City Cast Madison

City Cast Madison

🪡 Calling all quilt enthusiasts

September 4, 2024 · — Ava Wojnowski

Good morning, Madison! Today’s newsletter breaks down what you need to know about The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show, how Madison’s skyline might look different, the queen of microgreens, and more! 📝

What's CITY Talking About?

A pile of quilts.
Come one, come all to The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show. (Karen Burns / Getty Images)

🧵 The Quilt Show Is Here!

  • The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show will be taking place at the Alliant Energy Center from Sept. 5-7. It will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
  • To get the scoop on this event and learn more about Madison’s very own quilting scene, City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin caught up with Gael Boyd, owner of Blue Bar Quilts in Middleton. [Quilt Show, City Cast Madison 🎧]
Podcast Player: "What To Expect From the Great Wisconsin Quilt Show"

🏢 Will Madison Buildings Get Taller?

  • Student housing has become a hot topic as students make their way back to campus. Many students struggle to afford Madison’s rent, according to a recent study — the average student pays $1,723 per month.
  • Madison’s Plan Commission is working on a proposal allowing developers to create taller buildings if they include discounted units for student housing. [Cap Times]

🍃 Cannabis Campaign in Wisconsin

Q&A With the Queen of Microgreens

Jessica Ricci holding her microgreens.
Jessica Ricci is happy to be able to serve the Madison community with her microgreens. (Courtney Terry Photos)

At 18, Jessica Ricci is changing the world of microgreens in Madison. This young entrepreneur has turned her passion for growing into her business called New Life Greens.

Most of you have had Jessica’s microgreens at least once at a local restaurant. Spots that use New Life Greens include Lucille, Everly, Deliciouser, Todofresco, Cento, The Statehouse, The Boathouse at Edgewater, Draper Brothers Chophouse, Kettle Black Kitchen, Ancora Cafe & Bakery, Eno Vino, Lola’s Hi/Lo Lounge, Cadre, and more outside of Madison!

We caught up with her to get the scoop on her business endeavors and find out why microgreens are so special.

Q: How did you manage school with your business?

A: In high school, I was part of a youth apprenticeship program, so I attended school half of the day and worked the other half. At first, I would have school from around 8:00 a.m. to noon and work from then until 3:30 p.m. As my business grew I began to work longer days, but I loved what I was doing so much that it didn't feel like work to me. Now that I am out of school, I try my best to have a healthier work/life balance so that I can still enjoy time with my friends and family.

Q: What drew you to microgreens?

A: Microgreens drew me in because of their unique appearance, flavor, and diversity. It amazed me how a plant at the beginning of its life could have the same flavor as its fully grown counterpart. For example, cantaloupe microgreens taste just like a cantaloupe!

Q: What method do you use to grow your microgreens?

A: I am now using a vertical hydroponic farming method. With my new indoor space, I am able to control the climate to ensure that I am producing the highest quality product in the most clean and sustainable way.

Where Is It?

A colorful mural in Madison.
Did you correctly guess where these colorful murals are? (Hayley Sperling / City Cast Madison)

⬆️ Last Week’s Answer

This mural can be found in the U.S. Bank Plaza on Capitol Square.

🥳 Congrats to Zach S. for being the first to guess the location!

A cow statue somewhere in Madison.
Have you seen this cow? (Hayley Sperling / City Cast Madison)

⬇️ This Week’s Clues

Where do you think this picture was taken? A few hints:

  • This cow statue is located close to our last “Where Is It?” segment.
  • This statue is located outside of a popular Madison restaurant.
  • It says “From Local Pastures” on the side of the cow.

What To Do

Wednesday, Sep. 4

📰 Extra! Extra! September is Library Card Sign-Up Month at Madison Public Libraries. In 1987, then U.S. Secretary of Education William Bennett started Library Card Sign-Month to encourage people to sign up for library cards. Get your library cards, folks! 📚

Free · Daily

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