It's a nice day to be nice. Whether it's volunteering or surprising your coworkers with some sweet treats, here are a few ways you can celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day.
6AM City In-house

Kind of a big deal 💕

6 random acts of kindness to brighten up Madison’s community
Sunset Over Monona Terrace
Shine a little extra light on Madison today. | Photo by @honeyoliveblaire
Do you know the No. 1 way to find kindness in your community? Make it yourself.

From simple gestures to volunteering your time, here are seven random acts of kindness you can perform to make a neighbor’s day or brighten up the community.

Bring treats to work đŸ©

Next time you’re on the way to work, grab your coworkers some coffee or pastries. Pro tip: vanilla donuts from Level 5 Donuts and brews from Ledger Coffee are a perfect pairing.

Pay for a student’s lunch đŸ„Ș

School lunches cost ~$3 a day, which can be a burden for some students and their families. Call 608-204-4000 or head over to the Child Nutrition Assistance Fund page to set up a one-time or recurring donation which will provide assistance for children in the Madison Metropolitan School District with negative meal account balances.

Show local businesses some love đŸ›ïž

It’s no secret that we love our local businesses. Next time you stop by your go-to spots, tip generously or write a positive review.

Plant native species đŸŒ±

Add some green to your community by planting native species. Use the National Wildlife Federation’s Native Plant Finder to start your search.

Help our furry friends đŸŸ

Consider fostering or adopting a furry friend in need of a home, or volunteer at a local shelter like the Dane County Humane Society or 9 Lives Rescue. You can also donate monetarily or drop off blankets, toys, food, and supplies.

Volunteer with local organizations 💕

Check out our growing list of organizations with local volunteer opportunities.

Gift something, just because 🎁

Whether it’s to recognize a teacher or just surprise someone special in your life, we suggest gifting a candle from Wixology or a card from Joy Paper Co. Or snag something from Little Luxuries.

Click here to have your event featured.

Today, Feb. 17
  • Tax Assistance | Friday, Feb. 17 | 12 p.m. | Lakeview Library, 2845 N. Sherman Ave., Madison | Free | Reserve an appointment to get assistance from VITA volunteers on filing your WI and Federal personal income taxes. 💰
  • PYHO Pop-Up Exhibition | Friday, Feb. 17 | 5-8 p.m. | Garver Feed Mill, 3241 Garver Green, Madison | Free | Meet the artists that are in town for the annual “Pour’n Yer Heart Out” iron pour event and see cast iron pieces from year’s past.
Saturday, Feb. 18
  • Cool School | Saturday, Feb. 18 | 12 and younger from 10-11:30 a.m., 12+ from 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. | Cafe CODA, 1224 Williamson St., Madison | Free | Musician and educator Hanah Jon Taylor will teach young musicians about the art of improvisation.
  • Wisconsin Men’s Basketball vs. Rutgers | Saturday, Feb. 18 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Kohl Center, 601 W. Dayton St., Madison | $35+ | Cheer on the Badgers during their Alumni Day game. 🏀
  • Madison Maker’s Winter Market + Pub Crawl | Saturday, Feb. 18 | 12 p.m. | The Sylvee, 25 S. Livingston St., Madison | Free | Stop by Marquette Neighborhood bars where local makers will have market booths set up so you can shop (local) while you crawl.
Sunday, Feb. 19
  • Climb to Recovery | Sunday, Feb. 19 | 6-8 p.m. | Boulders Climbing Gym, 129 S. Carroll St., Madison | $10 | Those in recovery are invited to climb along with family and friends in your support system. đŸ§—â€â™‚ïž
  • Book Launch | Sunday, Feb. 19 | 2-3 p.m. | Central Library, 201 W. Mifflin St., Madison | Free | Authors Fabu, Sherry Lucille, and Catrina J. Sparkman will be revealing each of their new works.
  • Femmestival | Sunday, Feb. 19 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Garver Feed Mill, 3241 Garver Green, Madison | Free | Celebrate femme-identifying creative entrepreneurs where local art vendors will be featured alongside 20 female chefs.
Monday, Feb. 20
  • Joe Bonamassa | Monday, Feb. 20 | 8 p.m. | Orpheum Madison, 216 State St., Madison | $61+ | Enjoy a show by this chart-topping blues-rock guitarist. đŸŽ¶

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
6AM City In-house

Weather
  • 28Âș | Sunny | 5% chance of snow
Development
  • Core Spaces is proposing the demolition of a dozen buildings between West Gorham and West Johnson streets. The development company is no stranger to Madison and hopes to alleviate some student housing issues with this large, 380+ unit “Johnson and Broom” housing project. (Madison.com)
Community
  • Starting on Monday, Feb. 20, the City of Madison is waving recycling fees for TVs, computers, laptops, and monitors. These are all drop-off only items. Check out the Streets and Recycling page to find your drop-off center and more information on large item disposals. ♻
Edu
  • To bee or not to bee. Check out the Madison students that are competing in the All-City Spelling Bee this Saturday, Feb. 18. The top three spellers will move on to the Badger State Spelling Bee where one winner will advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in June. 🐝 (Madison.com)
Outdoors
  • The Madison Community Foundation has granted the Dane County Parks System $30,000 in order to foster a more accessible experience for parkgoers. Accessible piers, kayak launches, and all-terrain wheelchairs are among the planned upgrades. (NBC 15)
Civic
  • Madison’s mayor spent the day at the White House yesterday along with other notable Wisconsin leaders. Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway attended the “Building a Better Wisconsin” event where she discussed how the $400 million in federal funding Madison received has affected the city. ✈
Concert
  • Jason Mraz is coming to Madison this summer. Playing at Breese Stevens Field on Friday, July 28, the singer will be promoting his new “Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride” album. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, Feb. 21. (Channel 3000)
Sports
  • Super Bowl weekend may be over, but NBA All-Star Weekend kicks off today, Feb. 17. See the lineup of events — like this evening’s All-Star Celebrity Game and Sunday’s 72nd NBA All-Star Game — and get your hands on the limited edition All-Star merch before it sells out. 🏀 *
Finance
  • Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

Freezin’ for a reason đŸ„¶

Madison’s 2023 Special Olympics Polar Plunge
team jumping into winter lake for Polar Plunge
The forecast calls for sun tomorrow, which makes for perfect swimming conditions. | Photo by @sowisconsin
Ready to take the plunge, Madison? This weekend is the 2023 Special Olympics Polar Plunge.

Where | Olin Park, 1156 Olin-Turville Ct.

When | Registration opens at 8 a.m., opening ceremony + plunge takes place at 11 a.m.

What | Since 1999, Special Olympics of Wisconsin has been organizing Polar Plunges in order to raise money for its athletes to participate in 19 different sports programs offered year-round.

Get Involved 🌊

Register | Prospective plungers can register on-site tomorrow morning starting at 8 a.m. Otherwise, online registration is available as well.

Check in | Participants are welcome to check in today at Liberty Station from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. or on-site tomorrow at the registration tent. The earlier you or your team checks in, the higher chance you’ll get the plunge time you desire.

Support | Do you prefer to stay dry and warm? Me too. Luckily, you can support the cause from the comfort of your home. Donate to the Special Olympics or monetarily support an individual or team participating in tomorrow’s plunge.
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Ally.

Editor’s pick: I’ll take a cold shower every once in a while if I really need some help waking up, but I don’t think I’m built for a Polar Plunge. If any of our readers are participating, I’d love to see your pics and hear how it went! Just hit me up on our Instagram.

Missed our last newsletter? We checked out some of Madison’s popular architectural styles.
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.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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