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. Click on the colored titles to register online.

Babies' Music
Rhapsody Arts Center, 271 S. Main St., Verona (608)848-2045
http://www.rhapsodyarts.org 
Music class for ages 0-18 months. 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.

Open Gyms at Madtown Twisters
7035 Old Sauk Road P.O. Box 620827 Madison (Corner of Old Sauk & Gammon):http://www.madtowntwisters.com/
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

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

Drop-In Playtime
Family Enhancement 2120 Fordem Ave., Suite 210 (new location)
Weekly on Mondays and Fridays @ 9:00am Call: 241-5150 ext. 15
http://www.familyenhancement.org
Ages 9 months-4 years, 9 am-noon Mondays & Fridays, Family Enhancement. 241-5150 ext. 15

Drop-In Playtime
Child Development Inc. (lower level), 2012 Fisher St.
Weekly on Tuesday, 1:00pm-3:00pm Call: 241-5150 ext. 15
http://www.familyenhancement.org
Ages 9 months-4 years, 1-3 pm Tuesdays, Child Development, 2012 Fisher St. 241-5150 ext. 15

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!

MONDAY
AP PRESCHOOL PLAYGROUP ~ 2nd Monday each month, 9:30 – 11:00. An Attachment Parenting playgroup for 28 mos +. Contact: kristenok18@yahoo.com.

TUESDAY
STORY TIME~ Every Tuesday 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. Fun stories for toddlers and preschoolers ages 2+.

THURSDAY
STORY TIME ~ Thursday 9:30 a.m. Fun stories for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 2+).
MUSIC BABIES ~ Bouncing, rhyming, singing for babies ~ 10:30 – 11:00 in the meeting room.

Those of you who know me well realize the high value I place on quality family time.  I believe it is important that we seek out opportunities to share meaningful experiences with our kids-- events that will give us a chance to learn, share, and connect as families.  The big challenge is finding these family events.  I spend a bit of time every week surfing the web for significant interaction opportunities for my family in the Madison, Wisconsin area.  Instead of keeping what I find to myself, I might as well post it online in hopes that you can benefit too.  With that said, when you come across high value upcoming events, please pass them on too!

December 4 - December 10
The weather-- Highs in the 20s during the week and 30s on the weekend with on and off chances for snow.

Kids' Art Adventures
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art 227 State St.
Sunday, December 9 1-2:30 pm
Cost: Free  Call: 257-0158   Project for ages 6-10 based on Stephen Hilyard's photographs
http://www.mmoca.org
Based on Stephen Hilyard's series of photographs of the battleship H.M.S. Belfast, children will make a simple origami artist's book in which they compose images and narratives about the world outside.

Waisman Center Children's Theatre "Nutcracker Fantasy" by Dance Wisconsin
Waisman Center 1500 Highland Ave.
Sunday, December 9, 1:00pm and 3:00pm $2; sign-interpreted. 263-5837
Http://www.waisman.wisc.edu

FLAME Children's Choir
Capitol Rotunda 2 E. Main St. (Capitol Square)
Cost: Free Call: 338-6996
Saturday, December 8, 10:30am - 11:30am
FLAME (Families Learning Art and Music Education) presents a Christmas musical program on the first floor rotunda from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. For further information contact Nicole Wetzel at (608) 338-6996.

Christmas for Kids
Grace Lutheran Church, 1 South Rosa Road (corner of Rosa Rd. and Regent St.), Madison
Saturday, December 8 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
This free event is open to the public for kids ages 2-12 (parents also welcome). *Sing Christmas carols*Hear the Christmas story*Work on crafts*Eat lunch*Watch a Christmas video. Grace Lutheran Church, 1 South Rosa Road (corner of Rosa Rd. and Regent St.), Madison. For more information and to register call 608-233-2985 or e-mail pastor@grace-els.org.

RSVP for Junior Naturalists "Tracks, Scat & Signs"
Olbrich Gardens 3330 Atwood Ave.
Saturday, December 8, 1:00am - 11:30am
$6. RSVP by 11/29: 246-4550 ages 7 & up
http://www.olbrich.org
Olbrich Botanical Gardens is full of beautiful, unique plants and an abundance of wildlife. Dive in and join Olbrich educators to search out the animals and plants that call Olbrich home during the Junior Naturalist classes on Saturdays, September 8, October 6, November 10, and December 8 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Investigate Olbrich's backyard ecology using dip nets, sweep nets, magnifying glasses, and field guides.

The classes are designed for children ages 7 and up. Sign up for the entire series or individual classes. The cost of the entire series is $12 per child for Olbrich members and $18 per child for the general public. Registration for the entire series is required by August 30. Individual classes are $4 for members and $6 for the general public. An adult must accompany children; adults attend free. Maximum two children per adult. Early registration is advised since space is limited. For more information or to register call 608-246-4550.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens is located in Madison, Wisconsin on the shore of Lake Monona at 3330 Atwood Avenue. For membership information call 608-246-4724. For more information call 608-246-4550 or visit www.olbrich.org.

TubaChristmas
Capitol Rotunda 2 E. Main St. (Capitol Square)
Cost: Free Call: 663-4604
Saturday, December 8, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
http://TubaChristmas.com
Annual Tuba Christmas event - December 8, 2-3 pm TubaChristmas in the Capitol Rotunda, an annual event (for over 30 years) which occurs all over America during the holiday season, the coming together of tuba and euphonium players to Honor the memory of Albert Bell, many decades tubist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. There will be close to 100 players in the Capitol decked out for the holidays and playing specially written arrangements of everyone's holiday favorites. Players of all ages and experience with music stands and instruments are encouraged to participate and welcome to practice beforehand and to perform in this stunning venue. For more information contact organizer Steve Tweed at 608-663-4604 ofc or 608-575-4296 cell.

First Friday Family Concert Series with singer Nick Venturella
Vitense Golfland 5501 W. Betline Hwy.
Cost: Free Call: 271-1411
Friday, December 7, 6:00pm
http://vitense.com
Vitense Golfland, 5501 West Beltline Highway (at Whitney Way), is helping families swing into the weekend with its First Friday Concert Series. Admission for the concert series is always FREE!

Begun in June as a way to help rebrand the 52-year-old facility by offering food, drinks, family play activities and free music overlooking an outdoor driving range, the series moves indoors for the winter on Nov. 2 with an intimate acoustic performance by singer-songwriter Mark Croft. "It was a risk," admits Kelli Keyzers, the facility's event and marketing manager, about mixing live music with miniature golf -- activities not typically linked. "But it's all about exposing kids to some of the city's talented artists." Past performers include Lucas Cates and the band Lube. Singer-songwriter Nick Venturella will be the featured artist on Dec. 7th. Doors open at 6 pm, with music scheduled from 7-9 pm. Details: 608-271-1411, or vitense.com.

Trinity Academy of Irish Dance
Barnes & Noble West 7433 Mineral Point Rd.
Call: 827-0809
Friday, December 7, 7:00 - 7:45 pm
The Trinity Academy of Irish Dance will be providing a free performance at Barnes and Noble West on Friday, December 7 at 7:00 - 7:45 pm. Barnes and Noble West is located at 7433 Mineral Point Road in Madison.

Olbrich's Holiday Express
Olbrich Gardens 3330 Atwood Ave.
Annual flower & model train show, 10 am-4 pm, 12/1-31 $3. 246-4550
December 1 - 31
December 24 - closed at 2 p.m.
December 25 and January 1 - closed all day
http://www.olbrich.org
All aboard for Olbrich's Holiday Express at Olbrich Botanical Gardens from December 1 through 31! This year, the Wisconsin Garden Railway Society's large-scale model trains wind through an enchanted land of faerie cottages and imaginative versions of two Madison landmarks during Olbrich's annual holiday flower and model train show. Be sure to admire the faerie capitol, reminiscent of Wisconsin's Capitol building, complete with birch-bark roof shingles and other embellishments, and a miniature Monona Terrace, while model trains whiz by. Hundreds of colorful poinsettias and holiday trees provide a festive backdrop.

Olbrich's Holiday Express is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Olbrich will close at 2 p.m. on December 24, and will be closed all day on December 25 and January 1. Olbrich's Holiday Express is sponsored by American Family Insurance.

Admission to Olbrich's Holiday Express for the general public is $3 for adults and $2 for children ages 3 to 12. Children 2 and under are free. Admission to the tropical Bolz Conservatory is included. Admission is always free for Olbrich Botanical Society members. Admission is free Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Please make reservations for groups of ten or more. Call 608-246-4550 to schedule your group's visit.

Back by popular demand, the model trains wind through whimsical faerie villages, complete with cottages, castles, and local landmarks, made by artist Tatiana Katara. All the dwellings are creatively embellished with natural materials. Some houses have birch-bark siding, a chimney made of nuts, dried flower decorations, and bushes made of moss. "I've been creative since I was a child, and have always loved nature," says Katara. "I'm inspired by my mother, who has always seen the world with wider and more colorful eyes than anyone else I have known. I think that's why I can look at a curly grape tendril and see part of a chandelier, and why I build tiny homes furnished completely down to the tiniest detail.  For more information on Olbrich's Holiday Express, call 608-246-4550 or visit www.olbrich.org. For membership information call 608-246-4724. Olbrich Botanical Gardens is located in Madison, on the shore of Lake Monona at 3330 Atwood Avenue.

All That Jazz
Monona Terrace 1 John Nolen Dr.
Wednesday, December 5, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
http://www.mononaterrace.com
Free Tunes at Monona Terrace concert

YMCA Family 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/programs/family.asp

Caroling at the Cave
Mounds National Natural Landmark 2975 Cave of the Mounds Road Blue Mounds, WI
Phone 608-437-3038
December 8, 2007 - Sunday, December 9, 2007
http://www.caveofthemounds.com 

Earth Partnership for Families
Remembering Laura Ingalls Wilder: Long Winters on the Prairie
UW Arboretum Visitor Center 1207 Seminole Hwy.
Saturday, December 8 - 1 p.m. Call: 263-7888
http://www.uwarboretum.org
Arboretum Earth Partnership for Families: "Remembering Laura Ingalls Wilder -- Long Winters on the Prairie." How did pioneer families survive winter on the prairie - cold, gray days, long dark nights, and blizzards that struck without warning? Let's look at the season through Laura's eyes. Dress for the weather; a hike is planned.

StageWorks Projects' "Nutcracker Ballet"
Stoughton High School 600 Lincoln Ave.
Cost: $12 ( Sugar Plum Tea Party follows matinee, $9) Call: 873-0717
Saturday, December 1, 1:30 & 7:30 pm
The Nutcracker Ballet is a perennial holiday favorite and, for many, a cherished family tradition. Every year people battle their way through downtown traffic to search for parking, so they can attend a performance at anywhere up to $50.00 a seat. I'll let you in on a little secret. You don't have to go through all that. Stoughton has a very pleasant surprise-another Nutcracker.

Now in its 15th year, the Stoughton Nutcracker is a linchpin of Stoughton's Victorian Holiday Weekend, a yearly celebration the first weekend in December. StageWorks Projects Inc., who produces the yearly show, is known for the quality and design of their productions.

The Victorian Holiday Weekend events means seeing the Nutcracker can be part of a wide-ranging family outing. Events during the weekend include the Grand Victorian Holiday Ball, another cornerstone of the weekend, carriage rides, an arts show, an arts and crafts show, a Victorian home driving tour, cookie and ornament decorating, caroling downtown by the Singers of Saint Cecilia and the well known Stoughton Madrigal Singers, and much more.

There are two performances on Saturday, December 1 at 1:30 PM and 7:30 PM at the Stoughton High School Auditorium. For a truly unforgettable experience, there is a Sugar Plum Tea after the 1:30 PM performance where audience members and their children can enjoy tea and sweets and meet many of the characters from the show. Tickets for the tea are $9.00 and sell out quickly so make your reservation early by calling StageWorks Projects, Inc. at 873-0717.

Children's Holiday Party
Fitchburg Community Center 5510 Lacy Road
Sunday, December 9, 1:00-4:00pm
http://www.fitchburgchamber.com/
Note that their website has the date listed as Saturday, Dec. 9th, but on their calendar it's on the Sunday December 9 block, so you may want to call ahead. Activities include visits with Santa, face painting, carriage rides and s'mores making. A fun and festive event! Call 270-4285 for more information!

19th Annual Lighting of the Tree
Downtown Mount Horeb, 120 S. First St Mount Horeb, WI
Saturday, December 8 starting at 5:00pm
http://www.trollway.com
Silent parade of fire and emergency vehicles decked out of the holidays. Tree & star lighting at the Engine House. Mount Horeb Community Band will provide Christmas music. Community-wide potluck will follow. Bring a dish to pass. Beverages will be provided. 

Muddy Moose Espresso
449 W. Cottage Grove Rd in Cottage Grove (in the Piggly Wiggly Mall, next to the Post Office)
Call 839-5900
Saturday, December 8, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
LIVE MUSIC ~ 6 – 9 p.m. Special Night Out with the McDougal’s (folksingers extraordinaire!)  No cover charge! Family friendly!

MadCAP Theatre's "Hansel & Gretel: A Puppet Operetta"
Bartell Theatre 113 E. Mifflin St.
Wednesday, December 5 9:30 am & 12:30 pm
Sunday, December 9 1 & 4 pm
Thursday, December 13 9:30 am & 12:30 pm
Cost: $10 ($8 kids) Call: 251-1879
http://www.madcap.org
Madison Creative Arts Program Theatre for Young Audiences: "Hansel and Gretel: A Puppet Operetta"

Come join veteran puppeteer Joan McCarthy for this enchanting telling of Hansel and Gretel done with hand crafted marionettes. Music by Engelberg Humperdinck. December 2 and 9 at 1pm and 4pm, November 29, December 5 and 13 at 9:30am and 12:30 pm. 251-1879 or www.brownpapertickets.com.

MadCAP Theatre's "Madeline's Christmas"
Bartell Theatre 113 E. Mifflin St.
Friday, December 7 9:30 am & 7:30 pm,
Saturday, December 8 1 & 4 pm
Friday, December 14 12:30 & 7 pm
Saturday, December 15 1 & 4 pm
Cost: $10 ($8 kids) Call: 251-1879
http://www.madcap.org
Their day begins like any other, until everyone except Madeline gets ill and can't go home for Christmas. However, an adventure begins when a stranger arrives on Christmas Eve.

Young Shakespeare Players' "Twelfth Night"
Young Shakespeare Players Playhouse 1806 West Lawn Ave.
December 7 (Friday) 6 p.m.
December 8 (Saturday) 6 p.m.
December 9 (Sunday) 6 p.m.
December 14 (Friday) 6 p.m.
December 15 (Saturday) 6 p.m.
December 16 (Sunday) 1 p.m.
Cost: Free Call: 258-0015
http://www.ysp.org
We think you will enjoy Madison's Young Shakespeare Players' production of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. There are several casts. Bring your family and friends of any age! It's free, but we guarantee you'll be delighted with the quality our group delivers.

All performances are at 1806 West Lawn Ave. Go to www.ysp.org for directions.

Here's a brief description of the play: Twelfth Night has been called "the most /nearly perfect happy comedy ever written." It is one of Shakespeare's finest and most inventive works, filled with music, mistakes, love, disguises and practical jokes and throughout, an unforgettable haunting, lyrical beauty.

Hanukkah Stories
December 9, 2007 — 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm

Demonstration: Tuba Time
Get to know the tuba during a demonstration by a guest musician. This program preceeds “Tuba Christmas”, an annual free community concert in the Capitol Rotunda (2:30 pm), featuring over 100 local tuba and euphonium players.
December 8, 2007 — 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm

Drop-In Program: Art Dabblers
Visit the art room each week for informal art projects recommended for ages 2-5. Programs take place every Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:30-11 a.m. Program does not meet December 24-January 4 (check calendar for holiday program schedules).
December 4, 2007 — 10:30 am to 11:00 am
December 5, 2007 — 10:30 am to 11:00 am
December 11, 2007 — 10:30 am to 11:00 am

Drop-In Program: Toddler Time
Visit the First Feats exhibit gallery for informal activities for children ages 18 months-3 years. Program takes place every Monday, 9:30-10 a.m. (no programs Dec. 24 & 31).
December 10, 2007 — 9:30 am to 10:00 am

Class: 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. (no programs Dec. 25 & Jan. 1).
December 4, 2007 — 9:30 am to 10:00 am
December 11, 2007 — 9:30 am to 10:00 am

Class: Music Together
Join instructor Jo Severt for Music Together, a creative, play-based approach to early childhood music development for ages birth to five. No registration necessary.
December 9, 2007 — 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm

Class: Toddler Music
Kjerstie Johanson’s popular class features songs, rhythm and music-making activities recommended for ages 1-4. $1/child program fee. No registration necessary.
Toddler Music programs take place Thursdays at 9:30 and 10 a.m. and Fridays at 10 a.m. No programs on November 22-23 and December 24-January 4 (check calendar for holiday program schedules).
December 6, 2007 — 9:30 am to 10:00 am
10:00 am to 10:30 am
December 7, 2007 — 10:00 am to 10:30 am

Class: T’ai Chi Animal Frolics
Instructor Gerri Gurman leads simple, child-friendly T’ai Chi poses inspired by animal movements. Recommended for ages 5 & up. No registration necessary.
December 8, 2007 — 11:00 am to 11:30 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/find_an_event.do

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. Click on the colored titles to register online.