Today in 1995: Shell Oil gives in to international pressure and abandons its plans to dispose of the Brent Spar oil-drilling platform and its contents into the North Atlantic.

The environmental group Greenpeace spearheaded the effort to prevent Shell from sinking the rig, its members boarding and occupying it as a tactic to stop the deep sea disposal, and to call attention to the issue peacefully.

It’s today’s Action Calendar!

Tonight is a free Eat Play Bike Placemaking event at the Villager Mall! The parking lot will be closed to vehicles and open for residents to transform the parking lot into a community carnival to share culture, food, and get to know neighbors. This a free family friendly event. Enjoy ethnic music, food, and performers. Learn how to make hula hoops, ride a bike, and line dance. This is at 2300 South Park Street from 6 to 9 pm. More info at hrudd@ulgm.org or call 608.729.1268.

The Friends of Fitchburg Library Used Book Sale will be held Friday from noon to 5 pm and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. A bag sale will be on Saturday from 2 to 4 pm where you can fill a paper grocery bag with as many books as you can fit for a small fee. Sales support library programming. This is at the Fitchburg Library, 5530 Lacy Road in Fitchburg. More info at 608-729-1760.