Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association

Released from the City on 6/25:

Last week, I convened a meeting of community leaders to discuss two overarching questions: how do we address gun violence in our community, and how do we address issues causing concern about crime? The conversation during and since that meeting has been very productive and promising. That meeting was the continuation of the ongoing dialogue aimed at developing, implementing and evaluating our responses.

Today I am outlining specific steps we can take to address public safety concerns on the Southwest side of Madison. These initiatives are not limited to one part of the city, but are tools to address safety concerns throughout our community.

Most importantly, our efforts cannot be limited to things that are initiated in City government. At our meeting last week, Florenzo Cribbs reported on an effort he had already started to provide positive role models for young African American males. Ernie Horinek talked about his idea to create a “think tank” of area landlords. And Reverend David Smith volunteered to get his fellow clergy even more involved. All of these things came from the community and, in the end, it will be the community that solves these problems. City government can sometimes provide resources, but the most effective responses will not be designed or led solely by the City, but by the residents themselves.

So I have grouped ideas into three parts. One part addresses the specific issue of gun violence, a second builds on the initiatives we have already been taking, and a third and most crucial part suggests community-driven initiatives, some of which the City can partner on….

(click here to continue reading)

*Also, note that the next Neighborhood Quarterly Safety Meeting is this Monday, June 29 at 7 PM – West Police District Station. 1710 McKenna Blvd.

Our annual newsletter is hot off the presses and will be delivered to every doorstep in the neighborhood (all 1,200 of them!) in the next few weeks.

But you can be the first to view it in full-color pdf right here.

You can also read archived newsletters there as well. Enjoy!

If you remember, last year there was a period where no one was sure the annual Southwest Madison fireworks event would take place. Well they are definitely a go for 2009, sponsored by Woodman’s and Q106. Here are the details from the Q106 website:

Woodman’s Elver Park Fireworks

Queen Anne’s Catering will be grilling brats, hotdogs and prime rib sandwiches!

There will be tons of FREE games for the kiddies starting at 6 pm. They can jump in the bounce houses, get their hair braided, their face painted and join in on some sing-a-long songs!

Be sure to grab your spot, relax and have a good time… the fireworks start at dusk thanks to Woodman’s Food Markets!

Come on out and enjoy dinner at the park! Pizza from Papa John’s will be sold starting at 5 pm!

You no longer have to head downtown to navigate the farmers’ market crowds to buy fresh produce and local food products. Beginning June 24, the Southwest Community Farmers’ Market will bring those goodies to your neighborhood.

You will find the market in the Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ parking lot at 1501 Gilbert Road from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. every Wednesday from June 24 through October 28. (Hours during the fall will be adjusted, but those are yet to be determined.) “ORUCC has graciously agreed to host this brand new market, which reflects the members’ community spirit and support,” says Marlys Miller, planning committee member.

Market manager, Robert Pierce, also a farmer, estimates that 10 to 15 vendors will offer their fresh food products for sale during the market. “Of course, its success depends on the community supporting the vendors and buying food there,” he adds.

Wednesdays beginning June 24 through October

3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Orchard Ridge UCC Church (ORUCC) – Parking Lot, 1501 Gilbert Road

Stop by for fresh, locally grown produce direct from the farmer.

Stay for some community socializing, entertainment and much more!

(QUEST cards will be accepted)

On opening day, even Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk and Steve Hartley, MMSD School Superintendent, plan to stop by to check out the this landmark event.

At the market, a process will be implemented to accommodate people shopping with Quest vouchers. Those participants will be able to exchange their Quest funds for farmers’ market tokens, which they can then use to purchase food-stamp-approved products such as fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese and more.

“This is a community effort to make fresh fruits and vegetables and other wholesome food products available to the Southwest community,” says Lisa Veldran, planning committee member.

The planning committee has plans to feature some of the area neighborhoods’ talent and entertainment during the market. So plan to stop by to pick up something fresh and tasty, socialize with neighbors and enjoy some entertainment and community spirit.

For more information, you may contact the planning committee at mmskyumah@aol.com.

Here are the details on an upcoming program from Southwest Madison Triad:

June 16: 10 AM
Scams & Frauds That Focus on Older Citizens – Don’t be a Victim!
Program from Southwest Madison Triad. Speaker: Christine Barnekow, Security Administrator at Park Bank. At Wisconsin Youth and Family Center – 1201 McKenna Rd.
For more information, call 441-7897.

The program is free and the community is invited. If you need an interpreter, translator, materials in alternate formats or other accommodations to access this program, please call the number above.