2014 Your Family Winter

WINTER 2014
Changing with the times

Libraries find a place in an increasingly paperless world
Reconstructed gem
Volunteers drive success of the Stoughton Opera House
AREA FUN
6 BREWERIES YOU CAN TOUR
Fun without sun at Wisconsin Dells
DAY TRIP:
What do we all have in common?
Of course, we are all irresistibly cute. We also have spent many days and nights at UW Healths American Family Childrens Hospital. By the way, did you hear that American Family Childrens Hospital was just ranked for three straight years among the countrys Top 50 Childrens Hospitals, according to U.S. News & World Report ? Cool, huh? Our moms and dads never thought they would need to bring us to a childrens hospital. Even though we were very sick not that long ago, were all doing great today! Thank you, American Family Childrens Hospital. You really are a lifesaver!
by U.S. News & World Report

2013-2014
CH-36735-13
Childrens Hospital
BEST
uwhealthkids.org
an k
ed
Sugar and spice and everything nice for the holidays
Mon - Sat 6:30am - 9pm, Sun 6:30am - 7pm
210 S. Main Street Verona, Wisconsin (608) 845-6478

WINTER 2014 YOUR FAMILY 3
FAMILYLIFE
Libraries continue to do real, lasting good

INSIDE YOUR FAMILY
BY DAVID ENSTAD
ince arriving in the Madison area, I have been impressed with multiple, shining examples of what libraries can be today. They are attractive in design, relevant and fresh while serving their constituents in any number of useful and beneficial ways. Despite our societys changing needs and abilities for gathering information, libraries are finding ways to keep up with the times, the focus of our main story in this issue of Your Family. The days of dusty bookshelves and hushed study might be a thing of the past, but the library remains an
important community fixture, now sporting Wi-Fi, educational activities and important community events. I grew up in a small northern Wisconsin town supporting a most wonderful public library that was truly knit into the fabric of the city and surrounding area. The Carnegie library was a beautiful redstone building boasting fabulous oak floors, trim and book shelves, with huge windows for natural light, on a corner lot framed by 80-year-old elms, great for shade in the throes of summer. The design, quality of construction and craftsmanship was first rate in every way. That was something I didnt come to appreciate until I had grown and left the area. Centrally located in the city, our library
was a hub of activity for young and old alike. It served the entire community, and a library card was something everyone possessed. I would spend hours there doing homework, researching papers or reading just for fun. It was an acceptable excuse to escape my brothers and sisters, meet friends or explore faraway places on a printed page. In the talking room, I would listen to stories told of the Great Depression, what it was like to be in virgin forests, as a 12-yearold cooks helper, working in a logging camp and magical tales of sailing the great lakes on iron ore boats that supplied the iron and steel industry in Cleveland and Pittsburgh. What I did not realize at the time was the librarys connection to Pittsburgh and the steel industry. Several years later, after coming across Carnegie libraries in other cities, I found that Andrew Carnegie, a self-made man, funded and built libraries in every city that his steel company did business, 1,689 public libraries in all. And many of those buildings were the nicest in the town they were located. Recently, I came across a quote from Carnegie that helped explained his passion for building these reservoirs of knowledge: A library out ranks any other thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never ending spring in the desert. Alas, on a recent trip back to my home town, I passed the old Carnegie library. As it turns out, the city had sold it many years ago after vandals had stripped it of its once-impressive appointments. It was be beyond repair. There had been a couple of fundraisers to try to resurrect its previous luster; unfortunately both efforts fell short. For me, the motivation for building the library and the impression it left on me is something positive I will carry my entire life. My take away comes from another Andrew Carnegie quote: Do real and permanent good in this world. He did, and I hope in some small way I might also. David Enstad is the general manager of Unied Newspaper Group, which publishes Your Family magazine.
4 YOUR FAMILY WINTER 2014
CONTENTS
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GENERAL MANAGER David Enstad david.enstad@wcinet.com EDITOR Jim Ferolie GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ellen Koeller PHOTO EDITOR Jeremy Jones is published by UNIFIED NEWSPAPER GROUP 133 Enterprise Dr. PO Box 930427 Verona WI 53593 (608) 845 9559
YOUR FAMILY WINTER 2014
ON THE COVER
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
No longer the stuffy warehouses of old knowledge that some of us grew up with, todays libraries are going modern in every way. Families are flocking to public libraries like Madisons Sequoya Branch on Tokay Boulevard for more than just books. Two-year-old Jack Mizerak, like many young boys, loves the train set more than anything, which can be attested to by father Chris and mother Tori. Jeremy Jones photo
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YOUR FAMILY STAFF Diane Beaman, Scott De Laruelle, Scott Girard, Mark Ignatowski, Anthony Iozzo, Jeremy Jones, Donna Larson, Terry Leonard, Bill Livick, Angie Roberts, Carolyn Schultz, Catherine Stang, Victoria Vlisides and Kathy Woods
page
Family Fun
16
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Touring six local breweries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Day Trip Wisconsin Dells offers fun for all seasons . . . . . . . . 8 Stoughton Opera House becoming a top attraction . . . . . . . . . . 10 Winter reading ideas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Calendar of events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
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CONTACT US Send all questions or submissions to yourfamily@wcinet.com
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YOUR FAMILY is printed four times a year by Woodward Printing Services If you would like to have a copy of Your Family delivered to your home, the cost is $8.00 for 1 year. Please call (608) 845-9559 for more information.
Family Health
Healthy Living Pregnancy can be tough on Dad, too . .
15 20
New program helps parents watch out for teen drivers . . . . . . . . 26
Family Life
Q&A with MadREP president Paul Jadin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Planning for College Know your EFC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Organized Home Winnowing down your many projects . . 25 Estate Planning Prenuptial agreements . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Family Food
Publishers of the Oregon Observer Stoughton Courier Hub Verona Press ConnectFitchburg.com Great Dane Shopping News
Recipes Dijon port roast with brandied mushroom sauce, Potato and arugula omelets, Vegetables with a minty lamb and rice stuffing, Jammin roast potatoes . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29 34
CHATTER
What are your favorite and least favorites parts of the holidays? . . .
FAMILYFUN
A six-pack of local
Take a tour and see how beer is made

by Anthony Iozzo
Submitted Photo
Wisconsin Brewing Company

The banter between CEO Carl Nolen and brewmaster Kirby Nelson definitely shows the style of the two beer moguls. They worked together at Capital Brewery until Nolen left and the two joined forces to make up the new Wisconsin Brewing Company, which opened Nov. 1. The brewery features state-of-the-art brewing equipment, with materials from Wisconsin and the launch of its four new beers, so theres a lot to offer for beer enthusiasts looking for something new. But the beers are also made to be very drinkable for anyone without a palate for the Extreme Beers. Nelson might experiment with flavors and styles in the future, but for now, WBC is trying to make its way on the market with a goal to sell 300,000 barrels a year by the end of 2014. The tour is free and lasts about an hour, and there is a tasting room to sample all the beers.
Ale Asylum
Ale Asylum moved to a new facility earlier this year. Aside from learning about how its popular beers such as Hopalicious, Satisfaction Jacksin and Ballistic are made, the main attraction is the tasting room and restaurant. For $5, you receive a pint and a special sampling of beer, but the tasting room is where most end up, with a large selection of taps and a full menu until 10 p.m. The tour lasts for about 45 minutes, but the quest to sample beers can go to bar time on Friday and Saturday, which is good because there are several beers to try. Ale Asylum 2002 Pankratz St., Madison aleasylum.com Beer: Current limited seasonal: Mercy- Belgian Grand Cru; Current seasonal: Ballistic- IPA; Satisfaction Jacksin- Double IPA; Hopalicious-American Pale Ale; Ambergeddon- Amber Ale; Madtown Nutbrown- Brown Ale; Contorter Porter- English Porter; Big Slick Stout- Oatmeal Stout; Happy Ending- Belgian Abbey Ale; Unshadowed: German Hefe-Weizen; Gold Digger- Blonde Ale Tours: Sundays, $5 (includes pint, sampling) Tasting room, dining open daily
New Glarus Brewing Company

Anyone can go on a free tour, but the real experience at New Glarus Brewing Company is the hard hat tour. This is when you can ask questions and find out about the history of the brewery and its process for making beers on a more in-depth scale. That is good for both beer connoisseurs with more advanced questions and those who just want to understand the basics. The price is higher than most tours, at $20, but it comes with a private beer and cheese pairing. I had the pleasure of having one of these pairings at the Great Taste of the Midwest, and it doesnt disappoint. There is a type of cheese to go with every type of beer. New Glarus also has a tasting room if you feel inclined to stick around.
New Glarus Brewing Company 2400 Wisconsin 69, New Glarus newglarusbrewing.com Beer: Year round: Spotted Cow, Moon Man, Two Women, Black Top, Raspberry Tart, Serendipity Winter: Staghorn Octoberfest, Stone Soup, Uff-da, Fat Squirrel, Cabin Fever, Snowshoe Ale, Coffee Stout Specials: Imperial Weizen, Winter Warmer Tours: Daily, free, self-guided (Hard Hat 1-4 p.m. Friday, $20) Gift shop, tasting room daily
Wisconsin Brewing Company 1079 American Way, Verona wisconsinbrewingcompany.com Beers: Brown and robust porter, Amber lager, Session IPA, American IPA Tours: Daily, free Taproom and giftshop open daily
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A flight of beers at Central Waters. Photo by Jeremy Jones
hat can be a better place to unwind and take a break from work and chores than a Wisconsin craft or microbrewery? Beer is big in Wisconsin, and the expanding craft beer industry continues to show just how much people have changed from drinking simple lagers of macrobreweries and instead are exploring their palates with more diverse selections. There are over 50 breweries not including nanobreweries or brewpubs in a 100-mile radius from Dane County alone. Seeing the process and machinery used can be fun for the whole family, and most breweries will allow children on the tours if youre comfortable with it. But you can also take your significant other or a few friends to make a day of it, especially since many breweries are within driving distance from one another. Your Family visited six of these breweries, three in Dane County and three in the Stevens Point area.
Stevens Point Brewery

While it is a nearly two-hour drive, the trip to Stevens Point is worth it for those of us who enjoy trying new beers. Three breweries are within 25 minutes of one another, forming a triangle, and they offer a nice look into the craft beer industry. Stevens Point Brewery has a bottling plant, as well as a brewhouse and a tasting room. So you can learn about the other step in the industry many smaller microbreweries outsource. Stevens Point, in fact, has several contracts with other Wisconsin breweries to bottle others beer as well as its own. For $3, you also receive a free gift on the tour. Stevens Point Brewery 2617 Water St., Stevens Point pointbeer.com Beer: Year-round: 2012 Black Ale, Belgian White, Beyond the Pale, Burly Brown, Cascade Pale, Drop Dead Blonde, Point Amber Classic, Point Special Lager Seasonal: Three Kings Ale, Nude Beach, Oktoberfest, St. Benedicts Winter Ale Limited: Raspberry Saison, Russian Imperial Stout, Six-Hop IPA, Pumpkin Ale, Barley Wine Style Ale, Scotch Ale Tours: Monday-Saturday, $3 Gift Shop: Monday-Saturday
Central Waters Brewing Company

Central Waters Brewing Company, in Amherst, offers a free tour that provides some insight into how the industry is beginning to change. And not just with the rise of more types of beers. You can learn about sustainability efforts in the industry, too. Central Waters has two solar arrays that use hot water to heat the entire facility, which is starting to set an example in the industry as it goes green. Many other breweries are beginning to use the same concepts, such as buying local grain and growing local hops. Central Waters Brewing Company 351 Allen Street, Amherst centralwaters.com Beer: Year-round: Glacial Trail India Pale Ale, Honey Blonde, Hop Rise, Mudpuppy Porter, Ouisconsing Red Ale, Satin Solstice Imperial Stout, Shine ON Ale Seasonal: Belgian Blonde Ale, Octoberfest Lager, Slainte Scotch Ale Brewers reserve: Bourbon Barrel Barleywine Ale, Bourbon Barrel Cherry Stout, Bourbon Barrel Stout, Bourbon Barrel Scotch Ale, Brewhouse Coffee Stout, Illumination, Peruvian Morning Brand Stout, Y2K Catsatrophe Ale Cellar sessions: 1414, Exodus, Fifteen Tours: Friday-Saturday, free Tasting room: Friday-Saturday
OSo Brewing Company

With a bottling line, a brewhouse and a big tasting room at OSo Brewing Company, the $2 price for this tour is pretty low. You also get some free samples. As with all breweries, there are plenty of new seasonal offerings to try every couple of months, including limited releases and more Extreme Beers.
OSo Brewing Company 3028 Village Park, Plover osobrewing.com Beer: Year-round: The Big O, Hopdinger, Night Train, Rusty Red, Memory Lane, Hop Whoopin Seasonal: Third Wheel, Picnic Ants, Lupulin Maximus, O-toberfest, Doe in Heat, Dank, Dominator Tours: Saturday, $2 Tasting room: Monday-Saturday
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4-Season Fun!
by Scott Girard Photos courtesy of Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau he Wisconsin Dells usually conjures images of waterparks and tours in duck vehicles under the bright sunlight of summer. But the area offers plenty to do for a family looking to get away for a weekend during the long Wisconsin winter. Growing up in Madison, the Dells were always a quick and easy-to-plan trip when my family decided it was time to get away for a few days, whether that was in the winter or the summer, and over the years Ive made it there for entire weekends and short day trips. No matter how many times we would go, there always seemed to be something new to try in the growing tourist destination which now includes the village of Lake Delton. Thered always be a new slide at the Great Wolf Lodge, a new exhibit at one of the museums (the Tommy Bartlett Science Center was always fascinating) or an entirely new theme park, which made it a nice trip
Summers are busy at Wisconsin Dells, but winter can be a blast, too
to repeat over and over without exhausting of the exact same activities time and time again. While some attractions cost a bit more than others, the range of entertainment options and interests always helped satisfy any disagreements on what activities to partake in. With so many within such a small area, it was always easy for my family to go from one to the next to keep everyone happy.
Outdoor recreation
While the winter certainly may seem like a nice time to stay indoors with a cup of hot cocoa, just outside of the Dells is one of the best ways to spend a day outside during the cold at Cascade Mountain. The ski resort offers plenty of runs for skiers of all skill-levels. It of course also has lessons for those who like me dont have much skiing experience. The lessons are great, but if you need
them at the beginning, choose the hills you eventually go down carefully, unless you want to wake up seriously sore from falling a few times on a challenging hill. Its more fun to stay upright the whole time, or so Im told. If skiing isnt your idea of a good time, you can also try snowboarding or snowtubing, both of which are also offered at Cascade. If youd rather fly over the snow than through it, the Dells features two different zip line tour companies. Bigfoot Zipline Tours offers a two-hour experience over 20 football fields long as you fly through the trees and over the water (or ice) of Sasquatch Lake. The other option is to zip line through Chimney Rock Park thanks to Vertical Illusions zip line tours. With 15 consecutive tree-to-tree ziplines spanning almost a mile, youre sure to experience plenty of great scenery.
WISCONSIN
Indoor recreation
If you decide staying indoors sounds like a better plan, youll still find plenty of recreation and fun around the area. Just exit onto Wisconsin Dells Parkway and enjoy the sight of monster-sized waterparks, hotels and theme parks lining the roadway, from the Kalahari and Great Wolf Lodge right at the beginning to Wilderness and Mt. Olympus a little farther down. Or, if youd rather get away from the hustle and bustle area, try Chula Vista Resorts indoor water park a little further down the Interstate. Between the Master Blaster water coaster at the Kalahari (I highly recommend it) and the Mystical Tower Tube Slides at Mt. Olympus, along with hot tubs, water playgrounds for the kids and plenty of space to just lay around the water, youre sure to find something for whatever kind of weekend youre hoping for. I recommend the lazy river at Kalahari if you need a break from the more thrilling rides, as well. It has waterfalls aplenty and is a great way to both relax and keep entertained at the same time. Kalahari and Mt. Olympus also boast an indoor theme park, and just a few miles away is another pair at Knuckleheads and Wild Fun Zone. With the bumper cars and laser tag at Mt. Olympus, the climbing wall and go karts at Kalahari, bowling and an arcade at Knuckleheads and a virtual roller coaster ride at Wild Fun Zone, there are plenty of activities to stay warm and dry inside.
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Museums and entertainment

As one of Wisconsins biggest tourist destinations, the area offers plenty of quirky museums. Ripleys Believe it or Not Museum offers 11 exhibits that youre unlikely to find anywhere else, from King Tuts Egyptian Temple to the Temple of Discovery.
If the extremely weird or odd doesnt interest you, the Paint It! Pottery Shop offers a more classic arts and crafts experience, giving you a chance to choose a piece of pottery, paint it and have it fired in their kiln not to mention a great way to get all of your holiday shopping done in a fun few hours. From there you could head to the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory-Interactive Science Center for some education to go along with the fun. The museum offers more than 175 interactive exhibits, including music, robotics, virtual reality and more. While I havent been to the museum in years, this was always a favorite when I was a kid with a great mix of fun and interesting material, and I trust it remains that way. It doesnt end there, however, as the area also boasts a Wizard Quest, Top Secret: A Highly Classified Experience and The House on the Rock, with plenty of fun activities to go around. The Dells also offers a variety of live entertainment, from its two magic shows, the Rick Wilcox Magic Theater and Jeremy Allens Grand Illusions, to the Giant
Glockenspiel, which features a fun musical reenactment of the Pied Piper of Hamelin every half-hour, on the hour.
Food and beverage

The area offers a diverse set of restaurants and places for more adult fun. If youre a fan of local beer, be sure to check out the Port Huron Brewing Companys tap room, open Fridays and Saturdays, where you can try one of the brewerys four year-round beers or one of its seasonal offerings. If youd like to try a microbrew somewhere your children can also enjoy a unique offering, try Sprechers Restaurant and Pub, which has its popular sodas on tap as well. If theres a root beer fan in your family, it doesnt get much better than Sprechers in my book. If youre a family that enjoys a lastminute decision on food, just cruise around town and youre sure to find something for anyone, from an expensive steak to cheap pizza, for whatever mood youre in.
DELLS ROCKS
FAMILYFUN
The Stoughton Opera House offers a variety of events and concerts throughout the year, including public events by Opera for the Young, a Madison based group which aims to ignite enthusiasm for opera. Above is a photo from the groups presentation of Gilbert and Sullivans Pirates of Penzance. Photo by Jeremy Jones
A restored gem
30 years after beginning a major restoration effort, the Stoughton Opera House has become a top Midwest venue
by Bill Livick By now, most people in southern Wisconsin who are interested in the arts have heard about the Stoughton Opera House. But you dont have to be an aficionado of the performing arts to appreciate the historic venues beauty and character. You have only to step inside the auditorium to admire its rich patina of colors, all perfectly restored to the original 1901 design. Thats true for performers and concertgoers alike. Its one of our favorite venues in the whole Midwest, said Amanda Rigell, of the Madison-based folk group Count This Penny. She and her husband, Allen the other half of the singing and songwriting duo who founded the quartet love performing at the Opera House because it is intimate, warm and has wonderful acoustics. Were songwriters, you know, so its nice to play where people can hear the words and the music, she said. Thats a
really special venue. Basia Bulat agrees. The Toronto-based singer-songwriter, who performs more than 100 shows a year in Europe and North America, commented during her Nov. 6 show that the Opera House has the finest acoustics of all the concert halls shes experienced. But as long as the venue has been around, it was largely unused for about 50 years and has only in the past five years become a hot spot for regional and national performers. Part of the intimacy and warmth that draws major acts to perform at the Opera House comes from the personal touch that is apparent in virtually every aspect of the operation, from volunteer ushers seating concertgoers to the fact that its two staffers, Bill Brehm and Christina Dollhausen, are always on hand to field suggestions for future shows. Were not Ticketmaster and were not Overture, said Brehm, who has been the Opera House director since 2007. People will
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come to a show, and if theyre concerned about something, they can walk into an adjacent room and the only two employees are going to be sitting there and will be receptive.
Restored glory
The Opera Houses rise from relative obscurity to first-rate performing arts center began with its centennial celebration back in February 2001. The event not only marked 100 years since the venues opening but also was the crowning of a restoration effort that began in 1983. But for the first three or four years after opening in 2001, City of Stoughton officials didnt quite know what to do with the restored gem. Then Brehm and Dollhausen took charge of operating the 475-seat venue, located on the second floor of City Hall in downtown Stoughton, and within a few years were booking 50 to 60 shows a year. The Opera Houses income increased from about $100,000 in 2006 to $400,000 in the 2010-11 season. The most noticeable shift in the Opera Houses schedule began with the 2008-09 season. Suddenly, instead of 12 shows per year the venue was hosting 60 or more. Thats when we decided to push the limits to see how far we could go, Brehm said. Then the 09-10 season was when we started to push it really hard. He and Dollhausen made a conscious decision to ramp up the schedule both from the perspective of having to create revenue but also wanting to see it used in the best way possible, because we have a love affair with the Opera House as a venue, Brehm said. The goal has been to make the Opera House sustainable without our workload being such that its impossible to maintain, he said. Brehm estimated revenues of $600,000 in his budget for the current 2013-14 season, which will feature almost 90 performances. I think we could do a lot with more help, he said. But times are difficult. As much as the Opera House tries to make ends meet and be budget neutral, if one of us got hit by a bus tomorrow, I think wed be in trouble around here.
Continued on page 12
Events coordinator Christina Dollhausen and Opera House director Bill Brehm on stage in the Opera House. Photo by Jeremy Jones WINTER 2014 YOUR FAMILY 11
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GEM Continued from page 12

Doing more with less
Thats because despite having a cadre of dedicated volunteers helping with shows as ushers, Brehm and Dollhausen are responsible for almost everything else. Theres not a lot of redundancy between Christina and myself, Brehm said. Were completely reliant on each other to make this happen. They are responsible for every aspect of the operation, from scheduling shows to arranging accommodations for artists to running the sound and lights. The job is all over the board, explained Dollhausen, who has been event coordinator since 2007. We pretty much spend March to late June/early July booking acts. We run all the shows here. We advance all the shows, meaning we call the tour manager or musician and find out what they need to make the show run as smoothly as possible. Theres a lot of preparation with that the sound and lights and hospitality and hotels. All that kind of stuff. Dollhausen is largely responsible for putting together each seasons brochure. Its the Opera Houses main form of advertising, although word-of-mouth also goes a long way. Ultimately, coming to a show and telling a friend about it is the best way that anybody who wants to support the Opera House can, Brehm said. The word-of-mouth about what were doing here has been great.
House to its past splendor, with its original tin ceiling and fire curtain, which was repaired earlier this year at a cost of $29,000. We try to make something special and unique in this area, and there isnt another venue like this, Brehm said. It would be very difficult for either of us to go anywhere but here and work with any other venue because we both love the
space so much. Brehm and Dollhausen cant help but wonder how much more the Opera House could do with a larger staff running it. Out of curiosity, he once checked out comparable sized-venues, like The Grand in Oshkosh, which has a staff of eight and a smaller schedule. Economic realities aside, Brehm and Dollhausen arent complaining. Theyre proud of what theyve accomplished and thrilled at the thought of another season, which runs from September to June. Theyre also happy to work in the kind of supportive environment that the city provides. Recently, one of the performers said this is the nicest venue; you guys are the nicest people, Dollhausen recalled. I like working for an organization where I can be nice.
381 S. Main St., Stoug hton www.s tough tonop eraho use.co m To purch ase tickets : buy direct ly at the Box Office in City Hall, open Monda y throug h Friday, 9 a.m. -4:30 p.m.; or call the Opera House , (608) 877-44 00; or use Ticket Force , (877) 840-04 57.
Part-time Opera House employee Julia Blakie reveals the keys of a new clavinova piano that the theater acquired last summer. Photo by Bill Livick
STO UGH TON OPE RA HOU SE
Rising from the ashes

Built in 1901, the Opera House gradually slid into such disrepair that it was closed to the public in 1955. Back then, it was a nice auditorium, but had been painted a dull gray and showed none of the resplendent color it wears today. By the early 1980s, the neglected space had become dirty and dingy with brokenout windows and stacks of old files covered with tarps amid pigeon droppings. There was talk of tearing down City Hall, where the Opera House occupies the second floor. Instead a group of volunteers formed the Friends of the Opera House in 1983 and raised $1.75 million in private donations to completely restore the Victorian auditorium. Volunteers donated their skill and labor to install a new heating and air conditioning system, new lighting and a new sound system. The restoration returned the Opera
Pokey LaFar ge, Dec. 6 UW Russi an Folk Orche stra, Dec. 7 Stoug hton Cham ber Singe rs, Dec. 8 Wisco nsin Cham ber Orche stra prese nts Hande ls Messi ah, Dec. 14 Stoug hton Festiv al Choir and City Band Christ mas Conce rt, Dec. 15
UPC OMIN G SHO WS
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She and Brehm both mentioned a pleasant, observable fact about where they work: that a smile comes across the face of virtually every visitor to the Opera House, whether performer or audience member, when they first walk up the stairs and enter the historic space. Whats so special about it is not only does the audience get a great show, but the musicians get a great show too, Dollhausen observed. They really feed off each other. The musicians always mention how receptive the audience is and how good the sound is. It kind of goes both ways here.
From left, Blakie, Brehm and Dollhausen prepare tickets for a show. Photos by Bill Livick
Sensory learning, neuromuscular activities, and spatial awareness, otherwise referred to as,
The Little Gym helps children
reach their greatest potential. From 4 months through 12 years, classes promote development and build condence during each stage of childhood. Now Enrolling for 2014 Classes!
Fitchburg www.tlgmiddletonwi.com 608-442-0608 Middleton www.tlgmiddletonwi.com 608-836-3028
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Curl up by the re with some good books... Local librarians offer suggestions for your winter reading
C u rl u p
b o a o k h t i
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Breadcrumbs
by Anne Ursu
Bear Snores On
by Karma Wilson Tuck your children into bed this winter with their teddy bears and read the Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson with illustration by Jane Chapman. The story is about a sleeping bear, a blustery winter, and a handful of charming woodland animals. Author Karma Wilson uses rhyming text to create an inspired read-aloud. Dont be afraid to add your deep bear snores as you create all the character voices to bring the story to life for your children. Everyone will share a giggle with this heartwarming story of friendship. Oregon Public Library, director Susan Santner
Once upon a time, Hazel and Jack were best friends. But that was before he stopped talking to her and disappeared into a forest with a mysterious woman made of ice. Now its up to Hazel to go in after him. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersens The Snow Queen, Breadcrumbs is a story of the struggle to hold on, and the things we leave behind. Stoughton, childrens librarian Amanda Bosky
New Earth
by Ben Bova The first Earth expedition to a far star has arrived at a world so much like ours it is dubbed New Earth. But unbelievably, the explorers encounter humans already living there. As they investigate the new planet, more and more things seem just not right. Is New Earth really the paradise it appears to be or is this Paradise hiding a Hell of its own? Ben Bova is an awardwinning author of dozens for science fiction books. He has been writing since 1959. Stoughton Library, director Richard MacDonald
The Chaperone
by Louise Brooks No one in Wichita, Kan., was surprised at the level of success and notoriety the beautiful and unconventional Louise Brooks would achieve as a silent film star. Her reputation in her hometown was well-known among the citys residents. When 15-year-old Louise has the opportunity to travel to New York City for the summer to train at a prestigious dance school, the only obstacle is the lack of a chaperone. Cora Carlisle, at 36 years old and with her children grown and in college, is ready for an adventure and has her own secret reason for visiting New York. The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty is an engaging tale, combining the whirlwind of the Jazz Age and true events of the era with the compelling stories of these two very complex women. Verona Public Library, director Brian Simons,
by Pat Summitt (with Sally Jenkins) Sports icon and NCAA Division I womens basketball coach for the University of Tennessee, Pat Summitt looks back on what shaped the person she is today: life experiences, family, the wins, the loses, the game, the fight to protect the things that really mattered and her early onset diagnosis of Alzheimers disease. My memories are not so much made up of information, but rather of episodes and engagements with the people I love. The things I struggle with times, dates, schedules- are things you could as easily read on a digital watch or a calendar. But people and emotions are engraved in me. Sum It Up was a riveting read! Middleton Public Library, director Pamela K. Westby
Sum It Up
Winter Study
by Nevada Barr If you are looking for chilly adult murder mystery, consider curling up with a Winter Study by Nevada Barr. She is an American author best known for her Anna Pigeon series of mystery novels set in national parks in the United States. This bone-rattling cliffhanger of a story is set in the frozen Isle Royale in Lake Superior. You might want to read this with a warm blanket and hot cup of tea. Be sure to have the lights on. Oregon Public Library, director Susan Santner
FAMILYHEALTH
Shes pregnant, but what about Dad?

TO YOUR HEALTH
BY MARIO PIVERGER, MD
he joy of pregnancy can be one long roller-coaster ride for both the mother and father. But while our maximum focus is on the health of the mother to ensure that the baby is born with limited complications, doctors may overlook the changes that the father may be going through. Granted, the father is not carrying a newborn inside of him. But he is also going through a lot of pressure trying to take care of the mother. He could be overeating due to stress or to make the mother feel better, since she may be gaining weight by eating for two people instead of one. Dad may also put his daily exercise routine on hold until the baby arrives, thinking he must spend every waking hour looking after the mother instead of going out for a jog or a long stroll. I can fully relate to this. I gained a lot of weight and saw my exercise program fall off the rails while my wife was pregnant. It took me a while to lose my extra poundage and get back into my exercise regimen. But it shouldnt have to be that way. Aside from overeating and lack of exercise, Dad may also have sleep problems, anxiety over the mothers condition, depression, and he may go through other symptoms associated with pregnancy such as nausea and vomiting. Fathers with these problems may have a condition that researchers have called couvade or sympathetic pregnancy. Couvade comes from the French word couver which means to brood.` Past studies have shown that a number of men with pregnant wives have come down with pregnancy-related symptoms such as morning sickness and mood swings. No one knows why some men go through couvade and others dont. It may be triggered by the mans anxiety over his partners condition, but there is no medical explanation for it. Whatever the reason may be, it is important that men with pregnant wives or partners take care of themselves. It
is human nature to be worried and concerned, but the father wont be any good to his partner if he also doesnt do whats best for himself. Bad eating habits and weight gain can lead to heartburn and acid reflux, as well as increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes. Failing to exercise 30 to 60 minutes a day will reduce energy levels, increase stress and possibly lead to depression. Lack of sleep may result in sluggishness and sap the energy needed to take care of the mother or perform other necessary tasks, such as going to work every day. Perhaps the whole point of this is the mother and father need to look out for each other. If the mother sees signs that her husband or partner is suffering from these conditions during her pregnancy,
she should encourage him to seek medical attention. A doctor may be able to provide medication or offer other therapies to get the problem under control. Mom should also make sure Dad gets to the health club or exercises outdoors daily to relieve stress, keep his weight in check, and give him the opportunity to spend some alone time away from the worries of her pregnancy. A balanced diet that includes fiber and protein will benefit both the father and the mother. Overall, pregnancy is a three-way street involving the mother, the newborn and the father, and there should be emphasis on maintaining the health and well-being of all three. Mario Piverger is a family medicine physician at the UW-Health clinic in Fitchburg.
Upcoming Classes
Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Urinary Incontinence Learn about these sometimes dicult to discuss female issues with Dr. Christine Trautman, Gynecologist Tuesday, December 3rd, 5:30 p.m. FREE To register please contact Sonja at 873-2356 or pr3@stohosp.com Home on Your Own For children ages 9 and up who may be home for a few hours without an adult. The focus is on making wise and safe choices on rst aid, re safety and emergency situations. Saturday, December 7th 9 a.m. 11 a.m., $25 To register, call 608-277-8810
Trusted Health Education
As part of our mission, Stoughton Hospital is dedicated to providing quality health and wellness education to improve StrongWomen Exercise Program the lives of the people and The StrongWomen Program is an eight week exercise class geared toward communities we serve. older women. The class helps women maintain muscle mass, strength
and function as they age. The program instructor is Cheryl Baumel, a Certied StrongWomen instructor. The class will begin on January 7th and will meet twice a week - Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. through February 27th. To register for this class, please call Sonja at 873-2356 by January 3rd. The cost is $35 for the full 8 weeks. Space is limited so register soon. All classes will be conducted in the Bryant Health Education Center in the lower level of the hospital.
900 Ridge Street Stoughton, WI 53589
stoughtonhospital.com
FAMILYFUN
MORE than books

Danny Reischel enjoys time playing an educational computer game at the Sun Prairie Public Library.
Against the odds, libraries in Dane County are flourishing

by Seth Jovaag Photos by Jeremy Jones To illustrate how libraries are changing, Ben Miller tells a story about a kid who needed a haircut. Miller is director of Sauk Citys public library, which last year purchased a 3-D printer for $2,000, or about one-tenth the cost of one of the libraries microfilm readers. The goal was simple: the newfangled gadget could inspire more locals from teenagers looking to make Minecraft-inspired objects to adults curious about a tool theyd seen on CSI to come see whats new at their library. As Miller tells it, one enterprising teenager saw in the machine a practical solution to a vexing problem. For years, the boys mother had cut her sons hair with a pair of electric clippers. The problem was, the cheap plastic guards kept breaking. The boy tried finding replacement guards in stores or online, but no luck. If he wanted new ones, he had to buy new clippers, too. Enter the 3-D printer. After surfing the Web, the teen found some designs online and, after some trial-and-error, manufactured his own guards in the library, for free. That was pretty cool, Miller said. The story, Miller says, is emblematic of how libraries are rapidly evolving. No longer just repositories for books and newspapers
or silent sanctuaries captained by a bun-headed autocrat, todays libraries want to become community living rooms or third spaces in urban-planning parlance. They are noisy, bustling hubs of activity that host lectures, kids games, art exhibits and makerspaces, said Martha Van Pelt, director of the South Central Library System, which provides logistical help to 53 libraries in seven counties, including Dane. People want to use the library in a much different way now, Van Pelt said. I think libraries have tapped into that more now. Theyre becoming a more integral part of the community and not just a stand-alone building where I only go for books.
Something happening here

In the past eight years, seven new libraries have been built in Dane County. Another new Madison branch is slated to open next summer. All this at a time when the economy has wilted, bookstores have shuttered and many have pontificated that libraries lifeblood the free exchange of good, old-fashioned books was being leeched away by Nooks and Kindles.
FAMILYFUN
This begs the question: Werent libraries supposed to die? Hardly, Van Pelt and others say. For one thing, libraries flourished during the recession that started in 2008. Libraries offer free wi-fi, DVDs and how-to books, as well as advice on filling out job forms the stuff people need when times are tough. Circulation and foot traffic has risen steadily at almost every branch in South Central Wisconsin, Van Pelt said. Libraries historically become more popular when the economy gets bad, she said. But beyond that, libraries are recognizing that to survive and thrive, they must 1965 facility it replaced. But space thats open to the public including shelves of books to a teen-only area, private study rooms, a 250-seat lecture hall and an art gallery doubled to 80,000 square feet. The childrens area alone with its candy-colored chairs, murals and caves that include a peephole for kids to spy on a nearby elevator is a 10,000-square-foot paradise compared with a cramped secondstory kids area in the old library. The new facility is designed to engage visitors, whether theyre delving into a new hobby or launching a business, Mickells said. He told me about one guy he knows
New libraries since 2005
Its just a whole different concept. Its a dynamic environment, rather than a static environment.
Greg Mickells, Madison Public Library director
adapt to what their communities want, said Greg Mickells, director of the Madison Public Library. Mickells office sits on the third floor of Madisons Central Library, the newest, shiniest example of Dane Countys library boom. The $30 million facility opened Sept. 21. On its first weekend, it drew 6,000 visitors in 12 hours, Mickells said, a good start toward the estimated 1 million it will draw in its first year, or double what the old library averaged annually. Its easy to see why. Unlike the notoriously dingy facility it replaced, the new downtown library is sleek. Walls of windows brighten the modern decor. There are iPads for teens to check out, more than 80 computer stations (up from 31 at the old library) and a hip lab called The Bubbler where local experts can teach you how to paint, build websites, design clothes, make podcasts and more. The librarys floor plan illustrates how times have changed. At 120,000 square feet, its only 25 percent larger than the who is using the buildings free wi-fi, databases and study rooms to meet with new clients. Libraries are becoming incubators for fledgling artists and entrepreneurs. Its just a whole different concept. Its a dynamic environment, rather than a static environment, he said.
Madison Central Library Opened: Sept. 21 Cost: $30 million Size: 120,000 square feet Fitchburg Opened: June 2011 Cost: $14 million Size: 38,000 square feet Madison South Madison Opened: November 2010 Cost: $3.6 million Size: 12,000 square feet Madison Sequoya Branch Opened: December 2008 Cost: $6 million Size: 20,000 square feet Cross Plains Opened: July 2006 Cost: $3.3 million Size: 16,500 square feet Verona Opened: May 2006 Cost: $6.4 million Size: 33,000 square feet McFarland Opened: December 2005 Cost: $4.1 million Size: 18,000 square feet
Libraries on steroids
The same story is being told at libraries both old and new across Dane County. The $3.3 million Cross Plains library that opened in 2006 also serves as home base for the senior center, youth groups, the historical society and other nonprofits, said director Pam Bosben. We have to play all those roles now, she said. We make sure theres a place for everyone here. Continued on page 18
The $14 million Fitchburg Public Library opened in 2010 and was the citys first.
LIBRARIES Continued from page 17

The online calendar for Veronas $6.4 million library that opened in 2006 is packed with community events, ranging from adult classes on parenting or Medicare to preschool dances and a books n booze book club at a nearby restaurant. Educational programs in recent years included a massive dinosaur exhibit and a vintage 1880s-style baseball game. High school students this fall have been teaching classes inside the library about how to use technology such as iPads and Chromebooks. Van Pelt of SCLS points out that not all of this is new. Libraries have traditionally
FAMILYFUN
offered community programs and been a gathering place for young and old alike. The image of kids sitting cross-legged during story hour while parents browse the stacks is time-tested. And its in libraries DNA to be a welcoming places where everyone regardless of income, age, race or anything else can access information or simply find a warm place to while away a couple hours. But the age-old notion of libraries as community hubs is on steroids now, said Louise Robbins, professor and director emeriti of the University of Wisconsin-Madisons School of Library and Information Studies. For one thing, todays libraries are filling new niches left behind by the closures of bookshops, where many bibliophiles
We make sure theres a place for everyone here.

Pam Bosben, Cross Plains library director
used to sip coffee and browse titles, Robbins said. Libraries, in turn, are more often serving coffee or other treats or allowing visitors to bring in their own food. Unlike Starbucks or your corner pub, you dont have to spend five bucks on a cappuccino or brandy old-fashioned to be there, Miller points out. Secondly, new libraries both here and nationwide are enlarging childrens areas and meeting rooms and adding things like labs and kitchens for patrons to do more hands-on work, Van Pelt said. Case in point: Madisons renovation in 2014 of its Meadowridge branch on the citys southwest side will have a 3,000-square-foot community kitchen it will share with an adjacent neighborhood center, Mickells said. Dane Countys newer libraries are also built to be more adaptable, noted Jane Pearlmutter, an instructor at UWs school of library and information studies and past president of the Wisconsin Library Association. Staff can open small sections of a building but not the entire facility for popular after-hours events. Its an acknowledgment that heres a building the community can and should be using a lot, Pearlmutter said. Thats new in the past half-dozen years. Another first for Dane Countys 28 libraries occurred in 2011, when they collectively received a $350,000 grant from the National Endowment of Humanities to launch what has become the Beyond the Page endowment fund. Padded with $1 million in private donations, the endowment will dole out about $70,000 annually to county libraries to pay for such attractions as guest authors, workshops and traveling exhibits, said Julie Anne Chase, director of the Dane County Library Service. I think thats a game-changer in the ways libraries choose to do business and interact with each other, Chase said. This is relatively unique in the country.
Photo by Mark Ignatowski The Verona Public Library packs its schedule with community events that often fill its large community room (above, performing a childrens play) or its main hall (below, with a seasonal concert) to capacity.
Photo by Victoria Vlisides
FAMILYFUN
Teddy Reischel (center) spends some time on a computer with his father Ryan and brother Jackson at Sun Prairie Public Library.
Money matters
While federal grants are nice, they cover a tiny portion of libraries annual expenses or the millions spent on new facilities. Which brings back the question: Why are new libraries being built now? Each community is unique, notes Van Pelt. In Verona, for instance, the former library was ridiculously small for one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. Madisons central library was laughably outdated, too. Fitchburg is also unique. Before 2011, it had no library, even though city officials had talked of building one for nearly 20 years, said Mayor Shawn Pfaff. Fitchburg was one of just two cities in the nation to build a new library from scratch in 2011, he added. It took a community referendum and an ambitious, $3.5 million fundraising campaign to get the $13.5 million facility built during the height of the recession. At the time, many opponents questioned whether the city could afford it. A $1 million matching donation from Promega CEO Bill Linton didnt hurt. But taxpayers still had to buy into the idea that Fitchburg which lacks its own school district or distinct downtown needed a library to build a sense of community. I think the library will bring us together, Pfaff predicted in a connectfitchburg. com story on the eve of the librarys opening. Has that panned out? Pfaff thinks so. This is a building that will be part of our community for generations to come, he said in a recent interview. This year, the average homeowner paid $238 a year in property taxes or $20 a month to offset debt payments and operations for the library, said city administrator Tony Roach. Its not chump change, but Pfaff argues that for less than a dinner out a month, families are reaping the benefits. He said former opponents of the library have thanked the city for building what has become a selling point for Fitchburg. Continued on page 31
Library visits
Municipality (2012 Per visits) capita Fitchburg (211,276) 8.4 Madison (2,020,556) 8.6 Deerfield (20,436) 8.7 Sun Prairie (306,592) 10.3 Mt. Horeb (82,091) 11.7 Mazomanie (20,644) 12.4 Stoughton (157,065) 12.4 Waunakee (158,600) 12.9 Oregon (128,274) 13.8 McFarland (113,164) 14.4 Cross Plains (54,596) 15.4 Black Earth (23,894) 17.9 Middleton (377,218) 21.1 Verona (228,940) 21.1 Monona (162,690) 21.6 Belleville (52,053) 21.8 Cambridge (34,076) 23.3 DeForest (218,818) 24.3
Source: Dane County Library Service WINTER 2014 YOUR FAMILY 19
What employers want

Traveling all over to sell Dane County
With Paul Jadin aul Jadin has spent much of the past year traveling all over the eight-county region formerly known as Thrive to learn how to bring jobs to the area, which stretches from Portage to Monroe and from the Dodgeville area to the Jefferson area. The Madison Region Economic Partnership president spends a lot of time talking with business owners. The former mayor of Green Bay and the first head of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation has set a goal of making 1,000 visits with CEOs each year. Your Family magazine spoke with Jadin recently about Dane Countys family-friendly features, how CEOs look at family life and how much of a burden all that traveling is. YF: Dane County residents look at their area as being more family-friendly than most. Does this affect how you market the area? PJ: It does. Just about every region in the country would lead with that sort of thing. But you break it down into what family-friendly would mean. It would mean safe neighborhoods, it would mean active neighborhoods, it would mean good schools and it would mean significant activity parks, recreation, shows coming to town, sports and entertainment. That whole package is something that you lead with when you market your region, but when it comes to site selectors looking for regions, their burden is to eliminate regions to narrow down and exclude them. You want to make sure that it doesnt become a disqualifier. Were comfortable the Madison area is never going to be disqualified for that reason. But itll never be the one thing where a CEO says Ive got to be in Madison because of its family friendliness. YF: What are you hearing from prospective employers about quality of life here for families? What are we missing that families want? PJ: I think historically the only thing that this area has fallen short on is professional sports. Other than that, when it comes to parks and recreation, trails, lakes, quality
FAMILYLIFE
by Jim Ferolie neighborhoods and education, Madisons always going to be at the top. Thats not one of the top-tier things; its infrastructure, workforce, economic incentives. But even thats not in the top tier. People think (tax incentives are) big deal; if you dont offer them, youre conspicuous by your absence, but its (also) a tiebreaker. YF: What are the best things a kid going into college could be studying right now in order to assure himself or herself of a good job after graduation? PJ: I think information technology, science technology, engineering, math. Thats where the extraordinary need is throughout the country, and were not graduating enough people in those fields. The STEM fields. YF: Is our area well-positioned in that regard? PJ: Absolutely. Thats another area where we have a clear advantage, and I mean K-12 through graduate school. YF: Explain the K-12 part. PJ: In general, the eight-county region is well situated with the quality of education through high school. While there are some achievement gaps (between poor and welloff students) that the more urban schools have to address, we still have a very highquality education from kindergarten through 12th grade. YF: Is there something that jumps out about our educational system to employers? PJ: Its certainly higher education, and our anchor being the University of Wisconsin. Thats what sets us apart, but we also have four quality technical colleges and they are very responsive to employer needs. Thats been one thing thats really stood out in the past 10 years, their willingness to adapt to our skill needs. Also making sure that those people who got into the workforce are prepared. YF: Can you give an example of that adaptation? PJ: Statewide, youve seen it most in the area of welding and other blue-collar areas, opening classes to guarantee theres an abundance of workers available. In the late 90s you saw it more in nursing. YF: You talk to CEOs a lot about how their businesses work. Do they talk a lot about things like work-life balance and helping their employees have a good family life? PJ: Its a consideration mostly for the Millenials. What I mean by that is the CEO is going to want to make sure they can retain that 22-35-year-old (group), and so a vibrant community, an active night life, those sorts of things are very important. Everyones engaged in that to some extent far more than they were in the 80s, for instance. They want to make sure theres a camaraderie in the workforce, an esprit de corps. They want to make sure people have appropriate downtime, whether thats (time to) Google or a quiet place to work. YF: What do CEOs tell you is the hardest part of doing providing that? PJ: The investment, obviously. If its just a question of creating flexible hours, generally most employers now are able to accommodate that kind of concern. If its an issue of weve got to have a fullblown fitness center, obviously fewer of them are doing that, but theres till quite a few that have training on site. If its a question of organizing activities for workers, there are fewer of them doing that after hours. YF: Who has a tougher time finding family time, you or most CEOs? PJ: Today, Id say the CEOs, simply because my kids are gone. (Jadin has two sons and a daughter, the youngest of which recently graduated from college). YF: Would it have been tough to do what youre doing, with all the traveling, when your kids lived with you? PJ: My family time 15 years ago was very crimped, especially when I was mayor. (The demands are) probably similar. Its tough to compare to a chief executive role. YF: Now that your kids are gone, how do you keep everyone together? Make sure that weve got plenty of space. Most people who become empty-nesters think about downsizing. Weve got to make sure theres space so that when the kids come home theyre always comfortable. We try to travel in a way that makes everybody comfortable. I like playing football with my boys. Thats the most enjoyable leisure activity. They both played football. Every holiday we still play tag football with their cousins, and I quarterback.
FAMILYLIFE
What should your family expect to contribute?

PLANNING FOR COLLEGE
BY ROBERT DECOCK
arents often ask how much they are going to have to pay for college. And for most households, this is a rather mysterious process, how colleges arrive at their financial aid package, or whats known as an award letter. Each year your student is in college, the college will be told, at least initially, how much your household should be able to pay for the upcoming year. This figure is known as your EFC, or Expected Family Contribution. Most parents find that it is much more than they were hoping to pay, and for some, higher than they are able to pay. Colleges arrive at this number based on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Most commonly done online, this form asks a wide variety of questions from household size, income and asset amounts to question about business structure. These numbers are put into a formula determined by the federal government that results in your Expected Family Contribution. The importance of your EFC can not be overstated. It helps determine the availability of Stafford Loans and Pell Grants. In short, the more you are expected pay, the less advantageous loan package you will receive from the Federal Student Aid Program. One Middleton family, for example, recently made a mistake on its FAFSA the college didnt notice. By correcting the error, the college ended up giving them (in scholarships) an additional $7,000 -- money they do not need to pay back. For the college, it is one of the main points in determining not only need-based aid, but often to some degree the amount of merit-based aid (scholarships). In addition to grade-point average (GPA), determined interest and special talents, your EFC can be a factor. Experience shows two sides to the EFC. If it is low in relation to the cost of attendance, the college has more opportunity to fill your financial need. But if you appear wealthy, colleges are known to want to attract students from households with solid financial footing. After all, these are the families that often spend more on-campus and donate more. Knowing your EFC helps your family plan how much you should be saving and how. If you have an idea of how much you will be expected to pay, you can aim for that number. You also want to save in ways that do not make you look wealthier than you are. Each year your family has a student in post-secondary education, your EFC will play an important part in your familys financial life. The more you understand the makeup and impact of this number, the better your household will be prepared for what is ahead. For information, visit the Dept. of Education website at www.ed.gov. Robert DeCock is a Certified College Planning Specialist in Middleton who founded the Quest College Program (qcollegeprogram.com).
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FAMILYLIFE
Create a Yes and No list for success

THE ORGANIZED HOME
BY NanCy KruSCHkE MCKinnEy, CPO
his time of year there seems to be more activities, events, and people that want our attention: family / holiday activities and parties, volunteer opportunities, gift shopping, large meal planning / preparation, the list seems endless. Most of us also begin to realize that the year is almost over and ask ourselves: Where did it go? Did I achieve any of the goals I wrote down at the beginning of the year? What about the New Years Resolutions I made? Rather than getting caught up in what cant be changed, I encourage you to focus on the future and a different way to make decisions on what or where you will focus your time and energy. A strategy I use with my clients is encouraging them to do a memory dump. Write down everything that is in their head they have to, need to, or want to do. Yes, this takes time, but with all of that stuff spinning around in our head, it is sometime difficult to stay focused on the task at hand. Try using this strategy in a different way. Make a list of everything that could occupy your time, energy, and resources, then ask yourself the simple question: Do I want to do this yes or no? A fellow certified professional organizer, Lisa Montanaro, refers to this as an Absolute-Yes List and Absolute-No List. Similar to creating a list of pros and cons, you might want to have one page for No and one page for Yes items. As items pop into your mind, add them to the correct list. You might also find that you have some items that could occupy your time, energy or resources that are currently a maybe, so create a separate list for these.
The No List
The easy way to release or purge items that are holding you back from achieving success and open your mind to things youd like to focus on. These items may suck the energy out of you, take you away from core interests or make you feel guilty or maybe theyre just a waste of time.
The Yes List

Those items that you want to spend your time on or that youd love to try out, areas you know are an absolute yes and want in your life.
The Maybe List

If you are having a hard time deciding if it is an Absolute Yes or No, write it here. The goal will be to move the items on this list to either the Yes or No list. Make a decision. Get out of
the gray area. To paraphrase Montanaro, any strategy you choose to assist you in creating the life or career you want involves reflection and planning. Failing to take the time to prioritize means everything has equal weight. Take time to enjoy this process. It is not a one-time I did it and done. This is the beginning of potentially a new way to think about those requests, obligations, responsibilities, and to-dos. The list may need to be modified as you change jobs, responsibilities or relationships; there is nothing wrong with that. The Absolute-Yes list and Absolute-No list are a go to place to assist you in creating the life you want and in making conscious decisions. Nancy Kruschke, Productivity Coach and Certified Professional Organizer is the owner of Successful Organizing Solutions (S.O.S.) and author of the new book, WIN: 35 Winning Strategies by Todays Leading Entreprenuers. For more organizing tips, visit SOSorganize.net. Nancy Kruschke McKinney, Certified Professional Organizer and Certified Productivity Coach, is the owner of Successful Organizing Solutions (S.O.S.). For more organizing tips, visit www.SOSorganize.net.
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FAMILYHEALTH
Safety in numbers
Driving program aims to keep teens safe from bad habits
by Mark Ignatowski
Its no secret that distracted drivers are a hazard to themselves and others on the road. The problem is even more dangerous when the drivers have little or no experience driving. Distractions like texting and talking
on cell phones led to more than 3,300 deaths in 2011 in the United States. Thats why Teen Grasshopper took a cue from the commercial driving industry and is asking other motorists to keep an eye on new drivers. The company co-founded by University of Wisconsin-Whitewater student Christian Pedretti and UW-Whitewater alum Jordan Leahy aims to reduce the number of teen driving crashes by having parents more aware of what their teens are up to behind the wheel. Hows my driving? stickers will give a phone number for other drivers
to report unsafe behavior. Instead of the number going to a call center, the teen drivers parents will get a phone call. Heres how it works: You spot a teen texting while driving and the car has a Teen Grasshopper sticker Call (or have someone else in the car call) the number on the sticker and enter the unique PIN Get connected with the teens parent or leave a message about the unsafe activity Parents can then decide how to handle the offense. Teen Grasshopper
What: A real-time notification service that keeps parents updated on their teens driving habits Founded: 2013 by UW-Whitewater student Christian Pedretti and UW-Whitewater alum Jordan Leahy Cost: $90 per year Info: teengrasshopper.com
recommends having a contract between the parents and teens with safety rules. When the parent receives a call from another driver, the teen can, for example, lose points that can lead to them having their license suspended by their parents. Teen Grasshopper will be marketed to driving schools in Wisconsin, Pedretti said in an interview with Your Family. We hope to have Teen Grasshopper be nationwide five years from now, he said. But our goal is always is to prevent teen driving accidents. The company started in late June and is operated by the two co-founders and their friend Cynthia Zhao. Theyre in the process of getting the word out to driving schools throughout the state and have plans to present to clients of the Wisconsin-based driving school Just Drive. Parents can sign up for the program for about $90 per year the cost of a few gallons of gas per month, Pedretti said. Parents can find out more about the program by visiting teengrasshopper. com. The website was to include a video demonstration of the program, as well as information about how to purchase the service. Pedretti said the service wont stop teens from making bad decisions, but it will help reduce some of the risks by holding them more accountable. Driving is the number one cause of death among teens and we have so many distractions, Pedretti said. This is a solution to the ongoing problem its not perfect, but its going to reduce the risk.
FAMILYHEALTH
BY THE NUMBERS
387,000 3,331 21
People injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver in 2011
People killed in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2011, up from 3,267 in 2010
Percent of distracted-driving fatal crashes by ages 15-19 resulting from use of cell phones
11 percent
Drivers under the age of 20 who have been involved in fatal crashes reported as distracted-driving-related
10 percent
Injury crashes in 2011 reported as distraction-affected crashes

Source: distraction.gov
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FAMILYLIFE
Im getting married! Do I need a prenuptial agreement?

ESTATE PLANNING
BY DERA L. JOHNSEN
have many clients who get married later in life, after they have acquired significant assets. Sometimes, its after the death of a spouse or a divorce; sometimes, they may have simply waited to get married. That can make it advisable to keep your assets and those of your future spouse separate in order to ensure that your individual assets are ultimately passed to your children or other family members in the event of your death or protected in the event of a future divorce. But it can be a difficult subject to bring up. Rather than approaching a prenuptial agreement with your fiance(e) in terms of divorce, it is often much easier to explain the need for this type of agreement as an estate-planning tool to protect both sides of the family in the event of your death or even incapacity. According to Wisconsin marital property law, all spousal property is presumed to be marital property. If you wish to override this presumption, the couple must enter into a prenuptial agreement. One way to keep it flexible is to have
the agreement simply allow each person to control the character of each spouses property by virtue of title throughout your marriage. For example, it can provide that all assets titled solely in one persons name are that persons property and all assets titled in both names are joint marital property. Often, when you agree to make specific financial provisions for your future spouse, such as allowing him or her to reside in your home without paying rent for the remainder of his or her lifetime, or by purchasing a separate life-insurance policy on yourself and naming your future spouse as the direct beneficiary, you can alleviate some of the concerns that may initially arise with regard to a prenuptial agreement. In Wisconsin, there are strict requirements to ensure your prenuptial
Rather than approaching a prenuptial agreement in terms of divorce, it is much easier to explain as an estateplanning tool.
agreement is legally binding. Therefore, it is advisable to contact a qualified attorney to draft this agreement well before your wedding. Further, in order to ensure your assets pass to your intended beneficiaries upon your death, each spouse should also have a solid estate plan in place. Dera L. Johnsen-Tracy is an attorney, shareholder and co-founder at Horn & Johnsen SC in Madison.
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Dijon Pork Roast with Brandied Mushroom Sauce
Potato and Arugula Omelets
Vegetables with a Minty Lamb and Rice Stufng
Jammin Roast Potatoes
Potato and Arugula Omelets

2 1/2 Tbsp. unsalted butter 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil 4 ounces red-skinned potatoes, scrubbed but not peeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 4 eggs 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper 8 cups arugula, stems discarded and leaves cleaned, dried and coarsely chopped* 1/2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar 6 Tbsp. grated Gruyere cheese Heat 1/2 Tbsp. of the butter and the olive oil in a medium, heavy frying pan set over medium heat. When hot, add the potatoes and saut, stirring often, until light golden and tender, 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper. (The potatoes can be prepared 1 hour ahead; leave at room temperature. Reheat, stirring, over medium heat.) Whisk the eggs in a mixing bowl and season with a good pinch of salt and the cayenne. Place the arugula in another mixing bowl and toss with the vinegar. Place the Gruyere and the potatoes each in separate bowls. Have ready a ladle for adding the egg mixture to the pan. Add 1 Tbsp. butter to a 9-inch frying pan, preferably nonstick or seasoned cast iron, set over medium heat. Swirl the butter so that it coats the bottom of the pan. When it is hot but not smoking, ladle half of the eggs into the pan and stir with the back of the fork until they start to set but are still quite liquid on the top, 30 to 40 seconds. With the fork or a nonstick spatula, lift an edge of the omelet and tilt the pan to let some of the uncooked egg mixture run underneath. Repeat this two or three more times, working your way around the pan until the eggs are cooked but remain moist on top. Sprinkle half of the potatoes, then half of the cheese, and finally half of the arugula over the eggs. Let the mixture cook until the cheese begins to melt and the arugula wilts only slightly, 30 seconds. Using a nonstick or metal spatula, fold the omelet in half and slide it onto a plate. Repeat to make another omelet. Serve each omelet as soon as it is prepared.
Dijon Pork Roast with Brandied Mushroom Sauce

2 Tbsp. quick-cooking tapioca 1 leek, halved lengthwise, washed well, and thinly sliced 2 Tbsp. butter 1 tsp. minced garlic 1 1/2 pounds sliced white mushrooms 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper 3 Tbsp. good-quality brandy 2 1/2-pound boneless pork loin roast 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1/2 tsp. gluten-free seasoning salt 1/2 tsp. dried thyme 1/4 tsp. dried rosemary 1/4 tsp. dried oregano 2 Tbsp. heavy cream Finely chopped parsley for garnish Sprinkle the tapioca and leeks into the slow cooker crock; set aside. Warm the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the garlic, mushrooms, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir mushrooms for about 10 minutes (they will give off a lot of liquid and brown up nicely). Add the brandy and cook about 2 minutes. Transfer the mushroom mixture to the crock in an even layer. Do not stir. Place the pork into the crock on top of the mushrooms. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mustard, olive oil, seasoning salt, thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Use a pastry brush or the back of a spoon to coat the top and sides of the pork with the mustard mixture. Cover and cook 8 hours on low, or 4 hours on high. Transfer the pork to a plate. Scrape away any mushrooms from the bottom of the pork and return them to the crock. Tent the roast with foil and let it rest 10 minutes before slicing. Stir the cream into the mushrooms and sauce. To serve, spoon the sauce over top of the sliced pork. Garnish with parsley, if desired.
Send your favorite recipe(s) to aroberts@wcinet.com
Jammin Roast Potatoes

3 pounds potatoes 1 medium red onion, cut into 1/4-inch slices 1 medium yellow onion, cut into 1/4-inch slices 1 red bell pepper, seeded, deribbed, and cut into 1/4-inch pieces 5 cloves garlic, minced 1 habanero or serrano chili, seeded and minced 5 Tbsp. vegetable oil 3 Tbsp. Dry Jerk Seasoning (see below) 2 Tbsp. hot sauce 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1 tsp. salt Scrub the potatoes and dice into 1/2-inch cubes. Place the diced potatoes in a bowl and cover with cold water, and let them soak for about 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and spread them out on a towel to let them dry a bit. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Place the potatoes in a bowl with the onions, bell pepper, garlic, and chili, and toss them with the vegetable oil to coat. Mix the dry jerk seasoning, hot sauce, black pepper, and salt with the potatoes. Pour the potato mixture onto a baking sheet and spread out evenly. Put in the oven and, after 20 minutes, turn the vegetables. Continue baking for another 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are lightly browned and crisp (if they arent, continue baking and check them every 10 minutes). Remove from the oven, scrape into a serving bowl, and serve hot. Dry Jerk Seasoning Makes 5 Tbsp. 1 Tbsp. onion flakes 1 Tbsp. onion powder 2 tsp. ground dried thyme 2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. ground Jamaican allspice 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon 2 tsp. sugar 1 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper 1 tsp. cayenne pepper 2 tsp. dried chives or green onions Mix together all the ingredients. Store leftover seasoning in a tightly closed glass jar. It will keep its pungency for more than a month. 30 YOUR FAMILY WINTER 2014
Vegetables with a Minty Lamb and Rice Stuffing

Stuffing 1/2 cup basmati rice, soaked in water for 1 hour 8 ounces lean ground lamb 2 Tbsp. minced mint leaves 1 Tbsp. minced cilantro leaves 1 Tbsp. lime juice 1 tsp. finely grated garlic (about 2 large cloves) 1 tsp. finely grated fresh ginger (about 2-inch piece) 1 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. canola oil 1 tsp. sugar 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric 1/2 tsp. cumin seeds, finely ground Vegetables 1 large green zucchini 2 small red bell peppers 2 small, firm slightly unripe tomatoes 2 small Indian, Italian or Japanese eggplants
Dressing 1/2 cup water 2 Tbsp. canola oil 2 Tbsp. lime juice 1 tsp. sugar 1/2 tsp. salt Preheat the oven to 400 F. To make the stuffing: Drain the rice and mix it with the lamb, mint, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, ginger, salt, oil, sugar, turmeric, and cumin. Use your fingers to break up the lamb and thoroughly mix everything together. To prepare the vegetables: All the vegetables should be at room temperature. Slice off the ends of cut the zucchini horizontally into pieces about 3 inches long. With a thin, sharp paring knife, carefully core each piece all the way through, making a thin-walled, hollow pipe. Carefully take the tops off the tomatoes and bell peppers. Discard the seeds and pulp from the tomatoes. Cut out the seeds and white membrane from the peppers. Retain the stems of the eggplant and make an X on the bottom end of each by cutting two lengthwise intersecting lines without slicing all the way through to the stem end. To make the dressing: Whisk together the water, oil, lime juice, sugar, and salt. Carefully stuff each vegetable only 3/4 full with the stuffing, as the rice will expand when cooked. Place the vegetables in a single layer in a large, lightly oiled baking dish. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the vegetables, taking care to see that an inordinate amount does not fall into the tomatoes and bell peppers. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake, covered, until the rice and vegetables are tender, about 1 hour. Uncover the dish and place it under the broiler for a few minutes to brown just the edges of the vegetables. Serve warm.
LIBRARIES Continued from page 19

Fitchburg resident Bob Hillner concedes that point. In 2008, he opposed the new library, saying it would be too expensive. Five years later, hes on board. In the past, Hillner rarely frequented libraries, occasionally stopping at Madisons Sequoya branch on Tokay Boulevard. Now he uses Fitchburgs library six or eight times a month. I support it, Hillner said. People seem to use it quite a bit. Its a very nice facility.
FAMILYFUN
Its a very nice facility

Bob Hillner, on the Fitchburg library Getting value
While libraries compete for scarce municipal resources with vital services like police and fire departments, they are getting savvier at telling the story of how they are vital to cities, Van Pelt said. A widely cited 2008 study by NorthStar Economics Inc. of Madison concluded that taxpayers recoup $4 for every dollar spent on Wisconsins public libraries. Summer reading programs can also save school districts money by combating the summer slide, a phrase referring to how kids reading abilities regress during summer vacation, said Mark Ibach, the SCLS public relations director. And Van Pelt noted that new or revamped libraries have proven to be a shot in the arm for nearby businesses in cities like Seattle and Des Moines. Still, funding for libraries isnt rising. Staff must be adept at adapting to public tastes, whether that means offering more classes or online resources, Chase said. Dane Countys support for libraries isnt based on nostalgia for what libraries used to be, after all. Communities will invest in them only if they see the benefits libraries have to offer. Mickells agrees. If libraries are seen as warehouses for books and other materials, theyre bound for obsolescence. But if libraries are helping people find jobs, start businesses, publish books, learn graphic design skills or further their kids educations, the support will be there. We need to make our case that were a good return on investment, he said. From his third-story office, Mickells said he thinks residents and politicians are buying in. I think Dane County is doing pretty spectacular.
Fitchburg leaders hope their library brings the community together. Photo by Victoria Vlisides A youngster returns books at the Verona Public Library during last winter.
Gift Cards for Stocking Stuffers
6285 Nesbitt Road, Fitchburg, WI 53719
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OPEN DAILY DURING WINTER BREAK
Christmas Eve - Closed at 4pm Christmas Day - Closed
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FAMILYFUN
WINTER 2 014CALENDAR
Nov. 27 - Dec. 22 A Fireside Christmas, The Fireside Theatre, Fort Atkinson: firesidetheatre.com Nov. 29 Holiday Tree Lighting and Fire Truck Parade, Sun Prairie. Santa lights the community tree, horse-drawn wagon rides, hot apple cider and cookies, community band, dance, downtownsunprairie.com Country Christmas tree lighting, New Glarus: swisstown.com Nov. 30 Holiday open house, Middleton: Horse and wagon rides, carolers, tree lighting, Santa, visitmiddleton.com Dec. 1 Holiday Parade of Homes, Watertown: visit six decorated homes ready for the holidays, with a combination of historic and contemporary homes, watertowntourism.com Dec. 1-29 Holiday Concerts, Olbrich Gardens: Enjoy holiday music in the Evjue Commones each Sunday in December at 2 p.m., olbrich.org Dec. 5 Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, Wisconsin Dells: Train full of lights and musicians playing one of 150 free concerts along the route, wisdells.com Dec. 5-7 A Christmas Carol, Janesville Performing Arts Center: classic Christmas tale is presented on Janesville Performing Arts Centers main stage by Stage One, Inc., janesvillepac.org Dec. 6 Christmas Parade, Downtown Burlington: Santas Chalet opens after parade, caroling, live reindeer and cookies, burlingtonchamber.org Handels Messiah community concert, Dodgeville United Methodist Church: ruralmusiciansforum.org Dec. 6-7 Christmas in the Grove, Cottage Grove: Tree lighting, pancake breakfast, horse-drawn wagon rides, cottagegrovechamber.net Country Christmas, Cambridge: Saint Nicholas, strolling carolers, pet photos with Santa, cookie walk, live nativity, tree lighting, horse drawn wagons and more, cambridgewi.net Hometown Holidays, Verona: Tree lighting, chili supper, childrens theater, downtown shopping specials, veronawi.com Country Christmas, Spring Green: Tree lighting, fireworks, Santa, carriage rides, tour of homes, bazaar, quilt show, live entertainment, springgreen.com Dec. 6-8 Madison Symphony Christmas, Overture Center: Classic holiday music performances, madisonsymphony.org Victorian Holiday Weekend, Stoughton: Victorian-flavored weekend of holiday concerts, carriage rides, parades, shopping, events for the kids, performance of the Nutcracker Suite, arts, crafts, victorianholidayweekend.com Festival of Lights, Lake Geneva: Tree lighting ceremony, live entertainment including the arrival of reindeer and Father Christmas, shopping and more, lakegenevawi.com Caroling at the Cave, Cave of the Mounds, Blue Mounds: Hear unique acoustics underground with local choir groups, caveofthemounds.com
Dec. 7 Fair Trade Holiday Festival, Monona Terrace: Shop among over 60 fair trade vendors, fairtrademadison.org WinterFest, DeForest/Windsor. Dragons WinterFest Boutique, chili feed, horse-drawn wagon rides, craft fair, music concerts, petting zoo, ornament making and Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Midnight Magic, Mukwonago: Christmas parade, crafters and vendors indoor marketplace, music, pictures with Santa, horse drawn trolley rides, fireworks, mukwonagochamber.org Parade of Lights, Jefferson: Holiday floats, marching bands, music, caroling, jctourism.com Snowflake Craft Show, Edgerton: Holiday shopping, Edgerton Chamber Singers caroling, hourly door prizes and lunch, edgerton.k12.wi.us Christmas Card Town parade, Elkhorn: Approximately 100 entries from Southeast Wisconsin and Northern Illinois including floats, bands, media personalities, unique novelty acts and, of course, Santa Claus, elkhornchamber.com Holiday Craft Fair, Evansville: Shop for edibles, collectibles, folk art, pottery, hand-crafted items and more, evansvillechamber.org St. Nicholas Day, New Glarus: Lunch with Santa, kids crafts, etc., swisstown.com Christmas in the Village, McFarland: mcfarlandchamber.com Festival of Trees, Peppercorn Banquets, Monroe: Area charity fundraiser auctions trees, monroechamber.org Holiday Craft fair, Country Inn and Suiets, 400 River Place, Madison: mcfarlandchamber.com Beaver Dam Holiday Parade, downtown Beaver Dam, beaverdamchamber.com/pdfs/holidayparade.pdf Dec. 7-8 Satterlee Clark House Annual Christmas Open House, featuring spinning wheel, blacksmith, rug hooking, antique pump organ and more, Horicon, horiconchamber.com Dec. 7-31 Olbrichs Holiday Express, Olbrich Gardens: Model trains race around miniature landscapes among hundreds of poinsettias, olbrich.org Dec. 8 Kids Art Adventures, Madison Museum of Contemporary Art: make art from guided discussions of pieces around the museum, mmoca.org Childrens Holiday Party, Fitchburg Community Center: Santa, kids games and activities, arts/crafts, carriage rides, smores, fitchburgchamber.com Holiday Bazaar, Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Monona: Sample food and peruse and shop for hand-made jewelry and gift items, aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org MSOs Christmas Spectacular, Overture Center, Madison: Carols and other holiday music performed by the Madison Symphony Orchestra, madisonsymphony.org. Christmas Walk, Milton: Visit five historic homes decorated for the holidays, www.maccit.com Handels Messiah community concert, St. John the Evangelist, Catholic Church, Spring Green: ruralmusiciansforum.org Dec. 13-15 Holiday Light Show, Janesville Rotary Botanical Gardens: Garden paths illuminated by more than 300,000 lights for evening stroll through various themed displays, rotarybotancialgardens.org
Dec. 14 Jingle Bell Run, Vilas Park: Enjoy a 5k run/walk or a 10k run to benefit arthritis research, arthritis.org Childrens Christmas Party, Sun Prairie. This event at C.H. Bird School is hosted by American Legion Auxiliary 333 Holiday Open House at the Hoard Historical Museum, Fort Atkinson: Seasonal decorations, live music, light refreshments and local history, hoardmuseum.org. Beloit Janesville Symphony Holiday Spectacular: Holiday classics performed by the Symphony and sung by high school choruses, visitbeloit.com Pancake dinner with Santa, Monona Community Center, Monona: mononaoptimists.org/ Dec. 14-16 Madrigal dinner, high school cafetorium, Stoughton: SHS Madrigal Singers, the Singers of St. Cecilia and other musical groups provide an evening of entertainment during a multi-course dinner in a medieval atmosphere, stoughton.k12.wi.us Dec. 19 Charlie Brown meets the Grinch, Janesville Performing Arts Center: JPAC Radio Players present an evening of Christmas radio drama featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, janesvillecvb.com Dec. 20 Winter Solstice Celebration, Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Monona: Celebrate the solstice with a bonfire, crafts, seasonal snacks and more, aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org/ event/winter-solstice-celebration Johnny Cash and June Carter Christmas, Janesville: Tribute and journey through the life and music of one of the most recognizable couples in the world, janesvillecvb.com Dec. 21 Verona Youth Ballet Nutcracker Suite, Verona Performing Arts Center: veronayouthballet.org Dec. 22-24 Live Nativity at Bristol Lutheran Church, 6835 County Hwy. N, Sun Prairie. Dec. 23-Jan. 2 Vacation Day Programs, Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Monona: Fun day of learning and exploration at ALNC, aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org Dec. 26-28 Holiday Light Show, Janesville Rotary Botanical Gardens: Garden paths illuminated by more than 300,000 lights for evening stroll through various themed displays, rotarybotancialgardens.org Dec. 28-Jan. 1 Christmas and Midwinter Celebration, Folklore Village, Dodgeville: Ethnic dancing, crafts, music, storytelling, food, kids program, folklorevillage.org Dec. 31 U.S. Bank Eve, around Madison: Ring in the New Year with celebrations around Madison, including at Olbrich Gardens and the Monona Terrace. Rink in the New Year, Oregon: Ice arena open for public skating and hockey skills activities, oregonwichamber.com Jan. 1 New Years Day Dash, Quaker Steak and Lube, Middleton: Benefiting the Autism Society of Greater Madison, register at active.com
FAMILYFUN
WINTER 2 014CALENDAR
Jan. 4 Candlelight Ski, Hike and Snowshoe, Blue Mound State Park, Spring Green and Mirror Lake: Two 1-mile trails lit by torches one for skiers and one for people to enjoy, friendsofmirrorlake.org. Jan. 10-12 Home Expo, Monona Terrace, Madison: Visit with vendors and check out displays to spark ideas for your next home improvement project, homeshowcenter.com The Big Chill, Racine: State snow sculpting competition, arts and crafts fair, family activities, dells.com Jan. 11 Tiki Torch Toboggan and Campfire Cookout, Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Black Earth: Explore the hills and valleys of the Driftless area with tiki-torch lit trails and relax by a fire, aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org Jan. 12 Candlelight Ski, Lake Lapham Peak Unit - Kettle Moraine State Forest, Delafield: Just over 1 mile of candlelight skiing and hiking on the trails of Lapham Peak, lit with hundreds of glowing luminaria, then warm up by the bonfire, dnr.state.wi.us Jan. 17-18 Bald Eagle Watching Days, Sauk City: Birds of Prey shows, guided bus tours, wildlife photography seminar, Native American legends, aerial antics and family activities, saukprairie.com Jan. 17-19 Winterfest Veterans Rally, New Glarus: Parade, dance, music, run, auction, social gatherings, swisstown.com JanBoree, Waukesha: Family fun winter celebration, janboree.org Jan. 18 Isthmus Beer and Cheese Fest, Alliant Energy Center: Find the best Wisconsin has to offer in cheeses and beers and meet the brewers and cheesemakers behind the magic, isthmusbeercheese.com Jan. 18-19 Madfest Juggling Festival, Alliant Energy Center: Juggling workshops, demonstrations, competitions, madjugglers.com Jan. 20 Vacation Day Program, Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Monona: fun day of learning and exploration at ALNC, aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org Jan. 24 Central Wisconsin Boat Show, Wisconsin Dells: fishingboatingoutdoor.com Jan. 24-26 Monster Truck Nationals, Coliseum: See legendary monster truck champion Bigfoot battle it out with competitors, see the trucks up close and meet the drivers, monsternationals.com Jan. 25 Nordic Choir of Luther College, Edgerton: a premiere collegiate choral ensemble performs music from Scandinavia, janesvillecvb.com Music crawl, Belleville: Live music at various venues, belleville-wi.com Jan. 26 Lake Montesian Fisharee, Monticello: Prizes for most fish, largest, etc., monticello-wi.com Cabin Fever Fest, featuring a chili cook-off, poetry contest, demonstrations by the Scout troop, wagon rides and a snowball drop, Crystal Lake Park, Beaver Dam, beaverdamchamber.com Jan. 29-Feb. 8 Winterfest and National Snow Sculpting Championships, Lake Geneva Music, magic, food and refreshments and the magnificent snow sculptures, lakegenevawi.com Jan. 31-Feb. 2 Scandihoovian Winter Festival, Mount Horeb: Outdoor sports activities, bonfire, carriage rides, vintage snowmobiles, trollway.com Feb. 1 Knickerbocker Ice Festival, Lake Mills: Popular ice sculptures, Iceberg Open Golf Tournament and Ice Fisharee, chili cook-off, raffle, skating party, horse-drawn wagon rides and ice wine release. Feb. 1-2 Orchid Quest, Alliant Energy Center: Pretend youre out of the cold Wisconsin weather for a few hours with orchid displays, and even purchase one to take home, ohlbrich.org Feb.2 Jimmy the Groundhog Prognostication, Sun Prairie: Jimmy will arrive by fire truck to give his prediction, groundhogcentral.com Feb. 2-3 Lake Ripley Fisheree, Lake Ripley: 4 p.m. Friday through 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Feb. 7-8 Well Expo, Monona Terrace: Learn about local resources for healthy eating, weight loss, wellness programs and more, wellexpomadison.com Feb. 8 Polar Plunge, Willow Island at the Alliant Energy Center: Thousands jump into freezing water to raise money for local Special Olympics athletes, specialolympicswisconsin.org Feb. 8-9 Sturgeon Stampede Ice Extravaganza, Fond du Lac: Watch kiting and windsurfing on ice or snow, demo, swap meet, fdl.com Feb. 8-16 Sturgeon Spearing on Lake Winnebago, Oshkosh: If cap quota is met early, the season ends early. dnr.state.wi.us Feb 9 Cambridge Frosty Frolic, Cambridge: Wine and chocolate tasting, quilt show, outdoor activities, cambridgewi.com. Feb. 10 Norse Afternoon of Fun, Stoughton High School Norwegian Dancers: Authentic Norse costumes, Scandinavian dancing, music, bake sale, raffle, stoughtonnorwegiandancers.net Feb. 14-16 Zor Shrine Circus, Coliseum: See all the circus has to offer, shrinecircusinfo.com Feb. 14-23 Beliot International Film Festival, Beloit: tribute to the power of film and the excitement of independent film from around the world, visitbeloit.com Feb. 15 Jazz on the Prairie Festival, Sun Prairie: spbb.org. Art Thrives Gala reception, Cambridge: Semi-formal reception features live music, a silent auction, fine art gallery, visitcambridgewi.com/artgala.htm. Feb. 15-16 Madison Winter Festival, Capitol Square: More than 90 truckloads of snow are brought to Capitol Square to make for sled hills and snowsculpting for families as well as ski races, a 5K run/walk, a dog jog, winter-fest.com Midwest Continent Railway Snow Train, North Freedom: 55-minute trip on former branch of railroad, midcontinent.org Model Railroad Show, Alliant Energy Center: Over 90,000 sq. ft. of models train exhibits, merchandise and activites, nmra-scwd.org Feb. 16 Chocolate Extravaganza, Evansville: Annual event features best of local chocolatiers, evansvillechamber.org Feb. 20 Polar Plunge, Olin Turville Park, Madison: plunge into frigid Lake Monona to raise money for local Special Olympics athletes, specialolympicswisconsin.org Feb. 21 Vacation Day Programs, Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Monona: Fun day of learning and exploration at ALNC, aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org Feb. 22 Overtures International Festival, Overture Center: A day of food, music and entertainment from around the world, overturecenter.com Feb. 27 April 20 Mary Poppins, Fireside Theatre, Fort Atkinson. March 7-9 Canoecopia and Bike-O-Rama Sale, Alliant Energy Center: Giant sale of canoes and bikes, canoecopia.com and bikeorama.com March 15-16 Madison Kids Expo, Alliant Energy Center: More than 100 exhibitors showing products, and services in family health care, education, recreation, food, fitness, safety, entertainment and more, madisonkidsexpo.com March 21-23 Spring Swedish Dance and Music Weekend, Dodgeville: Workshops, dances, special guests, Scandinavian meals, folklorevillage.org March 30 Maple Syrup Fest, Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Monona: 1-3 p.m., Explore maple syrupping with guided hikes, pioneer and Native American demonstrations, tree tapping, sap boiling, syrup tasting, aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
If you have of an event to place in our calendar, e-mail yourfamily@wcinet.com

FAMILYCHATTER
What are your favorite and least favorites parts of the holidays?
Least: I think all the advertising and person of buying gifts, and sell, sell, sell and not really giving. Favorite: The family gathering, and of course the food. Charles Cobb, Verona Favorite: Seeing my kids open up their presents on Christmas Eve. Least: I stay away from the stores. The shopping. Darcelle Krause, Oregon Favorite: Seeing my kids expressions on Christmas day when they get gifts from Santa or friends and family. Least: The preparation. The anxiety that goes along with it, or preparing all the food. Nicole Sayre, Verona Favorite: Getting together with family. Least: All the commercialization. Jerry Dowden, Verona My favorite part is getting together with family and thinking about the true meaning of Christmas, with that being Christ. Least favorite: The commercialism of it, having Christmas decorations out before Halloween and having to buy so much for everybody and they forget about everybody who needs it the most. Rita Ihm, Stoughton My favorite part is Christmas Eve with my family followed by Christmas Eve Mass at St. Anns (church). Least favorite: All the work that goes into being prepared for Christmas. Shaun Kleitsch, Oregon My favorite part would be to celebrate the birth of Christ with all of our family members from all over the country. My least favorite is not having enough time to do everything you want to do during those couple of weeks. Bob Joyes, Stoughton My favorite part of the holidays is seeing my nieces and nephews and buying them presents awesome! My least favorite part of the holidays is all the travel and having no downtime. Katy Mullen, Stoughton
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2014 Your Family Winter

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2014 Your Family Winter

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WINTER 2014

Changing with the times

6 BREWERIES YOU CAN TOUR

Fun without sun at Wisconsin Dells

What do we all have in common?

by U.S. News & World Report

Sugar and spice and everything nice for the holidays

Mon - Sat 6:30am - 9pm, Sun 6:30am - 7pm

210 S. Main Street Verona, Wisconsin (608) 845-6478

Libraries continue to do real, lasting good

4 YOUR FAMILY WINTER 2014

YOUR FAMILY WINTER 2014

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

New program helps parents watch out for teen drivers . . . . . . . . 26

WINTER 2014 YOUR FAMILY 5

Take a tour and see how beer is made

Wisconsin Brewing Company

New Glarus Brewing Company

6 YOUR FAMILY WINTER 2014

A flight of beers at Central Waters. Photo by Jeremy Jones

Stevens Point Brewery

Central Waters Brewing Company

OSo Brewing Company

WINTER 2014 YOUR FAMILY 7

8 YOUR FAMILY WINTER 2014

Museums and entertainment

Food and beverage

GEM Continued from page 12

STO UGH TON OPE RA HOU SE

Rising from the ashes

UPC OMIN G SHO WS

The Little Gym helps children

WINTER 2014 YOUR FAMILY 13

Shes pregnant, but what about Dad?

Trusted Health Education

900 Ridge Street Stoughton, WI 53589

MORE than books

Against the odds, libraries in Dane County are flourishing

Something happening here

New libraries since 2005

WINTER 2014 YOUR FAMILY 17

LIBRARIES Continued from page 17

We make sure theres a place for everyone here.

18 YOUR FAMILY WINTER 2014

Photo by Victoria Vlisides

What employers want

What should your family expect to contribute?

THERAPY AND WELLNESS CENTER

400 North Morris Street Stoughton, WI 53589 608.873.5651 www.skaalen.com

FRESH Pasture Raised Turkeys for Christmas

GREAT GIFT IDEAS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Fresh Homemade Pies

6895 Paoli Rd., Paoli, WI (608) 845-3663

The only breakfast served in Paoli

Something for Every Occasion!

Complete Auto, Light Truck & SUV Repair

1324 Hwy. 51-138, Stoughton

Spread the Holiday Cheer!

Come See Our New Store Look!

GREAT GIFT IDEAS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

1-Year Anniversary Fall Preview

We guarantee our services.

Petite to Plus Sizes

Purchase $100 worth of gift certificates