Peggy Wester Real Estate Agent Ozaukee & Washington County Real Estate

Looking for a way to entertain the kids this Thursday evening, March 5?

Join the Florentine Opera at Weyenberg Library, 11345 N. Cedarburg Road in Mequon, as they perform Pinocchio. This touring opera education program introduces students K4 through grade 5 to the opera art form. The program, approximately 45 minutes in length and followed by a brief question and answer session, is set to the music of Mozart, Donizetti, Offenbach, Pergolesi, Sullivan, and Verdi. Its mix of song, dance, and drama helps its audience learn the importance of telling the truth and asking for help when needed.

This event is free and open to the public.

Still being rather new to the ActiveRain community, I continue to be "wowed" by the incredible source of ideas, thoughts, and encouragement this network provides each day. It seems that just when I think I'm the only one who's had to deal with a specific situation - either in real estate or life in general - I quickly learn that others have gone through the exact same thing and can offer some invaluable tips on how to best handle that situation. I always seem to "stumble" upon a post that seems like it was written just for me and am able to pick myself up and continue through the day.

And while I am appreciative of what I have learned from so many here, I am equally appreciative of the concern and support shown by those "outside" of the social networking world. Last weekend, while walking out of church, some past customers stopped me and asked how things were going. They said they know it's pretty bad out there and, "We've been thinking about you and hope you're doing okay."

Just a couple days later, I received a call from another past customer who called to say thank you for the referral I had sent her way to have some painting done. Before hanging up she said they think of me often and hope that business is okay with everything going on in the housing market and the economy overall.

It is humbling to me to hear words of concern from others. And it means a lot. I told both of these customers that while it can be challenging, I know things will turn around. I know we will all get through the tough times. I know I will accomplish the things on my 2009 "to do" list both in my business and personally. Everything will be okay.

My dad always used to say to us, "Keep smiling. Tomorrow is another day." He was so right.

Have you heard the news? It's a great time to buy a house in Ozaukee or Washington county!

The choices are many, and the interest rates for conventional fixed mortgages are currently hovering around 5%. This is a great opportunity for you to upsize, downsize, or become a homeowner for the first time!

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES CURRENTLY FOR SALE IN OZAUKEE COUNTY

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES CURRENTLY FOR SALE IN WASHINGTON COUNTY

Quite the supply, wouldn't you say? If you've been thinking about buying a home and are planning on staying in that home for more than just a couple years, this could be the right time. Start by talking to your lender about your financing options and which one might be the best for you. The American Dream can become a reality for you. All you have to do is take the first step.

Information is supplied by Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of 01/07/09

There's lots of holiday fun throughout Ozaukee County this week. Here is just a taste of the festivities happening right now:

Christmas in the Country & Wisconsin Quilt Museum Cookie Fundraiser, Cedarburg, December 4-7: The Christmas in the Country folk and fine arts fair and show takes place at the Cedar Creek Winery (Bridge Rd & Washington Ave). Hours for the show are 5-8pm December 4, 10am-8pm December 5, 10am-5pm December 6, 1-4pm December 7 and costs just $5 on Thursday and $3 for Friday through Sunday. During this same time, a cookie fundraiser for the Wisconsin Quilt Museum will be held at the Cedar Creek Settlement and Cedarburg Cultural Center. In addition to cookies, nuts and candies will be sold.

Holiday Art Fair, Cedarburg, December 5 & 6: The Cedarburg Artists Guild is holding an art fair from 10am-8pm on December 5 and 10am-5pm on December 6 at the Cedarburg Community Gym (on Washington Ave). Admission is free. You will be able to purchase jewelry, photos, paintings, ceramics, glass work, baskets, wearable art and baked goods as well as much more. Live musical entertainment will be provided by the Cedarburg High School music department.

"Blessings from Our Tables" Food Tasting, Port Washington, December 7: Christ the King Lutheran Church will be preparing foods from their "Blessings from Our Tables" cookbook (available for just $5) from 10:30am - 12pm on Sunday, December 7th. You can purchase the cookbook during the tasting.

For more information on Ozaukee County events or if you have an upcoming event that you would like featured here, please feel free to contact me.

After nearly two years of nail-biting discussions, the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust recently finalized a deal to purchase the Squires Country Club, which has operated as a golf course since 1930. This 143-acre parcel of land lies primarily in the town of Belgium, with some acreage overlapping into the town of Port Washington. At one point, the Land Trust almost lost their bid to a land developer, but were able to start negotiations again after that deal fell through. The Land Trust believes it will take anywhere from four to five years to restore the golf course to its original natural state. Some of the buildings (including the clubhouse and some sheds) will stay on the land for use as meeting places for the trust as well as a place for other organizations to utilize. The land's access to Lake Michigan makes it a great place for visitors to launch a kayak or spend the day enjoying the water. While there are plans to allow trails for hiking, the land will remain primarily untouched once it is returned to its natural state so that the animals that inhabit the area, including migratory birds, have a place to live. It's also considered a win for the public to be able to enjoy the land's natural beauty as well as have natural access to Lake Michigan.