Friday, February 26, 2010

Saturday from 8:30 to 11:30 am, Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church (651 N. Main St. in Oregon)will present a screening and discussion of the acclaimed documentary, Fresh, about the current dilemmas and future possibilities of our food/farm system, featuring interviews with Michael Pollen, Joel Salatin, Will Allen, and John Ikerd, among others. More info at 233-1898 or via email at trudijenny@yahoo.com

Saturday at 2 pm, Rainbow Bookstore (426 W. Gilman) will host a talk with Cathy Erway, author of The Art of Eating In - How I Learned to Stop Spending and Love the Stove. The timely memoir of quitting restaurants cold turkey speaks to a new era of conscientious eating. More info at 257-6050.

Saturday at 7 pm, the International Co-op (140 W. Gilman St.) will host a screening of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD with Robert Mulligan and The Great Debates with Denzel Washington as part of its Black History Month Movies Series. Everyone is welcome. More info at 283-6333

Sunday at 7 pm, the Left Film Club will sponsor a screening of Empire of the Wolves, a 2005 French film about paramilitaries in Turkey at Stendahl Parlor (404 S. Park St. - above Univ. Audio, entrance in rear of building). Snacks and beverages are welcome. More info at 442-8399.

Sunday from 8pm to Midnight the High Noon Saloon ( 701 E. Washington Ave. ) will host Time to Rock, a benefit for Dane County Time Bank featuring live music from Best Road Blues, Lady Scissors, Catalog Babies, Bob Westfall Band, Rohnellaros, Stephanie Rearick, Art Paul Schlosser, MC Johnnie of Koool Karaoke and more. More info at danecountytimebank.org

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Tonight at 7:00 pm, the International Co-op (140 W. Gilman St.) will host Black History Month Movies Series, a screening of Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing, a 1989 film. Everyone is welcome. More info at 283-6333

Tonight at 7 pm at the UW Memorial Union, the International Socialist Organization will hold its weekly meeting. Topics on the agenda are the abortion clinic defense rally, the Building Unity Conference, the Historical Materialism Discussion Series, and Direction Actions against the on-going wars in the Middle East and the attack on Public Education. More info at 358-6822.

The Chicago Regional Census Center is encouraging job seekers to call 1-866-861-2010 to register to test for the hundreds of census taker jobs that remain. The next test in the Madison area will be tomorrow but are ongoing. A practice test and testing location information can be found at www.2010censusjobs.gov. More info at 312-454-5624.

Tonight from 6:30 to 9 pm, Kicks Unlimited and the Crowne Plaza of Madison will sponsor a fund raiser to bring relief to Haiti. The event will feature a kickboxing class taught by the highly trained staff of Kicks Unlimited at 4402 E Washington Ave in Madison. All proceeds to go to the American Red Cross for the Haiti Relief Fund. Registration at 6:30, class at 7 and reception at 8. Smoothies and snacks will be available Space is still available. To sign up for the event call 288-8466.

He “We Care” organization is requesting winter clothing donations for Iowa County residents. The public is invited to drop off donations of unused coats, snow pants, boots, gloves, hats, mittens and scarves at the Dodgeville State Farm Insurance, Quality Liquid Feed, We Care office and all Dodgeville schools. Cash donations are also accepted. Contact Mary Berg at 574-9661 for more details.

Wednesday, February 24, 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.

Today through February “Friends of Drumlin Community Gardens” presents a grassroots art show. Over a dozen activists fighting to preserve Drumlin Gardens will be featured. This is at Mother Fools Coffee House, 1101 Williamson Street. For details call 262-9036.

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

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

This evening the “Madison Area Peace Coalition” hosts a presentation with illustrations by labor cartoonist Mike Konopacki. It is entitled, “Why are we is Afghanistan?” It will be followed by a discussion. This is at 6:30 in the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center, 953 Jenifer Street. Call 442-8822 for details.

Tomorrow at noon the “African Studies program” hosts a talk entitled, “The Kibale EcoHealth Project: Health through Conservation near the Foothills of the Mountains of the Moon.” The presenter is Tony Goldberg of the “Department of Pathobiological Sciences”. This is in room 206 of Ingraham Hall. Call 262-2380 for details.

Today through February “Friends of Drumlin Community Gardens” presents a grassroots art show. Over a dozen activists fighting to preserve “Drumlin Gardens” will be featured. This is at Mother Fools Coffee House, 1101 Williamson Street. For details call 262-9036.

The Internal Revenue Service 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.

Monday, February 22, 2010

This evening there is a “Madison Chapter Weston A. Price Foundation” meeting featuring an informal discussion and networking. This is at 7:00 in the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center, 953 Jenifer Street. Call 221-8696 for details.

This evening “Women’s Network for Peace and Justice” (WNPJ) and others screen the first in their “Spring Film Screening Series.” It is "Haiti: Killing the Dream.” The film traces the history of United States imperialism and indifference in the Caribbean and South America, portraying the poverty and violence that ravaged Haiti. This is in room 206 of Ingraham Hall at 6:30. Call 250-9240 for details.

Tomorrow at noon on WORT’s A Public Affair host Stacy Harbaugh speaks with guests on myths and facts about the “Census”. She will also speak with members from the “River Alliance of Wisconsin” about their March film fest and how to be an advocate for clean rivers. Call 256- 2001 for details.

Tomorrow there is a “Carbon Free Nuclear Free Lobby Day.” Reportedly the “Clean Energy Jobs Act” is questionable policy which may soon be enacted. This begins at 8:00 in the morning. Call 250-9240 for details.

The Insurgent Radio Kiosk is a five minute pre-recorded segment featuring a commentary, this-day-in-history, and a calendar of events for the day. To be included events must be low cost or non-profit and of interest to people in and around the WORT listening area. It also should interest people who other media might not highlight such as, older people, youngsters, women and people of alternative genders. Mail announcements at least one week before the event to the Kiosk at WORT-fm, 118 South Bedford Street, Madison, Wisconsin or e-mail kioskevent@wort-fm.org.

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.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Saturday is a Volunteer Workday at the UW Arboretum. 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 9 AM at the Grady Tract parking lot, SE corner of the Beltline and Seminole Hwy. More info at uwarboretum.org or 265-5214

One of the biggest needs in Haiti right now is shelter and with the rainy season fast approaching, most people do not have waterproof shelters. Your tent and tarp donations will bring hope to Haitian families struggling to stay dry. Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin will collect new and used clean tarps and tents Saturday from 9 to noon in the Administration Building parking lot, 1265 John Q. Hammons Dr. More info at 251-3356.

Sunday from 2 to 4, the Health Sciences Learning Center, 750 Highland Ave, will present a Black History Art Exhibit and artist reception. Viewers can meet artist Stanley Sallay, a graduate of the UW-Madison Odyssey project, a free humanities credit course for adults facing economic barriers to higher education. For more info visit odyssey.wisc.edu or call 262-3733

Saturday at 1:30 pm, at Mills Concert Hall in the UW Humanities Building, 455 N. Park Street, the Percussion Ensemble of the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra will host a PERCUSSION EXTRAVAGANZA benefiting Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. A food or cash donation is suggested. The concert will feature a variety of music, dance and martial arts groups. More info at 263-3320 or 236-0535.

The 2nd annual Wisconsin River Grass Roots Festival will take place Saturday at the Wisconsin Heights High School, on Hwy. 14 between Black Earth and Mazomanie. The theme of the conference is “Making Change Happen” and festival hours will be from 8:30 until 4. To register or for more info call Nate Timm at 220-0139 or visit www.WRVGFest.com

Without coats, boots, hats and gloves to keep them warm, how do Wisconsin mammals get through winter? The naturalist at the UW Arboretum will answer that question and point out other discoveries during the 1 PM walk offered on Sunday at 1207 Seminole Highway. More info at 263-7888.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Tonight from 6 to 8 pm, the Armory & Gymnasium, 716 Langdon St., will host Taste of Cultures: Discover India! where the culture and customs of India as well as authentic food can be experienced. Space is limited to the first 150 people. More info at issprograms@odos.wisc.edu

Tonight at 8:30 pm, the Black Music Ensemble, directed by Richard Davis, will perform at Morphy Recital Hall, in the Mosse Humanities Building, 455 N Park. The 12-member ensemble performs music from the great figures in jazz--Wayne Shorter, Nat King Cole, Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, John Coltrane and more. More info at 263-9485.

Tonight at 7:30 at the UW Memorial Union, the International Socialist Organization will hold its weekly meeting. For more info contact Ben at blratliffe@gmail.com or 358-6822.

Tonight from 7 to 9 at the UW Memorial Union, 800 Langdon Street, A Tribute to the Life and Legacy of Radical Historian Howard Zinn will be presented. Featured guest speakers will include Mike Konopacki, Matt Rothschild, Paul Buhle, Nan Enstad, Mary Layoun and Mark Anthony Rolo.

Today through February 28th, Friends of Drumlin Community Gardens will be presenting "Sprouting Artists at Drumlin Gardens," a grassroots art show at Mother Fools Coffee House, 1101 Williamson Street. The show features art from over a dozen activists fighting to preserve Drumlin Gardens. For more information, call Friends of Drumlin at 262-9036.

Wednesday, February 17, 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.

Today through February “Friends of Drumlin Community Gardens” presents a grassroots art show. Over a dozen activists fighting to preserve Drumlin Gardens will be featured. This is at Mother Fools Coffee House, 1101 Williamson Street. For details call 262-9036.

The Insurgent Radio Kiosk is a five minute pre-recorded segment featuring a commentary, this-day-in-history, and a calendar of daily events. To be included events must be low cost or non-profit and of interest to people in and around the WORT listening area. It also should interest people who other media might not highlight such as, older people, youngsters, women and people of alternative genders. Mail announcements at least one week before the event to the Kiosk at WORT-fm, 118 South Bedford Street, Madison, Wisconsin or e-mail kioskevent@wort-fm.org.

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.

Tuesday , February 16, 2010

This evening the organization, “Outreach” celebrates “Fat Tuesday”. Host “Ricardo Gonzalez” helps them celebrate with New Orleans style food, music, a cash bar, handmade masks and Mardi Gras beads. This is at the Cardinal Bar, 418 East Wilson Street at 5:00. Call 255-8582 for details.

This evening “Rainbow Bookstore Coop” hosts a screening of the film, “Live from Bethlehem.” It is quote “A chronicle of the “Ma'an News Network”, the only independent news in the Palestinian Territories. Emmy-nominated screenwriter and documentarian “Matt Sienkiewicz” will be present. It is at 7:00 in 426 Gilman Street. Call 257-6050 for details.

This afternoon the “University of Wisconsin General Library System” and others host the “Haiti Past and Present Film Series” featuring “Aristide and the Endless Revolution”. This is at 4:00 in the Memorial Library Commons. Call 262-3193 for details.

Tomorrow at noon the “Africa at Noon” discussion series presents “Old Wine, New Skins.” The speaker is Akosua Darkwah of the “Department of Sociology” at the University of Ghana. Participants may quote “bring lunch and enjoy coffee from Rwanda's “Bufcafe Cooperative” roasted locally by “Ancora”. This in room 206 of Ingraham Hall. Call 262-2380 for details.

“The Internal Revenue Service” 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.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Tomorrow morning there is the tenth Annual Interfaith Coalition of Worker Justice Faith Labor Breakfast. It is in the Bethany United Methodist Church, 3910 Mineral Point Road at 8:00. Call 255-0376 for details.

Tomorrow at noon the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign and others hold a rally and march to protest the Supreme Court’s decision in the case “Citizens United versus Federal Election Commission.” This is on the west steps of the State Capitol building. Call 255-4260 for details.

Today at noon on WORT’s A Public Affair host Norm Stockwell speaks with Jeremy Rifkin with his new book "The Empathic Civilization." Call 256-2001 for details.

The Insurgent Radio Kiosk is a five minute pre-recorded segment featuring a commentary, this-day-in-history, and a calendar of events for the day. To be included events must be low cost or non-profit and of interest to people in and around the WORT listening area. It also should interest people who other media might not highlight such as, older people, youngsters, women and people of alternative genders. Mail announcements at least one week before the event to the Kiosk at WORT-fm, 118 South Bedford Street, Madison, Wisconsin or e-mail kioskevent@wort-fm.org.

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

Friday, February 12, 2010

Saturday, Frank Hassler from Good Oaks Ecological Services will be making 2 presentations during the Garden Expo at the Alliant Energy Center. At Noon in the Waubesa/Kegonsa Room. Native Landscaping: A Primer will cover the many benefits of landscaping with native plants and explore some of the species that work well in our area. The 3 pm talk, in the Mendota 5 Room, Controlling Weeds and Invasive Plants will address organic control methods. More info at 209-0607

Tonight at 9:30, the Harmony Bar (2201 Atwood Ave.) will host Harmony for Haiti Benefit with music from Taki Allstars, Boo Bradley, Stephanie Rearick, and Jeremiah Nelson. All proceeds will go towards Red Cross relief operations in Haiti.

Saturday at 4 pm, the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center, 953 Jenifer St., will host a Pre-Marxian Socialisms class - sponsored by the Socialist Education Committee. This is the first class in a new year-long monthly series on the history and ideas of socialism. Classes are free, however pre-registration is recommended and optional readings are available. The Socialist Potluck will follow the event at 5:30 pm. A dish or drink s to share are suggested. More info at 442-8399.

Sunday at 7 pm, Madison Infoshop (1019 Williamson St.) will offer a screening and discussion of the Murder of Fred Hampton. The 1971 documentary follows the work of the inspirational leader of the Illinois Chapter of Black Panther up until his assassination by the Chicago Police Department. The event is hosted by the Direct Action/Mutual Aid Network. More info at 262-9036.

Saturday, The Music Teacher's National Association UW Chapter will be hosting a concert to benefit the victims in Haiti. The concert will take place at 6:30 in the Humanities building on campus, in Morphy Hall. All donations will go to the organization "Hope for Haiti," and the program includes piano works of Beethoven, Berg, Chopin and others. For more information visit uwmtna.org.

The Madison Infoshop will be hosting its annual Anti-Valentine's Day party at the Faux-Op (“Foh-op”) on Saturday starting at 6:30pm. This free event will include chocolate-tasting, a broken-heart pinata, crafts, and the movie "King of Hearts." For details and location, please call 262-9036.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Registration is now open for the first annual Madison Youth Grow Local Conference on February 20th. Youth gardening experts from around the city, from Community GroundWorks, Community Action Coalition and from the Goodman Community Center will be participating. Registration materials are available online now at notlong.com/youthgrowlocal. More info at 240-0409.

Today is the last advance registration day for tomorrow’s John Taylor Gatto lecture and Q & A session. Gatto is the author of Dumbing Us Down, and Weapons of Mass Instruction. The event is sponsored by The Unschooling Conference, and HOME, a Madison-based home schooling support group. For more info call Tanya at 238-4429 or go to unschoolingconference.com

OutReach’s babysitting referral program is looking for new babysitters to join its referral service. Parties interested in becoming a LGBTQ-friendly sitter are invited to stop by the Center at 600 Williamson St. to pick up an application. More info at 255-8582.

The RSVP deadline for the Carbon Free, Nuclear Free Wisconsin lobby day is Tuesday February 16. The event, sponsored by the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice and slated for Tuesday Feb 23rd, will offer individuals an opportunity to setup an appointment with state legislators. Contact 250-9240 to setup your appointment or for more info. The agenda includes a gathering with coffee and breakfast in the Capitol Meeting room at 8, followed by informational sessions about the bill, individual meetings with legislators and a lunch at noon.

He “We Care” organization is requesting winter clothing donations for Iowa County residents. The public is invited to drop off donations of unused coats, snow pants, boots, gloves, hats, mittens and scarves at the Dodgeville State Farm Insurance, Quality Liquid Feed, We Care office and all Dodgeville schools. Cash donations are also accepted. Contact Mary Berg at 574-9661 for more details.

Friends of Drumlin Community Gardens will be presenting "Sprouting Artists at Drumlin Gardens," a grassroots art show running through February at Mother Fools Coffee House, 1101 Williamson Street. The show features art from over a dozen activists fighting to preserve Drumlin Gardens. For more information, call Friends of Drumlin at 262-9036.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

This evening there is a “Friends of Union Corners Update Meeting.” They will talk about the future of the local community and also “Community Benefit Agreements” as a tool for neighborhoods to ensure their real needs are incorporated into developer's plans. This is at 6:30 in the Salvation Army Community Center, 3030 Darbo Drive. Call 332-1493 and leave a message for details.

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 the “Distinguished Lecture Series” hosts Derrick Ashong, who quote “is at the forefront of a global movement to empower young people”. This is at 7:30 in the Memorial Union’s “Wisconsin Union Theatre”. Call 262-2216 for details.

The Insurgent Radio Kiosk is a five minute pre-recorded segment featuring a commentary, this-day-in-history, and a calendar of daily events. To be included events must be low cost or non-profit and of interest to people in and around the WORT listening area. It also should interest people who other media might not highlight such as, older people, youngsters, women and people of alternative genders. Mail announcements at least one week before the event to the Kiosk at WORT-fm, 118 South Bedford Street, Madison, Wisconsin or e-mail kioskevent@wort-fm.org.

Q-CINEMA International focuses on bringing people together to explore sexual orientation issues from multi-cultural and international perspectives. The movies shown deal with LGBT issues from different countries and cultures. Pop-corn, stimulating discussions and laughter are provided free! We welcome you to join us in exploring this wonderful world of Queer International Cinema. This week’s film is Brother to Brother. This is at Outreach, 600 Williamson Street. More info at 255-8582

“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.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

This evening the “Green Tuesdays” Lectures and Films about Sustainability series in the Monona Public Library features “Healthy Home Fabrics with Karen Powell.” She has worked in the textile industry for years and has seen how they release toxic chemicals into the environment. This is in one thousand Nichols Road at 6:30. Call 222-6127 for details.

Tomorrow at noon the “Africa at Noon” discussion series presents “African American Lives: Genes, Roots, and Routes.” It will be hosted by the “African Diaspora and the Atlantic World Research Circle” at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Participants are invited to quote “Bring lunch and enjoy free coffee from Rwanda's “Bufcafe Cooperative” roasted locally by “Ancora”. This in room 206 of Ingraham Hall. Call 262-2380 for details.

“The Internal Revenue Service” 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.

Monday, February 8, 2010

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

This evening on WORT’s Access Hour host “Doctor V” reportedly “takes calls about whatever is bothering the listener and then gets into a rant about it…and he still really likes playing live piano and talking about the drug war and silly politics”. That’s at 7:00. Call 258-2001 for details.

This evening the “Distinguished Lecture Series” and others host the nation's leading injury lawyer and national expert in foodborne illness litigation, “William Marler.” His talk is entitled, “Chasing the Ambulance Away: Reshaping the Role of the Personal Injury Lawyer in Society and the Law.” This is at 7:30 in the Memorial Union. Call 262-2216 for details. See Today in the Union for the room location.

The Insurgent Radio Kiosk is a five minute pre-recorded segment featuring a commentary, this-day-in-history, and a calendar of events for the day. To be included events must be low cost or non-profit and of interest to people in and around the WORT listening area. It also should interest people who other media might not highlight such as, older people, youngsters, women and people of alternative genders. Mail announcements at least one week before the event to the Kiosk at WORT-fm, 118 South Bedford Street, Madison, Wisconsin or e-mail kioskevent@wort-fm.org.

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.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Tonight from 5:30 to 8, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, 227 State Street in Madison will celebrate its new exhibition, Apple Pie: Symbols of Americana with an evening of poetry by the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets at 6:30 pm, and a jazz tribute to Mary Lou Williams by Jane Reynolds and John Mesoloras throughout the evening. More info at 257-0158.

Tonight from 5 to 9, Absolutely Art and Café Zoma, will host an Opening Reception at 2322 Atwood Avenue for February’s featured artists Helen Mary Beck, a fine art textile artist, Juliann Carbin, a photographer, and Paula Sparks, a jewelry artist.
Treats from Bunky’s Café and drinks will be provided. More info at 249-9100

Sunday the Madison Central Montessori School, located at 4337 West Beltline Highway in Madison will host a Public Open House from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. More info at 274-9549 or via email at mcms@tds.net

On Sunday from 6 to 8 pm. Motherfool's Coffeehouse, 1101 Williamson Street, will host a Drumlin Art Show and Reception to garner support for the ongoing struggle to save the 5-acre historic urban agricultural oasis on Madison's south side. Local artists, photographers, musicians, and others will be on hand to share their creativity and solidarity. Refreshments will be provided. More info at 262-9036.

Saturday will be an Arboretum Volunteer workday at the Wingra Oak Savanna. Volunteers are needed from 9 to noon for restoration activities. Participants 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. More info at uwarboretum.org or 265-5214.

On Sunday, the Waisman Center Children's Theatre will hold a preview that showcases scenes from 2 upcoming spring productions - Lilly’s Plastic Purple Purse and Narnia. Interactive activities will also be offered. The shows will be at 1 pm and 3 pm at 1500 Highland Ave. More info at 263-5837.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Today at 4 pm at the Pyle Center, 702 Langdon Street, another installment of the Jewish Heritage Lecture Series will be offered by James Kugel. The presentation, titled Ancient Biblical Interpretation and the Modern Critic, is sponsored by the Mosse/Weinstein Center for Jewish Studies, Wisconsin Society for Jewish Learning and the Department of Hebrew and Semitic Studies. More info at 265-8150

Registration is now open for the first annual Madison Youth Grow Local Conference on February 20th. Youth gardening experts from around the city, as well as Community GroundWorks, Community Action Coalition and the Goodman Community Center will be participating. Registration materials are available online now at notlong.com/youthgrowlocal. More info at 240-0409.

Tickets are now available for the Autism Benefit Surf Jam on Saturday, March 6th at 6pm at the High Noon Saloon, 701 East Washington. The Wisconsin Early Autism Project, in conjunction with Friends of Autism and Walk on Water Surfboards, will be hosting the event to raise funds for much needed services and items for families struggling with autism. Ticket information available at high-noon.com, click on calendar, then March 6th.

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.

Advance registration is underway for the John Taylor Gatto lecture and Q & A session scheduled for February 12. Gatto is the author of Dumbing Us Down, and Weapons of Mass Instruction. After being named 3 times New York City Teacher of the Year, and New York State Teacher of the Year, Gatto left teaching and went on to become a critic of institutional education. The event is sponsored by The Unschooling Conference, and HOME, a Madison-based home schooling support group. For more info call Tanya at 238-4429 or go to unschoolingconference.com