The Best of Jefferson County!

The Jefferson County Tourism Council honored the "best of Jefferson County" nominees on Thursday evening, March 24, at the JC Plaza Hotel & Convention Center in Johnson Creek.

Nominations were accepted through January 31, 2011 for this honor, and names were submitted for people who put the smile in doing business in Jefferson County. These candidate believe in, promote, and go "above and beyond" in the promotion of tourism for Jefferson County. They also demonstrate caring, empathy, love of service and a spirit of unparalleled giving.

The list of nominees was whittled down to three top winners:

• 1st Place - Donna Ganser of Culvers in Johnson Creek ($500 American Express gift card; 4 brunch certificates and overnight romance package from the JC Plaza Hotel)
• 2nd Place - Becky Mehringer of Jelli's Market in Helenville (4 brunch certificates and an overnight romance package from the JC Plaza Hotel)
• 3rd Place - Gail Zastrow of the Jefferson County Fair Grounds (4 brunch certificates to the JC Plaza Hotel)

Thanks go to everyone who submitted names to this wonderful event - we are looking forward to honoring more great Jefferson County ambassadors next year!

Other nominees included: Edna DeWitt (Calico Cottage/Watertown); Mindy Bartz (Hi-Way Harry's/Johnson Creek); Barbara Voss (Ephraim Faience Pottery/Lake Mills); Rosemary Wedel (Classic Creation Floral and Creme/Waterloo); Kris Nagle (JC Plaza Hotel & Convention Center/Johnson Creek); Katie Otto (The Write Approach/Lake Mills); Michael Morrissey (Young Auditorium/Whitewater); Hope Oostdik (Dutch Designs/Lake Mills); Allen Keinbaum (Koshkonong Mounds Country Club/Fort Atkinson); and Lynn Natvig (Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce).

Pictured above (first row, L-R): Becky Mehringer, 2nd place; Donna Ganser, 1st place; Gail Zastrow, 3rd place.
(Back row - Jefferson County Tourism Council Executive Board, L-R): Connie Oestreich (Secretary); Kate Anderson (Vice President); Steve Kline (President); Janet Werner (Treasurer).

What's Going on in Jefferson County? Through March 31, 2011

Jefferson County Home Show - March 25-27, 2011
The 17th Annual Jefferson County Home Show will be held at the Jefferson County Fair Park Activity Center. Enjoy Home Show and Craft Marketplace vendors, seminars and demonstrations. A kid's craft area, sponsored by Nasco Arts and Crafts of Fort Atkinson and Big Read of Whitewater will be open throughout the event.
(920) 674-2679

Wisconsin Gardens and Landscapes - March 26, 2011
Jefferson author Mary Lou Santovec will be available to sign and discuss her book Wisconsin Gardens & Landscapes from 10am to 3pm at the Rock River Gallery and Coffeehouse in Jefferson. Gardening experts will also be available to provide gardening information and tips. Browse the Rock River Gallery and Another Round Antiques next door for garden art and antiques to accent your flower beds and landscaping.
(920) 541-3322 - Rock River Gallery


American Legion Pancake Breakfast - March 27, 2011
Enjoy a favorite annual pancake breakfast at 115 North Third Street in Palmyra from 7am to noon.
(262) 495-2632

Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra - March 30, 2011
Lush sounds and soaring moments of pleasure are what we have come to expect from the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and they continually deliver! Edo de Waart has successfully taken over the reins as Maestro and has driven the MSO to new heights. This evening's performance will be under the skillful baton of Stuart Chafetz and the program includes pieces by Shostakovich, Glinka, Prokofiev, Gliere, and Tchaikovsky.

(262) 472-2222 - Young Auditorium - Whitewater

Teacher Appreciation Month at Johnson Creek Premium Outlets - March 1-31, 2011
Teachers and school support staff are invited to show their ID at the Information Center to receive a FREE VIP Coupon Book, which includes hundreds of dollars of savings.
(920) 699-4111 - Johnson Creek Premium Outlets

ANNIE - March 3, 2011 through May 1, 2011
America's favorite cartoon sweetheart is back in one of the most popular Broadway shows of the century. Winner of 7 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, ANNIE is an inspirational show for all ages.

Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson, (800) 477-9505 - Fireside Dinner Theatre

Sherman Avenue Street Views: Photos by Anne Price
March 5, 2011 through April 9, 2011
Exhibit available for viewing at the Hoard Historical Museum in Fort Atkinson.
(920) 563-7769 - Hoard Museum

The BEST of Jefferson County - Hospitality Awards

Jefferson County Tourism Council's First Annual
BEST of Hospitality Awards Dinner
Thursday, March 24, 2011

The first annual BEST of Hospitality Award event will be held at the JC Plaza Hotel & Conference Center in Johnson Creek at 6pm. Come and support the best from Jefferson County - tireless cheerleaders from our great county. They may be the people you see at your favorite restaurant, retail store or office. These are the people that promote our great county, with their smiles and willingness to help, and they have been nominated for this prestigious award.

The dinner/event is open to everyone and the price to attend is $20 per person.  The banquet will be held at the JC Plaza Hotel and Conference Center,  located in Johnson Creek,  Wisconsin.  Please invite your family,  friends and co-workers!, Please RSVP to JC Plaza Hotel & Conference Center at 920-699-2800 to reserve seats for the banquet. 

What's Going on in Jefferson County? Through March 22, 2011

St. Matthew Lutheran Church Rummage Sale - March 17-19 2011
Be sure to attend the annual rummage sale at St. Matthew in Palmyra (313 W. Main Street). Lunch is available Thursday and Friday.
(262) 495-4540

It's a Grand Night for Singing - March 18-27, 2011
The Watertown Players perform the Rogers and Hammerstein musical revue "It's a Great Night for Singing" at the Windwood of Watertown. With songs such as "Shall We Dance?" "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning," and "Some Enchanted Evening," you're sure to leave with a smile on your face.
Windwood of Watertown - W5710 County Highway CW
(920) 261-3323 - Watertown Players

What's Happening in Jefferson County? Through March 15, 2011

Fashion Walkabout - March 10, 2011
Live fashion and modeling at local downtown Cambridge restaurants (Ripley's Bakery, The Feed Mill and Keystone Grill) during the lunch hour. Sponsored by The Garment Shop.
(608) 423-3740

Calling All Scholars: Cordelia Harvey - March 12, 2011
Storyteller and author Bob Kann unveils his new Badger Biography, Cordelia Harvey: Angel of the Civil War, which includes her ties to Fort Atkinson. Learn about Ms. Harvey and how Mr. Kann researched and wrote this book. Families and students are encouraged to attend.
(920) 563-7769 - Hoard Museum

Lake Mills Wedding Show - March 12, 2011
Planning a wedding? Stop in at the Renaissance on Madison Street in Lake Mills to talk to many local businesses that want to help you plan your special day.
(920) 648-3585 - Lake Mills Chamber of Commerce

Old Time Radio Live - March 12, 2011
RG Productions will perform a trio of old-time radio plays featuring the productions of "Burns and Allen," "My Friend Irma," "The Lone Ranger," and "Who's on First." Show times are 4pm and 7pm. The proceeds will benefit the Cambridge Food Pantry, Cambridge High School's DECCA organization and the Cambridge Heritage Day Civil War re-enactment on May 14, 2011. Bonus: students will perform 1940s style radio commercials for WI businesses. Tickets are $5.50 in advance and $7.50 at the door. Children 4 and under are free. Historic Cambridge High School Gym - 213 South Street.
(608) 423-4379 - Historic Cambridge

EMS Chili Dinner - March 12, 2011
Satisfy your urge for great chili at the Lake Mills EMS Chili Dinner. The Lake Mills EMS building is on Lake Street.
(920) 648-3585 - Lake Mills Chamber of Commerce

Teacher Appreciation Month at Johnson Creek Premium Outlets - March 1-31, 2011
Teachers and school support staff are invited to show their ID at the Information Center to receive a FREE VIP Coupon Book, which includes hundreds of dollars of savings.
(920) 699-4111 - Johnson Creek Premium Outlets

ANNIE - March 3, 2011 through May 1, 2011
America's favorite cartoon sweetheart is back in one of the most popular Broadway shows of the century. Winner of 7 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, ANNIE is an inspirational show for all ages.

Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson, (800) 477-9505 - Fireside Dinner Theatre


Sherman Avenue Street Views: Photos by Anne Price
March 5, 2011 through April 9, 2011
Exhibit available for viewing at the Hoard Historical Museum in Fort Atkinson.
(920) 563-7769 - Hoard Museum

Suprises are in Store for Jefferson County!

Jefferson County will be home to an exciting new multi-purpose development on the eastern grounds of St. Coletta's 174-acre campus in Jefferson.

Sanctuary Ridge, the property's newly christened name, will be home to a 30-acre commerce center utilizing the historic early-1900's buildings located on the campus. There are also condos and single-family homes planned for the remaining complex acreage.

Among the first tenants of the commerce center? Vetro Winery, a micro-brewery and a tilapia-based aquaculture business. The commerce center is scheduled to open around June 1, 2011.

Stay tuned to the Jefferson County Tourism Newsletter for additional information on this exciting addition to our county!

Aldo Leopold Weekend in Lake Mills

Aldo Leopold Weekend - March 4-6, 2011
University of Wisconsin-Madison Professor Aldo Leopold led groundbreaking conservation work in the 1930s and 1940s. Lake Mills is hosting a weekend celebration honoring Leopold's vision of land as "a community to which we belong." Friday, 3/4 at the L.D. Fargo Library at 7pm, enjoy a film and presentation. Enjoy community conversations and readings at various businesses in downtown Lake Mills on Saturday, 3/5: Water House Foods from 9:30-11:30am; Sweet Lips Gallery from 1-2:30pm, and The Wine Vineyard from 3-5pm. On Sunday, 3/6 from 1-4pm, come to Faville Grove/Crawfish Prairie at W7480 Prairie Lane (4 miles north of Lake Mills) for a Hands-on Prairie Work Party.
(608) 220-9563