February 3, 2012- An Evening in Red, 5:00 PM. Cocktails, Dinner, Silent Auction, Entertainment presented by 96.3 Star Country featuring James Wesley and special guest The Lost Trailers. In support of the American Red Cross Western Wisconsin and all proceeds to benefit the American Red Cross. Admission: $135 Per Person, $250 Per Couple. Ho-Chunk Gaming, Wisconsin Dells, S3214 Cty Rd BD, Baraboo, WI (608) 333-6247
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February 4 & 5, 2012- Dells Ducks Hockey vs MN Owls, Sat : 7:00 pm & Sun: Noon. Admission: $6 Per Game; Season & Group Tickets. See Web Site. Poppy Waterman Ice Arena, 104 Miller Dr Lake Delton, WI. (608) 253-8339 www.dellsduckshockey.com
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February 4, 2012- Candlelight Ski, Hike & Snowshoe at Mirror Lake State Park, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. There will be two easy one mile torch lit trails The Friends will have a couple of roaring bonfires to stay warm by and also have food, drinks and goodies for sale. Meet us down at the Beach Picnic area for a wonderful evening. Admission: State Park Sticker. Mirror Lake State Park, E10320 Fern Dell Rd, Baraboo, WI. (608) 355-2486
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February 10 & 11, 2012- Dells Ducks Hockey vs Northern Lights, 7:00 PM. Admission Fee: $6 Per Game; Season & Group Tickets See Web Site. Poppy Waterman Ice Arena, 104 Miller Dr, Lake Delton, WI. (608) 253-8339 Contact Person: John Schwarz www.dellsduckshockey.com
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February 10 – 12, 2012- Ultimate Hockey Tournaments, Mite, Sq, Pw: AA, A, B, C/D & House. Poppy Waterman Ice Arena, 104 Miller Dr Lake Delton, WI. (630) 336-6160 Contact Person: John Schwarz
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February 11, 2012- Wine & Dinner at Trappers Turn Golf Club, 6:30 PM. Join us for Trappers Turn’s Wine dinner. Space is limited to the first 100 guests and reservations are required. Join us for an enjoyable evening! Admission: $64 Per Person. Trappers Turn Golf Club, 652 Trappers Turn Drive, Wisconsin Dells, WI (608) 253-7000 www.trappersturn.com
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February 17 – 19, 2012- Ultimate Hockey Tournaments, Pw, Bant: AA, A, B, C/D & House. Poppy Waterman Ice Arena, 104 Miller Dr, Lake Delton, WI (630) 336-6160 Contact Person: John Schwarz
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February 17, 2012- Neal McCoy at Crystal Grand Music Theatre, 8:00 PM. Admission Fee: $29.95, $35.95, $39.95. Crystal Grand, 430 Munroe Street, Wisconsin Dells, WI (800) 696-7999 www.crystalgrand.com
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February 18 – 20, 2012- Ultimate Hockey Tournaments, Mite, Sq: AA, A, B, C/D & House. Poppy Waterman Ice Arena, 104 Miller Dr, Lake Delton, WI (630) 336-6160 Contact Person: John Schwarz ________________________________________________________________

February 18, 2012- 2nd Annual Woodside Sled Competition, The 2nd Annual Woodside Homemade Sled Com­petition on Woodside’s Ski Hill will have prizes in multiple categories, and a spirited Awards Party in the Trading Post afterwards. Admission: $5 & A Canned Food Donation For Registration. Woodside Ranch, W4015 State Road 82, Mauston, WI (608) 847-4275 www.woodsideranch.com
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February 24 & 25, 2012- Dells Ducks Hockey vs Edina Lakers, 7:00 PM. Admission Fee: $6 Per Game; Season & Group Tickets See Web Site. Poppy Waterman Ice Arena, 104 Miller Dr, Lake Delton, WI (608) 253-8339  www.dellsduckshockey.com
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February 25 & 26, 2012- Family Camp Winter Weekend at Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center, 10:00 AM. Upham Woods’ Family Camp Weekends are places where families play, laugh and grow together in the spectacular beauty of the natural Wisconsin Dells. Enjoy land and water activities, yummy meals each day, campfires, camp crafts, family adventures, our toboggan run, snowshoeing, skiing and more! Families have the option of a stay full of adventure, relaxation or a little bit of both. Admission: Adults $85; Children (Ages 5-12) $65; Free 4 & Under. Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center, N194 County Road N, Wisconsin Dells, WI (608) 254-6461   www.uwex.edu/ces/4h/uphamwoods/
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February 3 – 5, 2012- Classic Family Cinema Presents E.T. : The Extraterrestrial, The Story that Touched the World. He is afraid. He is totally alone. He is 3 million light years from home.  Starring Drew Barrymore, Henry Thomas, Peter Coyote and Dee Wallace. Eliot is a normal young boy until the day he meets an stranded extra-terrestrial.  Now he has to find the courage to defy the authorities and help the alien return to its home planet. You loved it 30 years ago. Now share this movie with your children or grandchildren. Al Ringling Theatre, 136 4th Ave, Baraboo, WI. February 3rd at 7pm, Saturday – February 4th at 3pm & 7pm, Sunday- February 5th at 3pm, Admission: Regular $7.50 Senior/Youth $5.50 Matinee $5. 608-356-8864  www.alringling.com
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February 4, 2012- Chili Supper, Durward’s Glen is celebrating it’s sesquicentennial this year!  As part of a year long celebration, our first event will be a chili supper on February 4th starting at 4:30pm and ending when the chili is gone.  Stop in, have a bowl of chili and visit with your neighbors!  Take a tour of The Glen and see what you can rent for your next event or out of town guests. Durward’s Glen, W11876 McLeisch Road, Baraboo, WI. Durward’s Glen: (608) 356-8113
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February 4, 2012- Heart Fair 2012 Healthy Hearts Across A Lifetime, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Beginning in childhood, walk through a lifetime of heart health!  Exhibits, presentations and interactive activities will keep your mind, body and spirit going in fun and imaginative ways! Fun Food Samples and Cooking Demonstrations, Blood Pressure Screenings for ALL AGES, Door Prizes, All Students may complete a worksheet to receive extra credit at school. St Joesph School, 310 Second Street, Baraboo, WI. It’s Free & fun for the Whole Family!
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February 10 – 12, 2012- Snow Train, Travel through the winter wonderland of the scenic Baraboo River valley on our annual Snow Train. All cars are kept comfortably warm using the 100-yr-old tradition of steam heating or coal-fired stoves. First class service and dining service available on some trips. Mid-Continent Railway Museum, E8948 Diamond Hill Rd, North Freedom Fri departures: 11:30, 1:00, 2:30.  Sat & Sun departures: 10am, 11:30, 1pm, 2:30 & 4pm. 608-522-4261/800-930-1385  www.midcontinent.org
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February 10, 2012- Friday Fish Fry event, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. All-You-Can-Eat Cod, batter-fried or baked, served family-style. Senior price, kids menu, and carry-outs available. St. Joseph Parish Gym 310 2nd St, Baraboo. Admission: $11, $10 Carry-outs, $9 Seniors, $5 Kids. St. Joseph Parish Office: 608-356-4773  www.stjosephbaraboo.org
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February 15, 2012- Cabin Fever Lecture Series 2012 Transitioning to Energy Self-reliant Communities, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. John Farrell, senior researcher at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, will share his work on the economics of renewable energy and how local communities and their representatives can benefit from local utility ownership and energy generation.  The ILSR develops and encourages policies that increase the political and economic power of citizens and communities. www.baraboorange.org
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February 24, 2012- Durward’s Glen 2012: Celebrating 150 years of Art, Poetry, Faith and Community. This is a Euchre Card Party Fundraiser. This is a celebration of 150 years of Art, Poetry, Faith and Community. There will be a Chicago Style Hot Dog Bar available with Soda and Coffee. The public is invited, we’d love to see you there! Durward’s Glen, W11876 McLeisch Road, Baraboo, WI Feb 24th   Starts at 6:30pm. Admission: $5
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February 25, 2012- WISCONSIN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA – Part of the Lively Arts Series, The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, led by Maestro Andrew  Sewell, is a vibrant and thriving professional orchestra dedicated to connecting its audiences to the power of music.  With a core orchestra of 34 musicians, an established $10 million endowment, and a permanent home in Overture Center for the Arts magnificent Capital Theater, WCO is one of the finest chamber orchestras in the country.  The program includes a work by Benjamin Britten entitled “Night Mail” featuring narration by American Players Theatre actor James Ridge.  London-based violin virtuoso Alexander Sitkovetsky will be the guest artist, performing Beethoven’s violin concerto in D Major.  The concert will close with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6,  the much-loved “‘Pastoral”  symphony. Al Ringling Theatre, 136 4th Ave, Baraboo, WI  608-356-8864 www.alringling.com
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February 10 – 12, 2012- Frosty Fest, Friday, February 10 Buttertown Showdown-1st Round at Voyageur Inn Exercise Drop-in at Villari’s Family Fitness. Saturday, February 11 Frosty Fest Snowman Craft at Reedsburg Public Library. Cookie Decorating at Viking Village Foods, Winter Golf at Reedsburg Country Club, Buttertown Showdown-2nd Round at Voyageur Inn & Conference Center, Ambulance Bowling Tournament at Brewster’s Lanes, Exercise Drop-in at Villari’s Family Fitness, Paper Craft by Reedsburg Area Historical Society at Voyageur Inn & Conference Center, Fun Run by Anytime Fitness, Snow Shoe demonstrations by SOAC at Webb Park, Inflatable Fun Carnival by Space Walk at Reedsburg Armory. Sunday, February 12 Breakfast at the VFW Country Jamboree featuring Buddy Daugs and his Band at Voyageur Inn and Conference Center.
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February 10, 17, 24, 2012- Reedsburg Area Ambulance Bowling Tournament, 31ST Annual 9-pin bowling tournament fund raiser.   Entry forms can be picked up at Brewster’s Lanes in Reedsburg or online at: raac.weebly.com. 9 shifts with afternoon and evening bowling available. Door prize drawings and raffles held during each shift. Entry fee is $13 and 1st prize is 30 Free games of bowling at Brewster’s Lanes.
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February 24, 2012- Wisconsin Singers Presents “Starstruck!” 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM. The Wisconsin Singers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison will bring their newest show to the CAL Center. The performance includes appearances by CoroDonna, a female performing group from the high school, the Webb Avenue Singers from Reedsburg Middle School, and the Reedsburg Area High School Jazz Band. Featuring over 40 years of American popular music, this show promises something for audiences of all ages and musical tastes. CAL Center, Reedsburg Area High School, 1100 County Road K, Reedsburg, WI Admission: $15 adults, $10 students/seniors. Tickets: 608-886-6801 www.WisconsinSingers.com/Reedsburg
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How to Reduce Stress and Be Happy

Do you remember how you enjoyed life as a kid? When we were young, nothing seemed complicated – all we had to think about was happy things, playing and exploring the world around us. We didn’t worry about what we didn’t know. For most of us life was pretty care-free.

But as we grow older, we sometimes get anxious about the events and circumstances in our life. We begin to worry about things like success and failure, loving and parting,  life and death, to name a few. Sometimes the worry turns into fear, fear of failure, fear of loss, fear of death or illness, etc… And, the worry and fear adds to our anxiety or depression and is partly what causes stress.

Mahatma Gandi once said: “There is nothing that wastes the body like worry, and one who has any faith in God should be ashamed to worry about anything whatsoever”

He also shared, “Nobody can hurt me without my permission.” Another way to look at this is that nothing that happens to us in our lives can bother or hurt us, unless we allow it. So basically, it all comes down to our thoughts and how we react and feel.

So, try to always keep this in mind: Don’t take things as if they are responsible for the way you feel. Events or situations do not trouble you. How you perceive them does.

If you miss those carefree times, you just have to look back at how you used to see things when you were young, and you will know how to reduce your stress and anxiety.

Here are a few thoughts about ways to be happy, so you don’t worry!

Cherish the simple things: Trust in the power of a smile or laughter, a kiss or a hug.

Believe in kindness, honesty, dreams, and imagination. Living and thinking positively is the first step to becoming truly happy. Attitude is everything!

Loosen up. Laugh at your mistakes. You might remember the time when you were in the middle of delivering a speech and your mind went completely blank right in the middle of it. It’s was embarrassing. But most likely, your audience forgot about it in after a day or two. We all mess up occasionally, nobody is perfect. When we do make a mistake, it’s best to try to learn from it and not be so hard on ourselves, or others either.

Surround yourself with what and who you love. Adopt a pet. Save and cherish the good memories of your life as keepsakes in your mind and when you need a mental boost, remember them.

Stay away from people that drag you down or make you feel bad. If that high-paying job makes you cringe at the thought of having to go to work, find a job you like better. If some people want you to do things you don’t agree with, avoid their company.

Don’t put things off. Go on that trip. Take your Master’s. You’ll never know the extent of what you can accomplish in your life, unless you try. Write down your dreams and believe you can make them come true. Don’t let others steal your dream. You can do it!

Don’t push yourself too hard trying to please everyone. You just can’t. And it never seems to be worth it anyway. When you want to make somebody’s day, start with yourself and your loved ones. Having a happy attitude is contagious…

Keep fit. Be that attractive person you always picture yourself to be. Cherish your health and your unique body type. It’s the best way of showing you are confident and strong. Love yourself.

Do not assume. Don’t fret about forgetting your speech before you actually do it. Don’t worry about not getting the job you want because you might mess up at the interview. Don’t expect the worst, because thoughts are things and you might end up there.

Alter your way of thinking. When you’re being ridiculed, criticized about your family background, or condemned for past mistakes, don’t take it to heart. You know yourself better than anyone else does. Never wallow in self-pity or allow yourself to be a victim.

Remember: Don’t get upset over things just because it’s how most people would react when faced with the same situation. When you find yourself being negative – angry, sad, depressed, jealous, etc. – you also unknowingly drain your energy and enthusiasm. You just have to try not to have these negative feelings, because giving in to these emotions can sometimes make you unreasonable, and you might end up making bad choices.

Happiness is always within your reach. You can be happy and reduce your stress, as long as you remember these things.

“Don’t Worry, Be Happy…”

Wisconsin Winter Sports Safety Issues To Be Aware Of

Taking part in Wisconsin winter sports is a great way to stay in shape and to get fresh air. Some winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding involve the snow so you can be sure they will take place in cold areas. It is important that you take safety into consideration at all times while engaging in winter sports activities. You want to have a great time without getting injured.

Winter Sports Preparation

It is very important that you stretch properly before you start any types of sports. This helps to keep your body flexible which will reduce the chances of getting hurt if you do fall down.

Dressing for the colder weather is very important because you want to keep your skin dry and your body warm. Layer your clothing with underwear and socks that helps wick moisture away from your body.

At the same time you need to have the right equipment and supplies along to keep you safe for that particular winter sport.

Many people believe you can only become dehydrated while playing sports in the summer but this isn’t true. Make sure you drink plenty of water and sports drinks throughout the day to keep your fluid level where it should be. Remember that coffee and caffeinated beverages dehydrate your body.

Pay attention to the amount of sweat your body releases during winter sports as well. With the cold weather, the mixture of sweat and the cool air can result in hypothermia. Pay close attention to symptoms including dizziness, shivering, and exhaustion while you are out in the cold. These may be the first signs of hypothermia.

You want to make sure you eat properly while engaging in winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing. This is where you will get your energy from. Your body may become too weak to trek back from the site of your sport if you haven’t given it sufficient fuel. Keep quick snacks such as peanuts or granola bars on hand in case you need a quick bite to rev up your energy levels.

If you have to travel on rough terrain to get to the site for your winter sport, make sure you have checked over your vehicle. You never know when you may get stuck so make sure you are prepared. Your car or truck needs to be stocked with food, water, a radio, a cell phone, blankets, and flares.

Also pay close attention to the posted signs and written regulations when you engage in winter sports. You don’t want to be on ice for skating or playing hockey that is at risk of breaking. There should be posted signs informing you to the safety and status of the ice. You also don’t want to be on private land or cross the barriers when you are skiing or snowmobiling. Doing so can result in you getting lost or injured.

Make sure you have the proper training before you begin any winter sport. You don’t want to get in over your head. Watching other people perform the sport may be misleading as their level of skill makes it look easy. Take your time to be cautious and you can get faster and perform more advanced moves after you have a firm grasp on the basics of your favorite winter sports activity.

The quality of your equipment is a very important part of enjoying winter sports safely. Check your ice skates to make sure the blades are sharp enough and they aren’t falling apart. Check the latches on your skis and snowboard to make sure they are still very durable and secure. Sleds and snowmobiles need to be carefully checked that they are in good working condition so they don’t build up speed and then get out of your control without you being able to slow or stop in time.

There are plenty of fun winter sports to look forward to each year so do your part to make sure you enjoy them safely. (and that others around don’t become injured)

Teaching children to follow the rules and to wear proper safety equipment is also important. However, the very best way to teach children this is to wear that equipment and demonstrate winter sports safety yourself.

This video was shared on Youtube on January 6th, 2011 by Playing For Change.

The message of Peace on Earth is a timeless one and is our New Years Wish for 2012.

In the beginning of 2010 the Playing For Change crew began work on a new Song Around the World, John Lennon’s “Imagine.”

It has been an amazing year of production, taking the crew from the favelas of Brazil to the shrines of southern India, from villages in Nepal to the glittering urban landscape of Tokyo and New York, and beyond.

This song is the Playing For Change Foundation’s gift to the world.

The Playing For Change Foundation feels honored to have the blessing and generous support of Yoko Ono as music lovers around the world join together to launch the Power to the People campaign. The campaign seeks to advance John Lennon’s vision of peace by engaging artists and audiences to contribute to music education programs worldwide.

Proceeds raised will help build music schools, support teachers and music programs, purchase instruments, and connect schools for cross-cultural learning and conflict resolution across borders. Music IS the power: Power to the People.

To learn more about the PFC Foundation, the schools they are building, the lives they are touching, and how you can participate, please visit the Playing For Change Foundation’s website at http://playingforchange.org/

Help support world-wide peace and donate to the Playing For Change Foundation today!

Events, Festivals, Fundraisers and Activities for January 2012

January 7, 2012- Candlelight Ski, Hike and Snowshoe at Mirror Lake State Park, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, There will be two easy one mile torch lit trails. The Friends of Mirror Lake will have a couple of roaring bonfires to stay warm by and also have food, drinks and goodies for sale. Meet us down at the Beach Picnic area for a wonderful evening. Admission Fee: State Park Sticker. Mirror Lake State Park, E10320 Fern Dell Rd, Baraboo, WI. (608) 355-2486. 2012 Wisconsin State  Park sticker required and can be purchased at the Park office. Call (608) 254-2333 for info.

January 10, 2012- Wine Dinner at High Rock Cafe, 6:30 PM. We welcome you to join us for an evening of five scrumptious culinary courses paired with our favorite wines. Reservations required. Seating is limited. Credit Card needed to hold reservation. Admission Fee: $40 Per Person. 232 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, WI (608) 254-5677

January 13 – 15, 2012- The Big Chill (formerly Flake Out Festival) The Wisconsin State Snow Sculpting competition has announced their move to a new location beginning in January 2012. Downtown Racine, Wisconsin will be the host of the event to be held at Monument Square. The event will feature 16 snow sculpting teams from around Wisconsin, each vying for the state title that will take them to the national championships in Lake Geneva. racinedowntown.com/TheBigChill

January 14, 2012- Snocross Racing at Chula Vista Resort, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Watch snocross racers from across the state compete in high-flying, corner-rubbing fun! New racers are always welcome to join in – ages 4 – 50+! It’s sure to be an exciting family-friendly event that displays a great passion for the sport of snowmobiling! 4031 N River Road, Wisconsin Dells, WI (608) 963-3404  www.gnssracing.com

January 19 – 22, 2012- Wisconsin American Legion Midwinter Conference at Ho-Chunk Hotel & Conference Center, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The Wisconsin American Legion Midwinter Conference is 3 days of meetings, educational opportunities and inspirational speakers. Admission Fee: $20. S3214 Cty Rd BD, Baraboo, WI (608) 745-1090  www.wilegion.org

January 27- 29, 2012- Wisconsin Dells Gymnastics Vacation Classic at Wisconsin Dells Center. Advanced & Multi-Day Pricing Available – See Web Site. One-day Onsite: $12; Children (Ages 3-12) $10. 2100 River Road, Wisconsin Dells, WI (608) 314-0333  www.netlynxsports.com/wis-dells-classic

January 12, 2012- Celebrate 10 years of the Boys & Girls Club, 5:30 PM – 08:00 PM. Come celebrate 10 years of Great kids, Community, Business Leaders and Volunteers. Music will be provided by Shawndell Marks. Baraboo Arts Center, 323 Water Street, Baraboo, WI. 608-355-2582. Fees/Admission: $35.00 Individual, $60.00 Couple, $200.00 Table of 8

January 13, 2012- Fish Fry at St Joseph Church, 5:00-7:00pm, All You Can Eat Cod Fish Fry; senior pricing, kids menu, and carry outs available. Also, delivery to homebound by calling parish office day of event. St. Joseph School Gym, 310 2nd St, Baraboo, WI. 608-356-4773. Fees/Admission: $11 All You Can Eat; $10 Carry outs; $9 Seniors; $5 Kids http://www.stjosephbaraboo.org

January 21, 2012- Baraboo River Runners 2nd Annual Ride-In & Chili Feed, 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM. Chili Served from 5:30pm – 9:00pm, “Vinnie B” Videos and Music start at 6:30pm. Just $5.00 for Food and Entertainment. All You Can Eat $10.00. Raffles and Door Prizes. Hooty’s Bar and Grill, S5718 Hwy 123, Baraboo, WI. 608-963-4193

January 28, 2012- Hannah Crist Variety Show Fundraiser. 7:00 PM – 09:00 PM. Pre-show entertainment at 6:30 pm. Al Ringling Theater and Circus World will jointly host a variety show fundraiser for fallen trapeze artist, Hannah Crist.  The show will take place at the historic Al Ringling Theatre.  Featuring comedy, music, juggling, and magic, this is a show you will not want to miss!  Local juggler T.J. Howell, and clowns Greg and Karen DeSanto will be part of the star line-up.  Coming all the way from Chicago, magician and illusionist Steve Chezaday will be on hand to mystify and astound as well.  Pre-show entertainment will begin at 6:30 pm with the main performance starting promptly at 7:00 pm.  General admission tickets are only $10, and a limited number of box seats are available for a flat fee of $500.  Tickets can be purchased in advance at Circus World (608) 356-8341 or the Al Ringling Theatre, 136 4th Avenue Baraboo, WI  (608) 356-8864.  http://www.alringling.com

Wisconsin Antiquing 101

by Jennifer Blau- Owner of Oak Street Antiques, Downtown Baraboo

Oak Street Antiques Webpage

Collecting antiques is one of America’s favorite pastimes.  For some, it is a great way to preserve the past, a way to show future generations a piece of how our ancestors lived.  For others, it is a way to spend time with loved ones, traveling the countryside with friends or family, stopping along the way in out of the way places for lunch and to scour antiques shops or malls.  And for others, it is a way to relax, to create your own adventure and find your own treasures.

Whatever the reason, there are many things to remember as you are antiquing:

When starting a new collection or considering a purchase, think “outside the box”.

• Use crocks for garbage containers, to hold sidewalk salt, hold kindling, or store magazines (hint, buy a crock with a little chip or crack – it’ll be a lot cheaper, it’ll still work great as a useful decoration, and it’ll look more “vintage”!).

• Use that beautiful glass punch bowl to hold a collection of vintage Christmas ornaments, Easter eggs, white lights, pine cones, or as a nest for a favorite doll.

• Use a cute old cigarette ash tray (or a flowered teacup with an adorable little chip) to hold rings by your sink.

• Decorate your next Christmas tree using old fur stoles for garlands, and strings of vintage jewelry and those fun clip-on-earrings-that-hurt-your-ears as tree bling-bling.

• Use a shabby chic candelabra on your porch to add atmosphere on a special evening.

• Turn an old enamel coffee pot with a missing cover into a vase.

• Collect by color or theme – example, collect only Fiesta pitchers in every color of the rainbow and varying sizes or collect place settings in only yellow – either way, the fun of collecting is in the search!  The ideas are endless!

TIP: Bring a flashlight and measuring tape when antiquing. Remember to look under tables and inside cabinets.

• Carry cash or a checkbook—dealers will usually offer you the best price if you’re not paying by credit card, since they won’t have to pay the fee to the card company.

• Don’t try to negotiate a better price by denigrating the quality of the piece. Pointing out that “the leg is wobbly and there’s a scratch on the surface” will not endear you to the seller, and your motives will be pretty transparent. Better to ask, “Can you do any better on the price?” or “Will you accept $250?”.

• Coins should be left in “found” condition. Cleaning makes them less desirable to collectors.  Patina adds to their value.

• Ceramics can be washed with soap and water, but only wipe gently with a damp cloth if they are repaired, damaged, or have cold-painted decorations.

• To polish brass make a paste of equal parts of salt, flour and vinegar. Rub on brass with a soft cloth. Rinse completely. Shine with a clean, dry, soft cloth.

• Store plastic toys or other plastic items away from the heat, not touching one another. When storing old toys remember to remove the batteries first.

• Don’t use plastic bubble wrap to store silver and ceramics. Heat and humidity can cause discolorations.

• Rearrange lamps and decorative items on wooden tabletops. If you don’t, exposed wood will lighten and unexposed wood will remain dark after time.

• Clean mildew on wooden furniture with a cloth moistened with one cup water mixed with one tablespoon bleach and one tablespoon dish washing detergent. Dry with a clean cloth.

• To remove unpleasant smells from an old chest of drawers, use baking soda, cat litter, or charcoal chips to absorb the odor.

• Tin signs or cans will fade in ultraviolet sunlight, or fluorescent light.

• Marble sculptures will discolor from pollutants if near a window or an active fireplace. They may scorch or crack near a heater.

• Lemon juice will remove the remains of gum, adhesive tape, and other sticky tapes.

• If you scorch a textile while ironing, rub a cut onion over the scorch, and then soak cloth in cold water for one hour. Rewash and try again.

• If displaying paper items, remember- light of all kinds (electric & sunlight), eventually harm paper.

• Glass Christmas ornaments should never be stored in a damp basement. Mildew causes damage.

• Antique clocks must be cleaned and lubricated every 5 years. To set most clocks, hold the minute hand in the center, turn it clock-wise, and wait for each strike. Wind fully each time, but do not over-wind.

• Never display grandfather clocks near a heat register or radiator. Be sure to attach them to the wall for safety. Most old grandfather clocks have a small hole for a screw inside on the backboard.

• A signature on a piece of cut glass adds at least 25% to the value, but it can be difficult to find.

• Don’t polish dark antique bronze. Just like coins, destroying the old patina will lower the value.

• If collecting Coca Cola, remember that in 1970, the new logo was created with a twisting white ribbon under the Coca Cola trademark.  This is one indication to tell how old your item is.  Many collectors use this as a cutoff date to collect either before or after that date.

Antiquing Terms to Remember:

Antique: Generally means over 100 years old.
Vintage: Generally means about 25 years old or age unknown.
Collectible: Generally means 25-99 years old.
Circa: Approximate age, i.e. circa 1880 means the items was made about 1880.
Japan: Items marked “Japan” were made approximately between 1921 and 1945.
Made in Occupied Japan: Items were made during the occupation of Japan until April 18, 1952.
Made in Japan: Items made after 1952.
Carnival Glass: Pressed glass first made in America in 1905.  Various lustrous colors.
Depression Glass: Made as inexpensive glassware primarily during the Depression era in colors of amber, green, pink, blue, red, yellow, white, and crystal.
Arts and Crafts: Simply designed furniture first made in the 1850’s.  Primarily made of heavy oak and squarely built.  Later called Mission Style.
Celluloid: In 1869, John Hyatt invented a plastic material to replicate the look of ivory.  This is a term used to encompass all types of early plastic.
Bisque: Unglazed earthenware or porcelain fired only once.
Czechoslovakia: Items marked with this were made between 1918 and 1948 when it became the communist controlled Czech Republic.

I hope you have enjoyed your first lesson on collecting antiques in Wisconsin and are ready to become a part of America’s favorite pastime!