Portillo’s Set to Open in West Madison in November

Oak Brook, Ill. – Fast-casual chain Portillo’s is excited to announce that it will host the grand opening for its new restaurant, located at 7230 West Towne Way in Madison, Wisc., on November 30, 2021. The restaurant is the second location in the Madison area. It officially opens to the public at 10:30am.

Portillo’s has always been known for its fast and efficient drive-thru. To cater to the increase in takeout and delivery business, the new restaurant will feature Portillo’s first-ever three-lane drive-thru, with the third lane dedicated to delivery drivers and pickup for online orders.

Portillo’s is now hiring in anticipation of the opening. On average, Portillo’s hires approximately 150 people for new restaurants. The restaurant is looking to fill a variety of hourly and shift leader positions. Applicants can apply online; the brand is also conducting walk-in interviews on site. Details can be found at portillos.com/careers.

Once open, guests can expect to enjoy Portillo’s signature menu items like Chicago-Style Hot Dogs, Famous Italian Beef Sandwiches, Char-Grilled Burgers and Portillo’s Famous Chocolate Cake. The 7,800-square-foot restaurant features seating for more than 180 guests inside as well as a seasonal outdoor patio. The interior features a diner theme, drawing inspiration from the 1950s and 1960s.

To help launch the new restaurant, Portillo’s designed a limited-edition t-shirt for this location. Guests are invited to sign up for Portillo’s Birthday Club to receive one of these shirts on opening day, while supplies last. Fans who sign up also receive a slice of Portillo’s homemade chocolate cake on their birthday.

Fans are invited to register for a chance to attend a sneak peek training meal prior to opening and receive updates on the Portillo’s Westfield location by signing up at portillos.com/west-madison.

For more information on this restaurant and others, please visit portillos.com or follow Portillo’s on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

ABOUT PORTILLO’S HOT DOGS
In 1963, Dick Portillo invested $1,100 into a small trailer to open the first Portillo’s hot dog stand in Villa Park, IL, which he called “The Dog House.” Years later, Portillo’s has grown to include restaurants in more than 60 locations across several states. Portillo’s is best known for its Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, char-grilled burgers, fresh salads and famous chocolate cake. Portillo’s ships food to all 50 states via Portillos.com. Portillo’s Home Kitchen is the company’s fast-growing catering business.

MEDIA CONTACT
ICR
PortillosPR@icrinc.com

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Wisconsin Union Theater: Grammy Winner Terence Blanchard Will Pay Tribute to Living Jazz Legend Wayne Shorter During Nov. 5 Performance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 14, 2021

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

GRAMMY WINNER TERENCE BLANCHARD WILL PAY TRIBUTE TO LIVING JAZZ LEGEND WAYNE SHORTER DURING NOV. 5 PERFORMANCE

MADISON – The Wisconsin Union Theater team presents a performance featuring Oscar-nominated, Grammy-winning trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard, who will pay tribute to his mentor Wayne Shorter in a special collaborative project, called ABSENCE, with The E-Collective and Turtle Island Quartet on Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. in Shannon Hall at Memorial Union.

For Blanchard, this project presents an opportunity to pay homage to Shorter and his 50 years of creating and performing music as well as his jazz innovation. Blanchard says that Shorter’s music shaped his musical identity.

Called the world’s greatest living jazz composer by The New Yorker, saxophonist Shorter founded the jazz fusion group the Weather Report, recorded more than a dozen albums, played in Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and composed pieces for the group, as well as performed in and composed for Miles Davis’s Second Great Quintet.

His protégé Blanchard has become a jazz icon, as well, with a career that includes composing more than 40 film scores, winning five Grammys, receiving two Oscar nominations, and recently becoming the first Black composer to have his work performed by the Metropolitan Opera.

The Nov. 5 program will include compositions by Shorter as well as original pieces from Blanchard’s quintet The E-Collective. The E-Collective’s original works aim to weave in musical storytelling, which is a hallmark of Shorter’s compositions and performances. Patrons will experience how Blanchard embeds his passion for social justice in his musical storytelling.

“You feel the level of intolerance that exists for people who ignore other people’s pain. Musically, I can’t ignore that,” Blanchard said. “I can’t add to that intolerance. Instead, I have to help people heal from it.”

Patrons can purchase tickets to the in-person performance through the Campus Arts Ticketing website or at the Memorial Union Box Office. Current University of Wisconsin–Madison students, staff and faculty as well as Wisconsin Union members are eligible for discounted tickets. Ticket prices range from $10-50.

Patrons are welcome to arrive at Memorial Union early and enjoy a beverage at the Shannon Sunset Lounge across from the Shannon Hall lobby or food and beverages at the Memorial Union’s many on-site dining options.

Tickets for most Wisconsin Union Theater season events are also available for purchase, with the exception of single tickets for a April 30, 2022, concert with opera legend Renée Fleming and the Black Arts Matter Festival, which will go on sale in early 2022.

Wisconsin Union Theater patrons and all Wisconsin Union team members must follow the current UW–Madison health and safety protocol of wearing a face covering when indoors on campus, unless actively eating or drinking. The Theater team has established the temporary additional health and safety measure of ensuring 20 feet of space between performers and audiences in performance spaces. The Wisconsin Union team also thoroughly and regularly cleans and disinfects its spaces.

Patrons can click here for more information about the upcoming performance.

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About the Wisconsin Union Theater

The Wisconsin Union Theater’s (WUT’s) mission is to present, promote and cultivate a lifelong appreciation of the performing arts, especially among University of Wisconsin–Madison students. For more than 75 years, WUT has served as a center for cultural activity in the heart of the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. Through a student-led committee, WUT presents an annual season of up to 40 events. Additionally, the Theater serves numerous renters on and off campus for graduations, lectures, conferences, and performances by university departments, registered student organizations, and community organizations. The Wisconsin Union Theater is committed to social justice and works to create an equitable, diverse, and inclusive place for patrons, staff and performers.

Learn more: union.wisc.edu/wisconsin-union-theater.

[Click here to download a photo of Terence Blanchard. Photo by Henry Adebonojo.]

To read this release online, visit union.wisc.edu/about/news/absence.

Eppstein Uhen Architects: Beyond Design Bike Tour Online Auction Raises Money for Local Charities

MILWAUKEE + MADISON, WI, October 11, 2021 —For the past 15 years, Eppstein Uhen Architects (EUA) has held a Beyond Design Bike Tour (BDBT) to raise money for charities within the community. Due to circumstances related to the pandemic, the 16^th Annual Beyond Design Bike Tour was canceled out of an abundance of caution and safety for our bikers, sponsors, and volunteers.

Although the event was canceled, EUA held an Online Silent Auction from August 23^rd – 26^th that raised over $7,500 with proceeds benefiting the intended charities of Camp One Step and Shining Stars Foundation.

EUA would like to thank all our sponsors who contributed to the 16^th Annual Beyond Design Bike Tour and a special thank you to the sponsors who opted to still contribute their donations of $40,350:

Baker Tilly, BMO Harris Bank, CD Smith, CG Schmidt, Gilbane Building Company, Giles Engineering Associates, Graef, Grumman/Butkus Associates, Grunau Company, Kapur & Associates, M3 Insurance, Mortensen Construction, Next Generation Wealth Management, Riley Construction, Ring & DuChateau, RTM Engineering, Tour of America’s Dairyland

EUA looks forward to hosting the 17^th Annual Beyond Design Bike Tour on August 25^th, 2022 in support of Camp One Step and Shining Stars Foundation in the fight against childhood cancer.

To learn more about how the charities will be utilizing the donations contact Katie Weil at Camp One Step and Mackenzie Brenneman at Shining Stars Foundation:

Camp One Step
Katie Weil
Vice President, Philanthropy
kweil@camponestep.org

Shining Stars Foundation
Mackenzie Brenneman
Director of Programs and Events
Mackenzie@ShiningStarsFoundation.org

About Eppstein Uhen Architects (EUA) 

Eppstein Uhen Architects (EUA) is best known for designing environments that elevate people’s potential. Nearly 180 employees in Denver, Milwaukee and Madison demonstrate unparalleled commitment to the markets, communities and clients they serve. The respected 114-year-old firm specializes in several markets including aerospace, education, workplace, industrial, healthcare, senior living, mixed-use, community and science + technology. For additional information, please visit the firm’s website at eua.com.

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Megan Kocchi, Marketing Leader, at 414.298.2204 or megank@eua.com.

Wisconsin Homecoming Committee and Wisconsin Union Invite All to Homecoming 2021 Events

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 11, 2021

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

WISCONSIN HOMECOMING COMMITTEE AND WISCONSIN UNION INVITE ALL TO HOMECOMING 2021 EVENTS

MADISON – After a 2020 Homecoming of completely virtual festivities, the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee and the Wisconsin Union invite all to Homecoming festivities Oct. 24-31, including a parade, free hot chocolate, a Badger Bash tailgate celebration and more.

Some of the events attendees can experience include the following:

• Coloring contest, Sept. 20-Oct. 11
• Cocoa with Hoco kickoff event, Oct. 25, 9 a.m.-noon
• RED Talk, Oct. 25
• UW‒Madison Homecoming blood drive, Oct. 26-28
• Be the Match swab drive, Oct. 26, 2-5 p.m.
• Badger fan food specials, Oct. 26, 2-4 p.m.
• Multicultural Homecoming yard show hosted by the Wisconsin Alumni Association, Oct. 29, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
• Homecoming parade, Oct. 29, 6 p.m.
• Homecoming block party hosted by the Wisconsin Alumni Association, Oct. 29, 7-9 p.m.
• Badger Bash: Wisconsin vs. Iowa, Oct. 30, 8:30 a.m.

Attendees can read the most current list of events here: wiscohoco.com/2021-homecoming-events. The Committee, the Wisconsin Union and others will continue to add events to the calendar. The Committee encourages attendees to monitor the events listings to plan their Homecoming activities. All events are free and open to the public. 2021 marks the 110th anniversary of homecoming celebrations at UW‒Madison.

One of the most beloved Homecoming traditions, the Homecoming parade, will return with Bucky Badger; the UW Spirit Squad; the Bucky Wagon; the UW Alumni Band; the Madison Area Jugglers; the Black Star Drum Line; the University of Wisconsin Marching Band; circus artists from Head Over Wheels, who specialize in the German wheel; high wheel bicyclist Jonathan Bee; and professional clown Bingo the Balloon Clown. The Committee and Union-run parade will feature a trick-or-treat with Bucky theme and, in keeping with the theme, plenty of candy for attendees. The parade will begin on Langdon Street at 6 p.m., proceed to Wisconsin Avenue between Langdon Street and Gilman Street, travel along Gilman Street to State Street and then continue to Lake Street. 

Homecoming parade participants will include more than two dozen organizations, including but not limited to the Alpha Kappa Chapter of Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc.; Dance Elite; The Madhatters; Redefined A Cappella; the Wisconsin Premiere Dance Team; Wisconsin Racing; and the Wisconsin Singers.

Numerous campus leaders and talented students will appear in the parade, including Chancellor Rebecca Blank and 2021 Big Ten Track champion and Olympic trial athlete Destiny Huven.

The Committee and the Union invite UW‒Madison registered student organizations (RSOs) and UW‒Madison departments to submit events for the official Homecoming event calendar. Events must take place between Oct. 24-31, be free, be open to the public, and be submitted by Oct. 15. Departments and RSOs can submit events here.

“I am very excited to be able to bring together the greater campus community through Homecoming Week,” Wisconsin Homecoming Committee President Grace Sexton said. “Our committee is thrilled to be able to hold in-person events on campus. I am particularly excited for the Homecoming parade to take place on State Street once again, as it has been my favorite event since I began at UW‒Madison. I look forward to spending a week celebrating with my fellow students, University of Wisconsin‒Madison faculty and staff, and the greater Madison community in just a few short weeks.”

The Wisconsin Homecoming Committee is a non-profit, student-run organization that aims to bring together the Badger community to celebrate what it means to be a Wisconsin Badger, whether someone is a Badger or a Badger-at-heart. This year’s Committee executive board members include President Grace Sexton, Vice President Samantha Henschel, Director of Marketing and Communications Lara Klein, and Community Events Chair Danny Gattoni.

2021 marks the 110th anniversary of homecoming celebrations at UW‒Madison. Due to COVID-19, the Committee held a virtual version of the festivities in 2020.  The members look forward to celebrating the annual commemoration event in-person.

In light of COVID-19, patrons must wear face covering indoors when not actively eating or drinking. Guests do not need to wear face coverings outdoors but are welcome to do so. The Committee and the Union appreciate attendees’ help in creating a safe Homecoming celebration.

Those interested in attending Homecoming can visit wiscohoco.com for official UW‒Madison Homecoming celebration information.

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About the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee

The mission of the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee is to bring together the Badger community by providing opportunities to honor Wisconsin tradition. Empowered by UW‒Madison Student Affairs, the Homecoming Committee reaches out to the student body, alumni, and community members to celebrate what it means to be a Wisconsin Badger. Learn more about the Committee: wiscohoco.com.

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.  

[Click here to download Homecoming photos.]

To read this release online, visit union.wisc.edu/homecoming-2021.

WPS Health Insurance explains Open Enrollment Periods

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Vice President of Corporate Communications
608-512-5754
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

WPS Health Insurance explains Open Enrollment Periods

MADISON, Wis.—Oct. 7, 2021—Depending on the field you work in or what time of year it is, you’ve probably heard the phrase Open Enrollment Period. You may have questions about what Open Enrollment is, why it matters, or even why it exists in the first place.

In the health insurance industry, Open Enrollment is the time every year, typically in the fall, when you’re able to sign up for a new health insurance plan or make adjustments to your existing insurance plan. 

Different types of insurance, different enrollment periods

Many types of health insurance have enrollment periods. Employer-based health insurance, Medicare, and individual health insurance all offer Open Enrollment Periods. The big difference is these plans operate on different timelines and each has its own distinct Open Enrollment Period. 

“Knowing when you can or cannot enroll in health insurance is vital,” explained Jim Baird, Executive Vice President of WPS Health Insurance. “Whatever type of health insurance you plan on using, it’s crucial to understand when each particular Open Enrollment Period begins and ends.”

For example, with employer-based health insurance, the Open Enrollment Period is set by the employer. It can occur at any time throughout the year but is usually set in the fall.

Under the Affordable Care Act, Open Enrollment for individuals and families runs from Nov. 1, 2021, to Jan. 15, 2022. People can typically only buy health coverage for themselves or their family during this time unless they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. People who miss this window can still buy a short-term health plan.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), also called Medicare Open Enrollment, runs Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year. That’s the time when Medicare beneficiaries can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan or vice versa. Medicare supplement plans have different Open Enrollment Periods that are determined by each state’s Medicare supplement insurance rules; anyone who has Original Medicare can sign up for one of those anytime if they can pass a few health underwriting questions. Beneficiaries cannot have a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medicare supplement at the same time.

Why Open Enrollment matters

Someone might think that missing an Open Enrollment Period may not matter because they can just sign up next year, but that could be risky thinking. Missing an Open Enrollment Period could mean going without coverage completely or ending up with inadequate health insurance coverage.   

Typically, Open Enrollment is the only time you can enroll in a health insurance plan or make changes to your existing plan unless you experience a qualifying life event. 

What’s a qualifying life event?

Qualifying life events can cover a broad range of scenarios depending on your health insurance company and your particular plan. Qualifying life events can include, but are not limited to:

• Involuntarily losing health coverage 
• Getting married
• Having or adopting a child

When someone experiences a qualifying life event, that person becomes eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. This means the person can add a spouse or child to their current coverage. It also means they may be eligible to enroll in a new health insurance plan when starting a new job. 

A Special Enrollment Period for events such as getting married or having a child do not remain open indefinitely. When these events happen, it’s a good idea to move quickly to find new coverage or adjust an existing plan.

Why do enrollment periods exist?

Open Enrollment Periods encourage everyone to sign up for health insurance whether they are currently healthy or not. 

“Enrollment periods provide an incentive for people to sign up for coverage and to play it safe by enrolling sooner rather than later,” Baird said. “Plus, when more people have coverage, it helps make health insurance more affordable for everyone.”

About WPS Health Insurance

As one of the largest health benefits providers in the state, Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS Health Insurance) remains not-for-profit and offers high-quality health plans to the public and private sectors. Headquartered in Madison, Wis., WPS Health Insurance offers Preferred Provider Organization health plans for individuals and groups, third-party administrator services, plus Medicare supplement plans and Medicare prescription drug plans. Visit wpshealth.com for more information.

About WPS Health Plan

WPS Health Plan, Inc. (WPS Health Plan) is a local, customer-focused choice in a crowd of national health insurance giants. Based in Green Bay, Wis., WPS Health Plan continues its tradition of Wisconsin-based service and is always looking for ways to make owning and using health insurance easier. WPS Health Plan offers Health Maintenance Organization and Point-of-Service plans to the group and individual markets in eastern and north-central Wisconsin, plus third-party administrator services. Visit wpshealth.com/healthplan for more information.