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