Volunteering can bring a smile to your face and to others. | Photo provided by God’s Pantry Food Bank

Each year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed as a federal holiday on the third Monday of January — today. The theme for this year is “Cultivating a Beloved Community Mindset to Transform Unjust Systems,” according to The King Center — a nonprofit founded by MLK’s wife, Coretta Scott King, to continue Dr. King’s legacy.

If you have time to dedicate to our community, here are three local volunteer opportunities:

Madison Public Libraries | Serve as the volunteer outreach coordinator and be the front face for others looking to volunteer with MPL. Help screen applicants + support library friends in daily management tasks.
Habitat for Humanity Dane County | Provide critical support building homes, serving on committees, or working at the Habitat ReStores.
River Food Pantry | Feed your community at the pantry or on the road via the mobile meal program + grocery deliveries.

Looking for other ways to get involved? Check out more local volunteer opportunities through the link below.

LEARN MORE

UW School of Medicine & Public Health, All of Us Program

EVENTS

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Today, Jan. 16

“Alice’s Ordinary People” | Monday, Jan. 16 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Monona Public Library, 1000 Nichols Rd., Madison | Free | Commemorate MLK Day with a free screening of this civil rights film that emphasizes the work of ‘ordinary people’ towards change.

Tuesday, Jan. 17

Tango/Salsa Social Dance | Tuesday, Jan. 17 | 8:30-10:30 p.m. | The Brink Lounge, 701 E. Washington Ave., Madison | Free | Bring a partner or come as you are for a casual night of dancing. 🕺
Marvel Trivia | Tuesday, Jan. 17 | 7-9 p.m. | High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Ave., Madison | Free | Test your MCU knowledge at this Smarty Pints event.

Wednesday, Jan. 18

Cocktail Class For Two | Wednesday, Jan. 18 | 6-9 p.m. | Garver Feed Mill, 3241 Garver Green, Madison | $170 | Learn the basics with high-end and local spirits while enjoying snacks provided by the Garver Kitchen. 🍸
Candy Cigarette | Wednesday, Jan. 18 | 7 p.m. | Red Rooster Madison, 2513 Seiferth Rd., Madison | Free | This dynamic blues rock duo consists of 13-year-old identical twins from Oconomowoc who write and perform original ballads.

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

NEWS NOTES

Weather

43º | Rain/thunder | 93% chance of rain

Community

The Wisconsin Equal Justice Fund, Inc. is one of five nonprofits in Wisconsin that received a $50,000 grant from the Green Bay Packers. The organization primarily provides pro bono legal aid for the elderly and those with disabilities. ⚖️ (WKOW)

Listen

The MLK Community Choir will be performing a collection of freedom songs this evening at the Overture Center. The celebration, which kicks off at 5:15 p.m. will include a speech from Martin Luther King Jr.'s goddaughter, Donzaleigh Abernathy, as well as the presentation of Madison’s MLK Humanitarian Award. (Channel 3000)

Job

Madison CARES is working with the City to hire a weekend service team. The program consists of teams trained and equipped to respond to non-violent behavioral health emergency calls that do not require law enforcement. 💞(Channel 3000)

State

Extra funds that have been provided to households enrolled in Wisconsin’s FoodShare program will soon come to an end. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services reports that February will be the last month that recipients will see additional funding — originally granted due to the impact of COVID-19. 💰 (NBC 15)

Sports

Next season starts right now. Wisconsin football is hoping to attract more players who live in and around the Badger State. Check out how the team and new head coach Luke Fickell are blitzing potential recruits. (Madison.com)

Eat

Cancel your dinner plans for Thursday, January 19. ICYMI Pasture and Plenty, a local farm-to-table deli, is hosting a Dumpling Class in honor of the Lunar New Year and in support of the international #DumpTheHate campaign. 🥟
Skip the meal hassle with Sunbasket, a meal kit delivery service that makes healthy eating beyond easy. Sunbasket offers 10 different meal plans that work for those with dietary preferences and specific restrictions (think: paleo, gluten-free, veg, diabetes-friendly + more). Bonus: Sign up for $100 off your first four deliveries. 🥕 *

Drink

Going dry this month? Give it your all with Athletic Brewing Company’s non-alcoholic craft beers. From IPAs to goldens, they have brews for whenever + wherever works for you. Subscribe to get 50% off your first month (terms + conditions apply). *

Seasonal

If you’ve got sticker shock from your winter energy bills, it’s time to break out the space heater. Solve chilly mornings the energy efficient way with the Dr. Infrared Heater that warms objects, not the air. Hello, cozy legs. Bonus: Heat your patio with infrared, too. 🔥*

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THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Ally.

Editor’s pick: Anyone else participating in Dry January? I’d be all over that Garver cocktail class if I weren’t. Which reminds me, I just found out that Ian’s Pizza at Garver serves brunch cocktails during farmer’s market Saturdays. Y’all know where to find me on the first weekend in February.

Missed our last newsletter? We checked out Madison Public Library’s art hub.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Ally Geiger, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Ana Gibson | Advertise with us.

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