Monthly Archives: April 2011

Area Recreation Authors Birding Necedah Wildlife Refuge Reading traveling green workshops

Necedah Wildlife Refuge visitor center grand opening

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Necedah National Wildlife Refuge will host a Ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening of its state-of-the-art visitor center on Saturday, April 30, from 10 am to 3:30 pm.  Special activities, book signings, presentations, photographer and programs for the entire family will be available beginning at 11 am. 2011 Events Calendar will keep you visiting and enjoy event all year long.

The 12,000 square foot facility was designed with green technology while maximizing energy saving needs and include photovoltaic solar panels, geothermal wells, and was built using environmentally friendly, natural materials including fiber cement siding, metal roof, and marmoleum flooring.

Necedah National Wildlife Refuge is open sunrise to sunset.  The refuge office is open Monday through Saturday 7:30 am to 4pm, and located two miles north on Headquarters Road off of Highway 21 four miles west of the Village of Necedah or 18 miles east of Tomah.

Please call 608-565-2551 with any questions, visit www.fws.gov/midwest/necedah for more information or find us on Facebook.

Calendar of Events Clean the World Earth Day Eco-Freindly

Earth Day 2011 at Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast, Sparta, Wisconsin

Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast is a Certified Travel Green Destination thru the Wisconsin Department of Tourism for our green practices with a green score of 86. Today, Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast remains committed to continually seeking ways to be kinder to the environment while pampering guest in luxury. While the Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast strives to deliver exceptional comfort and service to each guest, it continues to incorporate newer products and eco-friendly practices to do so in a greener manner to ensure that the natural beauty of  Wisconsin is preserved for future generations to visit.

In being environmentally proactive is to help guests experience an area’s natural beauty, unique wildlife and history.

 Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast is committed to helping our guests indulge in the amenities offered at the Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast guilt free, as a means to renew and restore their own personal energy often depleted from the demands of everyday life and to better able them to make greener decisions in their own lives.
  

Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast Environmental Mission Statement
We are committed to:

Making environmental considerations part of our everyday business decision- making process including but not limited to purchasing products made from recycled materials, purchasing energy star rated appliances, buying local, and buying products in bulk and supporting the local community;

Soliciting feedback and suggestions from our guests regarding the B&B’s environmental practices;

Green Practices at Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast:
The list of environmentally-friendly practices in use at Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast is long, ranging from widespread use of compact fluorescent to donation and recycling of old towels, clothing, re-cycle shampoo and soaps to “Clean the World” national charities which we are partner with.

Purchase and use of energy efficient appliances

Recycle printer supplies

Donation of old linens and towels for re-use at Animal Shelters, old bathrobes for local Women’s Domestic Violence Shelter

Recycling area for newspapers, plastic, glass, and cans

Post placards to give options that are available for guest participation in being “green”

Use of all “Shaklee” cleaning and laundry products

Use of environmentally friendly packaging for guest room amenities

Towel Program – change towels upon request by guest

Use reusable cups for coffee and beverages in common areas

Purchase locally grown, organic products and bulk products where possible

And many more…..be green and help our Earth!

bed and breakfast Deneen Pottery Mugs

Morning Coffee at Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast – Sparta, Wisconsin

When it comes to coffee in the morning at the Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast our guests have been enjoying their early morning coffee, tea and hot coco in these custom hand-thrown mugs, we consider the best and  YOU HAVE TO DRINK FROM THEM to know!

We began selling them many years ago.  Here are 4 easy points why:
1). The mugs are made by Deneen Pottery, a family u.s.a. business since 1972 in St. Paul, MN.
2.) Each mug is individually hand-thrown on a potter’s wheel.

3.) All materials are lead and cadmium free.

4.) The mugs are microwave, dishwasher, oven and freezer safe.

It turns out there are other Mug Collectors that seek out Deneen Pottery mugs for their collection at home, office, vacation homes and gifts. We sell Deneen Pottery Franklin Victorian B&B mugs, magnets, and our new addition the creamer/syrup/bud vase.
We hope you visit and stay with us and purchase the Deneen Pottery mugs & items to start or add to your collection and to remember your stay with us!

Area Recreation Biking Calendar of Events La Crosse area events

Marathon on the Mississippi La Crosse Fitness Festival

The Festival Foods La Crosse Fitness Festival is a two-day celebration that gives area residents and visitors from across the country an opportunity to enjoy active, aerobic outdoor events amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of the Mississippi River Valley. The wide range of activities–from a full marathon to a 5-kilometer walk, youth events and cycling events–offers challenges to both experienced and novice athletes of all ages and fitness levels. Proceeds from the Festival Foods La Crosse Fitness Festival are donated to the St. Clare Health Mission, Youth Enrichment Association, and Special Olympics of La Crosse.
Marathon-A scenic 26.2 mile race through the cities of La Crosse and Onalaska. Half Marathon

A 13.1 mile race around the south side of La Crosse.
5K Run/Walk
Kick off the La Crosse Fitness Festival by racing or walking this scenic loop starting in Riverside Park.
Marathon Relay

Share the experience of a marathon by dividing the distance with your friends.
Bike Tour
Enjoy a leisurely ride through the coulee region on one of three different bike tours.
Cycling Criterium
A fast, flat, 0.7 mile loop of road bike race on closed city streets of historic downtown La Crosse.
Cycling Time Trial
Test your endurance with a 2.5 mile ride up Grandad Bluff.
Children’s Events
Free races from 100 yards to 800 yards for children up through Grade 6.
Corporate Team Challenge
A team challenge that encourages maximum participation of co-workers at all fitness levels.
Fitness Expo
Learn about fitness and health; purchase fitness gear and nutritional supplements.
For a place to stay while attending the Festival come to the Franklin Victorian Bed & Breakfast, in Sparta, WI just about 25 minutes from La Crosse. You can relax and enjoy your time while in the beautiful area of Southwest Wisconsin. 608-366-1427 or see our website for more infomation. 

contest winners Contests

WINNERS OF OUR “KISSES IN THE JAR” CONTEST – Sparta, Wisconsin

CONGRATS TO THE TWO WINNERS OF OUR “KISSES IN THE JAR CONTEST” THAT JUST ENDED ON 4/2/11. The correct number of Kisses in the Jar was 176.

The $50. Gift Certificate goes to Sandra from Lino Lake, MN with a guess of 172. Second place winner is Rebecca from Watertown, MN who guess 156. Thank you all who entered. Watch for our next contest and you to could win!