Madison Reading Project: Launching Saturday 5/18: Wisconsin’s First All-Accessible Free Book Bus

For Immediate Release

More Information:
Rowan Childs, (608) 347-7970
Rowan@madisonreadingproject.com

1337 Greenway Cross, Suite 186      
Madison, WI 53713
www.madisonreadingproject.com

Launching Saturday 5/18: Wisconsin’s First All-Accessible Free Book Bus 

On Saturday, May 18, Madison Reading Project will roll out the first, all-accessible free book bus in Wisconsin, beginning its journey to bring free literacy programs to children.

Madison Reading Project invites the community to attend the official launch, which will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Kohl Center concourse at the UW-Madison Campus and is free and open to the public.  

Hosted by Wisconsin Athletics, the event will feature tours of both Madison Reading Project book buses and other mobile partners, including Madison School and Community Recreation, local libraries, and meet & greet Bucky Badger! Plus, free books for all children attending!

“Our organization’s first book bus turns five this year and it’s just been an incredible journey to see the growing impact we’ve created,” says Rowan Childs, founder and executive director. “Requests for our mobile services have skyrocketed in the last few years. We have seen and heard the needs of our community and we want to help provide solutions in the most inclusive way possible. 

“We truly hope everyone will join us for Saturday’s celebration, old friends and new,” Childs adds. “It’s crucial that we continuously strive to remove barriers to accessing free books and literacy resources.” 

“We’re so grateful to Junior League of Madison, American Girl, Madison Community Foundation, several corporate donors, local foundations, and individuals who helped our funding campaign.”

 From now until May 31, Junior League is offering a $50K matching grant to help fill the bus with books. To make a matching donation, visit:

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/fillthebuscampaign/event/bookbuspalooza/

“A gift in any amount will help our staff and volunteers reach thousands of children with free books and literacy engagement across the greater Dane County area,” says Emily Wills, Madison Reading Project development director. 

Chartered in 2014 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Madison Reading Project has given more than 500,000 books to children living in nine (9) South Central Wisconsin counties. 

Much of the giving is targeted to under-resourced families and children needing literacy support.

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Deadline Approaching: Apply Now for gALPHA Urban League!

gALPHA Urban League is a no-cost, four-week business accelerator that works with Black entrepreneurs and other entrepreneurs of color from high tech startups to main street small businesses. gALPHA Urban League will provide educational components, mentorship, networking opportunities, and more for entrepreneurs with new ideas as well as for those already in business but looking to expand or enhance their business.

gALPHA Urban League is powered by gener8tor, a nationally ranked entrepreneurial accelerator. We are especially seeking entrepreneurs who are interested in becoming a part of the Black Business Hub community. The program will run from May 20-June 18.

Apply here by May 10

Wisconsin Union: 2024 Terrace Programming – Including Live Music, Movies, Outdoor Recreation Events, Arts Activities – Celebrates Summer by the Lake

MADISON – Summer has almost arrived, and with it, the return of free and low-cost programming on the Memorial Union Terrace — including live music, film screenings, arts opportunities, outdoor recreation and more. 

Bedecked with 2,000 orange, yellow and green sunburst chairs and tables, the Terrace will continue its legacy as Madison’s 40,000-square-foot dining and entertainment destination alongside Lake Mendota. 

New this year, individuals can celebrate the season with the purchase of a limited-edition Summer by the Lake Terrace Bundle, complete with exclusive Terrace-themed merch, a gift card and tickets to top Terrace season events, including a food and beverage tasting. Patrons may purchase bundles online until May 20.

“The Terrace is the place to enjoy all that summer by the lake has to offer,” said Heidi Lang, Wisconsin Union principal student engagement officer. “Whether you’re looking to catch your next new favorite band on our stage, soak in Lake Mendota from the seat of a kayak, enjoy a blockbuster hit under the stars or share a meal with loved ones around a Terrace table, we have it here for you.”

Each week this summer, the UW Credit Union Summer Stage will feature four nights of free live outdoor music performances, as well as Lakeside Cinema outdoor film screenings – all planned and presented by the student-led Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Music and Film Committees. Music performances on the Terrace will begin with Madison-based-band Generation Jones on May 10 at 7 p.m. Weekly film screenings will take place Mondays at 9 p.m., starting with a showing of Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” on June 3.

Terrace seating is available on a first come, first served basis. In the event of inclement weather, the Wisconsin Union team will aim to host music performances and film screenings in der Rathskeller in Memorial Union whenever possible. 

Patrons can explore Lake Mendota and beyond with Outdoor UW’s low-cost paddlecraft rentals – including canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards – and outdoor recreation events, which include family-friendly paddling adventures, guided hikes and more. Rentals open May 10.

The Terrace Art Zone will return May 29, offering a series of free art projects for patrons to enjoy on the Terrace Wednesday through Saturday from 5-8 p.m. Presented by Wheelhouse Studios, the Wisconsin Union’s open-arts studio, project options will include decorated flower pots and gift bags. Handmade works of art and DIY art kits will also be available for purchase at the Terrace Art Cart during select hours starting May 10.

The Wheelhouse team will also host Paintacular, Madison’s largest group paint experience, on Sept. 2. This instructor-led  free event is open on a first come, first served basis.

Patrons will also be able to enjoy multiple on-site dining options at both Memorial Union and the Terrace, including cookout classics from the Brat Stand, pub food from der Rathskeller, frosty treats from the Daily Scoop and pitmaster staples from the BBQ Stand.

On Lakeside Cinema nights, the Brat Stand will be offering $1 hot dogs, chips and sodas starting at 8 p.m. as an exclusive film screening evening deal.

Students ages 16 and older interested in joining the Wisconsin Union team can visit union.wisc.edu/jobs to learn more about available positions.

The Wisconsin Union is a nonprofit organization that does not receive any taxpayer dollars to support its Terrace operations, Terrace season events or year-round patron services, such as its open arts studio and outdoor recreation. Purchases at Wisconsin Union dining options and online store, tax-deductible donations and membership purchases help make Terrace season, Wisconsin Union experiences and student leadership opportunities possible.

            For a complete and up-to-date calendar of Terrace events, visit TerraceSummer.com. The current schedule can be found below.

In addition to Wednesday open mic nights, the Terrace season live music schedule includes:

• May 10: Generation Jones
• May 11: The Mersey Brothers featuring Sean Michael Dargan
• May 16: Echo Rays
• May 17: Frogwater, Dana Perry, After August 
• May 18: Johnny Chimes and the Natch’l Blues Band 
• May 23: Dogtown Hollow 
• May 24: Louka Patenaude, The Cajun Strangers
• May 26: Benan
• May 30: The Cash Box Kings
• May 31: Dusty Road Duo, Ladies Must Swing
• June 1: Mr. Chair
• June 6: Northern Comfort
• June 7: The Emmylous, Pat McCurdy
• June 8: The N’achos
• June 13: Rafe Carlson
• June 14: Stephanie Rearick, The Periodicals
• June 15: Madison Jazz Festival performances, presented by the Wisconsin Union Theater and Arts + Literature Laboratory with sponsorship support from The Capital Times
• June 16: Madison Jazz Festival performances, presented by the Wisconsin Union Theater and Arts + Literature Laboratory with sponsorship support from The Capital Times
• June 20: Annie & the Oakies
• June 21: Caravan, Precarious Towers
• June 27: No Name String Band
• June 28: Los Chechos, Combo Noir
• June 29: Steely Dane
• July 4: Bascom Hill, The Mascot Theory
• July 5: B.J. Fisher, The Who Dat?
• July 6: Rare Element
• July 11: The Material Boys
• July 12: Wise Jennings, PHUN
• July 13: Son del Atlantico
• July 18: The MilBillies, The Whiskey Farm
• July 19: Inside Pocket, Linda & the ZEROs
• July 20: Joy Dragland & Louka Patenaude, The Blue Olives
• July 21: All That Jazz Big Band
• July 25: Cork ‘n Bottle String Band
• July 26: Scott Damgaard, Wristwatch, The German Art Students
• July 27: DJ Nick Nice, Kevin Willmott & Alex White, Panchromatic Steel
• Aug. 1: The Western Flyers
• Aug. 2: Ryan Meisel Quartet, BingBong
• Aug. 3: Novel Folly, STEEZ
• Aug. 4: The DB Orchestra
• Aug. 8: Madison County
• Aug. 9: Ted Hefko, Star 67
• Aug. 10: Son del Atlantico, Latin Pride Orquestra, Rebulú Group
• Aug. 15: Nate Gibson & the Stardazers
• Aug. 16: Tomato Box, Trapper Schoepp
• Aug. 17: Ida Jo, Louie & The Flashbombs
• Aug. 22: They Talk TOO Much, SpareTime Bluegrass
• Aug. 23: Strings to Roam, Brett Newski
• Aug. 24: Grupo Balança, The Handphibians
• Aug. 25: Ready Revolution

This summer’s outdoor film themes and titles include:

• Summer “Camp”!
  • June 3: “Barbie,” PG-13
  • June 10: “Moonrise Kingdom,” PG-13
  • June 17: “The Parent Trap,” PG
  • June 24: “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” R
• Summer Lovin’
  • July 1: “Crazy Rich Asians,” PG-13
  • July 8: “Notting Hill,” PG-13
  • July 15: “The Princess Bride,” PG
  • July 22: “Love & Basketball,” PG-13
  • July 29: “Anyone but You,” R
• Return of the Disas-Terrace
  • Aug. 5: “Jaws,” PG
  • Aug. 12: “Nope,” R
  • Aug. 19: “M3GAN,” PG-13
  • Aug. 26: “Jurassic Park,” PG-13

Outdoor recreation events through Outdoor UW include:

• May 18, June 15, Aug. 4 and 25: Family paddling night on Lake Mendota
• May 24, June 7 and 22, July 27: Picnic Point hike and beverage on the Terrace
• June 1, July 7, Aug. 11: Paddle to Picnic Point
• June 20, July 21, Aug. 17: Stand-up paddleboarding and beverage on the Terrace

Events are subject to change. Visit TerraceSummer.com for more information.

WPS Data Logistics™ offers digital conversion services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Corporate Communications
608-977-7343
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

WPS Data Logistics^™ offers digital conversion services
New company capitalizes on deep experience working with highly regulated industries

MADISON, Wis.—May 2, 2024—WPS Data Logistics, Inc. is the newest addition to the WPS Health Solutions^® business portfolio. This new company leverages the expertise gained by supporting WPS Health Solutions’ federal business contracts and its health insurance business, offering high-tech solutions to handle secure mail, imaging, and digitization of business-critical documents.

WPS Data Logistics is positioned to allow companies to offload expensive and technical document-related functions so that they can focus on their core business. Its services allow companies to reduce labor costs, infrastructure burdens, and technology investments. Further, WPS Data Logistics understands the high standards that many companies must meet to satisfy legal, privacy, and information security requirements. WPS Data Logistics’ services can benefit health care companies, health plans, and other highly regulated companies that need secure management of their most confidential and sensitive documents.

“This new company is a natural extension of the digital solutions and state-of-the-art facility built by WPS Health Solutions to support our businesses,” said Rochelle Myers, President of WPS Data Logistics. “The volume and types of documents we can securely handle will give companies of all sizes and across industries access to a best-in-class solution with the added advantage of scale.”

WPS Data Logistics is currently securely ingesting more than 20 million printed and electronic forms annually, transforming them into usable content, and moving them where needed. The company offers services related to advanced optical character recognition (OCR) and data extraction, electronic data interchange (EDI), inbound mail, imaging and digitization, as well as high-volume digital print and mail services from its state-of-the-art facility in Madison, Wisconsin.

“Companies are intrigued with the cost savings, accuracy, and speed we provide in processing their incoming claims or other paper files,” WPS Data Logistics Vice President of Operations Andrew McCready said. “Our expertise is very apparent when they tour our 32,000-square-foot facility and talk with our impressive team.”

About WPS Data Logistics^™

WPS Data Logistics, Inc. offers a variety of business process outsourcing (BPO) solutions including advanced optical character recognition (OCR), data extraction, electronic data interchange (EDI), mail management, high-volume digital printing, secure destruction, and more. WPS Data Logistics can transform your most sensitive and complex documents into digital assets you can use—and trust. Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, the company is part of WPS Holdings, Inc. Visit wpsdatalogistics.com for more information.

WPS Health Solutions is part of WPS Holdings, Inc.

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Pellitteri Waste Systems begins new contracts for curbside waste & recycling collection in three Southern Wisconsin municipalities

FMI:
Joleen Engeseth
Marketing Coordinator
608-257-6232 ext. 346
Joleene@pellitteri.com

Pellitteri Waste Systems begins new contracts for curbside waste & recycling collection in three Southern Wisconsin municipalities

DANE COUNTY, Wis. (April 30, 2024) —  Pellitteri Waste Systems — Southern Wisconsin’s leading independent, family-owned and operated, waste and recycling service provider — started 2024 with three new municipal contracts, bringing the total local communities served by Pellitteri to 42 and more than 76,000 homes serviced weekly.

With the new contracts to serve the City of Monona, Village of Mount Horeb and Village of Poynette, Pellitteri added more than 8,100 new homes for curbside waste and recycling removal.

“As a local, family-owned and operated company, we earn our customers one at a time and are honored to be serving these new communities for their curbside waste removal,” Danielle Pellitteri, Pellitteri Vice President said.

For more information on trash and recycling programs for the NEW municipalities, please visit:

• City of Monona 
• Village of Mount Horeb
• Village of Poynette

New communities now benefit from Pellitteri’s expanded recycling list because of their ability to sort and process items for recycling that go above and beyond what is required by state law.

• Hot and cold paper cups
• Paper milk and juice cartons
• Metal pots and pans
• Shredded paper properly prepared in clear plastic bags (no larger than a basketball)
• Small metal appliances like toasters and blenders (no larger than a basketball, no batteries)
• Small metal plumbing fixtures, faucets, valves
• Aerosol cans (empty)

“We continue to invest in our infrastructure to provide a high level of recycling for the community as evidenced by our Material Recovery Facility at Kipp Street Station in Madison. We make sure that your recycling is actually being recycled,” David Pellitteri, Pellitteri Vice President said. “We have greater control over how your recyclables are used in addition to exceeding what is required to be recycled by the DNR.”

Along with the new contracts, Pellitteri also began servicing the Village of West Baraboo and Town of Oregon in 2023, and secured contract extensions for the City of Middleton, Town of Middleton, Town of Verona, Village of Fall River and Village of McFarland; all of which will continue to be served by Pellitteri for many years to come.

Pellitteri customers now have a new mobile app that allows users to set up collection day reminders and receive weather-related alerts. The Recycle Right Search Tool provides tips on how to dispose of specific items correctly. Download the app at pellitteri.com/RecycleRight or directly from the Apple and Google Play stores.

You can find more information on residential recycling in English here and Spanish here. You can also watch how your recycling gets sorted here. Want to become a Super Recycler? Watch these short recycling tip videos to become a recycling expert!

For more information, visit www.pellitteri.com.

About Pellitteri Waste Systems

Pellitteri Waste Systems is a Madison-based, family-owned and operated waste disposal and recycling company focused on providing needs-based solutions and outstanding customer service. Pellitteri has a proud tradition of service and community involvement and currently serves more than 76,000 households for waste and recycling collection throughout Southern Wisconsin. Pellitteri offers environmental leadership, stewardship, and innovation, as shown by their constant work to recycle better and more items at their local recycling facility. Pellitteri collects and processes millions of pounds of recycling to be made into new products each year and is a recipient of the 2023 Recycling Excellence Award from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Outstanding Achievement in Education Award from the Associated Recyclers of Wisconsin, and the Business Friend of the Environment Award from Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce. Learn more at www.pellitteri.com/news.