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Wisconsin Union: Winter Carnival, a winter recreation event series, returns Feb. 6-11 for 83rd year with more than a dozen brand-new events
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 14, 2022
Contact Information:
Shauna Breneman, Communications Director
Email: sbreneman@wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 262-8862
READ RELEASE ONLINE: union.wisc.edu/about/news/winter-carnival-2023
Winter Carnival, a winter recreation event series, returns Feb. 6-11 for 83rd year with more than a dozen brand-new events
MADISON – From themed ice skating to maple taffy making, the Wisconsin Union’s free wintertime revelry series the Winter Carnival returns for an 83rd year to Madison, Wis., Feb. 6-11, 2023. The series includes more than a dozen new events and the continuing of traditions, such as placing a to-scale, inflatable replica of the Statue of Liberty’s head, arm, and torch on frozen Lake Mendota Feb. 10-11, 2023.
Winter Carnival features a blizzard of indoor and outdoor wintertime activities, including arts and crafts, outdoor recreation, film showings, food-making, and more presented by departments and clubs at the Wisconsin Union, with additional programming by community partners.
The Wisconsin Union’s departments and clubs present the following Winter Carnival events:
- Feb. 6-10
- Feb. 6
- Feb. 7
- Feb. 8
- Feb. 9-11
- To be announced film showings, presented by the WUD Film Committee
- Feb. 9
- Feb. 10-11
- Inflatable, to-scale Lady Liberty head, arm, and torch on Lake Mendota
- New: Mary B Ice Boat Foundation and the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club ice boat collection exhibition, featuring two of the most decorated ice boats of all time
- Feb. 10
- Feb. 11
- Freestyle ski and snowboard competition Rail Jam, presented by the Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club
- New: surprise to be announced event
- Secret Agent scavenger hunt with Adventure Learning Programs
- Valentine’s Day wood or collage heart-making with Wheelhouse Studios
- To be announced film showings, presented by the WUD Film Committee
- To be announced live concert, presented by the WUD Music Committee
- New: donation drive for Road Home Dane County to help end family homelessness with the WUD Alternative Breaks Committee
Additional programming is presented by area partners University Recreation & Wellbeing (Rec Well) and the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA), including the following:
- Feb. 6
- Feb. 7
- Feb. 9
- Feb. 10-11
- Feb. 11
“Winter Carnival brings together traditions and the unexpected, as evident by the list of events that includes – to name a few activities – petting ponies, maple taffy-making and ice skating,” Outdoor UW Director Dave Elsmo said. “Winter Carnival is a quintessential Madison experience unlike any other and a great, fun reason to venture out from home this winter.”
The Wisconsin Union has served as Winter Carnival’s headquarters since 1940. Since then, student leaders and staff at the Union have created an annual events lineup that provides community members and visitors with reasons to celebrate the chilly winter season. Many events nod to the Carnival’s long history and campus traditions.
For instance, the tradition of bringing the Statue of Liberty to Lake Mendota began with a prank in 1979 by the Pail and Shovel Party, which was led by UW–Madison alumni Leon Varjian and Jim Mallon ’79. Varjian and Mallon made a campaign promise that, if elected to the Wisconsin Student Association, they would bring the Statue of Liberty to Madison. The Pail and Shovel Party stayed true to their Lady Liberty promise by erecting a Styrofoam Lady Liberty head, arm and torch on Lake Mendota on Feb. 22, 1979.
While attending some Winter Carnival events, patrons can enjoy the Wisconsin Union’s many on-site dining options at its building Memorial Union, including at iconic pub fare destination, der Rathskeller. Purchases at Memorial Union and Union South as well as donations to the Union help support low-cost and free events, such as the Carnival, and Wisconsin Union student leadership opportunities.
The event lineup is subject to change, including due to weather conditions. The Wisconsin Union team encourages guests to visit union.wisc.edu/wintercarnival for the most up-to-date lineup and event updates.
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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.
Photo by Richard Hurd
Wisconsin LGBT Chamber’s Business Leadership Academy
The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber is proud to be accepting applications for the fifth year of the Business Leadership Academy.
This interactive, ten-month experience develops and strengthens the skills of existing and emerging LGBTQ and allied leaders in the workplace by providing quality and transformative programming. Today’s business environment – for non-profits, small businesses and corporations — requires leadership skills like effective communication, adaptability, collaboration and the ability to motivate.
What will be learned through the Business Leadership Academy?
Participating in the Business Leadership Academy will increase your awareness of your own unique leadership and teamwork skills.
Each of the sessions will be facilitated by industry experts, certified trainers, and other business leaders from the community. Through the Business Leadership Academy, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to:
- Discover their leadership style and core values
- Work with and effectively manage other individuals
- Advocate for change in your workplace
- Engage a team for success and inspire others to action
- Understand and apply business finances to their work
- Care for yourself and prevent burnout
- Make a difference in your community through leadership opportunities
- Broaden their perspectives and engage in healthy debate and discussion
Through the program, you’ll be connected to an exceptional network of cross-sector civic, business and community leaders and form long-lasting and impactful professional relationships that will aid in your leadership development.
At the beginning of the program, each participant will take an Insights Discovery assessment to learn more about their personal and professional leadership style to build a framework of success as leaders in the workplace. Sessions will also feature a number of readings and case studies for group discussion so that participants can apply the learnings to real-world situations.
Benefits of Completing the Business Leadership Academy
At the conclusion of the Business Leadership Academy, all those that complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion, public recognition by the Chamber as a program graduate, and the ability to list the program on your resume.
Graduates also be eligible for participation in the Business Leadership Academy’s Alumni Network which will connect you with previous program graduates for continued learning, professional development, and networking.
Program Schedule and Time Commitment
The 2023 Business Leadership Academy will meet in-person in Milwaukee once a month from February to November on the second Tuesday of each month from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. There will be a total of 10 sessions for the program. We do ask that all attendees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and we will continue to follow CDC guidance on mask usage.
While all sessions will take place in-person, we recognize that not everyone may be able to travel to Milwaukee for these meetings. While we would prefer attendees to be in-person, we will be providing a hybrid option for those that need to join sessions via Zoom.
Attendance Requirements
Successful completion of the program requires a minimum attendance at 80% of the sessions (minimum of 8 of 10 sessions) and being an active participant in the work of the program.
Attendance requirements reflect the commitment necessary to receive a meaningful experience from investment in the Business Leadership Academy. Participants and their employers must be willing to commit the necessary time to fully participate in the program. If issues do arise during the Program year, we encourage you to reach out for a conversation with our Program Director.
Eligibility
Any Chamber member is eligible to apply to participate in the year-long Business Leadership Academy. Ideal participants are those who have:
- An interest in growing their leadership skills.
- A desire to advance in their career.
- A strong interest in influencing change and having a positive impact on their community.
- A desire to develop new professional relationships.
- A minimum of 5 years of work experience.
- A willingness to commit to attending all Academy sessions during the course of the year and being an active participant in discussions and activities.
Application Process and Timeline
Applicants for the program will be required to submit an online application on the Chamber’s website, which includes submitting a resume and providing short answers to a few questions. Applications will be reviewed by a committee made up of Chamber members supporting the program.
Here is a schedule of the application process:
- December 1, 2022: Application process opens.
- January 13, 2023: Application submission deadline (5:00 p.m.)
- January 21, 2023: Applicants notified of acceptance decision
- February 7, 2023: Tuition Payment Due
- February 14, 2023: First Session of Business Leadership Academy in Milwaukee (3:00 to 7:00 p.m.)
After that the Business Leadership Academy will continue to meet on the second Tuesday of each month from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Tuition
The cost for each participant in the program is $1,500.
This fee includes the registration fee for all sessions, the Insights Discovery assessment, as well as additional leadership and program materials.
Employers are eligible to sponsor employees to participate in the program. In addition, a limited number of scholarships are available, as well as various payment plans if needed.
Further Information
If you have additional questions on the program, please contact Phillip Bailey, Program Director, at phillip@wislgbtchamber.com.
Photo by Richard Hurd
Happy Holidays from Community Living Connections!
We are fortunate to have much to celebrate this holiday season. Most importantly, the communities we are part of. We are proud to serve people in Madison, Stoughton, Beaver Dam, Fond du Lac, and Platteville. These communities are what make us great. Each person brings a special gift to share, be it their individuality, knowledge, or experiences. Together we help each other to be stronger, more dynamic and inclusive communities.
People we support share with us their goals and dreams for their life. Whether that is within their home or the neighborhood in which they live. CLC’s mission is to support individuals to live their best life in their own home and in their community. Key to living your best life is building meaningful relationships, and accessing and contributing to your community.
The support people receive from CLC direct care staff not only ensures access to basic amenities like healthy food and a clean home; supports are geared toward outcomes that build a happy, fulfilling life. CLC employees genuinely care about the people we support, want them to thrive within their community, and achieve their ambitions! CLC is honored to be chosen to support your adult friends and family members to live their best life.
Support the CLC mission! Here are a few ways you can help us support people to build meaningful relationships in their community.
| Write a “Thank You” note! | Words of appreciation and encouragement go a long way at CLC. Send letters of appreciation for Supported Living Staff, so they know how valued they are! |
| Make a donation | Please consider making a donation of $300. Your gift can go to CLC’s greatest need, or it can be reserved for staff Appreciation. Gifts of all sizes are highly valued! |
Photo by Richard Hurd
Dane Buy Local’s Holiday Shopping Season Kick-Off
Contact: Colin Murray, Executive Director, Dane Buy Local
(608) 729-7342/office • (608) 712-3440/cell • colin@danebuylocal.com • danebuylocal.com
Dane Buy Local’s Holiday Shopping Season Kick-Off
228 East Main St., Downtown Sun Prairie, WI 53590
Monday, November 21 at 11:30 a.m.
Madison, WI – Dane Buy Local Executive Director Colin Murray, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi, and Bank of Sun Prairie Senior Vice President Retail John Loeffler join other local business leaders to commemorate Dane Buy Local’s 13th Shop Indie Local campaign. The event highlights Dane Buy Local’s 600 members and the importance of supporting local businesses throughout the holiday season.
“Bank of Sun Prairie is proud to be a presenting sponsor for Shop Indie Local for the third 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 our 125th anniversary, we are thrilled to do our part is supporting this initiative at such an important time of year.”
“Our small businesses are unique and help define Dane County’s culture,” said County Executive Joe Parisi. “By participating in Small Business Saturday and Shop Indie Local, Dane County residents do their part to keep our community vibrant and local economy healthy through the holiday season and beyond.”
Small Business Saturday focuses on local business. Has Small Business Saturday made a difference?
U.S. shoppers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday reported spending a record high total of an estimated $23.3 billion, up from $19.8 in 2020.
66% reported that the day makes them want to Shop Small all year long.
Online shopping at a small business on Small Business Saturday was up slightly, with 58% of shoppers reporting that they made a purchase online, compared to 56% in 2020 and 43% in 2019.
More shoppers were eager to support independent restaurants with 54% reporting they dined or ordered takeout from a small restaurant, bar, or café, up from 48% in 2020.
70% of respondents reported Small Business Saturday makes them want to encourage others to shop at small, independently owned retailers.
“Small Business Saturday is the perfect time to look for holiday gifts for loved ones or yourself while supporting local businesses,” says Colin Murray, Executive Director for Dane Buy Local. “When you spend your dollars at locally owned retail businesses rather than a chain store, more money returns to the local economy.”
According to Civic Economics, when you spend a dollar at an independent business, approximately 47 cents return to the local economy. When spent at a chain store, only 14 cents return. Spent at an online giant, only a few pennies return. The 47 cents also recirculate through the local economy, generating a ripple effect that strengthens jobs, charitable contributions, and community prosperity.
Shop Indie Local activites go through December, including The Passport Program (November 1-December 18), Plaid Friday (November 25), Small Business Saturday (November 26), Artist Sunday (November 27), Local Cyber Monday (November 28), and Giving Tuesday (November 29), Shopping Local (all year long).
For more information, contact Colin Murray at colin@danebuylocal.com or (608) 712-3440, or visit danebuylocal.com.
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Photo by Richard Hurd
Support Sustain Dane’s Year-End Giving Campaign
Support Sustain Dane through our 2022 Year-End Giving Campaign. With your help, we are making a powerful impact in the sustainability and climate movement.
Your support makes this possible. Sustain Dane’s work amplifies sustainable actions in the workplace, at home, in schools and throughout the community. Please consider donating to Sustain Dane today to accelerate equity and sustainable actions for community well-being.