Green County 2020 Guide

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SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF THIS

For more information: dlmra.org/things-to-do JULY 25 Amish Quilt Auction featured events 2020 n featured events 2020 For more events see the calendar at the back of the guide, and for the latest updates follow "Village of Albany" on Facebook. “Return on investment” doesn’t usually come up when you’re talking about a charity. But listen to this success story: Twenty-five years ago, four churches in Albany each put $25 toward rent so a group of volunteers could open a thrift and resale store. Today, the proceeds from that store result in gifting back to the local community in the amount of $15,000 to $20,000 each year! Benefactors have included Albany Fire and EMS, Albany Historical Society, Belleville Food Pantry, Green Cares Food Pantry, local churches, and Shop with a Cop, to name a few. Jim Graves, president of the Albany Thrift Store, says that the mission of the organization has always been to own a store location rather than continuing to pay rent. That mission was achieved this year, when they moved to their new home in the former Lutheran church. “We worked with the Lutheran Synod and they were more than reasonable with the price,” says Jim. “They understand community and what giving is all about.” Albany Thrift Store’s new digs offer more space in a visible, stand- alone location, with plenty of parking. A playroom will be added so kids can stay busy while adults shop. The store is sponsored by Albany Lutheran Church, Albany United Methodist Church, Hilltop Community Church, and St. Patrick's Catholic Church. A small group of dedicated volunteers take in the donations (no furniture and no appliances are accepted) and run the store. Among them is Lillian. Just Lillian. Like famous entertainers Pink, or Cher – no last name is needed. Lillian turned 100 last year. She carpools in with some other volunteers from the Belleville area. Shoppers come from all over, and business is brisk. With no more rent to pay, the Albany Thrift Store is ready to generate even more – for those in need. THRIFTY FOR A CAUSE MARCH 21 EMS Fundraiser JUNE 20 GAP Church Rummage Sale MAY 9 Fireman's Fundraiser APRIL 18 Community Garage Sales JUNE 28 Lions Car Show MAY 22-25 Yesteryear's Weekend

SUGAR RIVER STATE TRAIL The Sugar River State Trail follows the route of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad. Due to the thousands of pounds of cheese that were being shipped from the area, trains using the line were called the Limburger Special. From New Glarus, the trail crosses 14 trestle bridges over the Sugar River and its tributaries as it rolls southeast 24 miles, connecting the communities of Monticello, Albany, and Brodhead. Along the way you’ll travel through farmland, woods, meadows, rocky bluffs, and remnant prairies. Between Monticello and Albany, the trail shares a section of the Ice Age Trail, a hiking path spanning 1,200 miles across the state. An intersection with the Badger State Trail is just east of Monticello. A three-mile stretch of the Sugar River Trail passes through the Albany Wildlife Area, where seasonal hunting is allowed. At mile 14, the trail crosses the Sugar River on a long, curved bridge. At mile 21 (just north of Brodhead) the trail passes through the Clarence Covered Bridge. Trail users include bikers, hikers, geo- cachers and snowmobilers.

SUGAR RIVER Recreation on the Sugar River got a little bit sweeter last year when local water enthusiasts took on a project to mark off a canoe and kayak trail. Twenty landing stations were designated starting in Harrison, Illinois (where the Sugar River meets up with the Pecatonica River) and continue north through all of Green County to Belleville. Wooden kiosks mark each landing. Each includes a map with a you are here location, estimated paddling time to the next landing, and information on the wildlife sharing the river corridor. You'll also find visitor tips, like the river from Attica to County EE can be challenging due to low water, or watch out for tuber traffic in the summer. The waterway trail project was led by volunteers with Brodhead’s Decatur Lakes Mill Race Association.

For more information: 608.527.2335 or dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/sugarriver

AUGUST 16 GAP Church Hymn Sing

AUGUST 1 Lions Club Pig Out

AUGUST 30 FFA Alumni Tractor Show

N7298 CR-X Albany, Wisconsin (608) 862-3272

Attica Bar Along the beautiful Sugar River

✰ Fun atmosphere with live music, raffles and special events - like our 4th annual Turkey Testicle Festival! ✰ Bring a canoe, kayak, or tube to explore the river.

Volunteers Kathy Loften and Eunice Clark

OCTOBER 2-4 Pop's Country Barn Sale

DECEMBER 5 Sugar River Christmas

Albany Thrift Store is located at 601 N. Mechanic Street. Hours are Monday through Friday 9:30 AM - 4 PM and Saturday 9 AM - 2 PM. All funds above and beyond those necessary to operate the store are designated for charitable causes.

✰ Large outdoor, pet-friendly deck area. ✰ Watch the big game on the big screen. ✰ Daily menu specials - house made pizza, prime rib sandwiches, tacos and more.