Plus, expect some F-35 noise this and next week.
 
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Today’s Forecast

69º | 4% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:13 a.m. | Sunset 7:00 p.m.
 

🍆 Now open

Come with us to the grand opening of Willy Street Co-op’s new space, Aubergine
Three women in a brick entryway cutting a purple ribbon at the grand opening of an event space
Aubergine is Willy Street Co-op’s second community space. | Photo by 608today
The Willy Street Co-op just opened Aubergine, a new community space where locals can gather for classes, private events, and more.

Located at 1226 Williamson St. (across the street from the Willy East grocery location), we stopped by the grand opening. Fun fact: Aubergine is another word for eggplant, a nod to the co-op’s logo.

This is the second Willy Street Co-op community space, the first being the Community Room at the West store in Middleton (6825 University Ave.) which can host 30 people at a time. With a 99-person capacity at Aubergine, there are a variety of opportunities for Madisonians to take advantage of.

Classes

Aubergine's commercial kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a center island

Take a cooking class at Aubergine to check out its commercial kitchen. | Photo by 608today

The public (co-op members or not) is encouraged to sign up for upcoming classes being held at Aubergine:
  • Spring Equinox Restorative Yoga | Tuesday, March 19 | 5-6 p.m. | $15
  • Mushrooms in the Kitchen and Apothecary | Thursday, March 21 | 6-8 p.m. | $55-$65
  • Cooking with Chef Paul: Duck Demystified | Thursday, March 28 | 6-8 p.m. | $30-$40
  • Learning with Chef Paul: Knife Skills and Safety | Thursday, May 23 | 6-8 p.m. | $30-$40
Private events are also available for things like birthday parties, team bonding, or bridal showers. Fees typically range from $150 to $350. Fill out a request form at least a month before your desired date.
Colorful abstract art by Roscoe Mitchell

Currently, art by Roscoe Mitchell is on display at Aubergine. | Photo by 608today

The open-concept layout of the space allows the inclusion of a gallery wall. Local artists who represent a nonprofit, school, cooperative, or collective, are welcome to submit work to be on display for eight weeks.

Those interested can submit a proposal at least two months before your desired exhibit opening. Note: Artwork should be appropriate for all ages.

Rent the space

For an hourly rate, you can rent the entire space, just the kitchen, or just the general area. Those with a co-op membership (“owners”) get a 50% discount. A $100 deposit is required for all rentals.

Pro tip: Check the reservation calendar before locking in a date.
See rental rates
Events
Tuesday, March 12
  • Anji Play Date | Tuesday, March 12 | 10:30 a.m. | Lussier Community Education Center, 55 S. Gammon Rd., Madison | Free | During this award-winning program, kids lead while adults step back and observe with curiosity.
  • Open Mic | Tuesday, March 12 | 6-8 p.m. | Java Cat, 4221 Lien Rd., Madison | Free | Share a song, poem, or spoken word with others, or simply enjoy the talents of your neighbors.
Wednesday, March 13
  • Cardio Drumming | Wednesday, March 13 | 1-2 p.m. | Fitchburg Senior Center, 5510 Lacy Rd., Fitchburg | $5 | Drop-ins are welcome and equipment is provided for this casual movement session.
  • Taylor Swift Music Bingo | Wednesday, March 13 | 7-8 p.m. | Sencha Tea Bar, 224 State St., Madison | $10 | Calling all Swifties. Enjoy some friendly competition with the tunes of your favorite pop star.
Thursday, March 14
  • ATHENA Awards | Thursday, March 14 | 5-8 p.m. | Monona Terrace, 1 John Nolen Dr., Madison | $85 | Celebrate and honor Wisconsin women who have achieved excellence in their profession or life’s work.
  • Luck of the Irish: A Four Course Supper | Thursday, March 14 | 6-8:45 p.m. | The Deliciouser, 931 E. Main St., Madison | $20-$85 | Menu highlights include brown bread, cold smoked salmon, and Irish Channel spiced mussels.
Friday, March 15
  • Fish Fry and DJ | Friday, March 15 | 5 p.m.-2:30 a.m. | The Rigby, 119 East Main St., Madison | Free | Cost of purchase | Enjoy hand-battered cod before a night of dancing and house music.
  • Meat Raffle | Friday, March 15 | 6-8 p.m. | Starkweather Brewing Co., 2439 Atwood Ave., Madison | $1/paddle | Meat from Jenifer Street Market is on the line as well as a special Girls Scout Cookie raffle.
Saturday, March 16
  • Lucky’s St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl | Saturday, March 16 | 4-10 p.m. | Red Rock Saloon, 222 West Gorham St., Madison | $10-$30 | Drink your way through State Street-area bars, don’t forget to wear green.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Development
  • Epic Systems’ next construction project will be otherworldly. Epic is seeking approvals from the Verona Plan Commission for its new campus called “Other Worlds.” The buildings are inspired by elves, floating forests, and Narnia. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Traffic
  • Reconstruction on Segoe Road and Sheboygan Avenue begins next Wednesday, March 20 and will last until late August. To minimize impact, the reconstruction will occur in three phases. Metro buses will be rerouted around the area.
Environment
  • Noise levels will be elevated this week and next in Madison. Truax Field is conducting evening F-35 training flights through Thursday, March 14 this week, as well as Monday, March 18-Thursday, March 21.
Outdoors
  • Starting in April, The DNR will mandate registration for statewide, seasonal, or small fishing tournaments. This will help to manage resources and ensure fair water use. Larger tournaments will need permits, and organizers must submit event details 72 hours before an event. (Channel 3000)
Closing
  • Wildewoode, the boutique nursery at Hilldale Shopping Center, is closing at the end of April. The owner cited a few personal reasons for the closing that coincided with the end of its lease.
Sports
  • The Wisconsin Badgers women’s hockey team secured a No. 2 seed in the coming NCAA tournament. Wisconsin will either face St. Lawrence or Penn State on Saturday, March 16, at 2 p.m. at LaBahn Arena.
Arts
  • It’s poetic to celebrate Madison’s new Poet Laureate on World Poetry Day. Steven Espada Dawson will have a poetry reading on Thursday, March 21, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Arts + Literature Laboratory at 111 S. Livingston St. A reception will follow.
Civic
  • Drivers in Madison traffic are now sharing the road with seven new buses. Part of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), starting this fall, the vehicles have hit the road for driver training. BRT will have 62 buses that will serve it. They’ll all be arriving in the coming weeks. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Coming Soon
  • Drum roll, please… Our sister newsletter in Charlotte, NC will launch on Monday, March 18. From the latest news about developments and restaurants to fun events around town, they’re covering everything you need to know about Queen City. Just like this newsletter, it’s 100% free, 100% local, and 100% informative. Subscribe today.
 
Culture

💫 Seeing stars

Your stargazing guide to astronomical events in 2024
608 moon capitol
The moonset over Madison’s skyline. | Photo by Greg Larson
2024 will be a great year for stargazing, here’s what and where to watch.

What’s on the horizon

Equinoxes and solstices
Equinoxes are when the sun passes over the equator, resulting in days and nights of almost equal length.
Solstices describe when parts of the world receive the most (and least) sunshine.
Meteor showers

    How to watch

    Light pollution in urban centers means that a clear night sky is hard to come by. Luckily, you have options:
    • Find your nearest DarkSite by using a light pollution map.
    • Connect with the Madison Astronomical Society, an organization with the goal of “bringing the wonders of the universe to the public.”
    See more stars
    The Buy
    The Lavender Fields Eye Pillow Set. With items like the crystal-infused lavender eye pillow and crystal-infused sleep mist, we’re dreaming of better sleep this week after Daylight Savings.
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    The Wrap
     
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    Today’s edition by:
    Ally
    From the editor
    Today marks the first day that the sun will be setting at 7 p.m. or later. *hold for citywide applause*

    While I’m skeptical of how long this nice weather will stick around, you can find me at a lakeside park from the second my laptop closes until the sun sets while the weather permits.
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