Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association

From Tania Banak:

From PHNA president Tania Banak:

Hello Prairie Hills neighbors,

Hope you’ve had an enjoyable summer and are now ready for some cooler fall weather!

Leaf Mulch Guidelines

The city is launching a new “Leave the Leaf” program to encourage residents to reduce phosphorus runoff into the lakes and to reduce the amount of labor needed to collect leaves.  For more info, visit:  http://www.cityofmadison.com/streets/leavetheleaf/

Southwest Farmer’s Market Every Wednesday

Through October, you can still pick up fresh produce (as well as soaps, baked goods, etc) from 3-7 pm every Wednesday from the Southwest Farmer’s Market.  You’ll find the market in the parking lot of Orchard Ridge Church of Christ, at the corner of Tolman and Gilbert roads.

Graffiti Action

Noticed graffiti where you live?  This website will tell you exactly how best to handle it:  http://www.cityofmadison.com/residents/graffiti/index.cfm

West Police District Newsletter

Justine Harris is the neighborhood officer for the Hammersley/Prairie area of our neighborhood.  You can find her report at:  http://www.cityofmadison.com/police/west/newsletters/Documents/WPD201007-08.pdf

Deadline for New Smoke Alarms was Aug. 15

All homes must have new 10-year, tamper-proof smoke alarms installed on each floor of the building, in each bedroom, and within 6 feet of each door leading to a bedroom or sleeping unit.  The Fire Dept. has been awarded a grant to help install new alarms for homes with young children, elderly, disabled or low-income residents.  If you need more information, please contact the Madison Fire Department Community Education Office at 266-4709.

District 20 – Alder Thuy’s Newsletter

If you reside in District 20 (a part of our neighborhood), please take a look at Alder Thuy Pham-Remmele’s August newsletter, posted on the City of Madison website at http://www.cityofmadison.com/council/district20/documents/fall2010newsletter20.pdf

City Budget Details

The Mayor’s full 2011 capital budget is available on the City’s website: http://www.cityofmadison.com/comp/budgetindex.htm. The Council will vote on it together with the operating budget during the week of November 15.  The operating budget is scheduled to be introduced on October 5.

Public Hearing on Stormwater Budget – Sept. 22

http://www.cityofmadison.com/comptroller/documents/2001CapBud/cip53s.pdf

Downtown Plan Details

Interested in the city’s downtown plan?  There’s a public meeting on Sept. 23.  More info is available at this website:  http://www.cityofmadison.com/neighborhoods/downtownplan/

Hayrides in Madison Parks This Fall

Elver and other Madison parks are offering hayrides this October and November.  For details, visit this website:  http://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/hayrides.html

Dialogues on Homelessness

The city is sponsoring a series of dialogues on area homelessness on the second Saturday of each month.  The first session is scheduled for October 9.  For more info, contact Donna at (608) 609-8522 / dcassociated@gmail.com

Grassroots Leadership Training

The Grassroots Leadership College is committed to the idea “everyone a learner, everyone a teacher, everyone a leader.” They’ve hosted initial training workshops on community organizing, and will host a second community led forum in September or early October. Keep your eyes open for the date and place. The focus for the forum is “Funding and Collaborations.” Check out www.grassrootsleadershipcollege.org or call 441-0085 for upcoming workshops and community forums.

Tania Banak, Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association president

From PHNA president Tania Banak:

Hello Prairie Hills neighbors,

Southwest Farmer’s Market Every Wednesday

From 3-7 pm every Wednesday through October, you can pick up fresh produce (and much more!  Soaps, crafts, etc) from the Southwest Farmer’s Market.  You’ll find the market in the parking lot of Orchard Ridge Church of Christ, at the corner of Tolman and Gilbert roads.

Weigh in on Design of Madison Library

You have a say!  Please join the architects for public meetings about the Madison Public Library on Thurs. Aug. 5, 7-9 pm, at the Madison Senior Center, 330 West Mifflin.

West Police District Newsletter

The May/June West District Police Station newsletter is now available at http://www.cityofmadison.com/police/west/newsletters/

Plastics Recycling

Madison residents can now leave lids/caps on their plastic bottles and they will be recycled.  Recycling director George Dreckman says it is important to reattach the lids, because loose lids are screened out of the recycling stream and will not get recycled.  He recommends giving bottles a squeeze to eliminate air, then to reattach the lids.

October Work Day for Climate Change

Dave Spitzer (d-spitzer@tds.net) is organizing a Madison work day for global climate change on October 10, 2010 (10-10-10).  Contact him for more info, or visit www.350.org (an international organization, directed by Bill McKibben).

Tania Banak, Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association president

From PHNA president Tania Banak:

Hello Prairie Hills neighbors,

It’s time to renew your membership in the neighborhood association!

Annual dues are only $5.  These dues help pay for supplies for events such as socials, trash clean-ups, and promotional fliers about neighborhood activities.  You can renew via PayPal directly from the neighborhood’s website! http://prairiehillsna.org/join-or-renew/

We need your involvement to make our neighborhood a better place!  To refer back to this info, or to share it with your neighbors, please bookmark the Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association website (www.prairiehillsna.org).

Get Ready for the 4^th of July

Once again, PHNA will celebrate the nation’s Independence Day with a parade!  Meet at 1:00 pm at the playground in Lucy Lincoln Hiestand Park (south of Jacob’s Way, north of Raymond Road, just east of Frisch).  We will have crepe paper and balloons to decorate bikes, wagons, and strollers.  Our parade through the neighborhood will begin at about 1:30.  After the parade, we’ll enjoy popsicles and a water balloon toss.  This is a family-friendly event, and a great way to meet other neighborhood families.  Come join in, or just watch the festivities!

Share Your Ideas for Neighborhood Events

We’re always looking for ideas for neighborhood community-building events!  You can contact us at prairiehillsna@yahoo.com Special thanks Karen Deaton for organizing this year’s 4^th of July parade!

Art for Kids: from MSCR

The Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) is sponsoring a FREE traveling art program that provides creative, outdoor art-making experiences for children 3 and older and their families.  Pre-registration is required (608-204-3021).  The Art Cart will be at Meadowood Park on Tues. 7/13 (1:30-4:30 pm), and at Elver Park on Wed. 7/28 (5:30-8 pm).

Juvenile Gangs: What You Should Know About Them

On Wed. July 7 from 12:45-1:25 pm, SW Madison Triad is sponsoring a talk about juvenile gangs by Madison Police crime prevention/gang officers.  The talk will be held at the Lussier Community Education Center (55 S. Gammon Road).  Call 441-7897 for more info.  This is a Lussier Center Senior Meal site.  To register for lunch (seniors), call 238-7368.

Decorate Sidewalks with Neighborhood Kids

Justine Harris, neighborhood police officer for the Hammersley/Prairie area is hosting Sidewalk-Decorating events throughout the summer to keep children and adults  involved and to beautify the neighborhood.  All are welcome!  Sidewalk chalk provided.  Please join Justine:

July 12, 7 pm, Loreen & Hammersley

August 16, 7 pm, Theresa & Betty’s Lane

Cancelled in case of rain.

Neighborhood Challenge – Plant a Row for the Hungry

Community Action Coalition of South Central Wisconsin (CAC) is piloting the “Neighborhood Challenge-Plant a Row for the Hungry” to collect extra produce from home gardeners for distribution to food pantries.  For more information, contact Patty Zehl,

AmeriCorp VISTA – Food Pantry Gardens, Community Action Coalition, 608-246-4730 ext. 234, pattyz@cacscw.org or visit www.cacscw.org/food_gardens/index.htm

Want to Know About Zoning Code Rewrite, Edgewater Hotel, Train Station, etc?

Interested in city issues such as the zoning code rewrite, train station, the Edgewater hotel, etc.?  If so, please drop us an email, so we can forward you announcements about meetings as they occur.  (We don’t feel it’s appropriate to overwhelm everyone on the mailing list w. these, because not everyone is interested).

Meriter McKee Now Offers Pediatrics

Effective July 1, 2010, Meriter McKee will offer pediatric services. For more info, visit http://www.meriter.com/content/index.cfm?cm_id=368

Channel 3000 Community Web Page

Channel 3000 is launching a series of websites that are focused on communities and neighborhoods in and around Madison.  They are looking for neighborhood journalists or bloggers.  Please contact Scott Beedy at sbeedy@wisctv.com or 608-277-5229 if you’re interested in helping out.

Help Ring Salvation Army Bells in July

Volunteers are needed to help ring bells in July to raise funds for the Salvation Army.  To sign up to help between July 9-17, go to http://ringbells.org

Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes

Recent rainfall has spurred the emergence of a extra large crop of pesky mosquitoes.  The US Environmental Protection Agency has a new online tool to help pick the repellent that may work best for you: http://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/index.cfm#searchform

You can reduce outdoor mosquito presence by eliminating standing water on your property.

Clean out clogged rain gutters

Change the water in birdbaths, wading pools, and pet water dishes every three to four days,

Properly dispose of old tires http://www.cityofmadison.com/streets/pdfs/Recyclopedia2005.pdf

Make sure that items on your property (boats, pool covers, pots, bird baths, etc) do not hold water for more than 3 – 4 days.

For more information on what works and what doesn’t work to keep the mosquitoes at bay, visit the UW Integrated Mosquito Management website at: http://www.entomology.wisc.edu/mosquitosite/topicalrepel.html

Tania Banak, Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association president

From PHNA president Tania Banak:

Hello Prairie Hills neighbors,

We need your involvement to make our neighborhood a better place!

Garlic Mustard Eradication Efforts

Elver Park is becoming overrun with garlic mustard.  Help save our park from this invasive weed!  To learn how to identify garlic mustard and how to pull it and dispose of it, or to volunteer to join work parties, please contact Tania at 608-278-1093 or naturegrrl@sbcglobal.net.

Community-building in the Hammersley/Prairie Area

What do residents in the Hammersley/Prairie area like most about where they live?  What would they like to see improved?  We’ll be working with neighborhood police officer Justine Harris to survey residents and based on the results, to implement changes.  If you can devote an hour or two to help go door to door with the survey, please contact Tania at naturegrrl@sbcglobal.net.

May 24 Loreen Beautification Project

Instead of safety walks, neighborhood police officer Justine Harris is hosting fun evenings of sidewalk-decorating throughout the summer in the Hammersley/Prairie area.  Come out & join us!  We’ll decorate sidewalks w. chalk, beautify the neighborhood, and meet children and adults.  First session is Mon. May 24 at 7 pm.  Meet at the corner of Loreen & Hammersley.  For more info, link to the West Police District newsletter (below) and read Justine’s column.  Cancelled in case of rain.

Board Members Needed

The Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association still needs a vice president and a secretary.  Tania and Diana have volunteered to continue as president and treasurer, but we need help.  Interested in helping to give your community a voice with city government and keeping your environment safe, enjoyable and crime-free?  Please consider volunteering for the association.  Contact us at prairiehillsna@yahoo.com

Get Ready for the 4^th of July

Once again, PHNA will celebrate the nation’s Independence Day with a parade!  Meet at 1:00 pm at the playground in Lucy Lincoln Hiestand Park (south of Jacob’s Way, north of Raymond Road.  Enter from Prairie or Frisch).  We will have crepe paper and balloons to decorate bikes, wagons, and strollers.  Our parade through the neighborhood will begin at about 1:30.  After the parade, we’ll enjoy popsicles and a water balloon toss.  This is a family-friendly event, and a great way to meet other neighborhood families.

We Need Organizers for Block Parties

Do you know your neighbors?  If not, a block party is a great way to break the ice.  We all win when we know each other, because we’re more likely to look out for each other.  Please contact the Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association at prairiehillsna@yahoo.org for tips on how to organize a party, and for resource information that can be passed out to attendees.

Alder Thuy Pham-Remmele’s Newsletter

Those of you in Alder Thuy Pham-Remmele’s district will enjoy reading her newsletter, which addresses neighborhood street improvements, the 4^th of July fireworks, foreclosures, and much more: http://www.cityofmadison.com/council/district20/news.cfm

Madison West Police District Newsletter

Includes an update from Justine Harris, the neighborhood officer for Hammersley/Prairie and Park Edge/Park Ridge: http://www.cityofmadison.com/police/west/newsletters/

Need a Job, or Know Someone Who Does?

Urban League offers job-training sessions.  For more info, visit www.ulgm.org

Food-Buying Co-op Opportunity

SHARE Wisconsin is offering an opportunity to buy food for less, through their non-profit food-buying cooperative.  To learn more, visit www.sharewi.org

Computer Repair

Got computer problems?  A local resident offers solutions (this is not an endorsement, just passing this along for your info). http://techneeks.com

Finally, don’t hesitate to pass along ideas for the neighborhood!  You can contact us at prairiehillsna@yahoo.com. Special thanks to those who came out & helped with trash pick-up, despite the cold & rainy weather!

Tania Banak, Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association president

From PHNA president Tania Banak:

Hello Prairie Hills neighbors,

Please mark your calendar for these fun neighborhood activities coming up!

May 7 is Last Day to Sign Up for Garage Sale

Going to put your stuff up for sale during the May 14-15 neighborhood garage sale?  Be sure to contact Diana at dianapeterson321@gmail.com by May 7 to be included in our advertising flier.

Reminder: Trash Clean-Up on May 8

On Sat. May 8^th, meet Tania at the corner of Westbrook Lane and Westbrook Circle at 2 pm.  We’ll pick up trash along Westbrook Lane and on Raymond Road between Prairie & McKenna then tackle the greenway if there’s time. Please recruit your neighbors!  Bags provided.  For more info, contact Tania at naturegrrl@sbcglobal.net

Board Members, Block Captains Needed

The Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association needs YOU if we are to remain a viable, active organization.  Would you serve as a Block Captain for your block?  Or serve as board secretary or vice president?  Our goal is to bring neighbors together so that our community remains safe, enjoyable and crime-free.  For more information, or to volunteer, please contact us at prairiehillsna@yahoo.com

Results of April 29^th PHNA Board Meeting

Based on minimal membership renewals resulting from the neighborhood newsletter, our group decided to save volunteer and financial resources by foregoing production of the newsletter this year.  Instead, we will concentrate on production of informational fliers.

We are working on an informational flier about the PHNA, a resource flier, and listings of upcoming neighborhood events.  Rather than deliver these door to door, we will strategically distribute them to area businesses, the library, and at PHNA events.  If you can help with production or distribution, please let us know!

Help Tutor Math & Literacy

AmeriCorps is looking for volunteers to tutor kids at Falk Elementary and Huegel schools in math and literacy.  If interested, contact Minetta Koblings at the Schools of Hope Project, mkoblings@madison.k12.wi.us

Tania Banak,

Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association president

From PHNA president Tania Banak:

From PHNA president Tania Banak:

From PHNA president Tania Banak:

Hello Prairie Hills neighbors,

On Feb. 4^th, your board members, along with several volunteers, brainstormed ideas for a grant proposal to the City of Madison.  We hope to get funding for signs that we can use to promote neighborhood socials (such as picnics or coffees in the park, neighborhood garage sale, 4^th of July parade, etc).  We also hope to get a grant to print informational fliers that will connect folks in our neighborhood with a variety of resources.

We are always looking for individuals who would like to organize neighborhood events (like block parties, the 4^th of July parade, or socials in the parks) or neighborhood watches in their neighborhood.  Please contact us at prairiehillsna@yahoo.com if you have ideas or need guidance.

In the meantime, below are a variety of area events you may find of interest:

Investing in Yourself and Your Community FREE Workshops March 2010

Participate in any/all of the FREE Grassroots Leadership College workshops throughout the month of March. Childcare and Spanish interpretation included.  Applications are available online at www.grassrootsleadershipcollege.org/ or by calling 608-441-0085.

March 8:  “Asset Based Community Development”

March 9 & 16:  “Conflict Transformation”

March 27:  “Meditation and Activism”

For more information contact Amy Mondloch at 608-441-0085, amy@grassrootsleadershipcollege.org,

FREE Home Buyers Fair:  March 20, 2010

The Fair, held at the Alliant Energy Center, is a great opportunity to learn about the home buying process and the many programs available to assist you in purchasing a home.  Go to homebuyersroundtable.org to preregister and be eligible to enter the one night stay at Chula Vista drawing.  For more information, contact Terri Goldbin, Housing Rehabilitation Specialist, City of Madison at 608-266-4223, tgoldbin@cityofmadison.com or see www.cityofmadison.com/homeloans

Native Plant Sale

The Friends of the UW-Madison Arboretum annual Native Plant Sale is scheduled for Saturday, May 8, 2010.  You may pre-order native plants (including a rain garden, butterfly/hummingbird garden, savanna garden, prairie garden) and native shrubs, trees and vines — now through March 23.  All the species are native to the area, propagated plants (not dug from the wild).  The plant order brochure is available at www.uwarboretum.org/foa or phone 608/263-7760.

Madison Parks Newsletter–February 2010

Enjoy the latest edition of the Madison Parks Newsletter. Learn more about Madison Golf success, volunteer recognition event, and much more. http://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/documents/feb2010.pdf

Plant Dane! Native Plants Available at Greatly Reduced Prices (Orders Due May 15)

Everyone seems to be putting in rain gardens these days. And now, the Plant Dane! Cost-Share Program provides native plants to fill those rain gardens for less than half of retail prices. Rain gardens are an attractive way to reduce lawn maintenance time and costs, beautify your yard and help your lakes, rivers and streams all at the same time. Go to http://www.myfairlakes.com/ for an online application. A free rain garden workshop will be offered on March 6 to participants. Orders may be placed through May 15th, 2010. Plants will be delivered on June 26th.  Contact: Marcia Hartwig, MAMSWaP Storm Water Education Coordinator, 608-224-3746, hartwig@co.dane.wi.us .

Hospice Care Newsletter

Interested in hospice?  Their latest newsletter is available online:

http://www.hospicecareinc.com/news-from-hospicecare-inc.-winter-2010.html#medicare-cuts

Arboretum Hosts Numerous Events

For those who enjoy the natural world, check out the UW Arboretum’s website for listings of special presentations, walks, talks, and work outings: www.uwarboretum.org

Alder Thuy’s Newsletter (District 20)

Alder Thuy Pham-Remmele of Madison’s District 20 has shared her Feb/March newsletter with us.  You may read it at: http://www.cityofmadison.com/council/district20/documents/020310news20.pdf

Respectfully yours,

Tania Banak, Prairie Hills Neighborhood Association president