Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood e-News
April 18, 2013
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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Earth Day, started by Wisconsin’s U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970, will be celebrated in our neighborhood with a marsh clean-up this SATURDAY, APRIL 20. Show up at 9 a.m. at Apache Pond, Apache and Crescent Rd. Many more environmental events are happening on that same day.
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Articles for 4/17/13 e-News
EARTH DAY EVENTS & ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS
1 - Earth Day Events Kick Off & Recognition Ceremony for David Martin, April 20 (Attachments: “1 flyer Earth Day kick off.jpg” & “2 map 4/20 cleanup area.jpg”)
2 - Fitchburg’s Spring 2013 Electronics Recycling & Shred Day Event, 4//20
3 - Frontage Business Buildings Undergoing Demolition and Reuse (Attach: “3 pics demolitiion.jpg”)
4 - Habitat ReStore Deconstruction Services Offered
5 - Dangerous Materials Recycling: Asbestos, Lead, and Fire Extinguishers 6 - More Ways to Help the Earth - from Fitchburg’s “Green Blast”
7 - Dr. Jonathan Patz Speaks About Climate Change at West High, May 1
THINK LOCALLY
8 - They Promise: Artists Will Attend Community Meeting on May 1. ALL Come!
9 - Verona Road Authorities Give Latest Update on Summer Plans
10 - Madison and Fitchburg Alders Sworn In (Attachment: “4 pics reps.jpg”)
11 - Madison Parks: Please continue to STAY OFF the Madison Parks Fields and Turf
12 - Beware the Emerald Ash Borer
13 - Plant Natives: Get them at the Arboretum Native Plant Sale, May 11
14 - Rep. Berceau Reports on Transportation Funds and Hunting in State Parks
CYBER-WATCH
15 - Watch Out for Cyber Scams Taking Advantage of Boston Marathon Bombing
16 - Cyber Intel Advisory: Boston Marathon Bombing Is Being Used to Disseminate Malware and
Conduct Financial Fraud
17 - Texting & Cyber Bullying Discussed
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EARTH DAY EVENTS & ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS
1 - Earth Day Events Kick Off & Recognition Ceremony for David Martin, April 20
Otherwise known as Neighborhood Clean-up
(Attachments: “1 flyer Earth Day kick off.jpg” & “2 map 4/20 cleanup area.jpg”)
Wake up the kids! Feed them a nice breakfast. Everybody, kids and adults, put on your work gloves and boots.
Then traipse on down to Apache pond. It’s just down Apache Drive from Marlborough Park.
Why? It’s time for the annual waterway litter pick up around Dunn’s Marsh. And this time, there will also be a short kick off to honor our neighbor David Martin who has put in decades on Fitchburg environmental committees. If you haven’t met Fitchburg’s Mayor Pfaff, it’s a chance to make his acquaintance too.
Immediately following the short ceremony, volunteers will break into groups for the Dunn’s Marsh Waterway Cleanup. Fitchburg will provide refreshments and a tote bag or T-shirt to participants. Volunteers are encouraged to wear boots and bring work gloves.
Please be forewarned: Restroom facilities are often not convenient to this area.
by Mary Mullen
2 - Fitchburg’s Spring 2013 Electronics Recycling & Shred Day Event, April 20
Fitchburg, Oak Bank, Pellitteri Waste Systems, and Surplus-IT have scheduled Fitchburg’s Spring 2013 Electronics Recycling Shred Day Event on Saturday, April 20th.
The Shred Day Event will be held 7:30am to 10:30am in Oak Bank’s parking lot at 5951 McKee Road. Look for Pellitteri’s Shred Truck in the parking lot.
This event provides shredding to destroy your confidential paper documents
Up to 5 bankers boxes of confidential paper documents can be shredded and recycled FREE of cost.
Please contact Jeff Potter (Pellitteri) at 257-6232 ext 323, jeffp@pellitteri.com <mailto:jeffp@pellitteri.com> or Felipe Avila, at 270-4277 or felipe.avila@city.fitchburg.wi.us <mailto:felipe.avila@city.fitchburg.wi.us> with any questions about the shred event
The Electronics Recycling Event will be held from 7:30am to 10:30am at Surplus-IT’s ware
house (901 Watson Avenue). Look for directional signage from the intersection of Fish Hatchery
Road and Greenway Cross heading to the east
Items Accepted:
Free!: Computers, LCD (Flat panel liquid crystal display) Monitors, Printers, Stereo Equipment, Media (cds, dvds, floppy disks, magnetic tape, etc.), lead acid and other recyclable batteries, Styrofoam Packing Peanuts.
$5 Charge: Microwaves, other Kitchen Electronics
$15 Charge: All CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) Monitors
$25 Charge: TVs less than 27”, Refrigerators, Dehumidifiers, Air Conditioners [Editor’s Note: You can get $50 for your old refrigerator through Focus on Energy. See the insert from your latest MG&E electric bill or call toll-free: 855-398-5226. They’ll even pick it up!]
$35 Charge: TVs 27” or larger (console TV’s may cost more for disposal)
Please contact Lee Shinefield (Surplus-IT) at 209-8000, lee@surplus-IT.com <mailto:lee@surplus-IT.com> or Felipe Avila, at 270-4277 or felipe.avila@cityfitchburg.wi.us <mailto:felipe.avila@cityfitchburg.wi.us> with any questions about the electronics recycling.
from “Fitchburg Update”
3 - Frontage Business Buildings Undergoing Demolition and Reuse (Attach: “3 pics demolitiion.jpg”)
A knock on the door at 10 pm on a Sunday night can be cause for concern. Turned out it was Fitchburg Alder and County Supervisor Dorothy Krause.
She had noticed demolition equipment up by the Montessori School. She was worried. Would the pretty wooden fence just get knocked down and consigned to oblivion? Would the building be destroyed windows, doors and all without the chance for salvage?
That’s what seemed to happen last year with the Burr Oak Center at the corner of Whenona and the Beltline Frontage Road and with the Highlander Motel at the corner of Verona Road. DMNA reps had spoken to WisDOT with dismay about this wanton destruction.
Come Monday morning, it was time to act.
I consulted my notes from the April 3 DMNA community meeting and found the names of the Habitat for Humanity contact, Frank Byrne, and the demolition company, Guelig of Eden, WI. I hoped to put the two organizations in contact with each other about the fence. The names had been provided by Mark Vesperman of WisDOT and Joe Bunker of Strand Associates.
Then I got to the computer. I found the contact information for Guelig’s Waste Removal and the e-mail address for the Habitat’s Mr. Byrne. I dashed off a letter to Frank Byrne of Habitat.
In the e-mail, I referenced the April 3 meeting and said, “The question of reusing some of the materials from these buildings [along the frontage road] came up, and your name was mentioned. Apparently, in the contract with the demolition company, Guelig’s Waste Removal, Habitat for Humanity is mentioned as a contact they should make before demolishing these businesses.”
“It looks to us from all the machinery on the sites, that this demolition will start today. I wonder if you have been contacted. One of the places to be demolished is the Montessori School. There are several other businesses and an apartment building on these locations….It seems as if time is of the essence if anything is to be salvaged.”
My e-mail sailed through cyberspace at 8:01 a.m.
Then I quickly drove up to the site and pasted a sticky note on the door of the big machine that had already splintered part of the fence at the entrance to the Montessori building. “Call me about the fence,” I put on the note. Got to cover all the bases, I thought.
After placing the note, I took some photos and reconnoitered the buildings all along the strip. Then it was time to head home. Back at the computer, I checked my e-mail.
Lo, and behold, Mr. Byrne had already replied as of 8:08: “Thanks Mary our crew is working on two bldgs Today. Thanks Frank”
I breathed a sigh of relief. But the story isn’t done with yet.
Later when I was passing by, I noticed the Habitat for Humanity ReStore Truck on the blacktop by the Montessori School. I pulled into the parking lot and got some photos of the crew. One man, Vince Perkins, mentioned that he was a longtime resident of the neighborhood just across the Beltline. When I asked about the fence, they said they weren’t taking it.
Still later when I passed by again, I noticed that the deconstruction crew had dismantled the fence and the guys were loading sections into their big truck. The woman crew member, René Markoff, was even digging up the daffodils from near the entrance. “The Habitat ReStore has a plant sale,” she remarked, but these we will be planting by our store.”
David Kovach, our DMNA Vice President also took note of the activity on the site. In an e-mail to the DMNA Council members, he reported: “Just so all of you know, the contractor has allowed Habitat for Humanity to come into the buildings and take what they need before demolition starts!! There have been Habitat for Humanity trucks and crews working all day on the buildings on the frontage road.”
This still isn’t the end of the story.
The next day I got a call from Bob Guelig of the demolition company. He was responding to the note I’d left on the wrecking equipment. I expressed gratitude that they had contacted Habitat for Humanity. Bob assured me that during demolition they would be sorting materials, and he mentioned specifically that the wood is to be recycled. “The contract requires recycling,” he said.
Here’s a final reuse story. If you read the last Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood e-News, you saw that vandals had broken the window of the Little Free Library in front of Prairie UU Society. At the Montessori School I’d noticed some heavy plexiglass lying loose on the site.
“I wonder if I could take that piece of plexiglass to repair the Little Free Library window?” I said. It was very heavy, ¼-inch thick, practically indestructible.
“Yes, I’ll give you permission. You may take it,” he said. Repair is scheduled for this Saturday when Prairie UU Society has a work day.
It’s sad to see these once-thriving neighborhood entities disappear - a school, a business that makes limbs for those who’ve lost them, a hair restoration business, a stained glass craft store, a security business, an uphostery and fancy clock business - but the silver lining is that the recycling process that’s been described to us is “working” and some of the materials will be reused.
by Mary Mullen
4 - Habitat ReStore Deconstruction Services Offered
The Green Approach to Remodeling, Demolition
The Habitat ReStore Deconstruction Team provides removal of salvageable materials from your home or business. As a locally recognized and respected organization, we offer efficient service and experienced personnel to complete your job on time.
Benefits of the Habitat ReStore Deconstruction Team
- Using the Habitat ReStore Deconstruction Services is an environmentally smart choice. By diverting tons of usable material from our local landfill, we can lower our carbon footprint in our community and provide a smart alternative for our limited landfill space.
- Proceeds from the sale of donated materials support the mission of Habitat for Humanity of Dane County to provide affordable housing.
- Your donated material may be tax deductible.
Contact Habitat ReStore Deconstruction Manager Frank Byrne at 608-661-2813, his cell at 608-712-0737 or e-mail Frank. <mailto:fbyrne@restoredane.org>
What Deconstruction Volunteers Do:
Remove reusable materials including wood flooring, cabinets, doors, etc. and load and unload the material into the ReStore truck
Interested in Volunteering?
Deconstruction volunteers are scheduled on an as-needed basis. Weekly commitment is appreciated but not required. If interested, contact Kathleen or call 661-2813.
HFHDC Insurance Coverage
We are covered by an umbrella policy that covers all employees and volunteers on site. Certificate of Insurance is available upon request. Facts In 2003, an estimated 170 million tons of usable building related construction and demolition debris was produced in the United States. According to the EPA, only 48 percent of this debris was recovered for reuse or recycling.
One Person’s Trash… …Could be another person’s treasure!
Stop by the Habitat ReStore and look through our inventory of Deconstruction items. We gave salvaged treasures such as antique hutches and a beautiful stained glass window from deconstruction sites in the past. Habitat ReStore Deconstruction Services promote and encourage the diversion of materials from the landfill.
From Habitat for Humanity’s website http://www.restoredane.org/deconstruction-services/
5 - Dangerous Materials Recycling: Asbestos, Lead, and Fire Extinguishers Recycling
The March 29 issue of the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood e-News carried information on how explosives, acids, and firearms are recycled. A future issue will describe how other dangerous materials are disposed of. The original articles from Earth 911 contain numerous links to further information, sometimes including videos.
ASBESTOS
As a known carcinogen, asbestos is no longer permitted for use in the U.S. But before 1978 <http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/federalbans.html> , the material was widely used for a variety of applications, from walls and insulation to adhesives – meaning there’s still plenty of it around that needs to be disposed of properly.
The most common way <http://sti.srs.gov/fulltext/ms2000194/ms2000194.html> to dispose of asbestos is to wet the material, seal it with plastic and transport it to a regulated chemical landfill. But in recent years, cutting-edge technologies are emerging to recycle the hazardous material rather than simply burying it away.
By heating asbestos to high temperatures in a process called vitrification <http://sti.srs.gov/fulltext/ms2000194/ms2000194.html> , the material can be converted into harmless palex or borosilicate glass for use in ceramics products – creating a range of new options for asbestos disposal.
Note: Although our ability to recycle asbestos is growing, you should never try to remove or recycle asbestos yourself. The best thing to do when confronted with the material is to contact a specially licensed asbestos abatement company for proper disposal.
[Editor’s note: Authorities in charge of planning demolition of the business buildings along the Beltline in our neighborhood have each one evaluated by an expert company for asbestos. The company was present this past Monday, April 15, when Habitat for Humanity started to work on removing windows from the Montessori School.]
LEAD
Lead in good condition is not considered hazardous, but lead from paint chips or dust can be dangerous if not handled properly.
Today, about 80 percent <http://www.ila-lead.org/lead-facts/statistics> of lead is used in lead acid batteries (such as car batteries), which are readily recyclable. Additional uses for lead include radiation shielding, cable sheathing and lead sheet used by the building industry.
All totaled, about 90 percent <http://www.ila-lead.org/UserFiles/File/FS_Recycling.pdf> of lead is used in readily recyclable products, and almost all of it is recycled in the U.S.
Although it may sound like tricky business, recycling lead is not all that different from reprocessing other metals.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
They may be produced for safety, but fire extinguishers can be tough to recycle.
For starters, the contents are under high pressure and may explode if the tank is punctured or the contents are mixed with other materials. Very old fire extinguishers may also contain carbon tetrachloride <http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/hazardous/fireex.htm> , a known carcinogen.
However, the tank of a fire extinguisher is made of highly-recyclable steel, while the spraying mechanism contains brass and plastic.
So, how are fire extinguishers recycled? Dry chemical extinguishers <http://www.sc.edu/ehs/modules/Fire/06_drychem.htm> can be discharged <http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/hazardous/fireex.htm> , and then the casing can be recycled with scrap metal.
Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers <http://www.sc.edu/ehs/modules/Fire/05_co2.htm> are refillable <http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/hazardous/fireex.htm> and should be refilled after each use. Contact your local fire department or a fire extinguisher recharging company in your area for details.
Look for additional information about recycling dangerousmaterials in a future issue of the e-News or go to
http://earth911.com/news/2013/03/08/recycling-dangerous-materials/?utm_source=Earth911.com+Weekly+Newsletter&utm_campaign=ae2ec3d9b5-WTF_Recycling_Dangerous_Materials3_6_2013&utm_medium=email <http://earth911.com/news/2013/03/08/recycling-dangerous-materials/?utm_source=Earth911.com+Weekly+Newsletter&utm_campaign=ae2ec3d9b5-WTF_Recycling_Dangerous_Materials3_6_2013&utm_medium=email>
6 - More Ways to Help the Earth - from Fitchburg’s “Green Blast”
1. Fitchburg’s Idling Reduction Campaign Kick-Off - Sat., April 20 (from 7:30-10:30am) – Surplus-IT and Oak Bank parking lots, Spring Waterway Cleanups (from 9am – Noon) at Dunn’s Marsh* - Please Note: We’re kicking off Fitchburg’s Idling Reduction Campaign at all of the City-sponsored events on Saturday, April 20th and will gently encourage your help with the “Waiting > 10 Seconds?” sign at each site. Read More <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/documents/GreenE-NewsBlast23.pdf <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/documents/GreenE-NewsBlast23.pdf> > ...
2. Car Seat Recycle Day - Sat., April 20 (from 9am – Noon) at Kohls East & West – Safe Kids Wisconsin is providing a way for parents to drop off old car seats, free of charge throughout the state April 20, 2013. Read More <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/documents/GreenE-NewsBlast23.pdf <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/documents/GreenE-NewsBlast23.pdf> > ... For more details and a list of participating communities, visit: http://www.safekidswi.org/CarSeatRecycleDay.asp <http://www.safekidswi.org/CarSeatRecycleDay.asp>
3. “RainReserve” Rain Barrel Sale – Sat., April 27, 10am - 3pm, Paradigm Gardens (4501 Helgensen Rd, Madison) – Just one week left to pre-order your rain barrel for this year’s sale on Saturday, April 27th in Madison. This one day event will feature a limited supply of 60 gallon rain barrels offered in grey, forest green and brown along with the RainReserve diverters while supplies last. To pre-order for an amazing price of $99.99 and to guarantee a rain barrel will be available for pick-up, residents are encouraged to pre-order online by visiting www.rainreserve.com/wisconsin <http://www.rainreserve.com/wisconsin <http://www.rainreserve.com/wisconsin> > and using the PROMO CODE: APR27 before April 23. Read More <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/documents/GreenE-NewsBlast23.pdf <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/documents/GreenE-NewsBlast23.pdf> > ...
4. New Dane County Clean Sweep Facility Opens – Wed., May 1 at 7 am, Dane County Landfill Site (7102 US Hwy 12 & 18, Madison) – Dane County will officially open its new Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility on May 1, 2013. Read More <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/documents/GreenE-NewsBlast23.pdf <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/documents/GreenE-NewsBlast23.pdf> > ... Please contact (608) 243-0368 or visit www.danecountycleansweep.com <http://www.danecountycleansweep.com <http://www.danecountycleansweep.com> > for additional details.
5. Fitchburg Center Farmer’s Market Opens – Thurs., May 2, 3 to 6pm, Agora Pavilion (5511 E. Cheryl Pkwy) – Shoppers can find a host of Wisconsin grown produce, fruits, flowers, cheese, meats, organic options, baked goods, preserves, fiber and gluten-free items every Thursday (3:00 – 6:00 p.m.), through October 24 at the Agora Pavilion. Read More <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/documents/GreenE-NewsBlast23.pdf <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/documents/GreenE-NewsBlast23.pdf> > ... Save Gas. Buy Fresh. Buy Local. Contact Steven.leverentz@fitchburgcenter.com or 608-277-2592 for further details.
6. Fitchburg Green Thursday – “The Great Squeeze” - Thurs., May 2, 6:30pm, Fitchburg Library (5530 Lacy Road) – "Although our actions for the past 150 years have lifted our civilization to new heights, it has come at a tremendous price. We are now at a point where humanity's demands for natural resources far exceed the earth's capacity to sustain us. Read More <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/documents/GreenE-NewsBlast23.pdf <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/documents/GreenE-NewsBlast23.pdf> > ... More information on Green Tuesday and Thursday events scheduled throughout Dane County can be found at: http://www.tnsmonona.org/green-tuesdays-green-thursdays/ <http://www.tnsmonona.org/green-tuesdays-green-thursdays/> .
7. Compost Bin & Rain Barrel Sale – Sat., May 4 – 9 to 11am, Fitchburg Recycling Drop Off Site (2373 S. Fish Hatchery Road) - Earth Machine home compost bins ($45 - normally $100), Systern rain barrels ($55 - normally $110), Norseman compost turners ($15), Norseman Kitchen scrap pails ($7), and Dayton 50-gallon Yardwaste Polybags ($2 - normally $6) will be available for sale on a first come, first served basis. Read More <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/documents/GreenE-NewsBlast23.pdf <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/documents/GreenE-NewsBlast23.pdf> > ...
8. Container Gardening Workshop – Sat., May 11, 1-2 pm, Fitchburg Library (5530 Lacy Road) – This presentation discusses various types of containers to use in gardens, including some wall and hanging planters, plant selection, planting media, watering, fertilizing, and container designs.
9. City Chickens 101 – Sat., May 18, 1-3 pm, Fitchburg Library (5530 Lacy Road) The basics of raising chicks, coop building needs, egg production, types of breeds, and feed, will all be discussed. Read More <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/documents/GreenE-NewsBlast23.pdf <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/documents/GreenE-NewsBlast23.pdf> > ...
10. Fitchburg Green Thursday – RCC’s Annual Event – “Healthy Lawns - Reducing Pesticides - Thurs., April 4, 6:30pm, Fitchburg Library (5530 Lacy Road) – This presentation by Claire M. Gervais, MD, a family practice physician and member of the Healthy Lawn Team, and Steve Stumbras of Purple Cow Organics is now available on FACTv’s web site at: http://factv.city.fitchburg.wi.us/Cablecast/Public/Show.aspx?ChannelID=1&ShowID=2300 <http://factv.city.fitchburg.wi.us/Cablecast/Public/Show.aspx?ChannelID=1&ShowID=2300> <http://factv.city.fitchburg.wi.us/Cablecast/Public/Show.aspx?ChannelID=1&ShowID=2300 <http://factv.city.fitchburg.wi.us/Cablecast/Public/Show.aspx?ChannelID=1&ShowID=2300> >
from Fitchburg’s Rick Eilertson
7 - Dr. Jonathan Patz Speaks About Climate Change at West High, May 1
Jonathan Patz, MD, MPH will be speaking at West High School about climate change on Wednesday, May 1 at 7:00 p.m. in the West High auditorium.
Dr. Patz is a Professor & Director of the Global Health Institute at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He served as a lead author for the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (or IPCC) – the organization that shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore.
Dr. Patz co-chaired the health expert panel of the US National Assessment on Climate Change and was a convening lead author for the United Nations/World Bank Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. He devotes significant efforts to public science communication, contributing to a 2008 Time Magazine article, an HBO Documentary "Too Hot Not to Handle," and numerous state and local news reports on emerging issues in environmental health. Dr. Patz’s commitment to preventative medicine and environmental sustainability guide his personal lifestyle.
Madison is very fortunate to have Dr. Patz as a member of its broader community and fortunate that he has offered to share his expertise. His presentation at West High is open to the public and is sponsored by West HOUSE Connection, a division of the West High School PTSO. The West High auditorium is located off of Regent Street.
THINK LOCALLY
8 - They Promise: Artists Will Attend Community Meeting on May 1. ALL Come!
If you attended the April 3 community meeting to discuss art that will be part of the Verona Road reconstruction project, you were probably sorely disappointed.
Instead of being presented with artists or possible kinds of art as advertised, the audience of neighborhood residents, DMNA Council members, and 3 alders listened to a recounting of the schedule for preliminary road work related to the Verona Road project. (See the next article for that information.) Apparently, due to the short deadlines, the possible artists weren’t yet on board.
That issue should be remedied early in May. The DMNA has scheduled yet another community meeting to hear presentations about art and to discuss preferences. The meeting is Wednesday, May 1, 7:30 p.m., at Prairie UU Society, 2010 Whenona Drive. ALL RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO COME AND MAKE THEIR WISHES KNOWN.
If you can’t come to that meeting, the same presentation will be made at the Allied Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association meeting. It is held on Saturday, May 4, 12:00 noon, in the Revival Ridge community room, corner of Allied Drive and Jenewein Road.
by Mary Mullen
9 - Verona Road Authorities Give Latest Update on Summer Plans
The dance that will end with a completely redone Verona Road and associated changes on the Beltline and Seminole Highway continued as WisDOT’s Mark Vesperman and Strand Associates’ Joe Bunker reviewed the latest plans that will affect our neighborhood this summer. They spoke at a community meeting sponsored by the DMNA on April 3.
The duo covered a number of construction sites: the west side of Verona Road, the Beltline frontage road in front of the Arboretum, the Seminole Highway bridge, and more. Here’s what to expect this summer.
· Starting July 8 and continuing into mid-August, the eastbound on-ramp to the Beltline just east of Seminole will be closed, and the frontage road there will be one way going east (no westbound travel on that frontage road, but one can exit the Beltline to Seminole as usual). The reason is that the frontage road will be shifted one lane closer to the Arboretum.Vesperman and Bunker also mentioned that a bike bridge will be built across PD to accommodate the Military Ridge Trail. Noise walls will also be constructed along the Beltline, a short one where the Highlander Motel used to be and another much longer one on the other side of the Beltline.
· Once that frontage road work is done, the Seminole Highway bridge will be closed for three months for reconstruction Closure will continue until mid-November.
· From July until October, the Verona Road southbound lanes will be resurfaced. Night work will occur from 10 p.m. through 5 a.m.
· From July through October, the “Freeport Connection” will be constructed. This will start with moving the Southwest bike path so that it goes on the west side of the pillars holding up Verona Road. Then a road will be constructed where the bike path is. This will connect Allied Drive and the Frontage Road to Freeport Road and the frontage road on the west side of Verona Road.
· During 2013, a number of intersections will be improved to handle the traffic that will divert to them as people avoid construction on Verona Road.
· Buildings will be demolished that are in the path of road construction. In April and May, three buildings will go down along the Beltline Frontage Road in our neighborhood. In addition, Kentucky Fried Chicken on the other side of Verona Road, and one building on Hammersley Road will be taken. All buildings slated for demolition will be gone by the end of the year including multi-familyunits on Midvale.
- A signal and turn lane extensions will be installed at Seminole Highway and Sentinel Pass.
- An eastbound left turn lane extension will be put in at County PD and Seminole Highway.
- At Seminole Highway, Yuma, and Nakoma Road, a signal will be installed and the pavement markings will be revised.
- At Seminole Highway and Lacy Road turn lane additions will be constructed.
Neighbors at the meeting were concerned about protection from highway noise. An earthen berm to be constructed as part of the new and longer bike-ped bridge will create some noise blocking, but the noise walls only protect residents right next to them. In other words, residents a couple of hundred feet beyond the noise walls or on the higher ground of Crawford Drive probably will hear just as much as they do now.
Art was discussed to some extent. It appears that nothing at all about the neighborhood will be visible to motorists passing by on the Beltline or Verona Road. Art will only be visible from within the neighborhood. It could possibly be metal art on the chain link fence or wrap on bus stops (like the advertising wrap on city buses). If there’s any art on the sound walls, it would be on the inside facing our neighborhood.
Come to the May 1 community meeting where we’ve been told some prospective artists will come to show the kind of work they do. We’ll have a chance to speak up then. The meeting is Wed., May 1, 7:30 pm at Prairie UU Society, 2010 Whenona Drive.
If you can’t come to that meeting, the same presentation will be made at the Allied Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association meeting. It is held on Saturday, May 4, 12:00 noon, in the Revival Ridge community room, corner of Allied Drive and Jenewein Road.
by Mary Mullen
10 - Madison and Fitchburg Alders Sworn In (Attachment: “4 pics reps.jpg”)
How do people like us get influence over what happens with our neighborhood? One way is to get to know our political representatiaaves and to invite them to neighborhood meetings.
If you haven’t met them in person, it also helps just to know what they look like. Check out the attachment to see Fitchburg alders Dorothy Krause and Carol Poole being sworn in at the Fitchburg City Council meeting on Tuesday and Madison 10th District Alder Maurice “Mo” Cheeks beiing sworn in to the Madison City Council. Swearing in and taking up their duties happened on April 16.
All three alders also attended the April 3 community meeting sponsored by the DMNA. That’s the meeting that was supposed to deal with art for the Verona Road project, but instead mainly gave WisDOT and its consultant Strand Associates a chance to update us on what’s coming down the road this summer as the project commences in earnest.
by Mary Mullen
11 - Madison Parks: Please continue to STAY OFF the Madison Parks Fields and Turf
More bad news…. Forecasts Wednesday through Friday call for three more inches of rain. Unfortunately, Madison Parks will have to extend the ban on play on our parks, athletic fields and turf. The grassy areas in the parks are not in condition to handle large numbers of people. This ban is for all grassy areas in the parks, not only the athletic fields. Please stay off.
When games or practices are played on fields with poor or unsafe conditions major damage to the fields can result. Afterwards, it can take months, or even years, for the fields to get back into quality playing condition.
Madison Parks asks that team practices and pick-up games refrain from being played on the fields and parks until we give notice that it is safe to be on the fields.
Any team violating this ban will be assessed damages. If you see any teams out playing in the parks, please call the Parks Manager on Duty at 239-7187.Staff will evaluate the conditions of the fields on Monday, April 22. Madison Parks thank you for your understanding and patience!
from City of Madison, 3/16/13
12 - Beware the Emerald Ash Borer
The emerald ash borer (EAB), a non-native beetle that has been killing ash trees throughout the Midwest and Canada, has recently been found less than 30 miles away in Janesville. It has not yet been discovered in Dane County, but it will most likely be here in the near future, if it is not already here. Once established, EAB will kill all ash trees that are not protected with an approved insecticide.
To prevent this devastation to our ash population, the City of Fitchburg has purchased special equipment to inject insecticide into the city-owned ash trees. However, the city budget allows us to save only 160 of our approximately 800 public ash trees. The remaining ash trees in parks and along streets will eventually be removed over a 5-year period (as set forth in Fitchburg's EAB Readiness and Response Plan)—unless they are treated against EAB. You can help save them! Participate in the Save-an-Ash program.
Don’t forget–your trees are providing environmental and property value benefits. To calculate them, visit www.treebenefits.com <http://www.treebenefits.com/ <http://www.treebenefits.com/> > .
Save-an-Ash Program
You can help save ash trees in your community by sponsoring their treatment to protect them from EAB. Adopt a park or street ash tree or make a general donation to the program. Read our brochure <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/departments/cityHall/parksRecreationForestryNaturalResources/forestry/documents/Save-an-AshBrochure.pdf <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/departments/cityHall/parksRecreationForestryNaturalResources/forestry/documents/Save-an-AshBrochure.pdf> > to participate in this brand new program!
Learn more at http://bit.ly/save-an-ash <http://bit.ly/save-an-ash> or attend an informational meeting next week (see below).
EAB & Save-an-Ash Public Informational Meetings
Thursday, April 18 — 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Saturday, April 20 — 9:00 to 10:30 AM
Location: Fitchburg Room, Community Center
Meeting Agenda <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/departments/cityHall/parksRecreationForestryNaturalResources/forestry/documents/EABInfoMeetingAgenda.pdf <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/departments/cityHall/parksRecreationForestryNaturalResources/forestry/documents/EABInfoMeetingAgenda.pdf> >
The Forestry Division will be hosting an emerald ash borer informational meeting for residents and other property owners. The purpose is to give you a better understanding of the future implications of the tree-killing beetle on the Fitchburg urban forest and what you can do about it. Pick a session to attend!
Please share this information with your neighbors.
from Dana Dentice, Fitchburg Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department
13 - Plant Natives: Get them at the Arboretum Native Plant Sale, May 11
More than 100 species of native grasses, prairie plants, ferns, woodland flowers, shrubs and trees will be available for purchase at the Friends of the Arboretum Native Plant Sale on Saturday, May 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. under the tents next to the Arboretum Visitor Center, 1207 Seminole Highway in Madison.
The selection this year includes favorites such as trillium, pale purple coneflower, little bluestem and prairie dropseed as well as a new prairie species, wild senna (Cassia hebecarpa). It flowers in mid-summer and thrives in medium to moist soil, and even clay.
All plants are native to the area, and once established require minimal care. Species are suited for a wide range of growing conditions -- sunny or shady, wet or dry, sandy or heavy soils. No plants are dug from the wild.
Experts will be available at the sale and can advise you on:
• Species for semi-shady locations
• Native plants for ground cover
• Grasses suitable for smaller areas
• Species for shrub borders
• How to start a no-mow lawn
All proceeds from the sale benefit Arboretum programs.
from UW Arboretum website
14 - Rep. Berceau Reports on Transportation Funds and Hunting in State Parks
from her April 5, 2013 newsletter
It is an honor and a privilege to serve you and the varied interests of the 77th Assembly District. It is very important for me to stay in touch with you on issues that personally affect you, your family, and our community. I welcome your feedback and will continue to work here in the legislature toward our shared goals and values by promoting job growth, strengthening education, and protecting our treasured natural resources. These are all key investments in the future of our community and our state.
I've developed this electronic newsletter to provide a simple but direct way to communicate with you about my work as your legislator. I will be sending out updates on a monthly basis. To unsubscribe, please respond to this message with "unsubscribe" in the subject line.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me to share your thoughts or concerns about any issues facing state government. I look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Representative Terese Berceau
-------------
Paying for the Department of Transportation
The WI Transportation Finance and Policy Commission’s report indicates that if current revenue trends continue, we won’t be able to maintain existing transportation conditions going forward. We are collecting less money from the gas tax because it isn’t indexed for inflation, people are traveling less, and they are driving more fuel-efficient vehicles. Costs for constructing roadways have gone up three times faster than the general rate of inflation over the past two decades. The commission believes that without additional revenue these factors could lead to “deteriorated pavement and bridge conditions, increased traffic congestion, compromised safety, and route and service cuts for transit and passenger rail.”
In its report, the commission recommends several sources of increased transportation funding, totaling $120 per year for the average passenger vehicle, including:
· Hiking the gas tax by five cents per gallon------------
· Raising the fee for a drivers license by $20
· Increasing the registration fee for commercial vehicles by 73 percent
· Eliminating the current exemption on sales tax on the value of a trade-in vehicle
· Indexing the gas tax and vehicle registration fees to reflect the impact of inflation
· Creating regional transportation authorities that can levy ½ percent local sales taxes, subject to voter approval. (Last session, Republicans in the legislature abolished several existing and proposed RTAs.)
· Implementing a new registration fee of 1.02 cents per mile for passenger cars and light trucks. The proposal envisions the fee would not be charged on the first 3000 miles driven, and would be capped at 20,000 miles per year. According to the commission, the fee would “be collected through a self-reporting system, where vehicle owners certify mileage as part of the annual registration process. There would be no on-board technology or tracking systems.”
Hunting in State Parks
A number of my constituents contacted me about the laws Wisconsin implemented last session that allowed hunting and trapping in state parks and established a hunting season for wolves. As many of you know, I voted against both of these measures.
I don’t see any reason to have wolf trapping and hunting seasons in Wisconsin. Wolves were removed from the Endangered Species List just last year. Proponents of the hunt said it would be very unlikely that hunters would be able to kill many wolves without using dogs. They were proven quite wrong when the dogless wolf season last fall closed about two months early because the allowable quota of wolves had already been reached.
Last fall, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) developed a set of proposed rules to govern the hunting and trapping seasons in parks. Under the DNR plan, state parks would have been open for hunting and trapping from October 15 until just before Memorial Day. In response to a tremendous amount of public opposition, the Natural Resources Board modified the rules and significantly reduced the seasons for hunting and trapping in parks. The new plan called for trapping and gun hunting seasons from November 15 to December 15 and from April 1 through the end of the third spring turkey hunting season (about the end of April). Bow hunting would be allowed in state parks from November 15 until early January.
So please be aware that there may be hunting activity in state parks for the rest of this month.
Additionally, I thought you might be interested to know that there will likely be a question about hunting and trapping in state parks and several questions about the wolf hunt, including the use of dogs, at the spring meetings held by the Conservation Congress. These hearings are held in every county of the state to obtain public input on various environmental matters and elect delegates to advise the DNR on natural resources issues. However, it is mainly hunters and not members of the general public who attend the hearings, so the vote results often have a pro-hunting slant.
I strongly encourage you to attend the hearing in Dane County so that there is a wider representation of viewpoints offered. This year, it will be held on Monday, April 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Sun Prairie High School, 888 Grove Street. For more information about the hearings and to view all the questions that will be considered, go to Spring Hearings.
Contact Wis. Rep Terese Berceau, (608) 266-3784
Room 104 North, State Capitol
P.O. Box 8952, Madison, WI 53708
rep.berceau@legis.wi.gov or www.terese.org
CYBER-WATCH
15 - Watch Out for Cyber Scams Taking Advantage of Boston Marathon Bombing
From: Huebsch, Mike - Wisconsin Department of Administration
Sent: Wednesday, April 17, 2013 9:02 AM
To: DOA DL All DOA Department
Subject: Boston Marathon Bombing Is Being Used to Disseminate Malware and Conduct Financial Fraud
Good Morning,
As we learn more about the bombings in Boston, the tragedy becomes that much more real. Clearly, our thoughts and prayers go out to the individuals and families that have been devastated by this senseless act.
Sadly, there are those that will seek to capitalize on our sympathy through scams on the internet. Please read the attached bulletin from Homeland Security that provides guidance on how to prevent becoming a victim of this type of fraud.
There are many legitimate established charities that are in place to help in these type of situations. Please carefully research them before making a donation so that your good intentions result in positive action.
Sincerely, Mike Huebsch,
Wiscosnin Secretary Department of Administration
16 - Cyber Intel Advisory: Boston Marathon Bombing Is Being Used to Disseminate Malware
and Conduct Financial Fraud
The Risk: The bombing of the Boston Marathon, 15 April 2013, does not just mean an increased threat level across the country and globe, but includes new and recycled Internet scams. Major events tend to attract malicious individuals who use the event for their gain.
The Threats: Internet watch groups and cyber security experts have already identified multiple fake domains/websites, and charity efforts taking advantage of the Boston Marathon bombing. Based on previous tragedies, more scams will follow in the coming days. Internet users need to apply a critical eye and conduct due diligence before clicking links, visiting websites, or making donations.
Actors with unknown intentions registered over 125 domain names associated with the Boston Marathon bombings and victims, in the hours after the incident. The majority of these new domains use a combination of the words “Boston,” “Marathon,” “2013,” “bomb,” “explosions,” “attack,” “victims,” and “donate” and should be viewed with caution. More domains are likely to follow.
Malicious actors are using social networking websites to spread hoaxes, including information regarding the purported death of several child runners (children are not allowed to participate in the Boston Marathon), and injured runners purportedly running for a variety of charities and causes.
Phishing emails may provide links to malicious websites purporting to contain information, pictures, and video, or may contain attachments with embedded malware. Clicking on the links or opening the attachments can infect the victim’s computer to further malicious activity.
Multiple fake charities were created on social networking websites within minutes of the explosions purporting to collect funds for victims. Traditionally, these websites are scams.
The Action: Users should adhere to the following guidelines when reacting to large news events, including news associated with the Boston Marathon bombing, and solicitations for donations:
· Be cautious of emails/websites that claim to provide information because they may contain viruses.
· Do not open unsolicited (spam) emails, or click on the links/attachments contained in those messages.
· Never reveal personal or financial information in email.
· Do not go to untrusted or unfamiliar websites to view the event or information regarding it.
· Never send sensitive information over the Internet before checking a website's security and confirming its legitimacy. Malicious websites may look identical to a legitimate site, but the URL may use a variation in spelling or a different domain (e.g., .com vs. .net)
The information provided above is intended to increase the security awareness of an organization’s end users and to help them behave in a more secure manner within their work environment. Organizations have permission and are encouraged to brand and redistribute this advisory in whole for educational, non-commercial purposes. For more information regarding potential cyber threats please visit the Center for Internet Security website at CISecurity.org.
from Integrated Intelligence Center ,Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center
William F. Pelgrin, President and CEO
17 - Texting & Cyber Bullying Discussed by Officer Hanson, Madison Memorial H.S.
I don't know about you, but I remember when it was nearly impossible to get a hold of a friend...say, after dark. Thanks to the internet and smart phones, teenagers today have the "luxury" of being able to stay in touch with friends and acquaintances at any time of the day or night. As parents, I think we should realize that this is not such a good idea. Although there are some positives related to social media, it also poses certain negative effects (psychologically and socially) on today's youth. There are numerous issues I could touch on, but will focus on two things I am dealing with on a more consistent basis here at Memorial....Texting and Cyber Bullying.
While texting may be a convenience, it is important to educate your teen about how what they send can be used against them. Most cases of bullying and sexual predation occur through text messaging. While a teenager may be raised with important core values, he or she still might become a victim of peer pressure. With access to a smart phone, your child has the capability to send and receive images and texts to and from virtually anyone. Yes, your child could fall prey to people they may or may not know who will encourage them to send or receive nude or suggestive photos.
Bullying is a serious threat that happens every day. I can remember when the school bully would threaten to punch a kid in the face for lunch money. These days, the threats do not end on the playground or the school's halls. Since teenagers are still in their formative stage, cyber bullying can pose a major threat to their emotional and physical well being.
Cyber bullying may occur in many ways. Sending threatening messages, posting a humiliating comment about a person, and leaving hurtful comments on a picture are common forms of cyber bullying. The insults may be to someone they know personally or random individuals they choose. Research also shows that this form of harassment is potentially more dangerous than offline bullying. It has been linked to heightened cases of depression and anxiety in teenagers. Cyber bullying has also led to a number of suicides and suicide attempts.
The problems this new online society creates are not going away and will continue to grow. Parents must get involved! Parents have the responsibility to protect their children and be aware of what is going on in the online world. Investigate and help your child adjust privacy settings. Be aware of who can see what they post and what is being posted about them. Talk with them about online safety. Make sure your teenagers have plenty of offline time as well. Restrict the time and frequency of online interaction.
Ideas from my home:
- Place all phones in the docking station at night where they are required to stay until everyone leaves for work and school in the morning.
- Consider allowing siblings to share a phone they can "check out" from mom or dad.
- Create family-determined "unplugged" hours when children have to participate in other activities such as outdoor games, reading, talking, playing together, etc.
by Officer Greg Hanson (Memorial High School Educational Resource Officer)
----- End of the April 17, 2013 Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood e-News ----
THANKS FOR READING
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