Monona East Side Business Alliance (MESBA)

Join us for an evening of exploration and connection at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center! Join us for a late summer hike (and scavenger hunt - there will be prizes) to discover, for yourself, the magic of the prairie, pond, and woodlands. Afterwards, join us inside the Aldo Leopold Nature Center for light refreshments and a meet and greet as we welcome Lizzie Condon, major gifts manager, the newest addition to the Aldo Leopold Nature Center team. 🗓️: Wednesday, August 27th ⏰: 5-7p 📍: Aldo Leopold Nature Center

Celebrate culture, community & creativity at Community Day! Join us Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Ahuska Park in Monona for the Harry Whitehorse International Wood Sculpture Festival – Community Day. Enjoy: • Cultural demos by Little Eagle Arts Foundation • Drum & dance performance • Live wood carving • Local food cart • 2024 Festival books for sale Free & open to all! More info & volunteer sign-up: https://lnkd.in/dk_YEeDz 📍 Ahuska Park, 400 E Broadway, Monona, WI Let’s keep the spirit alive ahead of the full festival in June 2026.

Looking to build connections in a casual, welcoming setting? Join MESBA and The Business Forum Madison for a relaxed evening of networking at El Gallo, a vibrant women-owned restaurant in Monona. This is a no-agenda happy hour designed for women-identified business owners and professionals to connect, share stories, and support one another—over delicious Mexican bites, margaritas, and refreshing non-alcoholic agua frescas. Whether you're growing your business network or catching up with fellow professionals, you're invited to come as you are. Bring a friend and stay for the good conversation and community spirit. All women-identified professionals are welcome. Let’s raise a glass to connection, collaboration, and community. Wednesday, August 20 | 5:00–7:00 PM | El Gallo Mexican Cuisine Register Here: https://lnkd.in/e4TrAAvR

Have you signed up for Monona EDGE yet? 🥯☕ Join us TOMORROW morning for bagels, coffee, and conversation with city officials! Hear the latest updates on what’s happening in Monona and be part of shaping the community. Wednesday, August 6th | Monona Public Library | 8-9:30a 📍 Don’t miss this opportunity to get informed and get involved! Register Here: https://lnkd.in/ehGTSUcd #MononaEDGE #MononaWI #CommunityConversation #CivicEngagement

 Blooms, Butterflies & Connection at Schuster’s Farm   Join us for a relaxed summer evening of connection, conversation, and community at beautiful Schuster’s Farm during their Blooms & Butterflies season. This adult-only gathering is open to members of our host organizations and their partners/spouses. We’ll enjoy full access to the farm, light complimentary snacks, lemonade, and an opportunity to explore everything the season has to offer — including flower picking (purchase a cup to build your own bouquet!). Event Highlights - Complimentary entrance, kettle corn, queso & chips, and lemonade - Cash bar with soda and alcoholic beverages available - Flower picking experience (available for purchase) - Full farm access to explore - Lightly guided group activity to spark meaningful connections - A few short words from our hosts – no speeches, no sales, just connection Register Here: https://lnkd.in/ex7F8_eK   Participating Organizations: - Dane Buy Local - Collaborative 523 (Cambridge) - Monona East Side Business Alliance (MESBA) We look forward to spending a warm summer evening with fellow leaders in a space designed for community, collaboration, and a bit of farm fun!

Updates from our Members: Fresh, bold, and officially on the Forage Kitchen menu! 🥗That French Salad — herbed smoked salmon, roasted veggies & a fennel vinaigrette dream. 🍜Spring Roll Bowl — chilled soba noodles, Japanese BBQ meatballs & Thai cashew vinaigrette. 🌯Southwest Ranch Wrap — your fave salad, now wrapped up with hot honey chicken & spicy ranch. 🥕Carrot Ginger Soup — sweet, zesty, and soul-warming. Available now — come hungry.

We’re proud to share that several Monona favorites were spotlighted in Destination Madison's latest blog, “Dining Around the World in Madison.” This citywide guide showcases the area’s best global flavors—and Monona showed up strong. Featured spots include: • Swad Indian Restaurant • Hot-N-Spicy • La Choza Del Viejo • David’s Jamaican Cuisine • Fratell’s Trattoria • Monona Bakery and Eatery • Mishqui Peruvian Bistro • El Gallo Mexican Cuisine From Indian to Italian, Peruvian to Caribbean, these restaurants bring rich, authentic tastes from around the world to our local tables. Read the full guide here: https://lnkd.in/dWc4Ydeb Support local, taste global—right here in Monona.

Join us in welcoming our new member, Bridge Lake Point Waunona Neighborhood Center!🎉 Bridge Lake Point Waunona Neighborhood Center is an organization that is a part of the Vera Court Neighborhood Center, Inc. agency. Their agency’s mission is to stabilize and empower Madison’s underserved communities by providing inclusive and innovative programming that supports youth, adults, and families in achieving their full potential. Their centers provide critical services across age groups, offering youth development programs, adult education, senior engagement, nutrition security, and bilingual support. They are committed to stabilizing and empowering our communities by fostering connection, building skills, and providing the resources needed for long-term success. Learn more about Bridge Lake Point Waunona Neighborhood Center: https://www.blwcenter.org/ Thank you for all that you do for our community and we look forward to having you as a new member!

🎉⛳ CONTEST TIME! ⛳🎉 We’re teaming up with our friends at Gigi’s Playhouse for an epic giveaway you won’t want to miss! One lucky team will win a FREE FOURSOME to the 5th Annual Go FORE It Golf Outing on August 11th at The Oaks Golf Course! 🏌️♀️🍹 🏆 Here's how to enter: 1. Tag your golf squad (4 people, including yourself) in the comments 2. Tell us your favorite thing about Monona East Side Business Alliance (MESBA) 💙 ✨ That’s it! You'll be entered to win a day of golf, Tito’s Bloody Mary bar, contests, raffles, prizes, food & fun — all supporting the incredible work of Gigi’s Playhouse! 🚨 ACT FAST — the winner will be drawn this Thursday at 4:30 PM! Don’t miss your shot at this unforgettable day on the greens! ⏳ 📍 Event Details: 📅 August 11, 2025 📍 The Oaks Golf Course, Cottage Grove ⏰ Registration at 8:30 AM | Shotgun Start at 10:00 AM Tag your dream team and tee up for a cause! 🏌️♂️ #GoFOREIt #MESBAGivesBack #GigisPlayhouse #GolfForGood #MononaEastSide