Friday, October 30, 2009

Tonight at 5:30, a Halloween Critical Mass Bike Ride is planned. Costumes are highly encouraged! Meet at the State Capitol and West Washington Ave. More info at madisoncriticalmass.org

Saturday, from 1 pm to 1 am, the Neighborhood House will host the 2nd Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration at 29 S Mills Street. The afternoon will be devoted to typical Day of the Dead crafts such as making papel picado, sugar skulls, and paper marigolds. Other activities include building altars to leave offerings for the dead being honored, evening music by Son Mudanza. Food and beverages will be provided by MECha and by community potluck offerings. All are welcome to this non-alcoholic family-friendly event and admission is free. More info by calling Lester at 238-8473.

Saturday from 5 to 10 pm, the Peruvian Association - Hatari Peru will sponsor the Fourth Peruvian Creole Music Day Celebration to be held at Eagle Heights Community Center, 611 Eagle Heights in Madison. Food, live Creole and Andean music, and dance performances along with DJ Franklin are on the program. More info at 231-2098

Sunday at 3 pm at the UW-Madison Memorial Union, 800 Langdon Street, a strategy planning session is scheduled in the north end of the Rathskeller for the Madison World Naked Bike Ride of June 2010. More info by emailing madisonnakedbikeride@yahoo.com

Saturday, Primates Incorporated will hold a benefit and fund raiser at Café Carpe, located at 18 S Water St. West in Fort Atkinson, WI. Punk pop legends The Daves will perform at 8:30p, Josh Harty at 9:30p, and Bill Camplin, owner of Café Carpe, headlines the show at 10:30p. Halloween costumes are encouraged with a prize for best costume. Primates Incorporated is raising funds to construct a primate retirement sanctuary in southern Wisconsin. Visit primatesinc.com for more info. Seating is limited so call 920-563-9391 for reservations.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

The Northside Winter Farmers Market is looking for volunteers to help with the hot breakfast and occasional "Cultural Culinary Brunch" served at 11 am. The Market begins next Sunday and be held every other Sunday through December 20th from 10 am to 1pm at 2865 N. Sherman Av., at the corner of Northport Dr. and Sherman Ave. The market features 20 local farmers in addition to art and food vendors. Brunch includes pancakes, eggs, bacon, baked goods, Laotian Curry, Egg Rolls and Sweet Cajun Beignets. To volunteer call Lisa at 242-8572 or Dale at 217-9631.

This is the last week for Mother Fools’ Coffee Shop free art show at 1101 Williamson Street. The exhibit is entitled "Masquerades & Misadventures" by Jon Arnold and will end Saturday with a special extra-scary Halloween version of the Vortex experimental music variety show. Mother Fools’s Coffee Shop is open until 11 pm seven days a week. More info at 608 259-1301 or motherfools.com.

Salon Q, a social discussion group for the LGBTQ community will be held tonight at 7 pm at Outreach headquarters, 600 Williamson St. Participants are encouraged to come prepared to mix it up in an inclusive fashion with cool people in the comfy surroundings of OutReach. For info or to get on the e-mail list: call 255-8582 or e-mail harrys@lgbtoutreach.org

Tonight the Schoers will be hosting TRICK or TREAT so OTHERS can EAT !, a fund raiser for the Salvation Army food pantry. The Maze of Fright, located at 14 Ammerman Circle in Madison, will be open to the public from 6 to 10. The Schoers hope to receive 500 food items and monetary contributions will also be accepted. The Maze of Fright will continue Friday night 6 to 10 and Saturday 3 to 5. More info at 513-8369.

Tonight at 7 pm, in Room 204 of the Central Public Library at 201 W. Mifflin, the Downtown Community Gardens Group will offer a presentation on Rooftop Community Gardens and the New Public Library. The program will begin with a stimulating presentation followed by an open question and answer session. More info at 251-2784.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

This evening there is the thirtieth anniversary screening “Glenn Silber’s” 1979 film “The War at Home”. Afterwards there is a panel discussion including the filmmaker and others. This is at 7:30 in the “Barrymore Theatre”, 2090 Atwood Avenue. Call “SCFL” (pronounced “scuffle”) 256-5111 for details.

“The Worker’s Rights Center helps people resolve workplace problems”. This includes firing for “no match” letters, non-payment of wages or overtime, discrimination, or not caring for an employee hurt on the job. The office is in the “Villager Mall”, 2300 South Park Street. Call 255-0376 for details.

“Care Wisconsin” offers many programs and services designed to help older adults. They offer coordinated health care and long-term support services for Medicaid-eligible older adults. These may have chronic conditions requiring nursing home level of care, adult day centers and home care services. Call 240-0020 for details.

“Dane County Friends of Ferals” volunteers are dedicated to bettering the future of feral cats. Their mission is to establish a no-kill standard and promote the value and well-being of Dane County area feral cats. Call 467-4067 for details.

“The Alliance for Animals” (AFA) has volunteer opportunities to help animals. These might include tabling at the Farmer’s Market, distributing pro-animal literature or joining the Antivivisection Committee. For details visit allanimals.org or call 257-6333.

Dane County Humane Society has low cost spayings and neuterings available for dogs and cats. There are various times and prices and they include an FVRCP vaccine. Caretakers of feral or free-roaming cats can be helped as well. Call 838-0413 extension 103 for an appointment or details.

Monday, October 26, 2009

This evening WORT’s “Access Hour” presents five hundred years of quote “savage class war” on the radio. The host has been investigated ten times because of union and civil rights activities. That’s at 7:00. Call 256-2001 for details.

This evening the Madison Chapter of the Weston A. Price Foundation holds a discussion on “Nutrient-Dense Foods, Education and Activism”. This is in the Wil-mar Neighborhood Center, 953 Junifer Street at 7:00. Call 221-8696 for details.

This evening there is a talk by Chilean Ambassador, Heraldo Muñoz. It is entitled, “From Dictatorship to the Security Council: A Political Memoir.” This is at 7:00 in the University Club, 803 State Street. Call 262-0616 for details.

Briarpatch offers walk-in HIV/AIDS, STDS and STI testing. This is every Wednesday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 or by appointment in 1955 Atwood Avenue. To schedule an appointment call the agency at 1-800-798-1126. People may call locally at 245-2550 or email youthhivtesting@yahoo.com for details.

“Wisconsin Books to Prisoners” (WBTP) is a non-profit organization sponsored by “Rainbow bookstore” that sends books to Wisconsin and other states’ inmates. They believe that quote “books are tools for learning and can open minds to new ideas and fresh possibilities.” Call 257-6050 or visit 426 West Gilman Street for details.

Dane County Humane Society has low cost spayings and neuterings available for dogs and cats. There are various times and prices and they include an FVRCP vaccine. Caretakers of feral or free-roaming cats can be helped as well. Call 838-0413 extension 103 for an appointment or details.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Saturday Primates Incorporated will hold a Rock the Monkey Fnd Raiser at The Frequency, 121 West Main Street in Madison. Little Red Wolf will perform at 9:30p and punk pop legends The Daves will perform at midnight. Proceeds benefit Primates Incorporated, a non-profit raising funds to construct an enriching primate retirement sanctuary in southern Wisconsin. Visit primatesinc.com or call Amy at 330-2166 for more information.

Tonight at 6:30 the Audre Lorde Co-op (625 N. Frances St.) will host a Spike Lee Double Feature by offering a free screening and discussion of Bamboozled and School Daze. More info at 259-1976.

Saturday at 11 am, on the State Capitol Lawn, people will spell out a giant “350” with people to celebrate the 350 International Day of Action on Climate Change. This is an opportunity to take a stand for a fair Copenhagen Climate Treaty that meets the science of climate change and be a part of this human message, all during a busy farmers market. More info by emailing kwalter@cleanwisconsin.org

Saturday from 3 to 5, the Wilmar Center (953 Jenifer St.) will host The Case of the US vs Sami Al-Arian – a film and presentation by Dr. Melva Underbakke and Fred Bryant of Tampa, FL. This event is co-sponsored by the Madison Area Peace Coalition Israel/Palestine Task Force and the Madison Rafah-Sister City Project. More info at 442-8399 or by emailing dvdwilliams51@tds.net

Sunday at 6:00 pm the Madison Infoshop (1019 Williamson St.) will offer a screening and discussion of The Night of the Shooting Stars, a film based on an incident involving the Italian anti-Nazi resistance in 1944. Sponsored by the Direct Action/Mutual Aid Network. More info at 262-3096.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Tonight at 7 pm, the First Unitarian Society (900 University Bay Dr.) will host and sponsor Military Privatization in the Global South, a presentation by Dan Kenney, Illinois activist with the group No Private Armes and cofounder of the Clearwater Project to Stop Blackwater. The event is also sponsored by Pax Christi, and Colombia Support Network. More info by emailing trudijenny@yahoo.com or marysavage@tds.net

Mother Fools’ Coffee Shop (1101 Williamson St) will host an art show during the month of October entitled "Masquerades & Misadventures" by Jon Arnold. The show will end on October 31 with a special extra-scary Halloween version of Vortex experimental music variety show. Mother Fools’s Coffee Shop is open until 11 pm seven days a week. More info at 608 259-1301 or motherfools.com.

The Alliance for Animals (AFA) has a few volunteer opportunities left to help animals. It doesn't matter what your skills are or what animal issues you are interested in, because you are likely to discover at least one way that you can help to make a difference for the animals. For more info visit allanimals.org or call 257-6333.

The Tyrol Basin Ski patrol will hold its 12th annual Ski and Snowboard Resale fund raiser this weekend. This swap is an opportunity to sell your lightly used snow sports gear. Consignment items will be accepted Saturday and the Swap Sale will be held Sunday. Proceeds from the swap are used to fund patrol operations including the purchase of medical supplies and equipment used to serve the public during the ski and snowboard season. The Tyrol basin is located at 3487 Bohn Road in Mt. Horeb. For information call 437-4135 or 219-1886 or visit www.tyrolbasin.com.

Kathie Rasmussen Women’s Theatre is sponsoring The Smart Women Project 2009 until Oct 24th featuring 9 short plays by women on Friday evenings and Saturday at 1957 Winnebago St in Madison. More info at 663-5814 or madstage.com.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

This evening the University of Wisconsin, Madison’s “American Civil Liberties Union Student Alliance” and “Legal Studies Association” presents a workshop entitled, “Know Your Rights”.  It is led by criminal defense attorney, “Erik Guenther”, a volunteer attorney for Wisconsin’s ACLU. This is in room 3650 Humanities, 455 North Park Street at 6:30. Call 262-705-5856 for details.

This evening Southwest Wisconsin Area Progressives (SWAAP) a program to answer questions about the state of health care reform. Arthur Taggart, Chair of the “Coalition for Wisconsin Health” will host. The film “Health, Money and Fear” will also be shown. This is in the “Mount Horeb Community Center”, 105 North Grove Street at 7:00. Call 608-845-7312 for details.

This evening “Rainbow Bookstore” hosts a book event with John Porcellino who wrote “Map of My Hearth.” This is at 7:00 in 426 West Gilman Street. Call 257-6050 for details.
 
The Public Health Department of Madison and Dane County has anonymous walk-in HIV, Hepatitis B and C testing and Needle exchange. These are at the Public Health Office, 2705 East Washington Avenue and the South Madison Health and Family Center 2202 South Park Street. There are a variety of times and days. Call 243-0411 for details.
 
Listeners who need health insurance and nutrition for themselves and their children may be eligible for Badger care. This includes those who have no current health insurance and those who have an under nineteen year child living with them who is a United States citizen or is born in the United States. For details or to apply call 266-1865.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Tomorrow at noon on WORT’s “A Public Affair” host Esty Dinur speaks with Mickey Huff, Associate Professor of History at “Diablo Valley College” and co-editor of “Project Censored 2009”. Call 256-2001 for details.
 
“The Worker’s Rights Center helps people resolve workplace problems”.  This includes firing for “no match” letters, non-payment of wages or overtime, discrimination, or not caring for an employee hurt on the job. The office is in the “Villager Mall”, 2300 South Park Street.  Call 255-0376 for details.

“Care Wisconsin” offers many programs and services designed to help older adults. They offer coordinated health care and long-term support services for Medicaid-eligible older adults. These may have chronic conditions requiring nursing home level of care, adult day centers and home care services. Call 240-0020 for details.

“Dane County Friends of Ferals” volunteers are dedicated to bettering the future of feral cats. Their mission is to establish a no-kill standard and promote the value and well-being of Dane County area feral cats. Call 467-4067 for details.
 
“The Alliance for Animals” (AFA) has volunteer opportunities to help animals. These might include tabling at the Farmer’s Market, distributing pro-animal literature or joining the Antivivisection Committee. For details visit allanimals.org or call 257-6333.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Today at noon on this pledge drive edition of WORT’s “A Public Affair” host Norm Stockwell speaks with Rachel Wallis and Beverly Bell of “Other Worlds Collaborative” concerning their new booklet and DVD entitled, "Who Says You Can't Change The World." Call 256-2001 for details. 


This evening on WORT’s “Access Hour” the program will explore the local public library systems. Call 256-2001 for details.

This evening the “Muffin Club”, Women’s Health Discussion Group holds a discussion on “Home Spa.” It is in the Madison Infoshop, 1019 Williamson Street at 7:00. Call 262-9036 for details. This is open to all women, trans and inter-sex people.

Through Saturday, October twenty-fourth WORT Community Radio Station is having their fall “Change You Can (really) Count On” pledge drive. Listener sponsors are urged to donate by pledging either time or money at 256-2001 or 866-899-9678 and talking to one of the lovely phone answerers. Online pledges are welcomed too at www.wort-fm.org.     

Briarpatch offers walk-in HIV/AIDS, STDS and STI testing.  This is every Wednesday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 or by appointment in 1955 Atwood Avenue. To schedule an appointment call the agency at 1-800-798-1126. People may call locally at 245-2550 or email youthhivtesting@yahoo.com.
 
“Wisconsin Books to Prisoners” (WBTP) is a non-profit organization sponsored by “Rainbow bookstore” that sends books to Wisconsin and other states’ inmates. They believe that quote “books are tools for learning and can open minds to new ideas and fresh possibilities.”  They accept donations of money or books. Call 257-6050 or visit 426 West Gilman Street for details.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Saturday from 9 to noon at Capitol Lakes Grand Hall (333 W. Main), the Madison Institute will host a presentation by and discussion with Dr Richard Steeves, Prof. Emeritus, Dept of Human Oncology at UW-Madison. Dr. Steeves will discuss the predictions of global energy use up to 2030, describe previous attempts to tax fossil fuel consumption, before developing a proposal for taxing people based upon their carbon footprint. He will also discuss the current Waxman-Markey Bill (H.R. 2454) that has been weakened by the planned giveaways of emission permits. More info at themadisoninstitute.org

Sunday from 8:30 to 11:00 am, the Wilmar Center (953 Jenifer St.) will host another edition of Madison Hours Pancake Breakfast cosponsored by UNI Currency. The pancakes are organic and vegan with local ingredients, when available. You can get 'em plain or with nuts and/or fruits. There's oven-roasted potatoes, organic fair trade coffee, oj, friends and neighbors. Kids eat free, with up to 1/2 HOUR accepted per admission. More info at madisonhours.org

Sunday at 6:00 pm, the Madison Infoshop (1019 Williamson St.) will offer free screenings of recent documentaries of the economic plight of Americans today, including Waging a Living about people in the U.S. trying to survive on minimum wage; Roosevelt's America , about a young African immigrant working multiple jobs to bring his wife and young son to America; and Unhitched about low-income Americans living in a trailer park. The event is sponsored by the Direct Action/Mutual Aid Network. More info at 442-8399.

Saturday from 10 to noon, the Monroe Street Fine Arts Center will host a Super Saturday Workshop for Kids. For ages 5-7, imagine strange and wonderful creatures living in outer space – now let’s make them and bring them to life. For the older kids, ages 8-10, explore a unique printmaking process of floating paint on liquid. Each and every design is different. More information online at msfac.org

A free mud stenciling workshop will be held Saturday at 11am in Room 1641 of the Humanities Building. Artists from Milwaukee and Madison will be on hand to demonstrate this non-destructive type of public messaging. The event will be followed by a direct action, drawing public attention to the WI Department of Corrections’ current ban against prisoners receiving used books from commercial vendors such as Rainbow Bookstore. More info at 233-3170 .

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Tomorrow two visiting food & farm activists from Uganda and Kenya will join Family Farm Defenders in hosting the Family Farm Tour to explore sustainable agriculture projects. Participants will meet at 8:00 am at Just Coffee (1129 E. Wilson) to carpool with stops at several farms in South Central Wisconsin, including lunch and a press event in Reedsburg. More info at 260-0900.

Preparations are underway for the 24th International Kite Fly For Peace Saturday. The event will be held from 11 - 4:30 at McKee Farms Park near the corner of Fish Hatchery Road and McKee Road in Fitchburg. Spectacular kites flown by regional kitefliers, sport kites, show kites, high-flying deltas, ground displays, music & kite making for kids are planned. More info by contacting Paul at 271-8265.

The Alliance for Animals (AFA) has a few volunteer opportunities left to help animals. It doesn't matter what your skills are or what animal issues you are interested in, because you are likely to discover at least one way that you can help to make a difference for the animals. For more info visit allanimals.org or call 257-6333.

Tonight at 7 pm in room 1121 of the Humanities Bldg. at the UW-Madison, Family Farm Defenders will host The Grassroots Struggle to Defend Africa's Food Sovereignty from the Gene Revolution and Corporate Agribusiness! Panelists will outline the failures of the ‘Green Revolution’ in Africa and offer an alternative grassroots development model based upon food sovereignty model that benefits the land and the farmers themselves. More info at 260-0900.

Today at 4:30 pm, a Drive Time Picket will be held at Monsanto's Agracetus Greenhouse Complex (8520 University Green in Middleton.) The picket will be held in solidarity with dozens of other anti-GMO actions around the globe. Part of Via Campesina's first International Day of Action Against Transnational Corporations. More info at 260-0900 and online at familyfarmdefenders.org

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

The Public Health Department of Madison and Dane County has anonymous walk-in HIV, Hepatitis B and C testing and Needle exchange. These are at the Public Health Office, 2705 East Washington Avenue and the South Madison Health and Family Center 2202 South Park Street. There are a variety of times and days. Call 243-0411 for details.

Listeners who need health insurance and nutrition for themselves and their children may be eligible for Badger care. This includes those who have no current health insurance and those who have an under nineteen year child living with them who is a United States citizen or is born in the United States. For details or to apply call 266-1865.

The Parental Stress line helps prevent child abuse by connecting parents who are stressed or feeling alone with volunteers who talk with them by phone. Training is necessary. Call 241-4888 extension 26 for details.

Wisconsin Books to Prisoners (WBTP) is a non-profit organization sponsored by Rainbow bookstore that sends books to Wisconsin and other states’ inmates. They believe that quote “books are tools for learning and can open minds to new ideas and fresh possibilities.” They accept donations of money or books. Call 257-6050 or visit 426 West Gilman Street for details.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

This afternoon there is a hearing on SB240 that would restore voting rights to the formerly incarcerated. This is in the State Capitol, room 411 at 1:00. For details log on to www.restorethevotewi.org or call 608-469-5540 .

This evening the “Industrial Workers of the World” (IWW) host a special fundraising live concert by acclaimed folksingers, Anne Feeney and David Rovics. This is in the “Goodman Community Center”, 1409 Waubesa Street at 7:00. Advanced tickets are available at Lakeside Press and the Madison Infoshop. Call 262-9036 for details.

“The Worker’s Rights Center helps people resolve workplace problems”. This includes firing for “no match” letters, non-payment of wages or overtime, discrimination, or not caring for an employee hurt on the job. The office is in the Villager Mall, 2300 South Park Street. Call 255-0376 for details.

Care Wisconsin offers many programs and services designed to help older adults. They offer coordinated health care and long-term support services for Medicaid-eligible older adults. These may have chronic conditions requiring nursing home level of care, adult day centers and home care services. Call 240-0020 for details.

Dane County Friends of Ferals volunteers are dedicated to bettering the future of feral cats. Their mission is to establish a no-kill standard and promote the value and well-being of Dane County area feral cats. Call 467-4067 for details.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Today at noon on this pledge drive edition of WORT’s A Public Affair host Norm Stockwell speaks with author Peter Richardson concerning his new book on “RAMPARTS magazine” entitled "A Bomb in Every Issue." Call 256-2001 for details.

This evening on a pledge drive edition of WORT’s Access Hour there is a special pre-recorded program about bullying. That is at 7:00. Call 256-2001 for details.

Through Saturday, October twenty-fourth WORT Community Radio Station is having their fall “Change You Can (really) Count On” pledge drive. Listener sponsors are urged to donate by pledging either time or money at 256-2001 or 866-899-9678 and talking to one of the lovely phone answerers. Online pledges are welcomed too at www.wort-fm.org.

Briarpatch offers walk-in HIV/AIDS, STDS and STI testing. This is every Wednesday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 or by appointment in 1955 Atwood Avenue. To schedule an appointment call the agency at 1-800-798-1126. People may call locally at 245-2550 or email youthhivtesting@yahoo.com.

Wisconsin Books to Prisoners (WBTP) is a non-profit organization sponsored by Rainbow bookstore that sends books to Wisconsin and other states’ inmates. They believe that quote “books are tools for learning and can open minds to new ideas and fresh possibilities.” They accept donations of money or books. Call 257-6050 or visit 426 West Gilman Street for details.

Low cost spayings and neuterings for dogs and cats are available through the Dane County Humane Society. There are various times and prices and they include an FVRCP vaccine. Caretakers of feral or free-roaming cats can be helped as well. Call 838-0413 extension 103 for an appointment or details.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Saturday from 11 to 5 the Dane Count Humane Society will sponsor Dogtoberfest, an annual autumn fundraiser at Capital Brewery in Middleton. This event is for local dog owners and their well behaved canines and will feature live music from Natty Nation, The Jason Horowitz Band and more. Fun games and activities for dogs and their owners including a costume contest, tail wagging showdown, and face painting for the little ones are also planned. More info at www.giveshelter.org or 838-0413 ext. 129

The Madison Christian Community will host a chili supper, silent auction and concert on Saturday to raise funds for two of its ministries: Harvest of Hope and Haiti Partners. The fund has given away more than $850,000 to Wisconsin farmers in crisis since 1986 but with a record number of requests for help in recent months, monies in the Harvest of Hope Fund are dwindling. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Madison Christian Community 7118 Old Sauk Road. More info at 839-4758.

“Madison’s First Lady of Jazz” Jan Wheaton will perform at The Portage Center for the Arts, 301 E Cook Street, on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7:00. Seating reservations required. More info at 608-742-5655 or portagecenterforthearts.com

Saturday at 7:30 pm at the Overture Center, Promenade Hall (201 State St.), David Rhodes will read from his recently acclaimed novel, Driftless, about rural life in southwestern Wisconsin. He will be joined by Jane Hamilton, author of Laura Rider's Masterpiece among other works. More info at wisconsinbookfestival.org

The 3rd Annual Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) for Safe Schools Walk/Run/Eat will be held Sunday at the Goodman Community Center (149 Waubesa St.) . Check in for the event is at 9:30 AM.. After a 5K walk and a 5K run, this year’s event will once again be topped off by a picnic-style lunch donated by Queen Anne’s Catering of the West Side Club. More Info at gsaforsafeschools.org

Sunday from 2 to 6 at Harmony Bar (2201 Atwood Ave.), the Madison Area Peace Coalition will hold a Benefit Party featuring music by The Currach, Yid Vicious, Clare Norelle and the Ragin’ Grannies. More info at 249-3097.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Preparations are underway for the 24th International Kite Fly For Peace to be held on October 18th from 11 - 4:30 at McKee Farms Park near the corner of Fish Hatchery Road and McKee Road in Fitchburg. Spectacular kites flown by regional kitefliers, sport kites, show kites, high-flying deltas, ground displays, music & kite making for kids are on the agenda. If you would like to get involved, contact Paul Fieber at 271-8265 for more information.

The UW Arboretum invites the public to learn about native landscapes and teach others by becoming an Earth Partnership Team Leader! Participants learn about the art and science of ecological restoration, and about the native ecosystems of Wisconsin. Training starts October 15. Contact Marian at 265-5214 to register.

The Alliance for Animals (AFA) has dozens of volunteer opportunities to help animals. It doesn't matter what your skills are or what animal issues you are interested in, because you are likely to discover at least one way that you can help to make a difference for the animals. For more info visit allanimals.org or call 257-6333.

In conjunction with the Wisconsin Book Festival, VSA arts of Wisconsin will present an exhibition of artist books by Wisconsin students with disabilities at the UW-Madison's Kohler Art Library until November 30. The exhibition will feature a wide variety of books created by students with disabilities who participated in VSA artist residencies entitled "All About Me" at schools in Madison, Milwaukee and Wausau during the 2008-2009 school year. The Kohler Art Library is located inside the Chazen Museum of Art building at 800 University Avenue. More info at 241-2131.

The Literacy Network invites the public to be a part of someone's success story by participating in the 18th annual Literacy Network Run/Walk at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. The event starts at State and Gorham streets in Madison, and goes through campus. To learn more and to register, visit litnetwork.org or call 244-3911.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

This afternoon for “Coming Out Week” and the “Wisconsin Book Festival” there is a lecture entitled, “Do We Need a Queer Literature?”. This is in room 6191 of Helen C. White Hall at 4:00. Call 255-8582 for details.

This afternoon on the “eighth anniversary of the United States and Afghanistan War” the “Madison Area Peace Coalition” and others have called for vigils during the evening rush-hour. This is at 4:00 in venues throughout Madison. Call 442-8399 for details.

This evening for “Coming Out Week” there is a “Coming Out Workshop”. This is at 5:00 in the “Memorial Union”. Call 255-8582 for details. See “Today in the Union” for the room location.

This evening the “Madison Area Peace Coalition,” and others host a screening and discussion of Robert Greenwald's new film “Rethinking Afghanistan.” This is on the “eighth anniversary of the start of the United States and Afghan War”. This is at 6:30 in the “Escape Java Joint,” 942 Williamson Street. Call 442-8399 for details.

Beginning today at various times and venues throughout Madison the “Wisconsin Humanities Council” hosts the “Fourth Annual Wisconsin Book Festival”. It is quote” a public literary arts and humanities program”. One of today’s authors is Katie Krueger who wrote “Give with Gratitude: Lessons Learned Listening to West Africa”. This is in “A Room of One’s Own Feminist” bookstore, 307 West Johnson Street at 6:00. Call 262-0706 for details.

The Public Health Department of Madison and Dane County has anonymous walk-in HIV, Hepatitis B and C testing and Needle exchange. These are at the Public Health Office, 2705 East Washington Avenue and the South Madison Health and Family Center 2202 South Park Street. There are a variety of times and days. Call 243-0411 for details.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

This evening for “Coming Out Week” members of “GALVAnize, Gay and Lesbian Visibility Alliance” host a Madison Gay History Panel. This is in the “Humanities Building” at 6:00. Call 255-8582 for details. Check “Today in the Union” for the room location.

This evening for “Coming Out Week” members of the student group, “Focus” holds a workshop on “Financial Planning for Domestic Partners.” This is in Grainger Hall at 6:30. Call 255-8582 for details. Check “Today in the Union” for the room location.

Tonight for “Coming Out Week” there is the “Matthew Shepard Candle Light Vigil”. This is at 9:00 on the State Street Mall. Call 255-8582 for details. Check “Today in the Union” for the room location.

Tomorrow at noon on WORT’s A Public Affair host Esty Dinur speaks with James Levine, author of “The Blue Notebook”. It is a devastating and sad book about a young Indian girl who is sold into prostitution and lives her life on the “Street of Cages” in Mumbai. Call 256-2001 for details.

“The Worker’s Rights Center helps people resolve workplace problems”. This includes firing for “no match” letters, non-payment of wages or overtime, discrimination, or not caring for an employee hurt on the job. The office is in the Villager Mall, 2300 South Park Street. Call 255-0376 for details.

Care Wisconsin offers many programs and services designed to help older adults. They offer coordinated health care and long-term support services for Medicaid-eligible older adults. These may have chronic conditions requiring nursing home level of care, adult day centers and home care services. Call 240-0020 for details.

Monday, October 5, 2009

This is “Coming Out Week” which is supported by the University of Wisconsin LGBT Campus Center and others. Events include a lecture by David Carter. It is entitled, “Stonewall: The Riots That Sparked the Gay Revolution.” This is at 7:00 in the “Fredrick March Play Circle” on the second floor of the Memorial Union. Call 255-8582 for details.

This evening on WORT’s Access Hour Meghan Whalen and Michael Huckaby of the “National Federation of the Blind of Wisconsin” discuss the federation and its work. October is “Meet the Blind Month”. All month long the federation will promote blindness issues and concerns. This is at 7:00. Call 256-2001 for details.

This evening there is a planning meeting of Infoshop’s “Muffin Club”, Women’s Health Discussion Group. This is open to all women, trans, and inter-sex people. This week's topic is “abortion”. It is at 1019 Williamson Street. Call 262-9036 for details.

Tomorrow at noon host Norm Stockwell speaks with author and activist, Tom Hayden on his book "The Long Sixties". They will also discuss Afghanistan on the eve of the anniversary of the war. Call 256-2001 for details.

Briarpatch offers walk-in HIV/AIDS, STDS and STI testing. This is every Wednesday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 or by appointment in 1955 Atwood Avenue. To schedule an appointment call the agency at 1-800-798-1126. People may call locally at 245-2550 or email youthhivtesting@yahoo.com.

Wisconsin Books to Prisoners (WBTP) is a non-profit organization sponsored by Rainbow bookstore that sends books to prisoners in Wisconsin and other states. They believe that quote “books are tools for learning and can open minds to new ideas and fresh possibilities.” They accept donations of money or books. Call 257-6050 or visit 426 West Gilman Street for details.