🌱 2 Madison Restaurants Nominated + Polar Bear Day At Vilas Zoo

Hello again, Madison! Important update: You all, as readers, have made the Madison Daily so successful that it is my honor to announce the next stage of the newsletter. Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Madison Daily. Although I have loved getting to know this community, we want to pass the torch to someone truly local to write about Madison long term. So if you're interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

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First, today's weather:

A little snow, up to 1 in. High: 27 Low: 13.

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Here are the top three stories today in Madison:

1. Two Madison restaurants have made the semifinalist cut for the James Beard Foundation's 2022 Restaurant and Chef Awards. A Pig in a Fur Coat's chef, Daniel Bonanno, was nominated for the Best Chef: Midwest category. L'Etoile also received a nod in the Outstanding Wine Program category — notably, the only Wisconsin restaurant up for the award. (Channel3000.com - WISC-TV3)
2. The Dane County Sheriff's Office Marine and Trail Enforcement is warning residents of deteriorating ice conditions on area lakes — especially Lake Mendota. Fluctuating temperatures have caused ice pockets to form on the lake, creating unsafe conditions. Two ATVs have gone through the ice on Lake Mendota since the start of the week. (Press Release Desk)
3. Head over to the Henry Vilas Zoo this Sunday, Feb. 27 to celebrate International Polar Bear Day! Festivities begin at 11:00 a.m. and will include polar bear enrichment, keeper chats, games, and more. International Polar Bear day is part of the Zoo's Conservation Days series, designed to teach the public about endangered species. (HNG News)

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From our sponsor:

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Today in Madison:

• Free Mending - Madison Public Library (10:00 AM)
• COVID Vaccine Clinic - Lakeview Branch Library (12:00 PM)
• Madison Writing Assistance - Hawthorne Branch Library (4:00 PM)
• Chapters Teen Writing Club - Pinney Branch Library (6:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• One of the most epic dance parties of the year is happening next Saturday, Mar. 5! The Handphibians and friends are bringing Brazilian drumming, dance, and song to The Majestic Theatre's stage for Madison Carnaval 2022. (Facebook)
• Next month, a Madison West senior will be attending the Congress of Future Medical Leaders, a virtual event for promising high school students who intend to pursue careers in health care. (madison365.com)
• Interested in a new home — or just like to see what's out there? Check out these open houses in the Madison area. (Madison Patch)

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.