🌱 Madison Solar Array + Paint It Forward + Donate Wine Bottles

Morning, Madison! Here's everything you need to know to get this Wednesday started. Here's everything happening today in Madison.

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First, today's weather:

An afternoon shower or two. High: 48 Low: 37.

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Here are the top three stories in Madison today:

1. On Monday, Madison Gas and Electric announced its solar array providing energy to the city and its school district is now fully operational. The array in southeast Madison, named Hermsdorf Solar Fields, houses nearly 30,000 solar panels. Said MGE Chairman Jeff Keebler, "We are excited to have this solar array in service, providing carbon-free, cost-effective electricity as we continue to grow our use of renewable energy and move toward net-zero carbon electricity by 2050." (WMTV – NBC15)
2. Madison-based Wine and Design held a "Paint it Forward" fundraiser Monday night to raise funds for Ukrainian refugees. Instructors led virtual and in-person participants step-by-step in painting a Ukrainian landscape. The woman-run art studio partnered with other women-run businesses to hold the event; all profits will go toward the bStrong campaign. (WMTV – NBC15)
3. Saffi Foods, a Madison-area startup, is collecting wine bottles throughout the month of April for its Earth Month Recycling program. Throughout the month, residents can bring empty green, Bordeaux-style bottles to the Saffi Foods warehouse or to Green Life Trading Co. All donations will go toward the Saffi Foods Zero Waste line. Green Life also accepts other donations; click here for guidelines. (Channel3000.com - WISC-TV3)

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Today in Madison:

• Buy, Build, Or Sell: Deciding The Next Steps For Your Business At Grainger Hall, UW-Madison (8:30 AM)
• COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic At South Madison Branch Library (12:30 PM)
• Open Art Studio At South Madison Branch Library (5:00 PM)
• Book Launch: Blue Lake At Leopold's Book Bar Caffè (6:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Jen Rubin and Takeyla Benton co-host the podcast "Inside Stories: Exploring Madison One Story at a Time." Meet the women helping the community tell its stories. (Channel3000.com - WISC-TV3)
• On the market for a home in the Madison area? Check out Patch and Redfin's weekly real estate roundup. (Madison Patch)
• The victim of last Wednesday's homicide outside of the Dane County jail has been identified as 32-year-old Dwayne Lee Collins. (WKOW)

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Women's Cigar Club (April 6)
• Clarissa! The Sassy British Soul Singer & Pianist makes her Shaker's Appearance (April 8)
• Add your event

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• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next 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.