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Category: Products

Photo by Richard Hurd

Wisconsin Union: Winter Carnival, An Annual Madison Tradition for More Than 80 Years, Returns Feb. 6-9, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 12, 2024

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

Read release online: union.wisc.edu/about/news/wintercarnival2025 

WINTER CARNIVAL, AN ANNUAL MADISON TRADITION FOR MORE THAN 80 YEARS, RETURNS FEB. 6-9, 2025

MADISON – An annual tradition for more than 80 years, the nonprofit Wisconsin Union’s winter-themed event series Winter Carnival returns Feb. 6-9, 2025, with more than 30 events, including bringing Lady Liberty to Lake Mendota and a freestyle skiing and snowboarding competition.

The 2025 Winter Carnival series currently includes:

The Winter Carnival lineup celebrates all things Wisconsin winter with mostly free indoor and outdoor activities, including numerous family-friendly events.

The event lineup is subject to change, including due to weather conditions. Some events include age restrictions, participation restrictions, or registration.

“Winter Carnival brings the community and visitors together each year for classic and new winter fun, from candy-making in the snow to sledding,” Wisconsin Union Public Relations and Communications Officer Shauna Breneman said.

The Wisconsin Union team has hosted Winter Carnival for 85 years. The team works with UW–Madison student leaders and community partners, such as University Recreation & Wellbeing and WAA, to make Winter Carnival’s winter fun possible.

One beloved, annual Winter Carnival tradition brings a touch of New York to Madison: Lady Liberty on Lake Mendota; the Wisconsin Union team places an inflatable replica of the Statue of Liberty’s head, arm, and torch on frozen Lake Mendota.

This tradition traces its origins back to 1979, when University of Wisconsin–Madison alumni and Pail and Shovel Party leaders Leon Varjian and Jim Mallon ’79 turned a student government campaign promise into reality: to bring the Statue of Liberty to Madison. They fulfilled their promise with Styrofoam versions of the torch, hand and head on Lake Mendota. Those curious about this campus tradition and its more recent reimagining as an inflatable can read more details here.

While attending Winter Carnival, patrons can enjoy the Wisconsin Union’s heated nearby building Memorial Union, which offers indoor, year-round dining options. Purchases at Memorial Union and tax-deductible donations to the nonprofit Wisconsin Union help make the Union’s low-cost and free events, spaces and Wisconsin Union student leadership opportunities possible.

Winter Carnival patrons can visit union.wisc.edu/wintercarnival for the most up-to-date Carnival lineup.

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About the Wisconsin Union

The non-profit Wisconsin Union strives to enhance and support student leadership and community engagement, including through recreational, cultural, educational and social opportunities and by providing world-class support services, such as event management. The Wisconsin Union includes student leadership opportunities available through the Wisconsin Union Directorate, the Center for Leadership and Involvement, the Wisconsin Singers, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee; Memorial Union; Union South; various dining options throughout downtown Madison; UW Conference Centers; and the Fluno Center. Learn more about the Union and its tradition of providing experiences for a lifetime: union.wisc.edu.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Expanding a Long-Standing Collaboration: SupraNet and Overture Center for the Arts Announce Wi-Fi Provider Partnership

Madison, WI – December 12, 2024 – SupraNet Communications and Overture Center for the Arts are excited to announce a new phase in their partnership, with SupraNet becoming the official Wi-Fi provider for the entire Overture facility. Overture guests can access the Wi-Fi by connecting to the network named Overture Public WiFi.

Building on more than 15 years of collaboration, this latest development will enhance the guest experience for the thousands of visitors who attend performances, events, and exhibitions at Overture each year.

Since partnering with Overture in 2009, SupraNet has been instrumental in supporting the venue’s evolving digital needs. Beginning with colocation services, the partnership expanded in 2015 to include internet connectivity, and now, in 2024, SupraNet is providing an additional audience Wi-Fi network that is actively managed by SupraNet.

“SupraNet has been an invaluable partner in helping us evolve our digital infrastructure to meet the needs of a modern audience,” said Chris Vogel, Chief Financial and Business Officer at Overture Center for the Arts. “Today’s audiences expect fast, reliable internet access to enhance their experience—whether it’s sharing moments on social media, accessing show times and digital tickets, or simply staying connected. With SupraNet’s expertise, we’re able to provide the level of connectivity that our patrons expect.”

Overture Public Wi-Fi: Seamless Connectivity for Guests
The newly launched Overture Public WiFi network is now live and available to all guests. This Wi-Fi upgrade ensures that Overture patrons can stay connected from the moment they enter the venue.

To continually improve the Wi-Fi experience, visitors are encouraged to provide feedback by scanning QR codes located throughout the facility, which link to a short survey. Guests input will help ensure the highest quality service.

“We’ve enjoyed a long-standing partnership with Overture Center, and this next step reflects our shared commitment to providing exceptional experiences for visitors,” said Bryan Chan, Founder and CEO of SupraNet Communications. “The feedback we receive from patrons is essential as we work to ensure that our Wi-Fi meets the needs of all guests.”

A Continued Partnership
In addition to providing internet services, SupraNet has proudly supported Overture Center as a sponsor of several Broadway shows—including the upcoming production of “Shucked” in 2025—and the Overture Presents series. This partnership reflects SupraNet’s commitment to both the arts and the community, ensuring that visitors have a world-class digital experience alongside world-class performances.

Looking Ahead
The partnership between SupraNet and Overture Center represents a shared vision for the future—one that blends cutting-edge technology with the cultural vibrancy that Overture brings to Madison. By managing the venue’s Wi-Fi network and providing real-time audience insights, SupraNet is helping Overture continue to create extraordinary experiences for all who visit.

About SupraNet Communications
Celebrating 30 years of helping Everyone do more on the Internet. SupraNet delivers innovative, reliable solutions rooted in transparency, loyalty, gratitude, a problem-solving mindset, and our deep local connection to Madison.

About Overture Center for the Arts
Celebrating 20 years in Madison, Wis., Overture Center for the Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization that features seven state-of-the-art performance spaces and four galleries where national and international touring artists, nine resident companies and hundreds of local artists engage people in more than 500,000 educational and artistic experiences each year. Overture’s mission is to support and elevate our community’s creative culture, economy and quality of life through the arts. overture.org

Photo by Richard Hurd

Downtown Madison: Introducing: Sip & Glow – A King Street Holiday Block Party

DOWNTOWN MADISON, WI – Madison’s Central Business Improvement District (BID) is excited to introduce Downtown Madison’s newest holiday tradition: Sip & Glow – A King Street Holiday Block Party. Join us on Friday, December 6, from 6-9 p.m. on the 100 blocks of King Street and S. Pinckney Street for live music, a holiday craft market, food and beverage specials, an ugly sweater contest and more!

A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit YWCA Madison, located at 101 E. Mifflin St. YWCA Madison is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Their work is holistic and aims to empower marginalized communities, especially women and girls of color, while working to dismantle structural barriers to equity.

“We at YWCA Madison are incredibly grateful to our downtown neighbors on King Street for uplifting our mission and standing with us in the ongoing journey of eliminating racism and empowering women,” said Gery Paredes Vásquez, YWCA Madison CEO. “Thank you so much for your support!”

PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES

The Majestic, The Rigby, D’Vino, WOOFS, Good News Cafe and Ice Cream, Tipsy Cow, Settle Down Tavern, Oz by Oz, Ancora Cafe + Bakery, Maduro, Merchant and Lucille

HOLIDAY CRAFT VENDORS

UGLY SWEATER CONTEST

Come dressed to (un)impress in your ugliest holiday sweater! Find the Downtown Madison table in the holiday market to enter the contest for a suggested $3 donation to YWCA Madison. Ugly Sweater judging begins at 8 p.m. sharp. Must be present to win. Winners will receive a special gift from The Rigby, D’Vino, WOOFS, Good News Cafe and Ice Cream, Tipsy Cow, Ancora Cafe + Bakery, Maduro, Merchant or Lucille. Don’t have an ugly sweater? Wisconsin Historical Society has you covered with their Sip & Craft event earlier in the evening. Bring a sweater, roll up your sleeves and make it ugly while sipping Mocktails in the History Maker Space! (Tickets required.)

SPECIAL THANKS

Shine On Madison events and programming are produced by Madison’s Central Business Improvement District, with generous support from: Madison Gas & Electric, UW Madison Community Relations, Madison National Life (a Horace Mann Company), Steve Brown Apartments, Don’s Home Furniture, Chapter Madison and Park Bank.

MADISON’S CENTRAL BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID)

The BID represents more than 360 businesses and 220 property owners. It works to provide services above and beyond the basic city taxpayer responsibility to generate an inviting, safe and inclusive entertainment and business destination that draws people from all parts of the city, county, and the world.

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Photo by Richard Hurd

Agrace Offers Grief Support Group for Young Adults in January

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 2, 2024

Contact:
Liz Kopling, Assistant Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Office: (608) 327-7219
Cell: (608) 772-9653
Liz.kopling@agrace.org

Agrace Offers Grief Support Group for Young Adults in January

MADISON, Wis. – Local adults and children in southern Wisconsin who are grieving can find hope and healing through the grief support specialists at Agrace.

This January, Agrace grief specialists will host a Young Adult Grief Support Group. This group provides emotional and peer support in a professionally led setting and requires advance registration.

The Young Adult Grief Support Group is for anyone aged 18 to 30+ who is grieving the death of a loved one, including a parent, child, spouse, sibling or friend. The group meets once a month, and participants can attend as often as they feel the need for support. In January, the group will meet on Wednesday, January 8, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., via Zoom.

There is no fee for this support group if a participant’s family member was served by Agrace Hospice Care or another hospice within the past 12 months. For others, the cost to attend is $20 per session, and the fee can be reduced or waived if needed.

One-on-one grief support is also available in-person, by phone or video chat. This service is open to anyone, even if the person who died did not receive hospice care.

To register for the group, visit Agrace.org/GriefGroups, call (608) 327-7110, or email griefsupport@agrace.org.

Founded in 1978, Agrace is a nonprofit, community-supported health care organization dedicated to providing high-quality care and support to people who are aging, ill, dying or grieving. With offices in Madison, Dodgeville, Janesville, Baraboo and Oconomowoc. Agrace serves 1,800 patients and clients across southern Wisconsin every day. 

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Photo by Richard Hurd

SupraNet Powers Bayview Residents with High-Speed Connectivity Solutions

Madison, WI – Nov. 21, 2024 – SupraNet is paving the way for high-speed Internet access in Madison’s affordable housing communities, recently completing the final phase of its work for the Bayview redevelopment, located in the Greenbush neighborhood in Madison, WI. This multi-year initiative ensures residents can move in with seamless Internet connectivity, requiring no additional purchases or equipment installation.

“We tried to make the experience as simple and seamless as possible for the families; and I believe we succeeded,” said Brad Stone, Outside Plant Manager of SupraNet. Learn more about the network and project viewing the case study.

The Bayview development is a prime example of SupraNet’s commitment to affordable Internet, a need expressed by Bayview residents early on. 

“As we listened to residents voice their needs and concerns, it became clear that reliable Internet access wasn’t just a preference—it was a necessity. Residents highlighted quality internet as a basic need, as a critical pathway for access to education, information, employment and financial security,” said Alexis London, Director of the Bayview Foundation.

Xong Vang, Bayview Housing Coordinator, highlighted the impact on residents: “The support provided to our residents by SupraNet has been exceptional. Many of our residents are experiencing Wi-Fi for the first time, allowing them to connect with the world and communicate in ways they couldn’t before. Elders can now see loved ones overseas via Zoom, children can complete schoolwork and access educational content, and adults can enjoy online entertainment. Here at Bayview, Wi-Fi service is recognized as a valuable privilege, made possible through our partnership with SupraNet. Since the beginning of our redevelopment, I have closely collaborated with Vince, Brian, and Travis, and their commitment remains unwavering as we move forward in our project.”

SupraNet worked closely with Horizon Develop Build Manage (Horizon) to ensure the installation process went smoothly, overcoming several rare challenges. “The Bayview development was a multi-year, multi-building project that had some unique requirements and constraints for our teams. Tight coordination of all of our schedules and responsibilities was key in our ability to make our timelines. SupraNet’s experience; their expertise and adaptability were crucial in meeting the project’s goals,” said Scott Kwiencinski,  VP of Horizon.

In addition to Bayview, SupraNet works with other affordable housing developments in Madison. By using a bulk model, the company reduces the cost of Internet access for each apartment, ensuring that more residents can benefit from high-quality connectivity.

SupraNet is currently installing Internet at Rise, a Wisconsin Housing Preservation Corp development and Madison’s largest affordable housing development to date. Some of the other buildings SupraNet supports include  Ella Apartments, Generations at Union Corners, and Valor on Washington, The Ace Apartments and several Common Wealth Development properties. These projects demonstrate SupraNet’s ongoing commitment to providing essential services that support residents’ daily lives and opportunities. 

Bryan Chan, Founder and CEO of SupraNet, emphasized the importance of digital inclusion in combating the housing crisis: “The Internet is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. It is a lifeline for all families, providing opportunities for personal growth, access to education, and connections to the community. We are so proud to have partnered on these developments to make this vision a reality.”

SupraNet looks forward to continuing its mission of providing essential Internet services to those who need it most. 

About Supranet Communications

Celebrating 30 years in business in 2024, Supranet Communications is a locally owned and operated Internet service provider headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin. Since 1994, Supranet has been providing businesses and residents with reliable and affordable Internet access, starting with dial-up services, transitioning to wireless Internet and now operates its own local fiber-optic network. Supranet is committed to delivering exceptional customer service and supporting the local community.

Contact:

SupraNet Communications
8000 Excelsior Dr. Suite 204
Mary Jane Connor or Rachel Whitmore
608.836.0282
mjc@supranet.net
supranet.net