Global Connections through Local Hosts both Domestic and International: The Power of Friendship Force

June 11, 2025

Jan Barbone, Outreach Coordinator

Discover how Friendship Force International transforms travel into a powerful tool for cultural education through its unique model of reciprocally hosted homestays. In this inspiring talk, you’ll learn how the organization connects people from different countries, not as tourists, but as guests in each other’s homes—breaking down stereotypes, building lifelong friendships, and fostering true global understanding. Whether you’re passionate about intercultural exchange or curious about meaningful ways to explore the world, this speech will show how hospitality can be a bridge to peace.

You will:

• Learn how homestays create authentic cultural immersion beyond traditional tourism.
• Embrace the concept of reciprocal hosting and its impact on mutual respect and empathy.
• Discover how you can participate in or host an international exchange.
• Walk away with a renewed sense of how grassroots connection can shape global citizenship.

Realistic Wild Fowl Sculpture by Greg Curless

May 14, 2025

Greg Curless, Sculptor

Are you a bird enthusiast? An artist? Or perhaps an avid learner curious about wildlife and nature? Anyone in these categories will love Greg’s incredibly detailed bird sculptures, which bridge the gap between art and ornithology.

• Learn about the techniques and tools used to achieve striking realism in sculpture.
• Discover the inspirations and artistic journey of Greg Curless.
• Explore the ways that sculpture can enrich your appreciation of wildlife
• Leave with practical tips for starting or refining your own nature-inspired art.

Andrew Jackson Bovee and the Battle of the Wilderness

April 9, 2025

Rich Fronek, President of the Madison History Roundtable

Could your family tree contain branches linked to the Civil War? Rich Fronek, President of the Madison History Roundtable, traced his Civil War lineage back to his great-grandfather, Andrew Jackson Bovee. His great grandfather’s narrative includes:

• The state of America at the time of Bovee’s birth
• His journey from birthplace, to Wisconsin farming, to enlisting in the U.S. Army
• Bovee’s involvement in the Civil War’s Battle of the Wilderness and links to Madison
• His great-grandfather’s return to Wisconsin farming and logging, and the connection to Antigo
• The end of his story in Washington state

Handout from the presentation:

Fitchburg Economic Development Update

February 12, 2025

• State of Fitchburg today
• Forward Fitchburg City in Motion, a place-based economic development strategy, including upcoming projects and areas of long-term development
• Fitchburg’s economic development toolkit to enhance infrastructure, foster small business growth, and attract investments
• Success stories of innovative partnerships
• Alignment of Dane County’s Regional Housing Strategies with Fitchburg’s Housing Plan, Initiatives, and Programs
• Fitchburg’s evolution to a full-service City

Here is a link to Mike’s presentation materials.

Nervous System Dysregulation: Common Signs & Solutions

January 8, 2025

Dr. Laura Konopacki, Body Wave Chiropractic

Understanding your nervous system is key to managing stress, anxiety, sleep disruptions, and chronic fatigue. In this enlightening session, Dr. Laura Konopacki will guide you through the subtle yet powerful indicators of an overactive nervous system, and how it can affect your daily life. She’ll share practical tips and proven strategies to help restore balance to your neurological health, providing you with the tools you need to thrive.

This session will help you:

• Spot the common signs of nervous system imbalance
• Discover 3 powerful exercises to help your nerves relax naturally
• Understand how your daily habits may be locking you in stress

Stay Safe: Protect Yourself from Scams and More

November 13

Join Captain Ned Hartwick from the Fitchburg Police Department for an eye-opening presentation on staying safe in today’s world. Discover tactics criminals use to target individuals and businesses, from phishing emails to phone scams, and learn how to protect yourself. Capt. Hartwick will allow time for a safety Q&A session and update us on the department’s K-9 program.

Key Take-aways:

• How to recognize and avoid common scams
• What to do if you suspect a scammer has targeted you
• Time to ask individual questions
• News about the K-9 program

Bring Your Skin Back to Life

October 9

Join us for *”Bring Your Skin Back to Life”* with Melissa Hoefling and Mel Stafford, Kneaded Relief’s estheticians, as they reveal the secrets to achieving soft, hydrated, and glowing skin for both your face and body. Melissa will provide a brief explanation about skin and body care, and how Kneaded Relief can help you reach your personal skincare goals. You’ll also have the chance to try out products, take home samples, and snag informative flyers to enhance your routine. After the presentation, staff will be available for one-on-one consultations to answer your specific skincare questions.

You’ll get:

From Grass to Garden

September 11

Ready to convert your turf lawn into a garden oasis? Master Gardener Rita Thomas will guide you as she describes her journey to transforming her grassy lawn into a natural, welcoming haven. You’ll gain insights to help you:

• Swap out some of your turf for native plants that support a healthy, balanced environment.
• Design a yard that’s full of interest, color, and life all year round.
• Improve your mental and physical health by engaging in various gardening activities.
• Turn your garden into a lively, buzzing space that attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Rita is or has been a member of the Wisconsin Hardy Plant Society, The Fitchburg Garden Club, the Hemerocallis Society, the WI-IL Rock Garden Society, the Woody Plant Society, the Wisconsin Peony Society, and The Madison Area Master Gardeners Association. As a volunteer, she designed and supported the gardens at Agrace Hospice, Longenecker Gardens, and the Olbrich Gardens Conservatory. Her garden has been part of many national tours—including the Rare Plant Society, The Perennial Plant Society, and The Rock Garden Society’s national event—as well as Olbrich Gardens and other local garden tours. On September 11, she will show you how she reshaped her 100’ x 144’ city lot “From Grass to Garden.”

Food Wants vs. Food Needs

August 14

Join Nutrition Educator, Emily Randerson as we discuss our food wants vs food needs. How often are you buying foods you want each week? Foods you need? Together we will learn about MyPlate, practice how to choose healthy foods, and try a new recipe together!

You will go home with:

•  A grocery list example of healthy foods
• A new recipe
• A motivation to try new, healthy foods!

Handout from Presentation

Loading...

Taking too long?

Reload document

| Open in new tab

Download [800.06 KB]

Recipes

Loading...

Taking too long?

Reload document

| Open in new tab

Download [1.63 MB]