History

Remembering Chris Farley

Chris Farley entertaining friends backstage

“Everybody who saw him perform got a little piece of his soul.” — Bob Odenkirk on Chris Farley | Photo via @thesecondcity

Yesterday marked 25 years since the passing of Madison-native Chris Farley.

Born and raised on the east side, Chris attended Edgewood High School and lived in the Maple Bluff neighborhood on Lake Mendota.

After graduating high school, he went to college at Marquette University in Milwaukee. Here, he met fellow funny freshman Pat Finn. The two discovered their love for performing comedy together and both went on to have successful entertainment careers.

Post-grad, Chris went back to Madison to work for his Dad at Scotch Oil Co. on the north shore of Lake Mendota. Any “Joe Dirt” fans out there? David Spade paid homage to his late friend by working a Scotch Oil plot point into the 2001 film.

A few other 608 spots that have Farley connections include:

The Ark Theatre | Now the Quick Clean Pepsi laundromat on N. Bassett, this former improv theater is the birthplace of Matt Foley.
Vic Pierce | If you know it, you love it. The only place in Madison to buy beer past 9 p.m., Chris’s brother has told stories of their late-night visits here.
State Street Brats | A true Madisonian — keep an eye out for the comedian’s headshot framed near the entrance of this favorite bar of his.
Comedy on State | Multiple Farleys, Chris and his younger brothers, have graced the stage at 608’s iconic comedy club.

Chris Farley was laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery on Regent Street. Although, it doesn’t take a trip to the cemetery to feel his presence in the city. Whether you’re catching a show at the comedy club, walking the halls of Edgewood Highschool, or livin’ in a van down by Lake Mendota, Chris Farley is a hilariously beloved part of Madison’s DNA, and that’s just dandy with us.

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Today, Dec. 19

Open Mic Comedy Night | Monday, Dec. 19 | 7-10 p.m. | The Bur Oak, 2262 Winnebago St., Madison | Free | Brave the stage for a five-minute set or sit back and enjoy local talents. 🎭

Tuesday, Dec. 20

Tango/Salsa Social Dance | Tuesday, Dec. 20 | 8:30-10:30 p.m. | The Brink Lounge, 701 E. Washington Ave., Madison | Free admission | Catch a class beforehand or come as you are for an evening on the dance floor.
Paint and Sip | Tuesday, Dec. 20 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Wine & Design, 167 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Madison | $40 | Create an artfully cozy scene during this Christmas stocking-themed paint class. 🎨

Wednesday, Dec. 20

DMNA Winter Solstice Bonfire | Wednesday, Dec. 21 | 4-9 p.m. | Glenwood Park, 602 Glenway St., Madison | Free | Join the Dudgeon Monroe Neighborhood Association for a sunset bonfire with s’mores and hot chocolate.
Vaccine Clinic | Wednesday, Dec. 21 | 12:30-3 p.m. | Goodman South Madison Library, 2222 S. Park St., Madison | Free | Get free COVID-19 vaccines and boosters administered by Public Health Madison and Dane County. Ages 5+ (5-17 need a guardian present.) 💉

We have a calendar filled with events and 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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Life should be a balance of adventure and relaxation — not balancing finances. Enter: Working with a financial advisor. But choosing the wrong one could potentially wreak havoc on your retirement and investments.

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Weather

24º | Cloudy | 24% chance of precipitation

State

According to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, there is roughly $640 million in unclaimed property. One in 10 residents has unclaimed property, and the average claim is around $1,100. Check out the DOR’s website to check your claim status. 💰 (WKOW)

Edu

Congrats, grads. 1,300+ UW-Madison students graduated with their undergrad and grad degrees yesterday. Charlie Berens gave the commencement speech and student speaker Kirstan Gimse shared her journey from high school dropout to doctoral student. (Madison.com)
Today, the Madison School Board will be voting on the future of the district’s high school honors program. A universal honors program may be implemented, eliminating standalone honors for freshmen and sophomores. ✏️ (Cap Times)

Transit

At long last. Mayor Satya-Rhodes Conway and Gov. Tony Evers came together for the groundbreaking of Madison’s bus rapid transit east-to-west route. This system — which has been in the works for a decade — aims to shorten travel times and reduce congestion on the isthmus. (Cap Times)

Eat

A Food Fight Restaurant Group gift card would make for a great stocking stuffer. Right now, they’re offering an additional $25 gift card to anyone who purchases a $100+ card. These are available for purchase and accepted at any Food Fight restaurant. 🍝

Shop

If you’re looking for a last-minute gift for someone on your list, look no further. Let us introduce you to gift cards from our 608today shop, Six & Main. Purchase a gift card today. 🎁
Give the gift of a quality shave month after month with a Harry’s trial set and blade subscription. Choose your handle color, refill frequency, and let the good shave days roll in for as little as $5 on sign-up (yes, you heard that right). 🪒*

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Food

608 Recipe Swap: One-pot sausage gnocchi

The red, green, and white ingredients make it even better for the holidays. | Photo by 608today team via Canva Pro

Today’s recipe comes from yours truly. Two things about me — I love cooking, and I hate doing dishes. This recipe is great for anyone who feels the same.

🥘 Cheesy one-pot sausage gnocchi

Ingredients

5 oz baby spinach
2 (14.5 oz) cans of diced tomatoes
4 garlic gloves
6 oz mini mozzarella pearls
1 lb spicy Italian sausage
1 yellow onion
16 oz potato gnocchi
1/2 cup water
olive oil
Italian seasoning
salt

Directions

Peel and dice the onion. Peel and mince the garlic.

Heat a large pot or deep pan and coat bottom with oil.

Add onion and garlic, cook 5 min. or until softened.

Add sausage, cook until browned and crumbly.

Add gnocchi, tomatoes (with their juices), water, mozzarella pearls, and seasonings to taste.

Cover and cook until gnocchi is cooked through (5-10 min.)

Remove from heat and add spinach in handfuls, stir until well combined.

I top this off (along with most things I eat) with Kraft grated Parmesan, feel free to use the good stuff though.

👋 Have a holiday recipe you want to share with the community? Let us know.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Ally.

Editor’s pick: This weekend’s date night was at 107 State. It’s known for its burgers and pasta and the cocktail menu never disappoints.

Missed our last newsletter? We learned more about Madison’s Snow Emergencies.

Connect with us.

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

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