Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood e-News May 7, 2012
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, Bob Hague, bphague@tds.net 218-1760
News contact, Mary Mullen, mmullen@chorus.net 298-0843
Website: <http://www.dunnsmarsh.org> (under construction)
On Facebook: Just type Dunn’s Marsh into the Facebook search box.
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This is a SPECIAL ELECTION ISSUE, plus a lot of other news that has accumulated in the last few days. VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! on Tuesday, May 8. You may register at the polls with your Wisconsin driver’s license or Wisconsin ID number, Social Security number if you don’t have a Wisconsin license, and proof of residence. You DO NOT have to show ID to vote.
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CALENDAR (with article numbers)
May 8 - Recall Primary Election - #1-4 June 5 -Recall Election
May 9-16 - Voter Registration - #5, 5b June 6 - Verona Rd. Open House - #14
May 16 - Landlord training - #9 June 6 - DMNA Council Meeting
May 16 - Verona Rd. Open House - #14 June 20 - Verona Rd. Open House - #14
May 19 - Rubber Ducky Race - #17 June 29-30 - Free Dental Care - #18.4
ARTICLES
ELECTION
1 - Poll Workers Still Needed in Madison for May 8, June 5 Elections
2a - Don’t Let the Ballot Confuse You! (Attachment: “1 SampleBallot.jpg”)
2b - Democratic Lt. Governor Contest Includes Republican “Protest Candidate”
3 - Where to Vote Tuesday, May 8
4 - Absentee Voter Rules Have Changed
5 - Become a Voter Education Ambassador and Register Voters Starting May 9
5b - Madison Student Vote Coalition Asks For Help in Registering Students, May 9-16
(Attachment: “2 Tabling Schedule.jpg”)
6 - Students Can Vote This Summer. Details Here.
7 - Who Is Our State Representative in the Assembly? It’s a Puzzle.
(Attachment: “3 Dist. 77 oldNew.jpg)
NEIGHBORHOOD INTEREST
8 - Tax Assessors Face Homeowners Shocked by 15% Lower Values
9 - Landlord Training Offered May 16
10 - Know Someone New to the Neighborhood?
11 - Many Benefits from Joining the Welcomers Committee
12 - Rainstorm Dumps Half-Inch in 20 Minutes
VERONA ROAD RECONSTRUCTION & MORE
13 - Public meeting for Verona Road (US 18/151) Project, May 17 (Repeated from May 1 e-News)
14 - Open House for Verona Road/Beltline Interchange , May & June
15 - Bus 75 Can Take You to Verona and the Epic Campus.
MISCELLANEOUS
16 - Tutors Needed for People Learning English
17 - “Remarkable Rubber Ducky River Race’’ - Fun Family Event on May 19
18 - From Rep. Berceau: 1. Free Blue Books, 2. Redistricting Confusion,
3. Aging and Disabilities Resource Center, 4. Free Dental Care
19 - Nominate a Heritage Tree
20 - May Highlights in US Women's History
21 - Famous Women Born in May
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ARTICLES
ELECTION
1 - Poll Workers Still Needed in Madison for May 8, June 5 Elections
We are still looking for City of Madison residents to work at the polls on Tuesday, May 8, and of course on June 5. If you would like to work at the polls and are not already scheduled to do so, please send an e-mail message to voting@cityofmadison.com to let us know whether you would like to work Downtown, East, North, South, or West Madison, and to let us know whether you would like to work 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 1 p.m. to close, or 6 a.m. to close.
This job pays over $11.00 and hour. A full day shift pays over $200.
from Marybeth Witzel-Behl, Madison City Clerk
2a - Don’t Let the Ballot Confuse You! (Attachment: “1 SampleBallot.pdf”)
When I attended poll worker training the other day, I learned that voters may be confused by the ballot. Here’s some information to help you cast a ballot that will count.
First, let’s consider the primary for Governor. There are 5 candidates for governor in the Democratic primary and 2 candidates in the Republican primary. The trick is to remember that you can only vote for one candidate for Governor. So choose whether you want to vote for a Republican or a Democratic candidate.
If you mark your ballot for a Republican candidate for Governor and then also mark it for a Democratic candidate for Governor, neither vote will be counted. The tabulator will spit your ballot out without counting it. Fortunately, you can get a second ballot if you mess up the first one at the polls. However, if you voted absentee and marked 2 Governor candidates, your vote will not count for either.
To review: Vote for only one candidate for Governor.
Surprisingly, even though you may choose to vote for a Republican candidate for Governor, you can vote in the Democratic primary for a candidate for Lt. Governor. The Lt. Governor race is a separate primary.
There are 3 candidates for Lt. Governor in the Democratic primary. There is no Republican primary because no one is challenging Lt. Governor Kleefisch. One of the Democratic candidates will be facing Kleefisch during the June 5 recall election.
Read article 2b for information on these candidates. Some are so-called “protest candidates” who are Republicans running as Democrats, so that may influence your choice.
Check out the sample ballot and the instructions on the ballot so that you will be prepared, and your vote will count.
The Democratic gubernatorial candidates are GLADYS R. HUBER (Democratic), KATHLEEN VINEHOUT (Democratic), DOUG LA FOLLETTE (Democratic), KATHLEEN FALK (Democratic), and TOM BARRETT (Democratic). The Republicans running for Governor are SCOTT WALKER (Republican), and ARTHUR KOHL-RIGGS (Republican).
For Lt. Governor, there is only a Democratic primary. Running for Lt. Governor in the primary are
ISAAC WEIX (Democratic), MAHLON MITCHELL (Democratic), and IRA ROBINS (Democratic).
The purpose of the primary is to choose one candidate from each political party when 2 or more are running.
by Mary Mullen
2b - Democratic Lt. Governor Contest Includes Republican “Protest Candidate”
Before you vote in the Lt. Governor primary on May 8, you may want to know that one of the candidates may not be what he seems. Whether you favor the Democratic or the Republican side, this information is for you and may influence your decision on which arrow to fill in.
The candidates are Mahlon Mitchell, a Madison firefighter who participated quite visibly in the protests that broke out after Governor Walker’s published his budget repair bill in 2011; Ira Robinson, also an actual Democrat who is a Milwaukee private detective; and Isaac Weix, a Republican from Menomonie who is running as a Democrat.
You can hear and read a Wisconsin Public Radio report on all three at http://news.wpr.org/post/three-wisconsin-democrats-hope-unseat-lt-gov-kleefisch. All three voices are featured on this report.
To find out more about the individual candidates, check out their presence on the Internet.
Mahlon Mitchell’s website is http://mahlonmitchell.com/ The most lengthy and useful information I found was an interview by WisconsinEye. Find it at http://wiseye.org/videoplayer/vp.html?sid=7949 , also available at http://wiseye.org/Programming/VideoArchive/EventDetail.aspx?evhdid=6022 if the first link does not work.
Ira Robinson’s website is http://voteira.com/. I could find no other detailed information about him.
Although I couldn’t find a website for Isaac Weix, he has a Facebook presence at www.facebook.com/pages/Isaac-Weix/113811603756 <http://www.facebook.com/pages/Isaac-Weix/113811603756> . More can be learned about his politics at http://www.ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/Isaac_Weix.
by Mary Mullen
3 - Where to Vote Tuesday, May 8
Voters who live in the Madison part of the neighborhood cast their ballots at the Head Start Building, 2096 Red Arrow Trail, near McDonalds.
Voters who live in the Fitchburg part of the neighborhood cast their ballots at Fitchburg Fire Station #2, 5415 King James Way, on the other side of Verona Road and just north of McKee Road (Co. Rd. PD). This location is about a mile from our neighborhood.
The May 8 election is a primary election to narrow the field of candidates running in the recall election for Governor and Lt. Governor.
The recall election will be held on Tuesday, June 5.
4 - Absentee Voter Rules Have Changed
Absentee voter procedures have changed. It’s wise to know that if you already cast your absentee ballot.
In the past, an absentee voter could come into the polls on election day and choose to vote at the polls instead. A voter might want to do that if s/he had had a change of mind about the choices or simply wanted to vote in person at the polls. The absentee ballot would not be counted then.
But things have changed. Now, if you voted at the clerk’s office in advance of the election or you have sent your absentee ballot in, it is a felony to vote at the polls. This is true even if your absentee ballot has not been received by the clerk prior to the election. Absentee ballots are counted as long as they get to the clerk’s office by the Friday after the election as long as they were postmarked on or before election day.
It is OK to vote at the polls if you did not send your absentee ballot in.
If an absentee voter comes to the polls, the poll workers should be knowledgeable about this change. The poll book will indicate that you requested an absentee ballot. The poll book will also indicate whether the ballot was returned (received by the time the poll book was printed) or simply whether it was issued.
If the absentee ballot was sent to you but was not received by the time the poll book was printed, the poll worker should ask if you actually sent your absentee ballot back. If you sent it back, it is a felony to vote at the polls. If you did not send it back, you may vote at the polls.
I learned about this change when I attended Madison poll worker training
by Mary Mullen
5a - Become a Voter Education Ambassador and Register Voters Starting May 9
As you may already know, there will be only one week of Open Registration between the May election and the June election. Registration opens on Wednesday, May 9, and will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16.
If you are looking for a non-partisan voter outreach opportunity, we have hundreds available at www.cityofmadison.com/VoterOutreach <http://www.cityofmadison.com/VoterOutreach <http://www.cityofmadison.com/VoterOutreach> > . We plan to add several campus locations to this site by Tuesday, May 8.
When registration is closed, you can help people complete their form up to the point where they would sign the form. They will need to bring that form and proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, driver license, government document, or residential lease) into the Clerk’s Office by the Friday before the election, or to the polls on Election Day. Because the voter registration form can be rather intimidating, knowing that your form is complete before you go the polling place can at times be what it takes for someone to feel empowered to vote.
If you or anyone you know would be interested in training on the new election laws, the City Clerk’s Office will offer Voter Education Ambassador training in the City Clerk’s Office at the following times:
Monday, May 7, 3 – 4 p.m.
Wednesday, May 9, noon – 1 p.m.
Thursday, May 10, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Friday, May 11, noon – 1 p.m.
Friday, May 11, 3 – 4 p.m.
Monday, May 14, noon – 1 p.m.
Tuesday, May 15, 6 – 7 p.m.
Thank you for everything you are doing to facilitate the right to vote!
from Marybeth Witzel-Behl, Madison City Clerk
5b. League of Women Voters Needs Volunteer Voter Registrars for Bus Stops
The League of Women Voters of Dane County (LWVDC) is running an ad campaign on Madison Metro buses in conjunction with the city clerk's office. We would love to have voter registration workers at the transfer points, but Metro has rejected that plan. Their concerns are safety and precedent related. SO, we would like to run voter registration stations on the sidewalks near each of the transfer points, and at heavily used bus stops.
Are there any groups out there who would like to adopt a sidewalk near a transfer point? Weekdays 3-6 should reach the majority of homeward bound commuters. To volunteer for a shift or to sponsor a site contact me. If you know of other groups that may be interested, please forward this e-mail and copy me.
Weekend hours are most likely to reach voters without other transportation options. With bus dependent voters, voter ID could be a future problem. The LWVDC has funding to assist people in obtaining birth certificates and other documents needed to get WI photo ID from the DMV. Any time you register someone who does not have a DOT ID number, please refer them to LWVDC for help with getting a state ID. Have clients call the League office 232-9447. (See attached photo ID flyer)
Registrars who are double qualified in Madison and Middleton are especially wanted for University Avenue at University Bay Drive and University Avenue on the UW campus areas.
from Gail Bliss, League of Women Voters Dane Co, Voter Services Chair
gail3511@gmail.com 231-3511
(passed on via Marybeth Witzel-Behl, Madison City Clerk)
5c - Madison Student Vote Coalition Asks For Help in Registering Students, May 9-16
(Attachment: “2 Tabling Schedule.jpg”)
In addition to the voter registration and outreach opportunities listed at www.cityofmadison.com/VoterOutreach (most slots are still available), please see the message below from the non-partisan Madison Student Vote Coalition.
There is only one week of open registration between the May and June elections
Maribeth Witzel-Behl, Madison City Clerk
Hello Everyone. We are the Madison Student Vote Coalition, a non-partisan coalition of organizations and individuals dedicated to registering and motivating students to vote. While we have made great strides in voter registration this year, there is still much more to be done as students conclude their spring semester.
At this important juncture before the recall elections, could you offer a short amount of time to help us with our upcoming voter registration drive during May 9-16? We are looking for Special Registration Deputies to help table at locations across campus to register students to vote.
Please see the attached schedule of days/times/locations and e-mail madisonstudentsvote@gmail.com with your availability to volunteer. In addition, please include your phone number so that we can contact you to confirm your shifts and let us know if you have NOT tabled with us before.
Any amount of time you can volunteer is greatly appreciated. Ideally, we would like to have 2-3 people signed up for each shift. Also, if you are signing up for a time slot that begins a block of shifts at any location, please indicate if you are able to stop by the ASM office beforehand to pick up a packet of voter registration materials.
Thank you in advance. We look forward to hearing from you!
from Madison Student Vote Coalition
6 - Students Can Vote This Summer. Details Here.
As students finish classes for the year, remember that YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE in Wisconsin for the Recall Election (Tuesday June 5). There are important things for students to know:
- STUDENTS CAN VOTE IN WISCONSIN. Under Wisconsin law, as a student (including out-of-state students), you can choose to have your voting residence either at your college/university address or as your family/parents’ home address. You can vote in Wisconsin in the June 5 Recall Elections even if you’re going out of state or away for the summer, as long as you consider Wisconsin to be your voting residence and intend to return here. (Of course, students can only vote once, in ONE place!)
STUDENTS WHO CONSIDER COLLEGE THEIR VOTING RESIDENCE: If you are moving after May 8 and before June 5, you can register and vote at your polling place based on where you are living before May 8. If you’re just moving within the same city, you can even go on June 5 and vote in person at the polling place that corresponds with the address or dorm you lived in before May 8.
- STUDENTS CAN VOTE EARLY AND IN PERSON IN LATE MAY. Students (including students moving after May 8 and before June 5) can register and cast an “early absentee” ballot at the clerk’s office in the place they live for school before leaving for summer vacation. Early absentee voting at clerks’ offices will be during the week of May 21 and the week of May 28. Some clerks’ offices will be open Memorial Day weekend – call your clerk for hours and details. Clerks list: gab.wi.gov/clerks/directory. <http://gab.wi.gov/sites/default/files/page/municipal_clerks_updated_4_20_2012_pdf_46288.PDF>
- STUDENTS CAN GET AN ABSENTEE BALLOT IN THE MAIL. Students who are moving after May 8 and before June 5 can register to vote where they live before May 8, fill out an absentee ballot request form, and ask the clerk to mail you the absentee ballot at the address you’ll be at in late May/ early June. For your ballot safety, contact your clerk directly for a ballot request and mail your absentee ballot back so that the clerk RECEIVES it by June 5.
- TO REGISTER TO VOTE, HAVE PROOF OF YOUR ADDRESS. To register, bring a document with your name and voting address: a university photo ID along with a university fee receipt or list of dorm residents; driver’s license; state ID; recent utility bill (electric, cell, phone, cable, etc.); lease; bank statement; pay check; employer ID card; or government document or check.
- YOU DO NOT NEED PHOTO ID TO VOTE IN WISCONSIN for the Recall Election. But, if you have a Wisconsin driver’s license or state ID, bring it, so you can write your ID number on the voter registration card. (If you don’t have a license or ID, you’ll just write the last four digits of your social security number on the registration card).
reprinted from the website of the
American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin
http://forwardforliberty.org/2012/05/01/studentrecallvotingrights/
7 - Who Is Our State Representative in the Assembly? It’s a Puzzle. (Attachment: “Dist. 77 oldNew.jpg)
For months, we’ve been trying to get the proper elected representatives listed in the web site the City of Madison provides for our neighborhood. But for months, we did not make any headway.
Finally, Kyle Richmond is listed as our County Board rep instead of Brett Hulsey. But why is Brett Hulsey still listed as our state Representative in the Assembly, and why is Terese Berceau not listed?
There is an explanation, but it doesn’t make a lot of sense. You’ll see just how little sense it makes when you get down to the paragraph that starts with “HOWEVER.”
The state’s explanation, given on the state legislature website, is that both Brett and Terese are our representatives for now.
How can that be? It’s because of redistricting due to the 2010 census and legal opinions given to the legislators who were also wondering what area they represented and how they could spend money.
The Wisconsin Legislature website says:
The Wisconsin Government Accountability Board has indicated <http://legis.wisconsin.gov/W3asp/images/GABmemo.pdf> that the legislative districts established in 2002 remain in effect for election purposes and that the legislative districts established in 2011 Wisconsin Act 43 are also in effect for purposes of providing services to constituents.
The Joint Committee on Legislative Organization has adopted a policy authorizing the provision of constituent services to individuals residing in either set of legislative districts.
Each of the legislators listed below is authorized to provide constituent services for the address provided.
The site then shows that for the Madison part of the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood, Senator Fred Risser and Rep. Terese Berceau represent us based on district boundaries established in 2002. Based on numbers of the districts defined in 2011, Senator Risser and Representative Brett Hulsey also represent us.
HOWEVER, when I checked Representative Hulsey’s address, I found that he does not live in the district shown on the map that includes our neighborhood either according to 2002 lines or 2011 lines. So - how can the state website say he represents our neighborhood? He lives in and serves old District 77 which does not include our neighborhood. His address is in new District 78 which also does not include our neighborhood.
On the other hand Terese Berceau now lives in and serves old District 76 which includes our neighborhood. New District 77 includes our neighborhood. Her home is located in both the old and new districts although the number of the district has changed as have the boundaries. Therefore, it definitely seems that she is our representative.
Conclusion: Apparently, it’s only the numbers that count for right now. Since Brett’s old district was called 77, the state website says he serves the new 77 even though he does not live in the new 77.
My conclusion? The City web site for the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood should definitely include Terese Berceau as our state representative in the Assembly. Wish me luck in getting the City to list her as our rep.
(If none of this makes sense, check out the attachment that shows both the old and new District 77. Our neighborhood is in the old District #76 represented by Terese Berceau and is also in the new District 77 which includes her address. Wouldn’t you think she would be our representative in both cases?)
By the way, if you read the excerpts from Berceau’s April newsletter - Article 18.2 - you’ll see that she is also concerned about this issue, and she knows she is our representative in the Assembly.
by Mary Mullen
NEIGHBORHOOD INTEREST
8 - Tax Assessors Face Homeowners Shocked by 15% Lower Values
Four city assessors came to the May meeting of the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Council, three from Madison and one from Fitchburg. About 15 residents and all 7 Neighborhood Council members were present to hear the presentation and ask questions. A lot of questions were asked.
The assessors had been invited by the Council because quite a few homeowners are upset with the fact that Madison assessments for the neighborhood are down 15%. That’s the strongest decline in all of Madison. Overall, in Madison assessments for residential properties have gone down just 2.7%. Assessments of all kinds in Madison are down 1.6%.
Although the Fitchburg assessments aren’t out yet, Fitchburg Assessor Mike Procknow estimated that homes in the Fitchburg part of the neighborhood will decline about 7 to 9%.
Neighborhood residents wanted to know why the assessments had gone down so much. Madison Assessor Mark Hanson explained that assessments are based on arms-length sales in the neighborhood. There were six such sales in 2011 and two early in 2012 that they used to establish the percentage. Those sales averaged to values 15% below the 2011 assessed values. Therefore the assessors lowered the value of homes that much.
Although many materials were provided by the assessors, unfortunately the sales that established the 15% decline were not provided. Several homeowners in the neighborhood are working on verifying the downturn, and preliminary results lead them to question that rate. Other homeowners who wish to be kept informed of this effort should contact Brooke Norsted, brooke.norsted@gmail.com
Does a lower assessment mean that neighborhood homeowners will pay 15% less in property taxes, one questioner asked. Hanson said that property taxes will go down for us, but probably not 15%. One reason is that in general, all tax assessments are off last year’s levels, so a higher mill rate will be required even if the city, county, school district, and vocational school needs stay the same.
However, generally taxes go up due to costs going up; and this year with state aids being much lower, local governments may have to raise their taxes just to keep services going at the same level as this year.
Hanson felt that Madison residential property owners in the neighborhood might experience at least a 5% reduction in property taxes.
Several people wondered why sales prices had gone down so much. Some people thought the decline was due to buyers knowing about the ATC high voltage lines along the Beltline or because of the coming Verona Road/Beltline construction project. Another felt that buyers don’t generally know about planned projects, but the sellers might be wanting to get out of the neighborhood and therefore would settle for a lower price than normal.
Scott Matthews, City of Madison Property Appraiser, suggested that the ATC line was not the big influence. Other properties along the Beltline corridor did not take such a precipitous dive.
Madison Assistant Assessor Joanne Terasa who specializes in residential assessments, pointed out that last year it was the higher cost homes that lost a lot of value. This year, lower value homes sold for relatively less. However, she noted that this is the largest decrease across the City of Madison since the 1970s. These days, it takes 9.2 months to sell a home on average.
Fitchburg alder Carol Poole suggested that homeowners should resist being too reactive to the lowered assessments. She noted that the economy, not local projects, is the biggest factor in home values. Property owners need to take the long view, rather than being frightened of a single big drop or several small ones.
People then explored what the lower assessments mean other than slightly lower property taxes. When assessments are lower than the amount of money owed for a mortgage, you’ve gone “upside down,” Scott Matthews explained. Then if you sell your house for less than what you owe, you have to make up the difference. Not good!
What can people do to raise the assessments?
· The notice of assessment changes explains how an individual homeowner can contest the assessment.
· The assessors also provided a very helpful resource from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, a booklet called the “2012 Guide for Property Owners.” It is available for download at http://www.revenue.wi.gov/html/govpub.html#property This publication is about the 15th one in the list at that URL.
· As a community we could work on substantial improvement to the neighborhood. Curb and gutter was one suggestion, particularly on the streets that become rivers during rain storms such as Sheffield, Danbury, and the lower block of Milford.
· After the meeting other suggestions surfaced such as publicizing the positive aspects of the neighborhood to realtors. This could include our connections to long-distance bikeways, good bus connections, the enormous amount of open space within and adjacent to the neighborhood, an active neighborhood association, and more.
Keep tuned.
by Mary Mullen
9 - Landlord Training Offered May 16
You are invited by the City of Madison West Police to a free landlord training session on May 16th, 2012, at the West Police District Office, 1710 McKenna Boulevard.
Registration is from 4:30-5:00 PM, and the program is from 5:00-7:30PM
Obtain from the Apartment Association of South Central Wisconsin (AASCW), information regarding new local & state landlord-tenant laws, best practices & changes in rental documents, policing concerns in the Russett, Balsam, Allied, Teresa Terrace, Betty’s Ln, Meadowood, Park Edge, & Park Ridge neighborhoods.
Complimentary sub sandwiches and soda provided by AASCW
Please register by contacting Captain Vic Wahl, the West Police Districtt, at vwahl@cityofmadison.com or heather@aascw.org or call 608-826-6226.
From Captain Vic Wahl
via Nick Dorneau, Allied Drive landlord
10 - Know Someone New to the Neighborhood?
The DMNA Welcomers Committee has been meeting for several months to put together a binder of materials to welcome newcomers to the neighborhood.
We now have about 10 copies of this very useful resource that we want to hand out to people who new in the neighborhood.
The Welcomers binder includes:
· FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
· handy telephone numbers
· information about the DMNA
· election information
· maps showing neighborhood boundaries, recreation facilities, park master plans, bikeways, bus routes, and more
· list and description of park land in the area
· many brochures and booklets
Please let Welcomer Chair Thea Bach know of new neighbors. Her contact information is 274-7730, 239-9810 (cell), or bachtown2@live.com
Mary Mullen
11 - Many Benefits from Joining the Welcomers Committee
The DMNA Welcomers Committee is the new committee welcomes newcomers to the neighborhood. But it is a lot more than that.
Committee members are graciously treated to a meal prepared by our hostess Diane Schultz before we begin the monthly meeting. It’s a chance to get to know each other better while we enjoy a good meal.
Meetings are scheduled for the rest of the year. They are May 16, June 27, July 25, August 22, September 19, October 17, November 28, and December 12. Contact Diane Schulz at schultzieje@yahoo.com if you are interested in joining the committee.
by Mary Mullen
12 - Rainstorm Dumps Half-Inch in 20 Minutes
Our neighborhood weatherman David Martin confirmed the downpour that struck the neighborhood on Thursday, May 3.
There were 4 separate episodes of rain that day with a total of 1.12 inches for the day. One thunderstorm dumped half an inch in a 20-minute period.
Dave’s specialty at the University was weather. He keeps detailed records of rainfall in the neighborhood. You can’t get much more accurate than that.
by Mary Mullen
VERONA ROAD RECONSTRUCTION & MORE
13 - Public meeting for Verona Road (US 18/151) Project, May 17 (Repeated from May 1 e-News)
A public information meeting will occur on Thursday, May 17 to discuss the Verona Road (US 18/151) project in Dane County. The meeting will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Fitchburg Public Library, Room 212 A and B, 5530 Lacy Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711.
The project is divided into two stages. Stage 1 will reconstruct the Beltline from Whitney Way to Seminole Highway, and reconstruct Verona Road (US 18/151) from Raymond Road to Nakoma Road. Stage 2 will reconstruct Verona Road (US 18/151) from County PD to Raymond Road.
The project involves reconstruction of the Beltline from Whitney Way to Seminole Highway, and reconstruction of Verona Road (US 18/151) from Raymond Road to Nakoma Road.
Proposed improvements include reconstructing the Beltline/Verona Road interchange; constructing a new jug-handle intersection at Summit Road and Verona Road; pedestrian and bicycle accommodations; installation of noise walls; and expansion to three lanes beyond Whitney Way on the Beltline.
To ease congestion during construction, the following intersections will receive improvements in 2013 to handle additional traffic:
- County M and County PB - signal and turn lane extensions proposed;
- County M and County D (Fish Hatchery Road) - signal and turn lanes proposed;
- County D and Whalen Road - turn lane and bike accommodations proposed;
- Seminole Highway and Lacy Road - turn lane additions;
- County PD and Seminole Highway - eastbound left turn lane extension;
- Seminole Highway and Sentinel Pass - signal and turn lane extensions;
- Whitney Way and Gilbert - southbound left turn lane extension; and
- Seminole Highway, Yuma and Nakoma Drive - signal and revised pavement marking.
The public is encouraged to attend the meeting, provide input and ask questions regarding this project. A formal 20 minute presentation will begin at 5:30 p.m. WisDOT Real Estate staff will be available to answer questions regarding land interests necessary for reconstruction and the acquisition process.
Visit www.veronaroadproject.wi.gov <http://www.veronaroadproject.wi.gov> <http://www.veronaroadproject.wi.gov> for more information regarding the Verona Road (US 18/151) project. Open house dates, times and locations can be viewed under "Public involvement."
If you are unable to attend the open house, or would like more information, contact Mark Vesperman at (608) 246-7548. Written comments regarding the project can be mailed to Project Manager Mark Vesperman, WisDOT, 2101 Wright Street, Madison, WI, 53704. Citizens who are deaf or hard of hearing and who require an interpreter may request one by contacting Mark Vesperman at least three working days prior to the meeting.
For more information, contact:
Project Manager Mark Vesperman, WisDOT
(608) 246-7548, mark.vesperman@dot.wi.gov
Steven Theisen, WisDOT Communications
(608) 246-3818, steven.theisen@dot.wi.gov
from Wis. Dept. of Transportation
14 - Open House for Verona Road/Beltline Interchange , May & June
[Editor’s note: For a much more comprehensive view of construction that will occur this year, attend the public information meeting at the Fitchburg Library on Thursday, May 17, 5-8 pm. See previous article.]
An open house about the Verona Road/Beltline project will continue at two different locations during the next two months to promote public understanding of the Verona Road/Beltline Interchange project and project outreach.
The following meetings will be held at the Boys and Girls Club, 4619 Jenewein Road, Madison, Wisconsin, 53711:
- Wednesday, May 16, 5 to 8 p.m.
- Wednesday, June 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Both sites will be staffed by individuals who are prepared to respond to questions and feedback. Project maps, displays, documents and handouts will be available, including a copy of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). Construction is scheduled for 2013.
For more information regarding the Verona Road/Beltline Interchange project, visit the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website at http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/projects/d1/verona/index.htm
If you are unable to attend the open house, or would like more information, contact Mark Vesperman at (608) 246-7548. Written comments regarding the project can be mailed to Project Manager Mark Vesperman, WisDOT, 2101 Wright Street, Madison, WI, 53704. Citizens who are deaf or hard of hearing and require an interpreter may request one by contacting Mark Vesperman at least three working days prior to the meeting.
from Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation
15 - Bus 75 Can Take You to Verona and the Epic Campus.
There’s now a bus route that can take you out to Verona and then further on to the Epic Campus west of Verona. It’s Route 75, an express bus with limited stops and service during morning and afternoon/early evening time slots.
The closest stop to the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood is on Fish Hatchery Road at Caddis Bend, near the Copps Grocery Store.
If you have an interest in this route, check out the details at http://www.cityofmadison.com/metro/schedules/Route75/index.cfm
by Mary Mullen
MISCELLANEOUS
16 - Tutors Needed for People Learning English
With over 100 adult learners on the Literacy Network waiting lists, volunteer tutors are needed now more than ever!
Right now the Literacy Network is recruiting Personal ESL (English as a Second Language) Tutors <http://www.litnetwork.org/uploads/media/ESLtutorflyer.pdf> and Summer Community Literacy Tutors <http://www.litnetwork.org/uploads/media/CLtutorflyer.pdf>.
Folks can also visit www.litnetwork.org <http://www.litnetwork.org> for more info or email Ms. Shawn Steen at shawn@litnetwork.org <mailto:shawn@litnetwork.org>.
Volunteer tutors do not need to have experience or any foreign language skills –just patience, kindness, reliability and 2-3 hours a week to help an adult in the community learn to read, write or speak English.
from Ms. Shawn Steen
Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator
Literacy Network, 1118 S. Park Street
Madison WI 53715 608-244-3911
17 - “Remarkable Rubber Ducky River Race’’ - Fun Family Event on May 19
Want to have a ton of water fun? Then consider participating in the “Remarkable Rubber Ducky River Race.” It’s an annual event held at Tenney Park that benefits the Goodman Pool Scholarship Fund. This year it is on Saturday May 19, starting at noon.
You may purchase Rubber Ducks in advance online at www.mallardsbaseball.com <http://www.mallardsbaseball.com> or on the day of the event. There will be a limited number of Rubber Ducks available so it’s best for event-goers to get there as early as possible or to pre-purchase. Ducks cost $2 for one duck or $10 for 6 ducks.All age groups are welcome to participate.
The first 500 participants will receive a Rubber Duck as a keepsake from the event. The grand prize for the winner of the race will be a party for 20 at the “Duck Pond” in the new Home Plate club Seats on Opening Day (May 30) including the opportunity to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, 20 great seats for the game. The grand prize winner will also have the opportunity to receive an additional $1,000 in cash if he/she purchases optional insurance for their duck(s) courtesy of West Bend.
This event is sponsored by the Madison Mallards Baseball Club, Madison Parks, the Madison Parks Foundation, and West Bend.
For more information, see the event website at http://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/celebrate/ducky.cfm
based on Madison Parks press release
18 - From Rep. Berceau: 1. Blue Books, 2. Redistricting 3. Aging Center, 4. Free Dental Care
18.1 - Order Blue Books, highway maps, and Arts & Craft Fair Guides!
If you would like to receive any or all of these free publications, please e-mail me at rep.berceau@legis.wi.gov with your complete name and mailing address.
Terese Berceau, State Representative, 76th Assembly District
Room 127 West, State Capitol, P.O. Box 8952, Madison, WI 53708, (608) 266-3784
18.2 - Renumbered districts leaves constituents confused, unsure of who represents them
As you know, Wisconsin re-draws political boundaries every 10 years based on census data. This makes logical sense; as population shifts, districts should represent those changes. Unfortunately, the redistricting that took place this session caused a problem because not only did the boundaries of the districts change, but in many cases, the district numbers did, as well.
To reflect the new Senate and Assembly districts the legislature updated its "Who Are My Legislators?" Web page. If someone enters an address on the Web site, it brings up a page that says who his or her elected officials were previously and who they will be as defined by the new districts. However, the Web site links legislators to their old district numbers, even if the numbers no long coincide with the new districts. This is leading people to believe that, for example, Representative Hulsey, is their legislator because his old district number was 77, even though my new district will have that number, and I will actually be their representative. My new district number will be 77 and includes University Heights and parts of my old district.
My office is happy to assist you in determining who represents you if you indeed find yourself confused. Please call or e-mail me at 608-266-3784 or Rep.Berceau@legis.wisconsin.gov.
from our Wisconsin Assembly Rep. Terese Berceau
18.3 - Dane County to open new facility for seniors, adults with disabilities, and their families
Dane County will soon be home to an Aging and Disabilities Resource Center (ADRC) that will enhance long term care for older adults, adults with disabilities, and their families, regardless of income. Through outreach, education, and support, the ADRC will offer individuals and their families the assistance they need to live health and independent lives.
Dane County's ADRC will provide individuals and their families information and access to a broad range of community resources available for older adults and people with disabilities. Around forty-five new employees will be hired to staff the facility in the weeks ahead.
Services will include outreach to help staff to identify people at risk and connect them to needed services; education that will enable individuals to make informed, cost-effective decisions about long term care; and support to promote health and independence, such as helping young people (up to age 17 1/2 years) with disabilities transition from their school systems to adult services. The services will be provided to individuals regardless of their health condition, long term needs, or income.
Dane County anticipates opening its ADRC in October of this year, and depending on the outcome of negotiations, will likely be located on Madison's north side. The Area Agency on Aging of Dane County will be co-located with the ADRC, further streamlining services for older adults.
The county pursued federal and state funding for the new ADRC and is applying to receive more than $4 million to fund its establishment. The authorization to apply was approved by the Dane County Board and the County Executive the last week of March.
from our Wisconsin Assembly Rep. Terese Berceau
18.4 - SAVE THE DATE: 3,500 patients to receive free dental care June 29 - 30
The Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA) Foundation/WDA Mission of Mercy will be hosting the largest dental mission ever staged in the United States on June 29 - 30 at the Exhibition Hall at Alliant Energy Center. The Hall will be transformed into a large-scale dental clinic treating adults and children with limited financial resources or who are otherwise unable to visit a dental office. This two-day event includes over 1,800 volunteer dentists, hygienists, assistants, students, and community workers from throughout Wisconsin.
WHAT: 4th Annual WDA Foundation and WDA Mission of Mercy
WHEN: Patient Care - Friday, June 29 and Saturday, June 30
Doors open at 5:30 am. Approximately 1,700 patients will be treated each day on a first- come, first-served basis until about 5:00 pm.
WHERE: Exhibition Hall at Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison
WDA Mission of Mercy needs both dental/medical personnel and non-professionals to volunteer for this event. Volunteers may work in one the areas listed after their job titles* or may choose to assist in any of the non-dental positions. All dentists and hygienists delivering patient care must hold a current Wisconsin license. Every dental/medical volunteer listed below must have current heptavax shots if working any of the dental/medical positions. All work is done under local anesthetic; no nitrous or sedation will be available. All volunteers must be at least eighteen years old. More than 1,800 volunteers are needed.
*For more information on this event and the volunteer opportunities, go to http://www.wda.org/categories/46-mission-of-mercy/subcategories/158-volunteers/documents/696-volunteers <http://www.wda.org/categories/46-mission-of-mercy/subcategories/158-volunteers/documents/696-volunteers>
from our Wisconsin Assembly Rep. Terese Berceau
19 - Nominate a Heritage Tree
Learn more about a new Madison Parks Forestry program called Heritage trees. It’s a way for citizens to officially recognize special and significant city owned trees in the community.
These can be street trees or trees in parks, or they may be a grove of trees on city-owned property. Designation will help to protect them.
Usually the tree would have a special status due to its age, size, type, or historical association
To nominate a tree, fill out a form available at http://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/services/forestry/HeritageTree.cfm
Each year up to 5 nominated trees will be selected.
based on Madison Parks press release
20 - May Highlights in US Women's History
• May 1, 1950 - Gwendolyn Brooks becomes the first African-American woman to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry; named Library of Congress’s Consultant in Poetry (later called Poet Laureate) in 1985
• May 5, 1938 - Dr. Dorothy H. Andersen presents results of her medical research identifying the disease cystic fibrosis at a meeting of the American Pediatric Assn.
• May 8, 1914 - President Woodrow Wilson signs a Proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day
• May 10, 1872 - Victoria Woodhull is nominated as the first woman candidate for U.S. president for the Equal Rights Party
• May 12, 1968 - A 12-block Mother's Day march of "welfare mothers" is held in Washington, D.C., led by Coretta Scott King accompanied by Ethel Kennedy
• May 21, 1932 - Amelia Earhart Putnam is the first woman to complete a solo transatlantic flight. She flew from Newfoundland to Ireland, a 2,026-mile trip, in just under 15 hours
• May 21, 1973 - Lynn Genesko, a swimmer, receives the first athletic scholarship awarded to a woman (University of Miami)
• May 29, 1977 - Janet Guthrie becomes the first woman to qualify for and complete the Indy 500
from National Women's History Project http://www.nwhp.org <http://www.nwhp.org>
21 - Famous Women Born in May
• May 1, 1830 (1930) - Mary Harris "Mother" Jones, labor leader and organizer
• May 1, 1907 – (1986) Kate Smith – Contralto vocalist; vaudeville, radio, stage and TVshows from 1931 to 1960s•
• May 3, 1898 (1987) - Septima Clark, Educator, Civil Rights activist; called ”Grandmother of Civil Rights Movement”
• May 3, 1901 –(1981) Estelle Massey Osborne –First African-American student to win a master’s degree in nursing education (1931) board of directors of American Nurses Association (1948 – 1952)
• May 3, 1912 (1995) - May Sarton, prolific writer and poet, professor
• May 4, 1898 (1986) Joy Hancock - Head of WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) 1942. Led passage of Women’s Armed Services Integration Act (1948)
• May 5, 1864 (1922) - Elizabeth Seaman, pen name "Nelly Bly", journalist; wrote expose of mental asylum (1887); set a record for circling the world in 72 days (1890)
• May 10, 1900-(1979) Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin- Brilliant astronomer, discovered that stars are primarily made up of hydrogen and helium, but could only be appointed as lecturer since Harvard barred female faculty appointments. .
• May 10. 1909 -(1978) Maybelle Carter – Pioneer country music guitarist, one of the original Carter Family.
• May 10, 1919 – (1981) Ella Grasso –First woman elected as governor in her own right (Connecticut 1974- 1981)•
• May 11, 1875 (1912) - Harriet Quimby, first American woman licensed air pilot (1911), first woman to fly across the English Channel (1912)
• May 11, 1894 (1991) - Martha Graham, modern dance innovator and choreographer
• May 11, 1906 (1975) – Lt. Ethel Weed, military officer in the Women's Army Corp.; promoted women's rights and suffrage in Japan
• May 11, 1906 (1980) Jacqueline Cochran – Founded the WASPs 1943 to 1994. President of Ninety-Nines, 1941 to 1942. Honor on an international airmail stamp (1996)
• May 12, 1900 – (1994) Mildred McAfee Horton --President of Wellesley College (1936) Directed the U.S. Navy’s WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Services) (1943).
• May 14, 1904-(1976) Katharine McBride –President of Bryn Mawr, defied the McCarthy witch hunts of the 1950s.
• May 15, 1890-(1980) Katherine Porter – Short story writer and novelist
• May 15, 1916-(1996) Catherine East – Political activists and founding member of the Women’s Equity Action League and the National Organization for Women
• May 15, 1937 - Madeline Albright, first woman to be U.S. Secretary of State (1997-2001)
• May 17, 1915 –(1996) Olga Madar – Steller athlete, champion of women’s rights including the ERA and president of Coalition of Labor Union Women from (1974-1976).
• May 18, 1910- (1978) Sister Annette Walters – Nun, Psychologist, Cofounded St. John’s Mental Health Institute for Clergy (1954)
• May 19, 1901-(1997) Dorothy Chandler - Newspaper executive; philanthropist, Hollywood Bowl and the Southern California Symphonic Association benefactor
• May 19, 1888-(1981) Emma Bugbee –Ground-breaking journalist at the NY Tribune (1934-1964)
• May 19, 1930 (1965) - Lorraine Hansberry, first African-American woman to produce a play on Broadway, “A Raisin in the Sun” (1959)
• May 23, 1892 – (1979) Lavinia Engle –Field organizer for the National American Woman Suffrage Association, and led battle to pass the first compulsory unemployment insurance legislation.
• May 23, 1947-(1995) June Kenyon –Poet Laureate of New Hampshire.
• May 25, 1913-(1992) Brownie Wise – Successfully developed home parties for Tupperware products providing employment opportunities for millions of women
• May 25, 1928– Mary Wells –First woman CEO of a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange
• May 26, 1951 - Sally Ride, astrophysicist, first American woman astronaut
• May 27, 1907 (1964) - Rachel Carson, scientist and environmentalist; wrote "Silent Spring" which became cornerstone of modern environmental protection movement
• May 31, 1912 (1997) - Chien-Shiung Wu, renowned physicist; first woman elected President of American Physical Society in 1975, elected to National Academy of Science (1958), received National Medal of Science (1975)
• May 21, 1911-(1988) Virginia Haviland – Children’s international Fairy Tale author.
• May 31, 1893 – (1966) Elizabeth Coatsworth - Children’s poet and award-winning author.
• May 31, 1895 – (1980) Edith Stern - Active in civic reform , the League of Women Voters, Voter’s Education Fund, the Red Cross and the New Orleans Symphony
from National Women's History Project http://www.nwhp.org <http://www.nwhp.org>
------- END of the DUNN’S MARSH NEIGHBORHOOD e-NEWS for May 7, 2012 --------
Thanks for reading.
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