Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 19, 2026

Greetings!

Today we celebrate the life and vision of Martin Luther King Jr. Today, more than ever, we must work to live out his dream. Join the celebration at the State Capitol, or tune in to PBS or WPR .

Our hearts go out to our Minnesota neighbors who are currently under siege by ICE. This newsletter shares ways we can help out. We also share videos of the successful "Freezin' For A Reason" rally, as well as our author event at Brix Cider.

If you are sick to your stomach and wondering what you can do to help our neighbors in Minnesota - we have some possibilities for you to consider.

You may be interested and able to share pertinent information with friends & family who are wondering how they can help our neighbors in MN. It's hard to believe this is the point we are at in this country. It's just unimaginable. There are several links below you can click on to take you to a website where you can get more information about what you can do to help!

Corrine Hendrickson has been in personal contact with small business owners and child care educators in Minnesota asking how we, in Wisconsin, can best support them. Their response was that because of the USDA's decision to cut funding--the food pantry statewide network could use donations. 

Link:https://mn.gov/mcla/community-resources/recien-llegados.jsp?id=1099-605770

Second, the Immigrant Defense Fund is working hard on behalf of those in Minnesota whose rights are being denied. https://immigrantdefensenetwork.org/

Here is an article that outlines numerous ways to for you to support immigrant communities in the Twin Cities.

Below are also a few Linktrees outlining options.

• MN50501 Mutual Aid Resources
• Minneapolis Mutual Aid

Thank you for anything you do to help our neighbors in Minnesota!!

DEMOCRACY DIES IN SILENCE

BE VOCAL

☀ SUNLIGHT MELTS ICE!

REVIEW OF

MOUNT HOREB POP UP RALLY 
ON JANUARY14,

(20°/20 mph wind)

The above video features some of the folks who shivered their way through a pop-up rally in Mount Horeb. The rally was attended by nearly 50 Mount Horeb area residents. Many chose to highlight homemade signs and some used special messaging produced by SWWAP. Common themes were solidarity with those in Minneapolis and ICE's terror.

The SWWAP sponsored event also featured a powerful display of 19 tenets of Fascism, (see video below). The display ends with a simple question? Will You Fight Fascism in America? For SWWAP that answer is yes!

The Silver Badgers are planning to brave the cold again tomorrow, January 20, to protest Trump administration treatment of immigrants, attempts to undermine democracy, abuses by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, and the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis.

When :  Tuesday, January 20, 2:00 to 3:00 PM

Where:  Gammon Road near Tree Lane

Who   :  People of all ages and abilities

The ground in this area is flat and limited parking is available in nearby lots or on the street. Bring a sign or a flag, wear a costume, or don a green frog or pink pussy hat if you have one.  Or just bring yourself!

Just a quick note on SWWAP finances. We just incurred our annual expense from Constant Contact, the platform which allows these newsletters to happen. SWWAP never has had membership fees. We could use a donation if you are able to contribute. Rest assured we will be very active in this all important election year.

Contributions to SWWAP are appreciated but not tax deductible.

ANOTHER VERY SUCCESSFUL

SWWAP EVENT!

A full house greeted Dick Cates at Brix Cider 🍎 on January 11, (see video below). Dick read portions of his masterful, A Creek Runs Through This Driftless Land. He shared many insights on farming and the importance of incorporating land ethics in farm business practice. At one point he shared the stage with his grandchildren, highlighting the generations of family farming.

Dick sent a heartfelt thank you to SWWAP and Brix for hosting the event:

I am just sooo grateful for you sponsoring/hosting my book discussion last evening. I have engaged in more than 50 book presentations, interviews, news and magazine articles, and more since my book was released last autumn...And I can say, with joy, that last night was one of just a few of the most enjoyable and meaningful...

I said to Kim on the way home, what a wonderful culture you have helped to flourish...and if the world had more folks like those who cherish Brix, it would be a peaceful, thoughtful, and much more caring place... So thanks, again, to you remarkable folks!

GET YOUR COPY OF THIS WONDERFUL BOOK HERE

SWWAP & Brix Cider Welcomes Mike McCabe

 February 15,

6 PM at Brix Cider 🍎

119 S. Second Street, MoHo

The Mount Horeb area knows Mike McCabe through his work as Director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, Blue Jean Nation, and a run for Governor of Wisconsin. But Did you know he has published his first novel?



Mike McCabe's debut novel, Miracles Along County Q, is a work of fiction set in the fictional Wisconsin town of Faith, exploring themes of small-town life, identity, and community through the story of a unique boy named Ray who experiences and influences a series of "miracles". The book delves into the complexities of rural life, challenging stereotypes and focusing on human connection, kindness, and secrets, with a blend of realism and magic. Mike will have copies of the book for purchase and signing.

Join Mike for an evening of reflection on America and His newest book. There will also be short set of music to open the event. Brix Cider is a farm to table restaurant and creator of artisan cider and mixed drinks.

A Poem For These Times We Endure

A Letter From An American

Many who receive this newsletter will have the opportunity to vote in the Spring Primary Election on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Check to see what will be on your ballot at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/Whats-On-My-Ballot. Absentee ballots can be obtained by request to your specific municipal clerk.

Contributions to SWWAP are appreciated but not tax deductible.