What's Happening in Jefferson County - through April 30, 2012

April 24 - 28, 2012 - She Stoops to Conquer Mistaken identities, practical jokes, and love tangles have made this satirical, romantic comedy of errors an enduring favorite. 7:30pm. Whitewater - Barnett Theatre, 800 W. Main St. (262) 472-2222

___________________________________________________ April 27 - 29, 2012 - Madison Classics Spring Car & Swap Meet Open Friday at 10am-5pm, Sat & Sun 6am-4pm. If you need a part for your care this is the place to come. For vendor space call 608-244-8416. Jefferson - Jefferson County Fair Park 503 N. Jackson St. (608) 244-8416 - http://www.jeffersonswapmeet.com

___________________________________________________ April 28, 2012 - Diva Day - The Royal Treatment In celebration of the first anniversary of the Duke & Dutchess of Cambridge (Prince William and Kate Middleton), the Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce is throwing a party. Treat yourself to a day of the arts, spa vendors, shopping deals, Tini's and Tiaras and more. Cambridge - Downtown Cambridge (608) 423-3780 http://www.cambridgewi.net

___________________________________________________ April 28, 2012 - Spring RummageOrama-Johnson Creek Village wide rummage in Johnson Creek area. 7am-1pm Maps available at local businesses or online at www.johnsoncreekchamber.com Johnson Creek - Village of Johnson Creek (920) 699-4949

What's Happening in Jefferson County? Mason Cabin Restoration Project

Have you seen an old log cabin and wondered about its history? Or wondered what it would be like to restore a historic log cabin? This summer, you can find out! Join the volunteer effort to restore the Mason Cabin located at Dorothy Carnes Park and Rose Lake State Natural Area west of Fort Atkinson.

The restoration effort is being managed by the Jefferson County Parks Department and will be completed, in part, by the help of volunteers. Kevin Weismann, the Parks Department Operations Supervisor overseeing the project, adds "The restoration of the cabin will be an extremely important addition to the park, and will be hand in hand with the restoration of the land. The "Mason Farm" is really going to highlight our roots as agriculturalists in central Wisconsin, while contrasting against a restored native landscape." Lyle Lidholm, a log cabin expert from Watertown, will serve as a consultant on the project. Lyle has restored numerous log cabins including several at Old World Wisconsin in Eagle. This project will be a wonderful opportunity for volunteers interested in historic log cabins to work alongside an expert in the field.

According to Julia Ince, an art historian and lecturer at UW-Whitewater who has conducted historical research on the property, the Mason Family took ownership of the land around the cabin in 1850. Newspapers found within the walls of the cabin bear the date of 1856 and attest to the approximate date the cabin was built. The Mason Family was headed by Elias Mason, who was born in 1784. After his first wife died, Elias married Lois Fiske Mason, born in 1797. Members of the Mason family who lived in the cabin include Elias, his second wife Lois, and their children Frances, Elias Jr., and Jeremiah. Children from Elias' first marriage were among the earliest pioneers in this part of Wisconsin. Of historical interest is the fact that Elias's son Jeremiah kept a journal while he lived i the log cabin in the 1860's. This journal is now in the possession of the archives of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin. Later, Jeremiah moved to Fort Atkinson and in 1887 was elected to the office of mayor.

An informational meeting about the restoration project will be held on Wednesday, April 4 at 6pm in the Community Room at the Dwight Foster Library in Fort Atkinson. The meeting is free and open to the public. Anyone interested in learning more about this project or volunteering with the effort is invited to attend. The meeting will begin with a brief synopsis of the history of the property and cabin followed by an overview of the restoration project. Lyle Lidholm will display some of his woodworking and restoration tools and be available to answer questions about how frontier cabins were built.

For further information about this restoration effort, please call Kevin at 920-674-7540 or by email at kevinw@jeffersoncountywi.gov.

What's Happening in Jefferson County - through April 22, 2012

April 17 - 18, 2012 - The Browns in Christian Concert It's truly a family affair when The Browns hit the stage and deliver the powerful message of the gospel through word and song. The musical stylings of Shelly, Michaela, Adam, Andrew, Nick and Jessica exude excitement and offer a life-changing experience to all who hear them. They have been touring for ten years and received the prestigious honors of Top 10 Mixed Group of the Year for two years running and Top Horizon Group of the Year for three years before that. From singing over 30 shows at the Americana Theatre in Branson to Dollywood stages and on board Royal Caribbean and Carnival cruise ships this award winning family will inspire you with their close-knit family harmony and talent. The Browns love what they do, love each other, and the audiences to whom they sing. While the traveling can be hard Shelly said, "Because we know we're called, it's been worth it all. God has opened the doors and there are adventures and blessings behind each one." Tuesday and Wednesday matinee arrival 10:30am. Tuesday evening arrival 5:00 p.m. Fort Atkinson - The Fireside Dinner Theatre 1131 Janesville Avenue (800) 477-9505 http://www.firesidetheatre.com

___________________________________________________ April 19, 2012 - Third Thursday: a poetry event Third Thursday is a monthly poetry reading. Each month there will be a featured poet followed by an open mic poetry reading. All poets and poetry lovers are encouraged to attend. Those reading for the open mic do not need to read their own work. The event begins at 6 pm in the FCCU Community Room. Fort Atkinson - Dwight Foster Public Library 209 Merchants Avenue - (920) 563-7790 http://www.lorineniedecker.org

___________________________________________________ April 20, 2012 - Shakespeare at Lyon's Irish Pub Members of the Watertown Players will be reading from some of Shakespeare's most memorable plays including Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet, The Merchant of Venice and A Midsummer's Night Dream. There will be English food of the period available as well. Watertown - 201 E Main Street (920) 262-6336 http://www.watertownchamber.com

April 21, 2012 - Jefferson County Holiday Extravaganza Spring Fling SPRING FLING Event Location - J C Plaza Hotel, 725 Paradise Lane - off Union Street in Johnson Creek Saturday - April, 21 2012* 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Lunch will be available by JC Plaza Hotel and Conference Center. For a special rate on hotel room for Jefferson County Holiday Extravaganza Exhibitors call the JC Plaza Hotel and Conference Center to make your hotel room reservation at:(920) 699-2800. (Ask for the block of 20 rooms that are set aside at a special rate) Proceeds from the event go to Rainbow Hospice. This event is also a Food Pantry Drive - please bring an item to support our local Food Pantry. A raffle will be held Saturday Buy Tickets at the Door. COME JOIN THE FUN at the HOLIDAY EVENT at 725 Paradise Lane Johnson Creek - The Crossroads of Fun SEE YOU THERE! Check for signs Any questions call: Steve Wollin at (920)988-4850) Upper Case Living Katie Bridgwater Wildtree Heather Stelzer Miche Cindi Slowey Silpade Designs Ellen Fetting Cookie Lee Jewelry Laura Gill Mary Kay Cosmetics Tricia Bless MC Mosaics Mike & Char Warras Simply Signs Creations Steven Wollin Celebrating Homes Julie Wollin Tastefully Simple Heather Morgan Scentsy Wickless Candles Mia Wollin LifePharm Global Connie Oestreich Thirty-One Gifts Lisa Lutes Debby's Stitchery Debby Topel The Pampered Chef Alicia Hynes Just Jewelry Annette Hartman Tupperware Carolyn Knight Lia Sophia Michele Hazeltine Dave's Creative Taxidermy David Polak Usborne Books Vidamor Heinlein Facilitated Healing Loree Walker L-Bri Jolyn Stankus Shaklee Penny Monte Avon Stephanie Fischer Crafts and Things Mary Ann Weidenfeller Johnson Creek - J C Plaza Hotel 725 Paradise Lane, Johnson Creek - (920) 988-4850

___________________________________________________ April 21, 2012 - Hal Holbrook's - Mark Twain Tonight! Hal Holbrook - Mark Twain Tonight! Saturday, April 21, 2012 - 7:30pm Dinner 6pm at the Kachel Center Sponsored by: Fort HealthCare, American Family Insurance, The Big Read, Arts Midwest A living, breathing American masterpiece, this is one of the most acclaimed and enduring performances in the history of theater. Fifty-seven years ago, a young actor took the stage and introduced the world to a man they would never forget. The actor was Hal Holbrook and the man was Mark Twain. Don't miss this magical evening of theatre that is the culmination of the 4th annual Big Read. Whitewater - Young Auditorium 930 West Main Street on the UW-Whitewater campus (262) 472-2222 http://www.uww.edu/youngauditorium/season/1112twain.html

___________________________________________________ April 21, 2012 - Pedal for Proceeds (FLAT) The only citizen's road racing series of its kind in North America. Wisport sanctions road races and time trials which are all OPEN Events, meaning that a racing license is not required. Each event has its own features, and its own character, but all offer awards based on age groups and gender and Wisport points for each rider based on race performance. Spaghetti dinner 2-5pm Cravath Lakefront Center. Whitewater - UW-Whitewater, 800 West Main St. (608) 584-4947 - http://www.wisport.org

___________________________________________________ April 21, 2012 - FFA Alumni Hearty Farm Breakfast with the Easter Bunny Saturday, April 21 from 8:00 to 11:00am Sponsored by the Fort Atkinson FFA Alumni $8 per person, under 1 free. ALL YOU CAN EAT! Breakfast proceeds go toward FFA student scholarships. Pictures with the bunny and face painting for children. Event held rain or shine. Farm opens at 8:00 for fundraiser. Farm admission is separate. Fort Atkinson - W7675 US Hwy 12 (920) 691-6742 http://www.busybarnsfarm.com

What's Happening in Jefferson County - through April 15, 2012

April 10, 2012 - The Rose Ensemble - And Glory Shone All Around Bramblett Chamber Series & Cultural Affairs Presents: The Rose Ensemble - And Glory Shone All Around Tuesday, April 10, 2012, 7:30pm Soundbites 6:30pm in the Main Lobby Bramblett Reception follows in main lobby Sponsored by: Fairhaven Senior Services "The vocalists are the soul of the group, with clear young-sounding voices that seem infinitely flexible and perfectly blended."- The Pioneer Press From the dance halls of Boston to Shaker villages and the hills of Appalachia, exploring the harmonies that gave birth to bluegrass. Whitewater - Young Auditorium - 930 West Main Street on the UW-Whitewater campus (262) 472-2222 http://www.uww.edu/youngauditorium/season/1112glory.html

___________________________________________________ April 14, 2012 - 93.1 Jamz Day at Vetro Winery Jamz night out with Fish and Ashley from 93.1 Start Time 4:00pm till 8:00pm Jefferson - 1414 Vino Lane (920) 674-9650 http://www.vetrowine.com

___________________________________________________ April 14 - 15, 2012 - American Legion Auxiliary State Bowling Tournament Bowling teams compete on April 21-22 also Contact Rebecca Hoffman for more information at rehoffman83@gmail.com Watertown - Watertown Bowl 18, 102 W Cady Street (920) 261-1796

___________________________________________________ April 14, 2012 - "Celebrate Good Times..." 35th Anniversary Party Jefferson Council for the Performing Arts is celebrating the beginning of our 35th season with a "Celebrate Good Times" anniversary party. The event takes place at City Limits in Ft. Atkinson from 6 - 11 p.m. with the Van Eskes performing from 7 - 10 p.m. Food will be available along with many different types of raffles, including a liquor raffle. There is no charge at the door, however a $10 voluntary donation is requested. Come to have a good time, enjoy of company of all your friends while dancing the night away with the Van Eskes. Fort Atkinson - City Limits (formerly Jansen's) (920) 674-2179 - http://www.councilfortheperformingarts.org

___________________________________________________ April 15, 2012 - Aveda Walk for Water Walkers begin at 11am; runners begin at 11:25am. Lake Mills - CV Hair Company - (920) 648-3082 Walk for Water

What's Happening in Jefferson County - through April 15, 2012

April 10, 2012 - The Rose Ensemble - And Glory Shone All Around Bramblett Chamber Series & Cultural Affairs Presents: The Rose Ensemble - And Glory Shone All Around Tuesday, April 10, 2012, 7:30pm Soundbites 6:30pm in the Main Lobby Bramblett Reception follows in main lobby Sponsored by: Fairhaven Senior Services "The vocalists are the soul of the group, with clear young-sounding voices that seem infinitely flexible and perfectly blended."- The Pioneer Press From the dance halls of Boston to Shaker villages and the hills of Appalachia, exploring the harmonies that gave birth to bluegrass. Whitewater - Young Auditorium - 930 West Main Street on the UW-Whitewater campus (262) 472-2222 http://www.uww.edu/youngauditorium/season/1112glory.html

___________________________________________________ April 14, 2012 - 93.1 Jamz Day at Vetro Winery Jamz night out with Fish and Ashley from 93.1 Start Time 4:00pm till 8:00pm Jefferson - 1414 Vino Lane (920) 674-9650 http://www.vetrowine.com

___________________________________________________ April 14 - 15, 2012 - American Legion Auxiliary State Bowling Tournament Bowling teams compete on April 21-22 also Contact Rebecca Hoffman for more information at rehoffman83@gmail.com Watertown - Watertown Bowl 18, 102 W Cady Street (920) 261-1796

___________________________________________________ April 14, 2012 - "Celebrate Good Times..." 35th Anniversary Party Jefferson Council for the Performing Arts is celebrating the beginning of our 35th season with a "Celebrate Good Times" anniversary party. The event takes place at City Limits in Ft. Atkinson from 6 - 11 p.m. with the Van Eskes performing from 7 - 10 p.m. Food will be available along with many different types of raffles, including a liquor raffle. There is no charge at the door, however a $10 voluntary donation is requested. Come to have a good time, enjoy of company of all your friends while dancing the night away with the Van Eskes. Fort Atkinson - City Limits (formerly Jansen's) (920) 674-2179 - http://www.councilfortheperformingarts.org

___________________________________________________ April 15, 2012 - Aveda Walk for Water Walkers begin at 11am; runners begin at 11:25am. Lake Mills - CV Hair Company - (920) 648-3082 Walk for Water

What's Happening in Jefferson County? Volunteers Needed for the Garman Nature Preserve

Join forces with local volunteers and the Jefferson County Parks Department for an invasive weed pull at the Dr. J.S. Garman Nature Preserve on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 8am.

Interested volunteers should meet at the Preserve Trailhead at the end of Fox Lane. Make sure to bring sturdy work gloves, jeans or long pants, water, snacks, and either sun screen or a rain jacket. The Jefferson County Parks Department will provide trash bags for bagging weeds, direction for where to begin, and additional supplies for volunteers to use. If you would like further information about this project, please contact Jane at 920-674-7260 or go to the Jefferson County Parks website.

What's Happening in Jefferson County - through April 7, 2012

April 07, 2012 - Optimist Club Easter Egg Hunt Kids, toddlers and children through grade school, search for eggs (and prizes) by age groups. Several hundred children show up each year. The Optimist Easter Bunny makes his annual appearance. 11am-12:30pm. Whitewater - Starin Park (262) 473-1775 UW Whitewater Optimist Club Easter Egg Hunt

___________________________________________________ April 07, 2012 - Johnson Creek Premium Outlets Easter Egg Hunt Area children are invited to take part in the annual Easter Egg Hunt located at the plaza adjacent to Nike Clearance Store. Visit the Easter Bunny. Hunt begins promptly at 2pm. Johnson Creek - Johnson Creek Premium Outlets (920) 699-4111 - http://www.premiumoutlets.com/johnsoncreek

___________________________________________________ April 07, 2012 - Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt 10 a.m. Hunt for eggs and prizes Palmyra - Village Park (262) 495-8137