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

March 23 - March 30 

The weather-- Rain on and off all week with warm weather in the 50s and 60s!

Children's Art Festival
201 State St, Madison WI 53703 • 608.258.4177
Saturday, March 24, 2007 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Sunday, March 25, 2007 12:00 noon to 3:00 PM
http://www.overturecenter.com/kids.htm 
Madison-area families can celebrate their creative spirits at free performances and activities throughout
Overture Center, featuring the works of young performers and artists.

Saturday Performances
9:30 - 10:30 AM
11:00 - noon
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM • Kids in the Rotunda: South American Dance Showcase • Rotunda Stage • all ages

Boliviamanta. Bolivian dance and drumming called tobas featuring performers wearing colorful feathers and jumping rhythmically to scare off dangerous jungle animals.

Brisas del Peru. Brisas del Peru presents traditional and authentic folk dances from Peru. The group uses colorful costumes in the dances that come from the Andean highlands and its coasts. The group's mission is to share the Peruvian and Andean culture through dances and music.

Tiawanaku. The name Tiawanaku honors a great pre-Hispanic civilization, which flourished until 1200 A.D. in the mountains and plateaus of what is today Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Chile. Since 1987, Madison's Tiawanaku dance group celebrates the richness of Latin American music through presentation of traditional dances.

10:30 AM • Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra • Overture Hall Lobby • all ages
Driven by the mission of “providing excellence in musical opportunities,” Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras (WYSO) serves 375 young people from more than 35 Wisconsin communities. Members participate in one of WYSO’s four orchestras, performing in concerts, and touring to schools and community centers around the state. The Concert Orchestra is comprised of string, wind and percussion students in grades 5-10.

12:30 PM • MMoCAkids Video Program • MMoCA Lecture Hall • great for ages 8+
MMoCA’s education department presents a recent, award-winning, 30-minute children’s video featuring three short tales. For a fun and flexible discovery experience, families may pick up the MMoCAkids ArtPack or Let’s Look Family Guide while at the museum.

1 PM • Opera for the Young: Orpheus Returns • Promenade Hall • great for ages 6+
Orpheus, the mythical singer whose music has magic powers, is called upon to return to the Underworld. On this perilous journey, he is accompanied by his trusty Harp. Their mission: to use the power of song to rescue the world's endangered species from the sinister clutches of Pluto and Persephone. 

2 PM • MMoCAkids Video Program • MMoCA Lecture Hall • great for ages 8+
MMoCA’s education department presents a recent, award-winning, 30-minute children’s video featuring three short tales. For a fun and flexible discovery experience, families may pick up the MMoCAkids ArtPack or Let’s Look Family Guide while at the museum.

2 PM • PlayTime Productions: The Red Shoes • Capitol Theater • great for ages 6+
For almost two decades, PlayTime Productions Children's Theatre has been delighting audiences with creative and spirited renditions of classic tales. Each season, the all-youth cast tours to a variety of regional communities in southeast Wisconsin, learning about theatre from the ground up. Families are sure to enjoy this musical performance in the historic Capitol Theater.

Also Featuring ... In the Rotunda and Overture Hall Lobbies: Jolly Giants Stiltwalkers • Madison Children's Museum activity • Pickle Bear Art Club Activity • Overture Center's Resident Organizations • Wisconsin Historical Museum Activity

Sunday Performances

Noon • Students of Kripa Baskaran • Natyarpana Dance Company • Overture Hall Lobby • all ages
Students of Kripa Baskaran, Natyarpana Dance Company will transport the audience to temples of Southern India through their rhythmic presentation of Bharatnatyam, South India's oldest and richest classical dance form.

12:30 PM • Madison Professional Dance Center • Promenade Hall • great for ages 6+
Sophisticated, technically proficient, and tremendously entertaining, the Madison Professional Dance Center dance companies will present a diverse program featuring ballet, jazz, modern and hip hop works. Children of all ages will enjoy this engaging program that is filled with a variety of movement qualities and emotions.

1:30 PM • Ollin Mexican Folkloric Dance • Overture Hall Lobby • all ages
Ollin Mexican Children's Folkloric Dance Group dazzles with rhythmic footwork and brightly colored skirts as children perform dances from all over Mexico. First, they will dance the Tonantzin, an Aztec dance honoring Mother Earth. Next, the group celebrates the cultural heritage of Jalisco, a state on the Western side of Mexico, by bringing us two dances, La Negra and El Jarabe Tapatio.

2 PM • Mariachi Juvenil • Overture Hall Lobby • all ages
Mariachi Juvenil, one of the ensembles of the Latino Arts Strings Program, presents a broad variety of Mexican styles from sones to baladas, music from other parts of Latin America, traditional American music and pieces with a classical flare. In Mexico this group would be referred to as a “Mariachi Filarmonico,” because it incorporates the traditional violins, guitars, vihuelas and guitarron, with the more classical violas, cellos and upright bass.

Also Featuring ... In the Rotunda and Overture Hall Lobbies:Jolly Giants Stiltwalkers • Madison Children's Museum activity • Overture Center's Resident Organizations • Wisconsin Historical Museum Activity

Featuring these ticketed events on Sunday:

The Star Keeper 1 PM - Amazing puppets and intricate stagecraft tell an tale of courage in a show without words, as we follow the lovable puppet Pretzel on a spectacular visual poetry journey.

The Peking Acrobats 3 PM - Physical virtuosity and razzle-dazzle showmanship in spellbinding feats of tumbling, balancing and juggling that represent Chinese culture and a legacy over 2,000 years old.

UW Science Expeditions
UW Engineering Hall 1415 Engineering Dr., Madison
Free hands-on exploration stations & science shows for all ages
Saturday, March 24, noon-5 pm Call: 263-2400
http://www.science.wisc.edu 
Families and learners of all ages are invited to discover the unknown and explore the wonder of science at Science Expeditions at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on Saturday, March 24.

Now in its fifth year, Science Expeditions welcomes visitors to engage with scientists and researchers from across campus through a combination of eye-popping demonstrations and interactive "Exploration Stations."

The event underscores the university's commitment to community involvement and public service, organizers say. "Science Expeditions is a great way for people to connect with UW-Madison's science outreach programs that serve learners year-round," says co-organizer Tom Zinnen, an outreach specialist at the UW-Madison Biotechnology Center.

Whether interests tend toward critters or craters, physics or flora, the event offers something for everyone.

Science Spectaculars featuring "The Wonders of Physics," "Science is Fun" and "Microbial Safari" will be showcased in Engineering Hall and Engineering Centers. Due to their popularity in previous years, the Science Spectacular demonstrations will run for extended hours, from noon until 5 p.m.

Also in Engineering Centers, more than 40 Exploration Stations will welcome hands-on investigation of topics ranging from neutrinos to stem cells. Open from 1-4 p.m., the stations offer a chance to interact with scientists involved in the research.

"We're giving back to the community that has given us the opportunity to do high-profile and cutting-edge research projects," says Ana Garic-Stankovic, a volunteer organizer and former presenter at Science Expeditions.

The festivities also include expanded hours at additional science venues on campus, including the Geology Museum in Weeks Hall, Ingersoll Physics Museum in Chamberlin Hall and Botany Greenhouse in Birge Hall.

All events are free and open to the public. For details, including parking, call Visitor and Information Programs at (608) 263-2400. A complete schedule of Science Expeditions events, as well as information about other science outreach programs throughout the year, is available at http://www.science.wisc.edu.

More to explore:

Saturday, March 24
Venture from the Engineering Centers Building to tour other campus sites for more to explore! All events are free.

Geology Museum, Weeks Hall, 1215 West Dayton St.
Hours: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Explore the Geology Museum’s exhibits of rocks, minerals and meteorites; walk through a model of a Wisconsin limestone cave and check out the skeletons of a mosasaur, mastodon, saber-toothed cat and the flying reptile Pteranodon.

Ingersoll Physics MuseumChamberlin Hall, 1150 University Ave.
Hours: noon–4 p.m.
The L.C. Ingersoll Museum is a public, hands-on museum designed to share the wonders of physics. Exhibits demonstrate basic physical concepts, from mechanics to atomics.

Botany Greenhouse and Gardens, 1100 University Ave.
Hours: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Primate Center Learning Lobby, 1220 Capitol Court
Hours: 1 p.m.–5 p.m.
View a family of marmosets and talk with scientists from the Primate Center about the range of research on biology and behavior.

West Madison Jaycees Easter Egg Hunt
Elver Park 1236 McKenna Blvd., Madison
Cost: Free Call: 277-0737 Email: wmjcs@yahoo.com 
Saturday, March 24
Activities at 10:00 am & hunt begins at 11:30 am, plus appearances by the Easter Bunny & Madison firefighters

Easter Bunny
Hilldale Shopping Center 702 N. Midvale Blvd., Madison
Saturday, March 24 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Sunday, March 25 12:00 noon - 5:00pm
Cost: Free (non-perishable food donations encouraged) Call: 238-6353
http://www.hilldale.com 
Somebunny special will be hopping into Hilldale on Saturday, March 24th! Peter Cottontail, aka the Easter Bunny will stroll through the mall passing out treats to young passersby. Mom and Dad are encouraged to bring along their cameras for a memorable photo opportunity of their little guys and gals with our Easter Bunny. Mr. Cottontail will also hold court in his giant bunny chair just opposite of Playthings in our west corridor where he’d be pretty “eggscited” and quite appreciative to receive a non-perishable food donation for Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. Spring can be a very difficult time of the year for many of the families that rely on help from Second Harvest Foodbank. Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, a private, nonprofit organization, is an affiliate of America’s Second Harvest – The Nation’s Food Bank Network and largest charitable domestic hunger-relief organization. Today Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin is able to provide nourishment and hope to over 77,000 people.

Newborn Intensive Care Unit Open House
Meriter Hospital 202 S. Park St., Madison
Sunday, March 25, 11"00am - 3:00pm
http://www.meriter.com/classes 
With tours, snacks, kids' activities, 11 am-3 pm RSVP: 267-5900

Maple Syrup Fest
Aldo Leopold Nature Center 300 Femrite Dr., Monona
Tree-tapping demonstrations, hands-on activities & ice cream sundaes 
$6 ($20/family) RSVP: 221-4038
Sunday, March 25, 1:00pm -3:00pm
http://www.naturenet.com/alnc 
Satisfy that sweet tooth or just plan to spend a delightful afternoon outdoors with the family at Maple Syrup Fest. Visitors will participate in hands-on activities and see demonstrations of various methods by which Native Americans, pioneers, and people today tap trees for the production of maple syrup and sugar.

Activity stations set throughout the Nature Center grounds will lead visitors, at their own pace, through the history of maple syruping and related craft and activities. Naturalists will tap the maple trees on the Nature Center grounds and collect sap in buckets to make the syrup. See the sap boil over a roaring fire as it concentrates into “liquid gold”. “When the sap is boiled, the sap’s naturally occurring water evaporates as steam, leaving the sap and its sweetness to concentrate into maple syrup,” Nature Center’s Kathe Crowley Conn explains.

Visitors can tap and taste real Maple tree sap, learn how to identify different types of Maple trees and use a hydrometer. Families are invited to tour the Children’s Shack and take part in cooking demonstrations with an early pioneer settler woman and frontiersman. Sample the syrup as its sweetness increases during the concentration process. Ice cream, topped with fresh maple syrup will complete the celebration!

A-Z Farm Lambing Barn Tour
A-Z Farm Tours 1820 Schuster Rd. Oregon, WI 608-835-5553
Admission $3.50, children 2 and under free
Sunday, March 25, 2006 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
http://www.a-zfarm.com/lambing.htm
We went last year and had a blast!  We saw day old lambs, learned about sheep shearing, watched an almost-born chick try to work it's way out of the eggshell, saw rabbits and much more.  It's very hands-on.  The sheep are so friendly and docile.  I had no idea it would be so much fun.  

One of the ladies at the farm ran a demonstration on the "felting" process, where you take the fluffy wool, and turn it into a sheet of fabric felt.  My 7 year old, who is autistic, was completely obsessed by the process and insisted on watching (and helping) in the process.

One other thing to note is that the prices for everything were reasonable-- admission, beverages, vendors-- the works!  The value of interaction with the kids outweighed the cost many times over.

If you go, take your camera-- I got some of the best pictures ever!  Last year they sold soda, water, and hot chocolate-- so bring a snack for the kids.  Once you get inside the barn it's dry and cool, but it is a farm, so there will be some mud outside the barn.

Oregon Straw Hat Players' "Honk Jr."
Prairie View Elementary School Little Theater, 300 Soden Dr. Oregon.
March 23, 24, 29, 30, 31 @ 7:30 p.m. and March 24, 31 @ 3:00 p.m.
$10 for adults, $8 for students & seniors (general admission). 
Tickets can be ordered by calling 835-9126 or by visiting http://www.oshponline.org 
http://www.oshponline.org 
Oregon Straw Hat Players is proud to present 'Honk, Jr.', a contemporary retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Ugly Duckling" which features a fun, modern musical score that kids everywhere will enjoy.

Peter Rabbit's Ballet
Mitby Theater, MATC 3550 Anderson St. Madison, WI
Saturday, March 24 - Sunday, March 25
http://matcmadison.edu/mitbytheater/HTM/Calendar.htm 
The charming tales of Beatrix Potter are set to original music by David Lewis Crosby and Choreographed by Jo Jean Retrum. This whimsical ballet features a dancing garden and a cast of some of the most memorable animals to ever appear onstage. It is an especially wonderful experience for introducing younger students to the beauty and enchantment of story telling through ballet. Reserved Seating Tickets: $20 Adult, $10 Senior/youth or Family 4-Pack for $40. .

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 
Easter Eggstravaganza - Friday March 30 • 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. East & West
We will have an Easter Egg Hunt, activities and a visit from one of the Easter Bunny’s helpers. Bring your camera! M $3/Child • P $6/Child • Children under 2 Free

Easter Eggstravaganza - Friday March 30 • 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Sun Prairie
We will have an Easter Egg Hunt, lots of activities and refreshments. Bring your camera! Registration deadline March 23. M FREE • P $Family Day Pass • $5 late fee after March 25th

Family Boat Sale
Arena, Alliant Energy Center 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way Madison, WI Phone 608.267.3976
Friday, March 30, 2007 - Sunday, April 1, 2007
http://www.alliantenergycenter.com 

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.

March
24	Children's Arts Festival - International Youth Dance Showcase
31	Atwood Players	The Fisherman and His Wife
April
7	Tom Pease	Folksinger & storyteller
14	Braier's Magic	Magician
21	Hua Mu Lan	Chinese dance troupe
28	KG and the Ranger	Country-western entertainment
May
5	The Handphibians	Brazilian rhythms & songs

Youth Tri-Star Basketball Contest
Stoner Prairie Elementary School, 5830 Devoro Rd. Fitchburg 
Saturday, March 24, 2007, 10:30 am
District basketball contest for boys & girls ages 8-13, (registration 10 am). Everyone wins a prize (extra prizes for winner in each age group). Free. 251-5627 ext. 121

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

Hat-Making
Make a decorative hat for the Madison Easter Hat Parade on April 7.
March 31, 2007 — 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Meet the Musician: Clarinet
Nancy Mackenzie visits from the Madison Symphony Orchestra to demonstrate the clarinet.
March 31, 2007 — 11:00 am to 11:30 am

Art Dabblers: Junk Sculpture
March 28, 2007 — 10:30 am to 11:00 am
March 30, 2007 — 10:30 am to 11:00 am

Hammer Time
Practice using a hammer and nails in the Building Boom exhibit.
March 24, 2007 — 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
March 25, 2007 — 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Cantajuego Playgroup
Join the museum’s new playgroup for Spanish/English bilingual families and second language learners. All interested families are welcome to join the group, which meets weekly for games, music, and family fun in the museum’s exhibits.
March 29, 2007 — 10:30 am to 11:30 am

Tots in Motion
Join Kathleen Madden for games and other physical activities to strengthen gross motor skills. Program takes place every Tuesday, 9:30-10 a.m. in the First Feats gallery.
March 27, 2007 — 9:30 am to 10:00 am

Toddler Music
Join Kjerstie Johanson for songs, movement and music-making. Program meets every Monday, 10-10:30; and every Thursday, 9:30-10 (session 1), and 10-10:30 (session 2). Note: program does not meet on Monday, March 5.
March 26, 2007 — 10:00 am to 10:30 am
March 29, 2007 — 9:30 am to 10:00 am, 10:00 am to 10:30 am

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.d

Mar 24, 2007 10:30 AM		Magic Tree House Club New book each month		Book Group		Children's, Beginning Readers (ages 5-8)		Barnes & Noble Booksellers Madison West Towne Mall
Mar 24, 2007 10:30 AM		Meet Froggy!		Costume Character		Children's		Barnes & Noble Booksellers East Towne Mall East Towne Mall
Mar 24, 2007 11:15 AM		Learn Spanish Club		Conversation Group		Children's, Beginning Readers (ages 5-8)		Barnes & Noble Booksellers Madison West Towne Mall
Mar 25, 2007 07:00 PM		Poetry Reading		Open Mic		Poetry		Barnes & Noble Booksellers Madison West Towne Mall
Mar 26, 2007 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

Mar 27, 2007 10:30 AM		Various Themes		Storytime		Toddlers (age 3 and under), Pre-school (ages 3-6)		Barnes & Noble Booksellers Madison West Towne Mall
Mar 27, 2007 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
Mar 27, 2007 07:00 PM		Writing Workshop		Writing Group				Barnes & Noble Booksellers Madison West Towne Mall
Mar 27, 2007 07:00 PM		Patrick Rothfuss: Name of the Wind		Author Event		Sci-Fi/Fant		Barnes & Noble Booksellers Madison West Towne Mall
Mar 27, 2007 07:00 PM		Science-Fiction/ Fantasy Book Club		Book Group		Science Fiction/Fantasy		Barnes & Noble Booksellers East Towne Mall 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.

Note that the library website is in the middle of an upgrade to a new online calendar system.  They have cut over some of the library locations to the new system, but not all.  Some of the events below will show their new calendar look and some will be the old style.

Here are the library locations on the new system...

South Madison Library

Lakeview Library

Hawthorne Library

Alicia Ashman

Here are the library locations on the old system...

Register Now...

RSVP for Vacation Day Programs
Aldo Leopold Nature Center 300 Femrite Dr, Monona
RSVP: 221-4038
http://www.naturenet.com/alnc 
MMSD Vacation Day Program
Great EGGspectations for a Beautiful Basket at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center
Legend has it that every spring a rabbit would visit children's homes during the night and leave a woven nest with an egg in it as a sign that spring had arrived. Join us during Spring Break to hear this wonderful story and adorn your own spring basket just as the animals do by using materials from the land. Naturalists will take you on a trail hike searching for leaves, pinecones, twigs, flowers, grasses, and other materials for your basket trimmings. Learn to dye eggs naturally with gifts of nature to mimic the variety of colorful eggs made by our wild critters! Your creativity and nature's colors will give your eggs a special one-of-a-kind design! Eggs and other materials will be provided. Appropriate for children ages five and older.

Tuesday, April 3
Session 1: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Session 2: 1:30 to 3:30 pm

Thursday, April 5
Session 1: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Session 2: 1:30 to 3:30 pm

Registration Deadline: Friday, March 30, 2007 (Session I) and Monday, April 2, 2007 (Session 2)

RSVP for Dinosaur Domes
Olbrich Gardens 3330 Atwood Ave. , Madison
RSVP by 3/21: 246-4550, $11, Ages 6+
Wednesday, March 28, 6:30 pm – 8 pm
http://www.olbrich.org 
Explore primitive plants and bring home a terrarium you create with miniature plants that lived when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Make dinosaur track fossils and learn about ancient reptiles with special guest Brooke Norsted from the UW Geology Museum. For ages 6 and up.

RSVP for Garden Easter Basket
Olbrich Gardens 3330 Atwood Ave. , Madison
RSVP by 3/15: 246-4550, $10, Ages 5+
Sunday, March 25, 10 am – 11:30 am
http://www.olbrich.org 
Make your own Easter basket and decorate it with garden materials. Then plant real Easter grass that will grow in your basket. All materials included. For ages 5 and up.
Sunday, March 25, 10–11:30 am Registration Deadline: March 15 $8 member/$10 public

RSVP for Flower Pot Wind Chime
Olbrich Gardens 3330 Atwood Ave. , Madison
Sunday, April 22, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Ages 5+, $10. RSVP by 4/12: 246-4550
http://www.olbrich.org 
Welcome the spring breeze with a wind chime for your garden. Assemble and decorate your own wind chime made from clay pots. All supplies included. For ages 5 and up.

Ongoing Activities...

a la carte Kids Cooking Classes
The Young Gourmet Culinary Studios 1970 Cayuga St Middleton, WI
Phone 608-831-9211 Email info@theyounggourmet.com 
http://www.theyounggourmet.com 

These people are great!  They have gone out of their way to include our son who has autism into their curriculum in a way that is positive for everyone!  He LOVES to go there!  I can't begin to say enough about how much fun our kids have there -- especially our 8 year old future chef!!!

Musical Tots Music Together
Jo Severt 246-4196
creative music class for kids 0-5 w/parents
4 locations:

Forbes-Meagher Music 6301 Odana Rd M 9:30, T 9:30, W 10, F 10
Christ Presbyterian Church, 944 E. Gorham - M eve 6:30
Sun Prairie Parks and Rec Dept: W 6:30 p.m., TH 9:30 and 10:30
Gan Hayeled Preschool - 6434 Enterprise Ln - F 11:15.

Babies' Music
Rhapsody Arts Center, 271 S. Main St., Verona (608)848-2045
Thursdays 1:00 -1:30pm, March 1-May 24, Birth-18 months
http://www.rhapsodyarts.org 
Music class for ages 0-18 months.  Sing together at Rhapsody Arts Center's FREE "Babies Music" class! Sponsored by The Purple Goose of Verona, this class is for caregiver and baby. Strengthen the bond with your baby while encouraging the discovery of sounds, movements and textures. Your child's overall development will soar through enjoyable musical stimulation , and you will enjoy sharing experiences with other new parents.

Winter Concert Series
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave. Madison, WI (608) 246-4550
Now through - Sunday, March 25, 2007
http://www.olbrich.org 
Warm your winter day with a concert in the Evjue Commons. Series sponsored by the Olbrich Botanical Society. Winter concerts are at 2 p.m. each Sunday from January 7 through March 25. Suggested donation is $1.

March 18 Dr. Eric and Billy G. Traditional ragtime and blues
March 25 Richard Wiegel Guitar and vocals

Tunes at Monona Terrace
One John Nolen Drive Madison, WI 53703 Phone: (608) 261-4000
Wednesdays, 5:30PM - 7:00PM
Free and open to the public
http://www.mononaterrace.com/community/community_events.html
The Evjue Foundation, Inc., the charitable arm of The Capital Times, and Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center are proud to sponsor these free community concerts. Concessions and cocktails are available for purchase beginning at 5PM.

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]
Thursdays - 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.

March 16 - March 23

The weather-- It's getting warmer!!  A few spring showers, but more days in the upper 40s to lower 60s.

Kids' Expo
Exhibition Hall, Alliant Energy Center 1919 Alliant Energy Way 
Adults: $3; Kids: $2 (2-12) Under 2 FREE Call: 252-6320
Saturday, March 17, 2007- 9 am - 6 pm
Sunday, March 18, 2007 - 10 am - 4 pm
http://www.kids-expo.com 
This is the main attraction this weekend.  In fact you will find that many organizations that normally have family friendly events have cancelled their normal events because there are at a booth at the Kid's Expo.  BTW - stop by the booth where I am helping out at - African Youth Outreach.  

Here's the official write up for this event...

Exhibition Hall becomes the place to be for family fun during Kids Expo March 17-18. With presentations, exhibits and hands-on activities for everyone to enjoy, the 12th annual Kids Expo promises to be the biggest family-friendly event in Dane County. From pony rides and a climbing wall for bigger kids, to a diaper derby for tiny tots, Kids Expo has it all. www.kids-expo.com 

A-Z Farm Lambing Barn Tour
A-Z Farm Tours 1820 Schuster Rd. Oregon, WI 608-835-5553
Admission $3.50, children 2 and under free
Sunday, 18, and 25, 2006 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
http://www.a-zfarm.com/lambing.htm
We went last year and had a blast!  We saw day old lambs, learned about sheep shearing, watched an almost-born chick try to work it's way out of the eggshell, saw rabbits and much more.  It's very hands-on.  The sheep are so friendly and docile.  I had no idea it would be so much fun.  

One of the ladies at the farm ran a demonstration on the "felting" process, where you take the fluffy wool, and turn it into a sheet of fabric felt.  My 7 year old, who is autistic, was completely obsessed by the process and insisted on watching (and helping) in the process.

One other thing to note is that the prices for everything were reasonable-- admission, beverages, vendors-- the works!  The value of interaction with the kids outweighed the cost many times over.

If you go, take your camera-- I got some of the best pictures ever!  Last year they sold soda, water, and hot chocolate-- so bring a snack for the kids.  Once you get inside the barn it's dry and cool, but it is a farm, so there will be some mud outside the barn.

St. Patrick's Day Parade and Flag Raising
Capitol Square Madison, WI (608) 258-0243
Saturday, March 17, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
http://www.stpatsmadison.org/index.asp 
Celebrate Irish Heritage! See Flag Raising Shamrock Club in Rotunda State Capitol at noon. Then catch the 10th Annual St Patrick's Day Parade at 1:30 p.m. The Parade steps off from the intersection of N. Pinckney and E. Mifflin St. Parade route is counter-clockwise around the Capital Square, exiting at East Washington Avenue.

Family Fun Benefit to be held for Kristina Schultz
Prairie View Middle School, 400 N. Thompson Rd. Sun Prairie
Thursday, March 22, 5:00pm - 8:30pm
Amy Frank, (608) 834-9277 amyfrankcmc@yahoo.com 
On Thursday, March 22, families from Sun Prairie and surrounding areas will gather at Prairie View Middle School from 5 - 8:30 p.m. to show support for Kristina Schultz -a spirited nine-year-old who has inspired many with her courageous, five-year battle against leukemia.

Planned activities include a family dinner, DJ, photos with Bucky Badger, a bake sale, face painting, silent auction and raffle. Hundreds of people from throughout Sun Prairie will be in attendance. Because Kristina is a huge Badger fan, everyone is encouraged to wear red.

This "family fun event" is being organized by members of the Sun Prairie community-including Kristina's classmates and teachers from Eastside Elementary School and families from Royal Oaks Elementary. Curing cancer is costly; our goal is to help the Schultz's who, in addition to the emotional stress of having a seriously ill child, has endured significant financial stress as well.

Interracial Families Network "Peer Relationships" 
Family Enhancement 2120 Fordem Ave., Suite 210 (new location), Madison
Sunday, March 18, 4:00pm - 6:00pm all: 241-5150 ext. 18
Email: bhornik@familyenhancement.org 

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/
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.

Grow Together
Boys & Girls Club of Dane County-Jenewein Dr. 4619 Jenewein Rd. , Madison
Sunday, March 18, 1:00PM - 5:00 PM
RSVP: janetp@cacscw.org or 246-4730 ext. 218
http://www.thedailypage.com/theguide/details.php?event=174654 
This FREE conference for Madison community gardeners is brought to you by the Community Action Coalition. Gardening workshops, information, cooking demonstrations, kids' activities and more. Interpretation will be provided for Hmong, English, Spanish and Khmer speakers.

Child & Adolescent Health Clinic
Leopold Elementary School 2602 Post Rd., Madison
Monday, March 19 4:00pm
Free physical & dental exams, screenings, immunizations, school & sports check-ups for Dane County kids, registration 4-6 pm, 3/19, Leopold Elementary School. No appointment needed (must be accompanied by