A friend in need is a friend indeed ❤️

Friends of the State Street Family

One of Madison’s most iconic landmarks is home to many in need of support. | Photo by @thecolorfulkid

One of the best parts about Madison is its strong sense of community, and one of the worst parts is, arguably, the harsh winters. At the intersection of these things, however, is an opportunity. Let’s talk about how to help members of the community who need extra support during Wisconsin’s cold weather months by becoming Friends of the State Street Family.

This organization aims to become — you guessed it — a friend to those in need by developing trust and fostering relationships The ultimate goal is to help people on their path to finding permanent housing, sobriety support, counseling + medical or mental health care.

Instead of receiving general items from the community, this donation-based charity directs Madisonians to an Amazon wishlist that compiles specific goods and apparel needed by the community. This method eliminates the aggregation of unneeded items and focuses on the most prominent needs for comfort + survival.

A few items currently on the wishlist include:

🔌 Electric blankets | As a resource for car campers or those with access to electricity overnight, these can be a great comfort.
🥨 Single-serve food items | Having smaller, sealed portions of food is more practical for those without access to ample food storage.
🍽️ Dishes + flatware | Basics like paper plates + paper bags are always of great value.
☀️ Sunshades | This item works well for both sun protection + privacy.
💳 Gift cards for local food spots | Give a friend of State Street the gift of a meal.

Looking to get involved in a more hands-on way? The organization hosts group volunteer nights where Madisonians can get together to assemble care packages + meal kits to help State Street’s friends.

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Today, Nov. 4

The Incredible Unique World of Art by Art Paul Schlosser | Friday, Nov. 4 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Mother Fools Coffee, 1101 Williamson St., Madison | Free | Check out this local legend’s art on display + grab a cup of joe while you’re at it. 🖼️
Colonial Club Ale Fest | Friday, Nov. 4 | 6-9 p.m. | 301 Blankenheim Ln., Sun Prairie | $40 | Enjoy 65+ beer samples from across the globe as well as more spirits, a silent auction, and raffles.

Saturday, Nov. 5

Indigenous Arts Workshop with Joe Rainey | Saturday, Nov. 5 | 2 p.m. | Arts + Literature Laboratory, 111 S. Livingston St., Madison | Free | An interactive workshop demonstrating Rainey’s musical process followed by a Q+A session.
2022 Madison Herb Fair | Saturday, Nov. 5 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison | Free | Enjoy three speakers, an outdoor herb garden tour, and the herbal marketplace with 20 local vendors. 🌿

Sunday, Nov. 6

Bill Burr: Slight Return | Sunday, Nov. 6 | 7 p.m. | Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison | $39-$94 | Grab your tickets to see one of comedy’s biggest names right here in Madison. 🎭
Volunteer at UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve | Sunday, Nov. 6 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | 2000 University Bay Drive, Madison | Free | Activities may include removing invasive plants, maintaining trails, planting, and seed collecting.

Monday, Nov. 7

Mindful Moments | Monday, Nov. 7 | 12:30 p.m. | Sequoya Library, 4340 Tokay Blvd., Madison | Free | Center yourself during this drop-in meditation group.
Green Thumb Gardening | Monday, Nov. 7 | 6-8 p.m. | Virtual | $12 | Review common vegetable families and how to grow the crops within them. A practice session on crop rotation and insect scouting is included. 🥕

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

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Weather

64º | Rain | 99% chance of rain

Development

Alliant Energy Center officials previewed plans for a series of upgrades to two of its pavilions, made possible by a multi-million dollar grant from the state. Alliant hopes the upgrades will draw in new promoters looking to use the spaces. 💰 (Channel 3000)

Civic

Madison City Council President Keith Furman announced he will not be seeking reelection in the spring. He is sharing his intentions now in order to give potential successors time to consider running for the seat. (Madison.com)

Regional

Representatives from Dane, Rock, and Jefferson counties voted this week to form a combined fire protection district. The area will cover more than 200 square miles + serve as a sustainable solution to departmental staffing issues. 🚒 (Channel 3000)

State

The nationwide baby formula shortage is easing in Wisconsin. Families can talk with their pediatrician or local WIC office for more information on the Abbott Nutrition recalls + which alternative products are becoming available. 🍼 (Madison.com)

Holiday

The Dane County Farmers Market is bringing Holiday Markets to Monona Terrace starting in late November. The four Saturday markets on Nov. 19, Dec. 3, Dec. 10, and Dec. 17 will feature a special selection of seasonal products for the holiday season. 🎄 (NBC 15)

Sports

Eric Leonard, a Forward Madison soccer player, released his new book, “The GBA Mentality.” Eric aims to illuminate a path anyone can follow to overcome adversity, fight conformity, and ultimately achieve 1% more in life. (Channel3000)

Announced

Show your support for local journalism by joining the 608today membership program. Membership has some awesome perks like exclusive birthday deals, discounts from our online shop, Six & Main + more. Plus, 100% of membership funds help support our local editors — that’s us, Ryan + Ally. Learn more + sign up. 💻

Travel

Dreaming up a trip to the Bahamas? This Spanish Wells private cottage might just be your new happy place. It’s steps from the turquoise water, fully air conditioned, and is rated five stars. Book it as a January getaway or the best holiday gift ever for $299 avg/night. 🌊*

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Shopping spree, anyone? 🛍️

How to spend your Powerball winnings in Madison

640px-Over_$1,000,000_dollars_in_USD_$100_bill_stacks.png

What would you do if you became an overnight millionaire? | Photo by Wikimedia Commons

Feeling lucky? The Powerball is up to a whopping $1.5 billion. Grab a ticket today before Saturday’s drawing + you just might walk away with a $745.9 million cash payout.

Here are a few things you could buy with these potential earnings:

🍦 196,289,474 ice cream cones from Babcock Dairy Store
🪑 48,122,580 mini Memorial Union chairs from the gift shop
🍺 48,153,647 12 packs of Spotted Cow
🏠 171 lakefront properties like this home
🍕 77,536,382 pizzas from Falbo Bros
🥾 5,327,857 pairs of hiking boots from Hive
🎓 17,391 tuitions for UW-Madison students
🥪 67,809,090 eggplant parms from Casetta
🌹 11,475,384 bouquets of roses from Chloe’s Floral

Of course, you could always just invest responsibly, but what fun is that?
Let us know how you would spend the money.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Ally.

Editor’s pick: I’m on a falafel kick this week. An F-bomb pita from Banzo never disappoints.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We learned the science behind making friends.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Ally Geiger, Ryan Waldman, Dayten Rose, Josh Kranzberg, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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