Events

Archived Posts from this Category

February 20, 2012

February Prairie Hills News

Posted by Christopher under Events, News
Leave a Comment 
 Board Planning for Annual Neighborhood Events
The Prairie Hills board met on Feb. 9th to finalize a Block Captain guidebook, revise the neighborhood’s Resource Guide, and to talk about grant applications.  A date was set for a block captain orientation meeting, at which we will ask block captains to help us brainstorm neighborhood activities for the year.  If you’d like to consider serving as a block captain, please email us at prairiehillsna@yahoo.com so we can provide you with a packet and invite you to the meeting.
 
Neighborhood Google List Provides Safety Updates
Just a reminder that the neighborhood’s website offers a Google Group where neighbors can share safety concerns.  You can sign up for the list by clicking on the “PHNA Online Forum” box at the upper right hand corner of our website (www.prairiehillsna.org).
 
SURVEY:  Interest in Gardening Classes at Meadowood?
Would you like to see gardening classes offered at the Meadowood Neighborhood Center and Meadowood Community Garden in 2012?  Or perhaps at other community gardens, such as the ones on Hammersley or in Lucy Lincoln Hiestand park?  If you would like to attend such classes or receive more information, please complete this online survey by February 20, 2012.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Lisa at 271-0722 or lveldran@yahoo.com
 
Youth Group Offers to Help With Chores
Need someone to shovel snow, rake leaves, pull weeds?  The Wisconsin Youth Company youth group has 6th and 7th graders ready and willing to help.  Counselors will supervise the work and help negotiate the charges.  The goal is to help senior citizens with home upkeep while providing students with work experience.  To schedule some help, call Tony at 239-2846 or Kirsten at 445-8015
 
Now You Can Recycled Plastic Lids Along with Bottles, Jars
From the City of Madison’s Recycling department:  Please be aware that you can now leave the plastic lids or caps ON when you recycle plastic bottles or jars!  Manufacturers and recyclers have teamed up to reduce waste and conserve resources.  Leaving the caps on when you place containers into the recycling bin is the best way to capture this material (as opposed to disposing them separately).  Please let your family and friends know about this new procedure.
 
Green Madison Offers Incentives for Home Owners to Conserve Energy
You’ll save energy AND money when you participate in Green Madison’s energy efficiency programs.  For more information, visit http://www.cityofmadison.com/greenmadison/
 
Plant Dane Offers Cost-Share for Raingarden Plants
Looking to reduce storm water run-off from your property to help save our lakes?  If so, you may want to take advantage of a program that offers native raingarden plants at greatly reduced prices.  For more information, see the Plant Dane! website at http://www.myfairlakes.com/PlantDane.aspx
 
Transportation Plan Draft Available for Review
The Draft 2035 Regional Transportation Plan Update: Madison Metropolitan Area & Dane County is available for review and comment. The draft report has been posted on the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s website at http://www.madisonareampo.org/planning/regionalplan.cfm.
 
Column from Joe Parisi, Dane County Executive
You can find the February newsletter column, dealing with worker’s rights and savings, from the Dane County Executive at this link:  http://pdf.countyofdane.com/exec/columns/2_-_1_Neighborhood_Workers.pdf
 
Info on Judge Running for Election
Ellen Berz is running for election as Dane County Circuit Court judge, Branch 11.  To learn more about Ellen in order to make an informed voting decision, visit her website at http://www.berzforjudge.com/
 
Source of Farm-Fresh Vegetables
On Sunday, March 18, you can learn more about how to receive fresh foods from a community supported agriculture (CSA) farm at the Madison Area CSA Coalition’s 20th Annual CSA Open House event.  The event takes is scheduled from 1-4 pm, at Monona Terrace in Madison.  For more information, contact info@macsac.org or visit www.macsac.org.
 

Tania Banak, Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association president

 

January 19, 2012

Prairie Hills News for January

Posted by Christopher under Events, News
Leave a Comment 
Hello Prairie Hills neighbors,
 
MLK Day Peace March a Success
Members of Memorial High School’s Black Student Union, accompanied by community members, marched through the Prairie Hills Neighborhood on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday January 16.  With chants of “peace,” “equality”, and “stop the violence,” the group convened at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church on McKenna, where Richard Harris, executive director of Vision Beyond Bars, challenged the youth to take control of their lives by making education a top priority.  Events such as this one raise visibility of the issues faced by today’s youth, and are the first step in creating positive change.
 
Update from the Prairie Hills Neighborhood Board
The PHNA board met on Thurs. January 12.  In the works are continued recruitment of block captains, revitalizing the neighborhood watch program, updating the association’s logo, and planning for spring activities, including trash clean-ups and a general membership meeting to feature ideas on how best to interact with today’s youth.  Anyone who is interested in helping, or in bringing neighbors together, is urged to contact us at prairiehillsna@yahoo.com.  The board’s next meeting is on Thurs. Feb. 9, 6:30 pm, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1701 McKenna.  Meetings are open to Prairie Hills neighbors, if interested.
 
Interested in Neighborhood Safety?
Our association vice president, Kevin Wymore, would like to start up a Prairie Hills Neighborhood Watch/Safety Committee based on the 9-house “know your neighbor” model.  Would you be interested in helping him out or getting involved?  If so, please contact Kevin at kevinw111657@gmail.com.
 
Youth Group Offers to Help With Chores
Need someone to shovel snow, rake leaves, pull weeds?  The Wisconsin Youth Company youth group has 6th and 7th graders ready and willing to help.  Counselors will supervise the work and help negotiate the charges.  The goal is to help senior citizens with home upkeep while providing students with work experience.  To schedule some help, call Tony at 239-2846 or Kirsten at 445-8015
 
Hammersley Leadership Group to Focus on Traffic
The Hammersley Leadership Group (made up of residents primarily from the Hammersley/Theresa/Betty’s/Lucy Lane area) has selected three traffic issues to focus on: speeding on Frisch Road, especially north of Hammersley; speeding and crossing problems on Hammersley; and speeding and traffic on Theresa.  The group is currently gathering data and developing a strategy for approaching the city’s traffic engineering department.  Residents from those three areas are invited to participate.  Contact Gloria at 288-8160.
 
Community Supper at Falk School Draws Interested Residents
The goal is to connect area residents with each other to develop community and to identify issues of concern, with an eye toward taking action to resolve issues.  Modeled on similar suppers in the Meadowood neighborhood, community members in cooperation with nurses from the Madison and Dane County Health Department organized a meal at Falk school’s auditorium on Tues. Dec. 6.  Participants had an opportunity to give voice to their top concerns in the neighborhood.  Ultimately, leaders will be identified from this group to coordinate action.  If you are interested in participating in this venture, please contact us at prairiehillsna@yahoo.com.
 
Winter Safety
Now that we’ve finally got some snow, remember to keep your sidewalks cleared and to sand them if an ice layer forms, for pedestrian safety.  Did you know that the city places barrels filled with a salt/sand mixture at various intersections, for use by drivers if a street becomes slippery?  Also, residents are welcome to get sand from the parking lot at Elver Park for use on their home’s sidewalks.  For more info on winter, see the city’s website:  http://www.cityofmadison.com/residents/winter/
 
Prevent Home Burglaries
This list of tips from Madison’s Police Department is useful at any time of the year!  Please read and use!  http://host.madison.com/news/local/crime_and_courts/article_776014ec-2d8a-11e1-bde9-0019bb2963f4.html
 
Recycling Update
The 2012 Recyclopedia is now available online at http://www.cityofmadison.com/streets/documents/recyclopedia.pdf.  It has information on all the changes to the City of Madison curbside recycling program that will go into effect on January 1, 2012.
 
West Police District Newsletter
The October-December Madison West Police District newsletter is now available!  You can read it at:  http://www.cityofmadison.com/police/west/newsletters/
 
Jobless Find Help at Madison Area Job Transition Program
On the first and third Saturday of the month, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at Raymond Road & Whitney Way hosts a free program to help the unemployed seek jobs.  To learn more, view this Channel 3000 news clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOCFhKWf0eI&feature=youtu.be  If you have friends, neighbors or relatives who are jobless, recommend this program to them!
 
Neighborhood Pedestrian Safety Meeting
Southwest Triad is sponsoring a meeting regarding pedestrian safety issues at the Struck/Schroeder Road intersection.  All are welcome to attend.  The meeting is scheduled for Wed. Jan. 25, at 10:30 am, at Prairie Park Apartments, 6530 Schroeder Road.  Speaker is Mark Winter (City of Madison Traffic Engineering).  For more info, contact RSVP at mstamstad@rsvpdane.org or 441-7897.
 
West Madison Little League
Registration for youth (girls & boys) baseball and girl’s softball, ages 8-16, is open from Jan. 5-Feb 29, 2012.  Participants must live in the West, Memorial, or Middleton school attendance areas.  Online registrants (www.wmll.org) who meet the deadline are guaranteed a spot on a team!  Partial scholarships are available.  Questions?  Contact WMLL Exec. Director, Bill Battista, 608-239-6161, or email board@wmll.org.
 
New Polling Places
With redistricting, some polling places have changed.  To see where you will vote in upcoming elections, visit this website:  http://www.cityofmadison.com/election/voter/where.cfm  The city will also be sending notices in early February to people whose polling place has changed.
 
Column by County Executive
Joe Parisi, Dane County Executive, talks about new opportunities and challenges for county government in his latest column.  You can read the column here:  http://www.countyofdane.com/exec/columns_from_Joe.aspx
 

Tania Banak, Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association president

 

December 16, 2011

Police Safety Survey, December Prairie Hills News

Posted by Christopher under Events, News
Leave a Comment 
Peace Vigil on Nov. 22 a Success!
More than 100 residents from Prairie Hills and surrounding neighborhoods participated in a peace vigil on Tues. Nov. 22nd.  The event, precipitated by negative graffiti painted on several properties in Prairie Hills and Greentree neighborhoods, was a positive statement that we will not tolerate this type of negative behavior.  Instead, the graffiti actually gave the community a reason to come together in unity!  Some media coverage can be viewed at:
Planning for MLK Stop the Violence Rally
Memorial High School’s Black Student Union is planning a rally on Mon. Jan. 17, tentatively from 12 noon to around 2 pm.  If you would like to be involved in the planning process, and in helping to build on the momentum created by our recent peace vigil, please let us know (prairiehillsna@yahoo.com) and we will put you in touch with the organizers.
Police District Annual Neighborhood Survey
How safe do you feel in your neighborhood?  Your opinion about the issues helps police understand how best to serve our neighborhood. The West Police District would like residents of the South West side of Madison to complete their annual survey:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/757X753
Next PHNA Board Meeting
Interested in getting involved in your community?  Consider attending Prairie Hills board meetings!  The next meeting is scheduled for Thurs. Jan. 12, 6:30 pm, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.  Topics will include activities for the coming year, recruitment of additional block captains, and more.
Hammersley Area Community Supper a Success
A community supper organized at Falk School in December by the SW Community Organizing Committee for the Hammersley/Theresa neighborhood attracted a nice turnout of local residents.  After area youth presented the results of a traffic safety survey they had done, attendees voted on the traffic safety locations of most concern to them.  Interested residents were invited to attend further planning meetings to address perceived issues in the neighborhood.  If you would like to be involved in this type of neighborhood planning, please contact us at prairiehillsna@yahoo.com.
Memorial High School Looking for Mentors
The high school’s student services department is looking for mentors in its Study Skills program designed to help 9th and 10th year students build their study, organization, and note-taking habits.  Each mentor will meet with one student over a minimum of 6 sessions in a 4-6 week time period.  A 2-hour training session will be provided in January before you meet with your first student.  For more information, or to apply, please contact Dan Maloney at 663-6060.
West Madison Little League
Registration for youth (girls & boys) baseball and girl’s softball, ages 8-16, is open from Jan. 5-Feb 29, 2012.  Participants must live in the West, Memorial, or Middleton school attendance areas.  Online registrants (www.wmll.org) who meet the deadline are guaranteed a spot on a team!  Partial scholarships are available.  Questions?  Contact WMLL Exec. Director, Bill Battista, 608-239-6161, or email board@wmll.org.
Ice Skating Lessons at Elver
Want to get out and enjoy whatever Father Winter brings us?  Then you may want to take ice skating lessons at Elver Park.  The 7-week lesson series begins the week of Jan. 3 and runs through Feb. 7.  For schedule and registration information, visit:  http://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/seasonal/Winter/iceskatinglessons.cfm
Neighbors Participated in City Budget Talks
Thanks so much to neighbors who submitted comments on the District 1 capital budget for the city of Madison.  Based partially on input from residents, a $900,000 proposal to purchase and rehabilitate a community center in the greater Elver Park area was withdrawn.  Provisional approval was given for a $700,000 spray park in the Park Ridge/Park Edge area, based on funding from the city’s general obligation fund and from park impact fees.  Resident opposition was based on the fact that the proposed spray park and community center do not directly address the district’s priority crime problems, and they add to an already overburdened tax base.
Planning for Next Year’s SW Farmer’s Market
If convenient access to fresh, local food is important to you, please consider volunteering for the South West Farmer’s Market Workgroup.  This group will explore options for the best location for the farmer’s market in 2012, and will form a board of residents that will help govern the market.  For more information, please contact Amy Skora, student intern at Public Health, askora@publichealthmdc.com or 608-243-0481.
Stormwater Newsletter
Click on their “December 2011” newsletter link to learn about how storm water affects our lakes, and how the city of Madison is addressing issues of salt, storm water treatment, and much more.  http://www.cityofmadison.com/engineering/stormwater/index.cfm

Tania Banak, Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association president

 

November 16, 2011

Prairie Hills Neighborhood News for November

Posted by Christopher under Events, News
Leave a Comment 
Hello Prairie Hills neighbors,
Safety Committee Volunteers Needed
Are you interested in safety issues in our neighborhood?  If so, our neighborhood’s safety committee is ready to launch.  Please respond to this email if you’d like to be involved.  Potential issues might include pedestrian crossings at Raymond & Prairie Roads, organizing neighborhood watch on your block, and securing your home and car to protect against potential break-ins.
Neighborhood Google List Provides Safety Updates
Just a reminder that the neighborhood’s website offers a Google Group where neighbors can share safety concerns.  You can sign up for the list by clicking on the “PHNA Online Forum” box at the upper right hand corner of our website (www.prairiehillsna.org).
West Police District Listening Session Results
On Nov. 9, the West Police District held a listening session to acquaint the district’s new captain, Vic Wahl, with neighborhood concerns.  A number of people presented their views, including members of various Southwest side neighborhood associations.  The general consensus was that improved communication would be very helpful.  Residents would like to know more about what is happening, what their role is and how they can help.
Winter Parking Rules in Effect Nov. 15
Reminder: alternate side street parking rules are now in effect for Madison residents.  For details, see the city’s news release:  http://www.cityofmadison.com/news/view.cfm?news_id=2939
Winter Hours at Yard Waste Drop Off Sites
On Sunday, December 4, the South Point Road yard waste site will close for the winter.  The Badger Rd. and Sycamore Ave. sites will switch over to winter hours (M-F from 7:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.)  For details, visit http://www.cityofmadison.com/streets/yardWaste/dropoffsites.cfm
Planning for Next Year’s SW Farmer’s Market
If convenient access to fresh, local food is important to you, please consider volunteering for the South West Farmer’s Market Workgroup.  This group will explore options for the best location for the farmer’s market in 2012, and will form a board of residents that will help govern the market.  Their next meeting is scheduled for Wed. Dec. 14, at 7 pm.  For more information, please contact Amy Skora, student intern at Public Health, askora@publichealthmdc.com or 608-243-0481.
West Police District Newsletter
The July/September edition of the West District Police Station’s newsletter is available at http://www.cityofmadison.com/police/west/newsletters/  Of special interest:  Lt. John Patterson’s tips on how to prevent home burglaries, and neighborhood police officer Brad Ware’s column
Column from Dane County Executive
Joe Parisi, Dane County Executive, talks about his budget in the following column:
Save Money on Energy
Green Madison, the city’s resource for saving money and energy at home, is teaming up with the Urban League to provide jobs starting Nov. 7.  The Ambassadors for Green Energy will target designated Madison neighborhoods to recruit homeowners to participate in the program.  For more information about what the program can do for you, visit http://www.cityofmadison.com/greenMadison/
What’s New at Toki
Nicole Schaeffer, Toki’s principal, reports that the Middle School received a $500 Exxon Mobile Educational Alliance grant to help with the school’s programs.  The school also participated in a system-wide “Principal for a Day” program which allows schools to bring in community leaders to observe school activities.  Toki brought in Cathy Stepp, Secretary of the Dept. of Natural Resources.  For more details, check the school’s website:  http://tokiweb.madison.k12.wi.us
Voter ID Requirements
Do you have an ID for voting?  What about your neighbors, friends, and family members?  State law now requires voters to present identification when voting.  Voters who do not have an acceptable ID at the polling place will need to vote on a provisional ballot.  Provisional ballots will be counted only if the voter brings an acceptable ID to the Clerk’s Office by 4 p.m. the Friday after the election.  The City Clerk’s Office recommends checking your ID now to make sure your vote will be counted in 2012.  For more information, see www.cityofmadison.com/election or call the Clerk’s Office at 266-4601.
Help Salvation Army Ring Kettle Bells
If you would like to help the Salvation Army raise funds for the disadvantaged and homeless by ringing the red kettle bells, please contact chris_ziemba@usc.salvationarmy.org.  Shift workers are needed from Nov. 18-Dec. 3.
 
Smokeless Tobacco Group Seeks Volunteers
Now that Wisconsin is smoke-free, marketers are promoting smokeless tobacco products in packaging that is especially attractive to youth.  Public Health is trying to educate community members about the dangers of these products.  If you would like more information, or would like to help, please contact Ryan Sheahan, Coordinator for the Tobacco Free Columbia Dane County Coalition at 242-6297 or rsheahan@publichealthmdc.com
Programs for the Elderly
Southwest Triad provides numerous educational opportunities for our neighborhood’s elderly.  To learn more, or to be placed on their e-mailing list, please contact Triad via RSVP Dane County at mstamstad@rsvpdane.org
Hospice Care Name Change
Fitchburg’s Hospice Care has changed its name to Agrace Hospice Care.  If you would like more information about their services or would like to be added to the newsletter distribution list, please contact them at Agrace_HospiceCare@mail.vresp.com
 

Tania Banak, Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association president

 

October 19, 2011

Prairie Hills News for October

Posted by Christopher under Events, News
Leave a Comment 
Summary of Annual PHNA Membership Meeting
A big thank-you to all who attended the Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association annual meeting on Sept. 22nd, and a special thanks to Leadership Greater Madison for the delicious treats and the door prizes.
The meeting was informative.  Chief Noble Wray talked about various factors that can cause problem neighborhoods:  lack of communication, transient non-connected residents, “broken windows” environment sends “no one cares” message, residents don’t take ownership/personal responsibility for where they live, density of low-income populations, drugs, gangs.  The take-home message is that we all need to be INVOLVED in our community.
Are you willing to take part in committees that address any of the following?  If so, please respond to this email and let us know!
            Safety Issues
            Promoting Attractive Homes & Yards
            Issues for Older Residents
            Connect People Who Need Help With People Who Can Help
            Activities for Children & Youth
After the police chief, representatives from Wisconsin Youth Company and the Meadowood Neighborhood Center talked about their programming.  We also introduced Brad Ware, the new Hammersley neighborhood police officer, and Ali Brooks, newly-appointed SW youth organizer (per a 2-year UW grant).
During a feedback session, those in attendance indicated they were not very interested in social events, but would like to know how to encourage neighbors to keep their properties up, how to deal with gangs of youth who make lots of noise and fight, and how to deal with lighting and trash issues.  Caveat:  the majority of those in attendance were older white folks, so these desires may not reflect everyone in the neighborhood.
Tania Banak was re-elected as president, and Sharon Whitney was elected as treasurer.  Kevin Wymore stepped up to fill the vacant vice president role until the 2012 election.  Gloria Meyer will continue as secretary.
SW Safety Meeting Scheduled for Nov. 9
Join the West Police District for a South West Safety Meeting at 7 pm on Wed. Nov. 9, at Memorial High School, 201 S Gammon Rd.  This will be a general listening session where people can voice their concerns to command staff of the West Police District and can consider solutions to problems.
Prairie Hills Board to Meet Nov. 10
The next meeting of the Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association board will be held on Thurs. Nov. 10.  Interested residents are welcome to join the board at 6:30 pm, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1701 McKenna (please call 278-1093 to confirm location).
Prairie Hills Now on Facebook
If Facebook is your favorite way to stay in touch with friends, please consider “liking” the new Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association Facebook page.  http://www.facebook.com/Prairiehillsna It’s a great way to receive current event announcements, or to share neighborhood event photos with neighbors.
Donate Winter Coats to Needy Neighbors
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (Whitney Way & Raymond Road) is conducting a drive for gently used adult winter coats.  They will distribute the coats to neighborhood residents who need them.  So far, they have collected 50 coats, but have received 200 requests for coats.  Coats can be left on the rack in the church lobby.  Special thanks to Best Cleaners in Meadowood Shopping Center for cleaning the coats prior to distribution.
Keep Leaves Out of Streets to Save Our Lakes
Fall has arrived!  Which means it’s time to deal with falling leaves.  Remember, pile leaves on your property terrace, NOT in the streets.  Because decomposed leaves in the streets drain into the city sewer system, and end up in our lakes.  And become pollution that creates algae in our lakes over the summer.  For more information about fall leaf pick-ups, see http://www.cityofmadison.com/streets/  To obtain yard signs or brochures, visit www.myfairlakes.com or call 224-3746.
Community Garden Expansion
Grants are available from the Madison Community Foundation to start up new community gardens or enhance existing ones.  Applications are due by Jan. 13, 2012.  To learn more, see http://www.cacscw.org/garden_grants.php  Check out their informative link on “how to start a new garden.”  Donations to the New Garden Project are also welcome.  For more info, contact Chris Brockel at 246-4730, ext. 206 or email at chrisb@cacscw.org.
Services for Seniors
South West Madison Triad offers safety information and much more for area seniors.  Recently, they held a FREE winter automobile safety inspection for seniors to make sure their cars were ready for winter.  Does this type of information interest you?  If so, contact RSVP at 441-7897 or mstamstad@rsvpdane.org to be placed on their email list.

Tania Banak, Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association president

 

September 16, 2011

Prairie Hills News – September

Posted by Christopher under Events, News
Leave a Comment 
Hello Prairie Hills neighbors,

Please Attend Our 9/22 PHNA Membership Meeting
Neighborhood SOLUTIONS is the theme of our Thurs. Sept. 22 Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association membership/election meeting.  Please mark your calendar, and tell your neighbors!  The meeting will be from 7-8:30 pm at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1701 McKenna Blvd., in the Community Room.  Police Chief Noble Wray is the keynote speaker, plus we’ll be introducing folks who are making a positive difference in our neighborhood.  Spread the word, as not everyone is on this email list, or has a block captain assigned.

Leaf Collection Begins October 3
Fall is in the air, and leaves will soon be falling to the ground.  Please do NOT pile leaves in the street!  Place them on the terrace (land between the street and sidewalk) instead, so that nutrients that create algae don’t leak into our lakes, and so that drains don’t get clogged and flood our streets.  For more specifics/instructions, see:  http://www.cityofmadison.com/streets/yardWaste/leaf/

Meadowood Neighborhood Center Update
To see what’s been happening at the Meadowood Neighborhood Center, please go to www.mscr.org and click on the Meadowood Neighborhood Center link on the side of the page.  The Center has partnered with Wisconsin Youth Company to find ways to end the girl-fighting and drama that has occurred in the Meadowood and Prairie Hills neighborhoods this summer.  Check out their newsletter to see how they’re doing this!

Lucy Lincoln Hiestand Park has New Sign!
A huge thank you to the City of Madison Parks Department for putting up a sign to identify Lucy Lincoln Hiestand Park on Frisch Road, just south of Jacob’s Way!  The sign is beautiful, and now whenever we have events in the park, attendees will know without a doubt that they are in the right place!

Madison Parks – “Big Rig” Event on Sept. 17
Fire engines…dump trucks…front loaders…skid steers…tractors…if these are things your kids love, bring them to a new Madison Parks event on Sat. Sept. 17 from 9 am to 12 noon.  For details, visit http://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/kids/BigRigGig.cfm

Transportation Congestion Meetings on Sept. 29 & Oct. 5
Are you interested in regional transportation planning, especially as it relates to congestion of area roadways, bus service, or bicycle and pedestrian options?  A draft report is available at:  http://www.madisonareampo.org/planning/documents/Madison_CMP_Report_110912_Summary.pdf  You may also attend a public information session on Sept. 29, 5-7 pm with presentation at 5:45 pm, City-County Building, 210 MLK Jr Blvd, Room 354.  Or a public hearing on Oct. 5, 7 pm, City-County Building, Room 351.

Meadowridge Library Book Sale
On Sat. Oct. 8, from 10 am to 1 pm, Friends of the Meadowridge Branch Library will host a book sale.  Take this opportunity to buy some great books for great prices, and also to introduce a friend to the library or to renew your membership.

Update from Toki Middle School
School is back in session, and Toki’s principal, Nicole Schaefer, is eager to work with the neighborhood to build a positive school community.  Check out their website at www.tokiweb.madison.k12.wi.us  If you’d like to help, tutor/mentoring opportunities are available by contacting the school’s Youth Resource Coordinator, Sarah Wright, at 204-4763 or sdwright79@gmail.com

Stormwater Newsletter
The city continues to maintain greenways in the area, and you can read more about that and other stormwater issues in the September newsletter:  http://www.cityofmadison.com/engineering/stormwater/documents/NewsletterSEP2011.pdf

Fresh, Local Produce
Remember that the South West Farmer’s Market is CLOSE by every Wed. from 3-7 pm.  Pick up veggies, baked goods, and more at the Orchard Ridge Church of Christ at Tolman and Gilbert Roads.

Tania Banak, Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association president

 

September 14, 2011

Prairie Hills 9/22 Meeting to Feature Police Chief Noble Wray

Posted by Christopher under Events, News
Leave a Comment 
Hello Prairie Hills neighborhood residents!


The Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association invites residents of the neighborhood (bordered by Hammersley, Putnam, Loreen/Prairie, and McKenna) to its annual membership meeting, to be held on Thurs. 9/22, 7-8:30 pm, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1701 McKenna, in the Community Room (enter in back by the school).


Theme of the meeting is “Focus on Solutions,” and that’s exactly what we’ll be doing.  Keynote speaker will be Police Chief Noble Wray.  We’ll also introduce you to the people who are working on solutions in our neighborhood.  Come find out what’s happening, and consider signing up for one of our action committees, so you, too, can become a part of the solution!


Refreshments will be served.  Raffle drawing for prizes.  Please come, and inform your neighbors, too!  Election will be held for the association’s president and treasurer (next year, you’ll elect a new vice president & secretary).


Hope to see you on the 22nd!


Tania Banak, President

Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association

 

August 19, 2011

Prairie Hills Neighborhood News for August 2011

Posted by Christopher under Events, News
Leave a Comment 

Hello Prairie Hills neighbors,

Save the Date:  PHNA Membership Meeting
Neighborhood SOLUTIONS is the theme of our Thurs. Sept. 22 Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association membership/election meeting.  Please mark your calendar!  The meeting will be from 7-8:30 pm at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1701 McKenna Blvd.  More details to follow!


Update:  SW Youth Organizer
We welcome Alison Brooks to the South West side of Madison as she begins a 2-year internship to organize youth in our neighborhoods.  The position is funded by a Reilly Baldwin grant from the University of Wisconsin.  Ali will collect information from residents throughout the neighborhood, and then determine how best to organize youth that live in the area and develop their leadership capacity.  Similar efforts in other cities have met with positive results.


Partnership with Leadership Greater Madison
The Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association thanks the city-sponsored Leadership Greater Madison (LGM) program for selecting our neighborhood for a quality of life project.  Professionals from the Madison area organized a neighborhood survey and recruited households for potential volunteer service as block captains.  Based on their project, the PHNA board gained a better understanding of what people in the neighborhood would like from the association.  Basically, different areas of the neighborhood have different needs (single family homes versus rental units, for example).  We are working with the LGM team to identify a future action plan.


Free Wellness Exams for Women
If you’re a woman and the economy’s got you down (or you know women facing financial difficulty), please check out this website:  www.wellwomandanecounty.org
The Wisconsin Well Woman Program at Public Health/Dane County and Madison is offering free breast and cervical cancer screening to age and income eligible women who do not have adequate health insurance.


Eager to Make a Change in Your Community?
Then consider registering for the Grassroots Leadership College’s “Community Organizing Semester,” to be held Tuesday evenings at Edgewood College.  Get training in how to be an effective coach or leader for the goals YOU have in mind.  Registrations are due by Aug. 19th.  Prices are extremely reasonable and scholarships may be available.  www.grassrootsleadershipcollege.org


City Zoning Maps for Review
Take a look at and comment on the new city zoning maps during a series of open houses scheduled for September and October.  City planning staff will be available, as will alders.  Visit Public%20Distribution%20Open%20Houses%208-8-11[1].pdf for a schedule of meetings.  Prairie Hills Alders are District 1, 7 and 20.  If unable to access the document, feel free to request it from Rick Roll, Senior Planner, rroll@cityofmadison.com


City Transportation Planning
Curious as to what transportation plans the City of Madison is considering?  The Draft 2012-16 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is now available for viewing online at:  http://www.madisonareampo.org/planning/improvementprogram.cfm  If you have questions, you may contact Bill Schaefer, Transportation Planning Manager, at wschaefer@cityofmadison.com.


News from the West Police District
Read the latest newsletter from the West Police District here:  http://www.cityofmadison.com/police/west/newsletters/  Meet the new Prairie Hills officer, Brad Ware.  He replaces Justine Harris, who was promoted to detective.  Congratulations, Justine, and welcome, Brad!


Plant a Row for the Hungry
Have a garden that’s producing more than you can consume?  If so, contact Community Action Coalition to donate the excess to area food pantries.  Visit http://www.cacscw.org/plant-a-row.php or contact Shelly Strom, AmeriCorps VISTA, shellys@cacscw.org (608-246-4730, ext. 234).


Fresh, Local Produce
Remember that the South West Farmer’s Market is every Wed. from 3-7 pm.  Pick up veggies, baked goods, and more at the Orchard Ridge Church of Christ at Tolman and Gilbert Roads.


Hayrides at Elver
As fall approaches, Madisonians can once again participate in hayrides sponsored by the Madison Park District.  Elver Park is one of the city parks where the rides are available.  http://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/celebrate/hayrides.cfm


Tania Banak, Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association president
 

July 25, 2011

July News from Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association

Posted by Christopher under Events, News
Leave a Comment 

From PHNA President Tania Banak:

Participate in City Budget Discussions
Join your neighbors, city staff and Mayor Soglin and alders to develop the city’s 2012 budget. At the meetings, you will have a chance to work with city staff and others to prioritize how your tax dollars should be spent for you, your neighborhood, and your city.
Tues. July 26, 7-9 pm: (Urban League, 2222 S. Park, Ste. 200)
Community Development and Services

Mon. Aug 1, 7-9 pm: (Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave)
Administration

Tues. Aug 16, 7-9 pm: (Madison Senior Center, 330 W. Mifflin)
Infrastructure

Mon. Aug. 22, 7-9 pm: (Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ, 1501 Gilbert)
Large Community Facilities & Parks/Recreation

Wed. Aug. 31, 7-9 pm: (Warner Park Recreation Center, 1625 Northport Dr.)
Public Safety

If you can’t make a meeting you are interested in, please complete the online survey at: www.cityofmadison.com/budgetprocess

Block Captains Still Needed
Many of your neighbors have stepped up to organize a small segment of our neighborhood association (at the very least, to go door to door to let people know the association exists and to recruit new members). But we still need more volunteers!
If you would be willing to visit between 25-40 households to help the association grow and remain in touch about important issues, please respond to this email and we’ll get you started! A big THANK you to those who have already volunteered.

SW Community Organizing Committee Making a Difference
A group of residents from the South West side have partnered with Public Health and Grassroots Leadership to recruit and hire a youth organizer to serve our area. We’re hoping that positive activities for our youth will help prevent some of the fights and disturbances that have occurred. If you’d like to be involved in this effort, please contact us at prairiehillsna@yahoo.com.

Stay Safe
Recently, there have been reports all around Madison of youths attacking victims for money or iPods or cell phones, etc. This happens even in broad daylight, and to all ages of people. They first distract the victim with a question (perhaps…”do you have any change?”) in order to get closer to them, then demand money or goods. Police are actively investigating these incidents, which seem to be done “for entertainment.”
If you’re out walking or running errands, remember to stay aware of your surroundings. Don’t let ear buds or phone conversations distract you. Stay alert. If something feels wrong, trust your instinct and avoid it.
If you’re on the neighborhood Google list, you received more detailed information about this. If you’re not on the list and want this information, please email us.

Drug Dealing in Your Neighborhood: What to Do About It?
Join South West Madison Triad for a presentation by Police Officer Justine Harris at 10:30 am, on Wed. July 27 at Prairie Park Apartments, 6530 Schroeder Road.

Art Cart at Elver
Madison School & Community Recreation will be hosting an Art Cart from 5-7:30 pm on Mon. August 1 at Elver Park. Art Cart is a FREE traveling art program that provides creative, outdoor art-making experiences to children age 3 and up and their families. Groups larger than 8 participants must pre-register at 608-204-\3021.

Fresh, Local Produce
Remember that the South West Farmer’s Market is every Wed. from 3-7 pm. Pick up veggies, baked goods, and more at the Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ at Tolman and Gilbert Roads.

Citizen Advocacy
Learn more about how government works, and how to advocate for issues affecting older people during a workshop series to be held in McFarland on September 9, 16 and 23. For more information or to register, please contact Triad at 441-7897 or mstamstad@rsvpdane.org.

Crime Prevention and Safety Expo in October
Save the date! On October 10, Triad will host an all-day conference featuring topics such as juvenile gangs, decluttering, fire and fall safety, prescription drug use and misuse, internet technology/safety, and more. To learn more, or to register, please call Triad at 441-7897.

Voter ID Begins in 2012
To learn more about the changes in store with the new law requiring voter identification, please visit the following website: http://www.cityofmadison.com/clerk/PhotoIDDetails.cfm
You may also access brochures regarding the new law at:

Tania Banak, Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association president

 

June 29, 2011

Safety Meeting, Survey & other News from Prairie Hills

Posted by Christopher under Events, News
Leave a Comment 

Hello Prairie Hills neighbors,

Neighborhood Safety Meeting July 7

The July 28 neighborhood safety meeting has been moved forward to Thurs. July 7, 7-8:30 pm, at the West Police District, 1710 McKenna Blvd.  Come learn more about how to keep YOUR neighborhood safe from Neighborhood Police Officer Justine Harris.

Fishy Door to Door Surveys

Reports have been made all over Madison of well-dressed young men going door to door asking personal questions (on behalf of a university out east, or a cleaning company).  The questions include:  Are you home alone?  Do you have kids/where are they?  Do you have daycare?  Do you stay at home all day?  Are you married?  What do you do for a living?  Please, if you encounter these individuals, call the police as soon as possible at 255-2345.

A Legitimate Neighborhood Survey – Please Respond

The Leadership Greater Madison group, with the cooperation of the West Police District, is surveying the Prairie Hills neighborhood (bordered by Hammersley, Putnam, Loreen/Prairie & McKenna) to help us determine what’s important to residents in the neighborhood.  Interns are going door to door with this, but an electronic version is also available in case they miss you.  Would YOU please respond to their survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RRXDMV2?  And if you know neighbors who are not on the Prairie Hills email list, please forward this to them as well.  Thanks!

Flag Football Coaches Needed

The Meadowood Community Center is thrilled to have a group of middle school and elementary school age kids who love to play adult-led flag football at Meadowood Park.  It’s great to have them so interested in a positive activity.  They will actually wait for hours for practice to begin.  We can’t let them down!  The Center needs two more adult coaches to help.  If interested, please call the Center at 467-8360, or stop by Meadowood Park (Leland & Balsam) on Wed. nights at 7 pm or Saturdays at 12:30 when it isn’t raining, and talk to the volunteers.

Reminder:  Elver Park Fireworks Scheduled for July 5

Enjoy the fireworks at Elver Park on Tues. July 5, thanks to the sponsorship of Woodman’s and ClearChannel!  And Happy Fourth of July!

Art Cart at Elver

Madison School & Community Recreation will be hosting an Art Cart from 1-4 pm on Wed. July 6 at Meadowood Park (corner of Leland & Balsam).  Art Cart is a FREE traveling art program that provides creative, outdoor art-making experiences to children age 3 and up and their families.  Groups larger than 8 participants must pre-register at 608-204-3021.

Southwest Community Farmer’s Market

Grab some fresh, local veggies or bakery goods on Wed. afternoons at the Southwest Farmer’s Market, held from 3-7 pm at the United Church of Christ parking lot, at Tolman and Gilbert Roads.  http://swfarmersmarket.com

Stormwater Utility

Interested in storm-water related news?  (including information on new or ongoing projects).  If so, please see the first issue of the Stormwater Utility Newsletter http://www.cityofmadison.com/engineering/stormwater/index.cfm and sign up for future notifications by contacting GSteinhorst@cityofmadison.com.

Tania Banak, Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association president

 

Next Page »

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.