatest and latest news.
Lights, camera, action! Nature Hill Intermediate School in Oconomowoc is proud to present the theatrical production of Beauty and Beast. The performance will take place in the newly built Oconomowoc Performing Arts Center at Oconomowoc High School on March. 11, 12 and 13. I stopped in at school the other day, and happened to see the kids rehearsing. As usual, residents will be treated to a wonderful display of talent and entertainment for the entire family! It’s a special treat for the kids to perform this production in the Art’s Center. It’s the policy of the NHI drama department, to produce one show a year in the new building. See this flyer for further information regarding ticket purchases, show times and dates. Check it out!
Well it appears 2010 will bring picture perfect weather to Lake Geneva to celebrate “Winterfest”. Many actives in the Lake Geneva area, with the primary focus down by the Riveria at the Lake! Come see and judge the Ice Sculptures starting at 11AM on Saturday when the last tool is set down. For a closer look at the action, check out the video below!
The Oconomowoc City Beach ice rink is up and running! For a fun afternoon, come over for some skating on Lac Labelle. Finish the event with dinner at one of the local restaurants. Winter fun!
Ring in the new year in Southeastern Wisconsin with one of my favorite New Year’s Milwaukee Traditions, by watching the world famous, show stopping, smile generating, all around fun making…Harlem Globetrotters at the Bradley Center!
This event, is an annual event in Milwaukee. I went as a kid, and was so pleased to be able to take my kids, a few years ago. It’s great fun, and an excellent way to bring in the new year with laughter and family fun! Click here for ticket information.
As 2009 draws to a close, I’d like to thank all of you who take the time to view our blog. Keep reading, and pass it along to your friends. I look forward to giving you more information in 2010!
Come and hear the Eddie Butts, Love Monkeys and Rhythm Kings Bands for free on August 23rd, 2009 at Roosevelt Park in Oconomowoc! Enjoy kids’ activities such as bounce houses, magicians, arts and crafts, face painting and a Children’s Idol contest! Kids can also enjoy the newly built Imagination Station playground and for a fee, learn one of the dances from the new Hannah Montana movie. Adults can enjoy wine and beer tasting, silent auctions, a softball tournament, food from great local vendors, drawings, and of course, first class entertainment. Many events are free, with all proceeds benefiting the Beccee Smith-Kujawa Family. Beccee, a non smoker was diagnosed with stage three lung cancer this past June. She is a professional singer, a community volunteer and a stay at home mom of two young girls. She has chosen to fight this cancer with a positive attitude and her vast network of family and friends have come together to stage this benefit in her honor. There will be something for everyone – don’t miss out on the fun! Visit the website: beccee.com for more information on this wonderful woman and the benefit.
Click your heels and find your way home via the yellow brick road in Oconomowoc this Thursday, August 13th. Bring your friends to downtown Oconomowoc for the 70th anniversary of the premier showing of ‘The Wizard of Oz.” The citywide celebration will culminate in an outdoor viewing of the movie on a 40 foot screen at 8:30 PM. Some events happening prior to the screening include:
the unveiling of an historical marker near the former Strand Theater where the movie was shown to the public for the first time
children’s activities including bounce houses, activity stations, giveaways and face painting
Look -a-like contests and 25 costumed characters roaming the streets
Concerts and shopping galore
A memorabilia collection is on display
Concessions will be available
Super Secret Guest (hint they were alive and little in 1939)
This event occurs in the middle of Oconomowoc’s festival week, which concludes with a juried Art Festival, August 15th and 16th, held at beautiful Fowler Park overlooking Fowler Lake. This Festival has something for everyone from kid’s activities and performances to stunning photography, paintings, glass works, jewelry and other fine art pieces.
This past weekend youth sailing heated up on Big Cedar Lake between Hartford and West Bend, with the annual Wisconsin Yachting Association Championship Regatta. Sixty-seven boats arrived to test their skills against their peers from around the state. Shifty breezes and tight quarters gave the race committee a run for their money, but they executed a beautiful regatta along with the gracious volunteers from Cedar Lake Yacht Club.
The weather felt more like fall, with cool temps and rain, but the spectators bundled up and the sailors stayed warm and dry with spray gear. A fun item of note was the addition of a “special” spectator…the Met Life Blimp, as seen in the accompanying photo. The blimp hovered over the races for quite some time, before heading out.
Kate Klement from Lake Beulah won the overall title with 2 bullets out of 3 races. Nick Clemence from Pewaukee took 2nd, Connor Trepton from Lac LaBelle took 3rd overall and the bullet from the 3rd and final race, Charlie Kutschenreuter from Beulah was 4th and Natalie Kay from Okauchee was 5th overall.
Pictured are photos of the racing, a close up of an X boat, and a great shot of “Team LaBelle”.
Wow…it is already coming up on July 4th, 2009. You might be asking yourself, what is there to do on the 4th in Lake Geneva? That’s a loaded question, what isn’t there to do on the 4th in Lake Geneva. So just to give you a bird’s eye view.
July 3rd. Start early by going to the Grand Geneva which has a full list of activities. Independence Day festivities are highlighted by the Brown’s Lake Aquaducks Waterski Show and the Grand Fireworks display at dusk. Other activities throughout the day include a grand picnic, kids coloring contest, carnival games for children, balloon artist and much more. For more details visit www.grandgeneva.com.
Also on July 3rd are festivities all day long at the public park in Delavan. Included in the list is “The Dave Marshall Band” from 7-11 and fireworks starting at 9:30.
July 4th. It doesn’t get any better than Lake Geneva on the Fourth! The town is filled with things to do. But don’t be surprised when you don’t see fireworks in Lake Geneva, you are going to have to go to Fontana for that! Take a boat tour but book it now, www.cruiselakegeneva.com. Many options exist from dinner to ice cream! Fireworks start just after dusk. Along the way you will see all sorts of fireworks in the area, from large private fireworks to the big event at Fontana. Again, the park in Fontana is loaded with food, music, etc.. Enjoy your visit to the Lake Geneva area and Happy 4th of July!!!
For more information about upcoming events in Lake Geneva or what to do when visiting and, of course, all of your real estate needs, call Diane Krause, 262-215-4893.
Americana on the 4th of July! Here it is…a calendar of fireworks and parades for Waukesha County. Just click here for a complete listing. I have to say, my favorite spot on the 4th is watching the fireworks being shot over one of the beautiful lakes, in downtown Oconomowoc. This year, we’ll enjoy them on Fowler Lake. Of course, one can’t help seeing the surrounding lakes shoot off theirs. Okauchee and Oconomowoc Lake usually have some, as does the Village of Lac LaBelle. If you happen to miss fireworks on the 4th, you may catch them again on August 9th from the Oconomowoc City Beach, being shot from a barge on Lac LaBelle, for the annual Parade of Lights Celebration. For a calendar of Oconomowoc Summer events visit my Oconomowoc Blog.
If you have not biked on the new bike trail in Oconomowoc you really must give it a try. The trail head begins at Roosevelt Park, the location of the new Imagination Station that was recently constructed. From here the trail heads south and bends slowly to the east as it crosses Silver Lake Street. There is one major crossing at HWY 67 but a crosswalk button can be pushed which will allow you to safely cross this intersection. As you continue east past the site of the new fire station the trail leads you behind Summit Elementary School and the YMCA at Pabst Farms. The smooth blacktop pavement extends to the intersection of Sawyer Road and Valley Road. From this point to Delafield the trail is composed of finely crushed gravel. If you ride a roadie, you may want to hop on Valley Road and continue your ride from there. If you have a Hybrid bike then head south on the gravel path and you will be in Downtown Delafield in no time. From Roosevelt Park to the intersection of Sawyer and Valley the trip is just six miles all without interference from vehicle traffic. Click here for a map to see this great new asset to Oconomowoc.
In spite of a questionable start, summer has arrived in Wisconsin, and with it, comes the youth sailing season. A “boat load” of regattas are available for kids to attend. Last weekend, young teens showed up on North Lake, for the annual QUINT regatta. Sailors from North Lake, Lac LaBelle, Pewaukee, Nagawicka and Okauchee sailed a very challenging regatta due to very little, and ever shifting breezes. 20+ boats were on the line, and the event ended with the top three skippers, tying for points and using a tie breaker for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. Home lake skipper, Blake Kenney and crew, won the tie breaker and the 1st place overall finish.
Thursday, we found our young opti sailors on Okauchee Lake for the LOP’N Regatta.( LaBelle, Okauchee, Pewaukee and Nagawicka) The morning was inviting with steady breezes from 5-10mph. The 20 boats were sailed in one course, with designations for junior or senior status, by age. One of the younger skippers, Henry Chapman, son of a local boat dealer, showed up the “big boys” with a stunning win on the first race. The second race was won by home lake skipper, Tommy Groskopf. After lunch, a fast approaching wind shift and weather front, brought in the winds of 15-20mph, sending all of the junior skippers except for Henry, in to shore. The remaining senior skippers, raced two more exciting races, with back to back photo finishes. Ethan Heinze of Nagawicka and Trevor Trepton of LaBelle, duked it out at the finish, with Trepton nudging into the first place spot. The last, and fourth race of the day, was in heavy wind, also. Kids were hiking out of their boats, and using their skills to maneuver a course in heavy air. Trepton and Pewaukee skipper David Winquist, were neck in neck on the last downwind, and finished the race in a very exciting upwind tacking duel. Trepton inched ahead at the finish, to win the race, and the overall first place title in the senior fleet. Henry Chapman secured the overall first place finish in the junior fleet.
Youth sailing is just one of the many activities that makes Lake Country Wisconsin, a great place to be in the summer.
As summer progresses why not make plans to attend this year’s Waukesha County Fair, July 15-19. This year the original cream puffs will be at the pavilion as well as at “express” tents near the exits. Can we say “calories to go?”
The Milwaukee - Wisconsin Journal Sentinel 2009 Junior Golf Tournament is one of the largest tournaments in the state and is open to any junior golfer. It is held at Currie Park at 3535 N Mayfair Rd in Milwaukee from Monday, July 6th to Wednesday, July 8th. The entry fee is $35 and includes 18 holes of play, trophies, tournament gift, and refreshments. All entries must be received by June 25th at 5pm. Entries should be mailed to:
MJS Junior Golf Tournament
c/o WI PGA
11350 W Theo Trecker Way
West Allis, WI 53214.
If you are looking for something fun and worthwhile to do this weekend, check out the fabulous project going on in Oconomowoc. This week, Oconomowoc area residents realize the birth of the long awaited project…The “Oconomowoc Imagination Station!” This universally accessible playground is the dream project of many local volunteers. It truly is a “village” project, from the design stage to the implementation of the construction itself. Area businesses and family members of all ages are showing up to donate time, food, and talents to complete this project.
As of today, Friday, they still can use workers, but are especially in need of food donations for the workers. Please view this link for more information on what you can do to help out. See you in Oconomowoc!
Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer in Lake Geneva with honoring those who fought for our great country! It was a busy day in downtown Lake Geneva with the streets packed. A little windy and cold, but many warm days to follow.
An amazing American Flag being carried down the street by the Boy Scouts followed by the Woods School Marching Band:
For more information about upcoming events in Lake Geneva or What to do in Lake Geneva, call Diane Krause, 262-215-4893.
Are you planning on visiting Southeastern Wisconsin for some summer fun? If you enjoy taking a dip in the water, canoeing, or tossing a frisbee, you will want to check out one, if not all six public beaches located in Waukesha County.
The beaches are as follows:
Fox Brook Park located at 2925 N. Barker Road, Brookfield
Fox Brook’s swimming beach boasts a large sand beach area along the 25-acre lake. Pedal boat rentals are available at a cost of $8.00 per hour.
Menomonee Park located at W220 N7884 Townline Road, Menomonee Falls
Menomonee Park features the 16-acre Menomonee Quarry Lake.
Minooka Park located at 1927 E. Sunset Drive, Waukesha
Minooka’s swimming area consists of a 4-acre pond.
Muskego Park located at S83 W20370 Janesville Road, Muskego
Muskego’s one-acre pond and swimming beach is a great place to get a good tan or swim.
Mukwonago Park located at Highway LO, Town of Mukwonago
A significant feature of Mukwonago Park is the 16-acre spring fed lake creating a delightful setting for picnickers and all park users. Adjacent to the lake is a swimming pond with a broad sand beach.
Naga-Waukee Park located at 651 Highway 83, Delafield
Naga-Waukee’s beach is on the waters of Lake Nagawicka. It has a beautiful picnic site, lots of room for summer games and a golf course.
Beach hours are 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. on Monday-Friday and 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Waukesha County does provide lifeguards at all area beaches daily. There is an entrance fee to the park and that cost is $3 on weekdays and $5 on weekends and holidays. If you plan on visiting all six beaches while vacationing in Southeastern Wisconsin, then you might want to consider purchasing a annual park entrance sticker for $25 if you live in Waukesha County and $36 if you are a non-county resident. If you are a Senior Citizen, your annual park fee will be $12.50.
If you plan on visiting and need a map of the area, please call Sharon Tomlinson at 262-470-2000 and I will provide you with all the information you need to make your visit more entertaining.
Oconomowoc—-that singular city of TWO gorgeous lakes positioned equi-distant (less than an hour) to the Capitol and the Calatrava……a cultural mecca in its own right, now featuring a brand new state- of- the- art Performance Auditorium PLUS regular arts events.
This season’s kick off event is Gallery night, Friday, May 1 in Downtown Oconomowoc where local artists are displaying work PLUS a specific event feature!!!! Hand-painted Adirondack chairs!!!! Come early and enjoy the local lakeside dining and the lake reflections at every venue. Stroll along the lakes to a special viewing of the original Hitchcock Historic Home at 404 N. Lake Rd. from 5 p.m. thru 8 p.m. with guides on site to describe Oconomowoc’s rich architectural heritage.
This property is also offered for sale by ‘yours truly’, ask for brochures about this year’s lakefront/bandshell concerts, family movie nights at Fowler Lake Park, Nationally-juried Festival of the Arts and MORE!!!!! ‘There’s no place like home’ and Dorothy said it first in Oconomowoc…learn more about that by staying tuned to my blog entries or email me at msteinke@shorewest.com.
Glenn Hanon
Karen Trepton
If you are looking for a great “spooktacular” event this Halloween season, check out 
Have you ever done this? You find a great eating establishment and you order the same thing each time not wanting to switch to something different? I do it all the time, but last night rather than having the world famous Reuben at 
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.
The spring season for 
Lights, camera, action! Nature Hill Intermediate School in Oconomowoc is proud to present the theatrical production of Beauty and Beast. The performance will take place in the newly built Oconomowoc Performing Arts Center at Oconomowoc High School on March. 11, 12 and 13. I stopped in at school the other day, and happened to see the kids rehearsing. As usual, residents will be treated to a wonderful display of talent and entertainment for the entire family! It’s a special treat for the kids to perform this production in the Art’s Center. It’s the policy of the NHI drama department, to produce one show a year in the new building. See 
Diane Krause
Mary Steinke
This past weekend youth sailing heated up on Big Cedar Lake between Hartford and West Bend, with the annual 
The weather felt more like fall, with cool temps and rain, but the spectators bundled up and the sailors stayed warm and dry with spray gear. A fun item of note was the addition of a “special” spectator…the Met Life Blimp, as seen in the accompanying photo. The blimp hovered over the races for quite some time, before heading out.
Kate Klement from Lake Beulah won the overall title with 2 bullets out of 3 races. Nick Clemence from Pewaukee took 2nd, Connor Trepton from Lac LaBelle took 3rd overall and the bullet from the 3rd and final race, Charlie Kutschenreuter from Beulah was 4th and Natalie Kay from Okauchee was 5th overall.
Wow…it is already coming up on July 4th, 2009. You might be asking yourself, what is there to do on the 4th in Lake Geneva? That’s a loaded question, what isn’t there to do on the 4th in Lake Geneva. So just to give you a bird’s eye view.
Americana on the 4th of July! Here it is…a calendar of fireworks and parades for Waukesha County. Just 
Pat Ohlendorf
In spite of a questionable start, summer has arrived in Wisconsin, and with it, comes the youth sailing season. A “boat load” of regattas are available for kids to attend. Last weekend, young teens showed up on North Lake, for the annual QUINT regatta. Sailors from North Lake, Lac LaBelle, Pewaukee, Nagawicka and Okauchee sailed a very challenging regatta due to very little, and ever shifting breezes. 20+ boats were on the line, and the event ended with the top three skippers, tying for points and using a tie breaker for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. Home lake skipper, Blake Kenney and crew, won the tie breaker and the 1st place overall finish.
Trepton nudging into the first place spot. The last, and fourth race of the day, was in heavy wind, also. Kids were hiking out of their boats, and using their skills to maneuver a course in heavy air. Trepton and Pewaukee skipper David Winquist, were neck in neck on the last downwind, and finished the race in a very exciting upwind tacking duel. Trepton inched ahead at the finish, to win the race, and the overall first place title in the senior fleet. Henry Chapman secured the overall first place finish in the junior fleet. 
Sharon Tomlinson
Oconomowoc—-that singular city of TWO gorgeous lakes positioned equi-distant (less than an hour) to the Capitol and the Calatrava……a cultural mecca in its own right, now featuring a brand new state- of- the- art Performance Auditorium PLUS regular arts events.
This property is also offered for sale by ‘yours truly’, ask for brochures about this year’s lakefront/bandshell concerts, family movie nights at Fowler Lake Park, Nationally-juried Festival of the Arts and MORE!!!!! ‘There’s no place like home’ and Dorothy said it first in Oconomowoc…learn more about that by staying tuned to my blog entries or email me at 
