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Instead of sugar plums dancing in his head, Mark Janowiak had visions of Limburger when he came up with the concept for a New Glarus project called Books for Kids. But since it takes more than the wave of a magic wand to turn Limburger into reading material, here’s the story: Mark is a member of New Glarus Vision, an umbrella organization that provides nearly a dozen smaller community groups with the framework necessary to operate as non-profits. With insurance and by-laws in place under the umbrella, the individual groups are then able to devote all their efforts to fund raising and development of their specific focus – whether sports boosters, music boosters, or others. About three years ago, New Glarus Vision decided to take on its own project. With summer traditionally being a time that students lose focus on core skills like reading, the group decided to spearhead “Books for Kids” to put age-appropriate books into the hands of kids leaving school for summer vacation. New Glarus Vision worked with the staff at New Glarus Library on ideas, and came up with a plan to let kids choose some favorites to take home and keep. With a plan in place, funding was needed to support the project. Here’s where the Limburger comes in… Back in the early days, factories in Green County were mainly producing Limburger, Swiss and Brick cheese. But today, Chalet Cheese Co-op stands alone as sole producer of Limburger in

the entire United States. If you’re at all familiar with Limburger, you already know about the fragrance. Connoisseurs also know that as it ages, the cheese itself becomes softer. So soft, that it could nearly slide right onto a slice of rye bread. Add onion and mustard, and now you’ve got yourself a real Limburger Slider! New Glarus Vision’s Limburger Slider booth made its debut at New Glarus Oktoberfest in 2013. It wasn’t just the aroma drawing in hard core Limburger lovers and curious foodies alike; it was also the appearance of those staffing the booth. Mark, Jim Salter, John Wright and others came up with the affectionately goofy costumes (blonde braids, alpine attire) of the “Heidi Men.” Some volunteers also sport luxurious mustaches as "The Tony Girls", in honor of Swiss native and yodeler Tony Zraggen of Alp and Dell Cheese in Monroe. The concept began with a phone call from New Glarus native Beth Luchsinger to Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker Myron Olson at Chalet Cheese Co-op. Olson embraces the project along with the love and pride that local folks have in showcasing Green County’s signature cheese. In addition to events in New Glarus, the group has hosted a booth at Green County Cheese Days in Monroe, turning a love of fun and Limburger into a book to go home with each elementary school student as they walk out the door at the end of the school year.

New Glarus Woods is a 435-acre property offering camping and a paved spur to the Sugar River State Trail. The park has several hiking trails, including the interpretive "Bison Trail" featuring a life-size Bison on the prairie. A very special highlight of the park is the bird's eye view from a boardwalk constructed at canopy level of the trees in the woods. It was designed so that people of all ages and abilities - wheelchairs, walkers, and children - can have access. The boardwalk and observation deck are among the many projects championed by the Friends of New Glarus Woods, an advocacy group dedicated to preserving and promoting the natural resource assets of the park. Visit their website for details on family-friendly events.

608.527.2335 newglaruswoods.org

NEW GLARUS VISION'S "HEIDI MEN"

NEW GLARUS WOODS STATE PARK

Tours of fourteen historic buildings – showcasing Green County’s Swiss heritage and rural/small town life. Swiss Historical Village & Museum

Our hand-tossed pizzas begin with dough made daily. Our cheese is hand-crafted from our local Silver Lewis Cheese Cooperative.

✔ Pizza, pastas, sandwiches, salads, wings, appetizers ✔ Delightful, casual dining seating 175 on two floors ✔ Relax around two outdoor firetables on our patio along the bike trail ✔ Serving over 100 micro brews and fine wines ✔ Big Screen TV ✔ FREE wifi

Open May 25 through Oct. 15: 10 am - 4 pm daily (Also special weekend hours in May - check website for details) swisshistoricalvillage.org 612 7th Ave., P.O. Box 745 New Glarus, WI 53574 (608) 527-2317 Group tours and buses welcome by appointment

700 Railroad Street (Next to the bike trail, one block south of the post office.) 608.527.5000 sugarriverpizza.com

Delivery … Take-out … Dine-In … Catering

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