August 28, 2009

First Time Home Buyer $8000 Tax Credit

Posted to Janet Giovannetti

Time is running short for first-time buyers to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Qualified buyers who purchase a principal residence between January 1 and December 1, 2009 are eligible, but the time to find a property, apply for the mortgage and navigate the closing process, can be a 60 to 90 day process emphasizing the necessity to move quickly.

We are finding that Lake Geneva area sellers have adjusted their expectations about selling price and local lenders continue to offer very attractive rates for qualified buyers. Reports indicate that property values in Walworth County rose 2.6% in the last year and while housing sales are lower than 2008, they are now declining at a slower pace. On the national level, new home sales rose nearly 10% in July, higher than government analysts predicted. The Dow Jones has shown a slow but steady rise and economists are pointing to signs that the economy may be recovering.

September 1, 2009 marks 90 days until the expiration of the tax credit. Buy your first new home before time runs out!

Check this link for more details about the first time buyer tax credit:

Posted by:Janet Giovannetti



August 27, 2009

Prancing Carousels and Maxwell Street Days

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Janet Giovannetti

If you haven’t had the opportunity to browse through the shops and enjoy the sights and sounds of Lake Geneva, there are two great reasons to do so this weekend. Friday, the 28th, marks the first of three Maxwell Street Days in the downtown area. Featuring sidewalk displays, shops will offer great bargains on all manner of goods throughout the weekend.

While you’re shopping for that great bargain, be sure to take notice of the decorated horses on display along the lakefront and in many of the businesses in Lake Geneva. Patterned after the “Cows on Parade” event in Chicago, Prancing Carousels is an outdoor art exhibit featuring 67 life-sized and 41 table-top fiberglass carousel horses painted and modified by local artists. The exhibit will culminate in a live auction on September 19, 2009 at the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa. Proceeds from the auction will benefit S.M.I.L.E.S. or Special Methods in Learning Equine Skills.

The group’s mission statement reads, “SMILES transcends traditional therapeutic methods by offering challenged individuals of all ages the joy of participating in an equine assisted program which provides social, emotional, physical, and personal rewards.” Founded 25 years ago the program serves 350 students assisted by 10,000 hours of service from 450 volunteers.

Posted by:Janet Giovannetti



August 25, 2009

Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy, Williams Bay

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Geneva Lake Area , Janet Giovannetti, Williams Bay, WI

For me, Labor Day marks the end of the lazy days of summer and always serves to remind me of the things I’ve been meaning to do but haven’t yet done. I vow each spring to enjoy all the outdoor amenities the lakes area has to offer, and each fall I find I haven’t swum, hiked, boated, gardened, or just plain basked in the warmth long enough. I’ve just added one more item to my list.

This Friday, August 28th marks the last guided tour of the summer through the Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy in Williams Bay. Kishwauketoe is the Potawatomi Indian word for “sparkling waters”. In 1989, in response to threats of development, the Village of Williams Bay purchased this 230 acre parcel and created the conservancy to “insure the protection of this fragile (Geneva Lake) shore land-wetland area for future generations.” The natural filtration capability of the wetlands cleanses runoff waters and protects the “sparkling waters” of Geneva Lake.

Kishwauketoe has a variety of ecosystems and offers over 4 miles of groomed trails, a boardwalk and viewing pavilion to enjoy the flora, fauna, and all the sights and sounds nature has to offer. So bring a bottle of water, wear comfortable shoes and show up at 9:00 a.m. at the Highway 67 entrance. Enjoy!

Posted by:Janet Giovannetti



August 18, 2009

Entering Delavan Lake Watershed

Posted to Delavan, Geneva Lake Area , Janet Giovannetti

You may have seen these signs if you’ve driven near Delavan Lake. They mark the efforts of the Delavan Lake Improvement Association, Delavan Lake Sanitary District, and the Kettle Moraine Land Trust to indicate the area where water begins to find its way to Delavan Lake. Why is this important?

  1. Because Delavan Lake is what the Department of Natural Resources terms a “drainage lake”, with an inlet and outlet, so that underground water patterns and above-ground runoff have a crucial effect on the quality of the lake. And,

  2. Because a healthy lake is good for the environment and for the economy of the Delavan area.

Initially, the organizations will identify the most crucial areas, such as creeks and streams which drain into the lake. The Kettle Moraine Land Trust is working with landowners to place conservation easements on their property in order to maintain open space and encourage healthy lake practices. And the three groups will continue to educate the public about the importance of a healthy watershed. As association member Marilee Host has said, “Our goal is for people to become aware that what they do in their everyday lives within the watershed will impact Delavan Lake.”

Be kind to your lake!

Posted by:Janet Giovannetti



August 17, 2009

47th Venetian Festival, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Geneva Lake Area , Janet Giovannetti

This year marks the 47th Venetian Festival held in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Beginning Wednesday, August 19th and running through Sunday, August 23rd, the event offers fun for people of all ages. Carnival rides and activities kick off the event and a different musical group is featured each evening in the beer tent. The craft fair and brat stand open Saturday, and Sunday offers the water ski show, lighted boat parade and fireworks which can be viewed anywhere along the lakefront.

Sponsored by the local Jaycees, the event is the result of hundreds of hours of volunteer service and coordination with the City of Lake Geneva. Groups such as the American Legion Frank Kresen Post 24, Lake Geneva Lions Club, Geneva Lake Women’s Association, the Geneva Lake YMCA, Lakeland Players, and local boy scouts also offer activities and food booths. Check the links for more information.

Be sure to treat yourself to some fun while donating to great organizations. Come to Lake Geneva for the Venetian Festival!

Posted by:Janet Giovannetti



August 14, 2009

The Therapetic Touch

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Janet Giovannetti

The perfect summer day presented itself yesterday, and I decided to take advantage of it. Now, what would a normal person do? Schedule a tee time? Go swimming at the beach? Take the boat out for a run on the lake? Of course. But apparently, I’m not normal and I decided to clean the garage.

Even though the four kids have long been out of the house and it’s just my husband and me at home, the garage almost always needs cleaning. I’m aware of this, but the actual want, need and desire to clean it occurs only about once every two years and I’ve learned not to avoid the call. So armed with shovel, broom and outdoor vac I tackled the job. What the heck, once I opened the doors I was almost outside, right?

Well, several hours, numerous trash bags and many sore muscles later, I decided that I really did need to treat myself, so I made an appointment for a massage. The lakes area has many spas and salons for all manner of special treatments, but my favorite is The Therapeutic Touch located at 601 West Main Street in Lake Geneva. The welcoming, peaceful atmosphere and professional, caring staff make this an outstanding oasis of relaxation. An hour and a half later the therapist had worked her magic, I walked out into the beautiful summer evening, and I truly had taken advantage of the gorgeous summer day.

Posted by:Janet Giovannetti



August 10, 2009

Observe the Perseid Meteor Shower from Yerkes Observatory, Williams Bay Wisconsin

Posted to Janet Giovannetti, Williams Bay, WI

On Tuesday, August 11, Yerkes Observatory, located at 373 W. Geneva Street, Williams Bay, is opening its grounds and inviting the public to view the Perseid meteor shower from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. . Guides will also be available to point out the stars and constellations. A program for the blind and visually impaired will be presented concurrently. What better place to observe the wonders of the night sky?

To register, click here, or call Yerkes Observatory at (262) 245-5555 extension 810.

Click here for more information about the Perseids.


Posted by:Janet Giovannetti



August 07, 2009

Corn, Brats, Fireworks – Williams Bay, Wisconsin

Posted to Janet Giovannetti, Williams Bay, WI

Twenty five years ago, the Williams Bay Lions club launched its fundraising event known as the Corn and Brat Roast. This year, the tradition continues August 7th, 8th, and 9th, featuring disc jockeys, dancing in the beer tent, and fireworks at dusk on Saturday evening. Several years ago the event was expanded to include Friday evening, which many people use as a starting point for anniversary, birthday, and reunion parties. Local farms, most usually Pearce’s, are the source of the delicious sweet corn which is soaked, grilled in the husk, dipped in melted butter and eaten off the cob. The Lions grill the brats, hamburgers and hot dogs, and the Williams Bay Lioness Clubs hosts a dessert tent where homemade goodies are sold – the perfect cap to a lakefront meal.

Village Administrator Bob Carlson, who resurrected the fireworks program in 1984, coordinates the donation efforts for the fireworks, ensuring the program is not a taxpayer expense. The Williams Bay Lions Club is the largest contributor, and the Corn and Brat Roast is the largest fundraising event for the Lions who, this year, are focusing on paying for a new scoreboard at the Williams Bay High School football field.

The fun begins at 5:00 p.m. today, resumes around noon on the 8th and 9th and concludes at 4p.m. on Sunday, or when the food runs out. Don’t miss it!


Posted by:Janet Giovannetti