Thursday, April 5, 2012

Contemporary artists Ai Weiwei, El Anatsui, and Catherine Opie are featured in the video “Change”. These artists engage in practices that provoke thinking about our changing world and promote a reconsideration of the social dynamics and political processes present in the creation and presentation of an artwork. This is at the Chazen Museum of Art Auditorium, 750 University Ave. at 5:30pm. Visit art21.org for more information.

Tonight, the Madison Socrates Café philosophy dialogue group, discusses, "Are 'Expectations' Natural?” This is from 7p.m. to 9 p.m. at Redamte Coffeehouse, 449 State Street. Call 257-8869 for more information.

Every weekday at noon and again at 4:30 on Thursdays, 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 Low Income Taxpayer Clinic serves individuals who have a problem with the Internal Revenue Service and whose income is below a certain level. LITCs are independent from the IRS and can provide representation before the IRS or in court on audits, tax collection disputes, and other issues for free or for a small fee. The Dane County program provides service in English and Spanish. For more information regarding your local LITC, please call 1-877-UWW-LITC. 

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Barbara Verkuilen will discuss her new book, "The Tale of Zen Master Bho Li”. This is at 6:30pm at Room of One’s Own bookstore, 307 W Johnson St. Call 257-7888 or go to www.roomofonesown.com for more information about the event. 

The League of Women Voters of Dane County is hosting an Issues Forum titled, "Ending Housing Insecurity: Affordable Housing for All." The program is at 7 p.m. in The Capitol Lakes Grand Hall, 333 West Main Street. Everyone is welcome. For more information call the League of Women Voters of Dane County, 232-9447, or visit the League's website at www.lwvdanecounty.org.

Also at 7pm, Mark Brennan Rosenberg will discuss his book of essays, "Blackouts & Breakdowns." Mark He is the writer of the award winning LGBT blog "The Single Life". This is at Outreach, 600 Williamson St. Call 255-8582 for details.

Inside at Night: Origins of an Uprising is an exhibit of Photographs from the Capitol uprising is ongoing through April 28 at Tamarack Studio & Gallery, 849 E. Washington Ave., Suite 102. Call 294-9499 or visit tamarackgallerymadison.com for more information.

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.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Area voters go to the polls today between 7 am-8 pm for municipal, school board, county and national elections. For specific candidate information or to find polling places go to www.ci.madison.wi.us/clerk or call 266-4601. 


Grassroots Leadership College presents at talk by Stephanie Rearick titled, “Do-it-Yourself Economic Justice: Time Banking and Other Tools for a Better Life for You and Your Community.” This is from 6:00 to 8:30 pm at Edgewood College’s Predolin Hall, 1000 Edgewood College Dr.  For more information go to www.grassrootsleadershipcollege.org/workshops.html or call 441-0085.

The 99% Film & Discussion Forum hosts a screening of “Ethos: a Time for Change" starring Woody Harrelson. This is at 6:30 pm at the Mendota Rm. of the Wilmar Center, 953 Jenifer St., Please use the Brearly St. entrance. Admission is free. For event information call 442-8399.

Tonight the Wisconsin Academy discussion series continues with a talk with Richard Davidson, "The Emotional Life of Your Brain." This is at 7pm at UW–Madison’s Union South, in the Varsity Hall, 1308 West Dayton St. This event is free. For more information about the event go to www.wisconsinacademy.org or call 263-1692. 

As part of the lecture series, “Surroundings: Preservation & the Environment”, Wisconsin Arts Board's Anne Pryor gives a lecture titled, "Art & the Environment.” This is at 7pm at the Waunakee Library, 710 South Street in Waunakee. Call 849-4217 or go to www.waunakeepubliclibrary.org for more information.

Monday, April 2, 2012

SOCRATES CAFE, an informal philosophy discussion group, invites you to its meetings Mondays, 7 pm at Redamte Coffee House, 49 State St. Tonight's topic queston is "Can religion unite humankind?" Call Randy at 630-1011 for details.

"This is What Democracy Looks Like" - Mixed Media paintings based on the WI budget protests by S.L. VonGlahn. Showing at Mother Fools Coffeehouse 8am-11pm everyday in April. Contact vonglahn@uwalumni.com or stop by Mother Fools.

VITA stands for "Volunteer Income Tax Assistance" and it is a cooperative effort by the Internal Revenue Service and many individual states, including Wisconsin, to provide income tax assistance to low-income individuals, handicapped or elderly. Volunteers trained by the Internal Revenue Service and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue prepare basic income tax returns free of charge at VITA sites. Some VITA sites offer free IRS electronic filing of tax returns. There are a number of VITA sites in Madison and surrounding areas. Please call 1-800-829-1040 for specific location information.

The Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) is another free tax assistance program. This program serves individuals who have a problem with the Internal Revenue Service and whose income is below a certain level. LITCs are independent from the IRS. Most LITCs can provide representation before the IRS or in court on audits, tax collection disputes, and other issues for free or for a small fee. If you receive a letter from the IRS saying there was some type of problem with your tax return, the LITC can help! The clinic that serves the Dane County market provides service in English and Spanish. For more information regarding your local LITC, please call 1-877-UWW-LITC.

Friday, March 30, 2012

Today, area farmers are invited to a ‘On-Farm Bioenergy Event ‘ from 1:00 pm to 4 pm at the farm of Jamie Derr, Solarmass, LLC, 1349 Greenway Rd, Marshall, WI. There you will learn how farmers are producing fuel from crops and creating usable energy. Bob Brylski will be available to consult about what bio-energy might be right for your farm. There is a small fee and light refreshments will be served. It is sponsored by Derr Solarmass, Great Lakes Ag Energy, and Wisconsin Biodiesel Association. Please RSVP to Jess Leinberger, 608-606-5375 or jessleinberger@yahoo.com

Madison College’s student org United Common Ground will hold a screening of the film “Precious Knowledge” on Friday March 30th starting at 6:30pm at the MATC downtown educational center room D240.  The film discusses the recent cut of ethnic studies programming in Arizona and is free and open to the public.

Tonight at 7:00 pm at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, 227 State St., there will be a screening of ‘If a Tree Falls’– the acclaimed 2011 documentary about the Earth Liberation Front (ELF) – part of the Tales from Planet Earth Festival. In December 2005, federal agents arrested Daniel McGowan in a nationwide sweep of members of the Earth Liberation Front -- a group the FBI labeled America's "number one domestic terrorism threat." Daniel is a former business major and the son of a cop. The film also includes WI footage from when Daniel attended the Earth First Rendezvous in 1997 and was involved in the anti-Crandon mine fight.  For information, go www.nelson.wisc.edu/tales/WIFilm.

TMI Board Member, Ted Kinnaman, will lead a discussion of John Nichols' book, ‘The "S" Word: A Short History of an American Tradition...Socialism’. In this book, Nichols traces American radicalism from Tom Paine up to the present.  The talk will run 9:30am-11:30am this Saturday at Capitol Lakes Retirement Community, 333 W. Main St. Parking is free in the ramp across the street. Have your ticket stamped at the front desk no more than 30-minutes before you leave. All TMI events are free and open to the public. Hope to see you Saturday! Follow The Madison Institute at www.themadisoninstitute.org.

On Sunday at 5:00 pm at the Cardinal Bar, 418 E. Wilson, a benefit for the ‘Educational and Communication Workers of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW)!‘  will feature  Anthony Prince, labor lawyer who lives in Madison and is legal counsel for Teamsters Local 705 in Chicago;   Mike Konopacki, cartoonist on a number of topics, including union organizing, welfare reform, the World Bank, and the World Trade Organization;  Nick Nice one of the founders of the mid-west rave scene who remains a staple of the Madison music scene, spinning at almost every music venue in town; and the Forward! Marching Band founded in Madison by visual artist Laurie Rossbach along with a core group of volunteer musicians and which is now dedicated to maintaining the unique fighting spirit of the Wisconsin protest movement.  There is a suggested admission at the door. Call the Cardinal Bar for details.

March 2003 was when the United States launched its attack on Iraq based on false claims about weapons of mass destruction, seven citizens groups in Wisconsin have planned "No War on Iran" vigils for the last week of March. The vigils range from Superior to Racine, and from LaCrosse to Wauwatosa. In Madison, the vigil will be on Monday, March 26th, from 12 noon - 1 pm, at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd & Doty St. in front of U.S Post Office. Contact Mary Beth at 846-7924, or eamail mbspeace1@charter.net.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Today at 4pm, The Havens Center presents the lecture, “The American Road to Capitalism”
New York Professor Charles Post. This is in room 8417 of UW Madison’s Social Science hall, 1180 Observatory Dr. on the campus. The lecture is free. Call 262-1420 or go to havenscenter.org for more information.


The Wisconsin Alliance for Tenants’ Rights a panel to discuss lessons learned from past struggles, the impact of SB 107, and what WATR is doing to fight back against SB 107. This is from 5:30 – 7:30 pm at Union South, 1308 W. Dayton St. Check “Today in the Union” for room location.  Call 609-7369 for more information.

The Madison Free School and the Madison Infoshop presents the next session in the series, 
“Jackpine Savages, Bolt Weevils, and Solidarity Tractorcades: Radical Rural Protest History in the Midwest!”   This is at 7:00 pm at Rainbow Bookstore, 426 W. Gilman St. Call 262-9036 for event information.

Tales from Planet Earth is Gaylord Nelson Institute’s environmental film festival, finding environmental stories in unexpected places. This is ongoing through March 31st. Admission is free. Venues and times can be found at nelson.wisc.edu/tales or by calling 262-1723.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance provides income tax assistance to low-income individuals, handicapped or elderly. VITA will prepare basic income tax returns free of charge and offers free IRS electronic filing of tax returns at some locations. Please call 1-800-829-1040 for specific VITA sites in Madison and surrounding areas.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Today at 3:30 pm is a lecture titled, “Restoring Lands, Restoring People: Culturally Important Plants and the Lakota Nation” This is in room B302 of Birge Hall, 430 Lincoln Drive on the UW-Madison campus. Admission is free. Call 890-1170 for more information.


Today at 4:30pm, the Wisconsin Ecology Spring Symposium, Prof. David Jablonski will present, “The Evolutionary Role of Mass Extinctions: Nowhere to Run, Nowhere to Hide”. This is in room 1106 of the Mechanical Engineering Building, 1513 Univ. Ave. More information can be obtained at 263-9289 or go to ecology.wisc.edu

Progressive Dane's General Membership Meeting is from 6:00 to 8:00pm the UW-Madison's Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St. The discussion will focus on Dan Nerad's plan to close the achievement gap in the Madison School District. Check Today in the Union for room location. Call 358-2940 for more information.

Tonight at 6:30 pm Public is the Forum on the Yahara Lakes. There will be interactive displays, introductions to the Yahara Lakes Advisory Group’s work and a chance to offer feedback on draft recommendations.  This is in the Exposition Hall of the Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way. For more information call 224-3730.

Your input is needed at WORT’s Listening Session as Staff and Board members of WORT will present the Long Range Plan for the station. This at 7:30pm at the Goodman Community Center, 149 Waubesa St. For more information, visit wort2020.org or call 256-2001 for more information.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Rainbow Bookstore presents “About Face: Military Resisters Turn against War” This is a discussion with Courage to Resist organizer, Emma Cape, on the intersection of military resisters, organizing and the WikiLeaks/Bradley Manning case. This is at 5:30 pm at Rainbow Books, 426 W. Gilman St. Call 257-6050 or go to rainbowbookstore.coop - for event details.

Tonight is a Madison School Board Candidate Forum Sponsored by the African American Communication and Collaboration Council tonight at 6:00 pm. This is at St. Paul AME Church, 
4525 Diamond Drive and is Free and open to the public. Go to africanamericancommunication.com or call 241-5858 for event information.

The Grassroots Leadership College presents the lecture, “Engaging People with Disabilities in Organizing. This is from 6:00 – 8:30 pm at Edgewood College’s Predolin Hall, 1000 Edgewood College Dr. Please call 441-0085 for more information.

South Central WI Move to Amend will hold a General Meeting this Tuesday, at 6:30 pm.  For questions and volunteering, contact them at scwmta.org 


The 99% Film & Discussion Forum will screen the documentary "The End of Poverty? Think Again" at 6:30pm in the Mendota Room of the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center, 953 Jenifer St. Admission is free. Call 442-8399 for event details.

Tales from Planet Earth is Gaylord Nelson Institute’s environmental film festival, finding environmental stories in unexpected places. This is ongoing through March 31st. Admission is free. Venues and times can be found at nelson.wisc.edu/tales or by calling 262-1723.

Monday, March 26, 2012

Tonight at 6:00 pm, the Madison Infoshop (1019 Williamson St.)  will hold its Madison Infoshop Collective Meeting!  Find out how you can get involved in keeping your local activist resource center alive and kicking!  New volunteers are always welcome. For information call 262-9036  or go to www.madisoninfoshop.org.

The Gaylord Nelson Institute environmental film festival runs from March 25th through March 31st with most screenings at UW Union South-The Marquee, Madison Museum of Contemporary Art and the Monona Terrace. Tonight the keynote lecture will be by Van Jones at 7:30 pm, at the Barrymore Theatre. This event is free. Go to www.nelson.wisc.edu/tales or call 262-1723 for details.

VITA stands for "Volunteer Income Tax Assistance" and it is a cooperative effort by the Internal Revenue Service and many individual states, including Wisconsin, to provide income tax assistance to low-income individuals, handicapped or elderly. Volunteers trained by the Internal Revenue Service and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue prepare basic income tax returns free of charge at VITA sites. Some VITA sites offer free IRS electronic filing of tax returns. There are a number of VITA sites in Madison and surrounding areas. Please call 1-800-829-1040 for specific location information.

The Low Income Taxpayer Clinic is another free tax assistance program. This program serves individuals who have a problem with the Internal Revenue Service and whose income is below a certain level. LITCs are independent from the IRS. Most LITCs can provide representation before the IRS or in court on audits, tax collection disputes, and other issues for free or for a small fee. If you receive a letter from the IRS saying there was some type of problem with your tax return, the LITC can help! The clinic that serves the Dane County market provides service in English and Spanish. For more information regarding your local LITC, please call 1-877-UWW-LITC.

Friday, March 23, 2012

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. A light refreshment and childcare will be provided. Contact Jean-Rene at 257-4845 with questions.

This Saturday, The Madison Instiute will hold a Progressive Roundtable book review and discussion on John Nichols book, "The 'S' Word: A Short History of an American Tradition...Socialism." The discussion leader will be Ted Kinnaman. He will review how Nichols traces American radicalism from Tom Paine up to the present, and how early radical ideas took on what we today call socialism.  Nichols makes a persuasive case for the persistence of socialist values throughout our history. The talk is 9:30-11:30 AM at the Capitol Lakes Retirement Community located at 333.W. Main St. Parking is free. For more information, call 438-4178.

An upcoming community meeting will feature a presentation by professional hydro-geologist Peter Taglia on possible solutions and challenges posed by groundwater contamination from the closing Badger Army Ammunition Plant.   The community meeting will be held at the Sauk City Public Library on Saturday morning from 9:30 to 11 am.  The event is hosted by Citizens for Safe Water Around Badger.   The meeting will help community members develop their own comments which must be submitted in writing by April 2 to Jeff Ackerman at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 3911 Fish Hatchery Road, Madison, WI 53711 or email Jeff.Ackerman@wisconsin.gov . For more information contact Laura at 643-3124.

This Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Alliant Energy Center, Exhibition Hall, ‘Fighting Bobfest’ Convenes.  The focus of this event will be "The Tin Cup Movement." We will start by discussing and attempting to pass a “Tin Cup” platform. We will call on all gubernatorial and state Senate recall candidates to campaign on this platform and stand up for our democracy. Each candidate will be given the opportunity to speak on these issues and will be asked to answer questions. For information go to fightingbob.com.

Help Primates Incorporated raise funds by attending their garage sale fundraiser on Sunday, at the Wil-Mar Neighborhood center on 953 Jenifer St from 7am to 3pm. There will be a variety of items for sale, including note cards, household items, toys, games, and more! Proceeds will benefit Primates Incorporated, the nonprofit organization raising funds to construct an enriching and spacious primate sanctuary in Wisconsin.  Contact Amy Kerwin at 220-2166 for more information.

Class Struggle Lecture Series presents: Protest Versus Power.  Workers in the private and public sector are feeling the economic downturn while students are feeling the crunch of rising fees and privation on campus.  Protesting has not yielded the desired results nor will the recall campaign reverse the contradictions in the economic system or concretely restore rights. This lecture looks at the economic and political situation in Wisconsin while exploring options for solidarity with an emphasis on building organizational power to confront these circumstances.  Presenter is Anthony Collin, who provides consulting for numerous workplace-organizing campaigns. The lecture is Sunday night from 5:30 to 8:00 pm at the UW-Madison, Memorial Library Rm. 126 728 State St. This is a free lecture. Call 620-4991 for more information.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Cycles of Revolution: ¡Brake the Banks! ride info session presents information about the bike ride to the NATO/G8 protests in Chicago, May 13th – 22nd. The takes place today at UW Union South, 1308 West Dayton Street, from 6:30 to7:30 PM. Check “Today in the Union” or room location. Go to grassroutescaravan.org for more information.

Madison’s Socrate's Café discusses "Do Law-Makers on Capitol Hill Deserve to Be Millionaires?" This is at 7pm at the Redamte Coffeehouse, 449 State Street. Call 257-8869 for details.

UW Office of Multicultural Arts Initiative’s annual free spoken word/hip-hop theater conference, has performances at 7 pm in the Rotunda Studio at the Overture Center, 201 State St. Go to linebreaks.wisc.edu for a performance schedule or call 890-1006.

Coalition of Wisconsin Health and the Farley Center join together to celebrate the 2nd Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act. The Party is at 7pm, 2299 Spring Rose Rd. in Verona. To RSVP, call 845-8724 or go to farleycenter.org.

The MMSD dual language immersion programs providing comprehensive education in both Spanish and English are accepting applications for kindergarten starting this fall.  Schools participating in this program are Chavez, Glendale, Leopold, Midvale, Nuestro Mundo and Sandburg elementary.  Application deadline is March 23rd.  For more information contact Rhea Vedro at 663-5489 or visit mmsd.org/dli

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

On today’s A Public Affair, host Tonya Brito will mediate a debate between Madison Metropolitan School Board candidates Michael Flores and Mary Burke. This is at noon on WORT. Call 256-2001 for more information or to ask a question to our guests.

Today at 3:30pm, the lecture, “Reframing North American Indigenous Agriculture: It's the Agronomy, Stupid!” will be presented in room B302 of Birge Hall, 430 Lincoln Drive, on the UW-Madison campus. For more information call 890-1170.

At 4pm is the lecture, "Schooling, Relationships, and Health in the Transition to Adulthood in the U.S." This is at the Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St. Call 262-4020 for more information.

There will be free vegan food on starting 5PM at The Great American Meat Out 2012.  This will happen, rain or shine, on the Capital Square at the top State Street at W. Mifflin. Go to the “Madison Food Not Bombs” facebook page for more event information.

The South Central Branch of the National Association of Social Workers presents its 2012 Distinguished Social Worker Award, during Social Work Month starting at 5:30p.m at the Pyle Center on the University of Wisconsin Madison campus, 702 Langdon St. For more information call 257-6334.

UW Office of Multicultural Arts Initiative’s annual free spoken word/hip-hop theater conference, has performances at 7 pm in the Rotunda Studio at the Overture Center, 201 State St. Go to linebreaks.wisc.edu for a performance schedule or call 890-1006.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Today at noon, Host Cynthia Lin speaks with Don Bartletti, a photojournalist who has covered immigration from Latin America to the U.S., as well as the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. This is at noon on WORT. Call 256-2001 for more information or to ask a question to our guests.

UW Office of Multicultural Arts Initiative’s annual free spoken word/hip-hop theater conference, has performances at 5pm and at 7 pm in the Rotunda Studio at the Overture Center, 201 State St. Go to linebreaks.wisc.edu for a performance schedule or call 890-1006.

The Grassroots Leadership College offers a workshop presented by Amy Owen titled, 
“Emotions in Our Work for Change”. This is from 6:00 – 8:30 pm in Predolin Hall on the Edgewood College campus, 1000 Edgewood College Dr. More information is available at grassrootsleadershipcollege.org/workshops.html or call 441-0085.

The 99% Film & Discussion Forum presents a showing of "The Best Government Money Can Buy?" at 6:30pm in the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center’s Mendota Room, 953 Jenifer St. The screening is free and includes an open discussion afterwards. For more information call 442-8399.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance provides income tax assistance to low-income individuals, handicapped or elderly. VITA will prepare basic income tax returns free of charge and offers free IRS electronic filing of tax returns at some locations. There are a number of Please call 1-800-829-1040 for specific VITA sites in Madison and surrounding areas.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Tonight at 7PM there will be a Madison School Board Election Forum presented by Isthmus and Sustain Dane with candidates Arlene Silveira & Nichelle Nichols (seat 1) and Mary Burke & Michael Flores (seat 3). Panelists, including Isthmus News Editor Judith Davidoff and former Madison mayor Dave Cieslewicz, will focus on how “sustainability” may influence future decisions about Madison schools. It will be held at the First Unitarian Society, 900 University Bay Drive. For more information, call 251-5627.

Russ Feingold will be speaking about his new book, ‘While America Sleeps: A Wake-Up Call for the Post-9/11 Era’ tonight at the west side Barnes and Noble at 7PM. In the book, Russ details our nation's collective failure to respond properly to post-9/11 challenges. Feingold hopes that America will be moving forward with a commitment to national unity and a resolve for new world leadership. For more information, call 827-0809.


Now in its 8th year, the Plant Dane! Cost-Share Program provides native plants for rain gardens and flower beds through funding from the Graham-Martin Foundation. New for 2012: plants will now be delivered May 19! There are also six new species for 2012, including nodding pink onion, silky aster, harebell, and mistflower. A workshop on rain gardens and rain barrels is scheduled for April 2012.Order forms and workshop information are online at myfairlakes.com/plantdane" www.myfairlakes.com/plantdane.

Dane County residents can dispose of household hazardous materials free of charge through Clean Sweep, 10 am-2 pm Tuesdays-Fridays, through April 27. Clean Sweep is located at the Dane Co. Highway Garage, 2302 Fish Hatchery Rd. Small business/agricultural materials accepted by appointment (243-0347). Go to danecountycleansweep.com or call 243-0368 for more information.

Friday, March 16, 2012

This Saturday, come meet and greet with lucky leprechauns at this Madison Infoshop fund raiser on St. Paddy's Day! Madison Food Not Bombs will provide the meals and Dancing Oak will present two films. A small donation is requested for the meals. The meals will be at noon and the movies shown after. It will be held at the Dancing Oak, 2122 Rusk Street on Madison's funky east side. Bring green glitter or other adornments for the shamrock and receive a special door prize! Go to Madison Food Not Bombs on facebook for details.

Also this Saturday, from 1:30 to 3:30 pm is the Capitol Square St. Patrick’s Day Parade!  Join the Madison Area Peace Coalition's contingent in Madison's 15th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade!  MAPC message will include "peace in Iraq" where the effective military occupation is still not over. Bring your peace sign. The parade steps off from the intersection of N. Pinckney and E. Mifflin St. and makes one circuit of the Square. Check Friday before the parade for the lineup at stpatsmadison.org.

Sunday from noon to 4 pm at the Centro Hispano, 810 W. Badger Road, The Committee on Homelessness and Foreclosures is holding a training session for anyone interested in foreclosure intervention and the liberation of foreclosed houses for homeless people.  For information call 231-3015 or email veryeasytrumpet@gmail.com

On Sunday, the Third Annual Rachel Corrie Benefit Dinner will feature special guests Craig and Cindy Corrie, parents of Rachel Corrie, a 23 year old American peace activist who was crushed to death in Rafah by Israeli soldiers nine years ago today. All proceeds provide a water filter for a girls' school in Rafah in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. This will be at The Nile Restaurant, 6119 Odana Road. Doors open 5:00 pm, vegetarian Middle Eastern dinner starts at 5:30 pm and program at 7:00 pm. Sponsored by Madison-Rafah Sister City Project. Space is limited. Please RSVP by TODAY to dwallbaum@gmail.com or 235-7870. 

This Sunday, Deep Green Resistance is having a benefit show with music by Harmonious Wail, Lovely Socialite and Arp of the Covenant. It will be at the High Noon Saloon at 7 pm. The cover charge will go to Deep Green Resistance. Raffle prizes have been donated by local businesses including tickets to gypsy swing fest, acupuncture from Gentle Tiger, Capitol City Tattoo and gift certificates to local restaurants and more!! For more information, contact Courtney at 616-2613 or go to deepgreenresistance.org.

People’s Legislature event scheduled for Sunday from 11AM-4PM at the Exhibition Hall at the Aliant Energy Center. The tentative plan is to meet to discuss a “People’s Platform”, followed by candidate speeches, questions and responses. At the end there will be a caucus/straw poll. Any questions feel free to give Ed or Sam a call at the Fighting Bob office 256-1003.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

The UW Sifting and Winnowing Club presents "Empire or Capitalism: Which Caused This Economic Crisis?" This is at 7pm in room 1121 of the Humanities building, 455 Park St. Call 230-6640 for more information.

Tonight at 7:00 pm, join the Madison Free School and the Madison Infoshop for the fifth session in a ten part series, “Jackpine Savages, Bolt Weevils, and Solidarity Tractorcades – History of Radical Rural Protest in the Midwest”.  This is at Rainbow Bookstore, 426 W. Gilman St. Call 262-9036 for more event information.

Tonight is a lecture titled, "Body Language: Embodiment, Materiality, and the Reframing of African American Religion" This is at 7:00 pm in the ‘On Wisconsin Room’ of the Red Gym, 716 Langdon St. on the UW Madison campus. For more information, call 262-9669.

The MMSD dual language immersion programs providing education in both Spanish and English are accepting applications for kindergarten starting this fall.  Participating schools include Chavez, Glendale, Leopold, Midvale, Nuestro Mundo and Sandburg elementary.  Application deadline is March 23rd.  For more information contact Rhea Vedro at 663-5489 or visit mmsd.org/dli

Inside at Night: Origins of an Uprising is an exhibit of Photographs from the Capitol uprising is ongoing through April 28 at Tamarack Studio & Gallery, 849 E. Washington Ave., Suite 102. Call 294-9499 or visit tamarackgallerymadison.com for more information.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Operation Fresh Start is sponsoring a Madison Metropolitan School District candidate forum with participation from young people from the organization. This is from 4 to 5:30pm at 1925 Winnebago St.
Contact Gregory Markle 244-4721 for more information.     

Today at 4 pm, there is a lecture titled, "Liminal Fields: The Powers and Pitfalls of Comparative Literature and Folklore” This is in room 104 of Van Hise Hall, 1220 Linden Dr. on the UW Madison campus. Call 281-6263 for more info.

The Rock County Progressives presents, “How Progressives Can Take Back Wisconsin,” with speakers Ruth Conniff of the Progressive Magazine and Sen. Tim Cullen. The reception is at 6 PM with speakers at 6:30 PM. This is at the Basics Food Cooperative, 1711 Lodge Dr. in Janesville. Go to RockCountyProgressives.org for event information.

Tomorrow, Wisconsinites from the worlds of the arts, business, education, civic issues, politics, and government will meet and rally with Wisconsin’s political leadership at Arts Day 2012. This is starting at 8am at the Monona Terrace Convention Center and later at the State Capitol. Go to artswisconsin.org for complete information.

There are many transactions customers can do online at the Department of Motor Vehicle’s website. Wisconsin ID card holders can renew their ID cards online. Wisconsin ID cards that are needed for voting purposes are free. To renew your license or to obtain an ID, go to dot.wi.gov. Call 266-9890 for more information.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Tonight from 6:00 from 8:30 pm, the Grassroots Leadership College presents “Fast and Effective Research for Community Change”. This is presented by Randy Stoecker at Edgewood College’s Predolin Hall, 1000 Edgewood College Dr. Call 441-0085 for more information.

The 99% Film & Discussion Forum screens: Thrive – What on Earth Will It Take? This 2011 unconventional documentary follows the money upstream and uncovers the global consolidation of power in nearly every aspect of our lives. This is at 6:30 pm in the Mendota Room of the Wilmar Center, 953 Jenifer St. For more information call 442-8399.

The ATHENA Award's 15 Annual Celebration provides scholarships to women in Madison who wish to return to school or go on to higher education.  This is at Monona Terrace starting at 5 p.m. Call 877-0528 for more information.

The Low Income Taxpayer Clinic serves individuals who have a problem with the Internal Revenue Service and whose income is below a certain level. LITCs are independent from the IRS and can provide representation before the IRS or in court on audits, tax collection disputes, and other issues for free or for a small fee. The Dane County program provides service in English and Spanish. For more information regarding your local LITC, please call 1-877-UWW-LITC. 

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Tonight at 6:30 pm is an informational meeting of the “Cycles of Revolution: Brake the Banks! Ride to NATO/G8 protests in Chicago!”  This is in room 1221 of the Humanities building on the UW-Madison campus, 455 North Park Street. For more information go to grassroutescaravan.org

Listen to Bettina Luescher's inspiring story, “Holy Cow! From the UW to CNN to the UN” about becoming the chief spokesperson in North America for the UN World Food Programme. This is today at 4:30p.m. in the Tripp Commons in the Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St.

Then at 7:00 pm, Bettina Luescher will present “ Quakes, Wars, and Celebs; a talk with, World Food Programme Chief Spokesperson for North America”. This is also in the Tripp Commons of the Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St. 

The lecture, "Bookmark Masala: Food blogs and the gendered configurations of south Asian culinary publics" will be at 4:00 pm. In room 1280 of Grainger Hall on the UW Madison campus, 975 University Avenue. Call 265-4503 for more information.

Also, the lecture "Memory and History: Reflections on Nuremberg and Other Places" is at 4:00 pm at the Pyle Center on the UW Madison campus, 702 Langdon Street. For more information call 265-4763.

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.

Wednesday,March 7, 2012

The UW-Extension School for Workers offers vital Steward Training sessions this spring to train smart, enthusiastic union leaders.  This will be held on Wednesday evenings from March 7 through the 28 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Anderson United Way Center, 2059 Atwood Avenue. Contact the school for workers at 262-2112.

Tonight at 5:30pm, SERRV International presents a talk by Indian fair trade organization co-founder Roopa Mehta of the Sasha Association of Craft Producers.  This is at the SERRV store at 2701 Monroe St.  Call 233-4438 or go to serrv.org for more information.

Tonight is a showing of the film, “Patriocracy”, a documentary film by Brain Malone.  This is from 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm at the Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ, 1501 Gilbert Road.  Call 271-7212 for event information.

Wednesday Nite at The Lab presents “Biosafety, Compliance, and UW Influenza Research: The Real Story.”  Learn about the steps taken to mitigate the inherent risks involved with influenza research.  This is at 7:00 pm at the UW Madison Biotechnology Center, 425 Henry Mall.

 Tomorrow at noon, the “Social Concerns Lunch” presents State Senators Tim Cullen (D-Janesville) and Dale Schultz (R-Richland Center) to speak on public service and faith. This is at the Lutheran Campus Center, 325 North Mills Street. Contact Pastor Brent Christianson 257-7178 for more information.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Grassroots Leadership College presents a workshop by Anne Forbes titled, “Coming Home: Place-making as Personal and Community Practice: an opportunity to be an active steward of the place or places we call home”. This is from 6:00 to 8:30 pm at Edgewood College’s Predolin Hall, 1000 Edgewood College Dr.  For event information call 441-0085.

Tonight at 6:30pm, the 99% Film & Discussion Forum screens “Punishment Park” in the   Mendota room of the Wilmar Center, 953 Jenifer St.  This is about a hypothetical martial law crackdown in the U.S. Call 442-8399 for more information.

The Hesston College Chorale will be performing at Madison Mennonite Church, 1501 Gilbert Rd. in Madison, Tuesday evening March 6 at 7 PM.  This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 276-7680.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance provides income tax assistance to low-income individuals, handicapped or elderly. VITA will prepare basic income tax returns free of charge and offers free IRS electronic filing of tax returns at some locations. There are a number of Please call 1-800-829-1040 for specific VITA sites in Madison and surrounding areas.

Monday, March 5, 2012

On Monday, March 5, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. at the Bartell Theater, 113 East Mifflin St., the Madison Theatre Guild (MTG) will present two works. The first is a short comedy, “I’m Herbert” by Robert Anderson, the second is “Returning Home”, by local playwright Nick Schweitzer, who wrote the Madison play, “Surrounded by Reality”. Admission to the event will be free, though donations will be accepted, and all proceeds will be divided between MTG and the V.A. Fund for Homeless Veterans. For further information, contact Nick Schweitzer at jnschweitzer@gmail.com or call 692-8002.

Dane County residents can dispose of household hazardous materials free of charge through Clean Sweep, 10 am-2 pm Tuesdays-Fridays, through April 27. Clean Sweep is located at the Dane Co. Highway Garage, 2302 Fish Hatchery Rd. Small business/agricultural materials accepted by appointment (243-0347). Go to danecountycleansweep.com or call 243-0368 for more information.

Now in its 8th year, the Plant Dane! Cost-Share Program provides native plants for rain gardens and flower beds through funding from the Graham-Martin Foundation. New for 2012: plants will now be delivered May 19! There are also six new species for 2012, including nodding pink onion, silky aster, harebell, and mistflower. A workshop on rain gardens and rain barrels is scheduled for April 2012.Order forms and workshop information are online at myfairlakes.com/plantdane.

The East Madison/Monona Coalition of the Aging hosts lunches at noon, Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays at Monona Hills; and Tuesdays & Thursdays at Monona Meadows. A small donation is requested. RSVP by noon the previous weekday. Transportation is available. Go to emmca.org or call 223-3100.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Literacy Network and the South Madison Rotary Club are offering "English for Families" classes, Saturdays, 11:30am to 1pm at the Goodman South Madison Branch Library, 2222 South Park Street. The classes meet March 3rd to April 28th except for April 7th. Free child care is provided for children ages 2 and up and a free kid-friendly lunch is provided before class. Participants will receive a free book to read with your child at each class. Those who attend all 8 sessions will receive a $50 VISA gift certificate. Register at the library or call 266-6395.

The International Festival 2012 is this Saturday from 11 to 5 at the Overture Center. Join in celebrating the 31st Annual International Festival, when Local Goes Global! Overture's International Festival weaves a rich tapestry of performances, crafts and foods with sounds, smells and flavors as colorful as the vibrant costumes that adorn the performers. For one day every year, Local Goes Global! FREE. Info and schedule at overturecenter.com/production/international-festival-2012
 
This Saturday, Speaker Jarvis Tyner, Executive Vice-Chair, Communist Party, USA will be giving a speech - "Those Who Believe In Freedom Will Not Rest". The event is sponsored by the Unemployed Workers Council and the Communist Party of Wisconsin/CPUSA. Free and Open to the Public. It will be at 1pm at the South Branch Madison Library, 2222 S. Park St. and at 6:30pm at the People’s Books Coop, 2122 E Locust Street. For more information email Wisconsin CP at wisconsincp@gmail.com.

Saturday at 2:00 pm at the Rainbow Bookstore, 426 W. Gilman,  “Who Killed Che?: How the CIA Got Away With Murder” – book event with co-author and attorney, Michael Smith.  In compelling detail Smith and coauthor, Michael Rattner, recount the extraordinary life and deliberate killing of the world's most storied revolutionary: Ernesto Che Guevara. Ratner and Smith survey the extraordinary trajectory of Che's career, from an early politicization recounted in the Motorcycle Diaries, through meetings with his compañero Fidel Castro in Mexico, his vital role in the Cuban revolution, his expeditions abroad to Africa and Latin America, including Bolivia where, after months of struggle to spread the revolution begun in Havana, Che is wounded, captured and executed.  For information call 257-6050.

Saturday at 5:30 pm at the Wilmar Center, 953 Jenifer St., the 21st Annual Marquette Neighborhood Chili Dinner Benefit is going on – with all proceeds to benefit the MNA Scholarship Fund.  Live music featuring the Kristy Larson Honky Tonk Trio will be on hand.  A small donation is recommended. For details call 257-4576.