Wednesday, February 3, 2010

This evening Madison Public Library’s Lakeview branch hosts a drop-in knitting group for people who wish to quote “learn at new craft” or “work on that unfinished project.” This is at 6:30 in the Community Room of 2845 North Sherman Avenue. Call 247-4547 for details.

This evening Madison Public Library’s Sequoya branch has a meeting of the “Mystery Book Discussion” group. This time the work is Carolyn Hart's novel “Letter from Home.” This is in 4340 Tokay Boulevard at 7:00. Call 266-6385 for details.

On-going Olbrich Botanical Gardens Bolz Conservatory features an exhibit entitled, “chocolate.” The exhibit highlights the journey from the cacao tree seeds (also known as cocoa beans) to chocolate. This is at 3330 Atwood Avenue daily at various times till March twenty-first. Call 246-4550 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.

Briarpatch seeks volunteers to work with teens in crises, either by answering the crises line, providing emergency shelter, or, acting as family counselors. Some positions may require training. Call 251-6211 for more information or to volunteer.

The Home Chore Volunteer Program needs volunteers to help elderly people to remain independent in their homes by doing such chores as snow shoveling and other household tasks. Call 223-3100 for more information.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Tomorrow at noon “Africa At Noon” presents “Ron Aminzade” of the “Department of Sociology at the University of Minnesota” speaking on “the Nation and Its Others: Citizens, Foreigners, and Asians in Twentieth Century Tanzania.” This is in room 206 of Ingraham Hall, 1155 Observatory Drive. Call 262-2380 for details.

“The Internal Revenue Service” (IRS) and others provide income tax help to differently-abled, low income and elderly people through its “Volunteer Income Tax Assistance” (VITA) sites. It is available by appointment on various dates. This is at 1302 Mendota Street. Participants may call 608-246-3140 extension 112 to schedule an appointment. Additionally they may call 1-800-829-1040 for other “VITA” site locations or “Taxpayer Counseling for the elderly” (TCE) 1-888-227-7669 for details.

On-going Olbrich Botanical Gardens Bolz Conservatory features an exhibit entitled, “chocolate.” The exhibit highlights the journey from the cacao tree seeds (also known as cocoa beans) to chocolate. This is at 3330 Atwood Avenue daily at various times till March twenty-first. Call 246-4550 for details.

The Catholic Multicultural Center provides free meals Monday through Friday at 4:00 in 1862 Beld Street. Call 661-3512 for details.

Weekdays the Blue Bus Clinic offers free Hepatitis A and B vaccinations. It is at 333 East Campus Mall. Contact 265-5600 for details, eligibility requirements and hours.

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.

Monday, February 1, 2010

This evening at the “Worker Rights Center” there is an “Immigration Reform Coalition” Meeting. This is at 6:00 in 2300 South Park Street. Call 255-0376 for details.

This evening on “WORT’s Access Hour” the “Notorious Canary Trainers” return to quote ‘exclaim and rejoice in their appreciation of the efforts of master detective’, “Sherlock Holmes”. This is at 7:00. Call 256-2001 for details.

Tomorrow morning there is a public hearing to discuss proposed changes to relax state laws on new nuclear reactors. These are part of comprehensive “Clean Energy Jobs Act” Assembly Bill 649. This is at 10:00 in Room 412 East of the State Capitol building, 17 West Mifflin Street. Call 250-9240 for details.

On-going Olbrich Botanical Gardens Bolz Conservatory features an exhibit entitled, “chocolate.” The exhibit highlights the journey from the cacao tree seeds (also known as cocoa beans) to chocolate. This is at 3330 Atwood Avenue daily at various times till March twenty-first. Call 246-4550 for details.

Briarpatch seeks volunteers to work with teens in crises, either by answering the crises line, providing emergency shelter, or, acting as family counselors. Some positions may require training. Call 251-6211 for more information or to volunteer.

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.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Registration is now open for the first annual Madison Youth Grow Local Conference. Join youth gardening experts from around the city, as well as Community GroundWorks, Community Action Coalition and the Goodman Community Center. The conference will be Saturday, February 20th, but registration materials are available now at notlong.com/youthgrowlocal. More info at 240-0409, or email elizabeth@troygardens.org

St. Vincent de Paul’s 18th Annual Recycle the Warmth Blanket Drive starts today! Recycle the Warmth is a local effort to gather new and gently used blankets and other bedding to be given away to Dane County neighbors in need. Volunteers will staff collection points at all four Madison-area Shopko stores. Bedding will also be collected at Dane County’s three Maytag Store locations and five St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores. For more info, call 442-7200, extension 402 or visit svdpmadison.org

On Saturday, the Madison Institute hosts a progressive roundtable presentation and discussion on the pending legislation to reform U.S. health care. This takes place from 9 a.m. to noon at the Sequoya Public Library, 4340 Tokay Boulevard. More info at themadisoninstitute.org.

Saturday, The Left and Obama: What Happened to Change? takes place at 7 pm. Speakers include Jennifer Loewenstein, John Nichols, Matt Rothschild, Lance Selfa and Will Williams. This is at UW-Madison, Room 2650 Humanities. More info at 245-9390.

Sunday at 2 pm, in UW Madison Memorial Union, 800 Langdon Street, another planning session is scheduled for the Madison World Naked Bike Ride of June, 2010. This meeting will be in the north end of the Rathskeller For more info, email madisonnakedbikeride@yahoo.com.

Also, Sunday at 2 pm, the Kathie Rasmussen Women's Theatre hosts a mystery fundraiser. This will be at the co-housing community room, 1137 Erin Street in Madison. Join this fun interactive theatrical event to solve the "Case of the Pilfered Prop." Wine and hors d'oeurves will be provided. For more info, email krassfundraiser@gmail.com or call 235-9106. RSVP if you can. Otherwise, just show up!

Sunday at 7pm, there will be a Madison Infoshop anniversary commemorative screening of "Bloody Sunday" - a movie about the January 1972 British army massacre of civil rights protesters in Northern Ireland. This will be at 1019 Williamson Street. The event is free - bring snacks or non-alcoholic beverages to share. More info 262-9036.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Tonight at 7 pm there will be a Book Release Party for ‘The Death and Life of American Journalism’ - with authors Bob McChesney and John Nichols, benefiting WORT Community Radio. This is at the Goodman Community Center, 149 Waubesa Street. More info at 256-2001.

Starting this evening and running through Saturday at 8pm each night, Jin-Wen Yu Dance and the UW-Madison Dance Program present Meta-50, a cross-cultural contemporary dance concert celebrating the 50th birthday of dance artist Jin-Wen Yu. Performances will feature new and past choreography by Yu as well as work Yu created in collaboration with Ananya Chatterjea. This will take place on the UW-Madison campus at the Margaret H’Doubler Performance Space in Lathrop Hall, 1050 University Avenue. More info at uniontheater.wisc.edu or 265-2787.

Tonight is the first meeting of the Queer Meditation Group, an open group intended to explore the benefits of meditation and to discuss the relationship between gayness and spirituality. This group will meet every 2nd & 4th Thursday at 7pm at OutReach, 600 Williamson Street. Everyone in the LGBT community is welcome. Call 255-2882 for more info.

Also tonight is an introduction to dance and movement therapy, taught by Hancock Center therapists Robyn Lending Halsten and Grace Valentine. This class will feature an explanation of how body awareness reveals information about our selves, how movement expression can make positive changes for us, and how this process is an especially powerful tool for growth and wholeness. Free and open to the public, this will be 6:30 at the community room in the Willy Street Coop, 1221 Williamson Street. To register, call 251-0884.

Bikewisconsin will be hosting their Winter Hydration Warm up and Get-Together tonight from 6 to 8pm at the Up North Bar, 514 East Wilson Street. Stop by for libations, free snacks, bike talk, prize-give-aways, and a chance to make a smoothie on a bike blender! For more info, call Mark at 608-843-8412 or check bikewisconsin.com and click on “latest news”.

Goodwill is partnering with the Internal Revenue Service to provide free tax preparation to differently-abled, low income and elderly people. Assistance will be available on February 12, February 26, March 12, and March 26th at the Goodwill office at 1302 Mendota Street. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 246-3140, extension 112.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

This evening Madison Public Library’s Lakeview branch hosts a drop-in knitting group for people who wish to quote “learn at new craft” or “work on that unfinished project.” This is at 6:30 in the Lake view branch Community Room, 2845 North Sherman Avenue. Call 247-4547 for details.

On-going Olbrich Botanical Gardens Bolz Conservatory features an exhibit entitled, “chocolate.” The exhibit highlights the trip from the cacao tree seeds (also known as cocoa beans) to chocolate. This is at 3330 Atwood Avenue daily at various times till March twenty-first. Call 246-4550 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.

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.

Briarpatch seeks volunteers to work with teens in crises, either by answering the crises line, providing emergency shelter, or, acting as family counselors. Some positions may require training. Call 251-6211 for more information or to volunteer.

The Home Chore Volunteer Program needs volunteers to help elderly people to remain independent in their homes by doing such chores as snow shoveling and other household tasks. Call 223-3100 for more information.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Today the Madison Urban Ministry, (MUM) sponsors a program designed to provide ongoing support for men and women recently re-entering the community. It begins at 2:30 in the Villager Mall, 2300 South Park Street. Call 256-0906 for details.

Tonight there is a benefit for “Haiti Relief”. It will feature “Bonobo Secret Handshake” and others. All proceeds will go towards “Doctors Without Borders Haitian Relief Fund”. This is in the “Cardinal Bar”, 418 East Wilson Street at 8:00. Call the “Cardinal Bar,” at 257-2473 for details.

Tomorrow morning the state Senate is holding a public hearing on the pro-nuclear measures in the climate bill. This is at 10:00 in room 412 East of the State Capitol building. Call 250-9240 for details.

Tomorrow at noon the “Africa at Noon” program presents, “Jeremy Foltz”,Associate Professor of Agricultural and Applied Economics in the University of Wisconsin, Madison speaking on quote “Highway Robbery: The Economics of Extortion in West African Trucking.” This is in room 206 of Ingraham Hall, 1155 Observatory Drive. Bringing a lunch is suggested. Rwanda's “Bufcafe’ “ Cooperative coffee roasted locally by Ancora is provided. Call 262-4461 for details.

Tomorrow at noon on WORT’s “A Public Affair” host “Esty Dinur” talks with “Eric Assadourian”, Project Director of the “State of the World 2010”. Call 256-2001 for details.

“The Internal Revenue Service” (IRS) and others provide income tax help to differently-abled, low income and elderly people through its “Volunteer Income Tax Assistance” (VITA) sites. It is available by appointment on various dates. This is at 1302 Mendota Street. Participants may call 608-246-3140 extension 112 to schedule an appointment. Additionally they may call 1-800-829-1040 for other “VITA” site locations or “Taxpayer Counseling for the elderly” (TCE) 1-888-227-7669 for details.

Monday, January 25, 2010

This evening there is a meeting of the “Muffin Club, Women’s' Health Discussion Group”. This week’s topic is “Osteoporosis”. 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.

Today on WORT’s “A Public Affair” host Mike Moon speaks with Bob McChesney and John Nichols on their new book, “The Death and Life of American Journalism.” Call 262-9036 for details.

This evening on WORT’s Access Hour the host takes an opportunity to examine goals or resolutions for the New Year. This is at 7:00. Call 256-2001 for details.

Tomorrow at noon there is a rally and picket at the “King of Falafel,” restaurant. The owner of both this and the “Palis Café ”, 1234 Regent Street has had complaints filed against him with the “Labor Standards Bureau”. The protest is by 453 West Gilman Street at noon. Call the Worker’s Rights Center at 255-0376 for details.

On-going Olbrich Botanical Gardens Bolz Conservatory features an exhibit entitled, “chocolate.” The exhibit highlights the trip from the cacao tree seeds (also known as cocoa beans) to chocolate. This is at 3330 Atwood Avenue daily at various times till March twenty-first. Call 246-4550 for details.

Briarpatch seeks volunteers to work with teens in crises, either by answering the crises line, providing emergency shelter, or, acting as family counselors. Some positions may require training. Call 251-6211 for more information or to volunteer.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Saturday is the 19th annual Freeze for Food run/walk, to benefit Dane County’s sister city of Apartado, Colombia. You can register at the event for this 10K run or 5K walk. This will be at the Vilas Park Shelter, 702 South Randall Avenue in Madison. More info at 257-8753.

Saturday, local folk rockers Sound of Survival will perform a benefit concert for Wisconsin Story Project at the Project Lodge, 817 East Johnson. The event begins at 7:30 and will benefit Wisconsin Story Project’s debut theatrical production, Cancer Stories, which will be on the Playhouse stage May 28 and 29. For more info, contact Davide 608-320-5957.

Sunday at 2 p.m., the annual River Valley Martin Luther King birthday celebration will be held at the Spring Green Elementary School Library, 830 West Daley Street in Spring Green. This year’s theme will focus on the war in Afghanistan, now in its ninth year, and will include excerpts from the documentary film ‘Rethinking Afghanistan’. Attendees are invited to bring potluck snacks and to printed information to distribute regarding peace and justice issues. The event is free and open to the public. For more information contact David or Nancy Giffey at 753-2199.

Sunday, the Madison Infoshop screens "Fahrenheit 451" - Francois Truffaut's adaptation of Ray Bradbury's novel where literary ignorance is the "law" thanks to the work of "firemen" like Guy Montag who hunt down books to burn them. This is at 7 pm at 1019 Williamson Street. Bring snacks or non-alchoholic beverages to share. More info at 262-9036.

The Goodman Community Center senior meal program serves meals 5 days a week. Suggested arrival time is 11:30 am. Participating seniors can use the county transportation system for older adults. Bus reservations are required the day before. Call the center at 241-1574 for more information.

Sunday, Madison NORML is hosting a Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act Benefit Show. Boo Bradley, David Sewell, Jacob Green and Ifdakar will provide the music. Jacki Rickert, Gary Storck, Ben Masel and others will speak. This is from 3-7pm at the High Noon Saloon on East Washington Avenue. For more info, contact Jacki or Gary at 608.241.8922.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

This evening at 7 pm, Un Mundo will host its second Madison event to raise funds and awareness for the villagers of the Cangrejal River Valley of Honduras. The headlining band will be Chafo; also providing entertainment will be Tani Diakate & the Malian Blues Band. Un Mundo will give some short presentations to discuss their work. This is at The High Noon Saloon, 701 East Washington Avenue. More info at 268-1122 or bgoetz@unmundo.org

Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, or DAIS, is seeking volunteers. Various opportunities are available, including Crisis Line or Response Advocate, Shelter Advocate, Children’s Advocate, and Marketing & Media Advocate. There are also one-time service projects available. DAIS works to empower those affected by domestic violence and advocate for social change through support, education, and outreach. For more info call 251.1237 or visit abuseintervention.org

Are you a same sex parent or planning to become one? Do you want to meet other families like your own? Come spend time with a same sex family group to talk, laugh and learn from one another. Children are welcome to come with parents but are not necessary for attendance. The group will meet the third Thursday of the month – that’s tonight - at OutReach, 600 Williamson Street, from 6-7:30pm. For more info, call 255-8582 and ask for Harry, or e-mail Leilani at robertson-hoyt@sbcglobal.net or Melissa at missyann24@hotmail.com.

Alliance for Animals has new volunteer positions open for its Primate Freedom Project. Duties include television program production, meeting with legislators, producing educational literature and tabling at Farmer’s Markets. For more info or to volunteer, contact 271-8790.

The Goodman Community Center, 149 Waubesa, offers a free, dedicated walking time in the gym for seniors from 7 to 9 am daily. The program offers an opportunity for seniors to exercise throughout the winter in a safe, no-fall environment. More info at 241.1574, x 232.

The Alliance for Animals will host the Second Annual Vegantines Dinner and Dance with special guest speaker Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, founder of CompassionateCooks.com and author of The Joy of Vegan Baking and The Vegan Table. This event will be February 6th at Madison’s West Side Club on County Road M. Advance tickets and more info at allanimals.org.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Today at noon the African Studies program hosts an “Africa at Noon” presentation. The presenter is John Pfister, MS Associate Scientist Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene for the University of Wisconsin, Madison. This is in room 206 Ingraham Hall, 1155 Observatory Drive. Participants are invited to bring lunch and enjoy free coffee from Rwanda's “Bufcafe Cooperative” roasted locally by “Ancora”. This is an on-going event. Call 262-4461 for detaila.

This evening the Madison Public Library Lakeview Branch hosts a drop-in knitting group. This is at 6:30 in 2845 North Sherman Avenue. Call 246-4547 for details.

This evening there is a “Report Back from the Copenhagen and the United Nations Climate Change Conference.” Speakers include Molly Stentz of “WORT Community Radio” and John E. Peck, of “Family Farm Defenders”. This is at 7:00 in the Memorial Union. Call 260-0900 for details. See “Today in the Union” for the room location.

On-going Olbrich Botanical Gardens Bolz Conservatory features an exhibit entitled, “chocolate.” The exhibit highlights the trip from the cacao tree seeds (also known as cocoa beans) to chocolate. This is at 3330 Atwood Avenue daily at various times till March twenty-first. Call 246-4550 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.

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, January 19, 2010

This afternoon the students from East and West High School host an event in support of Immigration Reform and the “DREAM” Act. It begins with a gathering at the Library Mall and march up State Street for a rally at the Capitol steps and will continue with a trip to the Humanities building to celebrate. This is at 4:30. Call 608-695-1016 for details.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and others provide income tax help to differently-abled, low income and elderly people through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites. It is available by appointment on various dates. This is at 1302 Mendota Street. Participants may call 608-246-3140 ext 112 to schedule an appointment. Additionally they may call 1-800-829-1040 for VITA site locations or Taxpayer Counseling for the elderly (TCE) 1-888-227-7669 for details.

On-going Olbrich Botanical Gardens Bolz Conservatory features an exhibit entitled, “chocolate.” The exhibit highlights the trip from the cacao tree seeds (also known as cocoa beans) to chocolate. This is at 3330 Atwood Avenue daily at various times till March twenty-first. Call 246-4550 for details.

Briarpatch seeks volunteers to work with teens in crises, either by answering the crises line, providing emergency shelter, or, acting as family counselors. Some positions may require training. Call 251-6211 for more information or to volunteer.

The Home Chore Volunteer Program needs volunteers to help elderly people to remain independent in their homes by doing such chores as snow shoveling and other household tasks. Call 223-3100 for more information.

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.

Monday, January 18, 2010

This morning city students will participate in youth-led educational forums and community volunteer projects. This is an annual youth service day celebrating Martin Luther King Junior Day as “A Day On, Not A Day Off.” This is at 8:00 in Monona Terrace, One John Nolen Drive. Call 729-1236 for details.

Today at noon is the “State of Wisconsin Tribute to Doctor Martin Luther King Junior.” The program features music, readings and talks including one by Governor Jim Doyle. This is on the first floor of the Capitol Rotunda. Call 825-2000 for details.

This afternoon “Veterans for Peace” hosts a peace dance. It is a music and free speech event in promotion of peace, and a free democracy. There are an open mic and peace related music. This is at 4:00 at “Thirty on the Square” at the top of State Street. For details contact 437-5478.

This evening there is the twenty-fifth annual Martin Luther King Junior City-County Observance. It is entitled "Our Challenge: Community and Peace." Events include speakers such as, former King executive staff member, Dorothy Cotton, city and county Humanitarian Awards and the MLK Community Choir. This is at 6:00 in the Overture Center's Capitol Theatre, 201 State Street. For details contact 608-239-7707 or 608-213-7907.

This evening there is a Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction to support “Green Rock Citizens for Clean Water.” The group has been fighting factory farm expansion and preserving water quality and sustainable family farming. This is at 6:00 in Dardanelles Restaurant, 1851 Monroe Street. Call 897-4288 for details.

This evening there is the January meeting of the Pardeeville Garden Club.
Jim LaVigne of Edgewater Greenhouse in Portage will speak on how to keep
backyard ponds healthy including the water, fish and plants. This is at 7:00
in the Pardeeville Village Hall, 114 Lake Street in Pardeeville. For details
call (608) 429-2815.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Tonight at 6:15 pm, the Goodman Community Center (149 Waubesa St.) will offer a screening of Homegrown! - the new film by Robert McFalls about how the Dervaes family in Pasadena, CA turned a quarter of an acre into an agricultural cornucopia, producing over 6000 pounds of food. The event is sponsored by Fitchburg Fields. A potluck will precede the film with discussion to follow. Bring a dish to pass and your own place setting. More info at 223-9571.

Saturday from 10 to 2, Madison Christian Community (7118 Old Sauk Rd.) will host the Harvest of Hope Winter Farmers' Market and Local Food Brunch to celebrate 24 years of helping Wisconsin farm families in crisis. Chef Barbara Wright of the Dardanelles Restaurant will be on hand to help prepare brunch. Sustainable and organic products will be offered. Since January 1986, the group has gifted $863,242 to those in need. More info at 839-4758.

Sunday at 7 pm, the Direct Action/Mutual Aid Network will sponsor a free Screening and discussion of the 2008 documentary MILK, about the life of San Francisco's radical openly gay mayor who was murdered for his convictions. The event will be at Madison Infoshop, 1019 Williamson St. More info at 262-9036.

Tonight from 4:30 to 7, all are invited to the King’s Coalition’s 23rd Annual Free Community Dinner at UW-Madison's Gordon Commons, Room B5, 717 W. Johnson St. Guests are invited to enjoy a meal with friends in Dr. King’s spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood for community and peace. Free shuttle bus service to and from the dinner will be provided by Kobussen Buses Ltd. For more information, contact Ruth Gundlach, 233-5880.

Sunday, the 26th annual Urban League Guild Youth Recognition Breakfast will honor nearly 200 area middle- and high-school students for their work in school and the community. This event, suitable for families, takes place at 8 a.m. (doors open at 7:30 a.m.) at Edgewood High School, 2219 Monroe St. More info at 608-729-1200.

Sunday from 7 to 9 pm, a reception is planned at Mother Fools’ Coffee Shop for artist JP Grace who exhibits a solo photography show this month titled women in the room studio. Free, locally-made cheesecake will be on hand (while it lasts!). The Coffee shop is located at 1101 Williamson Street. More info at 259-1301.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Goodwill Industries will partner with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to provide Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites, which will provide free tax preparation to workers who earn low incomes and individuals with disabilities, among others. Assistance will be available on January 15, February 12, February 26, March 12, and March 26th at the Goodwill administrative office at 1302 Mendota Street. Individuals must call 608-246-3140 ext 112 to schedule an appointment. Information regarding what individuals need to bring to the site is available at www. goodwillscwi.org or by calling 608-246-3140 ext. 112.

Registration has begun for the First Annual Madison Youth Grow Local Conference at the Goodman Community Center on February 20th. Youth gardening experts from around the city will be on hand, as well as Community GroundWorks, Community Action Coalition and the Goodman Community Center staff. Registration materials are available at 240-0409 or online at notlong.com/youthgrowthlocal.

Outreach invites everyone in the LGBTQ community to join a newly formed group which will meet the second and fourth Thursday of the month starting Jan 28th. The new group, intended to explore the benefits of meditation and to discuss the relationship between gayness and spirituality, will meet at the Outreach Center, 600 Willimason St. More info at 255-8582.

The Colombia Support Network is seeking volunteers for its 29th Annual FREEZE FOR FOOD RACE next Saturday, January 23rd at the Vilas Park Shelter, 702 S Randall. Proceeds of the race will be used for food, seeds and tools for people in Apartado, Columbia, Dane County’s Sister City. More info at 257-8753.

Ongoing, certified Kripalu Yoga instructor Jonathan Garber leads Yoga in the Gardens Thursday mornings and Monday evenings at Olbrich Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave in Madison. Registration is not required and drop-ins are encouraged. Sessions are appropriate for all levels from beginners to experienced and are suitable for all ages and degrees of flexibility. More info at 246-4550 or olbrich.org.

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.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

This evening OutReach, Madison’s LGBT Community Center holds a Q-Cinema film. They are showing the Brazilian film, “Madam Sata.” It is a story inspired by the life of “João Francisco dos Santos”. In turn he could be a bandit, transvestite and father to seven adopted children. This is at 6:30 in 600 Williamson Street. Call 255-8582 for details.

This evening the Madison Public Library Lakeview Branch hosts a drop-in knitting group. This is at 6:30 in 2845 North Sherman Avenue. Call 246-4547 for details.

On-going Olbrich Botanical Gardens Bolz Conservatory features an exhibit entitled, “chocolate.” The exhibit highlights the trip from the cacao tree seeds (also known as cocoa beans) to chocolate. This is at 3330 Atwood Avenue daily at various times till March twenty-first. Call 246-4550 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.

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, January 12, 2010

This evening the South Madison Branch public library features an opportunity to meet with an educational advisor. The Outreach Specialist for the University of Wisconsin adult and student services, Illeana Rodriguez will be available from 5:00-7:00. Call 263-6787 for details.

This evening the Madison Area Peace Coalition (MAPC) sponsors features speaker Jennifer Nordstrom of the “Carbon-Free Nuclear Free” campaign. She will promote the goal of a one hundred percent renewable electricity grid by 2050. This is in the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center, 953 Jenifer Street at 7:00. Call 241-1437 for details.

Tomorrow morning the Senate Education Committee will hold a public hearing on SB twenty- five the race-based mascot and logo bill. This is in room 411 south of the State Capitol building at 10:00. Call 715-693-6238 for details.

On-going Olbrich Botanical Gardens Bolz Conservatory features an exhibit entitled, “chocolate.” The exhibit highlights the trip from the cacao tree seeds (also known as cocoa beans) to chocolate. This is at 3330 Atwood Avenue daily at various times till March twenty-first. Call 246-4550 for details.

Briarpatch seeks volunteers to work with teens in crises, either by answering the crises line, providing emergency shelter, or, acting as family counselors. Some positions may require training. Call 251-6211 for more information or to volunteer.

The Home Chore Volunteer Program needs volunteers to help elderly people to remain independent in their homes by doing such chores as snow shoveling and other household tasks. Call 223-3100 for more information.

Monday, January 11, 2010

This afternoon to speak out against the continued imprisonment of detainees at the United States facilities in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba the group “Madison Pledge of Resistance and others will meet at the “First United Methodist Church” to participate in a candlelight vigil and procession around the Capitol. This is at 4:00 in 203 Wisconsin Avenue. Call 608-239-4327 for details.

This evening the Muffin Club of Madison Info-shop’s Women’s Health Discussion Group speaks on “Women as Nurturers.” This 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 co-hosts Melvin Hinton and Kathryn Kingsbury present the final segment of their two-part show on “Musical Royalty.” This is at 7:00. Call 256-2001 for details.

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.

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, January 8, 2010

Today at 1 pm, the UW-Madison All-Campus Animal Care and Use Committee will hold a meeting, ordered by Chancellor Biddy Martin, to discuss the ethics of primate experimentation. The meeting is open to the public and will be held in Room 350 of Bascom Hall, 500 Lincoln Dr in Madison. Attendees cannot participate but are welcome to show their support by their presence. More info at 251-8419 or madisonmonkeys.com

The South Central Wisconsin Socialist Party will hold its monthly meeting on Saturday at 3 pm at the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center, 953 Jenifer St in Madison. The meeting will be followed by a Potluck. This month's topic will be: Socialism in America Today & Tomorrow - discussed by representatives of several local socialist organizations. Bring a dish to share. For more info contact David at 442-8399.

Tonight from 5 to 9 pm, an Artist Opening Reception will be held at Absolutely Art, 2322 Atwood Ave. The artists’ work will be shown all of January and will feature metal works by sculptor Weston Weber and “Shadowboxes” by mixed media artist Hannah Diament-Talmadge. For more info call 249-9100 or visit AbsolutelyArtLLC.com

This Sunday at 11 AM, WORT FM 89.9 will air “Her Turn”, a women's news and public affairs program, featuring news and critical analysis from a feminist perspective. The show will be followed by Her Infinite Variety, a program of women's news and culture, featuring music, interviews and calendars. The show regularly features progressive and left music and announcements. More info at 256-2001.

Sunday at 7 pm, the Madison Infoshop, 1019 Williamson St, will host a free screening of "The Wobblies". The 1979 film is 89 minutes long. Bring snacks or non-alcoholic beverages to share, more info 262-9036.

Saturday from 3 to 5 pm, the Outreach Center, 600 Williamson St, will host a Women4Women presentation about Civil Unions, Domestic Partnership, and Estate Planning for the LGBT Community. Women4Women is an inclusive social/discussion group open to all women. The group meets biweekly on the second and fourth Saturday of the month. One meeting focuses on activities while the other is discussion oriented. More info by calling Donna at 255-8582.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

The Youth Ski Team Fundraiser will be held tonight at 6 PM at the VFW East Side, 301 Cottage Grove Rd in Madison. The event will feature a Po Boy’s BBQ dinner and a Square Dance workshop with the Old Gray Cats band. All skill levels are welcome, including beginners. For more info or to donate , call Louise at 843-8451.

Tomorrow at 1 pm, the UW-Madison All-Campus Animal Care and Use Committee will hold a meeting, ordered by Chancellor Biddy Martin, to discuss the ethics of primate experimentation. The meeting is open to the public and will be held in Room 350 of Bascom Hall, 500 Lincoln Dr in Madison. Attendees cannot participate but are welcome to show their support by their presence. More info at 251-8419 or madisonmonkeys.com

Ongoing, Jonathan Garber, certified Kripalu Yoga instructor Jonathan Garber leads Yoga in the Gardens Thursday mornings and Monday evenings at Olbrich Gardens, at 3330 Atwood. Registration is not required and drop-ins are encouraged. Sessions are appropriate for all levels from beginners to experienced and are suitable for all ages and degrees of flexibility. More info at 246-4550 or olbrich.org.

Tonight at 7 pm, Salon Q will hold one of its monthly meetings at OutReach (600 Williamson St.). Salon Q is an inclusive adult social/discussion group organized by OutReach, Madison & south-central Wisconsin's LGBT Community Center. It is designed as a conversation group for any member of the community looking for a safe and healthy way to meet and get to know new people. More info at 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.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

This afternoon the Lakeview Library invites school age children age five to eleven to flex their “creative muscles.” This is at 3:30 in the Community Room at 2845 North Sherman Avenue. Call 246-4547 for details.

On-going Olbrich Botanical Gardens Bolz Conservatory features an exhibit entitled, “chocolate.” The exhibit highlights the trip from the cacao tree seeds (also known as cocoa beans) to chocolate. This is at 3330 Atwood Avenue daily at various times till March twenty-first. Call 246-4550 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.

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.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

This evening the “South Madison Branch public library” features an opportunity to meet with an educational advisor. Outreach Specialist for the Adult and Student Services Center, Illeana Rodriguez will be available from 5:00-7:00. Call 263-6787 for details. This is an on-going event.

On-going Olbrich Botanical Gardens Bolz Conservatory features an exhibit entitled, “chocolate.” The exhibit highlights the trip from the cacao tree seeds (also known as cocoa beans) to chocolate. This is at 3330 Atwood Avenue daily at various times till March twenty-first. Call 246-4550 for details.

Briarpatch seeks volunteers to work with teens in crises, either by answering the crises line, providing emergency shelter, or, acting as family counselors. Some positions may require training. Call 251-6211 for more information or to volunteer.

The Home Chore Volunteer Program needs volunteers to help elderly people to remain independent in their homes by doing such chores as snow shoveling and other household tasks. Call 223-3100 for more information.

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.

Mothers United For Moral Support, is an international support and matching organization for families and other caregivers of children with rare disorders or special needs. Call Julie Gordon at 1-920-336-5333 for more information on getting or giving help.

Monday, January 4, 2010

This evening the “Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom” (WILPF) Book Club holds reading and discussion of “The Places in Between” by Rory Stewart. It is in Community Room of the South Police Precinct at 7:00. For details call Mary at 846-5217.

This evening Outreach has meetings of two on-going groups. The first at 6:00 is “Living as a Gay Man”. The second at 7:30 is “Bi the Way.” This is in 600 Williamson Street. Call 255-8582 for details.

This evening on WORT’s Access Hour co-host Kathryn Kingsbury has part one of a two part show on “Musical Royalty.” This is 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.

On-going Olbrich Botanical Gardens Bolz Conservatory features an exhibit entitled, “chocolate.” The exhibit highlights the trip from the cacao tree seeds (also known as cocoa beans) to chocolate. This is at 3330 Atwood Avenue daily at various times till March twenty-first. Call 246-4550 for details.