Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association

Hello Prairie Hills neighbors,

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:

• http://www.cityofmadison.com/clerk/documents/NewElectionLawsBrochure07.20.2011.pdf
• http://www.cityofmadison.com/election/documents/VotingBrochure_000.pdf
• http://www.cityofmadison.com/election/documents/ObtaininganIDCardtoVote.pdf

Tania Banak, Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association president

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

From PHNA President Tania Banak:

Time to Renew Your Prairie Hills Membership!

Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association dues (a very reasonable $5 per year) are due in June!  Please join or renew your membership now.  You can pay your dues online via PayPal here or mail a check payable to “PHNA” to:

Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association

PO Box 44674

Madison, WI  53744-4674

Your dues help cover ongoing expenses such as our PO Box, printing, mailing, and supplies for events.  Also, we are saving to have signs made up to identify our neighborhood!  (This will cost at least $2,000, so any donation you can make above and beyond the $5 membership would be greatly appreciated).

Building the Association

Your neighborhood association now has bylaws!  You can read them on the association’s website under the “About” tab on our website.

Because the Prairie Hills neighborhood is quite large and diverse, your board has divided the map into four “areas.”  We would like to find a representative from within each of those areas to coordinate the block captains within that area and bring feedback to the board.

We’re guessing that different areas may have different priorities?  We need YOU to tell us for sure!

The areas are divided by streets.  Area 1 is from Putnam to Piedmont.  Area 2 is from Piedmont to Raymond.  Area 3 is Raymond to Jacob’s Way.  And Area 4 is from Jacob’s Way to Hammersley.  Would you like to have more of a voice in your community?  Volunteer to be an Area Representative!  Or, nominate someone to serve as your rep.

Our goal is to create community!  Knowing your neighbors REALLY DOES make a difference!

Block Captains Still Needed

June is membership renewal month, and we really need people who would be willing to go door to door with PHNA membership information.  Our goal is to reach more of the people who live in our neighborhood with news that affects our community.  Even if you’re not up to serving as a block captain, PLEASE touch base with us if you would be willing to recruit members by going door to door!  Your board members truly cannot cover the entire area.

Our vision is to have block captains in place who will collect contact info (email and/or phone number) from a small area, and then disseminate neighborhood news (safety meetings, association meetings, event notices, work parties, etc) as needed.  FRINGE BENEFIT?  You get to know your neighbors!

Personally, I’ve met some super individuals by going door to door on my own street, and cordiality between everyone has improved now that more people are getting to know one another.  My vision is a FUN block, where people interact and join together in social gatherings.  It’s SO much better than feeling uncomfortable because we think people are “different” from us.

What about you?  Would you like a more “neighborly” neighborhood?  To make a difference where you live, contact us at prairiehillsna@yahoo.com.  We can help you get started!

Association Treasurer Needed

Are you good with numbers and details?  Then consider volunteering to be the PHNA treasurer.  You would keep track of income and expenditures, plus maintain the annual membership database.  Working knowledge of Excel is helpful.  For more info, contact Tania at 608-278-1093 or prairiehillsna@yahoo.com.

Elver Park Fireworks on Tues July 5

Mark your calendars for this popular neighborhood tradition!  You can find details here:  http://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/celebrate/ElverParkFireworks.cfm

Recycle Unwanted Electronics on June 25^th

You can drop of unwanted e-waste (computers, TVs, and other electronics) at a special Dane County E-Waste Recycling event on Sat. June 25 from 8 am – 2 pm.  For details, see http://www.countyofdane.com/press/details.aspx?id=2525

Plant A Row for the Hungry Neighborhood Challenge: Win $200!

Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin Inc. (CAC) is announcing the “Plant a Row for the Hungry – Neighborhood Challenge” to collect extra produce from home gardeners for distribution to food pantries.  The neighborhood association in Dane County with the greatest donation total at the end of the season wins a $200 cash prize sponsored by Olds Seeds Company and will be recognized at the Mayor’s Neighborhood Roundtable gathering in November 2011.  For more information please contact Michelle Shively at mshively@cacscw.org.

West Police District Newsletter

Here is a link to the March/April (and earlier issues of the) West Police District newsletter:  http://www.cityofmadison.com/police/west/newsletters/  Enjoy!  And always remember to lock your car, and do not leave valuables in sight.  GPS units are the item most frequently taken from vehicles.  Also, check out Sgt. Lori Chalecki’s West CPT report.  VERY valuable information for our community, and something your PHNA board is trying to encourage!

Volunteer Tutors Needed

Help the local Literacy Network tutor adults in English as a Second Language.  No experience or foreign language required!  For details, contact Shawn Steen at Shawn@litnetwork.org or 608-244-3911.  Volunteers are needed for Tues nights from 6-8 pm at the Allied Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club (4619 Jenewein Rd).

Art Cart at Elver

Madison School & Community Recreation will be hosting an Art Cart from 1-4 pm on Tues. June 21 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.

Red Cross Blood Drive – Beach Party

The Red Cross is holding a “Beach Days” Blood Drive from July 5-9.  For more information on how to participate, visit their website at www.redcrossblood.org and click on “media centers” at the top of the page, then enter your zip code.

Tania Banak, Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association president

From PHNA President Tania Banak:

Hello Prairie Hills neighbors,

Neighborhood Safety Meeting April 14

On April 14, neighborhood police officer Justine Harris conducted an informative neighborhood safety meeting at the West Police Station.  She brought in Paul Logan from the 911 Call Center to answer questions about the 911 system, including when is it appropriate to call, what info is most helpful to the center staff, and the benefits of requesting contact with a police officer.  Justine noted that she is working with Building Inspection to ensure that area properties are kept up.  If you see properties that need attention, please let her know.  And mark your calendar for future neighborhood safety meetings:

Thurs July 28, 7-8:30 pm, West Police Station

Tues Oct. 18, 7-8:30 pm, West Police Station

Block Captains Still Needed

The neighborhood association still desperately needs BLOCK CAPTAINS who will volunteer to mobilize residents.  Responsibilities include gathering contact info (name/phone/email) and keeping residents informed of neighborhood activities, plus asking them to join the PHNA (a very reasonable $5 dues per year).  Are you willing to make a difference where you live?  If so, please contact us at prairiehillsna@yahoo.com.  We have materials to help you get started!

Areas that still need to be covered include:

2500-2700 McKenna Blvd, plus 6800-6700 block of Putnam (Area 3)

Janie Lane, Pilgrim Circle, & 6500 block of Pilgrim (Area 4)

Homestead Rd., incl Piedmont Ct (Area 5)

2200-2400 Ravenswood & 2200-2400 Westbrook Lane (Area 8)

6500 block of Tottenham & 2100-2200 block of Frisch (area 10)

2100-2300 McKenna & Adderbury Circle (Area 11)

2000 block of Frisch & Brompton Circle (Area 12)

2000 block of Adderbury (area 13)

Condos at 6600 block of Raymond & 2000 block of McKenna (area 15)

1800-1900 block of Frisch & Hoff Ct (area 16)

1900-2000 block of Prairie & 6200-6300 block of Raymond (area 17)

Birch Hill/Lomax & Cathy Ct, Starr Ct. (Area 18)

Cherbourg Ct (Area 19)

Krystana Way & Jacobs Ct (Area 20)

Park Heights Ct (Area 21)

Betty’s Lane, Park Crest Ct, & 6500-6700 block of Jacobs Way (area 22)

Hammersley between McKenna & Betty’s Ln (Area 23)

Frisch between Hammersley & Jacob’s Way (Area 24)

6400-6200 block of Hammersley & Betty’s Lane (Area 26)

Loreen Drive (Area 29)

Please help us get YOUR neighborhood covered!

City Redistricting Meetings (May 12)

The City of Madison is in the process of adjusting its wards and aldermanic districts.  The new boundaries will remain in place for the next 10 years.  You can learn more about the proposals and offer input by attending a public hearing on Thurs. May 12, 6 pm, Cherokee Middle School, 4301 Cherokee Drive, or by visiting www.cityofmadison.com/cityHall/redistricting

More About the Meadowood Survey

Ooops!  I mis-identified the origination of the Meadowood Survey that I recently distributed!  Alder Matt Phair (District 20) clarified that the survey was written by a southwest side committee on economic development (not the City of Madison).  The group was formed with area residents who attended the quarterly Meadowood Community Suppers.  If you are interested in joining, please contact Matt at district20@cityofmadison.com.  If you have not filled out the survey yet, you have until May 12 to do so at:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XD3NBGY

Free Garage Sale Postings

An intern named Sasha emailed us to offer free “garage sale” ads on a new Madison online social market place.  You can check out their site at http://buysellmadison.com/garage-sales  If you have questions, you can contact her at sasha@buysellmadison.com

Newsletter from Dane County Executive

For your information, here is a newsletter from the new Dane County Executive, Joe Parisi:  http://danedocs.countyofdane.com/webdocs/pdf/exec/columns/03052011.pdf

Hospice Care Newsletter Available

Interested in Hospice Care?  You can sign up for their electronic newsletter by sending a request to:  info@hospicecareinc.com

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

A new “Green Madison” energy efficiency program is making funds available for home owners who would like to improve the energy efficiency of their home.  For more info, visit www.cityofmadison.com/greenmadison or call 877-399-1204.

Earth Day Trash Collection Successful

Volunteers pulled three full bags of trash from the greenway between Westbrook Lane & Raymond Road on Sat. April 23^rd, in honor of Earth Day, plus two more from Lucy Lincoln Heistand Park.  Thanks to all who volunteered!

Volunteers Needed to Help Seniors on May 14:

Volunteers, some with trucks or vans, are needed to help senior citizens “declutter” their apartments (at the senior facility on Struck and Schroeder Road) on May 14^th from 8:30-12:30.  Volunteers will help seniors sort items to be recycled or donated, then will deliver the materials to either the City Recycling Center or to St. Vincent’s on Segoe Rd.  If you can help, please contact Jan Karst at RSVP (jkarst@rsvpdane.org) or jodyschmitz@yahoo.com

Hike Madison’s “Wild Side”

Madison is offering free tours of its conservation parks.  For more info, visit:

http://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/parks/conservation/tours.cfm

Ride the Drive on Sunday June 5

Once again, Madison is sponsoring a bicycle ride along downtown streets.  For details, visit http://www.cityofmadison.com/transportation/ridethedrive/

Electronic “Neighborhood” – Are You Interested?

A neighborhood resident forwarded the following websites which create an electronic “meet the neighbors” group.  Anyone interested?  If so, please let us know.

http://www.meettheneighbors.org/

http://www.i-neighbors.org/

Tania Banak, Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association president

From PHNA President Tania Banak:

Hello Prairie Hills neighbors,

Reminder:  Neighborhood Safety Meeting
April 14, 7-8:30 pm, West Police District, 1710 McKenna Blvd in the Community Meeting Room.  Come find out how you can keep your property safe, and what sorts of activity you should be on the look-out for to maintain safety in YOUR neighborhood.

Join us in an April 23 Earth Day Clean-Up
Winter has receded at last, and under the snow piles are some left-over trash.  Help us beautify our neighborhood by participating in clean-up efforts on Sat. April 23 at 3 pm.  We will meet at the corner of Westbrook Lane in the 2000 block, at the greenway just south of 2032 Westbrook Lane.  We’ll pull trash from the greenway, north to Raymond Road.
Can’t make it?  Please help out by picking up your own yard, and encouraging your neighbors to do the same!  (Or be a dear, and pick up trash along your block).  Need more info?  Contact us at prairiehillsna@yahoo.com
Still Need Block Captains!
Several folks have stepped forward, and we now have block captains for 6500 block of Piedmont, 6400 block of Putnam, 1400 block of Theresa Terrace, and the 2000 block of Westbrook Lane & Westbrook Circle.  That’s a lot of blocks to fill yet!  Would YOU be willing to serve as YOUR block’s captain?  Duties include: gathering contact info from folks on your block and disseminating neighborhood news to your neighbors.  Value-added benefit:  you get to know your neighbors and build community, which yields a friendlier and safer surrounding!  If you’re interested or curious, please contact Tania at prairiehillsna@yahoo.com or 278-1093.  Thanks!

Parks Watch Opportunity
To better protect Madison’s beautiful parks system, the park system, in cooperation with the police, launched a Parks Watch program in 2008.  Neighbors joined together to learn how to organize a watch program, what to look for, and how to communicate concerns to city officials.  Would you like to be involved?  If so, attend one of the following training sessions:
April 12, 7 pm, Warner Park Community Recreation Center, 1625 Northport Drive
April 13, 7 pm, West Police District, 1710 McKenna Blvd.

Help Remove Garlic Mustard from Elver Park
Garlic mustard, an invasive weed that takes over native vegetation and can even choke out existing trees with a chemical it releases into the soil, is taking over at Elver Park.  Would you be willing to join a group of “Weed Warriors” and pull the pesky plant?  If so, contact Tania at prairiehillsna@yahoo.com

Brush and Yard Waste Collection Begins
Starting April 4, the city resumed collecting brush and leaf/garden waste from private properties.  Learn more about how to place materials for collection at www.cityofmadison.com/spring or for the latest update on the collection schedule, call 267-2088.  Remember:  do NOT mix garden waste and leaves with brush!  Mixed materials will not be collected.

Need Mulch?
Free wood mulch is available at Elver Park on a first-come, first-served basis.  Please, private individuals only—no contractors.

Free Hair Cuts at Meadowood Community Center
The Meadowood Community Center is offering free haircuts on April 12 (by appointment only).  A hairstylist wants to give back to the community by offering haircuts for those facing financial hardship.  Daytime appointments are available by calling the center at 467-8360.

West District Police Newsletter
The latest West District Police newsletter can be viewed here:  http://www.cityofmadison.com/police/west/newsletters/

District 20: Alder Thuy’s Final Newsletter
By the time you read this, Alder Thuy’s term as Alder of District 20 will be over, but you may still be interested to read her final newsletter:  http://www.cityofmadison.com/council/district20/documents/0311finalnews20.pdf

Congratulations to Newly Elected Alders
Prairie Hills is served by three different Alder Districts.  Retaining his District 7 seat is Steve King (district7@cityofmadison.com).  Newly-elected Alder for District 1 is Lisa Subeck (district1@cityofmadison.com) and for District 20 is Matt Phair (district20@cityofmadison.com).  We look forward to working with all three individuals and congratulate them on their victories!

Meditation at Monona Terrace
Free meditations at Monona Terrace from noon to 12:45 on Mondays between April-May 23 in the Community Terrace (level two).  For more information visit communityevents.mononaterrace.com

Tania Banak, Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association president

From PHNA President Tania Banak:

Hello Prairie Hills neighbors,

As spring approaches, your neighborhood association board is renewing its efforts to get residents to connect and form community.  We believe that the more people get to know each other, the more safety and respect will be generated.

If you share this vision, would you be willing to serve as a Block Captain?  We would like one individual on each block to volunteer to be the association’s link to their street.  Duties include going door to door to obtain contact info for your block, then sharing updates on neighborhood events (e.g. resource fliers, 4th of July parade, community supper, area garage sale, Halloween bonfire, etc.)  If you like, this would also be a way to initiate block parties or a neighborhood watch.

If you are interested in serving as a Block Captain (or even just curious about what’s involved), please email us at prairiehillsna@yahoo.com or call 608-278-1093.  We thank you in advance for helping make our community a better place!

Community Garden Registration
Community Gardens registration for Prairie Hills Community Garden, Hammersley Park Community Garden, and Meadowridge Community Gardens will be held Saturday, March 26, at the Meadowood Neighborhood Center from 10 am to 12 noon.  Contact Karen Deaton at 278-8480 or karendeaton@tds.net for information.

Mark Your Calendar:  Neighborhood Safety Meetings
Please mark your calendar for upcoming Neighborhood Safety Meetings on Thurs. April 14, Thurs. July 28, and Tues. Oct. 18, hosted by the West Police District (1710 McKenna Blvd).  Meetings will be held in the Police District’s Community Meeting Room from 7-8:30 pm.  Come find out how you can keep your property safe, and what sorts of activity you should be on the look-out for to maintain safety in YOUR neighborhood.

Be Informed for April 5 Alder Elections
Local elections are coming up on April 5.  Prairie Hills is represented by three Aldermanic Districts (1, 7 and 20).  Please inform yourself about candidates running in YOUR district!  After our last e-newsletter went out, a District 1 resident informed us that Lisa Subeck is the other candidate running for District 1 Alder.  Her website is:  http://lisasubeck.com/  She is running against Brian Driscoll www.DriscollforDistrict1.com

Hear District 20 Alder Meeting on New Southwest Side Radio Station
If you can’t make it to the March 19 District 20 “Meet the Alder Candidates” meeting, you can hear a recording on a Southwest Madison low power radio station, WIDE-LP at 99.1 on the FM dial.  For more information on the station visit: http://citywidelpfm .org/ or if you have questions email Robert Park (station manger and Orchard Ridge resident) at loonfoot@gmail.com

Citizen Advocacy Training on March 31
How does government work, and how can citizens become involved as advocates and serve on boards and committees?  Citizen Advocacy Project (funded by the area Agency on Aging) will host a training session on March 31 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1701 McKenna Blvd, from 10-11:30 am.  For more information, contact Mary Stamstad, Coordinator, Triad, In-Home Safety Project, DANE-Citizen Advocacy Workshops, RSVP of Dane County, 608-441-7897, Fax: 608-238-7931, mstamstad@rsvpdane.org .

Tania Banak, Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association president

From PHNA President Tania Banak:

Hello Prairie Hills neighbors,

Keep Your Home SAFE This Holiday Season!

Don’t give thieves a chance.  Please be sure to keep your windows and doors LOCKED, even while you are home!  That includes the door to your garage.  There have been numerous break-ins in the Madison area recently where thieves have entered through an unlocked door and made off with valuables, sometimes even driving away in the victim’s car.  If you see suspicious individuals or vehicles in your neighborhood, or if you have been victimized, call 911.

Yard Waste

The City of Madison Yard Waste Sites will be open M-F 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and until 8 p.m. on Thursday.  The sites will close for the season at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday December 5th.  Starting Monday December 6^th, the Streets Division’s regular drop off sites at 1501 W. Badger Rd and 4602 Sycamore Ave will be open winter hours M-F from 7:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Snow Removal, Winter Parking, and More

The City has updated its snow removal technology to make street-clearing after a snow storm more efficient.  For more information about this or about winter parking, winter recreational opportunities, etc. visit: http://www.cityofmadison.com/residents/winter/

Verona Road Construction Plans

Verona Road will be the topic at a Long Range Transportation Committee meeting on Dec 9 at 5:00 p.m., in Room LL-110 Madison Municipal Bldg.  A group of local residents have problems with the proposed road construction due to environmental/pollution concerns.  They plan to meet on Sun. Dec. 5 to decide how to address their issues at the meeting.  For more info, contact Kim Zinski (kimzinski@gmail.com) or Marla Powell  (mariapowell@mejo.us).

Cases of Norovirus in Dane County

Public Health Madison and Dane County has received sporadic reports of norovirus, an illness that comes on quickly and produces vomiting and/or, diarrhea.  It spreads very quickly from person to person, often through touching a surface contaminated with the virus, and through food that is contaminated by the infected person who prepares or serves it.  For more information about norovirus, please visit http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/factsheets/norovirus.htm

A fact sheet on proper handwashing technique can be found at: http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/factsheets/Handwashing.htm

Neighborhood Waterway Issues

City Engineering is looking at ways to reduce flooding at the intersection of Homestead & Pilgrim and at the end of Frisch Road by the greenway.  They play to install a rain garden in Pilgrim Park to solve the problems at Homestead & Pilgrim, and to correct the erosion occurring on the bike path.  They also plan to increase the inlet capacity by installing a larger pipe at the Frisch greenway, hopefully without impacting any trees.

Westgate DMV Moving

The Dept. of Motor Vehicle office at Westgate Mall is relocating to the 6500 block of Odana Road, effective Dec. 7.  The new location is larger, with easier access.

Newsletter from Alder Thuy (District 20)

For those of you in District 20, here is a link to Alder Thuy Pham Remmele’s fall newsletter: http://www.cityofmadison.com/council/district20/documents/1010webnewsfinal20.pdf

Save the Date:  Holiday Blood Drive

The American Red Cross will hold it’s 25^th annual holiday blood drive at the Alliant Energy Center on Thurs. Dec. 23, 2010.  For more information, contact Debbie Borman at bormannd@usa.redcross.org

Volunteer for the Salvation Army?

In these tough economic times, the need is great.  Want to help ring the Salvation Army red kettle bells?  Volunteers are needed between Nov. 19-Dec. 24 between 8 am and 8 pm at various locations.  You can volunteer at www.ringbells.org or call 250-2235 to reserve a shift.

Volunteer for RSVP

RSVP of Dane County, Inc. is recruiting seniors 55+ who are interested in making a difference in their community through volunteer service.  RSVP volunteers contribute their talents and energy working in a variety of non-profit agencies in the community.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact info@rsvpdane.org or 238-7787.

Apply to be a Firefighter

City of Madison Fire Department is accepting applications for the position of firefighter thru December 3rd.  Applications can be downloaded here:

http://www.cityofmadison.com/employment/firefighter.cfm

Written exam is Jan. 24.  No alternate dates or times.

Operation Fresh Start

Do you know of conservation/habitat restoration projects that need to be done?  If so, visit http://www.operationfreshstart.org/program/index.php?category_id=3882 to see if the project can be worked on by young adults who are learning job skills.

Happy Holidays to all from your neighborhood!

Tania Banak, Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association president