Oak Bank Joins Wisconsin Bankers Association’s Power of Community Week with Week-Long Volunteer Efforts

Madison, WI – Oak Bank is proud to announce participation in the Wisconsin Banker’s Association’s Power of Community Week. This event runs from April 21 to 26 as part of National Community Banking Month. In celebration, Oak Bank associates will come together to give back to the local community. Our efforts will help underscore the bank’s ongoing commitment to building lasting relationships with our local businesses, schools, families, and friends.

Oak Bank associates will volunteer nearly 100 hours during the week. They will help several local organizations and initiatives that support the well-being of individuals and families-in-need.

“At Oak Bank, we don’t just do business in the community – we live here and are proud to call it home. Participating in Power of Community Week is a way for us to strengthen our deep ties to the people and organizations that make our community special,” explains Terry Taylor, Oak Bank President.

Oak Bank’s Volunteer Schedule for Power of Community Week:

• Monday, April 21: Clean-up at Three Gaits Therapy Stables, supporting equine-assisted therapy for individuals with disabilities.
• Tuesday, April 22: Decorate lunch bags for the Ronald McDonald House, bringing cheer to families in need.
• Wednesday, April 23: Assemble birthday kits for families supported by the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church food pantry.
• Thursday, April 24: Prepare a home-cooked meal for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House.
• Friday, April 25: Volunteer at a Habitat for Humanity build site, helping to construct homes for local families.

Beyond this week, Oak Bank dedicates time, resources, and energy to support a variety of local organizations and causes every year, reinforcing the importance of giving back to the communities we serve. For more information about Oak Bank’s community involvement, please visit https://www.oak.bank.

About Oak Bank

Oak Bank has been deeply rooted in the Fitchburg community and Madison area for 25 years, meeting the financial needs of homeowners and businesses by offering top-notch service, quick answers, and creative solutions, all while supporting over 135 local nonprofits each year. Visit oak.bank to learn more.

UW Health: Opportunity for Businesses to Show Appreciation for Nurses

UW Health partners with Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce to encourage discounts for all community RNs in May 2025

UW Health is proud to partner with the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce to encourage member businesses to consider offering discounts to nurses in our community during National Nurses Week, May 6-12, or throughout the month of May.

Nurses Week poses a unique opportunity for local businesses to show their appreciation for all the highly valued nurses in our community who make a difference in the lives of patients, families and the community every day. This opportunity would allow Chamber member businesses to thank all nurses during this special time.

 “We truly appreciate the generosity of local businesses in supporting nurses during Nurses Week. A special discount not only makes us feel valued but also gives us the chance to explore and support the incredible shops, restaurants, and services that make our community unique. Thank you for considering a small gesture that makes a big impact on both nurses and local businesses alike!” states Karen Schumacher, RN, Chair-Elect of the UW Health Nursing Recognition Council.

If your business is able to offer a discount to nurses from May 6-12 or throughout the month of May, please send your information or questions to: Kristin Scott, MSN, RN, AMB-BC, UW Health Nurses Week Committee Member and Family Medicine RN Supervisor, at kscott4@uwhealth.org by Friday, April 18.  UW Health and partners will share the final list of participating businesses on their respective websites to make all community nurses aware of these local discounts.

We hope you consider this opportunity to show your business’s support of community nurses while enjoying some added exposure for your business among thousands of nurses.

AMC Fitchburg 18 Looking for Concessions Sponsors for Private Abundant Life Movie Screening

AMC Fitchburg 18 is looking for Greater Madison businesses to sponsor concessions for an upcoming private movie screening for the students, staff and families of Abundant Life Christian School (ALCS). AMC is partnering with SONY Pictures to cover the cost of film rent and tickets.

The screening, of “Paddington in Peru,” takes place Saturday, February 22. If your business is interested in sponsoring concessions for this private ALCS event, please contact General Manager Katie Carlson at kcarlson@amctheatres.com.

Madison Reading Project/Dolly Parton Mailed 353,400 New Books to Dane County Kids

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MORE INFORMATION:
Rowan Childs, Rowan@madisonreadingproject.com, (608) 347-7970
Sarah Burke, sarah@madisonreadingproject.com

Madison Reading Project/Dolly Parton Mailed 353,400 New Books to Dane County Kids

DANE COUNTY –  Celebrating three years as the facilitator of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Madison Reading Project announces today that since 2021, it has mailed more than 353,400 brand new books free of charge to children under age 5 residing in Dane County. 

And that number continues to grow, as 143,995 books were mailed in 2024!

Madison Reading Project enrolls any child, from birth to their 5th birthday, who lives in Dane County to receive a free book mailed to their home every month. The books are new, age-appropriate board and picture books that are designed to be shared with families.

“In the past year, we’ve sent nearly 144,000 books to more than 14,720 children throughout the county, and we’d love to add more to our mailing list,” says Rowan Childs, Madison Reading Project co-executive director. “Shared reading experiences in the home are a proven way to increase literacy rates in early childhood and beyond.”

“We are so excited to make an impact and put more books into the hands of young children in Dane County,” adds Sarah Burke, Madison Reading Project Early Literacy Coordinator.

To enroll a child residing in Dane County visit https://www.madisonreadingproject.com/imaginationlibrary and click on the Register button. There is no charge to participate.  Your first book will arrive in approximately 60 days.  The collaboration between Dolly Parton Imagination Library and Madison Reading Project is made possible through funding from Roots & Wings Foundation. Madison Reading Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to connect the community with free books and literacy enrichment programs that ignite a love for reading.

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AT&T Contributes $25,000 to Expand Digital Literacy Programs

Wisconsin Literacy received a $25,000 AT&T contribution to expand its digital literacy programs for adult learners, helping to bridge the digital divide for those in need in the community.

The AT&T contribution will help Wisconsin Literacy enhance its digital literary programming by improving the quality and accessibility of online resources and expanding the reach of in-person workshops.

“Our mission is to change lives by strengthening literacy statewide. In today’s connected world, that also means providing digital skills training to our member agencies’ staff and volunteers. These trainings enhance the literacy programs they provide to adult students and families across the state,” said Jake Gorges, Executive Director, Wisconsin Literacy. “Thanks to AT&T’s support, we are very excited to expand our digital literacy programs in 2025 to include more in-person workshops, as well as new equipment, technology, and digital literacy resources for Wisconsin families limited by the digital divide.”

With this support from AT&T, Wisconsin Literacy will offer additional computer skills workshops in the Madison area; upgrade training production equipment for its online digital literacy classes; and build an instructional video library of best practices in digital skills training. Wisconsin Literacy will also invest in translation and captioning services to accommodate tutors and learners from various backgrounds.

“We are so honored to help connect families served by Wisconsin Literacy with greater possibilities through these digital literacy programs,” said Robyn Gruner, Director of External Affairs, AT&T Wisconsin. “Today, internet connectivity is essential for opportunities in school, work, and life. Connecting changes everything, and we’re grateful to work with Wisconsin Literacy to help expand the digital literacy resources individuals need to advance in our online world.”

In Wisconsin, it’s estimated that 10% of households don’t have access to the internet or connected devices needed to fully participate in the online world, an issue known as the digital divide.

This effort is part of the AT&T Connected Learning® initiative to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption. AT&T is committing $5 billion to help 25 million people get and stay connected to high-speed internet by 2030.

Learn more at att.com/connectedlearning.

*About Wisconsin Literacy  

Wisconsin Literacy is a nonprofit, statewide coalition of literacy agencies. We strengthen literacy statewide through expert trainings, personalized consultations, health literacy, workforce connections, and advocacy. Our mission is to change lives by strengthening literacy statewide. Our vision is to ensure all people in Wisconsin have the literacy skills to reach their full potential. We support member literacy agencies statewide and advocate for more resources throughout the field of literacy.

*About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T  

We’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and improving lives. As part of our companywide commitment to address the digital divide, we launched AT&T Connected Learning® to invest in connectivity and technology, digital literacy, and education solutions to help today’s learners succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Since 2008 we’ve committed to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states, Washington D.C. and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.