DM e-News: Music on TUES

 
 
                                                                                                June 20, 2016
 
The DMN e-News and an occasional hard copy DMN News are published by the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association (DMNA) on an “as-needed” schedule.  The Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association, Inc. has been working to unite neighbors to solve mutual problems and promote fellowship among neighbors since 1973.  Our neighborhood is in Madison & Fitchburg.
               President & News contact:  Mary Mullen, mmullen4337@charter.net  298-0843
               Website: http://www.dunnsmarsh.org <http://www.dunnsmarsh.org>
              On Facebook:   Type Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association into the Facebook search box.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Editor’s note:  It’s a short one this time, not because there isn’t a lot of news since the March 31 e-News, but because your editor just got way too busy. But do check out all the articles and their attachments.  They are all about SUMMER!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Articles
1 - Celebrate June 21 with Make Music Madison Right in the N’hood Tuesday, 4-8 pm (Attachment: “1 MMM poster.jpg”)
2 - MOST:  One-Stop Shop for Afterschool and Summer Programs
                     (Attachment:  “2 MOST poster.jpg”)
3 - Free Meals for Kids (Attachments: “3a free meals 4kids ENG.jpg” & “3b comida gratis 4niños.jpg”)
4 - Community Fun at “Let’s Eat Out” Every Wednesday (Attachment:  “4Let’s Eat Out poster.jpg”)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------




1 - Celebrate June 21 with Make Music Madison Right in the N’hood
Tuesday, 4-8 pm (Attachment: “1 MMM poster.jpg”)

For the fourth year in a row, the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association (DMNA) and Prairie Unitarian Universalist Society will co-sponsor hours of free music outdoors in the neighborhood.   The outdoor music is part of the Make Music Madison event held each year on June 21.
 
This year June 21 falls on a Tuesday.
 
The concert will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 pm on the grounds of Prairie UU Society, 2010 Whenona Drive (corner of Whenona and Crawford Drive).  Nine different acts will perform.
  
Some chairs will be provided, but for your best comfort, bring a lawn chair or blanket.   Bottled water and a few snacks will be available for purchase.  If you wish to donate to the performers, bring a few extra dollars.  Donations are not required but are a way to thank the musicians for their music.
 
Here’s the schedule:  
 
4:00 pm - Congress of Four - High schooler’s rock covers & originals
4:30 pm - Mary Strait - Classical, Celtic, meditative
5:00 pm - Dave & Mitch - Fiddle/guitar, rock & swing
5:30 pm - Helen Avakian & Dave Irwin - International fingerstyle champion
6:00 pm - Vets on Frets - Guitars for Vets (G4V) singalong
6:30 pm - Dark of the Moon Contra-Band - Reels, jigs, polkas & more
7:00 pm - Continental Drifters - Rosemarie Lester & Ruth Calden play & sing world music
7:15 pm - Madtown Spoken Word - Jesse Cole’s spoken word poetry
7:30 pm - Grandpa Squeezit - Lively button accordion tunes & (if we get it together) possibly a Maypole dance that the audience can participate in.
 
Rain or shine, the music will go on.  We will go indoors if the weather turns bad.
 
 
      
                                

2 - MOST: One-Stop Shop for Afterschool and Summer Programs
                     (Attachment:  “2 MOST poster.jpg”)

Looking for afterschool and summer programs for your child?  MOST (Madison-area Out-of-School Time) is making that easier with a brand new “one-stop-shop” online program finder. No matter what your budget is or where you live in the Madison area, you can find just the right program for your child, from kindergarten through high school, from homework help to karate or art classes.
 
With just a few clicks, the program finder can help you make the most of your child’s or teen’s time out-of-school. You’ll be able to search for programs by grade, distance from your house or the type of program you’re looking for, as well as about ten other searchable criteria. Start your search at www.mostmadison.org <http://www.mostmadison.org>   and let your child dream, explore and discover their passions.
 
MOST is a citywide collaboration between the Madison Metropolitan School District, the City of Madison, Dane County and 40 different youth serving organizations to help close Madison’s opportunity gap by ensuring that all Madison’s children have access to comprehensive, high-quality out-of-school time programs that will support positive youth development, educational achievement, and/or career, college, and community readiness.

 
 
3 - Free Meals for Kids (Attachment: “3a free meals 4kids ENG.jpg” & “3b comida gratis 4niños.jpg”)
 
If your kids or any you know rely on free meals at school, summer is not a good time for them.  But now the Metropolitan Madison School District in partnership with the REAP Food Group, City of Madison, Public Health-Madison & Dane County, and Madison Parks has a program to provide free healthy meals for all kids 18 and under at 50 locations around the city.  
 
Three locations are in our neighborhood! Marlborough Park, the Boys & Girls Club, and the Allied  Learning Center.
 
Another really good thing about the program is that there’s no need to sign up or apply - just show up and eat!  Nobody has to prove their income or anything else
 
The program starts June 20 and ends August 12. Meals are provided Monday through Friday except for Monday July 4.
 
For more information, such as all the sites where the program is available and whether Breakfast and Lunch,  Breakfast Only, Lunch Only, view the attachment, go to https://www.madison.k12.wi.us/ or call 211.
 
Local produce in meals is provided by the MMSD Farm to School project.
 
 

4 - Community Fun at “Let’s Eat Out” Every Wednesday (Attachment:  “4 Let’s Eat Out poster.jpg”)
 
Starting this week! Three dollar meal coupons will be available on-site at Meadowood Park, The Splash Park and Allied Drive! Take the kids.
 
The one in the Allied area is actually at 2320 Revival Ridge, the street that runs in front of the Boys and Girls Club, but further down where there’s some open space.  It’s an event for everyone, no matter what part of the neighborhood you live it.  CHECK IT OUT!
 
A rotating line-up of Madison’s best food carts will be there too.
 
 
-------------  End of the 6/20/16 Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood e-News --------------
                                               Thanks for reading.



 

DM e-News: VOTE, lots of news

                                                                             
                                                         
                                                           March 31, 2016 (2016 issue #2)

The DMN e-News and an occasional hard copy DMN News are published by the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association (DMNA) on an “as-needed” schedule.  The Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association, Inc. has been working to unite neighbors to solve mutual problems and promote fellowship among neighbors since 1973.  Our neighborhood is in Madison & Fitchburg.
               President & News contact:  Mary Mullen, mmullen4337@charter.net  298-0843
               Website: http://www.dunnsmarsh.org <http://www.dunnsmarsh.org>
              On Facebook:   Type Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association into the Facebook search box.
-------------------------------------------------------------
                                  PREVIEW   
VOTE April 5 (#1-5), get your garden plot or compost bin, free tree, etc. (#6-12), learn about a host of n’hood activities(#13-24), take some money management hints (#25-26).  Above all, don’t pass up your chance to help pick the next US president and Wisconsin Supreme Court justice (#1 & #2).
 
                                                  CALENDAR
Every Thursday,  9 am - Coffee with a Cop, Steep & Brew, 6656 Odana Rd.
Tues., April 5, 7 am-8 pm - Election Day, different locations for Madison & Fitchburg voters, #1-5
Tuesdays & Thursdays, noon - Senior lunch at Meadwood Neighborhood Ctr, 5740 Raymond Rd
Sat., April 9 or 23, 6 pm - DMNA Book Club w potluck, #14
Thur., April 14, 6 pm - DMNA N’hood Council, Prairie UU Society, 2010 Whenona Dr.
Sat., April 16, 12 noon - Allied Community Co-op mtg, Boys & Girls Club, 4619 Jenewein Dr.
Sat., April 23, 10 am-12 pm - Opening Day for no-till section of Marlborough Community Garden
Sat., May 7, 10 am-12 pm - Opening Day for gardeners in tilled section of Marlborough Garden
Sat., May 7, 10 am-2 pm - Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale, Alliant Energy Center, #7
Thur., May 12, 6 pm  - DMNA N’hood Council, Prairie UU Society, 2010 Whenona Dr.
Wed., June 15 & next  8 Wednesdays, 5-7:30 pm - Let’s Eat Out, lower end of  Revival Ridge street
Sat., June 18, 10 am-12 pm - Workday for Marlborough Community Garden
Thur., June 23, 5:30-7:30 pm - Verona Rd. Open House, Fitchburg Fire Station #2, #22
-----------------------------------------------------------------
                                              ARTICLES
Unless otherwise noted in a by-line, articles are written by Mary Mullen.  All photos in the attachments are by Mary.

           ELECTION APRIL 5
1 - Who’s on the Ballot for Madison Voters?
2 - Who’s on the Ballot for Fitchburg Voters?
3 - Voting Location Depends on Your Address in the N’hood
4 - Need Work?  Become a Poll Worker @ $12/Hour
5 - Do All Politicians Lie?


NATURE IN THE N’HOOD
6 - Garden Plots Still Available (Attachment:  “1 garden harvest chart.jpg”)
7 - Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale, May 7
8 - Spring Comes to the Neighborhood (Attachment: “2 pics winter2spring.jpg”)
9 - Fitchburg Draft Park and Open Space Plan Favors Urban Ag and Community Gardens
10 - Municipal Emerald Ash Borer Response
11 - Urban Tree Alliance Offers Free Trees in 2016
12 - Is Radon a Problem in Your House?

            OTHER N’HOOD INTEREST
13 - Spring Brings Buzz of Activities to Neighborhood (Attachment: “3 pics busy n’hood.jpg”)
14 - It’s The Girls from Ames for the DMNA Book Club for April
15 - More About the Book Club
16 - Hold a Green Madison House Party:  Get Benefits
17 - Litter Cleanup Is a Priority for 2016 (Attachment:  “4 pics litter story.jpg”)
18 - Neighbors Hear about Progress Toward the Grocery Store
19 - Neighborhood Buying Club Tested
20 - Thanks to Those Working for the Grocery Store
21 - Verona Road Project Work Plans
22 - Quarterly Verona Road Open House Dates Announced  
23 - Notes from Chief Koval Community Forum
24 - Former Resident’s Article in Journal of Comparative Politics

           MANAGE YOUR MONEY (TAX TIME COMING UP)
25 - Mayor Soglin Urges Families to Claim Their Earned Income Tax Credit
26 - Hotel Credit Card Scam Explained

----------------------------------------------------------

ELECTION APRIL 5

1 - Who’s on the Ballot for Madison Voters?

Madison voters, do you know who’s on the April 5 ballot where you might have to think before you enter the polling booth?  That’s easy - just the presidential candidates and the Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates.  
 
The other 11 races offer just one person, unless, of course, you want to write in someone who isn’t officially running.
 
For President, the Democrats offer Hillary Clinton, Martin O’Malley, Bernie Sanders, or an “Uninstructed Delegation.”  
 
For Rupublicans even though just 3 candidates are still running, there’s an even dozen names to consider plus “Uninstructed Delegation:”  Marco Rubio, Ben Carson, Rand Paul, Mike Huckabee, Jim Gilmore, Chris Christie, Donald J. Trump, Rick Santorum, Carly Fiorina, John R. Kasich, Jeb Bush, or Ted Cruz.  The 3 Republican candidates who are still running are John Kasich, Ted Cruz, and Donald Trump.
 
For Wisconsin Supreme Court, the two candidates are JoAnne F. Kloppenburg or Rebecca G. Bradley.
 
To see all the other races, go to the website https://myvote.wi.gov/Home.aspx <file://localhost/Home.aspx>   For state and local candidates, the League of Women Voters’ Candidates’ Answers can give you a window into their views. Go to http://www.lwvdanecounty.org/candidates-answers-spring-election-2016
 
When you go to vote, be certain to take you Wisconsin driver license or other valid picture ID.
 
   
            

2 - Who’s on the Ballot for Fitchburg Voters?

Fitchburg voters in the neighborhood will have to think a tiny bit more when they look at the ballot on April 5.  They have contested races for the President, Wisconsin Supreme Court, and the Verona Area School District at Large Board member.
 
The candidates for U.S. President and Wisconsin Supreme Court are identical to those on the Madison ballot. (See above.)   The two candidates for the Verona at Large School Board member are Noah Robers and Charyn Grandau.
 
To see all the other races, go to the website https://myvote.wi.gov/Home.aspx <file://localhost/Home.aspx>   For state and local candidates, the League of Women Voters’ Candidates’ Answers can give you a window into their views. Go to http://www.lwvdanecounty.org/candidates-answers-spring-election-2016
 
 
When you go to vote, be certain to take you Wisconsin driver license or other valid picture ID.
 
 
 
3 - Voting Location Depends on Your Address in the N’hood  (repeated from 2/9/16 e-News)

New to the neighborhood?   Didn’t vote in the last election even though you’ve lived here awhile?  A new voter regardless of your age?
 
BE AWARE.   The polling place may not be where you expect it to be.

WHY?  Because, for those living in the Madison part of the neighborhood, the polling place location changed in 2014.  Because, if you live in the Fitchburg part of the neighborhood, the polling place is not within the neighborhood.
 
Those who live in the Madison part of the neighborhood vote in the Revival Ridge community room. The address is 2313 Allied Drive. But, again, be aware.  You can’t park on Allied Drive, and the entrance to the community room is actually on the plaza of the Revival Ridge apartments, accessible from Jenewein Drive.
 
The trick is to park on Jenewein close to Allied Drive and walk into the plaza where the hands sculpture reaches to the sky. Enter the doors next to the Madison Police shield.  They actually face out to Jenewein.  
 
If there’s not space to park on Jenewein, parking in the Boys & Girls Club lot is OK.  In that case, just walk up Jenewein to the plaza entrance.  Or go the back way by walking to the left on Revival Ridge, then right on Frida Kahlo Crest and into the plaza that way.
 

                            
Those who live in the Fitchburg (BELMAR)  part of the neighborhood face another hardship.   Fitchburg residents vote at Fitchburg Fire Station #2, at 5415 King James Way.  This is way down Verona Road to PD, then right at the PDQ.   Here’s a map showing that voting location.
 

            

                           
 
4 - Need Work?  Become a Poll Worker @ $12/Hour

As a current poll worker for Madison elections, I learned about the need for additional poll workers to handle the extra workload of checking picture ID’s at the first big election in which voters must show an ID.   Other municipal clerks will also need poll workers on Tuesday, April 5.
 
You don’t need to work the entire day — you can take the 6 am - 1 pm shift or the 1 pm to close shift.
 
For Madison residents, see http://www.cityofmadison.com/election/pollWorkers/apply.cfm Madison is now accepting poll workers who do not live within the City of Madison, but all workers must live in Dane County.  For residents of other municipalities, contact your local clerk.  For clerk phone numbers, see https://www.countyofdane.com/election/clerks.aspx <file://localhost/election/clerks.aspx>
 
Poll workers must attend a 1-hour training session prior to the April 5 election.
 
 
5 - Do All Politicians Lie?

During a time of heightened interest in politicians, one often hears that all politicians lie.  Politifact checks some of the statements made by politicians.  
 
The organization did find that politicians lie, but some do so way more than others.   Results were published in the 12/13/15 issue of the New York Times.
 
The article did not discuss whether the lies were on purpose or simply because the politicians don’t know the difference between the truth and the lies they stated.
 
To see how your favorite or most unfavorite national politician has been found to be truthful or untruthful, go to the URL mentioned below.  It is an interactive chart where you can also see the statements that were checked for each politician.
 
Want a hint?  One of the most  dishonest current presidential candidates is running highest in the popularity polls, and two of the most honest candidates are front-runners in the other party.  Here’s the URL for the interactive chart: http://www.datarevelations.com/all-politicians-lie-some-more-than-others  From there you can access the article itself.
 
The “pants on fire” statements, those that are ridiculously untrue, are pretty interesting to read (as are all the rest).
 
In case you are wondering what Politifact is, here’s a brief description from Politifact’s website.

PolitiFact is a fact-checking website that rates the accuracy of claims by elected officials and others who speak up in American politics. PolitiFact is run by editors and reporters from the Tampa Bay Times, an independent newspaper in Florida, as is PunditFact, a site devoted to fact-checking pundits. The PolitiFact state sites are run by news organizations that have partnered with the Times. The state sites and PunditFact follow the same principles as the national site.

PolitiFact staffers research statements and rate their accuracy on the Truth-O-Meter, from True to False. The most ridiculous falsehoods get the lowest rating, Pants on Fire.

 
NATURE IN THE N’HOOD

6 - Garden Plots Still Available (Attachment:  “1 garden harvest chart.jpg”)

Marlborough Community Garden, in Marlborough Park, still has some garden plots available.  New gardeners may sign up for a full plot which is about 20x20 feet square or for half a plot, 10x20'.
 
Some plots will be plowed and rototilled by tractor while others are “no-till” which means the gardeners is responsible for tilling by shovel or by personal rototiller.  The price is the same regardless of which part of the garden they are in.
 
For more information or to sign up for a plot, English speakers may contact

·      Micah Kloppenburg, (608) 609-0349, marlboroughgarden@gmail.com <mailto:marlboroughgarden@gmail.com>  or
·      Mary Mullen, (608) 298-0843, mmullen4337@charter.net <mailto:mmullen4337@charter.net>  
 

Spanish speakers should contact Angélica Muñoz, (608) 332-4832 angeolvido@aol.com <mailto:angeolvido@aol.com>
 
Rental fees vary depending on household income and number of people in the household.
 
Marlborough Garden has operated since 1970 and has 160 plots.  It is a multi-cultural garden with many Latinos, a large contingent of English-speaking gardeners, and some Southeast Asians.   The garden is managed by a committee of gardeners, and all gardeners are invited to be a part of the committee.
 
For a chart showing when you might get a harvest of various crops you plant, click on the attachment.
 
 
7 - Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale, May 7
              from City of Madison

Spring is here - and that means it's time to quench your thirst for gardening at the City of Madison Compost Bin And Rain Barrel Truckload Sale on Saturday May 7th at the Alliant Energy Center, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Discounted compost bins will be sold for only $69.99 and 50 gallon mosquito resistant RainReserve rain barrels with a diverter are on sale for just $119.99.
 
It is estimated that our urban communities contribute about 30% of the total phosphorus that enter in lakes Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, Kegonsa, and Wingra from runoff. Did you know that 600 gallons of water can be harvested from a 1000 square foot roof in every one inch rain event? By harvesting rainwater for your indoor and outdoor plants and putting clippings and leaves into a backyard composters, you don’t just make plants healthier; you’re also reducing run-off and the phosphorus that feeds our algae problem.
 
By participating, you’ll be joining the tens of thousands of homeowners in Madison already composting and harvesting rainwater. Rain barrels and compost bins also make a great gift for Mother’s Day. Individuals who pre-order rain barrels and compost bins before by April 25th will save an additional $10 off.  For more information and to pre-order your rain barrel and compost bin, supplies are limited, visit http://www.cityofmadison.com/streets/compost/CompostBinSale.cfm <http://www.cityofmadison.com/streets/compost/CompostBinSale.cfm> .
 
This event is open to both Madison residents and non-residents.



8 - Spring Comes to the Neighborhood (Attachment: “2 pics winter2spring.jpg”)

Day to day one might wonder if winter has given up its grip and given in to spring.  Birds don’t lie.  The robins have been back for weeks, sandhill cranes call high overhead, and hooded mergansers have been seen on Dunn’s Marsh.  Sunsets are colorful any time of year, but with the evergreens trading the red-browns of winter for their brighter spring dress, the world is turning technicolor.
 
Look at the last of winter’s tracks and watch the season morph to spring on the attached collage of photos .
 
 
9 - Fitchburg Draft Park and Open Space Plan Favors Urban Ag and Community Gardens

The City of Madison has promoted community gardens for some time, but I believe the statements in the new Fitchburg Park and Open Sapce Plan are the first from that municipality to give a lengthy rationale for supporting urban agriculture and community gardens.  Here are a few quotes from the draft plan.
 

Urban Agriculture and Community Gardens
Urban agriculture, including community gardens, offers an opportunity for development of a local food system, social interaction, green neighborhoods, and outdoor recreation. Community gardening, typically organized by non-profit organizations or volunteers, utilize a parcel of land divided into separate garden plots and gardened by individuals or groups. Various regional municipalities, including the City of Madison and Village of DeForest, currently allow community gardens on their parklands. Similarly, Fitchburg does allow community gardens in all of its zoning districts. Furthermore, the Gardens Network is a regional organization that provides various services for area community gardens and gardeners. This Plan’s stakeholder participation process indicated system users are interested in the potential of community gardens at system properties.
 

The document goes on to list the various benefits and case studies related to community gardens.  Listed are environmental benefits, health benefits, and economic benefits.
 
Health benefits are many, in fact, “a huge array of health benefits for people at all stages of life.”  Any gardener could probably name at least a few of them.  
 
The Fitchburg document says:  
 

From a standpoint of physical well-being, community gardens are areas for leisure-time physical activity, and are often major community resources for fresh and affordable fruits and vegetables. Gardens provide a unique opportunity for children to learn healthy eating and physical activity habits at early stages of development, reflected in a strong negative association between community gardening and childhood obesity. Research has also shown a positive relationship between gardening and respiratory health.

Similarly, gardening can be used as a vehicle for treatment and recovery outside of the clinical setting. People with hypertension and arthritis, in particular, have seen their health improve thanks to the physical and psychosocial benefits of gardening. Individuals under stress often report that gardening enhances their sense of purpose, autonomy, and ownership.
Combining all of the individual health benefits that gardening provides shows that gardening enhances overall community well-being….
 
Also at the community level, gardens have been shown to promote social capital and collective efficacy. These community health benefits speak to the strengthened social connections that community gardening can bring about. Communities with high levels of trust and interaction see less blight and less crime.

Economic benefits are the third category of benefits of community gardening, in fact, according to the Fitchburg document, “myriad economic benefits” including positive effects on surrounding property values, supported by research.
         
The conclusion is that “The City [of Fitchburg] should explore locating urban agriculture elements, including community gardens, at designated City system properties, serving to expand the user profile of the system, and attracting users from throughout the region.”
 
It should be noted that since the Marlborough Community Garden serves people from both Madison and Fitchburg, and each new season there is always space for new gardeners, it would seem that gardens would not be necessary in Fitchburg’s Belmar Park.
 
If you or anyone you know is interested in gardening in Marlborough Park, read article #6 where contact information is noted.  Do it now.  Plots are being assigned as we speak.


10 - Municipal Emerald Ash Borer Response
           Source of this information has been lost
 
The Emerald Ash Boer (EAB) has been in the region for several years, and cities are now well into executing EAB management plans. A diverse array of large-scale strategies has developed. At the tree-level, responses include removal and replacement, a pesticide treatment that lasts two years, and simply doing nothing.
 
Here’s brief run-down of the ways some cities are responding:
 
Minneapolis is removing and replacing  100% of its Ash trees
Milwaukee is treating 100% of its Ash trees.
Madison is removing and replacing 60% of its Ash trees, and treating the remaining 40%.
Fitchburg is implementing a “triage” of treatment and removal based on individual tree quality.
Sun Praire is re-assessing its policy of 100% removal and replacement.

11 - Urban Tree Alliance Offers Free Trees in 2016

The Urban Tree Alliance is continuing to offer free trees to people in our entire neighborhood regardless of location in Madison or Fitchburg.
 
If you are interested in getting a free tree, visit their web page on the Madison Canopy Project: http://www.urbantreealliance.org/resources/madison-canopy-project/
 
Last year the UTA planted about 28 trees on private property in the neighborhood and 10 trees in Marlborough Park.  The trees are 2 ½ to 7 feet tall.
12 - Is Radon a Problem in Your House?

Radon is a radioactive gas that can get into your basement.  It can cause lung cancer.
 
Recent discussions on the online group NextDoor Dunn’s Marsh revealed that some homes near us have radon levels above the danger level of 4.0 pCi/L (Picocuries per liter).    Some respondents had tested their homes and found levels both above and below that level.
 
The State of Wisconsin all-purpose website about radon  - https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/radon/index.htm <file://localhost/radon/index.htm> - notes that elevated radon levels are found in 5-10% of homes in Wisconsin, but a map shows that in our area 42-58% of homes have levels above the danger limit.  This would probably be a measurement taken in the basement.
 
Homeowners can purchase kits to measure radon or hire a contractor to do check the level.  Home use kits cost about $20.  The state website suggests measuring radon on the lowest level of the home where you spend 7 or more hours a week.
 
                
       
 

Systems can be installed to lower the level of radon.  That state website noted above lists contractors who can measure radon and install mitigation systems.  Respondents on the NextDoor Dunn’s Marsh site had used the following businesses to install a mitigation system, and most mentioned that the system cost them $750 or more:
·      Zander Solutions in Verona
·     Radon Specialists of WI
·      Eric Mikkelson @ Fresh Aire Systems (608) 835-7669
·     Radon Remediation Specialists (262)684-4400
 
 
The following information about radon is on the ask.com website.

Radon is an odorless, tasteless, invisible radioactive gas created when elements like uranium, radium and thorium decompose underground, states the National Cancer Institute. Outdoors, it is too diffuse to be harmful, but when it seeps into buildings through cracks in the foundations and walls, concentrations of radon gas build up, especially in lower levels. When people inhale the gas, radioactive particles attack tissue lining the lungs. Cigarette smoking exacerbates the risk of lung cancer death after radon exposure, but radon gas is also the leading cause of lung cancer affecting non-smokers, as reported by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Testing the atmosphere in homes, schools and commercial buildings is the only way to detect dangerous levels of radon, according to the EPA. Tests are performed through do-it-yourself home kits or by trained contractors. One of the most effective methods of reducing radon methods in buildings is soil suction, which involves installing one or more pipes beneath the foundation that vent radon away from the building's interior. This is often accompanied by the sealing of cracks through which radon can flow into the building.

 
OTHER N’HOOD INTEREST

13 - Spring Brings Buzz of Activities to Neighborhood (Attachment: “3 pics busy n’hood.jpg”)

People in the neighborhood haven’t been hibernating all winter and into the spring.  To the contrary, things have been abuzz ever since the last e-News, February 9, 2016.
 
A glance at the attached picture collage of neighborhood doings (3 pics busy n’hood.jpg) - or within the text of this e-News  - covers just a few:

·      February 11 - The DMNA Council met and listened to our upcoming County Supervisor Richard Kilmer.  A lively discussion ensued.  Twelve people attended.
·      February 13 - John and Thea Bach hosted the DMNA Book Club at their home for a discussion of Seasbiscuit and a showing of the movie by the same name.  Eight people attended.
·      February 16 - The Spring Primary election drew hundreds of people to the polls at the Revival Ridge community room where our neighborhood residents of Madison vote (Ward 76).  Five poll workers from the neighborhood are shown in the photo.
·      March 10 - The DMNA Council met and worked out how to implement two major priorities of the  DMNA this year:  getting rid of litter along the frontage roads and how to partner with businesses to increase DMNA membership.  Six Council members and 2 other people attended.
·      March 12 and 16 - About 60 families signed up for garden plots in Marlborough Community Garden.  There’s space for more, so if you know anyone who wants to garden, read article 6 - Garden Plots Still Available.
·      March 17 - The Cole family hosted a Green Madison presentation as described to the DMNA Council some months earlier.  Nearly a dozen people were present to learn about how a home energy assessment is done and to sign up for one if desired.  For more information about the program, read article 16 - Hold a Green Madison House Party:  Get Benefits.
·      March 19 - The Allied Community Co-op Town meeting at the Boys and Girls Club drew 9 people from the neighborhood.  Photo is in the text of the e-News with article 18 - Neighbors Hear about Progress Toward the Grocery Store.
·      March 20 - The first day of spring was a good day for heading down to the Cannonball Path to search Dunn’s Marsh for migrating waterfowl.  Any number of people took advantage of this bright and sunny day.  Gulls, ducks and geese were enjoying the marsh.  See also “pics winter2spring.jpg.”
·      March 24 and every Tuesday and Thursday - Meadowood Neighborhood Center hosts Senior Meals at noon at the cost of $4 for those 60 and older.  Two neighborhood residents participate in the Thursday meal.  It’s a great bargain and you meet interesting seniors there.  Last Thursday we met Chuck Ward, the man who invented the  “sonic sifter,” a device used in nuclear energy facilities.  (Pictures below.)
·      March 24 - The Verona Road Project Open House, held at Fitchburg Fire Station #2, drew at least 2 neighborhood residents plus one of the organizers of the neighborhood association that is forming on the north side of the Beltline.  (Pictures below.)
 

  
    
14 - It’s The Girls from Ames for the DMNA Book Club for April
information from Thea Bach
 
The April meeting date for the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association’s Book and Movie Club is not firmly set yet, but the book is.  It is The Girls from Ames by Jeffrey Zaslow, a journalist at the  Wall Street Journal. The story is about 11 childhood friends who grew up in Ames, Iowa, and then maintained an enduring friendship over 40 years even though they eventually lived in 8 different states.
 
Book and Movie Club members meet at the home of hosts John and Thea Bach.  The evening starts with a potluck at 6:00 p.m.  Discussion begins about 6:30.  The movie - if one is available - is cued up about 7:30.
 
Contact John or Thea Bach to learn the date and location of the meeting.  Call 274-7730 to talk to one of the hosts or leave a message to contact you about the details.  All neighborhood residents are welcome to join.
 
 
 
15 - More About the Book Club
from Thea Bach

Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association’s Book and Movie Club is a social club that is open to interested residents and meets at the home of John and Thea Bach in the Marlborough section of the neighborhood.
 
There are currently about 8-10 in the club. This, of course, varies according to interest and personal schedules.   It rarely happens that everyone comes all the time. So, for now, our little humble home is adequate for the club:  however, we have room for more.  
 
So far we have done the following books and movies: Life of Pi, The Maltese Falcon, The Book Thief, Gone Girl, Orphan Train, I am Malala, Seabiscuit, and the Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian.  
 
We  are using book club kits from the Madison Public Library.  The list of kits can be found on their website: www.madisonpubliclibrary.org <http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org>    When you get to the site, you will want to click on book club kits by title. Book club members are urged o look through the list and let Thea know their picks.

We have ruled out some on the list for various reasons, i.e. some have read the book already and feel it is not worth reading again, or ones we knew had too much graphic violence.  We decide together on what we wish to do.  Thea lists who picked what and reports to the group any books that 3 or more have picked.
 
Books we may read in the future that have been picked by 3 or more at this time are as follows:  The Lowland, My Sister’s Keeper, The Strength That Remains, and The World Without Us.

For meetings, we all bring a dish to share in order to make a complete meal.  If your birthday is near to one of the book club’s meeting dates, let us know so we can have you pick your favorite meal and have a coordinated meal.
 
Contact Thea at 274-7730 if you want to join the club and receive notices about upcoming books and dates.
 
 
16 - Hold a Green Madison House Party:  Get Benefits

Host an energy house party! Invite friends, family, and neighbors to your home, and a local energy expert will use your house to demonstrate efficiency concepts and conduct a simple energy assessment. You don’t need to provide anything, just your home (single family homes or residential buildings with one to three units) and a few guests! Watch the video of a house party!

http://greenmadison.org/ <http://greenmadison.org/>

http://greenmadison.org/get-involved/energy-house-party/ <http://greenmadison.org/get-involved/energy-house-party/>
 
Hosting a party entitles the host to a free energy assessment.  Attendees at the party are eligible to sign up for a discounted energy assessment.  

 
17 - Litter Cleanup Is a Priority for 2016 (Attachment:  “4 pics litter story.jpg”)

Does it make you sick to see the accumlation of litter along the frontage roads and on Britta Parkway?  It definitely gripes the DMNA Council to the point where at the March 10 meeting, we brainstormed 3 ways to try to take care of this problem.
 
One way is the partnership with the Subway proprietor Scott Cleveland who has the franchise with the Subway restaurant at 4522 Verona Road.  
 
You may have noticed the poster that asks “Are you homeless or hungry?”  The poster publicizes the program that will provide free meals at Subway in return for helping pick up litter in the neighborhood.  Interested people can call Pastor Tony at (608) 440-0319 or (608) 669-1034.
 
Those who do call can make a date to pick up litter along the frontage roads.  For each hour of work, the volunteer will get a voucher for a free meal of a 6” sub, a fountain soft drink, and a bag of chips.   A DMNA member will accompany the volunteer worker. The DMNA member works for free. The DMNA is funding this initiative.
 
A second effort will be more informal.  Whenever a Council member or anyone else in the neighborhood has some free time and wants to clean up the frontage roads, they are highly encouraged to find another neighborhood partner and go to it. At this Council meeting, Yannette Cole, Mary Mullen, and Faith Cholvin vowed to do this.  Tony Williliams also promised to get help from the brotherhood of his church, Second Baptist Church.
 
In addition, Faith Chovin is to call the City of Madison to ask for recycling bins at the bus stops.
 
Picking up the litter is not a thankless job. While Mary Mullen did pick up a garbage bin full of litter from a short stretch of the Beltline frontage road on March 28 - including 34 alcohol bottles and cans,  26 non-alcoholic bottles and cans, 5 tiny dope bags, countless fast food plastic and paper cups, sweet and salty snack trash, Swisher cigarillo wrappers, cardboard, and miscellaneous other junk - the prize of all prizes was a $20 bill!!!!   Click on the attachment “pics litter story.jpg” to see the story in pictures.
 
The other reward is a clean stretch along the Beltline frontage road.  No need to feel like puking every time you leave the neighborhood.
 
 
 
 18 - Neighbors Hear about Progress Toward the Grocery Store

About a dozen people turned out to attend the Allied Community Co-op’s “Town Hall Meeting” on March 19 to learn about progress toward a neighborhood grocery store.  
 
ACC Chair Cassandra Sonko, standing in the photo below, made the report.   She emphasized that the grant from the City of Madison requires a market analysis before anything happens on the ground.  A grocery store committee is seeing to it that the ACC follows the RFP - Request for Proposal - that was granted to the ACC along with $300,000 in funding over a 3-year period.  The committee will recommend a company to do the market analysis, and assuming the result is positive, a project manager will be hired to help implement the store.  An accounting firm will also be necessary to monitor expenditures related to the grocery store grant.  The ACC Board makes the actual decisions.
 
It should be noted that the grocery store in the works will be a small “mom and pop”-sized operation.  It won’t compete with large stores like HyVee, Copps, or Woodmans, but is meant to provide a convenient place for residents to get groceries.
 
Cassandra  pointed out that being a member of the ACC is easy - $1- but buying membership in the cooperative grocery store will require a much bigger outlay.  Of course, that amount hasn’t been decided yet.  That would be getting the cart before the horse.
 
Cassandra and others had recently attended a co-op convention in Bloomington, IN, where they went to workshops and brought back a DVD of all the workshops.
 
Meanwhile, a buying club is being developed to bring healthy food now to residents who wish to participate.  To find out more about this, go to https://shootingstarfarm.net/  Click on the “Links” in the menu bar and choose Allied Community Coop to see what might be available for ordering.  One needs to set up an account.  As I understand it, the buying club is not operational yet, but may be in the (near?) future.
 
 



19 - Neighborhood Buying Club Tested

Tuesday, March 1, marked the trial run of the grocery-buying club in the neighborhood.  
 
A computer order site was set up.  Interested people could set up an account and make an order.  Robert Rink DaVee of Shooting Star Farm set up the system.
 
If you are interested in ordering groceries in this way, contact Stephanie Rearick steph@stepahnierearick.com to get on the mailing list to learn about additional order times.  Also, see the URL for Shooting Star Farm, mentioned in article #18 about the grocery store.
 
 
20 - Thanks to Those Working for the Grocery Store
                       by Thea Bach
 
I would like to express gratitude to good neighbors of Dunn’s Marsh - neighbors who are working to cause a grocery store to happen in our neighborhood.  
 
First of all those who worked with Dane County Time Bank, UW-Extension for Cooperatives, Willy Street Co-op , and the City of Madison:  Cassandra Sonko, Alice Howard, Janie Tompkins, Minnie Rogers, Sina Davis, Selena Pettigrew, Gloria Manadier-Farr, Willie Mae Conklin, Stephanie Rearick, John Murphy, Andrea Hatley, Kristen Moore, Anya Firszt, Mark Woulf, Anne Reynolds, Ruth Rohlich, and Carmella Harris.  
 
These people saw our need to have accessible and affordable food in our neighborhood.  They are the people who cared enough to write a grant and see it through.  
 
Our Alder Maurice Cheeks, Mayor Soglin, Sunshine Jones, Jim Lyne, Mary Mullen, Susan Watson, Cindy Harrington, John & Thea Bach, Elvice McAlpine, Linda Miess, Sina Davis, Cassandra Sonko, Selena Pettigrew, Carmella Harris, Gloria Farr, Anya Firszt, Kristen Moore, Paige Wickline, and possibly more I might have missed, all came to city meetings to encourage the process.
 
Please understand, my neighbor, good communities do not just happen:  people  make the effort to make them happen!  
 
To all those trying to inform and encourage participation, a big and bold THANK YOU!    Mary Mullen via Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood e-News and flyers, and  those who get the information out by delivering flyers to encourage participation:  Vernon Harrison, Velma Jackson, Jesus Morales, Carmella Harris, Donna Waller, Daphne Maymon, Laura President-Brown, John & Thea Bach, Tommy Pettis, Regina Nance, Kim Zinski, Jim & Julie Lyne, Isabel Becerril & Ruben Ruiz, Rachel Potter, Elvice McAlpine, Susan Watson, Sharon Grant, Jackie Ennerbach, Renee Rice, Donna Sarafin, and Co-op members.
 
When neighbors work cooperatively for the good of the community, it is marvelous!  Thank you.
 
I am a Metro rider.  I see neighbors from every area of Dunn’s Marsh gorcery shopping, using the bus.  We all need good food; but a lot of us need a grocery store we can walk to.  My heart-felt gratitude is for our good neighbors who are working to make this happen.
                                                                        Thea Bach, for our grocery store
                                                                        Allied Community Cooperative - Outreadh
                                                             
 
21 - Verona Road Project Work Plans
(These are excerpts from the most recent WisDOT e-mail about work plans for the Verona Road Project.)
 
This past week, crews began removing the existing Beltline bridge over Verona Road (US 18/151).  Due to the recent inclement weather, this nighttime demolition work (9 p.m. to 5 a.m.) will continue through Thursday morning (March 28-31). Also, starting Monday night (March 28), traffic on Midvale Blvd. will be shifted west to accommodate the work zone to build the eastern section of the new Midvale Blvd.

Please be alert for construction crews in the area and slow down in all work zones. Read the latest construction update on the upcoming construction work, lane closures and traffic impacts related to the Verona Road Project.  Bad weather may delay some of the schedules mentioned here.
 
Westbound and eastbound Beltline, Whitney Way to Seminole Highway

• Updated: Nightly Beltline bridge demolition to continue Monday night through Thursday morning (March 28-31).
  
  • View the nightly closure (9 p.m. to 5 a.m.) of Verona Road/Midvale Boulevard at the Beltline <http://lists.wi.gov/t/1168484/2644525/8176/9/ <http://lists.wi.gov/t/1168484/2644525/8176/9/> >  during the demolition.
  • Noise is anticipated, but it should be less disruptive than earlier this week.
    
• Updated: Read the westbound Beltline construction activities <http://lists.wi.gov/t/1168484/2644525/8160/10/ <http://lists.wi.gov/t/1168484/2644525/8160/10/> > .
• NEW RAMP MOVEMENTS: Learn about the temporary ramp exit locations from the westbound Beltline to Verona Road and to Whitney Way <http://lists.wi.gov/t/1168484/2644525/8135/11/ <http://lists.wi.gov/t/1168484/2644525/8135/11/> > .
• View the construction staging plans for the Beltline, Whitney Way to Seminole Highway <http://lists.wi.gov/t/1168484/2644525/8137/12/ <http://lists.wi.gov/t/1168484/2644525/8137/12/> > .
  
  • Note: You will need to zoom in to see details.
    

Verona Road, Midvale Boulevard and Mohawk Drive

• Updated: Nightly full closure of Verona Road/Midvale Boulevard between the westbound and eastbound Beltline ramps <http://lists.wi.gov/t/1168484/2644525/8176/13/ <http://lists.wi.gov/t/1168484/2644525/8176/13/> >  (under the existing bridge for bridge demolition).
  
  • 9 p.m. ˆ 5 a.m. (March 28-31)
  • Only right turns permitted in this area. Signed detour routes to be provided for closed movements.
    
• Daytime single lane closure on southbound Midvale Blvd. between Nakoma Road and the Beltline. No time restrictions; please be alert for construction crews.
• Updated: Mohawk Drive CLOSED to through traffic until late May 2016; no detour posted. Access to local businesses to be maintained.
  
  • Work will begin on new water main, storm sewer and pavement in this area.
    
• Updated: Bridge construction to start with grading for new east and west abutments and center pier. Daytime piling operations to begin late in the week.
• View the pedestrian accommodations along Midvale Blvd. and Verona Road <http://lists.wi.gov/t/1168484/2644525/8175/15/ <http://lists.wi.gov/t/1168484/2644525/8175/15/> > .
  

For more information, contact:
Steven Theisen, Verona Road Project Communications Manager, (608) 884-1230 steven.theisen@dot.wi.gov


22 - Quarterly Verona Road Open House Dates Announced  
                                   from Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation

Back by popular demand, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) will host quarterly open house meetings in 2016 to discuss design and construction activities for the Verona Road (US 18/151) reconstruction project, from the Madison Beltline south to County PD (McKee Road) in Fitchburg as well as the remaining westbound Beltline expansion, between Seminole Highway and Whitney Way.
       
When: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the following dates*:

• Thursday, June 23, 2016
• Thursday, September 22, 2016
• Thursday, December 15, 2016
  

*No formal presentations are scheduled; stop by at your convenience.

Where: City of Fitchburg Fire Station No. 2 (5415 King James Way, Fitchburg)

Maps and exhibits of the Verona Road improvements will be on display. WisDOT representatives will be available at these meetings to discuss the project on an individual basis.

Forward this information to family, friends and co-workers and encourage them to sign up for project email updates <http://lists.wi.gov/t/1159000/2644525/8005/5/ <http://lists.wi.gov/t/1159000/2644525/8005/5/> > !

STAY INFORMED: Verona Road Project website <http://lists.wi.gov/t/1159000/2644525/8006/6/ <http://lists.wi.gov/t/1159000/2644525/8006/6/> >  | Project Facebook page <http://lists.wi.gov/t/1159000/2644525/8007/7/ <http://lists.wi.gov/t/1159000/2644525/8007/7/> >

For more information contact:
Mark Vesperman, P.E.
Verona Road Design Project Manager
(608) 884-1227 | mark.vesperman@dot.wi.gov <mailto:mark.vesperman@dot.wi.gov?subject=Verona%20Road%20Project%2C%20open%20house%20meetings <mailto:mark.vesperman@dot.wi.gov?subject=Verona%20Road%20Project%2C%20open%20house%20meetings> >

Steven Theisen
Verona Road Project Communications Manager
(608) 884-1230 | steven.theisen@dot.wi.gov <mailto:steven.theisen@dot.wi.gov?subject=Verona%20Road%20Project%2C%20open%20house%20meetings <mailto:steven.theisen@dot.wi.gov?subject=Verona%20Road%20Project%2C%20open%20house%20meetings> >

WisDOT and the Verona Road Project Team
 www.VeronaRoadProject.wi.gov
  <http://www.veronaroadproject.wi.gov <http://www.veronaroadproject.wi.gov> > Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WIVeronaRoadProject <http://www.facebook.com/WIVeronaRoadProject <http://www.facebook.com/WIVeronaRoadProject> >

 
 
23 - Notes from Chief Koval Community Forum

On February 29, Madison Police Chief Koval held a community forum at the Meadowood Community Center.  These are notes from his talk and that of West District Captain Vic Wahl.
 
Midtown Police Station - Building plans underway now. Construction in 2017. District lines realignment: Midtown Station will serve us and will include some areas now in South District.
 
Coffee With A Cop, Thursdays, 9 am, Steep and Brew, 6656 Odana Road
 
Why DA’s Office doesn’t concentrate on burglaries - 1/3 fewer prosecuters since the State of Wisconsin, under current administration and Republican control, has cut funding drastically.  Triage to get violent people out of the community as contrasted to concentrating on property crimes.
 
Policing philosophy - Shift from warrior model to guardian model.  Neighborhood officers are not
“call-driven” but are more involved in quality of life matters and trying to steer kids in right direction. Relational policing.  Some “restorative justice” emphasis for 12-16-year-olds.  Talked about how if a cop is too long on the night shift, they start getting jaded and developing a different culture and attitude, get tunnel vision  - after midnight nearly everyone they encounter is drunk, high.  Culture is hard to change.
 
How we can help
“Drive-by altruism” isn’t very helpful (backpacks, community meals, Thanksgiving turkeys).  What’s needed is day-by-day tutoring and mentoring. We have more drop-outs than Milwaukee does, and only 500-700 Black kids are reading at grade level.  50% of school children are living in poverty. Poverty and lack of education are what’s making for neighborhoods that “need help.”  
 
Lock cars, lock doors, don’t leave garage doors open when you are not right in the yard watching.  Arrange that your mail and papers are taken in when you are away.  Know your neighbors. Knock on the door if papers/mail is piling up

Lawsuit to get mental health commitments back to Mendota - Now 2 police officers are occupied for about 8 hours taking people that need to be committed to Winnebago.  One day there were 4 Madison squads there (8 officers), which was 1/3 of the shift’s work force.  Lawsuit failed.
 
Ratio of police to population - 1.87/1000.  Nationwide ratio is 2.6/1000, Midwest is 3/1000, Minneapolis is 2.87/1000, Baltimore is 4.46/1000.  Koval feels we should be at 2/1000
 
Drugs - Got grant for another 600 doses of Noxalone to conteract heroin, but now other drugs are added to heroin which means that several doses of Noxalone are needed to conteract an overdose.
 
This is not the Madison of the 1960s - 30 shots fired in Madison in 35 days. 17% of calls using multiple units are due to mental health issues.
 
Police force make-up - Average age of 29.  18% people of color, 31% women.  Need more Latino and Hmong officers.
 
Homeless - Housing first.  About 2 dozen people downtown appear not to want help.  He is in favor of the new ordinance that was passed barring homeless from City-County building.
 
Gangs - He estimates 200 active in gang life.  Philosophy is prevention, intervention, and finally suppression.

 
24 - Former Resident’s Article in Journal of Comparative Politics

“Pride Versus Prejudice:  Ethnicity, National Identity, and Xenophobia in Russia” is the title of an article by former neighborhood resident Nicole M. Butkovich Kraus and her research partner Yoshiko M. Herrera.  It is published in the April 2016 issue of Journal of Comparative Politics.
 
Nicole, who until last year lived on Sheffield Road with her husband Andy and their young 3 young children, is now an Assistant Professor of Sociology and Anthropology at Rutgers in the Newark College of Arts and Sciences, University College-Newark (New Jersey).
 
Are you curious about what the two authors found in their research?  Here’s the summary.

This article examines the relationship between ethnicity, national identity, and xenophobia in Russia. Using survey data we analyze three hypotheses that might explain xenophobia toward five different groups: Roma, Chechens, Azerbaijanis, Muslims, and Americans. We find support for social dominance theory in a positive relationship between Slavic ethnicity and xenophobia. We then go beyond ethnicity to analyze Russian national identity content, and we find that pride does not simply equal prejudice: particular types of national identity content predicted greater or lesser xenophobia depending on the target group. Finally, we analyze theories of economic threat and xenophobia, and the findings are unexpected: higher income is associated with greater hostility toward most groups, and, for most target groups, economic vulnerability does not increase xenophobia.

By the way, xenophobia is the fear or hatred of that which is perceived to be foreign or strange, particularly of foreigners or strangers or of their politics or culture.
 
The website for the journal in which this article is published describes itself as follows:
 

Comparative Politics, an international journal presenting scholarly articles devoted to the comparative analysis of political institutions and processes, communicates new ideas and research findings to social scientists, scholars, students, and public and NGO officials. The journal is indispensable to experts in universities, research organizations, foundations, embassies, and policymaking agencies throughout the world.

Nicole Kraus is not the first Universtiy of Wisconsin Ph.D candidate who has spent graduate years living in the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood.  Another who comes to mind is Chris Lowry, now an Assistant Professor of Geology at the University at Buffalo, New York.  Read about his work in sustainability at https://www.buffalo.edu/sustainability/research/faculty-q-a/chris-lowry.html <file://localhost/sustainability/research/faculty-q-a/chris-lowry.html>   
 
Chris was a member of the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Council  some years ago and was instrumental in the establishment of the rain garden in Marlborough Park.
 
Personally, I wish these folks could have stayed in our neighborhood forever.
 

MANAGE YOUR MONEY (TAX TIME COMING UP)

25 - Mayor Soglin Urges Families to Claim Their Earned Income Tax Credit
   excerpts from a press release from Mayor Soglin

Mayor Soglin reminded Madison residents who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to take the steps necessary to claim their benefits.  The Credit can provide significant cash payments to eligible residents.  However, each year millions of dollars are forfeited because residents fail to submit their claims.
 
The Earned Income Tax Credit is a federal benefit designed to boost the incomes of lower-wage workers.  It provides a payment to qualified single workers who earn as much as $47,747, or married couples earning up to $53,267.  The amount of the credit, which can reach as high was $6,242 for a household with three or more children, depends on the amount of income that is earned and the number of children in the household. …

“The first thing people need to understand is that they need to file a federal tax return in order to get the EITC credit,” said the Mayor.  “That is true even if a person isn’t required to file a return because they don’t make enough money or owe any taxes.  This fact probably causes the most confusion about the EITC.  If you don’t file a federal income tax return and claim the Credit, you won’t get the benefit,” he said.  “It’s as simple as that.”
 
Individuals and families in Madison [or elsewhere] that have questions about the EITC, or need help claliming it, are encouraged to take advantage of free assistance that is available…
 
Free tax assistance is available at the Richard Dilley Tax Center located in the Villager Mall, at 2300 South Park Street. This volunteer site, provided through a partnership between the Dane Councty UW-Extension financial Education Center and AARP, is open every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday through April 16, without appointment.  Help is also available from trained volunteers at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites throughout Madison, including the Senior Center, the Central Library, and several library branches.  A complete list of all locations offering free tax preparation… can be accessed by contacting 2-1-1 or the Dane County UW- Extension Financial Education Center at (608) 261-5077, or by using their website:  http://dane.uwex.edu/family-living/financial-education-center/
 

26 - Hotel Credit Card Scam Explained
           from SAIL, Supporting Active Independent Lives

Unfortunately scammers are continuing to find new ways to get your credit card information! If you travel and stay in hotels, please read this:

Typically when you arrive at a hotel and check in at the front desk you leave a credit card for incidental charges.

Scammers have figured out how to call hotel rooms and look like they are calling from the front desk. The scammer will say something like "this is the front desk and we came across a problem with your charge card information. Please re-read me your credit card number and verify the last 3 digits numbers on the reverse side of your card." They may even ask you to verify your personal information like spelling of your name, address, etc. They sound so professional, that you think you are talking to the front desk.

If you ever encounter this scenario on your travels, tell the caller that you will go down to the front desk to clear up any problems. Then, go to the front desk or call directly and ask if there was a problem and inform the manager of the hotel that someone tried to scam you of your credit card information, acting like a front desk employee.

ANYONE traveling should be aware of this one.
 
 
-------------  End of the 3/31/16 Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood e-News --------------
                                              Thanks for reading.

 

Dunn's Marsh e-News BIG

                                                                            
                                                                     February 9, 2016 (2016 issue #1)

The DMN e-News and an occasional hard copy DMN News are published by the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association (DMNA) on an “as-needed” schedule.  The Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association, Inc. has been working to unite neighbors to solve mutual problems and promote fellowship among neighbors since 1973.  Our neighborhood is in Madison & Fitchburg.
               President & News contact:  Mary Mullen, mmullen4337@charter.net  298-0843
               Website: http://www.dunnsmarsh.org <http://www.dunnsmarsh.org>
              On Facebook:   Type Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association into the search box.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Find out about WILDLIFE in the n’hood (#1-3), a FREE tour of EPIC (#13), garden registration (#28), required VOTER PICTURE ID and the February 16 election (#22-24), safety warnings (#31-36),
and MUCH MORE.  It’s been over 3 months since the last newsletter.  Dates are in blue.
Articles are written by Mary Mullen unless noted otherwise.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ARTICLES
            Happening Now - Mostly
1 - Fox Sighted in the ‘Hood (Attachment: “1 pics wildlife.jpg”)
2 - Coyotes in the News: Mistaken for Dogs; How to Scare Them Off (Attach.: “1 pics wildlife.jpg”)
3 - Starlings Flock (Attachment:  “1 pics wildlife.jpg”)
4 - Arboretum Winter Enrichment Offers Nature Lectures Every Thursday
5 - Highlights from Previous Winter Enrichment Sessions (Attachment:  “1 pics wildlife.jpg”)
6 - “Lost Madison”  Website Points to Aerial Photos of Neighborhood
       (Attach: “2 pics watch change.jpg”)
7 - Senior Meals Served at Meadowood N’hood Center Tuesdays and Thursdays
8 - Council Considers Priorities for the Year
9 - Just in case you didn’t see this months ago - Grocery Funding is a Done Deal
10 - Grocery Buying Club Meeting, Feb. 11
11 - Prairie UU’s “Annex” Offers Additional Space for Rentals
12 - Arts Commission Honors Includes Mosaic Crafters

            Coming Up
13 - Free Tour of EPIC with Verona Road Business Coalition, Feb. 10. Register NOW!
14 - Verona Road Work to Start Soon  (Attachment “7 chart Verona Rd Stage2.jpg”)
15 - Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Council Meets Feb. 11
16 - Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Council Contact Information
17 - DMNA Website to be Updated
18 - Coffee With A Cop Starts Feb. 11                                                                                                                   
19 - Ash Trees Removed from Parks to be Replaced
20 - Winter Biking Workshop Set for Feb. 11
21 - New County Supervisor Will Represent Madison Portion of N’Hood:  Meet him Feb. 11
22 - Voter PICTURE ID NEEDED for 2016 Elections Starting at Feb. 16 Election  
  (Attachments 3-6 with “Voter ID” in titles)
23 - Who’s On the Feb. 16 Ballot
24 -Voting Location Depends on Your Address in the N’hood
25 - Let’s Talk About Race:  A Conversation with Teens, Feb. 20
26 - Have Fun and Support Dane Dances! March 4
27 - Rain Garden Workshop Registration Due March 4
28 - Community Garden Registration Coming Up March 12 and 16
29 - Native Plant Sale Has March 23 Deadline
30 - “Let’s Eat Out” Coming to N’hood Again This Summer                       
 
           Watch Out!
31 - Watch Out for Burglaries in N’hood
32 - Keep Eye Out for Robber
33 - How to Avoid Tax Prep Fraud
34 - Malware-Linked Spam Emails Misusing Names of Major Online Services
35 - FTC Detects New Social Security Scam
36 - Medicare Imposters Want to Steal Your Money.  Don't let them.

           Working For Us
37 - Madison Recycling Director Retires
38 - County Executive Joe Parisi Talks about Dane County Budget
------------------------------------------------------
 
ARTICLES

HAPPENING NOW - MOSTLY

1 - Fox Sighted in the ‘Hood  (Attachment:  “1 pics wildlife.jpg”)

                        

A fox has created excitement in our neighborhood.
 
In mid-January Yannette Cole saw it cruising through the south side of back yards on the upper end of Milford Road.  It had no fur on its tail.  She got a video of it.
 
A wildlife expert who previously worked for the DNR suggested that its hairless tail was due to “a probably sarcoptic mange mite infestation.”   Yannette reported the fox to the UW Urban Canid Project.  
 
Attendees at the 1/21/16 Arboretum Winter Enrichment Lecture learned about the Urban Canid Project from Professor David Drake of the UW Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology.  Through that project, trail cameras look for wildlife like foxes and coyotes along some of the long distance bike trails in Madison. This includes 3 or 4 cameras south of the Beltline along the the Southwest Commuter Trail/Badger State Trail.  The attachment shows a map of the camera locations.  Cameras point down to the path area so as to catch wildlife, not people.
 
Discussion on Facebook about the fox with the hairless tail revealed that Jo Kelley of Crawford Drive also saw that same fox. It was running along the north edge of the long community garden in Marlborough Park right behind her house. Oh-oh, Jo keeps chickens. She said,  “I appreciate this photo.  Will need to keep closer watch on my backyard chickens.”
 
About 2 weeks later, this same fox was caught on a trail cam in the neighborhood.
 
Still another neighbor, Sue Morovits, saw a healthy fox with a full bushy tail two weeks earlier than the first spotting of the fox with the hairless tail.  This fox was in the vicinity of Windflower Way where it meets Danbury Street.
 
You may be wondering what can be done about ill or injured wild animals.  One can contact the Dane County Humane Society’s Four Lakes Wildlife Center for trapping and treatment of sick animals.
 
For those who didn’t see the fox but may be interested in what fox tracks look like, here’s a hint.  Compared to dogs, their trails are very direct.  Rather than run here and there sniffing everything, they often make a beeline in one direction.  Their tracks look like a straight line with the tracks spaced more or less evenly apart.
 

2 - Coyotes in the News:  Mistaken for Dogs; How to Scare Them Off  (Attach.: “1 pics wildlife.jpg”)

You may have heard about the sad case of a coyote hunter killing two dogs that were being walked by their owner, a veterinarian, in the Badfish Creek Wildlife Area here in Dane County on Sunday, January 31. Even though the dogs were wearing reflective vests, the hunter apparently did not recognize that they were dogs, not coyotes.
 
A little research into Wisconsin hunting laws reveals that coyotes can be hunted in any season and that the primary purpose of state wildlife areas is to provide “areas in which any citizen may hunt, trap or fish.”  But other uses such as walking, nature study, berry picking, and other low-impact recreational activities are also allowed.  Presumably, dog-walking is one of those uses.
 
While many would not condone hunting coyotes, neither is it safe to befriend coyotes that come into residential neighborhoods.  They can attack pets.  Last summer, there were several reports of attacks on small dogs or chickens on the east side of Madison.
 
To our knowledge, no coyotes have been reported in our neighborhood, although a woman saw 2 on February 8 in the vicinity of the BP station on Schroeder Road northwest of our neighborhood while taking her daughter to school.   If you do see one in a residential area, according to UW Wildlife Ecology Professor David Drake, it’s important scare them off.  You can learn how to do this by watching a You-Tube video featuring Professor Drake: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlC8KTDiIRs <file://localhost/watch>      A DNR publication also gives information: http://dnr.wi.gov/files/PDF/pubs/wm/wm0567.pdf

Briefly, yell at the coyote firmly, shake a pop can full of rocks, throw sticks toward the coyote, or spray it with a hose.  If you have a small pet in the yard with you or a small child, keep that pet in your arms or your child by the hand.
 
If you see a sick or injured coyote, don’t try to scare it away, but instead call Public Health Madison & Dane County Animal Services Dispatch: 608-255-2345. For a coyote that does not respond to being threatened, call 608-267-1987.
 
 
3 - Starlings Flock (Attachment:  “1 pics wildlife.jpg”)

Even out on Verona Road, you can’t get away from the exuberance of nature.  Last December 12, while people were filling up their cars with gas on both sides of Verona Road, European startlings created quite the stir.
 
It was a mild, foggy day, about noon.  Suddenly, I became aware of hundreds of birds that were perched belly to belly on the tall highway lights lining the road. The birds looked black as night, but I wasn’t certain what they were. Over 50 could fit on the cross arms of each light pole.  
 
They sat there, equidistant from each other mostly facing the same way, apparently enjoying their communal life.  Then one or two would take off, and soon the whole flock would fly to another high perch.  I wondered if they were waiting for the fog to lift or just enjoying their birds-eye-view.
 
I was glad I usually tote my camera.  When I put the pictures on my computer, I could tell for certain that they were starlings.  Starlings are black in the summer, but they get a polka-dotted feather coat for the winter.  You need to be quite close or be using binoculars to see the dots.
 
Toward the end of January, not too  far from our neighborhood, when driving on Chapel Valley Road that runs parallel to PD in Fitchburg, I saw trees full of starlings. Other trees were bristling with robins and cedar waxwings.  This time, my camera caught the dots on the starlings.
 

4 - Arboretum Winter Enrichment Offers Nature Lectures Every Thursday
from UW Arboretum

Our neighborhood is lucky to be located near the University of Wisconsin Arboretum.  One of its many benefits for the public is the Winter Enrichment Nature Lecture Program that takes place on Thursday mornings January through the second week of March.  Several neighbors who have attended give it high marks.
 
Since 1968, the Arboretum has offered these lectures for naturalists in the greater Madison area. Originally coordinated by Rosemary Fleming for Arboretum naturalists, the programs are now open to Arboretum volunteers and interested public as space allows.
 
The 2016 series began January 7 and continues through March 10. Lectures are on Thursday mornings from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in the Arboretum Visitor Center auditorium.

Individual lectures cost $10 per person (Friends of the Arboretum [FOA]: $9).  Same-day registration is possible.  The remaining lectures are as follows.
 
February 11, Pond Life
Dr. Robert Bohanan, Summer Science Institute, Wisconsin Institute for Science Education and Community Engagement
Bohanan, who is actively involved in citizen science projects on Wisconsin aquatic ecosystems, will discuss pond life in Madison lakes, including Teal Pond.
 
February 18, The Arboretum, A Place in History
Molly Fifield Murray Outreach and Education Manager
The Arboretum has applied to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Fifield Murray will share historical highlights discovered during the investigation process.
 
February 25, Common Insects at the Arboretum
P.J. Liesch, Manager, UW–Madison’s Insect Diagnostic Lab

March 3, Human Nature: Exploring Adolescent Behavior
Andy Hatcher, Positive Behavior Support Coach, Madison Metropolitan School District
In this session we will build shared understanding of adolescent needs, promising practices for meeting those needs, and effective response strategies when unexpected behaviors arise.
 
March 10, Climates of the Past and What They Tell Us for the Future
John W. (Jack) Williams, Professor of Geography, Director of Nelson Center for Climatic Research


5 - Highlights from Previous Winter Enrichment Sessions (Attachment:  “1 pics wildlife.jpg”)
 
You pick up some interesting facts from the Arboretum’s Winter Enrichment series.  Here’s one tidbit.
 
The produce section of the supermarket would be mighty empty without the crops that bees pollinate.  85 % of plants require pollination, and fully 35% of agricutlural pollination is done by managed bees.  Pollination is a key ecosystem service benefitting 70% of the world’s crops.
 
Look at the attachment to see how empty the supermarket produce section would be without bees to pollinate the crops.
 
 
6 - “Lost Madison”  Website Points to Aerial Photos of Neighborhood (Attach:  “pics watch change.jpg”)
 

                            
The neighborhood history book, The Best of the Dunn’s Marsh News, displays aerial photos of the neighborhood from 1937, 1958, 1968 and 1986, but a Crawford Drive resident recently found the Facebook page “Lost Madison” which referred her to a website with numerous possibilities for seeing the neighborhood from the air.
 
The website is http://www.historicaerials.com/?javascript  It has air photos from 1957, 1969, 1992, 2000, 2005, 2008, 2010 and 2013 plus topographical maps for 19 different years starting in 1890 and ending in 1984.
 
Just like on Google, with the aerials you can zoom in right to your house or look at the whole neighborhood to watch the changes.
 
The topo maps let you see how the marsh area has been depicted through the years, while the air photos show you how it has changed through the years.
 
 
 
 

8 - Council Considers Priorities for the Year

At its opening meetings of the 2015-16 year, the DMNA Council suggested possible priorities for the year.  Quite a long list was generated in two categories: (1) our environment and (2) focus on people and resources.  
 
A Council vote is underway to determine which of the 8 environmental ideas to pursue and which of the 11 people-related suggestions to concentrate on.
 
Environmental suggestions ranged from a boardwalk along Seminole Highway and an observation deck jutting into Dunn’s Marsh to improving streets with repaving and more lights.  Other ideas were getting more art in the neighborhood, mowing paths around the wet pond south of the Cannnonball trail next to Seminole, and regularly picking up litter along the frontage roads.
 
There were even more the ideas focusing on people and our Association.  Several involve forging better relations between people in the neighborhood:  starting an inter-racial women’s support group, reaching out to Muslim neighbors, involving more cultural diverse neighbors in the DMNA, and working for more cordial relations with the Allied Community Co-op and our sister ADMNA.  
 
Other suggestions related to the lack of a grocery store: focusing on a system for helping neighbors get groceries now and for making a grocery store a reality in the neighbohood.  A related idea is economic development in the neighborhood to fill empty storefronts - with the help of the city.  
 
Two more relate to the computer. They include improving the DMNA website (That is happening right now) and helping residents become computer literate.  And finally, there’s the first thing on the list that Council members were asked to rank, getting more DMNA members.
 
 
 
 
9 - Just in case you didn’t see this months ago - Grocery Funding is a Done Deal


When a group of 7 women and one young girl showed up at the Madison City Council building about 5 pm  on November 10 to register in favor of funding for a co-op grocery store in the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood, at first there was confusion.  The only registrations available listed amendments to Madison’s operating and capital budgets. The grocery store item was nowhere to be found on the registration sheets or in the pages of documents available on the Council’s agenda.
 
Well, it turned out, that was good news.  When DMNA President Mary Mullen asked Alder Marsha Rummel about how neighbors should register their support, Marsha explained that funding for the grocery store item was not a controversial item.  It was in the budget, and the Council would pass it.  Only controversial items like funding for a new district police station would be discussed although, of course, we could register and speak if we wanted.
 
As some of the neighborhood activists knew - because they had been at the previous meetings - funding for the co-op store had been recommended by the Board of Estimates on 9/28/15 and had also been approved unanimously by the Council on 10/26/15. Still, an early memo from city staff suggested that appearances at the 11/10/15 Council budget meeting would be wise.  So we came.
 
Details of the proposed funding is divided into 3 years for a total of $300,000: $115,334 in 2016, $131,416 in 2017, and $48,250.  Financial wonks might want to know these further details.  The amount to be approved in 2016 includes $48,667 for fees associated with feasibility consultants, design, legal, and accounting; $10,667 for costs associate with potential lease deposit and/or initial common area maintenance; and $56,000 for half of the requests costs for leasehold improvements (other half in 2017).   This information is from the city “Staff report on Allied Community Cooperative with support from Willy Street Co-op response to RFP: 8422-0-2015 Full Service Grocery Store Verona Rd/Allied Drive Neighborhood.”
 
The Allied Community Co-op (ACC) has formed committees and is currently working to bring this cooperative grocery store to birth.  ACC Board meetings are the first Thursday of each month, 2 pm, at the Boys and Girls Club, 4619 Jenewein Road.  Working meetings are held the second Saturday of each month, 12-1:30 pm, at the same location.
 
These are the people from the neighborhood who came this one last time to demonstrate their support for funding the grocery:  from the Crawford part of the neighborhood, Sunshine Jones, Susan Watson, and Jim Lyne; from the Marlborough part of the neighborhood, Mary Mullen, Cindy Harrington, and later on, John Bach;  from the Belmar part of the neighborhood, Elvice McAlpine and Linda Miess; and representing the Allied part of the neighborhood, Selena Pettigrew and her granddaughter.
 
 
 
10 - Buying Club Meeting, Feb. 11
           from an e-mail by Stephanie Rearick, Allied Community Co-op
 
A lot of time has passed and we were swamped with making our proposal for a grocery store. Now that longer-term project is underway, and we’re ready to start on the interim-term plan to create a buying club to get food into the neighborhood in the meantime.

Please join us this Thursday, February 11, at 4pm at the Boys and Girls Club, 4619 Jenewein Rd. We’ll be joined by Rink DaVee who has run a buying club before and is offering his assistance to get us up and running quickly. We may even be able to put in our first test order this week!
 

 
11 - Prairie UU’s “Annex” Offers Additional Space for Rentals

Residents of the Marlborough part of the neighborhood watched while the house next door to Prairie UU Society at 2006 Danbury became transformed over the past many months. They may not have realized it, but the house was purchased by the church and is now in full use.  It’s called the Annex.
 
The house, originally a parsonage, was purchased by Prairie Society 2013.  During the next 2 years it was turned from a home to a space that can legally be used as a public building.  Now it’s getting a lot of good use with church staff, committees, and volunteers using it practically every day and a Sunday usage for choir practice and the 6-12th grade class.  
 
It’s also available for rental.  Sometimes when 2 groups overlap times, one is scheduled for the church building and the other for the Annex.
 
Rental rates for the church building are posted on the Prairie website www.uuprairie.org <http://www.uuprairie.org>   Look low in the left-hand column for the link to”Rentals.”  Contact the church administrator for Annex rentals at admin@uuprairie.org <mailto:admin@uuprairie.org>  or call (608) 271-8218.
 
Prairie Society provides space for Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association meetings and events for free.  Prairie and the DMNA have co-sponsored Make Music Madison on the Prairie lawn for 3 years running.
 

 
12 - Arts Commission Honors Includes Mosaic Crafters
 
Every now and then the Madison Arts Commission (MAC) holds an event to honor “Projects, Programs, & Partnerships” that were an “integral part of  the MAC programs and mission.”
 
Seven people who were part of the mosaic projects in the neighborhood attended this year’s event that was held on January 13.  One of artist Elizabeth Doyle’s glass mosaics from the Verona Road roundabout got special recognition as the cover of the booklet given to each attendee.
 
Six other people attended who worked on the tile mosaic murals located between Britta Parkway and the Beltline Frontage Road.  They included artist Marcia Yapp, her husband Maury Smith, and neighborhood residents Elvice McAlpine, Patty Stockdale, and Mary Mullen.
 
Both of the mosaic projects mentioned above were funded through the Verona Road Project
 
The Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association was listed as recipient of one of the project grants in the past 2 years.  That was for the Marlborough Garden mosaic stepping stone project that put  60 mosaic stepping stones in the garden.

                


Coming Up
 



13 - Free Tour of EPIC with Verona Road Business Coalition, Feb. 10.  Register NOW!
           from Cindy Jaggi, Project Manager, VRBC
 
Happy New Year! The Verona Road Business Coalition(VRBC) is hosting an Annual Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 10th from 3 – 5:30 pm at EPIC Systems.

The guided tour of EPIC starts from 3 – 4:00 pm. The Annual Meeting will follow afterwards starting at 4:30 pm with networking, refreshments and door prizes to follow.

Could you please promote this event in your next Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood newsletter?
 
Great way for the Dunn’s Marsh neighborhood residents to get a ‘guided tour’ of EPIC and to gain the latest updates on the Verona Road construction coming our way in 2016.  RSVP now at: http://www.veronaroad.info/business-resources/annual-event/ <http://www.veronaroad.info/business-resources/annual-event/> .  
 
Note that even though the invitation says to RSVP by February 5, the VRBC project manager has assured us that there’s plenty of room, and neighbors whether business or otherwise may still register today, February 9.
 
 
14 - Verona Road Work to Start Soon (Attachment:  “7 chart Verona Rd Stage2.jpg”)
                       from Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation

To keep you informed and involved on the Verona Road (US 18/151) Project, we wanted to share an update on the Verona Road Project schedule, specifically Stage 2 construction in the Fitchburg area.

What you need to know about Stage 2

• Stage 2 extends along Verona Road from Raymond Road south to County PD (McKee Road) and County PD from Fitchrona Road to Commerce Park Drive.
• Utility relocations by private companies are anticipated to start in March 2016.
• Improvements to some local roads near Verona Road in Fitchburg are scheduled to begin in fall 2016, including the Williamsburg Way/Anton Drive intersection, Fitchrona Road and Nesbitt Road.
• Download, print and save the Verona Road Project, Stage 2 Construction Schedule <http://lists.wi.gov/t/1150417/2644525/7977/5/ <http://lists.wi.gov/t/1150417/2644525/7977/5/> > .
  

Stage 1 work details
 
Stage 1 reconstruction work on the westbound Beltline, between Seminole Highway and Whitney Way, and Midvale Boulevard is anticipated to resume in late February/early March 2016 and scheduled to be completed in November 2016.

Encourage your family, friends and co-workers to sign up for project email updates <http://lists.wi.gov/t/1150417/2644525/7976/6/ <http://lists.wi.gov/t/1150417/2644525/7976/6/> > !

STAY INFORMED: Verona Road Project website <http://lists.wi.gov/t/1150417/2644525/7974/7/ <http://lists.wi.gov/t/1150417/2644525/7974/7/> >  | Project Facebook page <http://lists.wi.gov/t/1150417/2644525/7975/8/ <http://lists.wi.gov/t/1150417/2644525/7975/8/> >

For more information, contact:  Steven Theisen, Verona Road Project Communications Manager
 (608) 884-1230 | steven.theisen@dot.wi.gov <mailto:steven.theisen@dot.wi.gov?subject= <mailto:steven.theisen@dot.wi.gov?subject=>


 
15 - Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Council Meets Feb. 11

The Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Council meets every month on the second Thursday of the month at 6:00 pm at Prairie UU Society, 2010 Whenona Drive.  The next meeting is on Thursday, Feb. 11.
 
At this month’s meeting, we will have a special visitor, District 4 Co. Supervisory candidate Richard Kilmer.  The public is invited to attend.  See article #21 to learn more about Richard Kilmer. He is running unopposed.
 
   
   


16 - Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Council Contact Information
      Council was elected 10/15/15 and serves until Sept. or Oct. 2016.  

M=Marlborough      C=Crawford       B= Belmar       A=Allied

1. President Mary Mullen (M), 4337 Milford Rd., 298-0843, mmullen4337@charter.net <mailto:mmullen@chorus.net>
2. Vice President Tony Williams (C), Britta Dr., 333-2065 adwilliams043@gmail.com
3. Secretary Karen Walters (B), 274-4673,
karen.walters@outlook.com
 <mailto:karen.walters@outlook.com>

4. Treasurer Yannette Cole (M), Milford Rd., 332-7003, yfcole@gmail.com
5. Thea Bach (M), 1905 Danbury St., 274-7730, 239-9810, bachtown2@live.com
6. Faith Cholvin (C), 4337 Britta Drive., #1, 213-7832, cholvinfaith@gmail.com
7. Sina Davis (C), Atticus Way, 886-5994, sinadavis703@gmail.com
8. Elvice McAlpine (B), 4526 Crescent Rd, 238-9257, e.mcalpine@yahoo.com
9. Shonita Skinner (A), 2426 Allied Drive, #4, 509-1645, svictoriascott@yahoo.com
10. Susan Watson, (C), Britta Pkwy, SusanWatson4447@gmail.com

Please feel free to contact any of these Council members with concerns or ideas about the neighborhood.
 
We have room for 2 more Council members.  Contact President Mary Mullen if you want to volunteer to be on the Council.
 

 
17 - DMNA Website to be Updated

The Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association’s website is about to get a facelift.  Yannette Cole, DMNA Council treasurer, is putting on another hat, that of computer wizard.  For a while she’s been working on giving our website a different look.  
 
The website address will remain the same -  www.dunnsmarsh.org <http://www.dunnsmarsh.org>  - and much of the content will be the same or similar, but expect a more stream-lined look.  
 
The website is the place to go to learn a lot about the Association, its history, and its activities, including a calendar of events within and/or of interest to neighborhood residents.
 
The DMNA also keeps in contact with residents in 2 other ways.  Our Facebook presence is where people can keep up with neighborhood news on a daily or weekly basis.  The Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association e-News - which is what you are reading right now - is the third communication resource.  Back issues of the e-News are available from a link on the home page of the website.

 
18 - Coffee With A Cop Starts Feb. 11                                                                                                                                                                         from West District Police Blotter

The West District will be starting a weekly "Coffee With A Cop" opportunity this Thursday, February 11.  Coffee With a Cop is simply a way for officers and citizens to engage and interact in a relaxed environment.

We'll be at Steep & Brew, at 6656 Odana Road, every Thursday at 9 am.  West District patrol officers, supervisors and commanders will all participate.  We'll make every attempt to have an officer present every week, though sometimes it just won't be possible.  Please stop by, enjoy a cup of coffee and chat with one of your district officers.  More information on the idea is available here:  http://coffeewithacop.com/ <http://coffeewithacop.com/>


 
19 - Ash Trees Removed from Parks to be Replaced

We just received good news about tree-planting in Marlborough Park.  
 
You may have noticed that many ash trees were cut last fall, and even more are marked for removal in the future due to devastation caused by the emerald ash borer (EAB).
 
An e-mail from Madison Parks Superintendent Eric Knepp explains that the cut trees will be replaced on a 1 to 1 basis:  for every ash tree cut, a new tree will be planted in the park at City of Madison expense.
 
Here’s Superintendent Knepp’s e-mail:
 

We do have plans to replant trees that are removed on an aggregate 1 to 1 basis (not necessarily a tree going back into the same exact spot) due to the removals from EAB.   The individual plans for a park are completed by our Landscape Architects and Landscape Maintenance Workers collaborating. We have a solid amount of funding and expertise, but if there are further questions or interest in getting engaged from the garden community especially we would be happy to discuss options.   By the way, the hope would be to replant removed trees within 3 planting seasons, so my hope is we have them in this year.

20 - Winter Biking Workshop Set for Feb. 11
            from a flyer sent by Fitchburg Alder Dorothy Krause
 
It’s short notice, but you still might want to attend a winter biking workshop that will be held Thursday, Feb. 11 at 6:30 pm at Fitchburg Cycles, 2970 Cahill Main at Fish Hatchery Road.  
 
At the workshop, learn how to dress for cold weather riding, check out winter bikes and cold weather gear, learn tips for safe riding in snow and ice, share winter routes and commuting tips.   Bring your bike along and learn some maintenance tips and, weather permitting, take a “winter bike” out for a test ride.
 
You can also enjoy free pizza and refreshments.
 
This event is sponsored by the Fitchburg Resource Conservation Commission and Fitchburg Cycles with support from Fitchburg Bicycling Advocates and Pizza Hut.
 
 
21 - New County Supervisor Will Represent Madison Portion of N’Hood:  Meet him Feb. 11

Due to the fact that long-time County Supervisor Kyle Richmond is stepping down, the Madison part of the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood will be  represented by a new supervisor.  Since only one candidate is running for District 4, we know who our representative will be - Richard Kilmer.  He’ll take office in April.
 
Mr. Kilmer plans to come to the next DMNA Council meeting on Thursday, February 11, 6 pm, at Prairie UU Society, 2010 Whenona Drive. Residents are invited to come to this meeting to get acquainted with Richard.  You know, once you’ve met someone, it’s always much easier if you want to contact that person later to express opinions on a matter that will be voted on.
 
Here’s a biography that Richard Kilmer has sent. Additional information and pictures can be found on his website, http://www.richardkilmerfordane.com
 
Richard originally moved to Madison in 1971, but his roots run deep in Dane County. His Yeadon and Gunsolus ancestors settled in southern Dane County in the early 1850s, and his Ballweg and Breunig ancestors settled in northern Dane County in the 1870s. Richard grew up in a large close-knit family on a dairy farm near Wonewoc, Wisconsin and has owned his home in the Bay Creek neighborhood since 1986. He also still owns and maintains the family farm in the upper Baraboo bluffs in southern Juneau County. He is currently working on a wetland restoration project at his farm along the Baraboo River and a woodland restoration project.
 
He has a passion for gardening, nature, genealogy and country line dancing. He has been the leader of Dairyland Cowboys and Cowgirls dance group since 2000. Richard has been a tireless advocate for improved access to health care, LGBT rights, and many other progressive political and environmental issues. His partner, Andrew Ringquist, is a nurse and diabetic nurse educator and landscape architect who is currently working on his Masters degree in nursing education. Richard has a 28-year-old son whom he co-parented with lesbian moms.
 
Richard graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy in 1974 and has been a Registered Pharmacist for 40 years, working in such varied places as New York City and Mexico. He returned to Madison after taking a 7,000-mile bicycle trip across Canada and the eastern United States. He started as a pharmacist at WSA Pharmacy (now Community Pharmacy) in 1984. The Pharmacy is a worker's cooperative that has been serving the community since 1972, and recently opened a second location on University Avenue in Middleton. Richard spent many years as president of the Community Pharmacy board and is currently vice president as well as chief pharmacist.
 
Richard has been involved in many organizations over the years. He was an early volunteer for the Madison AIDS Support Network (now ARC) during the early years of the AIDS crisis. He was one of the founders of GALVAnize (now Madison Pride). He was president of the board of The United and helped with its merger with the LGBT Resource Center to become OutReach and was also president of the board of OutReach. He has been on the board of New Harvest Foundation and the City of Madison Business Improvement District Board (BID). He is a member of the Democratic Party of Dane County and Progressive Dane. Richard is also a member of the Wisconsin Mental Health Drug Advisory Committee.
 
Having seen the effects of mental illness (he has a close family member with mental health and addiction problems), Richard wants to see improved services for the mentally ill and homeless people of Dane County. He has been involved with the needle exchange program, suboxone availability programs and worked to provide overdose treatment programs in the county. He would work to improve availability for drug and alcohol treatment, improve clean needle programs and naloxone availability for drug overdoses and improving access to housing for the homeless population.
 
Richard and Community Pharmacy have worked to provide low cost health care and alternative medicines to the community. The Pharmacy has worked with Dane County Parents Network, UW Medic Clinics, Dane County First Offenders program, Access Public Health and many other local organizations to provide prescriptions to uninsured patients for many years. Richard and the Pharmacy have won many awards over the years for their service to the community. Richard received The Community Shares of Wisconsin Sally Sunde Social Justice Award in 1997.   Richard is also a clinical professor with the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy.
 
Richard's other concerns include improving the environment and helping control unchecked growth in Dane County. The county lakes and environment need to be protected for future generations. He also supports a living wage in Dane County. This has been an issue at Community Pharmacy since it started in 1972; the Pharmacy has worked hard to keep a small gap between the lowest paid workers and the highest paid workers, providing a living wage for all workers.
 
 
 
22 - Voter PICTURE ID NEEDED for 2016 Elections Starting at Feb. 16 Election  
(Attachments: “3 voter ID examples.jpg,” “4 Spanish voter ID examples.jpg,” “5 voter ID free.jpg,” “6 Spanish voter ID free.jpg”)
                                                   from State Representative Terese Berceau
 
Make sure you and the people you know are ready to vote
                                                                        
Starting with the spring primary election on February 16th this year, most voters will need to show a photo ID at the polls.  Acceptable forms of identification include:
 
·      A WI driver’s license (valid even if driving privileges have been revoked or suspended)
·      A WI state ID card from the DOT (Dept. of Transportation)
·      A state ID care or driver’s license without a photo issued under the religious exemption
·      A military ID card issued by a U.Sl uniformed service
·      A U.S. passport
 
The address on your ID doesn’t have to be current. The name on your ID doesn’t need to be an exact match for your name in the poll book.
 
To obtain a state ID card from DOT, bring proof of name, date of birth, identity, citizenship, and WI residency to a DMV (Dept. of Motor Vehicles) office.  If you don’t have a birth certificate, there is an alternate process to get a state ID.  Call the DMV at (608) 266-1069 for more information.
 
UW - Madison student IDs are not valid photo IDs for voting.  Any student who doesn’t already have a WI driver’s license or ID from DOT can obtain a separate voter ID card by bringing his or her existing Wiscart student ID to the Wiscard office in Union South.
 
You can find more details online at:  www.Bringit.wisconsin.gov <http://www.Bringit.wisconsin.gov>  or all (866)VOTE-WIS.
 
If you haven’t voted in Wisconsin before, or if you’ve moved since the last election, you will need to register to vote.  You must have lived at your current address for 28 consectutive days before an election to vote from that address.  If you’ve lived there fewer than 28 days, you can still vote from your old address.
 
You can register by mail up to 20 days before an election, at your municipal clerk’s office through the Friday before an election, or at your polling place the day of an election.  To register, you will need:
 
·      A WI driver’s license, state ID card, or - if you don’t have either of those - the last four digits of your Social Security number
·      Proof of residence, such as a property tax bill, utility bill, bank statement, paystub, residential lease, fishing or hunting licese, vehicle registration, etc. with your name and current address on it
·      A completed voter registration application, which is available at www.gab.wi.gov <http://www.gab.wi.gov>   (This application is also available right at the polls on election day.)
 
More information is available from the Madison City Clerk’s web site - http://www.cityofmadison.com/clerk/  at www.myvote.wi.gov <http://www.myvote.wi.gov>   and also on the attachments to this newsletter.  One set of attachments in in English, while the other is in Spanish.
 
Additional information can be found on the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin webpage at http://www.lwvwi.org/VotingElections/WisconsinVoterPhotoID.aspx
 
 

23 - Who’s On the Feb. 16 Ballot

Around the country presidential primary campaigns monopolize the news ad nauseum. By contrast, Wisconsin’s February 16 ballot is pretty tame:  it is not a Presidential primary, and it only has one race.  
 
Don’t let that fool you.  The one race is very, very important:  the race for Wisconsin Supreme Court.  On February 16, voters will whittle the field of 3 Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates down to two.
 
The 3 candidates for the Supreme Court’s 10-year term are Rebecca G. Bradley, JoAnne F. Kloppenburg, and Joe Donald.  After the death of Justice Patrick Crooks, in October 2015 Bradley was appointed by Gov. Walker after spending a few months as his appointee to other lower court positions.   JoAnne F. Kloppenburg ran in 2011 for the Supreme Court and was so narrowly defeated that a recount was allowed.  Joe Donald is running for Supreme Court for the first time.
 
Read their answers to the League of Women Voters’ questions in Candidates’ Answers at http://www.lwvdanecounty.org/supreme-court-justice  The candidates’ e-mails, websites, and social media information is included there too.
 
Additional information is located on the Wisconsin Vote site:  http://wisconsinvote.org/candidates-and-races  Wisconsin Vote is a service of Wisconsin Public Television and Wisconsin Public Radio and is updated during election season. Content for the website comes from WPT and WPR broadcasts as well as other state and national news and information sources.
 
On a neighborhood note, some neighbors met JoAnne Kloppenburg in July 2014 when she and her husband participated in the Marlborough Community Garden mosaic stepping stone project.  Their son Micah Kloppenburg has served as a community garden specialist for Marlborough Garden when CAC was involved in the garden.  Micah has continued to provide leadership as a voluteer in the garden.

FYI, Wisconsin’s presidential primary doesn’t happen until April.
 
 
 
24 -Voting Location Depends on Your Address in the N’hood

New to the neighborhood?   Didn’t vote in the last election (April 2014) even though you’ve lived here awhile?  A new voter regardless of your age?
 
BE AWARE.   The polling place may not be where you expect it to be.

WHY?  Because, for those living in the Madison part of the neighborhood, the polling place location changed in 2014.  Because, if you live in the Fitchburg part of the neighborhood, the polling place is not within the neighborhood.
 
Those who live in the Madison part of the neighborhood vote in the Revival Ridge community room. The address is 2313 Allied Drive. But, again, be aware.  You can’t park on Allied Drive, and the entrance to the community room is actually on the plaza of the Revival Ridge apartments, accessible from Jenewein Drive.
 
The trick is to park on Jenewein close to Allied Drive and walk into the plaza where the hands sculpture reaches to the sky. Enter the doors next to the Madison Police shield. They actually face out to Jenewein.  
 
If there’s not space to park on Jenewein, parking in the Boys & Girls Club lot is OK.  In that case, just walk up Jenewein to the plaza entrance.  Or go the back way by walking to the left on Revival Ridge, then right on Frida Kahlo Crest and into the plaza that way.
 
Those who live in the Fitchburg (BELMAR)  part of the neighborhood face another hardship.   Fitchburg residents vote at Fitchburg Fire Station #2, at 5415 King James Way.  This is way down Verona Road to PD.  Here’s a map showing that voting location.
 
 
                   
 
 
 
         
 
 
 
 
                
 
 


 
25 - Let’s Talk About Race:  A Conversation with Teens, Feb. 20

Are you concerned about racial relations and racial justice?  Do you feel your teenagers could benefit from a workshop focusing on this subject? Well, look no further.  
A free teen workshop called “Let’s Talk About Race” will help teens in grades 8-12 find ways to work towards racial justice and equity in their communities. Emphasis will be on community building and action steps.

Facilitated by Groundwork and sponsored by Wisconsin Public Television, this will be an afternoon of fun, learning and lively debate.
 
The workshop will be held on Saturday, February 20, from 12:00 noon until 4:00 p.m. at First Unitarian Society, 900 University Bay Drive, Madison.  First Unitarian is located across from the Veteran’s Hospital.  
 
To sign up for this free workshop, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-talk-about-race-a-conversation-for-teens-tickets-20721284921 <file://localhost/e/lets-talk-about-race-a-conversation-for-teens-tickets-20721284921>   A list of frequently asked questions can be found there too.

Teens in 8th to 12th grade are welcome regardless of school affiliation.  Lunch is provided.
 


 
26 - Have Fun and Support Dane Dances! March 4
                       from Al Cooper, Dane Dances!

Our great partner “Monona Terrace” is hosting a fundraiser for Dane Dances! on Friday March 4, 2016. The event, “Funky Dance Madison” is featuring two popular local bands,” ABBA Salute” and “VO5”, with DJ ACE.   It will be at Monona Terrace Exhibition Hall from 6:00 to 10:00 pm
 
Thank you for all of your support of Dane Dances!   Dane Dances! is a a month of Friday nights of free dancing to live music on the roof of Monona Terrace.


27 - Rain Garden Workshop Registration Due March 4
            from Madison Area Municipal Stormwater Partnership Education Coordinator
 
MAMSWaP (The Madison Area Municipal Stormwater Partnership) is hosting a Rain Garden Workshop on Saturday, March 12th at the Lussier Family Heritage Center. Learn how installing a rain garden can add beauty to your property and also protect area waters by capturing stormwater runoff that would otherwise carry pollutants down the storm drain into our lakes, rivers, and streams.
 
The cost of the workshop is only $5 and will cover site design and preparation, plant selection, installation, and maintenance. See attached registration form for more information or register online at  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/plant-dane-rain-garden-workshop-tickets-21063002006 .  Registration and payment must be received by March 4.    See Article #29 for how to get plants at a low cost.
 
For more information, contact Christal Campbell, Madison Area Municipal Stormwater Partnership Education Coordinator at (608) 224-3746 or campbell.christal@countyofdane.com .
 
 
28 - Community Garden Registration Coming Up March 12 and 16
It may be cold and snowy, but the Marlborough Community Garden Committee has already set the dates for garden registration.  To register for a plot, past and future gardeners should attend one of the registration meetings in March at Prairie UU Society, 2010 Whenona Drive:
 
Saturday, March 12, 12:00 noon,
 
Wednesday, March 16, 5:30 pm
 
Come prepared to pay for the plot(s) you want to sign up for.  A sliding scale offers 3 prices for a 20x20 plot:  $10, $35, or $65 depending on your household income and number of people in the family.  Some of last year’s gardeners who plan to continue gardening may also have additional fees to pay if they did not attend the 2 required workdays or failed to pay last year’s rental fee.  Registration is complete only after the registration form is turned in and all fees are paid.
 
The garden is located at the top of Marlborough Park. It has 160 plots, some tilled by tractor at the beginning of the season and some “no-till” plots that are cultivated entirely beginning to end by the gardener.  Water is available on site for setting your bedding plants (tomatoes, cabbage, peppers, etc.) and for watering, by hose, during dry spells. Besides keeping their own plots in good shape, each gardener is asked to attend two workdays during the summer to maintain the area around the outside of the plots.
 
In recent past years, about 100 families have gardened here, a nice multi-cultural mix of English speakers, Spanish speakers, and a number of gardeners who speak Asian languages.  All are welcome.
 
                   



29 - Native Plant Sale Has March 23 Deadline
           from Madison Area Municipal Stormwater Partnership Education Coordinator
 
The Madison Area Municipal Stormwater Partnership (MAMSWaP) is now accepting orders for its 12th annual Plant Dane! native plant sale!  Through a gift from the Graham Martin Foundation (GMF), the Plant Dane! Cost-Share Program provides native plants at the greatly reduced rate of $1.90 each- less than half the normal retail price.  The cost-share program is open to schools, non-profit organizations, municipalities and individual residents in Dane County, WI. Native plant gardens are an attractive way to reduce lawn-maintenance time and costs and beautify your property.
 
Choose from more than 70 native plant species including butterfly, shortgrass prairie, and rain garden kits. Plants are $1.90 each and all species must be ordered in multiples of four. Order forms are available online at www.myfairlakes.com/plantDane.aspx .
 
All orders must be received with full payment by Wednesday, March 23rd, 2016. Participants must pick up plants on Saturday, June 4th after 9AM at the Dane County Land and Water Resources Building at 5201 Fen Oak Dr., Madison, WI 53719
 
 
30 - “Let’s Eat Out” Coming to N’hood Again This Summer

It’s the dead of winter, but planning for summer can’t wait.  On the 21st of January, 2 neighborhood leaders and 3 people associated with the “Let’s Eat Out” met in the Avalon Village community room to discuss how the event will work this summer.
 
“Let’s Eat Out” is an initiative to bring diverse neighborhood residents together over food in an outdoor setting.  Last year, as will be true this year, one of the locations of “Let’s Eat Out”  will be the open space on Revival Ridge Road down the street from the Revival Ridge apartments and the Boys and Girls Club on the western side of the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood.
 
Three changes are in the offing.  Instead of being 12 weeks long, “Let’s Eat Out” will occur once a week for 8 weeks.  The vouchers for free food will again be offered to low-income residents, but this summer vouchers will be for $3.00 instead of $2.00, and they can only be used for food, not for drinks.  Water will be provided free from a big water truck from the Madison Water Utility.  All food carts must carry at least one $3.00 food item.  The third new wrinkle is that local crafters may set up tables to sell their own handmade craft items such as home-made jewelry, knitting or crocheted items.   
 
A major effort this year will be to get more people from the central and eastern part of the neighborhood participating.  That’s one purpose of this article - to let everyone who gets this newsletter know that they are especially invited to come and get to know people that aren’t in their everyday life already.
 
The planning group also discussed the other kinds of attractions.   Live music, for one.  In that regard the Madison Jazz Consortium, karaoke, dance groups including Ballet Folklorica, and rappers were mentioned.  Do you know any local group that’s willing to perform for a small stipend? Let us know.  Other attractions brainstormed were visits by the library bike (crafts on pedals), a fire engine, the police, MSCR’s Fit2Go van, and “Play and Learn” with jump ropes and other equipment.
 
Now it’s time to put “Let’s Eat Out” on our calendars. The event will be on Wednesdays, 5:00-7:30 pm, starting on June 15 and continuing through August 3.  Plan to come at least once.


Watch Out!

31 - Watch Out for Burglaries in N’hood

Lately there have been some burglaries in the Marlborough part of the Dunn's Marsh Neighborhood - the area west of Seminole Highway from the Beltline down to Clover Court.
 
One burglar was caught during the last week of January when a neighbor noticed someone walking around to the back yard of a neighbor, then saw a dim light in the neighbor’s house. She called the police who came quickly and caught the thief.   Police were hunting around the neighborhood later that night to see if there were any tracks to show that he had  been casing or breaking into other homes.  
 
Ideas? Keep your shades up and lights on so your neighbors can see into your house. Be sure all your doors are locked when you leave including the door from your garage into your house.   
 
Deadbolt locks are a must so that the door can’t be kicked in easily.  One burglar obtained access to a house by breaking into the garage through a door that did not have a deadbolt lock. The door into the house wasn't locked, so he had easy access after that.   For this burglary, the homeowner and police got excellent photos of the burglar’s footprints in the snow.
 
Report any suspicious activity. These burglars are on foot according to the person who reported suspicious activity that resulted in the arrest.
 
 

32 - Keep Eye Out for Robber

Recently a pizza delivery driver was robbed when she asked for directions in our neighborhood.
 
Keep a lookout for this man who was described  “black, 32 to 38 years old and between 5 feet 11 inches to 6 feet tall…. He weighed between 170 to 200 pounds, his hair was worn in corn rows and he was wearing a black cloth over his hair. He also had on a red jacket, blue jeans and boots.”
 
It goes without saying that if you spot this man, you should call police.
 
 

33 - How to Avoid Tax Prep Fraud
           from Wisconsin Dept. of Ag, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP)
 
As we enter another tax season, two issues stand out as particularly important when prepping for your return: making sure you have all your necessary documents and finding a company you can trust to help you file your taxes. After all, you are entrusting this company or individual with your most valuable personal and financial information. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) asks the public to be on the lookout for questionable tax practices in the months ahead and to report any suspicious behavior to the agency.

"By and large, Wisconsin tax preparation businesses are legitimate and provide an extremely valuable service to consumers," said Frank Frassetto, Division Administrator for Trade and Consumer Protection. "A handful of shady businesses pop up each year, however, collecting personal financial information under false pretenses or secretly filing customer's tax returns and stealing from the refund.

"We ask that consumers who see questionable tax practices contact DATCP immediately so that we can take quick action."

A common type of tax and loan scam involves tax prep businesses filing returns on behalf of consumers without their consent. These businesses initially solicit the consumers with a promise of providing short-term loans and then pocket exorbitant fees from the tax refunds they file in the consumer's name.

Here are some tips to avoid becoming the victim of tax preparation fraud:

• Be alert to promotions such as "holiday loans" or other short-term loans that can be used to gain the personal financial information needed to file an individual's tax return.
• Be careful providing personal financial information to a business unless you want the preparer to file your taxes. Make sure you provide clear direction and that the company specifically advises you on whether they intend to file your tax return.
• Never sign an authorization permitting a company to file your taxes if you do not want the company to do so.
• Never sign a document without first reading and understanding what it says.
• Always insist upon receiving copies of all documents that you are required to sign or that identify the terms of a transaction and the charges you will be required to pay. Confirm, before signing, that you will receive copies. If a business does not agree to provide copies, don't sign.
• 
  

DATCP works with the Wisconsin Departments of Justice and Revenue to detect tax preparation fraud. Anyone suspecting fraudulent activity is encouraged to file a complaint with DATCP. Complaints can be filed online through the DATCP website (http://datcp.wi.gov) or a complaint form can be requested by calling the state's Consumer Protection Hotline at1-800-422-7128.

 
 
34 - Malware-Linked Spam Emails Misusing Names of Major Online Services
                       from Dept. of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection
 
What’s up with fake WhatsApp emails? Malware…that’s what.
The latest fraudulent e-mail messages to flood inboxes are using the names of popular online services to trick readers into downloading malware to their devices.
Watch for messages from senders with names like:
 
·     WhatsAppNotifier
·     WhatsAppReminder
·     The YoutubeSupport
·     Auto Gmail Notifier
·     Automation FacebookService
 
Delete these emails immediately without opening them and never click the links in the message.
 
The email addresses associated with the supposed sender have nothing to do with the service in question and are likely hacked accounts.
 
These emails typically claim that you have a missed voicemail or a deferred or missed notification. If you open the email, you will find little more than a link to supposedly hear the voicemail or read the missed message. Clicking the “Play” or “View notifications” (or similar) button or the link in the email will open a website that tries to fool you into downloading malware to your device.
 
For additional information or to file a complaint, visit the Consumer Protection Bureau at http://datcp.wisconsin.gov, send an e-mail to datcphotline@wisconsin.gov or call the Consumer Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-422-7128.
 
Connect with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wiconsumer <http://www.facebook.com/wiconsumer>
 
 
 
35 - FTC Detects New Social Security Scam
           from Kristin Keckeisen, Fraud Watch Network
 
Dear ________
You look in your email inbox and see the subject line “Get Protected.” Well, we all want that! Upon opening the email, you learn that the Social Security Administration (SSA) is supposedly offering great new features to help taxpayers protect their personal information and identities. Sounds so good that you may be tempted to click on the link provided -- but before you do, read this!

It’s a SCAM! The Federal Trade Commission recently caught on to this scam and is asking for help in tracking down the fraudsters.
How It Works:
Scammers pretending to be from the SSA send out the email offering new features to help consumers monitor their credit and learn whether someone is engaging in unauthorized use of their Social Security number.  It sounds very official and may even mention the “SAFE Act of 2015.”
What You Should Know:
The Social Security Administration is not offering such a program. It’s actually a “phishing” email designed to get you to click on the link. Doing could cause “malware” to be installed on your computer, like viruses and spyware.
 
The link might also take you to a “spoof” site designed to look like the SSA’s website and ask you to provide personal information, like your Social Security number and bank or credit account numbers.
What You Should Do:
If you get a questionable email, DO NOT click on any links. Instead, report it to the Federal Trade Commission by forwarding it to spam@uce.gov.
 
Unsure about whether it’s for real? Here are a couple clues: “hover” your cursor over the address link in the email.  Ff it’s fake, you’ll see that the address is an unrelated .com address, not the .gov address it appears to be.  And did it end up in your junk folder? If so, that’s because your email filters recognized that it wasn’t for real.
 
If you’re unsure if an email is coming from the government, call them yourself. But use an email address you find yourself, not the contact info listed in the email.
 
Please share this alert with your friends and family and urge them to do the same!  Together we can stop scammers in their tracks and keep your hard earned dollars in your pocket where they belong!  
 

 
36 - Medicare Imposters Want to Steal Your Money.  Don't let them.
                 by Aditi Jhaveri, Consumer Education Specialist, Federal Trade Commission

Pop quiz: If someone calls you asking for your bank account number, should you give it to them?

Answer: Never. Hang up - it's a scam.

We've heard about different kinds of imposter scams on the rise. In one scenario, scammers call, pretending to work for Medicare. They say they need to verify your bank account number - and it might sound convincing. Some callers may even know the first few numbers of your account, and say you just need to verify the rest. But if you fill in the blanks, you're giving them access to your money - and their goal is to steal it.

The callers may say they lost your information and need it to deposit funds, provide additional benefits, or send you a new Medicare or prescription card. They assure you there's no charge, and act like it's an urgent matter - that your benefits will be cut off if you don't give them your bank account information right away.  

In truth, it's all a trick to steal your money. Medicare will never call you and ask for your bank account information.

So the next time you get a call like this, here's what to do:

•Don't give out your bank account number - or any part of your Social Security number.
•Simply hang up the phone.
•Report your experience at 1-877-FTC-HELP or ftc.gov/complaint. Click on "Scams and Rip-offs," and then "Imposter Scams."
•If you have questions about your Medicare benefits, call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Chances are, you know someone who could use a reminder on how to avoid these imposter scams. Pass on this information and share other consumer protection tips with your friends and family.
 
You have received this message from the mailing list of SAIL (Supporting Active Independent Lives).
 
 
Working For Us

37 - Madison Recycling Director Retires
                       goodbye from George Dreckmann, hello to Bryan Johnson
 
Hi, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all your help with the organics program. We have come a long way since 1989 when I joined the Streets Division. In that time residents of the City of Madison have recycled or composted 1,686,119 tons of material. That is quite an accomplishment and you should be proud of your efforts.
 
As you may have read, my last day with the Streets Division was January 19th. I will be retiring after 26 years with the City of Madison and I can honestly say that I have enjoyed almost every single day. The success of the City's recycling program has been due to your efforts and those of the men and women of the Streets Division who do the hard work of getting your material picked up every week.
 
Bryan Johnson is the City's new Recycling Coordinator and he will bring his passion to our efforts. I am confident that the program is in good hands and that you will enjoy working with Bryan. I will be keeping track of the organics program going forward, and like many of your friends, wishing the program is expanded into my neighborhood.
 
Again, my sincerest thanks for all of your efforts on behalf of our city and the environment.
                                                                                                George Dreckmann
 
 
 
38 - County Executive Joe Parisi Talks about Dane County Budget

Recently, I signed my 2016 Budget for Dane County. My budget focuses on providing our critical core services while expanding partnerships to better our community.
 
My budget includes the strongest efforts yet by Dane County to address mental illness. I am expanding our mental health teams to more schools across Dane County in partnership with local schools. Early intervention is key to both preventing and knocking down the barriers that come with mental illness. I am also creating Community Crisis Teams to help law enforcement respond to mental health crisis situations available 24/7.
 
My budget continues our commitment to cleaning up our lakes through partnerships and conservation.
 
Homelessness is a complex problem that no one entity can solve. We are continuing our work with the Homelessness Consortium and investing millions in direct services to our homeless population. I am also doubling our Eviction Prevention Fund which successfully kept 266 kids in their homes last year.
 
This budget furthers our work of criminal justice reform by creating a “Re-entry Team” in our Dane County Jail. We will assess inmates and make an individualized plan for each inmate.  A successful re-entry reduces their risk of returning.
 
70 percent of Wisconsin’s population growth happens in Dane County, as does 56% of Wisconsin’s private sector job growth. We consistently have the lowest rate of unemployment in the state.


We are a thriving, growing community, with unlimited potential.  While we are certainly not without our growing pains, I am proud of the manner in which our community faces its challenges head on. We will get there, and we will get there together - with respect; with spirited debate, and through partnering, together– the Dane County Way.
  

          -------------  End of the 2/9/16 Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood e-News --------------
                                                     Thanks for reading.