About Ozaukee County, WI

Looking for a place to donate clothes you no longer wear or items such as furniture, electronics, and housewares? Or are you looking for some gently used furniture, electronics, household items or clothes for yourself or your family?

Goodwill is hoping to open a retail and drop-off location in Grafton! If all goes as planned, the store should be opening in June, and will be located in the former Sears building on Wisconsin Street, just a short distance south of Highway 60/Washington Avenue. This is a great addition to the community as this will be the only location in Ozaukee County.

If you're not familiar with Goodwill, they are a non-profit organization with headquarters in Milwaukee that assists youth, seniors, veterans and military families, immigrants, and people with disabilities, criminal backgrounds and other special needs in securing employment and becoming and staying a contributing member of society. You can learn all about their mission, services, and opportunities by visiting their website, goodwill.org.

I don't ever remember walking along the beach or strolling around the quarry at Harrington Beach State Park in the middle of the winter. But this winter is different.

So far this year, we've had minimal snow and unusually warm temps. Today we made it into the 50s. Add bluer than blue skies, a breeze out of the west, and the golden sun, and you have the makings of the perfect day to play hooky from work.

So that's what I did -- at least for part of the day. I couldn't resist.

If you haven't been to Harrington you should take some time to visit. Located in Belgium, just 25 minutes or so north of Milwaukee, this state park offers year-round activities including camping, fishing, cross country skiing, and hiking.

This is the place we'd go to as kids for some summer fun, whether we biked there from home or drove down with the entire family piled into our old green Dodge on a Sunday afternoon.

No matter the season, there is awe everywhere you look. It's the perfect place to go when you want to play hooky for the day.

Looking for some winter fun in a community full of charm? Then plan on spending some time at Cedarburg's Winter Festival February 4 and 5.

These two days are full of a variety of events and activities for all ages including the Ice-Burg Open Golf Tournament, Co-Ed Sno-Ball Tournament, a dog weight-pull competition (NEW THIS YEAR!), costumed bed races on Cedar Creek, a parade, barrel races, and snowshoeing. Enjoy a pancake breakfast on Sunday along with an egg hunt. And don't forget to allow enough time to stroll through and enjoy the many shops and restaurants Cedarburg has to offer.

Cedarburg is located about 20 minutes north of Milwaukee and is best know for its old-world charm, unique shops, great restaurants and a variety of special events and festivals throughout the year.

So bundle up and come check out Cedarburg this coming Saturday and Sunday!

As I write this, the beginnings of a snowstorm are happening outside. It's bitter cold and those fine snowflakes are falling. You wouldn't think this would be the time of year for a farmers market in Wisconsin -- but it is!

Beginning Saturday, January 28, and continuing the last Saturday of each month through May, is the Port Washington Winter Farmers Market. What sorts of goodies will be sold at this event?

You will find beef, pork, yellow perch, bread, lettuce, preserves, sorghum and honey, maple syrup, chips and dips, butter, cheese and yogurt will be available -- and everything is locally grown or produced!

The market is held at First Congregational Church, 135 North Webster Street from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and it is sponsored in parntership with the First Congregational Church Sustainability Committee, Port Washington Main Street and PortFish LTD.

Be sure to make a note in your calendar to check out Port Washington's Winter Farmers Market and support our local farmers!

Riveredge Nature Center in Newburg is offering a snowshoe hike night on Saturday, January 21. The nature center is located at 4458 Highway Y, and the cost for this event is $7 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. If you are a member of the center, the cost for adults is $5 and children is $4.

This experience is great for all ages as you learn about the active creatures after dark and enjoy the natural beauty of this gem in Ozaukee County.

Snowshoes will be provided by Riveredge, or you can bring your own. If there's not enough snow to snowshoe, there will still be a regular hike. Be sure to dress appropriately, including insulated boots. Hot beverages will be available after.

Call for a reservation -- 262-375-2715 -- as space is limited.