This free webinar with seasoned business leader Aaron Friedman underscores the importance of early and strategic planning for business owners. After years of hard work, facing challenges like pandemics, and building a profitable business, the focus shifts to reaping the rewards of your labor. This involves understanding the value of your business, identifying potential buyers, and navigating compromises for a successful outcome. Proactive planning ensures maximum value realization, while delays can lead to limited options and suboptimal results. It’s about creating a sustainable path for transitioning your business successfully.

The Madison Historical Society will present its 17th Annual Frederick Lee Lectures on three Sunday afternoons this winter, in Hubley Hall at the First Congregational Church on the green.  The lectures attract hundreds of lifetime learners each winter, and the 2024 series will be offered both in person and online via Zoom.

This year’s theme is “Madison, Then and Now.” The series will focus on the ways our iconic structures, our environment, and our industries have changed with the passage of time.

Architectural historian Rachel Carley will open the series on January 14 with a presentation on the history of the General’s Residence. Demolished in 2021, the circa 1805 homestead was owned by an intriguing succession of mariners, farmers, and shopkeepers who adapted the building for new uses throughout its long life.

Vista Life Innovations' A Shared Stage Productions is excited to once again partner with The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center (The Kate) to present our 2024 musical production of Footloose. 

This year marks A Shared Stage Productions' ninth all-abilities musical production presented by a unified cast and crew made up of both Vista students/members and community members.

Want to participate in the production? We are inviting versatile performers ages 15 and older to audition for Footloose! We are casting 8 dancers, 4 vocalists, and 22 cast roles.

The Madison Historical Society will continue its popular History Happy Hour series on Friday, January 19, from 6 to 7 pm, at the Society’s Allis-Bushnell House at 853 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT. This month’s presentation will feature Mannie Berk, founder of the Rare Wine Co., one of the country’s premier wine merchants. He will discuss the history of Madeira wine.

Mr. Berk is well known for his expertise and knowledge of the history of Madeira.  His career evolved after he discovered a vast quantity of old Madeira in London in 1987. Two years after he purchased that lot of vintage wine, he founded the Rare Wine Co.  Since that time, he has made RWC America’s finest non-auction source for older wines, including Madeira.  He is considered the country’s leading authority on that wine.

In 2002 Berk was named Food & Wine magazine’s Best Wine Importer, and he is a three-time James Beard Award semi-finalist and two-time Wine Advocate Personality of the Year. In 2011 he edited and co-authored the second edition of Noel Cossart’s Madeira, The Island Vineyard, which the International Cookbook Awards named the best book on European wines published in the United States that year. 

Additional History Happy Hours in 2024 are scheduled for March 22 and April 26.  Each event features a brief presentation, followed by a chance to socialize and enjoy adult beverages and hors d’oeuvres in the 1785 Allis-Bushnell House. 

The MHS is delighted to partner with the Wine Thief of Madison, which provides adult and alcohol-free libations for this popular series. 

                             MADISON HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S BOOK GROUP TO MEET JANUARY 23