Monday, December 5, 2011

The new labor radio show on 92.1 FM, "The People's Mic," is holding a fundraiser at The Brink Lounge, 701 E. Washington Ave tonight from 5:30-8:30. Matt Rothschild will speak briefly there. Speakers will share their views about the state of our State, the state of our media, and the state of our recall. Discussions will include efforts to create a robust progressive media infrastructure. The event is free and donations will benefit The People’s Mic. Call 251.0327 for details or visit on Facebook: The People’s Mic WI.

Freedom Inc. is having a fundraiser tonight, from 6-8 pm at Bayview Community Center. They will be selling Pho for a small donation per bowl. The money will go to funding the Freedom Inc youth programs: PLUS, Viv Ncaus, Black Beauties, Freemen, and Nkauj Hmoob. For more information about these programs visit aboutfreedominc.com. Freedom Inc has been developing leaders from a young age in the Black and South East Asian communities for years to do health justice, gender justice, anti-violence, cultural work, peer support, and community organizing. In addition to the price per bowl, extra donations will go to raise money to cover the costs of 50 youth who can't afford to pay for the soup but will want to eat. To donate go to freedompho.chipin.com/freedom-pho.

Tonight at 6:30 pm the Madison Infoshop at 1019 Williamson St. will be having its Madison Infoshop Collective Meeting! New volunteers always welcome. Help keep your community activist clearinghouse alive and kicking! For information call 262-9036 or go to madisoninfoshop.org

Every weekday at noon the “Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice” hosts a “Solidarity Sing-a-long” at the Wisconsin State Capitol building. Song books will be provided. Call 250-9240 for details.

Help make a positive impact on families! Canopy Center is looking for volunteers to work with parents and children in our family support program. For more information, email volcoor@canopycenter.org or apply online at canopycenter.org.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Screening of the movie 'Impunity: A Colombian Story' will be the Union South tonight at 6PM. This is the opening testimony of “Impunity”, a 2010 documentary directed by Colombians Juan José Lozano and Hollman Morris, which presents the untold stories of hundreds of Colombians looking for their loved ones. Instead, the process comes to an abrupt halt, when the political and economic interests in the paramilitary war are uncovered. Admission is free with a Q&A following the film with director.

Tonight from 7:00- 9:00 pm the Ray Edwards Gallery, at East High School (2222 E. Washington Ave.) hosts the opening reception with the artist, Lester Dore. If you didn't get a chance to see this retrospective show of lithographs, etchings, woodcuts, and wood engravings, here's a second chance. This show will include a new woodcut executed in Oaxaca de Juarez. And even if you have seen the show, come again to see the art, chat with friends, and enjoy chips and home-made salsa!

Tonight from 6 to 8pm at the Overture Center. Madison Poet Laureate, Fabu, shares poems about peace to celebrate the holiday season. For more information go to artistfabu@gmail.com.

Tonight, from 5 to 9pm, is the 6th Annual Atwood Winnebago Winter Festival! Explore businesses in the Atwood-Winnebago neighborhood as they open their doors to celebrate community and winter. This is your chance to savor the unique flavor of Madison's Eastside, visit area businesses shop locally and take in some impressive artwork! Stop in at Absolutely Art and enjoy live piano music of Jackie Bradley, and catering by Bunky's Cafe. Contact Megan at 249-9100 for details or go to Atwood Winnebago Winter Festival Facebook page for a complete list of participating businesses and a full list of events.

The PEPartnership and Zion Personal Essentials Pantry will present a readers' theater presentation of Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL at 7:00 pm on tonight and on Saturday, at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm. All presentations are at Zion Church ELCA, 2165 Linden Avenue. Basic tickets are available for a small fee, although supporters wishing to donate more are encouraged to buy sponsor, benefactor, sustaining, or leadership tickets. For further information, or to purchase or reserve tickets in advance, contact Christine Thompson, at 608-628-1389 or via email at Coordinator@pepartnership.net

The Sun Prairie High School Music Department presents their Annual Holiday Big Band Dance, this Saturday, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Sun Prairie Senior High School Schey Commons. The dance will feature music by the Sun Prairie Jazz bands, the Sun Prairie Jazz Combos , the Cardinal Heights Upper Middle School Jazz bands, the Edgewood College Jazz Ensemble, and the Sun Prairie Alumni Jazz Ensemble. The dance is open to the public and food and beverages will be available for purchase. Contact Matt 658-0171 for details.

15th Annual Fair Trade Holiday Festival is this Saturday, at the Monona Terrace, from 9am to 4pm. Join us for our 15th annual event. We have new vendors this year and live music. Our repeat vendors have been buying new Fair Trade products to show you this year. We have both global and local products. Its success is testament to Madison's leading role in the fair trade movement. For more information, check out 'Fair Trade Holiday Festival' on Facebook.

This Saturday from 5 to 8:30 pm at the High Noon Saloon (701 E. Washington Ave.) WORT is having it's 36th Birthday Party! Featuring live music by Chick Singer Band and the Jim Schwall Blues Band. Food provided by New Orleans Take-Out and Carl’s Cakes. For more information and ticket pricing go to wort-fm.org. or high-noon.com

This Sunday, Perception and Memory featuring new paintings by Mariko Frost Kostreva and a performance by sound artist Evan Kühl. from 7:00 - 9:00 PM at Mother Fool's Coffeehouse. For more information contact mariko@marikofrost.com or call 940-230-5525.

The Holidays are coming soon and the Madison East Boosters have a great way to help you get your shopping done! This Saturday, from 6pm to 10pm will be the Madison East Holiday Shopping Silent Auction where proceeds go to East High School's athletics department. It will be held at 402 E. Wilson Street. This is a Family Friendly Event that is NO cost to attend, there will be food, beverages, music and lots of fun! Contact Jenny at 335-6455 for more information.

This Sunday, come hear some radical music from the front lines of the Occupy movement! Ryan Harvey, of the Riot Folk collective, is on tour in the Midwest! He was recently arrested in New York along with hundreds of other protesters blockading the New York Stock Exchange. Ryan is a radical folk singer, based out of Baltimore, with power and lucid vision behind his historic lyrics about life in our times. Page Foster and Thistle will open this show at Chakrasonica, 1218 E. Mifflin. Potluck at 6 PM and music at 8. For more information, call 608 262 9036.

Celebrate the holiday season with music at Olbrich Botanical Gardens on Sundays, at 2 p.m. as Olbrich’s holiday concert series offers a medley of seasonal music. A smalldonation is suggested for each concert. This Sunday features the UW Russian Folk Orchestra doing Russian & Slavic Folk Songs. For more information, call 245-3675.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Today at 2pm, the lecture "Myth of the Social Volcano: Perceptions of Inequality and Injustice in Contemporary China" by Harvard University Professor Martin White will be held in room L196 of the Education Building on the UW Madison campus, 1000 Bascom Mall. Call 262-9337 for more information.

There will be ongoing information sessions on requirements of the new Voter ID law & how to obtain a free ID for voting purposes from 2:30-4:30 pm on December 1st, from 10:30 am-12:30 pm on December 2nd , 9:30-11:30 am December 3rd at St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, 2033 Fish Hatchery Rd. For more information on voting go to cityofmadison.com/election. Also contact the City Clerks office at 266-4601for more information.

The lecture, “The Ethics of Witnessing the Holocaust: Polish Writers' Diaries from Occupied Warsaw” is hosted by The Center for Russia, East Europe and Central Asia Studies. This is in room 206 of Ingraham Hall, 1155 Observatory Drive. Call 262-3379 for more information.

Every weekday at noon and again at 4:30 on Thursdays, he “Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice” hosts a “Solidarity Sing-a-long” at the Wisconsin State Capitol building. Song books will be provided. Call 250-9240 for details.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

The Department of Art and the Arts Institute presents a lecture by Artist-in- Residence Lynda Barry where she will speak of her current work. This is at 4:30pm at the Chazen Museum of Art in Room L160, 800 University Avenue. This event is free and open to the public. Call 262-1662 for information about the lecture.

Tonight at the Barrymore Theater, WORT will host a benefit with Investigative reporter Greg Palast. He talks on his new book "Vulture's Picnic" and will also present video clips from various investigations. This is from 7 to 10pm at the Barrymore Theatre, 2090 Atwood Ave. Call WORT at 256-2001 for more information.

UW Alumni Association presents the free lecture, "Frac Sands: Resources & Issues in Wisconsin," by Professor Bruce Brown. This is at 7:00pm at the UW Biotechnology Center Auditorium, 425 Henry Mall on the UW-Madison Campus. There is free parking in Lot 20, 1390 University Avenue. Call 265-2420 for more information.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Today at 12:15 pm on the UW-Madison campus, there will be a screening of, “Greenhorns!” the 2010 documentary film that explores the lives of America's young farming community; its spirit, practices, and needs. This is at the Steenbock Library,550 Babcock Dr. Find more information about the organization at thegreenhorns.net.

There will be ongoing information sessions on requirements of the new Voter ID law & how to obtain a free ID for voting purposes Through December 3rd. Today’s session is from 10:30 am-12:30 pm. at St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, 2033 Fish Hatchery Rd. For more information on voting go to cityofmadison.com/election. Also contact the City Clerks office at 266-4601for more information about the sessions.

Holiday Fantasy in Lights presents drive-through holiday displays with animated light sculptures. This is ongoing until January 2nd at Olin-Turville Park. Donations appreciated upon exit. For more information go to fantasyinlights.com or call 239-7888.

Monday, November 28, 2011

The "Weston A. Price Foundation - Madison Chapter" will be holding its monthly meeting tonight at 7 pm with Discussion/Networking and Farm Sales. It will be held at the Wil-Mar Center, 953 Jenifer St., the public is invited.For more info, call Carolyn at 221-8696 or see my.madison.com/Groups/Madison_WAPF

Socialist perspectives on current events: an open discussion sharing different points-of-view. Tonight at 6pm at Neighborhood House 29 S. Mills St. It is a bi-monthly, free meeting. For more info call 231-3015.

Students from the UW School of Medicine & Public Health will host an evening of delicious food and unique entertainment to benefit the communities impacted by the 1984 Bhopal gas disaster. The event, Slow Food for Bhopal, will be held on tonight, at The Crossing, 1127 University Ave. Held from 6:30 to 8 PM, it will feature locally sourced Indian cuisine and a performance by UW School of Bhangra. The small donation benefits victims of 1984 gas disaster. Need more info? Go to info@psrwisconsin.org or call 232-9945

The Insurgent Radio Kiosk is seeking readers for our new Monday night recording session. The recording session starts at on Mondays at 5:15pm and will last 15 to 30 minutes. Each volunteer is asked to make a commitment to come into the station twice monthly. Join the team to help WORT inform our community of current activities around Madison! Please call Jonathan at 246-8515 for questions or to sign up. You can also email the kiosk at kioskevents@wort-fm.org.

Join the Philosophy Dialogue Group, Mondays at 7 pm, at Avol's Bookstore 315 W Gorham St. Call 609-1452 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.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Get your "Maria" on and strut your stuff at the Ravenworks Holiday Costume Party and Sing Along, tonight. To commemorate StageQ's Holiday production, "Claptrapp or The Sound of Musicals" Ravenworks joins StageQ in presenting a night of costume craziness, sublime sing alongs and general merrymaking. Put together your best Sound of Music costume, or come dressed as any character from your favorite Broadway musical, and join the fun as we sing, dance and play the evening away. As always, there will be a costume contest with fantastic prizes, tidbits to nosh on and loads of laughs. The fun begins at 730pm at Ravenworks in Westgate Mall, 436 Whitney Way. There is a small admission fee and all the proceeds will go directly to the theater company, StageQ. Call 630-2348 or go to ravenworksip.com for more details.

The 'Hmong New Year Celebration' is this Friday and Saturday with day programs from 9am-4pm, and evening performances from 6pm-12pm. This annual celebration for the Hmong community will again be held at the Alliant Energy Center, Exhibition Hall. There will be special guest speakers, culture show, food, Flea Market, traditional ball tossings, eating, buying gifts, competitions, etc. Go to hmongmadisonnewyear.com or call 212-3538.

Small businesses comprise a significant part of the county's local economy - 86% of DaneCounty businesses employ 10 or fewer people. Buying local helps these businesses create and retain jobs, while strengthening the local economy. Dane Buy Local urges shoppers to buy local this holiday season. Go to DaneBuyLocal.com for more infomation.

Kick off the holiday season and discover downtown Madison shops and restaurants at the 4th annual Downtown Holiday Open House this Saturday, from 10 am to 6 pm, on State Street and the Capitol Square. The daylong event will include activities for kids and families, holiday trolley rides and gift bags, and special offers and complimentary refreshments at participating downtown shops and restaurants, many locally owned. Information is at www.visitdowntownmadison.com or (608) 512-1342. A full list of participating businesses is at visitdowntownmadison.com

Madison's local Sons of Norway chapter, Idun Lodge, will hold its semi-annual Frokost (smorgasbord brunch) at the Norway Center, 2262 Winnebago, this Saturday, from 9am to noon. Included on the buffet will be smoked salmon, herring, sausage, cheeses, crackers and breads, boiled eggs, other baked delights. It's all-you-can- eat for a small fee. The bake sale will offer traditional Norwegian cookies, lefse, and coffee cakes. In addition to being a social and cultural heritage organization, Idun Lodge-Sons of Norway supports educational, community, and charitable activities, including the annual Ski for Light (cross country skiing for the visually impaired) and Barne Birkie (children's ski race) in Hayward, WI , and presenting Norwegian traditions (such as lefse making) at International Fairs and local schools. So come eat some delicious food and support this great local organization. Contact Dea Larson at dealarson@yahoo.com for more information.

Arboretum Ecological Restoration Work Party this Saturday, from 9 am - 12 noon.Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training are provided, and groups are welcome with advance notice. Meet at the front steps of the Visitor Center. For more information call 265-5214 or email mlfarrior@wisc.edu


Each Saturday from 4 – 5 pm, WYOU airs Third World Issues on channel 95 and channel 991. The program can be viewed online by going to WYOU.org and clicking on STREAM. For more information, email rdattoe@facstaff.wisc.edu

Holiday shopping takes on a local, sustainable twist at the "Close to Home: Arboretum Local Products Expo" this Sunday, from 10AM to 4PM. Forty vendors will celebrate recycling, sustainability and locally produced goods in the Arboretum Visitor Center, 1207 Seminole Highway, at the third annual expo. The expo supports the Arboretum founder Aldo Leopold's land ethic and the Arboretum's mission to heal and sustain the land. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Skolaski at 890-2555 or email jskolaski@wisc.edu

Each Sunday at 6 pm at the UW-Madison Memorial Union the Meeting for Street Pulse, Madison's Homeless newspaper will be held. Street Pulse engages and challenges various aspects and issues regarding homelessness and poverty. For information call 920-810-0972 or visit madisonstreetpulse.org

Thursday, November 24, 2011

The following are free Thanksgiving meals available in Madison. Events are free and do not require reservations.

The PANCAKE CAFÉ, 6220 Nesbitt Rd in Fitchburg, is having a free meal from 11 am-1 pm. Call 204-7040 for more information.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church’s dinner, at 5701 Raymond Rd on Madison’s west side, is from 11:30 am-1:30 pm. Call 271-6633for more information.

Lakeview Lutheran Church at 4001 Mandrake Rd on Madison’s north side is at 12 noon. Call 244-6181 for more information.

First United Methodist Church’s dinner, located at downtown at 203 Wisconsin Avenue is from noon to 2:00 pm. Contact 256-9061for more information.

From 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM dinner will be held at the First Congregational Church, 1609 University Avenue. Call Kathy at 233-9751 for more information.

The Now Faith Development Corporation on Madison’s far east side, will be hosting its Annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner from 12pm to 4pm. This is at 1721 Thierer Rd. Call 622-3282 for more information.

St. Luke's Church, near Monona, is at 4011 Major Ave. and is hosting dinner from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Call 249-0649 for more information.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

OutReach's Q-Cinema International focuses on bringing people together to explore sexual orientation issues from multi-cultural and international perspectives. Tonight’s film is a film is from Spain titled, “Plan B”. This is at 6:30pm. at Outreach, 600 Williamson St. The event is free and popcorn is provided. For more information call Outreach at 255.8582

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.

Planned Parenthood has wide range of reproductive and sexual health services to keep people healthy, safe and strong. These include birth control, family planning, annual wellness exams and abortion care. There are branches throughout Wisconsin. Call 1-800-230-PLAN for details.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

There will be two information sessions today on requirements of the new Voter ID law & how to obtain a free ID for voting purposes. This is from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the St Vincent Food Pantry, 2033 Fish Hatchery Road and from 11 am-3 pm at the East Madison Community Center, 8 Straubel Court. For more information on voting go to cityofmadison.com/election. Also contact the City Clerks office at 266-4601for more information about the sessions.

University of Minnesota- Professor Emeritus Dr. James Fetzer will be speaking on who killed John F. Kennedy and why . . . and how we know. This will be tonight from 7-9:30 pm, at 3650 Humanities, of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, 455 N. Park St.

Holiday Fantasy in Lights presents drive-through holiday displays with animated light sculptures. This is ongoing until January 2nd at Olin-Turville Park. Donations appreciated upon exit. Back by popular demand, see the Fantasy Holiday in Lights in Olin Park from a hay wagon! Hayride tours are from November 12 through 23, at 5:30p.m. and 6:45p.m. For more information go to fantasyinlights.com or call 239-7888.

Evening Meals on Wheels needs volunteers to deliver hot, nutritious low-cost meals to older and differently abled people. Locations are flexible and the time commitment is about one hour per shift. For details call 276-7598.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Farmageddon tells the story of small family farms that were providing safe, healthy foods to their communities and were forced to stop, sometimes through violent action, by agents of misguided government bureaucracies, and it seeks to figure out why. The film highlights the urgency of food freedom, encouraging farmers and consumers alike to take action to preserve individuals’ rights to access food of their choice and farmers’ rights to produce these foods safely and free from unreasonably burdensome regulations. Farmageddon serves to put policymakers and regulators on notice that there is a growing movement of people aware that their freedom to choose the foods they want is in danger. The showing will be tonight at 7:00pm at the Mineral Point Opera House. Contact Julie Plotkin at utahlucy@yahoo.com.

The Wil-Mar Center is proud to again offer another delectable gem that thousands of satisfied customers contend also belongs on any best-of list—a Holiday Pie from the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center. The Wil-Mar Holiday Pie Sale offers two varieties of deep-dish pies culled from recipes that offer extraordinary taste and texture—Louisiana Sweet Potato Pecan and Sour Cream Apple. This annual fundraiser offers pick-up at 953 Jenifer St. or delivery. Go to wil-mar.org or or call 257-4576.

Madison Mayor Paul Soglin and Dane County Executive Joe Parisi request nominations for the annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award. Both the City and the County have long histories of over 25 years of honoring deserving individuals who demonstrate leadership and commitment to promoting peace, understanding and communication between diverse populations. Nominations are accepted through 4:30 pm, December 9th, for its 2012 recognition of individuals who have contributed to increasing communication and peace among our communities. For forms and info go to cityofmadison.com/dcr/commMLK.cfm or call 266-3022

The Rape Crisis Center is accepting new adult and teen clients (12-18 years old) for free individual counseling related to issues of sexual abuse or assault. The Youth Counselor has flexible hours and can coordinate with those who have transportation concerns about reaching our main office at 2801 Coho St in Madison. For more information, call the Crisis Line (608-251-7273) during business hours to speak with a counselor.

Friday, November 19, 2011

In a continuing tradition, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art and Overture Center for the Arts will join together to present the 41st annual Holiday Art Fair Fundraiser on November 18 thru 21. With many new exhibitors and features, including Friday afternoon shopping hours, a gingerbread house decorating contest, and Madison Youth Choir’s annual concerts, this year’s fair promises to be warm, inviting, and robust. Shoppers will also enjoy the return of favorite traditions such as the Friday evening opening reception, silent auction, Gourmet Gallery, Rediscovered Art & Treasures Sale, and performances by local arts organizations. Call 257-0158 or go to mmoca.org for more information.

Learn more about how Oxfam, an international relief and development organization, creates lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and injustice in an interactive experience. This is the first event for the new Madison affiliate chapter of Oxfam. This will be held at the Willy St. Coop East Community Room - 1221 Williamson St, Friday from 5-7pm. This is a free event, all are welcome and includes a simple organic vegan meal. Call 206-6219 for details,

The movement to recall Scott Walker and Rebecca Kleefisch will gather speed this Friday, at the Barrymore Theatre, with a Recall Walker Pep Rally featuring speakers and artists hailing from a diverse range of political and community affiliations. The pep rally begins at 7pm, with doors opening at 6pm. Admission is sliding scale donation, with a recommended contribution. The rally is featured at RecallWalker.org

On Saturday, 'We Are Wisconsin' will hold a rally on the State Street side of the State Capitol Building to kick off the Recall Walker petition drive. Music and pre-rally activities start at 11:00 a.m., and the rally speakers begin at 1:00 p.m. Bring a non-perishable food item for local families in need. For more information, visit WeAreWisconsin.org.

At a time of record unemployment and poverty, the politicians in Washington D.C. are threatening historic cuts to the country's social safety net. By November 23, a bipartisan congressional “Super Committee” will decide the fate of trillions in funding for the social safety net. Join labor and progressive groups at Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce on East Washington this Saturday at 11am to demand jobs, not cuts A rally will be followed by a march to the We Are Wisconsin recall rally at the state Capitol. For more information, call 612-807-3196 or visit jobsnotcutsprotest.org

This Saturday from 5:00 – 8:00 pm at the Wilmar Center, 953 Jenifer St., 'Peace, Love, & Spaghetti!', a fundraiser dinner with all proceeds going to the Madison Area Peace Coalition. The menu includes spaghetti (both meat and vegetarian options), side dishes, and sweet potato pie prepared by Dot Williams! For more information, call 695-2695 or go to madpeace.org

Saturday marks the 13th Annual International Survivors of Suicide Day. The 2011 Survivors of Suicide Day Conference will be held at Promega Corporation, 5445 Cheryl Parkway. The admission fee includes a nourishing breakfast buffet and dessert during the facilitated discussion and closing.

Sponsors for this event are the Journey Mental Health Center/Survivors of Suicide Service and H.O.P.E.S. (Helping Other Present and Educate About Suicide). The registration form available at Journey Mental Health Center website www.journeymhc.org. For more information contact Vicki Westrich at vicki.westrich@journeymhc.org or call the SOS line (608) 280-2435.

This Sunday, there will be a program in solidarity with the 21st annual protest in Fort Benning, Georgia demanding the closure of the School of the Americas. The program will feature a new short film, Somos Una America (We are One America), about the long struggle to close the SOA, also known as the School of Torturers, and a talk by Jeff Pickert, a 22-year-old Palestine solidarity activist. Co-sponsored by SOAWatch-Madison, Pax Christi-Madison, Madison-Rafah Sister City Project, and involved Edgewood College departments. This will be from 5 to 6:30 pm in Anderson Auditorium, Predolin Hall at Edgewood College. For more information visit madisonrafah.org

Sunday, the Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ will once again hold its annual Holiday Fair Trade Sale featuring fair trade items from around the world and here in Wisconsin. This is from 8 am to 4 pm at Orchard Ridge UCC, 1501 Gilbert Road. For more information call 608-827-0500.

The Wall Street protest continues, with daily assemblies at 6 pm in the former Don Miller lot on East Washington Avenue. Check out occupy-madison.org.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

The film “Farmageddon” will be shown tonight at 7pm. “Farmageddon” tells the story of small, family farms that were providing safe, healthy foods to their communities and were forced to stop by agents of misguided government bureaucracies. This is at the Barrymore Theater, 2090 Atwood Ave. Call 241-8864 for more information.

Tonight at 8:30pm, actress Rhodessa Jones will discuss her work with “The Medea Project” and the documentary on incarcerated women around the world. This event is free and is going to be held at the Red Gym on the UW Madison campus, 716 Langdon Street. For more information, please contact 263-3353.

Running through December 31st, Olbrich Botanical Gardens presents “Treasures of the Rainforest”. Discover various everyday products that originate in the rainforests and see the plants they come from up close in the tropical Bolz Conservatory. This is ongoing daily between 10am and 4pm at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave. Call 246-4550 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.

Community Literacy is a Literacy Network ESL program designed to tutor adult learners one-on-one in a classroom setting where childcare and additional tutor support are available. No experience or foreign language skills required! Childcare for both tutors and learners is also available. Contact Shawn at (608) 244-3911 or volunteer@linetwork.org.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

The Havens Center presents the talk, Palestine: Past, Present and Future; Squaring the Circle: the Failure of the Middle East Peace Process" with lecturer Ilan Pappé. This is at 7 pm in room 2650 of the UW Madison Humanities Building, 455 N. Park St. Contact the Havens Center at 262-1420 for more information.

The lecture, “The Future of Nuclear Power: Storing Spent Nuclear Fuel” will be presented at the Howard Auditorium which is in the Fluno Center, 601 University Avenue at 7pm. This event is sponsored by the Center for Science & Technology Studies in Collaboration With the Wisconsin Public Utility Institute. Call 233-1163 for more information.

The Farley Center for Peace, Justice & Sustainability will present an interactive workshop titled "Sustainable Choices in the End of Life Care" looking at choices many of us are faced with during illness or injury along the continuum of care. This begins at 6pm at the Farley Center, 2299 Spring Rose Rd. To register, send an email to info@farleycenter.org.

Environmental Artist & Practitioner Patricia Johanson display her sketchbooks and discuss the processes that transform her art into major works of public infrastructure. This is tonight at 6 PM in the Wisconsin Studio of the Overture Center, 201 State Street. This event is free. Call 258-4141 for more information.

Tonight at 8pm, there will be a course titled, “Legal Observer 101”. Trained to be witnesses at protests, defending protesters right to free speech. This is going to be held at the UW Student Activities Center, 333 East Campus Mall on the UW-Madison campus in room 3161. Contact the Student Alliance at 469-5540 for more information.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

The Havens Center presents the talk, Palestine: Past, Present and Future; The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine: 1948-1967" with lecturer Ilan Pappé. This is at 7 pm in room 2650 of the UW Madison Humanities Building, 455 N. Park St. Contact the Havens Center at 262.1420 for more information.

The Wisconsin Academy is sponsoring the talk “Global Journalism Ethics in a Post-9/11 World” with Journalist and author Stephen J. A. Ward. This is at 7:00 pm. at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art lecture hall, Overture Center, 201 State Street. This lecture is free and open to the public. More information is available by calling 263-1692.

Tonight, there will be a kickoff fundraising event for the Wisconsin Uprising Archive. This is from 5-8pm at the High Noon Saloon, 701 E Washington Ave. For more information, contact 249-8428.

There will be a screening and discussion of the film "Inside Job" about the 2008 financial crash. This is at 6:30pm, at Mr. Madison, 1108 Madison St. in Beaver Dam. This event is free and sponsored by the Peregrine Forum of Wisconsin. For more information, call 920-887-0859.

Lizzie Sexton, with Children's Service Society of Wisconsin presents a child development workshop answering questions about the “Ages & Stages Questionnaire” at 6:30pm. Please register as space is limited. Registration may be done online at mononalibrary.org, by phone at 222-6127 or in person at the Monona Public Library 1000 Nichols Road.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Isthmus Indie Awards Dinner celebrates businesses who have given back to the Madison community. The eight Indies recipients will be featured and recognized in the November 10 edition of Isthmus, as well as at an awards ceremony at Steenbock's on Orchard in the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery tonight at 5:30pm. Tickets are available for the award ceremony at the Isthmus offices on 101 King St. or by phone at 251-5627. Come out and show your support for these outstanding heroes of our community!

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

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

The Insurgent Radio Kiosk welcomes listener commentaries on subjects of interest to the W.O.R.T. listening community. Commentaries are limited to two minutes. Interested people who wish to do a Kiosk commentary may call the station at 256-2001 and leave a message for the Kiosk.

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

Planned Parenthood has wide range of reproductive and sexual health services to keep people healthy, safe and strong. These include birth control, family planning, annual wellness exams and abortion care. There are branches throughout Wisconsin. Call 1-800-230-PLAN for details.

Community Literacy is a Literacy Network ESL program designed to tutor adult learners one-on-one in a classroom setting where childcare and additional tutor support are available. No experience or foreign language skills required! Childcare for both tutors and learners is also available. Contact Shawn at (608) 244-3911 or volunteer@linetwork.org.

Friday, November 11, 2011

UW–Madison Art Department Announces the 5th Annual Bachelor of Fine Art Exhibit. Students will showcase their work at the 7th Floor Gallery, George L. Mosse Humanities Building, from November 4, 2011—November 16, 2011. The exhibition reception will be held on today from 6:00-8:00pm. Food and refreshments will be served and all events are free and open to the public.

The Tenant Resource Center's Annual Fall Fundraiser is this Friday from 5:00 - 7:30 PM at the The Brink Lounge. There is a suggested donation for a buffet of local food, cash bar and silent auction. Join the Tenant Resource Center as they celebrate another year of fighting the good fight for Wisconsin residents!

The Dane County TimeBank is having a Sixth Birthday potluck Saturday from 5-8:00pm at theMadison Senior Center, 330 W. Mifflin St. Potluck, cooking contest, board and card games, new website help, and dancing! All TimeBank members and friends are invited. Carpooling is encouraged. For more information call STEPHANIE REARICK AT (608) 663-0400

A Socialist appraisal of John Nichol's book The "S" Word: A History of An American Tradition...Socialism, chapters 3 & 4 on Utopian Socialists, Abraham Lincoln and early Republicans, and the Milwaukee Socialists is happening, Saturday at 4pm at the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center 953 Jenifer St in the Mendota Room, sponsored by the Socialist Party. It will be preceded by a 2:30 business meeting at which the public is also welcome. For more info call 231-3015.

The Madison Socialist Potluck November 2011 Program will be 'New American Reality of PERMANENT MASS UNEMPLOYMENT and What We Should Do About It', happening Saturday at 6:30pm at the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center, 953 Jenifer St. The program is preceded by a potluck dinner at 5:30pm. If you are attending the dinner please bring a dish to pass. The Panel Speakers include Eric Cobb, former head of the Building Trades Council of South Central Wisconsin, Dena Ohlinger, President of the Working Class Student Union of the University of-Madison Wisconsin and Panel Chair, Frank Emspak, WORT Labor Radio. The panel will also discuss the related problems of foreclosures and student debt. For more information contact Madison Socialist Potluck coordinator Norm Stockwell at normstoc@wort-fm.org

'Farmageddon' tells the story of small family farms that were providing safe, healthy foods to their communities and were forced to stop, sometimes through violent action, by agents of misguided government bureaucracies, and it seeks to figure out why. The newly released feature film will have its Madison premiere in two area theaters: on Sunday, November 13 at 3:00 pm at the Mineral Point Opera House, 139 High St., Mineral Point; and on Thursday, November 17 at 7:00 pm at the Barrymore Theatre, 2090 Atwood Ave.. The Barrymore screening will be introduced by lifelong organic dairy farmer John Kinsman of LaValle, Wisconsin, a member of Family Farm Defenders. For more information contact Julie at 437-8603.

Alison Brown, a Grammy Award winning banjo player of the highest caliber, has pushed banjo playing far beyond its familiar Appalachian settings into new musical territory with a rich, exquisite blend of bluegrass, jazz, Celtic and Latin influences that has been described as simply jaw-dropping. The Alison
Brown Quartet will perform at the Opera House in Stoughton this Sunday at 7:30pm. Contact Christina Dollhausen at cdollhausen@ci.stoughton.wi.us or 646-0019 for details.

This is a friendly reminder about the English Conversation the "English Conversation Time" held every Friday at 6:30 pm in Fellowship Hall at Christ Presbyterian Church (944 East Gorham Street). This informal and cross-cultural gathering gives you the unique opportunity to have meaningful interactions with international students studying in Madison. . Please join us tomorrow night to welcome and show hospitality to international students in our city. A light refreshment will be provided. Please feel free to invite a friend. Feel free to contact Jean-Rene at 257-4845
Occupy Madison film screenings 7:30 Saturday and Wednesday evenings at Veterans Plaza on State St near the Square (or in the vicinity) on subjects relevant to the nationwide Occupy Wall Street movement. Movie titles to be announced. For alternate locations in inclement weather or for other reasons see the Info Booth. Films and projection courtesy of Peregrine Forum. For more information call Peregrine Forum at 608-442-8399 or go to www.facebook.com/OccupyMadison

Thursday, November 10, 2011

The City of Madison is proposing to reconstruct E. Johnson Street from N. Butler Street to N. Baldwin Street in 2014. In advance of the construction, the City is conducting a traffic study to consider the implications of converting Johnson and Gorham to two-way streets along the corridor. The meeting (first of 4 total) will be today at 6pm at Christ Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall 944 E. Gorham St. and will include representatives from City Engineering, City Traffic Engineering, and Alder Maniaci. City Staff and their consultant will provide a brief presentation and answer questions regarding the study. If you have any questions or concerns related to the project, you may contact Chris Petykowski, City Engineering at 267-8678 cpetykowski@cityofmadison.com or Brian Smith, City Traffic Engineering at 261-9625 bsmith@cityofmadison.com.

Porchlight is having it's annual Banquet and Auction tonight from 5:30pm - 9:30pm at the Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall. Porchlight provides emergency shelter, food, employment services, counseling, and affordable transitional and permanent housing to homeless people in the Dane County area. This annual event is an important fundraiser with the silent auction bringing in much needed revenue to help their cause. The banquet will also honor and recognize those who have been instrumental in giving of themselves to benefit those in need in our area, and share success stories of those who have benefited as well. Visit www.porchlightinc.org for more information or contact Steve Schooler at 257-2534

Everyone in the community is invited to attend a FREE Thanksgiving meal with turkey and all the "fixins" and pie! The event will be held at First Congregational Church, 1609 University Avenue. No reservations are needed. For those lacking transportation, free home delivery is available. Call 233-9751 before 4:00 pm Monday, November 21 to place an order.

There will be Alzheimer's & Dementia Association seminar for family caregivers, 5:30-7:30 pm, tonight and next Thursday at the Madison Senior Center. The guest speaker will be Attorney Paul M. Schmidt, Boardman Law Firm. This is a two-part workshop for families providing an overview of legal and financial issues for anyone caring for an older family member. To register call 232-3400

Every weekday at noon the “Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice” hosts a “Solidarity Sing-a-long” at the Wisconsin State Capitol building. Song books will be provided. Call 250-9240 for details.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Tonight at 7:00 pm the Rainbow Bookstore Co-op, 426 W. Gilman, is having a talk with the author, Rob Nixon on his book 'Slow Violence and the Environmentalism of the Poor'. Rob Nixon explores the gradual and often ignored violence of environmental degradation, toxins, deforestation, and oil drilling in the Global South and Persian Gulf. For more information call 257-6050.

Experience yoga in the most serene and calming natural settings. Olbrich Botanical Gardens - inside the tropical conservatory, 3330 Atwood Avenue is hosting Yoga, tonight from 5:30 to 6:45pm. Call 246-4550 for details.

Every weekday at noon the “Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice” hosts a “Solidarity Sing-a-long” at the Wisconsin State Capitol building. Song books will be provided. Call 250-9240 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.

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.

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

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

Friday, November 4, 2011

This Friday and Saturday, the play "Naked Darrow" will be shown at the First Unitarian Society, 900 University Bay Drive. 'Naked Darrow' is a Wisconsin premiere of a provocative new drama on the life of Clarence Darrow - the most hated and beloved attorney in our history, starring the nationally touring actor Gary Anderson. Shows start at 7:30pm and tickets are available at the door. Brought to you by the Social Justice Program. Call 233-9774 ext 125

Join other labor activists for a two day exploration about how Latinos can improve their work lives through union power and ways for unions to better organize, represent, and involve Latino workers. The focus on Friday will be on union strategies for organizing and involving Latino workers. Saturday's focus will be on Latino workers utilizing the potential power of union participation. Workshop topics include 'Dealing with the Language Barrier', 'Linking Union Activists to Latino Community Organizations', 'OSHA Rights for Latino Workers', 'Fighting Wage Theft', and many other topics. The conference will be conducted bilingually and interpretation will be available. Hosted by the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO, South Central Federation of Labor, UW School for Workers, Voces de la Frontera, the Milwaukee Labor Council and many more. To register call 414-588-5252 or email lclaa@lclaamilwaukee.org

Absolutely Art & Café Zoma are proud to feature the artwork of Susan Lukas, Nancy Welch and Judy Landsman for the month of November. Stop by and enjoy live music by Christine Costanzo & Steve Schad and catering by Bunky’s Café. The opening reception is tonight from 5-9pm. The show will run 11/1/11-11/30/11.

Need help using a computer? Receive individualized help with setting up an email account, improving your computer skills, using specific web sites, and more. Computer help starts at 9am this Saturday at the Madison Public Library, Central Library 201 W. Mifflin St. Call 266-6350 for a 50 minute appointment or for more information. Drop-ins welcome if space available.

Food Pantry Benefit 'Jam 4 Cans' is this Saturday, starting at 11am. at the VFW Hall, 301 Cottage Grove Road. Admission is 3 non-perishable Food Items or a small monetary donation. Many bands will be playing and a raffle will be held between bands. All proceeds profit local food pantries that assist those may not otherwise have a holiday meal. Contact Colleen Bronkhorst at jam4canscb@gmail.com.

Space Place family workshops are offered every Saturday at 10am for children ages 6-10 and their parents ath the UW Space Place, 2300 South Park Street . The workshops are free and open to the public. No registration is required but attendance is LIMITED TO 50 people.

Goodwill is holding a free computer collection drive on Madison’s west side. Sunday from noon to 3pm at 4530 Verona Road. Goodwill accepts working and nonworking computers, hard drives, monitors, keyboards and mice and just about anything that can be attached to a computer (e.g., printers, speakers, cords). Goodwill also accepts Microsoft Xbox and Zune systems and peripherals. For more information about the program, visit dell.com/reconnect or call 608-246-3140.