Today’s Forecast

35º | Cloudy | 15% chance of sleet | Sunrise 7:28 a.m. | Sunset 4:39 p.m.

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🌟 Dim the lights

Celebrate International Dark Sky Week

The night sky with visible bands of the Milky Way.

There’s more colors out there than navy. | Photo by Jeremy Thomas via Unsplash

It’s International Dark Sky Week, an initiative to combat light pollution in cities all over the world. Do you want to see stars over our city — even downtown? Follow these recommendations from the International Dark Sky Association (IDA).

Help measure night sky brightness as a “citizen-scientist” with Globe at Night.

Inventory your home lighting by following the IDA checklist — it could be as easy as pointing an upward-facing light towards the ground.

Join the IDSW scavenger hunt. You’ll start by downloading the free hunt card. Record your progress, send the completed card to IDA, and claim some free Dark Sky stickers.

Contact a local government representative and request an official proclamation of IDSW. Awareness matters: Locals like you initiated 23 successful proclamations nationwide in 2022.

Write a letter to the editor of your (second) favorite newsletter, paper, or magazine. No debate skills necessary — just follow the playbook and make a case for dark skies.

Become a Dark Sky Advocate. Want more star parties, dark city walks, and collaboration with local organizations? Help protect the night as a local point of contact for IDA.

Find local stargazing events. Consider supporting Madison Astronomical Society. Or, plan a trip to your nearest Dark Site and tag us on Instagram (@608today) with your view of the night sky. Bonus: The Lyrid meteor shower peaks April 19-April 22.

Events

Monday, April 17

The Mosaic Chamber Players | Monday, Apr. 17 | 3-4 p.m. | Stoughton Opera House, 381 E. Main St., Stoughton | Free | Enjoy piano-based chamber music as part of the Opera House’s music appreciation series.

Tuesday, April 18

Shrek Trivia | Tuesday, Apr. 18 | 7-9 p.m. | The Rigby, 119 E. Main St., Madison | Free | Shrek enthusiasts are invited to bring their All Star teams to this themed trivia.

Wednesday, April 19

Spring Apple Brandy + Cider Cocktail Class | Wednesday, Apr. 19 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | The Cider Farm, 8216 Watts Rd., Madison | $30 | Sample and learn about apple brandy and cider cocktails and how you can make them at home.
Madison West Coast Swing | Wednesday, Apr. 19 | 6-9 p.m. | The Brink Lounge, 701 E. Washington Ave., Madison | $7 | An intermediate West Coast Swing lesson followed by a 2-hour social dance.

Thursday, April 20

Mix + Mingle | Thursday, Apr. 20 | 5-7 p.m. | Blind Shot Social Club, 177 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Madison | Free | Join OPEN and ULGMYP for a night of networking and cocktails.
Words with Nerds | Thursday, Apr. 20 | 7 p.m. | Crucible, 3116 Commercial Ave., Madison | $10-$15 | Grab your tickets for the 4/20 edition of these funny (and often R-rated) powerpoint presentations mixed with stand-up comedy.

Friday, April 21

Parent Meetup at Pinney Library | Friday, Apr. 21 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Pinney Library, 204 Cottage Grove Rd., Madison | Free | Parents are invited to engage in interactive, inclusive, and dynamic small group conversations (both in English + Spanish) — free dinner and childcare will also be provided.*

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Wellness

🌱 Spring into health this year

Athletic Greens replaces multiple supplements with one packet. | Photo by Athletic Greens

Spring cleaning? Here’s a storage solution: Replace nine supplement bottles with one product.

AG1 by Athletic Greens contains 75 vitamins, minerals and whole-food sourced nutrients, replacing nine other products like your probiotic, multivitamin, daily supplement and more. Hint: It’s the best thing you could do to improve your gut health.

Bonus: Receive a free one year supply of vitamin D and five free travel packs with your first purchase.*

Snag some AG1 this spring

News Notes

Sports

Bucks majority owner Marc Lasry officially sold his shares to Cleveland Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam after the NBA approved the deal. The $3.5 billion transaction was the second-highest valuation in NBA history and third-highest in American pro sports. (Channel 3000)
Speaking of the Bucks. The team lost to the Miami Heat 117-130 during yesterday’s playoff game — Giannis Antetokounmpo left the game in the first quarter with a lower back injury. The teams will stay in Milwaukee this week for game two of the series on Wednesday, April 19.

Eat

Babcock Dairy produced a new ice cream flavor named “Mnookie Dough” after UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin. This is the third flavor named after a chancellor, following “Bec-Key Lime Pie” and “Strawbiddy Swirl” named for Rebecca Blank and Biddy Martin. (Cap TImes)

Plan Ahead

The Henry Vilas Zoo is hosting a “Party for the Planet” on Earth Day — Saturday, April 22 — from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will support the Rainforest Alliance, an international nonprofit working to promote responsible business practices.

Transit

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation stated that the Merrimac Ferry’s opening for the season is uncertain due to mechanical problems. Alternate routes include Highway 60, 78, 12, and I-90/94. (Madison.com)

Featured Deal

For the entire month of April, buy a Guinness at a participating restaurant and be entered to win a pair of tickets to an upcoming show at The Sylvee, compliments of Frank Beer Distributors. See what restaurants qualify.*

Community

Know a teacher or nurse who deserves special recognition? Teacher and Nurse Appreciation Weeks are coming up in May, and Milio’s wants to give back. From Monday, April 10-Saturday, April 22, nominate a teacher or nurse to win $200 in free Milio’s sandwiches, sides, and drinks to share with their workplace — and you might win a little something, too.*

Finance

Now may be a good time to transfer your balance. This leading balance transfer card offers 0% intro APR for 21 months and no annual fee. Eliminating interest payments? A no-brainer.*

Drink

Ditch the hangover without having to ditch your favorite cocktail with Ritual Zero Proof Spirits. The award-winning brand makes non-alcoholic rum, tequila, gin, and whiskey so you can enjoy the ritual of having a drink without feeling icky the following day. Psst — check out Ritual’s collection of cocktail recipes.

Featured Deal

Celebrate summer with a fresh approach to skincare. Through Tuesday, May 25, Madisonians can save 20% on Botox®, fillers, and skincare products during SSM Health Aesthetic Center’s Spring Sale. Snag the deal.*

Eat and Drink

Drinking NA in WI

Locally brewed non-alcoholic beverages in Madison, WI

Take chilling by the lake to another level with Honeybee’s CBD sparkling water. | Photo by Honeybee Cannabis Company

Looking to pack your cooler with more local options? Check out these locally brewed beverages that will quench your thirst without giving you a hangover.

Rude Brew Kombucha

Find it — Hy-vees, Willy Street Co-ops, Woodmans, and more.
Pairs well with window shopping on Monroe Street.

Wiscopop + Sparkle

Find it — Willy Street Co-ops, Whole Foods, Metcalfe’s Hilldale, and more.
Pairs well with a picnic at Vilas Park.

Honeybee Cannabis Sparkling Water

Find it — Sookie’s, The Boneyard, Dive Inn, and Star Liquor. Keep tabs on their Facebook page for more.
Pairs well with listening to a podcast lakeside.

Nessalla Kombucha

Find it — Willy Street Co-ops, Whole Foods, Madison Foodmart Inc., and more.
Pairs well with a walk around the Square during the farmers’ market.

Untitled Art NA Beer

Find it — Octopi Brewing.
Pairs well with a UW Provisions brat.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Ally

From the editor

Anyone else get a little jealous walking past the Children’s Museum and seeing that brand new mega-playground? Well, I went to Adult Swim last Friday and it totally fulfilled that void of nostalgic jealousy. Plus, being able to order a White Claw on the playground was pretty cool.

Missed our last newsletter?
We made Ian’s Pizza at home.

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