New Books for Kids this Holiday Season as Madison Reading Project Again Launches Community Book Drive

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MORE INFORMATION:
Rowan Childs, Rowan@madisonreadingproject.com, (608) 347-79790
Ann Christianson, Ann@madisonreadingproject.com, (608) 345-0792

New Books for Kids this Holiday Season as Madison Reading Project Again Launches Community Book Drive

DANE COUNTY – For the fourth year in a row, Madison Reading Project is launching its annual Community Book Drive, promising to fill the homes of area children with new books this holiday season. 

The goal: Raise $100,000 and provide 15,000 new books before winter break; more than 12,000 children will receive the books via Empty Stocking Club distributions, community partners, schools, and social workers. In addition to kicking off their fundraiser, the nonprofit is also celebrating a proclamation from the City of Madison this month. November is officially Madison Reading Project and Family Literacy Month in Madison. The proclamation also thanks the nonprofit for its work and collaboration with many partners to bring literacy resources, engagement, and free books to all children. 

Madison Reading Project staff and volunteers will place book collection bins at public locations such as shopping malls, and has 40 different groups already hosting individual new book drives to help reach the goal. Anyone can sign up to run a drive, shop online for the book wishlist, or at local bookstores.

Financial donations can be made online or by mailing a physical check.

“We believe it is important for children to have access to new books that reflect their unique identities as well as open their eyes to others’ lived experiences,” says Rowan Childs, executive director. “By supporting our Community Book Drive you will help get thousands of new, high-quality books to kids, many of whom have few books in their homes.”

Madison Reading Project is again partnering with the Empty Stocking Club, Boys and Girls Club, and Reach Dane, along with other community programs, to widen its reach. 

“We’re confident we will reach our donation goals,” Childs adds. “Everyone deserves that new book feeling, especially children, and books in the home are so very important.”

Anyone can help by donating funds or by buying books from local bookstores, such as Lake City Books, Mystery To Me, Leopold’s Books Bar Caffe or Books 4 School. The booklists make it easy to select a choice at any price point. Visit: 

www.madisonreadingproject.com to get involved. A business, club, friend group or neighborhood can also organize a book drive, in person or virtually. 

“We want to shine a light on our amazing community and encourage people to not only help us collect books bought locally, but also support local businesses when they visit our bins,” says Ann Christianson, Book Drive coordinator. “To make it convenient, you can purchase from our wishlist via our website or through local bookstores.”

Madison Reading Project’s book drive works with the Wisconsin State Journal’s annual Empty Stocking Club holiday toy distribution event. Open to all families regardless of their financial situation, every child receives a new book in addition to a brand-new, high-quality toy at the giving event. 

For public donation locations, the link to make a financial contribution, and complete information about the Community Book Drive visit www.madisonreadingproject.com/communitybookdrive

The drive ends Dec. 8th to ensure books get to kids in a timely manner before schools close. The fundraiser is open until the end of the year. 

Madison Reading Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to connect our community with free books and literacy enrichment programs that ignite a love for reading. 

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One Community Bank Matches Donations for Firefly Coffeehouse Week of Giving Back to the Community!

November 2, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Ameilia Abraham
One Community Bank
608-838-3141
aabraham@onecommunity.bank

OCB Matches Donations for Firefly Coffeehouse Week of Giving Back to the Community!

One Community Bank is proud to continue investing in our communities. OCB is delighted to match donations for Firefly Coffeehouse Week of Giving Back to the Community and donate a total of $6,000 across six local organizations. The organizations include Friends of Oregon School District, Oregon Area Council on Aging Seniors Helping Seniors Fund, 14 South Artists, Oregon Straw Hat Players, The Friends of the Oregon Public Library, and the Oregon Food Pantry. Each organization will receive $1,000 from One Community Bank.

“At One Community Bank we believe in serving our clients, supporting our colleagues, and investing in our communities. This feel-good donation allows us to fulfill that mission. We are proud to support Firefly Coffeehouse in their mission of supporting the Oregon community and are delighted to support each of the local organizations selected by Jeanne and Uri Carpenter, Owners of Firefly” said Steve Peotter, President and CEO of One Community Bank.

In honor of being voted the 2023 Gold Medal Winner for Best Coffeeshop in Madison by Madison Magazine, Firefly Coffeehouse celebrated by supporting local organizations in a Giving Back Week. During the week of September 19-23, they donated 20 percent of all daily sales to six local organizations and One Community Bank matched $1,000 of daily donations. With the support of the community a total of $12,400 will be donated.

“Thank you, One Community Bank, for matching donations during our Week of Giving Back! And thank you to everyone for your support. I am thrilled to be able to give back to the Oregon community as they have supported my business throughout the years,” beamed Jeanne Carpenter, Owner of Firefly Coffeehouse.

One Community Bank is proud to support Firefly Coffeehouse and the six donation recipient organizations.

Sales from Tuesday, September 19, were donated to Friends of Oregon School District. They provide grants to students to attend leadership conferences, music camps, sports camps, driver’s ed and college prep classes.

Sales from Wednesday, September 20, were donated to Oregon Area Council on Aging Seniors Helping Seniors Fund. They assist older adults with unexpected costs, such as emergency housing, medication, and emergency transportation.

Sales from Thursday, September 21, were donated to 14 South Artists and Oregon Straw Hat Players. 14 South Artists, Inc. is a community of artists and art supporters from south-central Wisconsin, working in a variety of mediums and promoting the visual arts. They also operate the Oregon Art Center Gallery in downtown Oregon. Oregon Straw Hat Players provide amateur theatre for the Oregon community, offering opportunities to participate in all production processes, striving for excellence while stressing enjoyment and entertainment.

Sales from Friday, September 22, were donated to The Friends of the Oregon Public Library for their Literacy Programs for Children. The Friends help foster a love of learning and literacy skills in children of all ages and help maintain reading skills during summer months. The Friends also sponsor a variety of opportunities for youth to learn and grow at the library all year long.

Sales from Saturday, September 23, were donated to the Oregon Area Food Pantry. The Oregon Area Food Pantry provides food and necessities to those in need residing within the Oregon School District. Their mission is to reduce the impact of poverty on area residents by compassionately and humbly providing information, education, and tangible and intangible resources.

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One Community Bank is one of the largest community banks in south central Wisconsin. The locally owned bank has 15 bank locations and $2.1 billion in assets. It provides both personal and business banking solutions, with an intense focus on serving clients, supporting colleagues, and investing in its communities. Five years in a row named one of Madison’s best places to work, One Community Bank serves the communities of Oregon, McFarland, Waunakee, Stoughton, Sun Prairie, Middleton, Adams, Oxford, Grand Marsh, Hillsboro, La Farge, Readstown, Wonewoc, and Union Center. Member FDIC.

Wisconsin Union: Opportunity to Honor Veterans, Service Members for Their Service at Memorial Union Nov. 10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 2, 2023        

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

READ RELEASE ONLINE: union.wisc.edu/news/veterans-day-2023

OPPORTUNITY TO HONOR VETERANS, SERVICE MEMBERS FOR THEIR SERVICE AT MEMORIAL UNION NOV. 10

MADISON – The University Veteran Services and Wisconsin Union teams at the University of Wisconsin–Madison invite the public to recognize veterans and service members during the Veterans Day Recognition Breakfast on Nov. 10 at 9 a.m. in the Main Lounge at Memorial Union.

Following the event, the UW–Madison chapter of Student Veterans of America will provide free miniature United States flags for members of the public to place on Bascom Hill in honor of veterans. The student organization will make flags available through 4 p.m. or while supplies last.

The Veterans Day Recognition Breakfast will include free light refreshments, live music by the Wisconsin Brass Quintet, a presentation of the United States and Wisconsin flags by students in the Army ROTC Badger Battalion Color Guard and remarks by:

• Dr. Lori Reesor, UW–Madison vice chancellor for Student Affairs
• Joe Rassmussen, director of University Veteran Services and United States Marine Corps veteran
• Natalie Isensee ‘00, the 2022 Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Woman Veteran of the Year and a former United States Marine Corps captain

“Veterans Day brings an opportunity each year to acknowledge those alongside us, who served our country, sacrificing time with friends and family, putting other parts of life on hold and putting their lives on the line for us,” said Mark Guthier, Wisconsin Union director and UW–Madison associate vice chancellor for Student Affairs. “It’s also a solemn reminder of those who did not return home from service and gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”

This event is part of year-round efforts by the Wisconsin Union to honor service members and veterans and by University Veteran Services to support UW–Madison service members and veterans. The Wisconsin Union and the University Veteran Services teams have hosted a Veterans Day event since 2018, and recognizing service members has been part of the Wisconsin Union’s history since its building Memorial Union opened in 1928.

University Veterans Services supports service member and veteran UW–Madison students with advising, benefits consultation, connections to a community of support and peer support programs.

Memorial Union opened in 1928 with the words “Erected and Dedicated to the Memory of the Men and Women of the University of Wisconsin Who Served in our Country’s Wars” in its south side stone. The building has also long had wooden plaques listing the names of fallen UW–Madison service members.

Memorial Union also includes an electronic memorial that debuted in 2019 called the Gold Star Honor Roll, which includes the names of more than 900 fallen Badger service members. The Union’s electronic Gold Star Honor Roll can be viewed in Memorial Hall at Memorial Union, the Hamel Family Browsing Library at Memorial Union and online. Fallen UW–Madison alumni service members, who died of service-related causes, can be submitted to the Gold Star Honor Roll here.

The recognition breakfast is made possible with support from the Wisconsin Union and the National Veterans Leadership Foundation.

Guests can learn more about the Veterans Day Recognition Breakfast and other campus Veterans Day events here.

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About University Veteran Services

University Veterans Services’ mission is to support the Wisconsin Experience of military-connected students by fostering personal transitions and pursuit of academic success. The office supports military-connected students in three key focus areas: education benefits, academic success, education, and advocacy. Learn more: veterans.wisc.edu.

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.

New Positions Filled in Advancement & Communications at UW–Madison Division of the Arts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Contact: info@arts.wisc.edu

Link to Article:  https://artsdivision.wisc.edu/2023/11/01/new-staff-frame-puleo-moyer/ 
Download Images: https://uwmadison.box.com/s/0k2fhbl82jmztumosq2j1p5x51zv6661 

New Positions Filled in Advancement & Communications at UW–Madison Division of the Arts

Two brand new positions on the UW–Madison Division of the Arts leadership team have been hired—Samara Frame is the Advancement Manager and Fran Puleo Moyer is the Director of Communications. As part of the leadership team, both Samara and Fran will work on strategic visioning and implementation.

“We are thrilled to welcome both Fran and Samara to the Division of the Arts leadership team,” says Kate Hewson, Division of the Arts Associate Director. She continues, “We look forward to how they will shape the future of our organization with the new skills, experience, and energy they bring. They will be integral to fulfilling our mission to advocate for, connect, and elevate the arts at UW–Madison.”

The Advancement Manager will manage and execute the Arts Division’s advancement strategy, overseeing development and fundraising in support of strategic goals. They will work to increase the impact of the Arts Division’s programs and of all the arts at UW–Madison. The Advancement Manager serves on the Leadership Team, working closely on strategic visioning and implementation. They will also serve key roles in the Arts Division’s creative research funding programs.

Samara Frame (she/her) is thrilled to join the team at UW–Division of the Arts, bringing a background of development and engagement to the work. She comes to the arts through the world of theater, where she’s served both on stage and as an arts administrator for more than two decades. She most recently worked as Director of Audience Engagement for Forward Theater Company, where she grew authentic relationships with audiences, led fundraising events, developed partnerships, and created a robust accessibility plan. She’s also worked for United Way of Dane County and Madison Reading Project. Samara launched Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Dane County, served on Dane County Cultural Affairs Commission’s grant review panel and Verona’s Library Board. She has led youth empowerment programs and worked in advocacy for violence prevention and education. She currently serves on the Executive and Development Committees of Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, is a member of AFP Madison, OPEN, LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and is an active volunteer in the community. She holds a degree in Theater from Northwestern University and a certificate in fundraising from UCLA.

The Director of Communications leads the Integrated Marketing and Communications team (IMC), overseeing the budget, and ensuring a cohesive voice and brand identity for all Arts Division communications. They will increase engagement in the arts by internal and external audiences, catalyze the arts to advance campus goals and priorities, and build a national profile for the arts at UW–Madison. The Director of Communications develops and implements a strategic communications plan for the Arts Division and also participates in creation of content. This position also works closely with the office of the Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications on setting and attaining key arts communication goals and aligning with campus branding and communications.

Fran Puleo Moyer (she/her) comes to the Division of the Arts from her role as Associate Director of Outreach at UW–Madison, overseeing the development and promotion of UW Connects programming, including Badger Talks and Bucky’s Classroom, for University Relations. She has 20+ years of experience in communications, marketing, program development, event management, fund development and community and public relations. Formerly the Community Relations Manager at Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center, she served as a spokesperson for the facility, managed events, and developed robust partnerships within the Madison business community. In addition, she has held previous roles with orchestras around the Midwest, including the Chicago Symphony, Lake Forest Symphony, and the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, and served as an Outreach Program Manager in the arts at UW–Stevens Point. Fran is a professional flutist, having played largely with quartets and quintets around Chicago and Madison, taught flute lessons for many years, and has a Bachelor of Music Performance degree from the University of Illinois and an MBA in marketing from DePaul University.

Please join us in welcoming the Division’s newest hires to our community! Get in touch with Samara at samara.frame@wisc.edu. Connect with Fran at fran.puleo@wisc.edu.

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About the UW–Madison Division of the Arts:
The Division of the Arts advocates for, connects and elevates the arts at UW–Madison. Our vision, The Arts for Everyone, Everywhere, is one by which the arts at UW-Madison are: integral to research, teaching, learning and outreach; accessible to all at UW–Madison; and impactful both locally and globally.

MSCR Announces Friends of MSCR Auction to Begin November 6 at 8 am!

November 1, 2023

For Immediate Release

Contact: Nicole Graper at ngraper@madison.k12.wi.us

MSCR Announces Friends of MSCR Auction to Begin November 6 at 8 am!
Proceeds support MSCR Programs

Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) is holding the annual Friends of MSCR Online Auction on November 6-17 at 32auctions.com/mscr2023. Bid on more than 150 fabulous items in the 2023 Online Auction, proceeds support MSCR programs and services.

Bidding begins Monday, November 6 at 8 am and ends Friday, November 17 at 8pm. Items include pet care, gift baskets, entertainment, spa services, sports memorabilia and much more. Perfect for holiday shopping!

“We are grateful to the Friends of MSCR and all our donors for supporting this special fundraiser. Proceeds help us serve all community members,” described Janet Dyer, MSCR Executive Director.

Since 2013, the Friends of MSCR has gifted $480,000 to MSCR. These funds support new program initiatives, important equipment, outdoor education, afterschool clubs and neighborhood center programming, to better serve the Madison community. For example, a Friends of MSCR grant allowed MSCR Afterschool at Anana Elementary to offer a budget friendly healthy cooking class for families.  Another Friends grant supported a pod cast club at the MSCR Meadowood Neighborhood Center. This summer, MSCR also launched a new Mobile Clay program thanks to a Friends of MSCR grant.

This year’s Online Auction is supported by the following generous sponsors:
Recreation Enthusiast: Oak Park Place

Afterschool Advocate: Greenleaf Media & Slow Roll Cycles

Go to 32auctions.com/mscr2023 to view all the items. The auction takes place through November 17.

MSCR offers many recreation programs for all ages that are accessible and affordable.  Fee assistance is available, please call 608-204-3000 or visit mscr.org for more information.  MSCR is Madison’s public recreation department serving the community since 1926.

About Friends of Madison School & Community Recreation

Friends of MSCR is a non-profit organization that supports Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) programs and services. MSCR’s proud history of service began in 1926, and Friends of MSCR is committed to ensuring that MSCR public recreation programs remain accessible and affordable in the future.

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