Humane Society encourages watchers to keep distance  

Since a rare owl was spotted last week in Middleton, curious watchers and birders from near and far have stopped by to get a peek at it.

Clarence "Owl Man" Cameron, a Madison artist who's been sculpting owls for 46 years, said the normally rarely seen great grey is characterized by its deceptively large head, which is mostly plumage.

"Their heads are actually rather small, [what you see] is just about all feathers," Cameron said.

Dane County Humane Society’s Four Lakes Wildlife Center, a wildlife rehabilitation program, has been monitoring the great grey owl in Middleton. Wildlife Center representatives said keeping distance is for the better wellness of the bird.

Brooke Lewis, wildlife rehab supervisor with DCHS, said the great grey will eventually need to return back north, which will require peak health.

Imagine keeping your jammies on for an extra hour and curling up to read a book before starting your day.

That's how hundreds of Sauk Trail students, parents, and staff began their Thursday morning during the recent Literacy Week. With blankets, mats, and pillows, and an occasional Teddy Bear, cozy groups of students and adults created dozens of book nooks to fill the entire school gym.

Attentive listeners of all grades and sleepwear heard their favorite books being read by parents and reading buddies.

“We brought parents in to keep building our connection with them, and what better way than to invite them to come and have a reading opportunity with their children," said Rebecca Saeman, a Sauk Trail Elementary teacher. "The gym was packed and the Sauk Trail Wolf mascot made a special appearance, finding it difficult to walk around because it was so crowded."

Dryhootch Madison, a coffee house and resource center for veterans, opened about 10 months ago on Madison's far west side and "re-opened" Thursday to help give the community a better idea of what they're all about.

Organizers call Dryhootch a movement to help veterans reconnect with the community. Its mission is to act as an ally for vets having a tough time transitioning back to civilian life.

Offering vets the use of meeting rooms and a multimedia center, Dryhootch organizers are hoping that their blend of coffee and camaraderie will be the perfect combination for Madison-area vets.

Dryhootch Madison is seeking donations to keep the coffee shop open so veterans can get the help they need, from support groups to cope with post-traumatic stress disorder and resources to help with homelessness.

"When you can communicate about it, that's part of healing -- it promoted healing," said Bob Curry, Dryhootch founder.