Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association

From PHNA president Tania Banak:

From PHNA president Tania Banak:

Hello Prairie Hills neighbors,

Tues. Dec. 15 Quarterly Safety Meeting

On Tues. Dec. 15, 7 pm, please attend the quarterly neighborhood safety meeting in the community room of the Madison West Police District ( 1710 McKenna Blvd. ).  Police officers will update us on the rash of burglaries that have been occurring in the area, and will provide an update on effective communication between residents and city agencies.

West Police District Newsletter

http://www.cityofmadison.com/police/west/newsletters/

Neighborhood Indicators

Now available on the Mayor’s website.  An overview of various neighborhoods w/in the City of Madison : http://www.cityofmadison.com/ni

Tues. Dec. 8 County Board Supervisor Event

Melanie Hampton, candidate for the County Board Supervisor position, is hosting a holiday open house kick-off for her election campaign from 4-7 pm at her home at 9 Lynbrook Circle .  For more info, contact melbhampton@gmail.com

Fruit & Nut Trees – in Your Neighborhood?

Would you like a small orchard of peaches, pears, raspberries, hickories, or other delectable fruits and nuts at a park, community garden or other public space in your neighborhood?  Do you want to make fruit and nuts freely available for you and others in your community?  If so, please attend a planning session on Tuesday, December 8 at 7:00 pm at the Central Library, 201 W. Mifflin St , Room 202

Madison has been offered free fruit trees and training in their care by the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation.  At the meeting, we’ll select orchard sites together and apply for the funding.  Then sites will be selected nationally by internet voting.

If you can’t make the meeting, but you support an orchard your neighborhood, send us an email.  We’ll let you know when the vote happens.  Contact:  www.madisonfruitsandnuts.org email:  madisonfruitsandnuts@gmail.com phone: Christie Ralston, Community GroundWorks at Troy Gardens – 608-240-0409

Neighborhood Green Power Challenge from MGE ( Madison Gas & Electric)

As Madison ’s community energy company, MGE supports local efforts to improve our environment. To encourage these efforts, MGE is offering a challenge to neighborhoods to go beyond the current levels of green power participation to help significantly reduce environmental impacts of energy use and make Madison a green power champion.  Under this challenge, the neighborhood with the largest percent increase in participants of MGE’s Green Power Tomorrow will receive $1,000.  The neighborhood with the second highest increase will be awarded $500.  To participate, your neighborhood must register with MGE by December 31, 2009.

For details and registration information, please request the “MGE Neighborhood Challenge Fact Sheet” from Bob Stoffs at rstoffs@mge.com or 252-7906.

November 2009 issue of the Madison Parks Newsletter

Enjoy the November 2009 issue of the Madison Parks Newsletter.  Learn more about a new Adopt Ice Partnership program, WPCRC events, Veterans Memorial Dedication.

http://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/newsletter/nov%202009.pdf

2010 New Garden Fund Grants Due – Jan 29, 2010

The New Garden Fund Committee is pleased to announce a sixth year of grants to encourage creation of new community gardens and expansion of existing community gardens in Madison .  Grants will be given out in early March 2010.

Contact Nicole Craig, Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin, Inc – Food & Gardens, at 246-4730, Ext. 208, for a grant application and a resource packet on how to start your own community garden in Madison. Grant applications are also available at http://cacscw.org/gardens/New%20Garden%20Fund/new_garden_fund_grants.htm

City of Madison Neighborhood Planning Grant Preparation Workshop on January 21

2010 is right around the corner and it’s time for neighborhood associations, business associations, and planning councils to choose a neighborhood improvement project and make it happen with the City of Madison ’s 2010 Neighborhood Grant Program. Over the last 10 years, the Neighborhood Grant Program has allocated grant dollars to locally based projects that beautify a gateway or gathering place, build leadership skills, or plan for the future.  Grant guidelines and application materials will be on the website starting in January 2010: www.cityofmadison.com/neighborhoods/grantprogram.htm

A grant workshop is scheduled for January 21, 2010 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Hawthorne Branch Library, 2702 E Washington Avenue . City staff will go over the grant guidelines and answer questions regarding your proposed projects.

For more information, contact Linda Horvath, Planning Division at 608-267-1131, lhorvath@cityofmadison.com, or Rebecca Cnare, Planning Division at 608-266-4957, rcnare@cityofmadison.com.

Winter Weather Updates

Need help or information about alternate-side street parking during winter, or about snow plowing, or other winter concerns?  Visit the city’s winter weather website at http://www.cityofmadison.com/residents/winter/

Hospice Newsletter

Want to be kept up to date on Hospice news from the facility on Cheryl Parkway in Fitchburg ?  Please contact info@hospicecareinc.com to be placed on their e-newsletter mailing list.

Arboretum Events

Enjoy nature and the outdoors?  The UW-Madison Arboretum hosts dozens of public events.  Visit their website at www.uwarboretum.org for more information.

Tania Banak

Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association president

From PHNA president Tania Banak:

Hello Prairie Hills neighbors,

So sorry for the long pause in information about neighborhood happenings and opportunities. I was having problems with my email, and just recently was able to get them resolved.  So, here are some items which may be of interest.  Enjoy!

2009 Mayor’s Neighborhood Roundtable

Saturday, November 7, 2009 from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Goodman Community Center, 149 Waubesa Street , Madison, WI

This year’s them is “Go Green – Save Green.”  Go to the City of Madison Neighborhood webpage to see the workshop and demonstration topics and to register: http://www.cityofmadison.com/neighborhoods/. You may also contact the City Planning Division at 267-1131, or 267-8727.

Have Bales of Fun on Madison Parks Hayrides

Enjoy a crisp fall evening with a hayride in Madison Parks.  Madison Parks is offering hayrides in Elver, Warner and Olin Parks this October and November.  For more information, please call 266-4711 or visit Madison Parks at http://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/hayrides.html

Funding for New Community Gardens

Seed money is available for start-up of new community gardens in neighborhoods with many low-income residents.  Interested?  Check out http://cacscw.org/gardens/ Applications are due in late January. For more information, contact Janet Parker at 246-4730 ext. 218.

Madison Budget Process

Want to know more about the city’s budget process?  Details here:

http://www.cityofmadison.com/comp/budgetindex.htm

According to Alder Thuy Pham-Remmele (District 20), the budget cycle is a good time to remind the city about neighborhood safety or quality of life concerns.

Mayor@CityofMadison.com ( Mayor Cieslewizc)

Allalders@CityofMadison.com (all alders on Madison Common Council)

NWray@CityofMadison.com (Madison Police Chief Noble Wray)

JPlant@CityofMadison.com (Joel Plant: Mayoral Aide/ designated “Mr. Neigborhood Safety”)

HospiceCare Question-and-Answer Seminar: “ Holiday Grief and Remembrance”

The holiday season can be an especially painful time for people who are grieving. Learn ways to make it less painful at HospiceCare’s next question-and-answer seminar, “Holiday Grief and Remembrance.” The free, public seminar will take place on Tuesday, November 10, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Don & Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center , 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway in Madison . Pre-registration is requested; please call Carrie Glantz , HospiceCare public affairs, at (608) 327-7202.

http://www.hospicecareinc.com/

Dialogs on Homelessness

Saturday Nov. 14, Dec. 12, Jan. 9, Feb. 20, Mar. 13, Apr. 10, May 8, 1:30-3:30 pm, Madison Public Library, 201 W. Mifflin St.  Free, everyone welcome.  Refreshments served.  Contact Donna at dcassociated@gmail.com or 608/251-6610.

Holiday Blood Drive

Thurs. Dec. 24, 7 am – 2 pm, Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center .  Sponsored by the American Red Cross.  Free parking, child care, entertainment, refreshments, and raffles.  For an appointment, contact 1-800-GIVE LIFE or visit www.givebloodgivelife.org

West Police District Newsletter

Enjoy the latest issue of the newsletter at http://www.cityofmadison.com/police/west/newsletters/

Blaska’s Views on What’s Happening on the SW Side of Town

Some interesting commentaries and observations can be read on Dave Blaska’s blog:  http://www.thedailypage.com/blaska

Join the Prairie Hills Google Group

This is where our neighborhood posts items regarding neighborhood safety issues.  You can join by clicking the button at the right side of the website (or here).

From PHNA President Tania Banak:

Habitat for Humanity in SW Madison

Habitat for Humanity will soon begin renovating the property at 5834 Russett Road into two owner-occupied townhomes.  You are invited to attend an informational meeting on Thurs. Sept. 24 at 6:30 pm at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church , Whitney Way & Raymond Road .  Word is that Operation Fresh Start is finalizing purchase of a property on Prairie Road and will begin renovating there as well. Please support these efforts to take back our neighborhood.

Hearings about New Central Library

The Library Board felt it was important to meet with citizens who might have questions about a new Central Library.  As a result, they will be conducting informal meetings at several branch libraries to answer questions/concerns people may have.  We welcome your attendance as well.

The meetings have been scheduled as follows:

September 21 – Hawthorne – 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

September 22 – Lakeview – 6:45 – 7:45 p.m.

September 23 – Alicia Ashman – 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

September 25 – Pinney – 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

September 28 – Sequoya – 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Sustainable Madison : Save the Date

Please come and learn what the city is doing to make Madison ’s community, economy and environment sustainable and voice your priorities to shape upcoming efforts that will improve and sustain our quality of life now and for generations to come.

Community Meetings:

·        October 22 at Goodman Community Center – 6-8:30pm

·        October 29 at Overture, Wisconsin Studio - 5:30-8pm

·        November 5 at Sequoya Library - 5:30-8pm

For more info, contact Jeanne Hoffman at (608) 266-4751 or jhoffman@cityofmadison.com

Free Vehicle Winterization Check for Folks 50 and Over

Fri. Sept. 25 at Firestone at West Town, 8 am – 12 noon

Call 441-7897 to make a reservation or mstamstad@rsvpdane.org

Sponsored by Southwest Madison TRIAD– A Crime Prevention and Safety Program

Strengthen Your Community by Becoming a Schools of Hope Tutor at Toki Middle School !

Tutors can make a real difference in a student’s attitude toward school.  Tutors work one-to-one with students on homework and class projects, as well as practice general study and organizational skills to promote academic success.  Extra support in math and literacy are the most frequent needs, but it is not necessary to be an expert to provide a real service.  Just knowing someone has taken an active interest in their academic performance positively affects students.

For more information or to apply, please contact Anna Weidemann (anna@chdc.us) or Ariana Hauck (ahauck@ulgm.org) at (608) 204-4763. An application can be downloaded from the Urban League website (www.ulgm.org).

UW-Madison Arboretum Earth Partnership Team Leader Training

If you are interested in getting your hands dirty while learning about native landscapes, and you enjoy working outdoors and meeting new people, consider becoming an UW Arboretum Earth Partnership Team Leader!  For more information contact Marian Farrior at 608-265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu

From PHNA President Tania Banak:

Wanted to let you know about several exciting events

occurring in the greater SW Madison neighborhoods area:

Wed. Aug. 26, 7-8:30 pm

Neighborhoods Restoring Safety Meeting

At Falk Elementary School , 6323 Woodington Way, Madison

(child care will be provided for children 2-12 to allow more residents to attend)

In June, Madison ’s Mayor called on neighborhood leaders to design responses and solutions to the many problems evident in our neighborhoods on the southwest side. Many neighborhood leaders have been working to respond to the Mayor’s call for grassroots efforts and action. This program will focus on solutions and actions regarding:

• Safety and positive behavior in public and in the school
• Safety enhancement and enforcement by city and county officials
• Housing issues

Please attend! And let your neighbors know about this meeting, too!

Sponsored by South West Alliance of Neighborhoods (SWANS)

> Click here for more information

Sat. Aug. 29, 11 am – 4 pm

United We Stand

At Elver Park

A huge all-community event designed to bring us together!

Free food! (hot dogs, hamburgers, drinks, desserts)

11 am – 2 pm Basketball tournament and Games for All Ages
Noon – 2 pm Talent Show
2 pm – 3 pm Guest Speakers
3:30 pm – 4 pm Prizes and Awards

Sponsored by churches, businesses of our community, and county efforts.

Prairie Hills neighbors – can you donate a DESSERT? If so, please let Kimberly Lawrence know what you’re bringing (957-6322)

Willing to VOLUNTEER? (cook food, serve food, organize games, greet people, etc) Please call or email Dawn Knudtson at 608-622-0887 or ddxb@tds.net

Help Us Connect With Your Neighbors!

Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association wants to keep ALL of you informed about what’s happening in our neighborhood, but to do so, we need YOUR help. Please encourage your neighbors to join the association (only $5 per year). Need a membership form? Call or email Tania at tebanak@wisc.edu or 608-278-1093

It’s hard to reach everyone UNLESS we either have an email address for you (submit yours to Tania above) or we have block captains who are willing to keep their immediate neighbors informed (willing to serve? Please let Tania know!)

“To be Aware is to be Prepared”

September 22, 2009, 8a.m.-3:00 p.m. at Blackhawk Church, Madison, WI

Come and learn how to keep you, your family and friends safe in your home and community. All ages are invited. Seniors, law enforcement, EMS, fire personnel, neighborhood associations, city/county officials, human service professionals and the general public are invited to attend.

Workshops will focus on:

• Juvenile Gangs
• Internet Safety for You and Your Children/ Grandchildren
• Hiring a Reputable Contractor
• Fire and Falls Prevention
• Scams and Frauds
• Project Lifesaver and Safe Return Projects
• Youth Peer Court
• Financial Literacy
• Financial Fraud Risks for Older Adults in Economic Hard Times
• Elder Abuse

There will be an opportunity to participate in the AARP free Car-Fit Program. Drivers are assessed in how they “fit” in their cars for safety.

There will be Exhibits, Blood Pressure Screening, and Reflex Screening.

The cost is $15.00*. The fee includes lunch, breaks, and materials. C.E.H.s are available. If you need an interpreter, translator, materials in alternate formats or other accommodations to access this program please call 441-7897, 10 working days before September 22.

*Early Bird: $12. if registering by August 15th.

For more information or to register contact: RSVP of Dane County: (608) 441-7897