🔑 Key industries

• Nerd Nite | Wednesday, Feb. 7 | 8 p.m. | High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Ave., Madison | Free | Have a couple drinks, learn a couple things.

• The Deliciouser and Giant Jones Collaboration Dinner | Thursday, Feb. 8 | 6-8:45 p.m. | The Deliciouser, 931 E. Main St., Madison | $89 | A five-course meal paired with local brews.
• Bob Marley Birthday Celebration Food Drive | Thursday, Feb. 8 | 7:30-11:59 p.m. | Crystal Corner Bar, 1302 Williamson St., Madison | $5-$10 | Celebrate Bob Marley while supporting community organizations.

• International Winter Bike Day | Friday, Feb. 9 | 7-9 a.m. | Monona Terrace, 1 John Nolen Dr., Madison | Free | Enjoy free coffee and donuts at the Cap City Trail’s commuter station.
• Drake Night | Friday, Feb. 9 | 9 p.m.-12 a.m. | Majestic Madison, 115 King St., Madison | $15-$35 | DJay Mando will be spinning your favorite Champagne Papi hits.

• Family Fun | Saturday, Feb. 10 | 1-4 p.m. | Alumni Park, 650 N. Lake St., Madison | Free | Join Badgers of all ages for an afternoon of family-friendly, winter-themed activities.
• Euchre Tournament Fundraiser | Saturday, Feb. 10 | 6:30-10 p.m. | VFW Post 7591, 301 Cottage Grove Rd., Madison | $20 | You ready for some euchre to support local youth?

• Chasing the Stars: Women Computers at Washburn Observatory | Sunday, Feb. 11 | 2 p.m. | Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, 227 State St., Madison | Free | Learn about the early days of astronomy in Wisconsin.
• Winter Festival of Poetry | Sunday, Feb. 11 | 2 p.m. | Arts + Literature Laboratory, 111. S. Livingston St., Madison | Free | What rhymes with “you should attend this reading”?

• The Madison Plan Commission just paved the way for a Veridian Homes development on the West side. It would deliver a mix of 600 homes and apartments to a stretch of farmland. The “Midpoint Meadows” development site largely sits on Mid Town Road near Elver Park. (Wisconsin State Journal)

• The city has announced a new program aiming to help rental housing owners pay for repairs and improvements at their properties. The Rental Rehab Program gives funding to owners to prevent property deterioration, reduce safety risks, and extend buildings’ lives. During the first year, the city is waiving application fees. (Channel 3000)

• Organizers of the Wisconsin Union’s Winter Carnival announced that due to warmer temperatures, the iconic Lady Liberty inflatable will move to Library Mall from Lake Mendota. The festival, running Feb. 7-10, will proceed with some modifications or cancellations of ice events. (NBC 15)

• Thinking about opening your own business? Madison Workers Cooperative, a membership organization of local worker-owned cooperatives and their supporters, is now offering a four-week class through Madison College to teach locals about cooperative businesses and how to start one. Classes start Tuesday, Feb. 20. (Cap Times)

• The Wisconsin DNR is giving you s’more reasons to be outdoors. The DNR is looking for volunteers to serve as campground hosts at various parks throughout the state. Hosts would stay at a campsite while volunteering for a few hours every day. They would greet campers, answer questions, and help with daily operations. (Channel 3000)

• Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Juneteenth are now official Dane County holidays. Juneteenth was first recognized as a paid holiday in 2020. Both days are now codified as holidays in county statutes. (Channel 3000)

• Amanda Chen, owner of both Takumi and Fugu, has a new restaurant. Niji Asian Cuisine, located in one of the outbuildings at East Towne Mall, has a plethora of dining options, including sushi, ramen, hibachi, and more. (Cap Times)

• A statue of Vel Phillips in the Capitol is becoming closer to a reality. Phillips, who died in 2018, was the first African American woman to graduate from UW-Madison Law School and served as Wisconsin’s Secretary of State (1979-1983). Around $50,000 is still needed. (Yahoo News)

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Taste the love

• Share this satisfying 12-piece bonbon gift box with someone special.
• Treat your loved one to a KitchenAid Stand Mixer in a Valentine’s color like lavender cream.
• City Editor Jonathan’s pick: “Having an old fashioned in Madison poured into a Madison glass? Peak 608.”

Show the love

• Explore new adventures with the one you love using the Adventure Awaits Bucket List Activity Box.
• This Blossoms & Finches artwork makes for a great conversation piece.
• City Editor Ally’s pick: “Flowers are nice, but flowers that won’t die after five days are even better.”