AM Best affirms National Guardian Life Insurance Company A (Excellent) Rating

Madison, Wis. (May 27, 2022) – National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is pleased to announce AM Best has affirmed its A (Excellent) rating effective May 6, 2022. This rating reflects the excellent ability of NGL to meet its ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations and further attests to its financial strength.

“2021 was a pivotal year in NGL’s history. Throughout the year, NGL sold past acquisitions, as well as a variety of older blocks of acquired life insurance policies. These sales raised meaningful capital and helped NGL reach levels of capital that give it unprecedented strength in its 113-year history,” said Knut Olson, President and CEO at NGL.

“Significantly de-risking the liability profile of the company over the last two years and having the highest level of capital measured by AM Best will further allow NGL to make good on policyholder commitments and weather potential economic headwinds that might arise over time. Additionally, we can now selectively explore potential opportunities that add more functionality, product and scale to our core lines of business,” said John Horbal, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer.

According to a news release from AM Best, NGL continues to maintain the strongest level of risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), which has been bolstered by the sale of several legacy blocks of business. NGL enjoys a market leading position in the preneed life insurance space and continues to look for opportunities to expand sales through alternative channels and new product offerings.

Olson continued, “As we look ahead, NGL is poised to expand its preneed business and make an even greater difference in the death care industry.”

AM Best is the world’s oldest and most authoritative insurance rating information source. The financial strength rating is based on a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative evaluation of a company’s balance sheet strength, operating performance and business profile.

As a longtime leader in the insurance industry, NGL is dedicated to serving policyholders and partners by offering high-quality products that are among the safest and most stable in the industry.

To learn more about NGL’s financial strength and stability visit our website, www.nglic.com. For the latest rating, access www.ambest.com.

About NGL

Established in 1909 National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is an insurance company headquartered in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group markets products. Information about NGL can be found at www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company.

Ratings current as of 05/06/22. National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.

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Madison Ballet Announces 2022/23 Season

41^st Season Marks First Under Leadership of New Artistic Director Ja’ Malik 

Madison, WI – Madison Ballet is proud to announce its 2022/23 Season, the first to be programmed by incoming Artistic Director, Ja’ Malik. The season reflects Ja’ Malik’s bold, athletic vision for the future while building upon many successes from a 40^th anniversary season that saw the organization ingeniously perform outside to avoid pandemic interruptions, debut a new production of The Nutcracker, and expand innovative repertory programs at their Overture Center home. This season also marks the company’s debut performance at the MYArts Center, with a premiere of Paquita, a commission from emerging choreographer Yusha-Marie Sorzano,and a family-focused program that will introduce dance to new audiences of all ages.

“This season speaks directly about change”, Ja’ Malik said. “It will allow our audience to witness the growth & evolution of Madison Ballet as we honor our past while becoming an even more inclusive organization that truly reflects Madison.”

Ja’ Malik joins Madison Ballet as its first full-time Artistic Director in several years, taking the mantle from Sara Stewart Schumann, who will return this season to stage her production of The Nutcracker. A visionary choreographer, Ja’ Malik will move to Madison at the height of a career of executing commissions from nationally-renowned dance companies, advocating for representation of Black artists. He founded and has served as Executive Director of New York City’s Ballet Boy Productions, whose mission is to create pathways for young Black men to thrive in a career in dance. He is a former member of Cleveland Ballet, Oakland Ballet, North Carolina Dance Theatre, Nathan Trice Rituals, City Dance Ensemble, Ballet Hispanico, and Ballet X. He made his Madison Ballet debut in the company’s previous season, debuting Guitar Concerto in the program Turning Pointe.

Ticket Information

Tickets can be purchased online at MADISONBALLET.ORG or by calling The Overture Center Box Office at 608.258.4141. 

Power, Passion, Precision 

September 9 – 11, 2022

SummerStage of Delafield

After last season’s sold-out run of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Madison Ballet returns to perform under the stars at this beautiful venue within Lapham Peak State Forest. Featuring works from both dance’s new leading voices and legendary choreographers of the past, this program will include highlights from the historic 40th anniversary season and more. 

Next Steps

September 23 – October 2nd, 2022

Promenade Hall, Overture Center for the Arts

The power of Madison Ballet is on full display in the company’s return to Promenade Hall after the groundbreaking success of last season’s Turning Pointe.

Next Steps, a program built entirely of world premieres, will feature new work by Artistic Director Ja’ Malik and Rehearsal Director Richard Walters. Continuing a commitment to celebrate and present female-identifying choreographers, San Francisco-based Marika Brussel will also present her first new work for Madison Ballet. 

The Nutcracker

December 16-24, 2022

Overture Hall, Overture Center for the Arts

The passion of the holiday classic The Nutcracker returns to Madison! In the return of Sara Stewart Schumann’s production, audiences will join Clara on a night of adventure as she is transported from her home to The Lands of Sweets. This magical wonderland where flowers waltz, snowflakes twirl, and enchanted lands come to life, is underscored by Tchaikovsky’s mesmerizing music, played by the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. This timeless production will delight all families and friends. 

Ballet Beyond

March 31-April 9, 2023

Starlight Theatre, MYArts

Precision, the quality, condition, or fact of being exact and accurate is the driving force of our season finale. Ballet Beyond will showcase where ballet comes from, where it is currently, and where we will take it in the future! This program will feature the company premiere of the classic Paquita Suite highlighting the virtuosity of the classical ballet technique, a world premiere by former Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater dancer Yusha-Marie Sorzano, and the company premiere of Artistic Director  Ja’ Malik’s RE/COMPOSED to the music of Bach.

Ballet Beyond: Family Series

April 1-9, 2023

Starlight Theatre, MYArts

Madison Ballet is proud to partner with MYArts in presenting its premiere family matinee showcase. Combining performances by School of Madison Ballet and excerpts from the professional company’s season finale, this 45-minute program is specifically designed to inspire children and engage families in the beautiful world of ballet.

The Cider Farm Adopt A Day Blood Drive at ImpactLife

Madison, WI – The Cider Farm has partnered with ImpactLife Blood Center on World Cider Day, June 3, 2022. All presenting donors will receive a coupon for a FREE pour from the Cider Farm along with the regular ImpactLife donor promotion of a choice of $10 gift card or 500 bonus points to spend in the ImpactLife donor loyalty store. Individuals who are FIRST TIME donors with ImpactLife will receive a $50 gift card voucher to redeem.

Read more here

Wisconsin Union: Terrace Season Returns with Art, Film and Music Programming Traditions, As Well As New Activities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2022

Contact Information:
Shauna Breneman, Communications Director
Email: sbreneman@wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 262-8862

TERRACE SEASON RETURNS WITH ART, FILM AND MUSIC PROGRAMMING TRADITIONS AS WELL AS NEW ACTIVITIES

Free and low-cost entertainment is back at iconic Madison summertime lakeside destination the Memorial Union Terrace, including the decades-long traditions of free concerts, free film showings, outdoor events and recreation equipment rentals, and art events as well as new activities.

For more than 90 years, the Wisconsin Union team has hosted events and activities in this more than 30,000-square foot dining and entertainment destination, home to more than 2,000 chairs with a trademarked sunburst design that have come to be a symbol of summer in Madison. The Terrace sits alongside the building Memorial Union, which offers hundreds of additional seats indoors and multiple dining options.

This year marks the return of a full season of traditional in-person Terrace programming after two summers of limited programming due to COVID-19.

New this year, the Union team will host the Terrace Art Cart, which will offer DIY art kits for purchase, as well as Member Thursdays. During Member Thursdays of Terrace season, Wisconsin Union annual and lifetime members can rent paddling equipment from Outdoor UW at a 10% discount and purchase Terrace Art Cart kits at an extra 10% discount in addition to the usual member 10% discount at the Terrace Art Cart. Wisconsin Union members will also receive email invitations to members-only Taste of the Terrace food and beverage tasting experiences on select dates.

The June and 4th of July weekend music lineup includes the following:

• Wednesdays – Open Mic Nights at 7 p.m.
• June 2 – David Miner at 7 p.m., Knee-High July at 8:30 p.m.
• June 3 – Behind the Beat: Tomato Box at 4 p.m., Johannes Wallmann and Precarious Towers at 7 p.m.
• June 4 – Gin, Chocolate & Bottle Rockets at 7 p.m.
• June 9 – Sparetime Bluegrass Band at 7 p.m., Cork ‘n Bottle String Band at 8 p.m.
• June 10 – Slipjig at 4 p.m., The N’achos at 7 p.m.
• June 11 – Able Baker at 7 p.m., Telethon at 8 p.m.
• June 16 – Northern Comfort Bluegrass at 7 p.m.
• June 17 – Behind the Beat: SPRING at 4 p.m., LGBTQIA+ arts lineup in recognition of Pride Month at 7 p.m.
• June 18 – Madison Jazz Festival: Ticketed headliner Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band at 8 p.m. in Shannon Hall and free jazz performances starting at 2:30 p.m. at the Terrace. Presented in partnership with Arts + Literature Laboratory with sponsorship support from The Capital Times.
• June 19 – Madison Jazz Festival: Ticketed headliner Christian McBride at 8 p.m. in Shannon Hall and free afternoon Terrace programming to be announced. Presented in partnership with Arts + Literature Laboratory with sponsorship support from The Capital Times and Dane Arts.
• June 23 – Seb Szabo at 7 p.m., Motel Breakfast at 8 p.m.
• June 24 – Behind the Beat: Caili O’Doherty at 4 p.m., DJay Mando at 7 p.m.
• June 25 – Old Pup at 7 p.m., Sleepy Gaucho at 8 p.m. 
• June 30 – The Material Boys at 7 p.m.
• July 1 – Silk Stranger at 7 p.m., WURK at 8 p.m.      
• July 2 – Adem Tesfaye at 7 p.m., Don’t Mess With Cupid at 8 p.m.

Additional performances will be announced in the months ahead. The events schedule is subject to change.

Terrace season 2022 includes two free film showings series at the UW Credit Union Terrace Stage at the Terrace: “Monday Lakeside Cinema: Surfing through the Summer” on Mondays at 9 p.m. May 30-Sept. 5 and “Sunday Lakeside Cinema: Hot Girl Summer” on select Sundays at 9 p.m. beginning June 12. The scheduled films include the following:

• May 30 – “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl”
• June 6 – “The Goonies”
• June 12 – “Jennifer’s Body”
• June 13 – “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou”
• June 20 – “Teen Beach Movie”
• June 26 – “She’s the Man”
• June 27 – “Uncharted”
• July 4 – “Nim’s Island”
• July 10 – “Marie Antoinette”
• July 11 – “Sharknado”
• July 18 – “Point Break”
• July 24 – “Mamma Mia!”
• July 25 – “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again”
• Aug. 1 – “Moana”
• Aug. 7 – “A League of Their Own”
• Aug. 8 – “Blue Crush”
• Aug. 15 – “Creature from the Black Lagoon”
• Aug. 22 – “Surf’s Up”
• Aug. 29 – “Ocean’s 11”
• Sept. 5 – “Shark Tale”

Seating during live music and film showings is available on a first come, first served basis. In the case of inclement weather, the Union team will aim to move the performance or film showing into der Rathskeller inside Memorial Union. Summer Terrace programming is presented with support from Dean Health Plan, a member of SSM Health.

Also returning for the 2022 Terrace season, the team at Wheelhouse Studios, Wisconsin Union’s open arts studio, will host Terrace Art Zone, a series of free art projects June-August on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 4–7 p.m. or while supplies last. The Wheelhouse team will also host the free event Paintacular, Madison’s largest group paint event, on Sept. 5. A painting instructor will help guide participants through their painting experience. Terrace Art Zone and Paintacular participation is available on a first come, first served basis. The Wheelhouse team also offers classes all year long for which patrons can register here.

Outdoor UW paddling rentals, another Terrace season tradition, has returned, along with yoga classes on the Terrace and stand-up paddleboard yoga on Lake Mendota; outdoor group experiences by reservation; and family-friendly outdoor recreation events, called Family Night on Lake Mendota. Summer paddling rentals include tandem kayaks, single kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards and an eight-person stand-up paddleboard.

Patrons can enjoy multiple on-site dining options at Memorial Union and the Terrace, including a variety of grilled food from the Brat Stand, pub food at der Rathskeller, pizzas and shareables at Lakeview Lounge, desserts at the Daily Scoop, coffee and tea at Peet’s Coffee, and more.

Terrace music programming is created by the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Music Committee, with the exceptions of the Madison Jazz Festival and events in Shannon Hall. The WUD Film Committee presents the free film showings held at the Terrace during the summer and in the Marquee at Union South each fall and spring. These committees are two of 11 University of Wisconsin–Madison student-run WUD committees and six clubs at the Wisconsin Union. Union committee and club members create more than 1,000 events annually while gaining leadership skills. Some student leaders receive academic stipends, funded by operating revenue and donations, for their work.

The Union’s free and low-cost events as well as student leadership opportunities are made possible through donations to the Wisconsin Union, purchases at the Union’s dining options and online store as well as Wisconsin Union membership purchases. The Union does not receive taxpayer dollars as part of its annual budget.

“With events and activities every week of Terrace season, this summer is the perfect time to visit the Terrace, whether you love the Memorial Union or are visiting for the first time,” said Heidi Lang, Wisconsin Union associate director for social education.

Those ages 16 and older interested in joining the Wisconsin Union team on a seasonal or longer-term basis can visit union.wisc.edu/jobs to learn about the more than 70 types of jobs the Union offers. Wisconsin Union student employees receive an extra $2/hour through Aug. 27.

Patrons can visit TerraceSummer.com for the most up-to-date event calendar listings and for other Terrace season information.

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About the Wisconsin Union

The Wisconsin Union enhances the lives of members and visitors through recreational, cultural, educational and social opportunities. Formed in 1907, the Wisconsin Union is a membership organization that blends study and leisure to create unique out-of-classroom opportunities. Learn more about the Union and its tradition of providing experiences for a lifetime: union.wisc.edu.  

To read this release online, visit union.wisc.edu/about/news/2022-terrace-events.

Madison Ace Hardware: ‘We look forward to becoming a helpful and valuable neighbor to the community’

A new Ace Hardware store opened in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday, May 23.

The store is located at 209 Cottage Grove Road and will bring “personal, knowledgeable and helpful service” to the residents of Madison, according to a press release.

“Our mission is to provide customers with the neighborly advice and assistance they have come to expect from Ace,” Ace officials said. “We look forward to becoming a helpful and valuable neighbor to the community, both inside and outside the walls of our store.”

Read more at the Madison Reporter