Good Morning, Fitchrona! This week is all about celebrating our incredible teachers and nurses while also getting excited for summer!

The Focus is the highlight of your Monday morning - something you can enjoy in under 5 minutes with your coffee!

Let’s fill our cups ☕!

-Liv - Fitchrona Focus Founder

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Heart & Soul of the Community: A Week for Teachers & Nurses

This week, take a moment to thank the teachers and nurses in your life—they deserve it! Chances are personally know or know of a teacher or a nurse. Locally, the VASD employs over 400 full-time teachers, and UW Health alone has more than 5,600 registered nurses serving Dane County.

As a small token of appreciation, several local businesses are stepping up to thank the teachers and nurses who make our communities stronger. From discounts to freebies, there’s plenty of love going around this week. Take a look at all the spots offering deals—and don’t forget to say thanks to the amazing educators and caregivers in your life!

See all deals here.

FREE Classes for Teachers & Nurses at Madison Fitness Collective! (May 5–11)

A special shout out and big love to Madison Fitness Collective for showing up in a major way this appreciation week—they’re offering free classes to all teachers and nurses from May 5–11! 

If you haven’t experienced a class at Mad Fit Co., now’s the time. This isn’t your average gym—it’s an inclusive, high-vibe fitness studio where the playlists are peppy, the lighting is moody in the best way, and the instructors bring the energy without the judgment. Whether you’re modifying or going full-out, you’ll feel welcomed, supported, and totally in sync.

Consider this your official invitation to sweat, smile, and maybe even shake a little—all on the house this week.

Just simply create a login, find a class you want to take, click on the spot you want to reserve, click buy & reserve class & choose the $0.00 Free Week Teachers + Nurses 2025 option! Learn more or book a class.

Support for Emily from Mad Fit Co

Emily, one of the amazing instructors at Madison Fitness Collective, and a local Fitchburg resident needs our support. On May 1, her home was destroyed in a fire—just one week before she’s due to give birth to her second child. Thankfully, her family made it out safely, but they’ve lost nearly everything.

If you’ve taken Emily’s class, you know how strong, supportive, and uplifting she is. Now it’s our turn to return that energy. Despite this unimaginable situation, Emily’s strength and positivity shine through—just like she does in every class she teaches. If you’ve ever taken one of her classes, you know how uplifting and empowering she is. Now it’s our turn to show up for her.

Here’s how you can help.

WiFi al Dente? Zafferano Has Your Remote Work Fix
Tues–Thurs | 11am–3pm

Need a pane-fully delicious change of scenery while working remote? Zafferano is spicing things up for the work-from-anywhere crowd with a deal that's nothing to tikka lightly.

From Tuesday to Thursday, remote workers who settle in for 2+ hours between 11am and 3pm can enjoy:
🍛 Unlimited coffee refills (because productivity needs fuel)
🍝 10% off lunch (hello, butter chicken rigatoni!)
📶 Free WiFi (no flaky signals here)

All you need to do is bring your laptop and let the team know you’re working remote. Whether you're reviewing spreadsheets or writing your next great novel, Zafferano's cozy vibe and bold flavors will have you feeling right at gnocchi in no time.

Pedal, Sip, and Celebrate: Fitchburg’s Draft Picks Brewery Ride is Back! 

Saturday, June 7th | 10am–2pm | Hop Haus Brewing Co. Fitchburg

What better way to celebrate Bike Week (June 1–8) than with a scenic, beer-filled bike tour through some of Fitchburg’s finest breweries?

Join us for Fitchburg’s Draft Picks Brewery Ride, a casual 18-mile round trip that rolls through local favorites like Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company, Delta Beer Lab, and Hop Haus Brewing Co. You’ll get to explore our beautiful local bike trails, enjoy some tasty snacks and beer samples (21+), and maybe even snag a bit of brewery swag. Prefer something non-alcoholic? Every stop has you covered there, too.

Led by the good folks at Bike Fitchburg, this ride is perfect for bikers of all paces—so grab your helmet, bring a buddy, and make a day of it!

• Registration is $25

• Starts at Hop Haus Brewing Co., 2975 Sub-Zero Parkway

• Ride runs from 10am–2pm on Saturday, June 7th

Register now.

Let’s ride and raise a glass to Fitchburg’s trail-loving, beer-sipping community spirit. Cheers!

Spring is Sprouting at Bures Berry Patch!

The Farm Store at Bures Berry Patch (3760 W. Brigham Road, Barneveld, WI) opens for the season this Monday, May 5—and it's bursting with fresh-picked flavor! Swing by daily from 9 AM to 6 PM for a self-serve shopping experience stocked with early spring favorites:

• Crisp, tender asparagus

• Tart, juicy rhubarb

• Farm-fresh eggs _{(including pullet eggs - smaller eggs laid by young hens less than 6 months old, they have a higher yolk to white ratio which some chefs prefer for the richer flavor & texture)}

• Sweet local honey

• Zingy, crunchy dilly beans

Bring a bag, bring a friend, and stock up while the season’s freshest is at its best. Payment options include cash, check, or a handy QR code.

Planning to stock the freezer or make a mega batch of pie? Call ahead if you're looking for more than 10 pounds of asparagus or rhubarb.

Pick-your-own isn’t open just yet—but strawberry season is just a few short weeks away (early to mid-June).

The Patch is ready… are you?

P.S. One of our favorite ways to use fresh rhubarb? These Rhubarb Dream Bars—tangy, sweet, and totally irresistible. Get the recipe here.

Fresh Picks for Seniors: Get $25 to Spend at Your Favorite Farmers' Market

Are You 60+ (or a 55+ Native American) Living in Dane County with the Following Income — or Know Someone Who Is?

• Under $28,953/year (or $2,413/month) for a one-person household

• Under $39,128/year (or $3,261/month) for a two-person household

If that sounds like you (or someone you care about), don’t miss the chance to receive $25 in free vouchers through the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, valid June 1 – October 31, 2025.

This USDA-funded program, coordinated by the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) of Dane County, helps eligible seniors purchase Wisconsin-grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs at local farmers’ markets and roadside stands.

How to Apply:
It’s easy and entirely mail-based:

• Returning participants will automatically receive an application by mail.

• New participants or those who have moved should contact AAA Dietitian Shannon Gabriel at (608) 261-5678 or [email protected] to request an application or update their address.

Vouchers will be mailed starting June 2, distributed first come, first served.

Where to Use the Vouchers:
While the full list of 2025 participants is still growing, over 20 vendors and farm stands typically take part. In 2024, farmers at both the Verona Farmers’ Market (Wednesdays, 3–6:30 PM @ 101 W. Railroad St.) and the Fitchburg Farmers’ Market (Thursdays, 3–6 PM @ Agora Pavilion, 5511 E. Cheryl Pkwy.) accepted vouchers.

Each eligible senior may receive one $25 voucher booklet per summer season. These can be used throughout the 2025 market season until the funds run out.

Check out their website or instagram @danecohumanservices

HAPPENINGS

🗓️ - Check out FitchronaFocus.com for details & to see all events!

• Monday, May 5th

  • 🍺 4:00 pm - Industry Night @ Delta Beer Lab

• Tuesday, May 6th

  • 🍺 Quizmaster’s Trivia @ Lake Louie Brewing

  • 🍺 7:00 pm - America’s Pub Quiz Trivia @ Hop Haus

• Wednesday, May 7th

  • 🤝 3:00 pm - WPP Networking Social @ Loxley

  • 🍺 6:00 pm - Biergarten at the Beach @ City of Monona

  • 📷 6:00 pm - Walking Iron Wildlife Area Photo Adventure @ Lussier Family Heritage Center

  • 🎨 6:00 pm - Watercolor Wednesday @ Four Winds Farm

  • 🎵 6:00 pm - Indie TuneUp @ COPA Madison

  • 🎵7:00 pm - Live Music: Elizabeth & Mary @ Paddy Mac’s

  • 🍺 7:00 pm - Premier Trivia @ Delta Beer Lab

• Thursday, May 8th

  • 🍷 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm - Giveback Event benefiting Seminole 2.0 @ Toot + Kate’s Winebar

  • 🧶 3:00 pm - Queer (and ally) Crafting Night @ Sow’s Ear

  • 🍪 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm - Just A Bite - Mother’s Day Bake Sale @ Rusty Bee Lounge

  • 🍺 6:00 pm - Speed Meeting @ Delta Beer Lab

  • 🎵 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Live Music: Marta Hansen @ Toot + Kate’s Winebar

  • 🎵 7:00 pm - Live Music: Phil Smithburg @ Paddy Mac’s

  • 🌱 Warm Belly Garden Center Donation Day @ Warm Belly Farm

• Friday, May 9th

  • 🧀 10:00 am - Graduation Wisco Smorgasboard Buffet @ Seven Acre Dairy

  • ⛳ 12:00 pm - Fairways for Food Charity Golf Outing @ Pleasant View Glf Course

  • 🎵 6:00 pm - Live Music: Shekina King

  • 🎵 Live Music: Dawg Bones @ Lake Louie Brewing

• Saturday, May 10th

  • 🫶 Customer Appreciation Day with Lets Link By V & Valor Curl Co. @ North Edge Nutrition

  • 🌷 8:00 am - Tulip Fest 2025 @ Parrfection Produce Farm Market

  • 🌱 8:00 am - Noon: VAHS Greenhouse Plant Sale - Annual Flowers, Veggies & House Plants @ Verona Greenhouse Courtyard

  • 👟 9:00 am - Walk to End Epilepsy @ McKee Farms Park (with Epilepsy Foundation Wisconsin)

  • 🚲 10:00 am - Everything Bikes Annual Sale Put On By Bikes For Kids WI @ 354 Coyier, Madison

  • 👟 10:00 am - Remember Me Red Run @ Bailey’s Run

  • 👪 10:00 am - Mother’s Day Brunch in the Barn @ Seven Acre Dairy

  • 🎵 1:00 pm - Live Music: Forrest McCurren @ Lake Louie Brewing

  • 🖋️ 2:00 pm - Driftless Poets Writing Workshop @ Shake Rag Alley

  • 🎵 6:00 pm - Live Music: Andy Smith @ Bodihow Brewing

  • 🎵 6:00 pm - Live Music: Justin Raudebush

  • 🎵 7:00 pm - Live Music: Madison Radiators @ Paddy Mac’s

• Sunday, May 11th

  • 👪 9:30 am - Mothers’ Day Brunch @ Quivey’s Grove

  • 👪 10:00 am - 2:00 pm - Mother’s Day Brunch @ Tyrol Basin

    • $25 Adult Buffet or $35 with choice of Mimosa or Bloody Bar

    • $15 For Kids 7 Years or Younger

  • 👪 10:00 am - Mothers’ Day Brunch in the Barn @ Four Winds Farm

  • 🍷 1:00 pm - Mothers’ Day Wine 101 @ Cambridge Winery

CHECK IT OUT

This week we think you should check out the Cambridge Market!

The Cambridge Market is a cafe and specialty food store featuring goods from more than 125 Wisconsin makers. Stop by for breakfast or lunch, then venture out on CamRock Trails for a hike or bike ride. Plan to visit Cambridge for one of their summer festivals or events, including concerts in the park, Memorial Day Community Celebration, Midwest FireFest, Make Music Day, Art on Main, and Maxwell Street Days.

Summer's in full swing at Cambridge Market! The café and specialty shop is now open seven days a week—Monday through Friday from 7am to 4pm, and weekends from 7am to 3pm (with the kitchen closing daily at 2:30pm). Stop in for coffee, breakfast, lunch, and a little local shopping—all under one roof.

Checkout their website or instagram @cambridge_market.

NEIGHBORHOOD DEAL

5 Year Anniversary - Ambrosia Flame Candles

Ambrosia Flame Candles is turning 5—and they’re celebrating with 20% this week, starting Monday, May 5! With over 35 bold candle scents, wax melts, and free shipping on orders over $75, it’s the perfect time to stock up and support this local, female-owned business. Check out their instagram @ambrosiaflamecandles.

Order here.

THANK YOU!

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