Friday, January 1, 2010

A new art exhibit opens today at Mother Fools’ coffee shop. The show, by artist JP Grace, is entitled Women in the Room Studio. Mother Fools is located at 1101 Williamson Street and is open 7 days a week including today until 11 pm. More info at motherfools.com or 259-1301.

The Alliance for Animals is seeking volunteers for its Primate Freedom Project. The group consists of concerned citizens who give presentations, meet with legislators, hold demonstrations, contribute to cable television programs, and educate the public about the more than 9000 experimental primates currently in Madison labs. For more info visit allanimals.org and click on “Get Involved”.

Saturday will be a UW Arboretum Volunteer Workday at the Wingra Oak Savanna from 9 to Noon. Volunteers are needed for restoration activities and to learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training are provided, and groups are welcome with advance notice. Meet at the gravel parking lot along Arbor Drive just off Monroe Street. For more information call 265-5214 or email mlfarrior@wisc.edu

Reservations are being accepted for the Youth Ski Team Fundraiser to be held a week from today on January 7th. The event will feature a Po Boy’s BBQ dinner and a Square Dance workshop with the Old Gray Cats band at the East side VFW, 301 Cottage Grove Rd in Madison. All levels welcome, including beginners. To reserve or donate, call Louise at 843-8451.

The South Central Wisconsin Socialist Party has changed its schedule for 2010. Party meetings will be held on the 2nd Saturday of the month at the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center, 953 Jenifer St in Madison. The next meeting is slated for January 9th. For more info contact David at 442-8399.

Outreach offers a support group for same sex families every third Thursday of the month. Children are welcome to come with parents but are not necessary for attendance. The group meets at OutReach (600 Williamson St.) from 6 to 7:30pm For more information, call 255-8582

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Today, the Chazen Museum of Art continues its exhibition of Portraits of Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans from 11 to 5 pm. The museum is located at 800 University Ave in Madison and admission is free. This exhibition includes nearly 30 large-format color portrait photographs of Vietnam veterans, taken by photographer James Gill. It is presented in conjunction with Wisconsin Public Television’s documentary film project “Wisconsin Vietnam War Stories.”

Tonight the non-profit organization CORBAN will hold it’s annual New Year’s Eve Party and fund-raiser at The Pizza Ranch, 900 Main St. in Waupun WI. This event is for the whole family. Proceeds will be used to fund CORBAN’s mission of building a community of homes in Peru to care for orphaned, abandoned and poor Peruvian children. More info at 920-326-6169

Tonight the UW Arboretum will offer a New Year’s Eve walk from 6:30 to 8:30. Hot chocolate will be provided after the hike. Meet at the Visitor Center, 1207 Seminole Highway. More info at 263-7888.

The Home Chore Volunteer program needs volunteers to help elderly people remain independent in their homes by doing such chores as laundry, snow clearing, shopping, cleaning, and other household tasks. For more information call 223-3100.

Tonight at 10 pm, WYOU TV, Community Access Television, features the program Animals Have Rights. The show is on Cable channel 95 and digital 991 and features news unavailable anywhere else. You can live stream at www.wyou.org or watch any of the 13 past episodes at www.vimeo.com/animalrights/videos

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

The Respite Center is a safe place for kids, ages birth to fourteen, whose families are under stress or in crisis. They are looking for volunteers to play with kids four hours a week. Training is required. Call 244-5730 for details.

Daily Olbrich Gardens hosts their “Holiday Express Flower and Model Train Show.” The show boasts twinkling lights, poinsettias, tiny landscapes and large scale model trains. There is a small admission charged and includes Bolz Conservatory. This is at 3330 Atwood Avenue through December. Call 246-4550 for details.

On-going people may visit the “twenty-first Annual Holiday Fantasy in Lights”. Put together by the “International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers” (IBEW) local 159 and others it is an annual non-profit display of holiday light pictures. They include Santa and his sleigh and a Menorah. It runs in Olin Turville Park from dusk to dawn through January third. Call 239-7888 for details.

On-going the Chazen Museum of Art, 800 University Avenue exhibits photographs by James Gill. These large-format color portraits feature veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam. They have talked about their experiences with the “Wisconsin Stories Project”. Call 263-2068 for details. It runs daily except Monday until January third.

On-going weekday mornings lunch is served to seniors. This is at 11:30 in venues throughout Madison. There is a small donation asked. Participants are asked to call 251-8405 by noon the day before to reserve a meal, cancel or for details.

The Volunteer Home Chore program is a joint effort by the four “Madison Coalitions of Older Adults”. It helps frail, limited income people with home chores to remain independent in their homes. Chores may include minor home repairs, light housework and snow shoveling. Call 251-8405 for details or to volunteer.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Daily people may visit the “twenty-first Annual Holiday Fantasy in Lights”. Put together by the “International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers” (IBEW) local 159 and others it is an annual non-profit display of holiday light pictures. They include Santa and his sleigh and a Menorah. It runs in Olin Turville Park from dusk to dawn through January third. Call 239-7888 for details.

Ongoing the Chazen Museum of Art, 800 University Avenue exhibits photographs by James Gill. These large-format color portraits feature veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam. They have talked about their experiences with the “Wisconsin Stories Project”. Call 263-2068 for details. It runs daily except Monday until January third.

“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.

“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 countless volunteer opportunities. 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.

Weekday mornings lunch is served to seniors. This is at 11:30 in venues throughout Madison. There is a small donation asked. Participants are asked to call 251-8405 by noon the day before to reserve a meal, to cancel or for details.

Monday, December 28, 2009

This evening on WORT’s Access Hour the host will play and talk about the new movement of music in South America. He’ll play jazz from Peru, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia as well and will interview some musicians. That’s at 7:00. Call 256-2001 for details.

On-going weekday mornings lunch is served to seniors. This is at 11:30 in venues throughout Madison. There is a small donation asked. Participants are asked to call 251-8405 by noon the day before to reserve a meal or to cancel.

Daily people may visit the “twenty-first Annual Holiday Fantasy in Lights”. Put together by the “International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers” (IBEW) local 159 and others it is an annual non-profit display of holiday light pictures. They include Santa and his sleigh and a Menorah. It runs in Olin Turville Park from dusk to dawn through January third. Call 239-7888 for details.

The Volunteer Home Chore program is run jointly by the four “Madison Coalitions of Older Adults”. It helps frail, limited income people with home chores to help them remain independent in their homes. Chores may include minor home repairs, light housework and snow shoveling. Call 251-8405 for details or to volunteer.

Daily through December Olbrich Gardens hosts their “Holiday Express Flower and Model Train Show.” The show boasts twinkling lights, poinsettias, tiny landscapes and large scale model trains. There is a small admission charged which includes Bolz Conservatory. This is at 3330 Atwood Avenue. Call 246-4550 for details.

Domestic Abuse Intervention Services is a non-profit agency dedicated to ending violence in the lives of domestic abuse victims and their children. They are currently looking for volunteers. To volunteer or get help call 251-1237 or the crises line at 251-4445.

Friday, December 25, 2009

The Alliance for Animals is seeking volunteers for its Alliance for Animals Primate Freedom Project. The group consists of concerned citizens who give presentations, meet with legislators, hold demonstrations, contribute to cable television programs, and educate the public about the more than 9,000 experimental primates in Madison. For more info visit allanimals.org and click on “Get Involved”.

This weekend and through the end of December, Olbrich Gardens offers Olbrich's Holiday Express from 10 am to 4 pm daily. Large-scale model trains wind through festive gingerbread houses and hundreds of colorful poinsettias. Admission is free on Wednesdays from 10 to noon and for Olbrich Botanical Society members. Olbrich gardens are located at 3330 Atwood Avenue in Madison. More info at 246-4550.

Even when the ground is frozen and the air is cold, beauty and activity abound in the natural world. The UW Arboretum will offer a Winter Wonders walk on Sunday from 1 to 2:30 pm. Meet at the Visitor Center, 1207 Seminole highway. More info at 263-7888 or online at uwarboretum.org

Saturday, the Chazen Museum of Art continues its exhibition of Portraits of Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans from 11 to 5 pm. The museum is located at 800 University Avenue in Madison and admission is free. This exhibition includes nearly 30 large-format color portrait photographs of Vietnam veterans, taken by photographer James Gill. It is presented in conjunction with Wisconsin Public Television’s documentary film project “Wisconsin Vietnam War Stories.”

Luke House, located at 310 South Ingersoll Street in Madison, will offer a free Christmas meal today from 4:30 to 6 pm. Everyone in the community is invited to attend. No advance reservations are needed and no deliveries are available. More info at 256-MEAL

Thursday, December 24, 2009

The South Central Wisconsin Socialist Party has a new schedule. It will now hold its monthly Party meetings on the 2nd Saturday of the month at the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center, 953 Jenifer Street in Madison. The next meeting is slated for January 9th and the time is yet to be determined. For more info contact David at 442-8399.

Tonight at 10 pm, WYOU TV, Community Access Television, features the program Animals Have Rights. The show is on Cable channel 95 and digital 991 and features news unavailable anywhere else. You can live stream at www.wyou.org or watch any of the 13 past episodes at www.vimeo.com/animalrights/videos

The American Red Cross will hold a Holiday Blood Drive at the Exhibition Hall of the Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Way in Madison, from 7 to 2 PM. To schedule an appointment visit givelife.org or call 1.800.give.life

Are you a same sex parent or planning to become one? Have you been wanting to meet other families like your own family? Outreach offers a support group for same sex families every third Thursday of the month. Children are welcome to come with parents but are not necessary for attendance. The group meets at OutReach, 600 Williamson Street, from 6 to 7:30pm For more information, call 255-8582

The Home Chore Volunteer program needs volunteers to help elderly people remain independent in their homes by doing such chores as laundry, snow clearing, shopping, cleaning, and other household tasks. For more information call 223-3100.

First United Methodist Church offers a free Christmas meal, served between 12:00-noon and 2:00pm on Christmas Day. Everyone in the community is invited to attend. No advance reservations are needed. Homebound individuals may request home-delivered holiday dinners. Call 251-4407 between 2 and 5 on Christmas Eve to request home delivery.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Tomorrow morning on WORT’s morning folk show the “Folk Anarchist” helps brighten the holidays with “Christmas Anarchy.” Listeners may shop for the true meaning of the holidays or just take a break from shopping mall “Musak”. That’s at 9:00 on this station. Call 256-2001 for details.

Daily Olbrich Gardens hosts their “Holiday Express Flower and Model Train Show.” The show boasts twinkling lights, poinsettias, tiny landscapes and large scale model trains. There is a small admission charged and includes Bolz Conservatory. This is at 3330 Atwood Avenue through December. Call 246-4550 for details.

On-going people may visit the “twenty-first Annual Holiday Fantasy in Lights”. Put together by the “International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers” (IBEW) local 159 and others it is an annual non-profit display of holiday light pictures. They include Santa and his sleigh and a Menorah. It runs in Olin Turville Park from dusk to dawn through January third. Call 239-7888 for details.

On-going the Chazen Museum of Art, 800 University Avenue exhibits photographs by James Gill. These large-format color portraits feature veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam. They have talked about their experiences with the “Wisconsin Stories Project”. Call 263-2068 for details. It runs daily except Monday until January third.

On-going weekday mornings lunch is served to seniors. This is at 11:30 in venues throughout Madison. There is a small donation asked. Participants are asked to call 251-8405 by noon the day before to reserve a meal, cancel or for details.

The Volunteer Home Chore program is a joint effort by the four “Madison Coalitions of Older Adults”. It helps frail, limited income people with home chores to remain independent in their homes. Chores may include minor home repairs, light housework and snow shoveling. Call 251-8405 for details or to volunteer.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Daily people may visit the “twenty-first Annual Holiday Fantasy in Lights”. Put together by the “International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers” (IBEW) local 159 and others it is an annual non-profit display of holiday light pictures. They include Santa and his sleigh and a Menorah. It runs in Olin Turville Park from dusk to dawn through January third. Call 239-7888 for details.

Ongoing the Chazen Museum of Art, 800 University Avenue exhibits photographs by James Gill. These large-format color portraits feature veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam. They have talked about their experiences with the “Wisconsin Stories Project”. Call 263-2068 for details. It runs daily except Monday until January third.

“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.

“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 countless volunteer opportunities. 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.

Weekday mornings lunch is served to seniors. This is at 11:30 in venues throughout Madison. There is a small donation asked. Participants are asked to call 251-8405 by noon the day before to reserve a meal, to cancel or for details.

Monday, December 21, 2009

This evening “Madison Urban Ministry” (MUM) and others sponsor a memorial service and vigil for “National Homeless Persons Memorial Day”. It begins at with a 4:15 gathering in front of the “Madison Public Library’s Mifflin Street branch” and moves to the square where “Dwayne Warren's” body was found this summer. A wish for a future without homelessness will be honored. Call 256-0906 for details.

This evening on WORT’s Access Hour listeners may learn about a mobile bicycle village that is being planned for the “Madison to Detroit ride which will take place next summer”. That’s at 7:00. Call 256-2001 for details.

On-going weekday mornings lunch is served to seniors. This is at 11:30 in venues throughout Madison. There is a small donation asked. Participants are asked to call 251-8405 by noon the day before to reserve a meal or to cancel.

Daily people may visit the “twenty-first Annual Holiday Fantasy in Lights”. Put together by the “International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers” (IBEW) local 159 and others it is an annual non-profit display of holiday light pictures. They include Santa and his sleigh and a Menorah. It runs in Olin Turville Park from dusk to dawn through January third. Call 239-7888 for details.

The Volunteer Home Chore program is run jointly by the four “Madison Coalitions of Older Adults”. It helps frail, limited income people with home chores to help them remain independent in their homes. Chores may include minor home repairs, light housework and snow shoveling. Call 251-8405 for details or to volunteer.

Daily through December Olbrich Gardens hosts their “Holiday Express Flower and Model Train Show.” The show boasts twinkling lights, poinsettias, tiny landscapes and large scale model trains. There is a small admission charged which includes Bolz Conservatory. This is at 3330 Atwood Avenue. Call 246-4550 for details.

Friday, December 18, 2009

The Northside Business Association and the Northside Farmers Market have announced completion of the long awaited Pole Banners for the Northside Pride project. The banners will be going up over the next several weeks onto metal street light poles at the entrances to the Northside neighborhoods on Northport Dr. and Packers Av. The public is invited to a special "DEDICATION PARTY" Sunday at 11am at the Northside Winter Farmers Market 2865 N. Sherman Av (near Warner Park). Refreshments will be served and Banners on display for all to view.

Saturday from 1 to 3, Workers from Postville, Iowa share their experiences through a performance of their play “La Historia de Nuestras Vidas – The Story of Our Lives,” which recounts the events of the May 2008 immigration raid and its aftermath. The event is free and open to the public. The play will be preceded by a screening of the Frontline film: “Guatemala: A Tale of Two Villages – U.S. Immigration Raid Leaves Lasting Mark”. The location is the Don & Marilyn Anderson Auditorium, Predolin Humanities Center, Edgewood College in Madison. For more info call Julie at 663-4274

Saturday at 2 pm, Food Not Bombs will serve free vegan/vegetarian food with a dash of politics at State St. & Capitol Square, Mifflin Corner. More info at 262-9036

Saturday from 1 to 3:30, The Arboretum Visitor Center, 1207 Seminole highway, will offer a Winter Tree Identification class. The class will be held indoors and outdoors (weather permitting). Registration is required. More info at 263-7888 or via email at pabrown1@wisc.edu

This weekend and through the end of December, Olbrich Gardens will offer Olbrich's Holiday Express from 10 am to 4 pm daily. Large-scale model trains wind through festive gingerbread houses and hundreds of colorful poinsettias. Admission is free on Wednesdays from 10 to noon and for Olbrich Botanical Society members. Olbrich gardens is located at 3330 Atwood Avenue in Madison. More info at 246-4550.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Senior adults from the LGBT communities will meet today from 2:30 to 4 pm at the Madison Senior Center (330 W. Mifflin St.). This group is a cooperative venture of OutReach and the Madison Senior Center through the LGBT Senior Alliance. The group offers friendly conversations that are informal, open dialogues. Friends and families of LGBT folks are welcome. Participants determine the topics based on current interests and the groups are facilitated. For more info call 255-8582

The Alliance for Animals is seeking volunteers for its Alliance for Animals Primate Freedom Project. The group consists of concerned citizens who hold monthly presentations throughout Madison, meet with legislators, hold demonstrations, contribute to cable television programs, and educate the public about primate experimentation in Madison. For more info visit allanimals.org and click on “Get Involved”.

Tonight from 5 to 7, at State St. and the State Capitol, the End of Year Holiday Peace Dance Carnival will take place with open Mic/Anti-Surge related music. Free popcorn will be provided. More info 437-5478.

Tonight at 9 PM, the High Noon Saloon , 701 E Washington St, will host the Mercury Players Theatre Benefit. Local musicians and performers join together to raise money for the Mercury Players Theatre, an independent theater company established in 1994. More info at 268-1122

Today and every third Thursday of the month, the Buddhist Peace Fellowship meets at the Madison Zen Center, 1820 Jefferson St .. Everyone is welcome and you don't have to be a Buddhist to participate! For more details email kathy@derene.com

Today and the third Thursday of every month, the South Central Local of the Socialist Party meets at the Social Justice Center, 1202 Williamson St. More info at 238-1266.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

This evening the Wisconsin Union Directorate Society and others host a presentation by John Kinsman, President of “Family Farm Defenders” and organic dairy farmer from Lime Ridge, Wisconsin. This is at 6:00 in the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s, Memorial Union. Call 262-2211 for details. See Today in the Union for the room location.

This evening “Q-Cinema International” film series of the “Outreach” organization hosts a screening of “Saving Face/China.” It is a romantic comedy about a Chinese-American lesbian who is shocked when her widowed mother shows up, pregnant. She helps her save face by finding her a “Mister Right”. This is at

Tomorrow at noon on “WORT’s A Public Affair” host Allen Ruff speaks with journalist and West Asia specialist, Gareth Porter. Call 256-2001 for details.

On-going through January 3 people may visit the “twenty-first Annual Holiday Fantasy in Lights”. Put together by the “International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers” (IBEW) local 159 and others it is an annual non-profit display of holiday light pictures. They include Santa and his sleigh and a Menorah. It runs in Olin Turville Park from dusk to dawn. Call 239-7888 for details.

On-going the Chazen Museum of Art, 800 University Avenue exhibits photographs by James Gill. These large-format color portraits feature veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam. They have talked about their experiences with the “Wisconsin Stories Project”. Call 263-2068 for details. It runs daily except Monday until January third.

The Rape Crises Center is a non-profit community organization for people who need support and information after experiencing past or recent sexual assault, rape, incest or childhood sexual assault and the people close to them. For services and twenty- four hour crises intervention call 251-7273 or to volunteer call 251-5126.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

This evening there is presentation by Steve Burns, Program Director of the “Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice”. It is entitled, ”How will the Afghan war end?” This is in room 204 of the Downtown Public Library, 201 West Mifflin Street at 6:00. Call 250-9240 for details.

This evening there is a meeting of “United Nations Association, Dane”. The speaker is Professor of Sociology, Joe Elder. He will be speaking on “President Obama's Afghan/Pakistan strategy and the United Nations."This is at 6:30 in the “Friends Meeting House”, 1704 Roberts Court. For details call 255-0533 for details. Snacks will be provided.

“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.

“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” 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, December 14, 2009

Today at noon on “WORT’s A Public Affair” host Stacy Harbaugh speaks with Gary Stork and other marijuana legalization advocates on the new medical marijuana bill introduced in the state legislature. Call 256-2001 for details.

This evening there is a discussion with Terese Allen the co-author of the book “The Flavor of Wisconsin: Local Foods and Cultural Connection." The presentation will focus on this state’s history through its many recipes and food traditions. This is at 7:00 in the “First Unitarian Society meeting House,” 900 University Bay Drive. Call 233-9774 for details.

This evening there is a meeting of the Madison Infoshop’s “Muffin Club” women’s health discussion group. The topic this week is “HPV.” It is open to all women, trans and inter-sex people. This is at 7:00 in 1019 Williamson Street. Call 262-9036 for details.

This evening on “WORT’s Access Hour” the program will be produced by the winner of the city-wide high school spoken word poetry competition called “Can You Spit?” which was recently held. Call 256-2001 for details.

Tomorrow at noon on “WORT’s A Public Affair” host Norm Stockwell speaks with Winslow Myers about his new book "Living Beyond War." Call 256-2001 for details.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Today at noon on “WORT’s A Public Affair” host Stacy Harbaugh speaks with Gary Stork and other marijuana legalization advocates on the new medical marijuana bill introduced in the state legislature. Call 256-2001 for details.

This evening there is a discussion with Terese Allen the co-author of the book “The Flavor of Wisconsin: Local Foods and Cultural Connection." The presentation will focus on this state’s history through its many recipes and food traditions. This is at 7:00 in the “First Unitarian Society meeting House,” 900 University Bay Drive. Call 233-9774 for details.

This evening there is a meeting of the Madison Infoshop’s “Muffin Club” women’s health discussion group. The topic this week is “HPV.” It is open to all women, trans and inter-sex people. This is at 7:00 in 1019 Williamson Street. Call 262-9036 for details.

This evening on “WORT’s Access Hour” the program will be produced by the winner of the city-wide high school spoken word poetry competition called “Can You Spit?” which was recently held. Call 256-2001 for details.

Tomorrow at noon on “WORT’s A Public Affair” host Norm Stockwell speaks with Winslow Myers about his new book "Living Beyond War." Call 256-2001 for details.

Friday, December 11, 2009

The Madison Area Transgender Support Group will meet this evening at 7 pm at the Outreach Center, 600 Williamson Street in Madison. More info at 255-8582

Helen Redmond will be addressing the current healthcare crisis in a talk being given at the Goodman Center Saturday at 1 p.m. Ms. Redmond, a clinical social worker at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, is a member of the Chicago Single Payer Action Network. She will discuss our current employer-based system of coverage, supplied by private, for-profit insurance companies, and its impact on patient needs and the delivery of medical services, as well as explore the alternative of a single payer system of healthcare insurance and its potential to save up to $400,000 billion annually. The Goodman Community Center is located at 149 Waubesa Street. More info at 831-2054.

Women4Women is an inclusive social/discussion group open to all women who love women… Inclusiveness and diversity are a key part of the group, with women of all cultural backgrounds, races, ages, physical abilities, political beliefs, etc. The group meets at the Outreach facility, 600 Williamson Street, on the second and fourth Saturday of the months from 3 to 5 pm, with one meeting a month having a social/fun activity theme-- such as game night, movie night, or going out -- and the other being more discussion oriented. For more info about the group call Outreach at 255-8582

Saturday at noon, at the State Street corner of Capitol Square, Clean Wisconsin will sponsor a Climate Crisis Vigil. The public is invited to bring neighbors, friends and other concerned citizens to mark the end of the UN sponsored climate talks in Copenhagen. Similar vigils are being planned worldwide. A short march and an indoor action workshop and teach in will follow. Bring banners, signs, noisemakers, instruments, giant puppets, etc …More info by email at kwalter@cleanwisconsin.org

Saturday at 2 pm, Food Not Bombs will serve free vegan/vegetarian food with a dash of politics at State Street & Capitol Square, Mifflin Corner. More info at 262-9036

Saturday at 3 pm, at the Dardanelles Restaurant, 1851 Monroe Street, the Madison Area Peace Coalition will sponsor a screening and discussion of Robert Greenwald's 2009 documentary, Rethinking Afghanistan. More info at 442-8399.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Tonight, the Grassroots Leadership College is hosting a Fundraiser at Five Guys restaurant, 517 State Street. In support of the College’s community development courses and Madison's grassroots leaders, the establishment will donate 20% of all dinner checks paid between 5 and 10 pm. For more info contact Amy at 441-0085.

Tonight at 7 pm, there will be a meeting of the group Action in Sudan at Fair Trade Coffee, 418 State Street. Action in Sudan is an award-winning student organization that works to improve the livelihoods of the Sudanese primarily by ending violence in the South Sudan and Darfur regions. This is the last meeting for this semester. More info at actioninsudan.org or at 215-2452.

Tonight at the UW- Madison Memorial Union, an informative speech titled A Woman Among Warlords - Afghanistan: the Case of Immediate Withdrawal, a discussion about Bringing the Troops Home. Malalai Joya rose to fame in December 2006 when, as an elected delegate, she spoke out publicly against the continued domination by the warlords in the U.S.-sponsored, Afghan government. Since then, she has survived 4 assassination attempts and currently travels through Afghanistan under a burqa with armed guards. For more information contact Ben at 358-6822

The Alliance for Animals is seeking volunteers for its Alliance for Animals Primate Freedom Project. The group consists of concerned citizens who hold monthly presentations throughout Madison, meet with legislators, hold demonstrations, contribute to cable television programs, and educate the public about primate experimentation in Madison. For more info visit allanimals.org and click on “Get Involved”.

Today, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, 227 State Street, will mark the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission that landed two Americans on the moon by organizing an exhibition of Robert Rauschenberg's Stoned Moon Series. More info at 257-0158 or online at mmoca.org

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

This evening Edgewood students host the film “Bridging Borders” which features a collection of stories of Latino immigrants in Madison. It is in Spanish and English. There is a discussion and refreshments to follow. This is at 7:30 in room 310 of the South Madison Branch Library, 2222 South Park Street. Call 663-2889 for details.

“Wisconsin Books to Prisoners” 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.

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.

Wisconsin’s Home Energy Assistance Program helps people pay for home energy costs including crisis assistance and weatherization. They are at 1225 South Park Street. They can be contacted via the web site heat.wi.gov or by phone at 267-3680.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

This afternoon Michael Edmonds author of a book about the story behind the Paul Bunyan legend speaks. The book is entitled, “Out of the Northwoods.” Edmonds is speaking at the Madison Senior Center, 330 West Mifflin Street at 1:00. Call 266-6581 for details.

This evening there is a meeting of the Dane County Chapter of the United Nations Association –USA. On the agenda is a presentation by Tom and Lee Brown concerning their work and trips to Malaysia. This is in Capitol Lakes, 333 West Main Street. Call 255-0533 for details.

This evening the “Fruit Tree Planting Foundation” and “Madison Fruit and Nuts” will decide in the “Urban Orchards Citywide Grant Planning Session.” How a local grant to plant public fruit trees should be used. This is at 7:00 in room 202 of the Central Library, 201 West Mifflin Street. Call 240-0409 for details.

This evening the Madison Area Peace Coalition there is a presentation and discussion with Jennifer Nordstrom of the “Carbon-Free Nuclear-Free Campaign”. It is entitled, “Does Wisconsin Need More Nuclear Plants to Stop Global Warming? - No!” This is at 7:00 in the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center, 953 Jenifer Street. Call 241-1437 for details.

On-going through January third people may visit the “twenty-first Annual Holiday Fantasy in Lights”. Put together by the “International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers” local 159 and others it is an annual non-profit display of holiday light pictures. They include Santa and his sleigh and a Menorah. It runs in Olin Turville Park from dusk to dawn. Call 239-7888 for details.

On-going the Chazen Museum of Art, 800 University Avenue exhibits photographs by James Gill. These large-format color portraits feature veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam. They have talked about their experiences with the “Wisconsin Stories Project”. Call 263-2068 for details. It runs daily except Monday until January third.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Today at noon there is a vigil for peace in an anniversary-day-of-remembrance of all war dead and of all nonviolent witnesses for peace and active resistance to war. This is at the corner of Doty Street and Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard. Call 846-7924 for details. Refreshments will be provided.

Today at noon on WORT’s “A Public Affair” hosts Alfonso Zepeda-Capistran and Donna Vuchelich speak with Jorge Mújica, one of the principal leaders of the immigrant struggle in Chicago and organizer of its 2006 immigrant rights march. He is now a Democratic Party candidate for “The Third Congressional District of Illinois.” Call 256-2001 for details.

This evening “Jazz West” from West High School will perform big band music. Included are swing music, Latin and modern jazz numbers. This is at 6:30 in Liliana’s Restaurant, 2951 Triverton Pike Street in Fitchburg. Call 442-4444 for details.

This evening on WORT’s “Access Hour” the host will talk about a small Mixe community band and its history in Oaxaca, Mexico. She will also discuss how a music program provides opportunities for students to continue their musical education thanks to work done by Mexico City and Madison professors. That’s at 7:00. 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 for details.

The Madison Coalitions of Older Adults are looking for volunteers this winter to shovel snow for the elderly. This is a flexible volunteer opportunity. Call 243-5252 for details.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Tonight, from 5:30 to 8, for its First Fridays program, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA) will feature Jazz Orgy, a Fox Valley jazz band. The MMoCA is located at 227 State Street. More info at 257-0158 x. 241

Saturday from 10 to 2, the “Madison Hours” Fair Trade Holiday Fair will once again be hosted by High Noon Saloon (701 E. Washington). Food, jewelry, clothing, cards, crafts, and local music are on the program which is aimed at keeping money in the community by supporting local currency. More info at madisonhours.org

Saturday at Noon at the UW-Madison's Library Mall, a Statewide March for LGBT Equality will begin. More info by emailing peace@uww.edu

Sunday from 1 to 5 pm, David Williams and David Golden will offer a Middle East Human Rights Dialogue at the UW-Madison, Room 1651 Humanities, 455 N. Park St. More info by emailing dvdwilliams51@tds.net

Sunday evening at 7 pm, Madison Infoshop (1019 Williamson St.) will present a Free Movie and Discussion - Bolivarian Diary of Ernesto Che Guevera. This acclaimed documentary by Swiss filmmaker, Richard Dindo, is based upon Che's own writings and eyewitness accounts of his failed insurrection struggle in Bolivia. Sponsored by the Direct Action/Mutual Aid Network. More info at 262-9036.

Saturday from 9 to 4, the Monona Terrace will host the 13th Annual Fair Trade Holiday Festival. Art, crafts, clothing, decorations. pottery, textiles, food, and more will be offered. All items are produced through fair trade. More info at calamadison.org

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Today from 10 am to 10 pm, the AIDS Memorial Quilt can be viewed in person at the Overture Center, 201 State St in Madison. More info at 263-9219.

Tonight at 7 PM, WORT Radio’s science program, the Perpetual Notion Machine, will feature a discussion of the long and tortuous road from Darwin's description in 1859 of the Law of Evolution to the discovery in 1944 of DNA as the substance that holds genetic information and makes evolution possible. That’s on 89.9 FM WORT Radio at 7 PM tonight.

Mendota Elementary, located at Northport Dr. at School Rd, is seeking volunteer tutors for its Safe Haven Plus program. The after school program provides one-on-one and group tutoring, homework help for kids (grades K-5), childcare and extra academic support for students who are performing below proficiency level in reading and math. For more info contact the Volunteer Coordinator Rachel at 204-7864.

Shoppers looking for thrifty and thoughtful gifts this holiday season will have the opportunity to help raise funds for the Madison Public Library when several branches hold sales of gently used books, art, CD’s and DVD’s for kids, teens and adults. All proceeds will benefit the Madison Public Library system. For a calendar of upcoming sales, go to www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/calendar.

Tonight at 10 pm, and every Thursday night, WYOU TV, Community Access Television, features the program Animals Have Rights. WYOU is on Cable channel 95 and digital 991. Live stream available at www.wyou.org
The Madison Area Transgender Support Group will meet Saturday from 3 to 5 pm at the Outreach Center, 600 Williamson St in Madison. More info at 255-8582.

This weekend will be the last opportunity to support community programs through the Green Online Holiday Auction. All proceeds will benefit The Dane County TimeBank, Community GroundWorks at Troy Gardens, Wisconsin Partners for Sustainability and WYOU Community Television. Auction items can be viewed at greenauctionswi.cmarket.com

Tuesday, December 2, 2009

Today Madison Area Peace Network and others, in response to President Barack Obama’s expected upping of troops in Afganastan are planning several actions. At 11:00 there is a gathering in “Lisa Link Peace Park”. Then there will be a somber “March of the Dead.” For details contact 442-0300.

Today and tomorrow the “UW Health HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Care Program” presents a viewing of the “AIDS Memorial Quilt”. It is an expanding memorial to the lives of people lost to HIV/AIDS. It runs from 11:00 in the morning to 10:00 in the evening. Call 263-9219 for details.

This afternoon Edgewood students present the film “Bridging Borders.” It features a collection of stories of Latino immigrants in Madison. Participants may enjoy festive Latin food and learn about immigration here. Discussion will follow. It will be presented in a bilingual format. This is at 1:00 in the Anderson Auditorium of Edgewood College. Call 663-2889 for details. It will be repeated next Wednesday.

“Wisconsin Books to Prisoners" 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.

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.

Wisconsin’s Home Energy Assistance Program helps people pay for home energy costs including crisis assistance and weatherization. They are at 1225 South Park Street. They can be contacted via the web site heat.wi.gov or by phone at 267-3680.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

This evening in the Verona Public Library co-athor, Terese Allen talks about her book "The Flavor of Wisconsin: An Informal History of Food and Eating in the Badger State.” In it she discusses Wisconsin history through its many recipes and food traditions. This is at 7:00 in 500 Silent Street in Verona. Call 845-7180 for details.

This evening Madison Area Peace Network and others have a gathering to watch Obama’s speech expected to up the troops in Afganastan. This will be followed by a call to action and open mic. It is at 7:00 in the Humanities building. See Today in the Union for the room location. Call 442-0300 for details.

This evening “Alliance for Animals” presents a talk by “Rick Bogle” entitled “Why Primate Research is Unethical.” This is at 7:30 in room 1641 of the Humanities Building. Call 257-6333 for details.

Today is WORT’s Birthday Celebration and a one day quote “Birthday Boost” pledge drive. Listener’s are asked to donate and help put our annual income over the top. Call 256-2001 for details.

Monday, November 30, 2009

This evening Madison Area Peace Network (MAPC) and others in response to Barack Obama’s expected upping of troops in Afganastan are planning several actions. The first is a gathering and procession on the Library Mall at 5:00. At 5:30 there is a press conference on the Library Mall. At 6:30 there is a showing of the movie “Rethink Afghanastan” and a panel discussion. This is in the Humanities Building. See “Today in the Union” for the room announcement. Call 442-0300 for details.

This evening the “Muffin Club”, women’s health discussion group meets. The topic is “Gender 101.” This is open to all women, trans and inter-sex people. It is in the Madison Infoshop, 1019 Williamson Street at 7:00. Call 262-9036 for details.

On-going the Chazen Museum of Art, 800 University Avenue exhibits photographs by James Gill. These large-format color portraits feature veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam. They have talked about their experiences with the “Wisconsin Stories Project”. Call 263-2068 for details. It runs daily except Monday until January third.

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.

The Madison Coalitions of Older Adults are looking for volunteers this winter to shovel snow for the elderly. This is a flexible volunteer opportunity. Call 243-5252 for details.

“Wisconsin Books to Prisoners” 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.