FORWARD MADISON RELEASE SPECIALTY PRE-MATCH TOP IN HONOR OF JUNETEENTH

Forward Madison FC is excited to launch its first pre-match top in celebration of Juneteenth. Local artist, Brooklyn Doby, designed the pre-match top with input from members of the Featherstone Flamingos – an inclusive group of Forward fans that celebrates Black culture. During the month of June, 25% of all proceeds from the collection will be donated to the Progress Center for Black Women. 

This is the second top that Forward Madison has commissioned local artistic representation in collaboration with Featherstone Flamingos. During the 2020 season, FMFC wore a Black Lives Matter warm-up top all season long, designed by Mike LeRoy with proceeds benefiting YWCA. Featherstone Flamingos and Forward Madison FC have a long standing collaboration on charitable merchandise pieces around Black History Month as well. 

“Featherstone is proud to partner with FMFC and Brooklyn on the design,” said Founding Member of the Featherstone Flamingos, Kyle Carr. “We feel it’s important to highlight black voices, issues, and celebrations both in Madison and beyond. The Progress Center for Black Women does amazing work for Black Women in the Madison community and we hope these contributions will get them closer to achieving their goal of creating more empowered leaders.”

Brooklyn Doby was born and raised in Madison, WI. She is a painter, muralist, and an Edgewood College art therapy graduate. She’s passionate about creating art that represents women of color and highlights African American beauty. Her work reflects her love for acrylic paint and abstract portraiture. She is also a newly self-taught digital artist. Her art strives to create imagery that is diverse, unique, and inclusive. When others witness her art, she hopes that it provokes positive change. She believes that the most impactful component about art making is that it can be shared amongst others, both through the product and the process. 

“I am very thankful to Forward Madison for providing a platform for underrepresented artists in the community to be able to share their stories and to create space for so many diverse cultures and diasporas to be spotlighted,” said Doby. “This has been yet another amazing opportunity in my artist career to show my children, future generations, and others who look like me; that their dreams aren’t as unreachable as they may seem.”

In honor of Juneteenth, Brooklyn chose to create a design that captures the essence of family, culture, strength, and ancestral roots. Her intentional use of the colors red, green, black and yellow symbolize the blood shed of those who fought for the liberation of Black people and the prosperity of Africa. Her imagery showcases music, food, and gathering to represent unity and freedom, and to highlight the celebration of past, present, and future. 

The 2025 Juneteenth Pre-Match Top will be worn by the players before the match on June 18th as Forward Madison FC celebrates Juneteenth. Team-issued tops will be sold starting at halftime during the match and will be signed by the respective players with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Progress Center for Black Women. 

The Juneteenth Top is available for purchase now online or in the Flamboyance Team Store starting Wednesday, June 18th, at the FMFC Juneteenth Celebration Match at 7pm CT. Starting at $28, fans can purchase a ticket to the match and scarf, designed in collaboration with Featherstone Flamingos, with the Juneteenth Celebration Pack. $5 from each pack sold will be donated to Progress Center for Black Women. 

About the Progress Center for Black Women: The Progress Center for Black Women is the legacy Founder Sabrina Madison wants to build for the greater Dane County area. It brings all her work under one roof, quite literally, and represents a long-term commitment toward the progress of Black women and families.The Center opened its first home in Fitchburg in fall 2018 after meeting an ambitious fundraising goal. From annual photos with Santa to coaching Black women to accomplish their career and entrepreneurial goals, we were able to create unique programming for Black women and their families.

About Forward Madison FC: Forward Madison FC is a charter member of USL League One, launched in the Spring of 2019. The Flamingos were a USL League One playoff team in 2019, 2023, 2024, and have made an international name for themselves with a fun-loving, flamboyant brand. More information and registration for the team’s weekly newsletter is available at www.forwardmadisonfc.com. Follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

Cousins Subs Offering 15% Off First Order at the New Park & Regent Location!

In celebration of the new Cousins Subs location at 1 N Park Street in Madison, customers can enjoy 15% off their online order through July 31, 2025. Use code PARK for 15% off any online order at cousinssubs.com or the Cousins Subs app. Must be a registered user to take advantage of this deal.

The new Cousins Subs location at 1 N Park Street opened on June 9th, 2025. Located at the Park & Regent intersection near the UW-Madison campus, this store features seating for 36 guests and showcases Cousins Subs’ signature ‘Milwaukee Sub Shop’ decor. Natural wood, stone, and metal finishes reflect the brand’s philosophy, rich history, and Wisconsin roots. Large windows create a bright and welcoming atmosphere, and digital menu boards enhance the guest experience.

Guests can enjoy the brand’s full menu of deli fresh and grilled-to-order subs and sides for dine-in, pick-up and delivery. Catering is available for any occasion, with orders accepted online or by phone. Members of Cousins Club®, the brand’s loyalty program, earn one point for every $1 spent both online and in-store.

To accommodate student schedules and event traffic, the store will operate with rotating seasonal hours. From June through August, it will be open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until midnight. From September through May, hours shift to Sunday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday until midnight. The restaurant will also open earlier and/or stay open later for major events and game days.

Community Shares of Wisconsin Recruiting New Member Nonprofits

Local nonprofits can apply to join the nonprofit federation focused on social and environmental justice at a time when these values are threatened.

Madison, WI – At a time when many organizations are shying away from diversity, equity, inclusion, sustainability, LGBTQ+ rights and other social justice issues, Community Shares of Wisconsin and its nearly 70 member nonprofits are proudly championing these causes and continuing to do what is right. Community Shares of Wisconsin is in the process of expansion and is recruiting local nonprofits that value these causes and want to join a community of like-minded organizations.

Community Shares of Wisconsin is a vibrant collaborative community of nonprofit organizations that addresses social, economic and environmental problems through grassroots activities, advocacy, research and public education.

The member nonprofits of Community Shares of Wisconsin receive access to fundraising opportunities, capacity building, networking and collaboration opportunities with like-minded organizations. Community Shares of Wisconsin last opened membership to members in 2018 and plans to add 10 to 15 new members in 2025.

Community Share of Wisconsin is cooperatively run, and every member nonprofit has a seat on the board and a voice in how the organization is operated. Member nonprofits are part of a community where organizations support each other, gain a broader perspective on change, and are part of something bigger while working toward the common good.

Member nonprofits of Community Shares of Wisconsin receive access to exclusive fundraising opportunities including The Big Share® (which has raised over $5.7 million since 2015), the Community CHIP® program at Willy Street Co-op, the Community Round Up program at Capitol Centre Market, an extensive workplace giving campaign, an online giving portal that nonprofits can use on their website and a “share” of excess funds raised by Community Shares of Wisconsin each year. Member nonprofits receive 100% of the funds designated to them and the funds can always be used as the nonprofits see fit.

Community Shares member nonprofits also receive access to exclusive marketing opportunities including the Backyard Heroes program that highlights member volunteers, the annual Community Change-Maker Awards that honors local leaders and organizations, print and digital advertising, and the ability to list organization news and events on Community Shares social media and in bi-weekly e-newsletters.

A third major benefit that Community Shares of Wisconsin provides to member nonprofits is training, capacity building and access to a shared retirement plan. Member nonprofits receive training in marketing, operations, management, member recruitment and more to help build fundraising capacity and expand each member nonprofit’s reach. Community Shares of Wisconsin also provides access to 401(k) plans for all qualifying member nonprofits.

Nonprofits that are interested in joining Community Shares of Wisconsin must have a demonstrated base of support, be financially sound, have offices in Wisconsin and have a clearly and publicly stated commitment to racial and social justice. Community Shares of Wisconsin relies on active and informed members who must commit to participating in the organization’s board and committees.

For full membership requirements visit: https://www.communityshares.com/for-groups-in-the-application-process/

Interested nonprofits should fill out this interest form. The interest form only has a few questions and spells out Community Shares of Wisconsin’s membership requirements and expectations including racial justice goals and commitments. The deadline for filling out the interest form is Friday, July 18 at 4 pm.

Nonprofits are invited to attend one of two virtual information sessions to learn more about applying for membership at CSW:

June 25 at 10am on Microsoft Teams

July 16 at 10am on Microsoft Teams

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Since 1971, Community Shares of Wisconsin and its member nonprofits have worked together to advance social justice and protect the environment in Wisconsin. Together they envision a future where people come together to ensure every member of our community is safe, healthy, and able to thrive.

Community Shares of Wisconsin acknowledges that racism and other forms of oppression, like ableism, classism, and transphobia, are systemic and result in socio-economic disparities. We prioritize identifying and changing policies and practices that perpetuate inequality and harm. Our goal is to address the root causes of these issues to begin the work of creating impactful and material change in our community.

A Wisconsin First: GHC-SCW Teams Up with Donate Life America to Offer Organ Donor Registration in GHCMyChart

MADISON, WISCONSIN, June 10, 2025 — One click could save a life. Group Health Cooperative of South
Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) is helping save and heal lives by being the first health care organization in
the state to offer organ donation registration directly within its patient portal, GHCMyChartSM. This new
feature, launching this month, makes it easier than ever for members to register as organ donors – a
decision that could save lives.

“Organ donation is one of the most profound acts of generosity a person can do to make a lasting
impact,” said Dr. Sally Frings, Chief Nursing Officer at GHC-SCW. “We are proud to lead the way in
Wisconsin by embedding this life-saving choice into a tool our members already use and trust.”

The feature was developed in collaboration with Donate Life America and Epic, GHC-SCW’s electronic
health record provider. It allows members to securely register with the National Donate Life Registry
while managing their health online and reflects a shared commitment to removing barriers to life-saving
decisions.

When members or patients log into GHCMyChartSM, they will see a prompt to opt in to organ donation,
eliminating the need to visit a separate website or wait in line at the DMV. Those who register and later
change their minds can easily update their donor status at any time through the linked registry site in
their settings.

“By integrating the donor registration opportunity directly into GHCMyChart, we are reaching people
where they already manage their health—creating a seamless, trusted pathway for lifesaving generosity.
Together, we are empowering millions to make a difference and help save and heal lives,” said David
Fleming, President & CEO, Donate Life America.

“This tool is about accessibility and empowerment,” said Dr. Chris Kastman, Chief Medical Officer at
GHC-SCW. “We’re helping patients align their health care values with their medical records in a way
that’s simple, secure and meaningful.”

According to Donate Life Wisconsin, more than 1,400 people in Wisconsin are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, and a new name is added to the national transplant waiting list every eight
minutes. Yet, despite broad support for organ donation, many eligible donors never register due to lack
of access or awareness. By integrating donor registration into the electronic medical record, GHC-SCW
and Epic aim to remove barriers and encourage more Wisconsinites to make informed and impactful
choices.

“We’re proud to support GHC-SCW in making organ donor registration simpler and more accessible,”
said Seth Howard, EVP of Research and Development at Epic. “This makes it easier for patients who
choose to become donors to take that step—one that could one day save a life.”
For more information about GHC-SCW or to log into GHCMyChartSM, visit www.ghcscw.com.

About GHC-SCW
Proudly serving over 70,000 members, Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW)
is Wisconsin’s first, and Dane County’s only, member-owned, nonprofit health care cooperative, ensuring
patients and members are at the top of the leadership chart, giving them a voice in their health care.
Services extend across greater Dane County and select areas in South Central Wisconsin, offering
insurance coverage and clinical care. Celebrating nearly 50 years, GHC-SCW is the first health plan in
Wisconsin to offer patients a money-back guarantee if they are dissatisfied with their experience at a
GHC-SCW clinic. GHC-SCW is perennially a national leader in quality. In 2024, GHC-SCW achieved a 4.5
out of 5 rating among private commercial plans according to the National Committee for Quality
Assurance (NCQA) report cards.

About NCQA
National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to
improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations and
recognizes clinicians in key clinical areas. NCQA’s HEDIS® is the most widely used performance
measurement tool in health care. NCQA’s Web site (ncqa.org) contains information to help consumers,
employers and others make more informed health care choices.

About Donate Life America
Donate Life America (DLA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization educating, inspiring and activating the
public to say yes to registering their decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor.

Carnelian Art Gallery Announces Four New Solo Shows

MADISON, WI – Carnelian Art Gallery, located at 221 King St., Suite 102, in downtown Madison, is pleased to announce its third art exhibition of the year, which is a collection of four solo shows.

“Synchronized Burn” by Madison artist Maria Schirmer is all about finding togetherness amidst chaos. “Expressions of Home” by Madison artist Mark Soderling tells stories about belonging. “Found Forms” by New Mexico artist Camille Davis celebrates her connection to nature. “Trial and Error” by Madison artist Dylan Waddell explores the value of taking risks and experimentation with collaging.

This collection of shows opens on Thursday, July 3, with a reception to officially kick it off set for Friday, July 11, starting at 5 p.m. The exhibition will last until the end of August.

For the first time, Carnelian Art Gallery has partnered with cocktail bar, Oz by Oz, 113 King St., to offer the first 25 visitors to the reception a ticket for a free drink at Oz by Oz. Light refreshments will otherwise be served, and as always, admission is free.

At 6 p.m. on the night of the reception, Schirmer is set to deliver a half-hour artist talk regarding her solo show, which includes an interactive piece titled “Murmuring.”

The work is a representation of how large flocks of birds, specifically starlings, create and coordinated almost hypnotizing aerial formations as they fly together in the sky.

This behavior, scientists say, is meant to prevent predators from singling out and attacking a specific bird. Reception visitors will be able to interact with “Murmuring” starting at 6:30 p.m. by designing their own bird-shaped plastic mirror and affixing it to a large batik 8’ by 8’ canvas — becoming part of the larger flock of birds.

Schirmer will also invite reception visitors to reflect on their own contributions to their community, as well as how we might synchronize our actions at a time when many societal structures are “burning,” she said.

“Before colonization, fire was used strategically by indigenous land stewards to support thriving ecosystems,” said Schirmer. “If we take this concept and apply it metaphorically to the political and economic landscape of 2025, What do we want to see burn? And what do we hope grows in its place? How can we synchronize our actions like a flock of murmuring birds?”

“It’s been a fun experience to work with Schmirer to put this artist talk together,” said Emilie Heidemann, Carnelian Art Gallery marketing director. “I can’t imagine a more timely theme.”

About each artist

Davis grew up in the mountains of Wyoming, and has painted natural ephemera for decades. Her recent work celebrates the desert and her connection to it. The earthy tones, pops of vibrant color and layered texture offers dynamic harmony. As a nature-based artist, Davis is interested in the rhythm of the land- light and shadow, line and form, pattern and color. Davis attempts to capture the natural cadence, flow, and life of the desert through movement, and emotional tone. She currently resides in southwestern New Mexico.

Soderling was born in Madison, Wisconsin. He attended University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where he earned undergraduate degrees in art and biology. Soderling then moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where he attended the Maryland Institute College of Art. Those three years in Baltimore really cemented his interest in art and his need to be a painter. New Hampshire would be Soderling’s subsequent home for five years where he received his graduate degree from the University of New Hampshire. During graduate school, Soderling traveled to Italy to explore his passion for painting outside. He continued painting outdoors when he returned to New Hampshire, re-creating scenes of water bodies and mountains, among other things. Now, and for the past 10 years, Soderling has been painting in and around Madison. The Capitol, lakes, ponds, bridges and streets are all part of his visual language. This visual language is backed up by mark making, color, composition and light. The formal elements are stressed in his painting to give the viewer a feeling of place and season.

Schirmer is a social practice artist based in Madison, Wisconsin. Her work, grounded in printmaking, letter press and book arts, embodies collaborative, participatory creative processes, and is driven by a deep-seated belief in the power of storytelling, collective imagination and the possibility of healing. Schmirer works predominantly with youth in the court system and uses art as a medium for dialogue; witnessing grief in tandem with a yearning for a world of possibility, connection and change. She earned her graduate degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee specializing in trauma-informed care and will be attending the University of Alabama in the fall to earn a graduate degree in book arts. 

Waddell grew up in Columbus, Wisconsin. He now lives and works in Madison as a collage artist. He did not start taking his art practice seriously until after college, and works on the same easel he bought at a Goodwill 17 years ago. When not making art, Waddell enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, Elizabeth, and their two dogs.

“Carnelian Art Gallery is proud to work with a pool of such talented artists for this summer show,” said Evan Bradbury, Carnelian Art Gallery head curator. “We are also excited to have partnered with Oz by Oz, a staple cocktail bar on King Street. We hope you stop by our gallery to not only view this incredible collection of exhibitions, but to experience the eclectic culture King Street has to offer.”