MSCR Winter & Spring 2024 Program Guide

November 17, 2023                                                                                    

For Immediate Release

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

MSCR Winter & Spring 2024 Program Guide
Enjoy a variety of fun programs for all ages!

This winter, Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) has something fun for everyone and every age! Discover a variety of programs including arts & enrichment, fitness, 50+ fitness, outdoors, sports, swimming and more.

Find all the class options in the 68-page Winter & Spring 2024 Program Guide which is available at mscr.org and distributed to all Madison School District residents.

Most winter programs begin the week of January 8, 2024. Registration begins Monday, December 4 at 12 pm for residents and registration opens on Monday, December 18 at 12 pm for non-residents. Fee assistance is available for those residents who qualify.

“We are so excited to offer a variety of programs like fun fitness classes, family sports skills, and many arts and enrichment programs at our beautiful new facilities – MSCR Central and MSCR West,” describes Janet Dyer, MSCR Executive Director.

Winter Program Guide Highlights:

• Adult Arts & Enrichment – Try new classes like canvas art, astrology, acting, jewelry making or traditional favorites like painting, knitting and sewing.
• Youth Arts & Enrichment – Children can learn how to crochet, create a needle punch rug, knit, sew, twirl a baton, dance and much more.
• Fitness – Keep active with a variety of classes for all challenge levels at MSCR East, Center & West.
• Outdoors Pursuits – Explore and learn about nature in programs like orienteering, snowshoeing and winter survival skills.
• Sports – Winter Adult Volleyball Leagues registration is open, please go to mscrsportleagues.org New this year! Speedskating!

A Spanish edition of the program guide is available at mscr.org or please email rjstern@madison.k12.wi.us for assistance.

Register at mscr.org.  Please call 608-204-3000 for more information.

MSCR is a department of the Madison School district and offers many recreation programs for all ages at affordable prices.

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Dane Buy Local Kicks Off Holiday Shopping Season

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Paula Severson, Executive Director, Dane Buy Local. (608) 729-7342/office •
(608) 228-0838/cell • paula@danebuylocal.com • danebuylocal.com

Dane Buy Local Kicks Off Holiday Shopping Season

Madison, WI – Dane Buy Local Executive Director Paula Severson and Dane County Executive Joe Parisi will join other local business leaders for a press conference on Tuesday, November 21 at 11:00 a.m. at Oakstone Recreational, 304 Commerce Parkway in Cottage Grove. The event will highlight Dane Buy Local’s Holiday Passport campaign, Small Business Saturday, and the importance of sustaining local business for a vibrant, economically strong community.

“This holiday season, we encourage everyone to support our local businesses by participating in such events as Small Business Saturday and Shop Indie Local,” says Dane County Executive Joe Parisi. “Our small businesses help define Dane County’s culture, and everyone’s support keeps our community vibrant and local economy healthy.”

A 2022 local study done by Civic Economics showed that Dane County independent businesses recirculated 60.7% of revenue back into the local economy versus 30.4% from national chains. The study estimated that a market shift of 10% from chains to independents would retain an estimated $173 million in the local economy. 

“Imagine what a 10% shift means for our neighborhoods, schools, and more,” says Severson. “While the campaign is focused on shopping local for the holidays, we also want people to think about choosing local in all of their purchasing decisions. This will have a positive ripple effect in our local economy.”

Dane Buy Local’s Holiday Passport campaign includes over 180 Dane County business participants. When someone spends $10 or more at a local business, they email their receipt to Dane Buy Local to be entered into a drawing. Over 70 gift cards, valued at $25 each, will be given away through December 17, and the campaign is made possible by Bank of Sun Prairie.

“Bank of Sun Prairie is proud to be a presenting sponsor for the Dane Buy Local Holiday Passport and Shop Local Celebration for the fourth year,” says Chief Retail Officer John Loeffler. “We encourage you to support local, independent businesses. They’re the lifeblood of our communities. They support our local events, nonprofits, school fundraisers and provide services vital to our everyday life.” Loeffler continues, “As Bank of Sun Prairie, a locally owned, independent community bank, celebrates the holiday season with our customers and communities, we are thrilled to do our part supporting this vital campaign at such an important time of year.”

For more information, contact Paula Severson at paula@danebuylocal.com or (608) 228-0838, or visit danebuylocal.com.

Author, Philosopher Jason Stanley to Speak on Mechanics of Propaganda at Wisconsin Union Directorate Event Dec. 14

MADISON – Award-winning author Jason Stanley will speak at the Marquee Cinema in Union South Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. on the mechanics of propaganda as part of the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS) Committee’s free lecture lineup.

The event, titled “Shaping Minds, Unveiling Truths: Dr. Jason Stanley on the Mechanics of Propaganda,” will feature a 60-minute facilitated Q&A followed by a 30-minute audience Q&A. No tickets are necessary – admission is free and open to the public, with live captioning and American Sign Language interpreters provided. 

Described by historian Heather Ann Thompson as “one of this nation’s most important philosophers,” Stanley is an expert academic on topics including authoritarianism, propaganda, free speech and mass incarceration. The descendant of Holocaust survivors, Stanley is motivated by his family members’ experience to study and unpack injustice in its many forms. 

Winner of the 2016 PROSE award in philosophy from the Association of American Publishers, Stanley’s 2015 book “How Propaganda Works” argues propaganda’s necessity, its mechanisms and its importance for liberal democracies around the world.

“Understanding what propaganda is and the mechanism that makes it effective is an essential task for understanding political reality,” Stanley said in his introduction to “How Propaganda Works.”

Stanley’s additional works include “Knowledge and Practical Interests,” “Language in Context,” “Know How” and “How Fascism Works.” He also co-authored the newly published “The Politics of Language.”

The WUD DLS Committee brings engaging and influential people to the UW–Madison campus to encourage thought-provoking conversations. WUD includes 12 committees and six Wisconsin Hoofers clubs that program thousands of events each year.

Patrons can learn more about the upcoming free talk featuring Jason Stanley here. 

Celebrate the Holiday Season with JNJ Gifts and More

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Black Men Coalition: Join Us in Revitalizing Lives

REVITALIZE 1st Annual Black Tie Fundraiser: We are thrilled to announce our first-ever Black Tie Fundraiser, an event dedicated to raising funds for our BMC Supportive Employment Housing Capital Campaign. This event also serves as a platform to share BMC’s progress on programming and unveil exciting new projects.

We believe this event aligns with the values of our vibrant community and would greatly appreciate your support in spreading the word.

Purchase Tickets Here

About Black Men Coalition: The Black Men Coalition is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for Black men in Dane County. Through community involvement, mentorship, education, and employment skills development, we aim to create a sense of belonging crucial to social and emotional development.

Our Mission: Our focus is on creating positive outcomes for young Black men by opening doors to various opportunities and promoting positive representation in the community. Members and volunteers contribute resources that enable us to affect change, and our overarching goal is to provide the necessary resources and solutions to influence positive change in the lives of those we serve.

The Challenge: Nationwide, including in our community, there is a growing issue of shortages in skilled workforce and affordable housing. BMC recognizes that the path to achieving our goals is not always linear. Our unique approach involves building a vertically integrated program that adapts to real-life circumstances and has a strong community support system. Addressing basic needs such as income, housing, and transportation lays the foundation for achieving self-sufficiency. BMC’s distinctive approach is to not only address the symptoms, but also to tackle the root cause by supporting the whole person.

Make a Difference- Donate Here