Archive for March, 2007
Happiness is A Wisconsin Tradition
Christine March 31st, 2007
I grew up with polka music, and was even a closet polka listener in high school. Polkas have always been a part of my musical collection, and I have visited WTKM in Hartford on more than one occasion. Art Altenburg’s Concertina Bar in Milwaukee is a must visit for anyone who is seeking the mecca of Polka culture in Wisconsin. But I only one of many that hold polkas in high regard…
“It’s Happiness” polkas through Wisconsin
By Heather Leszczewicz
OMC ReporterPublished March 28, 2007 at 5:10 a.m.
At first, director Craig Dibiase was an outsider when it came to polka. After a lengthy discovery period and interviews, he has come to agree with all those smiling faces he’s talked to: Polka is happiness. The last question he asked everyone was “What is polka?” And, “It’s happiness” was almost always the respsonse.“I would say 75 percent of the time that was the answer we got for people. That’s kind of the feelings I get towards polka,” Dibiase says. “I didn’t grow up with polka; I went into the project as an outsider. But I can see why so many people answered the question that way.”
Finish reading the article here at OnMilwaukee.com
Visit Monroe County for Ag Tourism Day
Michael March 30th, 2007
The Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association is hosting a bus tour of select Monroe County agritourism businesses on April 13. The day begins in Tomah at 8:30 a.m. where it will travel to ‘This Old Barn,’ owned by John and Marcia Ollendick. The facility is a remodeled barn that now houses a large gift and craft shop plus an area for meals and entertainment. Justin Trails Resort near Sparta will be the second stop on the tour, which is a former dairy farm converted into an elegant bed and breakfast resort.
More details and contact information is on the Wisconsin Ag Connection Website.
Coming to a theatre near you? Movies made in Wisconsin
Michael March 29th, 2007
Making movies is big money. The average Hollywood film budget is over $100 million dollars. Even small budget independent films cost more than a million dollars to produce. With studios throwing around money like this, you’d think that the State would want to do all that it could to attract more productions to Wisconsin. Unfortunately this is not the case. Senate bill SB563 would give tax breaks to film production companies to lure them to produce more films in our state, but it doesn’t take effect until January 2008. Another bill, SB24 would move the date back to January 2007, but its tied up in committee by State Senator Russ Decker and Representive Kitty Rhoades.
Encouraging studios to use Wisconsin as a location would bring added revenue and jobs to the state. If we don’t offer the incentive, another state will and Wisconsin loses out. More details on the bill can be found in this article by the La Crosse Tribune.
Slow cooked in the Dells: Famous Dave’s BBQ
Michael March 29th, 2007
Barbeque, the smokey slow cooking method from the South is considered an unusual sight this far north. Typically, if you run into a BBQ shack in the northern climes, its run by a southern transplant. This is not the case of Famous Dave’s BBQ.
State Fair Promotions Announced
Christine March 28th, 2007
Are you ready to get yourself a roasted corn, two or three cream puffs and a lemonade? I know you are in need of something that is being sold in the market area- a new Ginsu is always nice. Don’t forget the 4-H exhibits and performances!
The WI State Fair has announced some of its promotions for 2007:
From Channel 3000
Ticket Promotions For 2007 Wisconsin State Fair Announced
WEST ALLIS, Wis. — Wisconsin State Fair officials announced two promotions Monday for the 2007 Wisconsin State Fair.
The 11-day fair runs Aug. 2 through Aug. 12.
During the months of April, May and June, advance “Fair Deal” admission tickets will be available for $5, which is a $3 savings from the normal ticket price. Also, “Ride-All-Day” midway wristband vouchers will be on sale at a reduced price. They’re normally $20, but will be available during April, May and June for $12.50.
The “Fair Deal” and “Ride-All-Day” midway vouchers will be offered on the Wisconsin State Fair Web site and at its box office at the U.S. Cellular Main Gate, which is east of the Pettit National Ice Center. The box office will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The “Fair Deal” tickets will also be available at Pick ‘n Save and Copps Food Center stores throughout Wisconsin.
The Lights Of The Dells
Christine March 28th, 2007
Visiting the Wisconsin Dells off-season allows you to enjoy many things without the crowds. This past weekend we visited this touristy spot before the hoards arrived, along with the traffic.
Dells at Night,
originally uploaded by backroadwisconsin.
Cruising slowly allowed us to truly enjoy the neon- especially the classic neon signs that dot the landscape. Between the new signs that scream at you, the neon of years past quietly calls to your nostalgic side. They are true pieces of art. My favorite has to be at The Embers- the flames and the martini are awesome. 
Keep an eye out on the downtown strip for more classic signs. Unfortunately they were not lit when we were there, but even unlit they oozed classic charm.
Madeline Island Ferry Open For Season
Christine March 27th, 2007
I just got word that the Madeline Island Ferry is officially open for the season! Time to stop dreaming about heading north- and go!
For the record, it took the Island Queen exactly 2 hours, 44 minutes and 32 seconds to break the ice between the Island and Bayfield.
Get the season schedule and rates here!
Achieving a better quality of life
Michael March 27th, 2007
Working toward a healthier community can be a difficult task. Chippewa County is on that road with their survey, Chippewa Falls 2010: Achieving a Healthier Community. Working with St. Joseph’s Hospital, United Way of Chippewa County, and Luther Midelfort Mayo Health System, the residents of Chippewa County took a needs assesment survey and found some startling results.
“Overall, the survey results indicate that our residents perceive themselves as in good health, have medical insurance and feel Chippewa County is a safe place for their family to thrive, with results matching closely to Wisconsin statistics,” said Rhonda Brown, Coordinator of Chippewa Falls 2010. “However, when you compare state data to national data, we have a lot of work to do. Our survey indicates that Chippewa County could benefit from lifestyle changes to improve overall health.”
Many of the problems listed in the document are endemic to our low pace lifestyle, but fortunately the State of Wisconsin offers many resources both natural and community that can address these issues and improve the health and wellbeing of the state as a whole.
The Chippewa Falls Herald has a nice summary to the survey.
Wisconsin Film Festival Tickets on sale
Michael March 24th, 2007
The Wisconsin Film Festival, the state’s oldest and largest film festival will once again be held in several venues in Madison on April 12-15, 2007. According to the festival’s web site: The ninth annual Wisconsin Film Festival will present the best new independent film (feature, documentary, experimental), world cinema, and new media; cultivates discovery through talks, panels, performances, and coffeehouse discussions with filmmakers; and showcases the work of Wisconsin filmmakers through juried competitions. During the four day festival, over 182 films will be screened on campus and around downtown Madison.
Tickets for the festival went on sale March 17th at the Memorial Union Box Office, 800 Langdon St in Madison. You can also order tickets online at the Film Festival site.
The Wisconsin Film Festival is notable in that it draws from the vast resources of the University Of Wisconsin. Many departments on campus share in the programming and selection of material for the festival. Some of the new partners this year include the African Studies Department and the Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education. The festival itself is sponsored by the UW-Madison Arts Institute.
You can read more about the University’s partnership with the festival here.