May 19

Tonight, Carol Vesecky, director of Biointensive for Russia, gives a talk on “Biointensive Mini-Farming in Russia’s Chernobyl Radiation Zone”. She will discuss their group’s work with the Russian NGO, Viola, to monitor radiation in harvested vegetables and develop more sustainable agricultural alternatives for those living in the Chernobyl fallout zone. This is in the Memorial Union, 800 Langdon Street, at 7. Check Today in the Union for the room location or call 260-0900.

Tomorrow morning, the Wisconsin Center for Book and Paper Arts holds a Benefit Rummage Sale. All proceeds benefit the Wisconsin Center for Book and Paper Arts, Wisconsin's only non profit book and paper co-op studio. This is at the Coop, 515 South Paterson, from 9 to 6. To donate items, call the Center at 284-8394.

Tomorrow, The Madison Area Peace Coalition holds informational picket to Bring the Troops Home Now, End the War on Iraq, and Impeach the Bush Administration. This is a continuation of monthly peace vigils the MAPC has held since December. Participants are asked to bring signs and drums if possible. This is near the Armed Forces Recruiting Center at the northeast corner of East Washington and Thierer Road from 11 to noon. For more information, call Helena White at 249-2097 or check www.madpeace.org.

Sunday, The Missira Library Project, inspired by a Peace Corps volunteer from Madison hosts a fundraiser with an open reception. The event includes a raffle and a silent auction. All proceeds go directly to aid African youth education in Missira, Senegal build a library, computer and science lab. There is a suggested donation at the door. This is at the Weary Traveler Freehouse, 1201 Williamson Street, from 2 to 6. Contact Sara Choate, Peace Corps Volunteer at sarachoate@gmail.com or 663-9289.

Sunday, First Unitarian Society hosts Cameron Powers and Kristina Sophia of Musical Missions. They will recount their experiences playing Arabic music on the streets of Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Syria and the West Bank before and during the war in Iraq. Their presentation includes music, images, stories and information about the Arab world from the viewpoint of Americans singing and playing Arabic music to the astonishment of Arab speaking audiences. There is a suggested donation. They play at the First Unitarian Society Meeting House, 900 University Bay Drive, on Sunday, from 3 to5. Following the concert, they lead a special workshop, “Spiritual Traveler: Journeys Beyond Fear” from 6 to 8. Check www.musicalmissions.com for more information on their work.