An extra thanks to April Swe who helps make this weekly update a possibility each week.

November 26 - December 1

The weather-- Rainy and really warm through Wednesday followed by really cold (20s for a high) and a small chance for snow by the weekend.  

Note: Ooops! My update for this week is a couple days late.  I got a bit obsessed with putting up the Christmas lights in the front yard (I think I have about 16,000 lights this year).  It's so easy for me to get carried away with things like that!

Be sure to check out the Christmas tree farm section for a list of nearby Christmas tree farms and events that they have in addition to finding your tree!

Holiday Tree Lighting at the State Capitol
Wisconsin State Capitol Rotunda
Friday, December 1, 2006 12:00 PM

KEVA Youth Open Play
KEVA Sports Center, 8312 Forsythia St. Middleton, 608-662-7529
Mondays and Thursdays Only - 9:30 - 1:00
$4/child, $6/2children, $8/family
http://www.kevasports.com/ 

CTM Madison Family Theatre's "A Christmas Carol"
Capitol Theatre, Overture Center 501 State St Madison, WI 53703 $32/$24. 258-4141
http://www.madisonfamilytheatre.org 

Friday, December 1st, 7:30pm
Saturday, December 2nd, 2:00pm and 7:30pm
Sunday, December 3rd, 2:00pm
Thursday, December 7th, 7:30pm
Friday, December 8th, 7:30pm
Saturday, December 9th, 2:00pm and 7:30pm
Sunday, December 10th, 2:00pm

A Christmas Carol is CTM, Madison Family Theatre's signature piece. This will mark the 31st year of presenting it to Madison audiences. It is a timeless tale that never fails to illuminate the core values of forgiveness, redemption, and the joy of embracing the child within us all. It's a feel-good story that captures the very essence of our lives. It's magical, it's simple and it's uplifting.

This year, the production will reflect a traditional, classical aesthetic by using the Romulus Linney adaptation. It will be kept in period (1840's London) and, although it includes many carols, it is not a musical. What makes this script special is its emphasis on the child within Scrooge and the turning points in his youth.

One of the strengths of Linney's script is the inclusion of scenes from Scrooge's childhood and the focus on Scrooge's rediscovery of the boy within himself. We get to see the turning points in Scrooge's young life which reflect a universal experience of our own journey in life. The connection between Tiny Tim and Scrooge is also a well developed storypoint in this script. You will love the image of the old man and the child, at opposite ends of the life span, coming together as one.

Family Workshop
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art 211 State St. , Madison
Friday, December 1, 6:00pm - 8:00pm 
http://www.mmoca.org 
Explore line and geometric form to create your own minimalist masterpiece inspired by Sol LeWitt. Adults and kids ages 8 and up are welcome at this workshop led by artist and educator Anette Hansen. All supplies are provided. Participants may drop in any time during the two-hour program. Classroom.

First Fridays at MMoCA -- Snow Globe
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art 211 State St. , Madison Phone 608-257-0158
Friday, December 1, 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
http://www.mmoca.org 
Ever wonder what a snow globe looks like from the inside? Catch a glimpse of the downtown holiday scene from inside MMoCA’s glass staircase while listening to the classic jazz sounds of the Michael Hanson Jazz Group. Travel upstairs for a Gallery Talk about "LeWitt x 2" in the main galleries or downstairs to the classroom for a family minimalist workshop. Free admission for MMoCA members and anyone dressed in plaid.

Verona Hometown Holiday Days
Downtown Verona
Friday, December 1, 6:00 pm - 10:00pm
http://www.veronawi.com 
Verona will kick off its Hometown Holidays with Santa arriving on a fire engine at Central Park for the lighting of Verona’s holiday tree at 6:25 pm. Events on Friday include a Chili Supper at 6:30 pm at the Verona Area Senior Center with various activities for the family, including face painting and a chance to sit on Santa’s lap, as well as "Late Night Knitting" at the Sow's Ear.
Saturday, December 2, events include Breakfast with Santa from 8:30-11:00 am at the Independent Bank of Verona and a movie and children's activities from noon-2:00 pm at New Century School. Activities occurring between the hours of 10 am and 3:00 pm will be a Holiday Shuttle Bus (sponsored by State Bank of Cross Plains) with elves to and from select business locations in Verona, gift wrapping at the Verona Area Chamber of Commerce office (205 South Main Street), face painting at Hometown Pharmacy and caroling. There will be gift baskets, special offers and drawings available at participating Verona businesses!

Sunday, December 3, from 2-4 pm there will be a performance by Rhapsody Arts Center at the Verona Area High School benefiting the Verona Area Food Pantry. Events will also feature an art display and vendor booths from local businesses. All events subject to change.

Playthings of Hilldale Presents: The Nano Nerds!
Hilldale Mall - University Avenue and Midvale Boulevard
Saturday, December 2, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
http://www.hilldale.com/special.html 
Come see the "Nano Nerds," 4th thru 6th graders from Spring Harbor, Jefferson, and John Muir schools in Madison, as they demonstrate their prize winning robot built from a Lego Mindstorms set. The project won 1st place prize in the First Lego League regional competition. The team will demonstrate the robot, programming, and research project they are taking to the state competition.www.firstlegoleague.org

First Lego League is an international program for children ages 9-14 that combines a hands-on, interactive robotics program with a sports-like atmosphere. For more information contact Playthings at 233-1334.

Cambridge Country Christmas
Downtown Cambridge
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, December 1, 2, & 3
http://www.cambridgewi.com/schedule%20events.htm 

Friday, December 1
Tree Lighting & Santa in Village Park@ 6pm
with Mr & Mrs Claus, High School Choir & Cider & Cookies with the Boy Scouts.
Elf Shelf at Admundson Center
with treats & entertainment for kids after tree lighting.

Dickens Dinner follows at Mill Street Pub @ 7pm
Bell Choir & Chorus, Dickens Program & Silent Auction.
call (608) 423-7700 or (608) 423-4498 for dinner reservations or details

Saturday December 2 and Sunday, December 3
Cambridge Country Christmas
contact The Chamber of Commerce (608) 423-3780
www.cambridgewi.com  or email: chamber@smallbytes.net 

Elf Shelf (Fri, Sat & Sun)
Moravian Church Cookie Walk at Admundson Center (Sat)
Live Nativity Scene (Sat & Sun)
Strolling Carolers (Sat & Sun)
Madrigal Singers (Sat & Sun)
Santa (Sat & Sun)
Photos with Santa (Sat & Sun)
Hot Chocolate with Santa
Salvation Army Bell Ringers (Sat & Sun)
Optimists Food Booth (Sat & Sun)
Singing Christmas Tree at Willerup Church (Sat)
Pet Photos with Santa (Sun)

Sunday, December 3, 7:00am to noon
Breakfast With Santa
Cambridge High School
presented by Cambridge Activities Program
in conjunction with
the Cambridge Fire Department & the Dane County Sheriff's Department

UW Women's Basketball
Kohl Center 601 W. Dayton St. , Madison
$7 adults, and $3 seniors and children, Call: 262-1440
see schedule below
http://www.uwbadgers.com/
http://www.uwbadgers.com/sport_news/wbb/headlines/story.html?sportid=135&storyid=9578
A great alternative to the Men's Basketball team.  The UW Women's Basketball events are a bit more kid friendly and easier to find seats.

vs. Southern Mississippi, 7 pm, 12/1
vs. Kansas, 1:30 pm, 12/3
vs. Univ. of Illinois-Chicago, 7 pm, 12/7

YMCA Events
East YMCA-Cottage Grove Rd. (221-1571), West YMCA-Medical Circle (276-6606) and Sun Prairie YMCA-South St. (837-8221)
http://www.ymcadanecounty.org 
Holiday Family Night - Friday December 1 • 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. East and West locations

Help feed the community. Bring a non-perishable food item to donate to our YMCA food drive. Join us for a family activity and have fun at Family Prime Time afterwards.
FREE with donation 

WinnAtwood Winter Festival
Friday, December 1, 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Special events & activities including music, art, caroling, kids' activities & storytelling at businesses along Winnebago Street & Atwood Avenue, 5-9 pm, 12/1, with shuttle bus running from First Street to Fair Oaks Avenue (park & rides at Chase Bank and KIPP, at Marquette/Atwood; cost is one non-perishable food donation). 249-9100

The newly-formed association of merchants on Madison’s east side – Winnebago Street and Atwood Avenue –the WinnAtwood Association, invites you to the first WinnAtwood Winter Festival. This is your opportunity to visit this diverse neighborhood and see all we have to offer – just in time for the holidays!. The event was proposed by Absolutely Art’s Manager, Meghan Blake-Horst. She said “I thought we as local businesses needed to do something to bring a sense of community to the business side of the neighborhood. We have so much to offer we needed a way to work together to get the word out. This neighborhood is famous for their summer festivals I thought it was time to give it a try in the winter.” Absolutely Art will have artist Carole Ann Parson’s opening reception that evening as well as partnering with Café Zoma to provide a holiday art/craft activity.

Between 5p-9p a shuttle bus will run continuously from Fair Oaks Avenue and First Street. There will be park & rides located at the Chase Bank (Shencks Corners) and Madison KIPP Cooperation (Marquette St. & Atwood). The shuttle will make scheduled stops on both sides of the street to ferry people between festival activities. Each business will host a special event, including live demonstrations, customer appreciation events, caroling, kids activities, story telling, live music and art openings. Each business will also have a door prize drawing (need not be present to win) for their business, and there will be a Grand Door Prize drawing put together by all participating businesses. Shuttle-riders are asked to make a non-perishable food donation. Martin Glass, Designs by the Bay and Atwood Community Center will also be drop sites for food donations. Food donations benefit the Atwood Food Pantry.

Madison Children's Museum 
100 State Street 
http://www.madisonchildrensmuseum.com

Here's the schedule of events at the Children's Museum this week.  

Barnes & Noble Activities
#1 East Towne Mall Madison, WI 53704 241-4695
West Towne Mall 7433 Mineral Point Road Madison, WI 53717 827-0809
http://storelocator.barnesandnoble.com/events.do

Nov 27, 2006 10:30 AM		Amy's Story Corner		Storytime		Toddlers (age 3 and under), Pre-school (ages 3-6)		Barnes & Noble Booksellers East Towne Mall East Towne Mall #1 East Towne Mall
Nov 28, 2006 10:30 AM		Various Themes		Storytime		Toddlers (age 3 and under), Pre-school (ages 3-6)		Barnes & Noble Booksellers Madison West Towne Mall 7433 Mineral Point Road
Nov 28, 2006 10:30 AM		Super Sarah Storytime		Storytime		Toddlers (age 3 and under), Pre-school (ages 3-6)		Barnes & Noble Booksellers East Towne Mall East Towne Mall #1 East Towne Mall

Dec 02, 2006 08:00 AM		Educator Shopping Event For PreK-12 Educators. Call store for details.		Other		Education		Barnes & Noble Booksellers East Towne Mall East Towne Mall #1 East Towne Mall
Dec 02, 2006 10:30 AM		Story Book Character Visits		Costume Character		Children's		Barnes & Noble Booksellers Madison West Towne Mall 7433 Mineral Point Road
Dec 02, 2006 10:30 AM		Super Saturday Imagination Storytime performed by The Five Amazing Tacos!		Storytime		Pre-school (ages 3-6), Beginning Readers (ages 5-8)		Barnes & Noble Booksellers East Towne Mall East Towne Mall #1 East Towne Mall

Madison Public Libraries
See below for dates, times, and locations
http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/calendar/calendar.html
Here is all of the fun stuff going on through the Madison Public Libraries for this week.

Christmas Tree Farms...

Hann's Christmas Farm
848 Tipperary Rd, Oregon,WI 53575 (608) 835-5464 
Open 9am to 5pm every day.
http://www.hannschristmasfarm.com/ 
Cut your own up to 8 feet.  Pre cut trees up to 20 feet.  Other activities include:

Mr. and Mrs. Claus - Bring your Camera to record a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus during the three weekends after Thanksgiving. Santa will be walking around checking who's been naughty and who's been nice!

Haystack - Climb to the top of Hann's giant haystack or journey through the tunnel.  If you take the wrong turn you may be at a dead end.

Photo Frame - Bring your camera to take a family picture in Hann's huge wreath!

Summer's Christmas Tree Farm
4610 Rocky Dell Road, Middleton, Wisconsin 53562-4310, (608) 831-4414
Open everyday from 8:00am-5:00pm
http://www.summerschristmastreefarm.com 
Not many extra activities, but it has been a nice place to cut trees.  No extra tall trees.

Miller's Christmas Trees
N3763 Otsego Rd., Rio, WI 53960 (920) 992-3221 or (608) 206-6239
Open Daily 9 am - 5pm November 24th - December 24th
http://www.treerex.com/ 
Ride the horse drawn wagon in search of the perfect tree. Then warm up in the new Gift Shop and enjoy a free cup of hot apple cider while the kids visit with Santa. Or just spend the day wandering the many trails through the woods and around the ponds.

Handmade balsam, fraser & flocked wreaths - 15", 24", 36", 48", 60", crosses & candy canes. Prices range from $10 - $55. Custom decorated wreaths also available.
10 varieties of trees: Fraser, Balsam, Douglas & Concolor Fir; Scotch, White & Red Pine; Blue, White & Serbian Spruce
Tree Prices: Red Pine - $2.50/foot; White & Scotch Pine - $3.50/foot; Spruce, Balsam, Fraser, Concolor - $5.00/foot
Cut-Your-Own or Pre-cut
Gift shop featuring local crafts and great last-minute stocking stuffers
Horse drawn wagon rides -11:00am-4pm weekends only: 11/25 & 26, 12/2 & 3, 12/9 & 10
Santa visits - weekends 10am-4pm
Free hot apple cider & candy canes

CA Pauls Christmas Tree Farm
5949 River Road Waunakee, WI 53597 (608) 849-4276 or (608) 849-5973
http://www.capaulschristmastreefarm.com/index.htm
In addition to cutting your own tree, come on out and visit with Alaskan Reindeer, Holly and Ivy.  Go to their website for a $3 off coupon.

Jensen Trees
7507 Valley View Road Verona, WI 53593
(608) 833-8385 or (608) 239-3722
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily, however "Harvest Your Own" closes at dusk (usually between 4:00 - 4:30 PM).
http://www.jensentrees.net/index.htm  
It does not appear that they have many extra activities for families, but it does look like they have a wide assortment of tree varieties and sizes.

The Tree Farm
8454 Highway 19 Cross Plains, WI 53528, (608) 798-2286
Cut your own Christmas Trees on December Weekends
Fri 1:30-4:30 Sat and Sun 9-4:30 weekends from Thanksgiving to Christmas
http://www.thetreefarm.org/index.html
No extra activities listed online.

Christmas Treeland
E10861 Terrytown Road Baraboo, WI 53913
Sunday - Friday 10am to 5:30 pm, Saturday 9 am to 5:30 pm, November 18 until December 20.
http://www.christmastreeland.com 
Premium quality fresh cut Balsam, Spruce, Scotch, Norway, White Pine, and Fraser Fir. Table tops to 14' tall. Buy direct from a grower.

Beautifully hand decorated balsam wreaths
Unique holiday gifts and crafts
Fragrant balsam roping
Tree cleaning and wrapping available
Hot apple cider
Free treats for kids
Credit Cards accepted

Choose and Cut Scotch and White Pine
Wagon Rides will also be available

Ongoing Activities...

Holiday Fantasy in Lights
Olin Park
November 15 - January 1
Drive-through display with animated light sculptures, dusk to dawn, 11/17/05-1/2/06, Olin-Turville Park. Donations appreciated upon exit.

Open Gyms at Madtown Twisters
7035 Old Sauk Road P.O. Box 620827 Madison (Corner of Old Sauk & Gammon)
http://www.madtowntwisters.com/Opengym-Fall.htm
This place rocks!  It's great for all age groups listed below.  They also have regularly scheduled gymnastics and dance classes during the week.  Some days I feel like we live there!

At-Home Dads
Happy Bambino 2045 Atwood Ave. 204-6147 [MAP]
Every Thursday, 9:30-10:45 am
http://www.HappyBambino.com
Come join a community of dads who have made the choice to stay at home with their child/children. The discussion will be led by the group, but topics may range from fatherhood and the novelty of being a stay-at-home-dad to topics completely unrelated to being a parent, like sports, music, and movies.  Snacks and drinks available for purchase or BYO.

New Mom's Group
Madison Birth Center 6720 Frank Lloyd Wright Ave., Suite 103Middleton  821-0123 [MAP]
Free drop-in group for mothers, babies & pregnant women
11 am-12:30 pm Thursdays
jody@madisonbirthcenter.com
Led by Jen Perfetti, MA, LPC and the Madison Birth Center midwives, this drop-in group is for mothers, babies and pregnant women. Each week a topic is discussed along with open discussion. Breastfeeding support is always available. You need not have given birth at the Madison Birth Center to attend.  When: Thursday mornings from 11 AM-12:30 PM  Cost: No charge

Storytimes Ages 2-6
University Book Store-Hilldale 702 N. Midvale Blvd. (in the Hilldale Mall) 238-8455 Madison  [MAP]
Fridays - 10:00am 238-8455
Story Time for Children
The University Book Store - Hilldale Shopping Center

Weekly Crafts at Michaels Craft Store
Michael's Craft Stores - locations
Every Saturday, 10:00am - Noon - $2
http://www.michaels.com/art/online/static?page=kids_events
10:00am-Noon $2

Latte Da Espresso Lounge Preschool Storytime
864 Jupiter Drive Madison, WI 222-8817 
Fridays, 10:00 am to 11:00 am
http://www.lattedaespresso.net/

Tuesdays at the Castle - Avol's Bookstore
315 W. Gorham St. 255-4730  [MAP]
ages 3-6, 11 am Tuesdays. 255-4730
Trudy Barash reads stories for children ages 3-6 years at Avol's Bookstore, (formerly Canterbury Booksellers).

Dan, Dan, the Story Man
Borders Books East 2173 Zeier Rd., Madison 240-0080
10:30 am Wednesdays
Call: 240-0080
Dan, Dan, the Story Man: stories, music and activities, Wednesdays at 10:30am

Story Time - Ages 5 & under
Fitchburg Community Center 5510 Lacy Rd. , Fitchburg
Thursdays, 10:00am 698-3098
Call: 698-3098 Email: kitbeyer@charter.net 
Books, songs and a craft for ages 5 & under. Plus, free play in a gym afterwards!

Preschool Crafts
Eager Free Library, Evansville 39 W. Main St. 608-882-2260
Tuesdays, 8:00am
This is a great way to ensure that your child is getting some great experiences with eye-hand coordination. Registration is not necessary for these craft programs.  Year Around Preschool Craft Time every Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Muddy Moose Espresso
449 W. Cottage Grove Rd in Cottage Grove (in the Piggly Wiggly Mall, next to the Post Office) 839-5900
YOU ARE INVITED to have fun, get creative, learn something new, and widen your horizons!

NOTE: You must register in advance for fee-based classes (limited space available). Free events are first come, first served.

MONDAY
AP PRESCHOOL PLAYGROUP - 2nd Monday each month, 9:30 - 11:00. An Attachment Parenting playgroup for preschoolers/older toddlers (28 mos and up). Younger siblings are welcome. Contact kristenok18@yahoo.com for more information.

PJ STORY TIME - 3rd Monday each month, 6:30 - 7:15 p.m. sponsored by the Friends of the Library with stories read by Interim Library Director, Lisa Selje, bring your teddy bear! Donations toward CG Library accepted.

TUESDAY
KID CRAFTS ~ TWO NEW TIMES! Every Tuesday, 9:30 - 10:15 AND 10:15 - 11:00 a.m., only $3 for supplies. Different craft project each week. Ages 2 and up. Room for 15 kids in each session.

PARENT-TO-PARENT SUPPORT GROUP ~ For parents of children on the Autism Spectrum, Fourth Tuesday each month, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. An informal gathering where parents get together to share experiences, ideas and information. For more info call Christine Pavelko at 608-839-8067 or e-mail jcpav@verizon.net. Free.

THURSDAY
STORY TIME, (Thursday mornings), 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Fun stories for toddlers and preschoolers led by a very fun and energetic mom - Lynn Cooper. Ages 2 and up. Free - but donations toward future CG Library accepted.

FRIDAY
COMING SOON - FRIDAY NIGHT STUDENT I.D. SPECIALS!!! Special menu, special discounts, special music - all for anyone with a student ID.
GAME NIGHT every Friday 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. Board games, puzzles, cards - hang out with family and friends for a fun time in our cozy cabin environment.

November 17 - November 24

The weather-- No rain, a few clouds, and highs in the 40s to 50 all week!  Sounds more like late October to me!

Note: MSCR Winter 2007 Program Guides will be inserted in the Sunday, Wisconsin State Journal (for Sunday subscribers only) on November 12 and mailed to all other MMSD residents the week of November 13-18.  Resident registration begins November 20, Non-resident registration begins December 4.

Clowns Without Borders
Wisconsin Youth & Family Center Gym
1201 McKenna Blvd., Madison , 53719
Admission by donation/love offering - whatever you can afford!
Friday, November 17 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
http://www.celebratingyouth.org 
Featuring a 1 hour presentation by Jamie Lachman McLaren, director of Clowns Without Borders' Project Njabulo (Zulu for "Joy") in South Africa. Traveling with a troupe of 3 other professional performers, Lachman, a Yale graduate and professional performer who was born in South Africa, has developed partnerships with orphanages, schools, and children's homes since 2004 to bring joyful performances and workshops to some of the world's neediest children and their caregivers in southern African countries. Lachman tells (and shows) what it's like to travel around southern Africa with 3 other clowns performing for thousands of children affected by the AIDS pandemic in school halls, football fields, township streets, churches, drop-in centers, hillsides, hospitals, and children’s homes. Performance, slide presentation, and Q&A are presented in 1-hour format.

The Funky Buckets, a group of youth from our Youth & Family Center are opening. There will be additional performance by African drummers, face painters, door prizes, and refreshments available.

Please join us if you can and support the important work of Clowns Without Borders - as well as the incredibly important issue of providing MUCH needed arts programming to kids on Madison's Southwest side.

Meet Clowns Without Borders
Mazomanie Movement Arts Center 2 Brodhead St., Mazomanie
Jamie McLaren Lachman discusses his experiences as a clown, performing for kids with AIDS, plus circus arts play day 3-5 pm. $10. 795-0014
Saturday, November 18 2:00pm
http://www.clownswithoutborders.org 
On Saturday, November 18 at 2:00 p.m., Jamie Lachman of Clowns Without Borders will be at the Mazomanie Community Building, performing, showing slides and talking about his work with children in Southern Africa through Project Njabulo ("Joy" in Zulu), many of whom have been orphaned by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Thereafter (3:00-5:00 p.m.), we'll have a "circus arts play day" at the Mazo Movement Arts Center and in the community building, where you'll get a chance to swing and hang on a low-flying trapeze, try your hand at juggling, hoola-hooping, rolla-bolla, and learn a bit of clowning. All ages and ability levels are welcome!

The suggested donation for this event is $10 per person ($20 per family), with all proceeds to benefit Clowns Without Borders.

Clowns Without Borders is an international humanitarian organization which offers laughter to relieve the suffering of all persons, especially children, who live in areas of crisis including refugee camps, conflict zones and territories in situations of emergency. You can learn more about their work at www.clownswithoutborders.org.

Jamie visited our region last February, and his stories of his work with some of the world's poorest children were truly inspiring. We can all use a little inspiration (and exercise!) in November, and Clowns Without Borders can certainly use the funds that Jamie will be raising during his visit to Wisconsin.

Michael Cooper's "Masked Marvels & Wondertales"
Capitol Theatre, Overture Center 501 State St Madison, WI 53703
Sunday, November 19, 2006 - 3:00 PM
One-man family show Cost: $16/$14 Call: 258-4141
http://www.overturecenter.com/0607/Performances/michaelcooper.htm
http://www.themaskedmarvel.com/ 
Michael Cooper is a poet of the stage- an eye-popping visual artist and virtuoso whose exquisite performances have dazzled audiences for thirty years. His one-man extravaganza combines his breathtaking, handcrafted masks, original stories of courage and wonder, and his outlandish stilt dancing and physical repertoire ranging from the madcap to the sublime. The final result is a "moving sculpture." Taking up to three hundred hours to produce a single paper or cloth mask, Cooper has elevated this most ancient of theater crafts to the level of a fine art. His ability as a wordsmith enables him to reel in the most discerning of crowds with the nuance of a poet, the joy and timing of a first-rate comedian, and the twists and intrigue of a master storyteller. Recommended for ages 4-10. $3 lap seats available day of show.

Get your Turkeys out of the house!
KEVA Sports Center, 8312 Forsythia St. Middleton, 608-662-7529
$8 for the family - If you have a youth annual pass for open play, your "Turkeys" fee is paid! 
Thursday November 23, 8:00am - 11:00am
http://www.kevasports.com/ 
Keva's "Get your Turkeys out of the House" is perfect for keeping those little bodies active on Thanksgiving morning so you can get the meal prepared. Our large, enclosed, turf fields are a perfect place for your kids to burn off a little energy.  As a parent, you can also meet and socialize with other parents. Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Latte's are also available at the concession area.

The Prince and the Pauper
PlayTime Productions 20th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, November 18, 7:00 pm
Capitol Theatre, Overture Center 501 State St Madison, WI 53703
$10, Adults; $7, Children 12 & under, Seniors 60 & over
http://www.playtimeproductions.org 
(Tickets on sale at the Overture Center Box Office beginning October 20th at 11:00 a.m.) 608.258.4141 Founding Director Teddy Studt will be present and honored.  Post performance reception to directly follow in the Wisconsin Studio, Overture Center.

Johnny Appleseed
Waisman Center Children's Theatre
Waisman Center 1500 Highland Ave., Madison 263-5837
Cost $2; sign-interpreted. 263-5837
Sunday, November 19, 1:00pm and 3:00pm
http://www.waisman.wisc.edu 
Johnny Appleseed - follow along as John Chapman, an early American naturalist, travels the newly expanding nation planting both apple seeds and a love of nature wherever he goes. This enjoyable play for the entire family is presented by a professional theatre company.

Berbee Derby Run/Walk
5520 Research Park Dr Madison, WI 53711 [MAP]  
Thursday, November 23
http://www.berbeederby.com
This Thanksgiving Day, start a new tradition with the Berbee Derby 10k run and 5k run/walk.  Not only will your body thank you when it comes time to eat your hearty Thanksgiving meal, but your family will also raise funds for the Technology Education Foundation.

Note: Baby strollers are allowed in the 5K walk, but must start towards the back of the pack for safety.

Immaculate Heart of Mary School Children's Theater Production
Saturday November 18, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
4913 Schofield Street, Monona – 222-8831
Info: Carrie Kroetz ( carriekr9@sbcglobal.net )
Characters from the children’s classic “Tom Sawyer” will come to life as students from Immaculate Heart of Mary School (4913 Schofield Street, Monona – 222-8831) share the stage with professional actors from the Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre. Performances are set for 7 p.m. Friday, November 17th and 2 p.m. Saturday, November 18th in the IHM Gymnasium. Tickets are $5 per person or $15 per immediate family of 4 or more (full ticket price donations are welcomed). 

The Figureheads "The Movement" CD release concert
Middleton-Cross Plains Area Performing Arts Center, Middleton High School 2100 Bristol St.
Cost: $10 Call: 441-0123 ext. 124 Email: vwachter@ids-wi.com 
Saturday, November 18, 7:00pm
Kiddo Publishing utilizes positive hip-hop to engage kids and highlight their talents at November 18th CD release event.

"Music that changes kids' lives." That's what the Wisconsin Education Association Council said about the music of the Figureheads after experiencing their 2005-2006 elementary school assembly performances and the music of their first CD, YOU COME TOO. Kiddo Publishing produces and promotes the music of The Figureheads, who create and perform positive hip-hop for kids. The Figureheads have performed for some 25,000 kids, parents, teachers and administrators in the last year. The group's new CD, THE MOVEMENT, is slated to release 7:00 p.m., November 18th, 2006, at a CD release celebration at the Middleton Performing Arts Center.

Greg Marshall and Jeremy Bryan, the Figureheads' lyricists, had experience working with kids as a therapist and teacher, respectively, before they began creating and performing songs for kiddos and their grown-ups. The Figureheads' fresh sound of positive hip-hop explores the universal themes of making good decisions, discovering one's voice and celebrating the power of family and friendship. These songs will inspire joy and communication in kids and families around the world.

The Figureheads invite you to come and join THE MOVEMENT as they encourage kids, parents and teachers to come together to create a road map for this generation.

Reserve your tickets now for $10 at Kiddo Publishing. Email or call vwachter@ids-wi.com, or (608) 441-0123 ext. 124 for more ticketing information.

Mission Impossible 3 "Who's Dewey & How Do We Find Him?"
Stoughton Library 304 S. 4th St. , Stoughton Call: 873-6281
program for kids in grades 3-6 on how to find books
Saturday, November 18th 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
http://www.scls.lib.wi.us/sto/ 
Hey Kids! Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to discover "Dewey" somewhere in the library and uncover the "secret" codes he uses to pace our books! If you can decode his system, you'll be rewarded with unbelievable super powers and the world will be at your fingertips. Truly an afternoon of fun and games!

Science is Fun Workshop
UW Space Place 2300 S. Park St., Suite LL-100, Madison 262-4779
Free workshop for elementary/middle school students
Saturday, November 18, 10:00am
http://spaceplace.wisc.edu Email: kay@sal.wisc.edu 
Hands-on chemistry experiments for elementary and middle school students and their families

Schumacher Farm Public Day
Schumacher Farm County Park, Waunakee 5682 Hwy. 19 , Waunakee Call: 849-4559
Sunday, November 19, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
http://www.madison.com/communities/fsf/events/index.php
Free farm activities, prairie walks & refreshments, 2-4 pm, plus family sing-along, 2 pm

Mother Goose Program
Stoughton Library 304 S. 4th St. Stoughton, Call: 873-6281
Ages 0-12 months, 9:30 am; Ages 12-24 months, 10:30 am Saturdays through 11/18. 873-6281
Saturday, November 18
http://www.scls.lib.wi.us/sto/childrensmothergoose.htm
The Mother Goose Program for babies and toddlers will begin Saturday, November 4 at the Stoughton Public Library. Babies, age birth through about 12 months will have their session from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The time for toddlers age about 12 months to 2 years is 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. One parent/caregiver per child is required to attend. Please bring only the baby/ toddler, and leave the older children at home in order to focus completely. If comfort items are necessary for the security of the child, bring those as well.

We will continue the program November 18. The purpose of this program is to begin early to communicate with your child, giving them the skills they’ll need to begin Kindergarten ready to learn. To this end there will be stories, fingerplays, rhymes, songs and lots of quality one-on–one time between the parent and child as well as an opportunity to socialize with other parents and build friendships and support groups.

If you need special accommodations to attend this program, please call 873-6281.

UW Women's Volleyball 
UW Field House
see schedule below
http://www.uwbadgers.com
If you have not taken your kids to a UW Women's Volleyball game before, I would highly recommend it.  Try to sit on the front row of general admission (the ends of the court) so that the kids can jump around and dance during time outs.  Bring your camera to get pictures of your kids with Bucky Badger!  

UW Volleyball vs. Iowa, 7 pm, November 17

UW Women's Basketball
Kohl Center 601 W. Dayton St. , Madison
$7 adults, and $3 seniors and children, Call: 262-1440
see schedule below
http://www.uwbadgers.com/
http://www.uwbadgers.com/sport_news/wbb/headlines/story.html?sportid=135&storyid=9578
A great alternative to the Men's Basketball team.  The UW Women's Basketball events are a bit more kid friendly and easier to find seats.

vs. Central Connecticut State, 7 pm, November 17
vs. UW-Milwaukee, 7 pm, November 20

YMCA 120th Birthday Party-Open House
East YMCA-Cottage Grove Rd. (221-1571), West YMCA-Medical Circle (276-6606) and Sun Prairie YMCA-South St. (837-8221)
http://www.ymcadanecounty.org 

YMCA Family Week - November 18-26 East & West
 • Bring a non-perishable food donation for our food drive and a friend can attend the YMCA FREE for the day.
 • Family activities include open swim, open gym and family prime time.
 • Participate in the Family Challenge. See front desk for more information.

YMCA Family Week - November 18-25 Sun Prairie
 • Bring a non-perishable food donation this week and receive a FREE YMCA Guest Pass.
 • Participate in the family challenge. See front desk for more information.

Food Drive - November 10-December 15
The YMCA of Dane County will hold a food drive to help the less fortunate in our community. Barrels will be located at each program center for donations of nonperishable food items. Together we can make a difference.  

Kids in the Rotunda
Overture Center - 201 State St, Madison WI 53703  608-258-4177
Saturdays at 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, and 1:00 PM
http://www.overturecenter.com/rotunda.htm 
Every Saturday during the school year from fall through spring, Overture Center offers free arts programs designed for children and families at 9:30 AM, 11 AM and 1 PM. The popular performing arts series for children and families offers a relaxed, kid-friendly environment in which to enjoy a diverse lineup of local and regional storytellers, musicians, juggler, theater troupes, magicians and dancers. The 1 PM performances are sign language interpreted. Kids in the Rotunda takes place on the Rotunda Stage.  All 1 PM shows are sign language interpreted.

November 18 Clare Norelle Multilingual Folksinger
November 25 Circus Boy Prop Comic & Stuntman
December 2 The Figureheads Hip-Hop from Kiddo Publishing
December 9 Atimevu Ghanaian Drum & Dance

Madison Children's Museum 
100 State Street 
http://www.madisonchildrensmuseum.com

Here's the schedule of events at the Children's Museum this week.  

Barnes & Noble Activities
#1 East Towne Mall Madison, WI 53704 241-4695
West Towne Mall 7433 Mineral Point Road Madison, WI 53717 827-0809
http://storelocator.barnesandnoble.com/events.do

Nov 18, 2006 10:30 AM		Super Saturday Imagination Storytime Performed by the Five Amazing Tacos!		Storytime		Children's		Barnes & Noble Booksellers East Towne Mall East Towne Mall #1 East Towne Mall
Nov 20, 2006 10:30 AM		Amy's Story Corner		Storytime		Toddlers (age 3 and under), Pre-school (ages 3-6)		Barnes & Noble Booksellers East Towne Mall East Towne Mall #1 East Towne Mall
Nov 21, 2006 10:30 AM		Various Themes		Storytime		Toddlers (age 3 and under), Pre-school (ages 3-6)		Barnes & Noble Booksellers Madison West Towne Mall 7433 Mineral Point Road
Nov 21, 2006 10:30 AM		Super Sarah Storytime		Storytime		Toddlers (age 3 and under), Pre-school (ages 3-6)		Barnes & Noble Booksellers East Towne Mall East Towne Mall #1 East Towne Mall

Madison Public Libraries
See below for dates, times, and locations
http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/calendar/calendar.html
Here is all of the fun stuff going on through the Madison Public Libraries for this week.