Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood e-News May 28, 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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No time to proof-read this time. I’m sure you will find many mistakes. L
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CALENDAR (with reference to article numbers for further information)
Items in red are sponsored by the DMNA
Tues., July 9, 6:30 pm - Agrace Q&A about Spiritual Needs at End of Life, 608-276-4660-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thur., July 11, 1-4 pm - Art Cart in Marlborough Park
Thur., July 11, 7 pm - DMNA Council meeting, Prairie UU Society. Contact DMNA President to check if it’s happening: 218-1760 or 770-9693, #2
Mon., July 15 - Last Day to give opinion about bat houses at Apache Pond, #1
Thur., July 25, 6:30 pm - Fitchburg Green Thursday summer event, #21
Thur., July 25, 7:30 pm - “Follow the Stormwater Paddle” on Lake Monona, #21
Mon., July 29 - Boom Car Training, #13
Fri., August 2, 5:30-dark - Annual neighborhood picnic, Marlborough Park shelter. #3
Tues., Aug. 13, 6:30 pm - Agrace Q&A - Discovering Messages of the Dying, 276-4660
Tuesdays, 10 am-1 pm - Freshmobile, near Boys & Girls Club
Thursdays, 3-6 pm - Fitchburg Farmer’s Market,
Fridays, 3 pm-6 pm - Freshmobile, near Boys & Girls Club
ARTICLES in the 7/5/13 DMN e-News
DEFINITELY NEIGHBORHOOD
1 - Bat House Project Planned for Apache Pond: Your Opinion Wanted by July 15
2 - Next DMNA Council Meetings are Second Thursday, July 11 & August 8’
3 - Neighborhood Picnic Scheduled for Friday, August 2, Marlborough Park
4 - Roving Residents Have a Great Time (Attachment: “1 pics Artist walk.jpg”)
5 - Variety of Musicians Entertained on June 21 (Attachment: “2 pics MMM.jpg”)’
6 - Neighborhood Parks Put on a Great Summer Show (Attachment: “3 parks show.jpg”)
7 - Search for Signs of Summer at the Arboretum
8 - Summer Brings Disturbing Incidents to the Neighborhood
9 - Teasel Alert
10 -Watch Out for Leafy Spurge
KIDS
11 - Camp Green Star For Kids Focuses on Sustainability and Urban Ag
12 - Summer Drama Class for Kids, July 8-August 3
CARS & BIKES
13 - Boom Car Training July 29
14 - Graphic Shows How to Turn Left at a Traffic Circle (Attachment: “4 graphic traffic circles.jpg”)
15 - Verona Road (US 18/151) Project website has moved!
16 - Bus Route 18 Will Continue to Run on Crescent Road and Red Arrow Trail
17 - Bikes List-Serve Hails Dawley Park Bike Hub
18 - Discover Wisconsin Video Features Bicycling in Fitchburg
19 - Fitchburg Recognized as Bike Friendly Community
20 - Wisconsin is in Top Ten Bicycle Friendly States
GREEN
21 - Fitchburg’s Green E-News Blast
22 - See Nine Springs E-Way Tour on Video
OTHER
23 - SCOTUS, DOMA, POTUS, What?
24 - Squeeze Out a Cure for Epilepsy
25 - State Assembly Rep. Terese Berceau Decries the State Budget
(Attachment: “5 -Berceau budget newsletter.doc”)
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DEFINITELY NEIGHBORHOOD
1 - Bat House Project Planned for Apache Pond: Your Opinion Wanted by July 15
Ryan Weiss, leader for Boy Scout Troup 102, is planning on building and placing 2 bat houses in the Apache Pond area. He is working with the City of Fitchburg and has permission to put them up since Fitchburg was already thinking of bat houses.
One of the bat houses will be a single chamber bat house like the one pictured at right and one a multi-chamber house, each put up on a metal pole 15 foot high.
Ryan plans to go door to door in the Crescent Road/Apache Drive area with flyers, but he is also offering the opportunity for the wider community to have the chance for input on the site specific locations and if they ever see any bats flying around at dusk now.
“At the pond we will also post signage and 4 posts each with a number,” Ryan noted. If you have any thoughts on the location, I need to hear from you by July 15th. I am planning to put them up on August 3rd.”
If you frequent Apache Pond, please take a look at the 4 orange stakes with the numbers 1-2-3-4 on them. Then call him at the number below or email him with your thoughts about which TWO sites you prefer (the stake number) and how many bats have you seen lately flying around in your area.
“Call me (Ryan) at 608-288-0362 or weiss.heide@yahoo.com” Or contact Rick Eilertson (City of Fitchburg Environmental Engineer) at 608-270-4264 or contact him at rick.eilertson@city.fitchburg.wi.us
by Mary Mullen based on information from Ryan Weiss
2 - Next DMNA Council Meetings are Second Thursday, July 11 & August 8
The Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Council will be on Thursday, July 11, 7:00 pm at Prairie UU Society, 2010 Whenona Drive .
Due to vacations and work schedules, some Council members may not be able to attend, which may cause cancellation of the July meeting due to lack of a quorum. Contact DMNA President Bob Hague if you plant to attend to learn whether the meeting is indeed happening. (See masthead for contact info.
3 - Neighborhood Picnic Scheduled for Friday, August 2, Marlborough Park
At its June meeting, the DMNA Neighborhood Council confirmed the annual Neighborhood Picnic in Marlborough Park. The date is Friday, August 2, 5:30 pm until dark.
The shelter has been reserved, entertainment by Cindy Harrington secured and permitted by the City of Madison, and plans made to provide free hot dogs and soda.
Put this annual, friendly event on your calendar now, and plan to COME AND BRING FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS.
4 - Roving Residents Have a Great Time (Attachment: “1 pics Artist walk.jpg”)
So, does this sound like a headline in The Onion? I think so. But maybe it got your attention.
Here’s the story.
On May 30, mosaic artist Marcia Yapp came to walk the neighborhood in preparation for making a proposal for artwork to be done in conjunction with the Verona Road project. The 4 residents who showed up at the start - Thea Bach, Donna Sarafin, Kent Seeker, and Mary Mullen - had no idea what fun we would have as we walked the streets of the Crawford, Marlborough, and Belmar parts of the neighborhood. But we were about to find out.
As we walked, we talked about the neighborhood and what we liked about it - the flowering trees, the many pretty front yard flower gardens, the proximity to the 1200 acres of the Arboretum, Marlborough Park with its community gardens and the hill that gives us an illusion of open space, the confluence of the bike paths, the Little Free Libraries.
We got to see the neighborhood through a stranger’s eyes. Marcia was wowed by the parkways in the Crawford area on DeVolis and Britta Parkway. “They are like courtyards,” she said.
“I always came in from the Allied Drive side,” she said. She had never ventured into the eastern edge of the park or walked the streets of the Crawford or Marlborough areas. She found these parts of the neighborhood quite charming.
We saw a trio of people taking their ease on a patio furniture in front of a house on DeVolis. Katherine Vanderbilt was visiting with homeowners Dave and Janie Peck. Turns out Marcia knew Dave Peck. They visited, and we picked up Katherine to continue on our tour. She then showed us the back yard of her apartment on Helene which she has beautified with many flowers. It’s also inhabited by many pink flamingos - perhaps from that famed day when Bascom Hill bloomed with flamingos.
Thoughout the walk we admired the many well-kept front yards and pointed out where each of us lived as we passed by, giving Maricia a look into a few back yards as well. Throughout the entire 3 ½ hours she exclaimed about what a nice neighborhood this is and how she never knew it existed even though she had worked in Marlborough Park on a mosaic project.
Toward the end of the tour when our now smaller crew walked through the Marlborough Park to come out on Apache Drive, we could see Dunn’s Marsh to the south. Artist Marcia had never noticed or known about the marsh either. She stopped to take a photo.
Others who joined the tour for a time were Jon Holmes and Nate Kirley. We also visited with the Mike on Apache Drive who had grown up on Sentinel Pass, and Brad Sanders who was just moving in to a home on Apache Drive.
The next stage in planning will be for any interested residents to meet with Marcia for a visioning/planning session to suggest images that will go on the art work, probably a mosaic mural. Keep tuned, and plan to join us at the visioning session.
by Mary Mullen
5 - Variety of Musicians Entertained on June 21 (Attachment: “2 pics MMM.jpg”)’
There’s no denying that Make Music Madison was a success in the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood venue at Prairie UU Society on the summer solstice, June 21.
The rain stopped prior to set up time, the clouds kept the temperature down, the street trees gave the audience a cooler spot to sit, the variety of musicians offered something for most musical tastes, and neighbors had extended time to chat. The green, green grass, nutured by many inches of rain over the past month, made for pretty photos.
While audience strength took a while to build - music started at 4 pm - at its height over 60 people were present all at one time. Ages ranged from toddlers, elementary school age, pre-teens, and all stripes of adults from young parents through retirees.
The kids snacked on popcorn and soda, made chalk drawings on the sidewalk, and generally just hung out with each other as the music played. Free bread was available. Every last loaf left the premises.
Seventeen different musicians performed in a total of 8 acts.
Ron Frye sang jazz and blues standards to first-comers, accompanying himself on guitar.
Then Rosemarie Lester entertained with her accordion and vocals in German and French. She was joined by her friend Ruth Calden on recorder and voice. Together they are The Continental Drifters.
Mike Briggs - Grandpa Squeezit - then played his button accordion.
Humor dominated neighbor Cindy Harrington’s act. The audience joined in singing “How Much is that Doggie in the Window.” Cindy put on her grass skirt and did a Hawaiian number. Guitar player Sherry Virchall accompanied, and Dan Neuhaus also took part with his trumpet on one number.
At 6:00 Dark of the Moon Contra-Band played a variety of tunes including Cajun, Bluegrass, Irish, and Scandinavian numbers. The band included Christine Henze on accordion; Inna Larsen, Bonnie Gruber, Carol Steinhart on fiddles; and neighbor Mary Mullen on guitar and harmonica.
Another group followed. The Guitars for Vets group led the audience in sing-alongs. Popular songs were “This Land is Your Land,” “I Saw the Light,” and “Hey, Jude.” Guitars for Vets gives a free acoustic guitar to veterans who take 8 lessons. Playing and singing is a good way to heal from war. The 4 veterans who participated were Rick Larson, Mark Loder, and Jim and Joe Ballweg. Sherry Virchall, who had accompanied Cindy Harrington, served as their song leader.
The evening ended with Creole-American Amy Heartsough singing serious music, sometimes a capella.
When it was all over just before 8 pm, musicians cased their instruments, people folded their lawn chairs, volunteers helped put away Prairie’s chairs, tables, and equipment, and all carried warm feelings home.
by Mary Mullen
6 - Neighborhood Parks Put on a Great Summer Show (Attachment: “3 parks show.jpg”)
If you want to see nature at its summer best, now’s the time to walk through the neighborhood parks.
Marlborough Park’s prairie is blooming, and the community gardens are growing by leaps and bounds. It’s an education in itself just to walk through the gardens on the designated paths and see how differently they are planted and managed. You’ll be treated to a variety of colors too: the blues and reds of cabbages, the pale yellow and burgundy of lettuce, the dark grees and reds of beet tops, a rainbow of Swiss Chard, the yellow flowers of the tomatillos, the brighter greens of the beans and corn.
Down by Madison’s wet pond just below the Cannonball Trail at Seminole Highway you might have to shoulder your way through head-high native plants, but there’s lots to be seen. On June 26 after days of rain, that pond was the highest I’ve ever seen it, and it even seemed to be flowing backward out of the marsh.
For a grand treat, go down Seminole to Dawley Park. The purple coneflowers were in full bloom on June 26, and some yellow coneflowers were making their appearance. Milkweeds were putting out their beautiful pale pink globes of blossoms. Yarrow added white to the mix. More plants are undoubtedly in flower now. The cup plants are thriving in large clumps too.
If you are lucky, you’ll also see wildlife, everything from insects to mammals to turtles.
For a potpourri of images from June 26, click on the attachment. For larger and additional pictures, go to the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association’s Facebook page.
by Mary Mullen
7 - Search for Signs of Summer at the Arboretum
Summer officially arrived on June 21st, and the Arboretum's prairies put on a show all summer. If you come to the Arboretum every two weeks, you will see a different display each time. With more than 300 species of plants in total, there are up to 14 different species coming into bloom each week. Warm summer days are good times to see butterflies and other interesting insects of the prairie ecosystem.
Every Sunday afternoon you can enjoy native summer landscapes on our naturalist-guided tours. Did you know that these walks are free, thanks to financial support from the Friends of the Arboretum? If you are a member of Friends, thank you for helping to make these walks available to the public. If you aren't a member, won't you consider joining us and supporting the valuable education and research that takes place at the Arboretum? To learn more about joining the Friends, click here.
Check upcoming naturalist-led walks at http://uwarboretum.org/events/
Don't forget to stop at the Visitor Center to see the current exhibit in the Arboretum gallery, and check out the bookstore for summer reading material.
from Friends of the Arboretum
8 - Summer Brings Disturbing Incidents to the Neighborhood
Shots Fired on Britta Parkway May 30
A police report put out by the City of Madison, May 31 detailed a report of shots being fired on Britta Parkway at 5:10 pm the day before, May 30. No one was hurt.
The police are investigating whether shots fired from a car on Raymond Road 10 minutes before that are related. Fitchburg and Madison police are working cooperatively on this case.
Shortly before 3 pm on May 31 police took into custody “a person of interest” for questioning.
For the complete report, go to http://www.cityofmadison.com/police/newsroom/incidentreports/incident.cfm?id=14402 <http://www.cityofmadison.com/police/newsroom/incidentreports/incident.cfm?id=14402>
Southwest Bike Path Rock Throwing, June 24, 2013 3:30 PMIn response to some citizen concerns about youths throwing rocks at bicyclists on the southwest bike path (near Allied Drive), officers from the West District community policing team provided the area with some extra attention last week. In addition, officers knocked on doors in the neighborhood to talk to residents about the issue, and about other safety concerns in the area.
West District officers continue to work proactively to address public safety issues in the district and to respond to citizen concerns. While doing so, we emphasize that the responsibility for ensuring public safety and maintaining our quality of life does not belong only to the police. It is shared by all members of the community, including residents and other City agencies. Officers work very hard to develop and maintain relationships in our neighborhoods, and to stay engaged with the community.
Drug Investigation & Arrest at Helene Pkway/Britta Pkwy, July 1
A Black male in his 20s was arrested for battery to a police officer and possession of heroin with intent to sell on July 1, at 10 pm in the vicinity of Helene and Britta Parkways.
The incident report for Case #2013-197525 notes that “An MPD Sergeant and Officer were on foot patrol in the area. They observed males smoking marijuana in a vehicle. One suspect fought with the Sergeant causing a hand injury. Suspect heroin was located on this individual.
All stories from police sources
TEASEL Pics below
9 - Teasel Alert
They’ve crossed Verona Road, those teasel plants, and they aren’t a gentle plant at all.
They are tall, sentinel-like plants, a nice green now, that will have an oval seed-head later on that looks like a round hairbrush with several guardian spikes curling around it. Sometimes teasel is spelled teazel, teasle or teazle.
Teasel looks interesting, but you wouldn’t want to have a close encounter with a bed of them on a dark night. The plants themselves are something like a thistle in that the stems are covered with stiff, punishing spines. As you try to scrape by, those spines will nail you. They are different because they are generally less limber than a thistle, and the mid-rib of the huge leaf is also covered with spines.
An interesting fact about teasle is that the stems perforate the leaves forming a cup that holds water, much like the cup plant. This is thought to keep aphids from climbing the stem according to one Wikipedia article. An experiment found that adding dead insects to the cup increased the seedset of the plant but not its height, suggesting that the teasle might be a bit carnivorous.
I first learned of teasel when I was visiting the Lake Regionn of the state of New York. In the past, teasel was used in wool manufacturing. The seed-heads provided combs on machines that combed the wool.
But now teasel, a native of Eurpoe and Asia, has escaped cultivation. Plants do well in thick stands along the highways. Teasle can form a thick mono-culture, crowding out all the native species. A Wisconsin DNR guide lists it as an ecologically invasiive plant. Thus, “Teasle alert!”
A USDA map shows that teasel can be found in just 7 counties in Wisconsin, including Dane and Rock. You can see a stand of teasel plants on the embankment of the Beltline at Verona Road. The pictures below were taken on the bank facing Dorn Hardware. They are also along the Beltline where Danbury Street comes up to the Frontage Road.
by Mary Mullen
10 -Watch Out for Leafy Spurge
Did you notice the hillside of interestsing plants just at the corner of Seminole Highway and the frontage road?
I wouldn’t have except that as I was riding my bicyle there, a sweet odor wafted up from the Beltline, and I had to see where it came from. It obviously could not be from the exhaust pipes of the hundreds of vehicles passing by on the Belline.
Actually it was from the thousands of leafy spurge plants thriving on the bank of the Beltline.
Look closely at it. It’s leafy spurge, a fascinating plant with yellowish flowers set on a darker yellowish green “platter.” But, by no means let it grow in your garden.
Why? It will literally take over, and it’s almost impossible to kill. I read that it survives drought by putting roots 15 feet deep! It forms a monoculture that will kill out anything else.
KIDS
11 - Camp Green Star For Kids Focuses on Sustainability and Urban Ag
Scholarships are now available for Camp Green Star, the summer day camp for kids, ages 7-13. The camp focuses on sustainability and urban agriculture.
Registration and scholarship information is available at www.camp-green-star.com <http://www.camp-green-star.com>
The week long (5-days) sessions start on July 22, July 29, August 5, and August 12. The daily program runs from 1:00 to 5:00 pm.
12 - Summer Drama Class for Kids, July 8-August 3
Ken Lonnquist and Friends will mount a musical revue this summer with kids and adults using songs from his 1982 "Alice In Wonderland" written for Children's Theater of Madison.
Kids age 7-15 interested in taking part in the show can sign up for the Summer Classes beginning July 8 through August 1 from 9 AM - Noon, Monday through Thursday.
The classes lead up to the final production on August 10 and 11 with preview performances during weeks 3 and 4 of the class.
Details are available at http://www.firstunitedmethodistmadison.org/event/450555-2013-07-11-alice-in-wonderland-musical-revueclass/
CARS & BIKES
13 - Boom Car Training July 29
Summer is officially here, and Madison residents should be able to enjoy the afternon on their patio, or open up their windows to let the breeze in without the nuisance of loud car stereos. Due to the mobility of offending vehicles, and the inherent time delay in reporitng such disturbances, it is very difficult for police to respond to an area quickly enough to issue a citation after a citizen complaint.
To address this problem, Madison General Ordinances allow a citizen to file a written complaint for radios or other electronic sound ampflication devices that are audible from a vehicle at a distance of 75 feet or greater. Citations can later be issued by police to the registered owner of the vehicle, regardless of who was operating the vehicle at the time of the offense. The citizen-reporting method has proven to be an effective way to deal with this important quality of life issue.
In order to submit reports for loud stereo violations, citizens must attend a brief training session on the requirements of the reporting process. There will be a training session offered on July 29, 2013 at 7pm at the West District station. For more information, please contact Officer Caleb Johnson at cjohnson@cityofmadison.com or 520-6461.
from Madison West Police District
14 - Graphic Shows How to Turn Left at a Traffic Circle (Attachment: “4 graphic traffic circles.jpg”)
Is it legal to go left around a traffic circle? May I choose whether to go around the outside of the circle when turning left, or is it OK to turn left without going around it?
A graphic shows that - unless posted otherwise - drivers may use the shortcut and go “under” the circle rather than around it.
Look at the graphic to see the permitted movements and the reasons for traffic circles in the first place.
15 - Verona Road (US 18/151) Project website has moved!
The website alias, www.VeronaRoadProject.wi.gov <http://lists.wi.gov/t/844393/1837417/3720/0/ <http://lists.wi.gov/t/844393/1837417/3720/0/> > , will continue to direct you to the project website. However, if you bookmarked the website, you will need to change your bookmark to the following: http://projects.511wi.gov/web/veronaroad-18-151/ <http://projects.511wi.gov/web/veronaroad-18-151/> <http://lists.wi.gov/t/844393/1837417/4002/0/ <http://lists.wi.gov/t/844393/1837417/4002/0/> > . The new website provides lane closure information, travel times and an interactive map to view traffic cameras and message boards in the area.
Businesses impacted by construction are encouraged to read tips and tools outlined in WisDOT's "In This Together" program for the Verona Road Project - http://bit.ly/14C4mhy <http://bit.ly/14C4mhy> <http://lists.wi.gov/t/844393/1837417/3989/0/ <http://lists.wi.gov/t/844393/1837417/3989/0/> > . More information can be found on the project website under Business Resources.
Starting today, Friday, June 28, 2013, weekly construction updates are sent to your inbox on Fridays and provided on the project website under the News tab. Updates include upcoming lane closures and traffic impacts for current construction projects, related to the major Verona Road reconstruction.
Seminole Highway interchange and bridge information
On July 1, Warwick Way/Whenona Drive will be closed until August 9, allowing access to local residents only. The eastbound shoulder of the Seminole Highway Frontage Road will also be closed for work on the bicycle lane (under flagging operation for bicyclists) until August 9.
Motorists are reminded to be alert for crews working in the area and drive with caution through the work zones.
Holiday work restrictions in effect from noon Wednesday (July 3) until 6 a.m. Tuesday (July 9).
Traffic impacts for July 1-3:
Eastbound Beltline
- Nightly lane closures on the eastbound Beltline from 8 p.m. - 5 a.m. (July 1-3).
Westbound Beltline
- Nighttime lane closures on the westbound Beltline from 8 p.m. - 5 a.m. (July 2-3)
All lane restrictions and work operations are weather dependent and subject to change.
Stay involved and informed with the project website and project Facebook page, www.facebook.com/WIVeronaRoadProject <http://lists.wi.gov/t/844393/1837417/3202/0/ <http://lists.wi.gov/t/844393/1837417/3202/0/> > .
For more information, contact: Steven Theisen,Verona Road Project Communications Manager,
steven.theisen@dot.wi.gov | (608) 246-3818
WisDOT and the Verona Road Project Team
www.VeronaRoadProject.wi.gov
<http://www.veronaroadproject.wi.gov <http://www.veronaroadproject.wi.gov> > Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WIVeronaRoadProject <http://www.facebook.com/WIVeronaRoadProject <http://www.facebook.com/WIVeronaRoadProject> >
16 - Bus Route 18 Will Continue to Service Crescent Road and Red Arrow Trail
Speaking up makes a difference. When Madison Medtro Transit proposed eliminating the Allied Drive/Crescent Road/Red Arrow loop for the Route 18 bus route, the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association, Madison Alder Maurice Cheeks, Co. Sup. Kyle Richmond, Fitchburg Alders Carol Poole and Dorothy Krause, the City of Fitchburg, and residents all opposed the change.
And guess what? At its May 29 meeting, the Transit and Parking Commission adopted a service change that does NOT remove that loop.
The Madison Metro Transit website details the change they did make:
Instead, trips will be scheduled every 40 minutes between the West Transfer Point and South Transfer Point between 4 PM and 6 PM. This compares to trips currently leaving every 30 minutes. This schedule also involves 1 LESS trip in both directions between 4 PM and 6 PM.
As a result of this change, customers will not be able to make all* transfers at transfer points between 4 PM and 6 PM. Some transfers will still be able to be made at the West Transfer Point.
This scheduled change will take place on Sunday August 25.
by Mary Mullen
17 - Bikes List-Serve Hails Dawley Park Bike Hub
On 5/30/2013 1:12 PM, Robbie Webber wrote:
Fitchburg seems to be taking great strides in efforts to become more bike-friendly. There was a nice article in the Fitchburg community paper about the new bike hub they are building at the intersection of the Badger, Cap City, and Cannonball Trails. (Is that right?)
http://connectfitchburg.com/articles/2013/05/28/another-step-toward-being-bicycle-friendly
Later in the day Fitchburg Alder Steve Arnold responded:
The "bicycle interchange" is at the confluence of the Badger State, Military Ridge, and Capital City Trails and the Cannonball and Southwest paths. The new bike hub is adjacent to the bicycle interchange, Seminole "bicycle" Highway, and the new County mountain bike facility. There will be wayfinding signage at the interchange to direct riders to the various trails and the restrooms, water, and repair station at the hub.
Editor’s note: While the hub is described as being “at the intersection of…,” it is really some distance from where all these trails actually meet which is more or less below Allied Drive. It is actually in Dawley Park, a ways south of the marsh at the Dawley parking lot adjacent to Seminole Highway.
18 - Discover Wisconsin Video Features Bicycling in Fitchburg
Want to see a slick video on biking in Wisconsin that starts with a 5-minute feature about bicycling in Fitchburg? Go to
http://kididdel.com/Channels/ChannelView/tabid/66/Default.aspx?rid=NxR5LXa4jXg%2fHIKqqSr78w%3d%3d
The video highlights trails that converge in the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood: the Capital City Trail, Badger State Trail, Military Ridge Trail, and the Cannonball. You’ll also see bikers trying out the Quarry Ridge Mountain Bike off-road paths. Businesses adjacent to the trails in Fitchburg will make your mouth water.
A bonus of this 19-minute video is an introduction to bike trails and community attractions elsewhere in Wisconsin. Menomonie - up near Eau Claire - has the Red Cedar Trail. The Burlington, WI and Racine/Walworth County area has the Seven Waters and White River Trails. In Jefferson County, several trails are featured including the Emma Carlin Mountain Bike Trail in the Kettle Moraine State Park Southern Unit, the Glacial Drumlin Trail that originates in Madison, and the Glacial River Trail.
While you are on the Discover Wisconsin website, you may find other episodes to watch. Muaic Festivals, Cheesemaking, Harbor Towns, and Wisconsin Birding are just four. Be patient with the lead-ins that take about 50 seconds.
19 - Fitchburg Recognized as Bike Friendly Community
Last fall, Fitchburg was recognized as a bicycle friendly community. Maybe you have noticed this designation on a sign on Seminole Highway marking the entrance into Fitchburg.
This is a recognition by the League of American Bicyclists, an organization that was founded back in 1880 as the Leage of American Wheelmen. The organization was formed by bicyclists to advocate for paved roads before the advent of the automobile.
Fitchburg is rated as a Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community.
Only 9 other Wisconsin communities hold the bicycle friendly designation. Four are in the southern half of the state, Madison, Milwaukee, Shorewood, and now Fitchburg. Madison is the only community in the state with a Gold ranking. LaCrosse has a Silver ranking. All the rest are ranked as Bronze.
Including Fitchburg, the League of American Bicyclists recognizes 242 Bicycle Friendly Communities in 47 states across America.
Want details about other states and communities with bike-friendly designations? Go to http://www.bikeleague.org/bfa
by Mary Mullen
20 - Wisconsin is in Top Ten Bicycle Friendly States
According to the League of American Bicyclists, in 2013 Wisconsin ranks as #8 in having a bicycle friendly state program. It ranks behind Washington, Colorado, Oregon, Minnesota, Delaware, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.
Statistics provided by the League show that, unfortunately, our state’s ranking has declined from 2012. It ranked 6th in 2012.
Here are the details of Wisconsin’s ranking for the 5 standards considered
· is in the 40-60% range in legislation and enforcement (same in 2012)by Mary Mullen
· is in the 60-80% in policies and programs (was 80-100% in 2012) went down
· is only in the 20-40% range in infrastructure & funding (same in 2012)
· is in the 60-80% range in education and encouragement (same in 2012)
· is in the 20-40% range in evaluation & planning (40-60% in 2012) went down
GREEN
21 - Fitchburg’s Green E-News Blast
1. Fitchburg Center Farmer’s Market Open from 3 to 6pm every Thurs., May to October, Agora Pavilion (5511 E. Cheryl Pkwy) – More vendors arriving today (5/30) with Certified Organic Options, and Native Prairie Plants. Plus Chef Dave's Demo/Sample: Gyro's featuring Rainbow Fleece Farm's Lamb at the Agora Pavilion. Read More <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/documents/GreenE-NewsBlast26.pdf <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/documents/GreenE-NewsBlast26.pdf> > ... Save Gas. Buy Fresh. Buy Local. Contact Steven.leverentz@fitchburgcenter.com or 608-277-2592 for further details.
2. Fitchburg Green Thursday Summer Event – Thurs., July 25, 6:30pm - 8pm, Fitchburg Fields, SE Corner of Lacy Road and Fahey Glen – Join the City of Fitchburg Resource Conservation Commission as we learn and teach youth-oriented garden activities, such as making pesto, pickled cucumbers and vermicompost with worms! Keep an eye out for more details on this eventful evening. For more information contact Kristofer.Canto@fitchburgwi.gov <mailto:Kristofer.Canto@fitchburgwi.gov <mailto:Kristofer.Canto@fitchburgwi.gov> >
3. Follow the Stormwater Paddle – Thurs., July 25, 5 – 7:30pm, Rutabaga Paddlesports, Monona - A behind the scenes look at stormwater management in Monona. Event will start at Rutabaga Paddlesports (220 W. Broadway St.) from Inter Lake of the Yahara River and continue along the Lake through Squaw Bay and back. Presented by Monona’s 2013 Year of Our Lakes campaign. Register at http://tinyurl.com/stormwaterpaddle <http://tinyurl.com/stormwaterpaddle> <http://tinyurl.com/stormwaterpaddle <http://tinyurl.com/stormwaterpaddle> > ($5/person with own boat or $15/boat rental). Contact jglaeser@ci.monona.wi.us <mailto:jglaeser@ci.monona.wi.us <mailto:jglaeser@ci.monona.wi.us> > with any questions.
4. 2013 State Trail Passes available at City Hall – Biking season is Here! Yippee! Remember that anyone 16 years and older biking on State Trails needs to have a valid daily or annual State Trail Pass. Annual 2013 State Trail Passes can be purchased at several area locations, including City Hall for $20 each.
5. City of Fitchburg Idling Reduction Campaign - The City of Fitchburg is promoting its Idling Reduction Campaign to encourage all residents to reduce their voluntary vehicle idling. Fitchburg would like to thank the following local businesses, schools and non-profits for supporting this campaign: Summit Credit Union, Oak Bank, M&I/BMO Harris Bank, U.S. Bank, the UPS Store, Ganshert Landscapes, Top Hat Fireplace & Chimney, Independent Living, Surplus IT, Madison Firewood Delivery, Eagle School. Waiting more than10 seconds? Please turn off your engine. Save $ and our air.
6. City of Fitchburg Water Conservation Campaign - The City of Fitchburg is committed to protecting the future of our national and local water supply through water-efficient practices, products, and services. That is why we are partnering with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to bring to you WaterSense, a national program that offers people a simple way to make product choices that use less water-and perform as well or better than your existing products. Follow these simple steps to reduce your outdoor water use this summer and save $$$:
1. Raise the height of your lawn mower;
2. Water your grass, not your sidewalk;
3. Water your grass early in the morning, or in the late evening;
4. Reduce the amount of grass you have with more landscaping and mulch;
5. Use rain barrels to collect rainwater for your garden or install smart sprinkler devices with moisture sensors.
7. Composting is Cool! – Fitchburg is in its second year of the Household Organics Collection Pilot and we would like your feedback on municipal organic waste collection. The City of Madison currently is awaiting approval of a $20 million dollar program which would include an anaerobic bio-digester – a technology that produces energy from organic waste. This program could have many beneficial implications for neighboring communities interested in compost collection. Also, UW-Madison “has taken steps to cut food waste from its processes. UW Food Services, for example, redirects surplus food to CAC Gleaners, a program of Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin (CACSCW). CACSCW collects one million pounds of surplus food for those in need every year”. Furthermore, UW-Madison has installed compost waste bins around campus for convenient drop off.
We would like to hear from you! Would you like to see a city-wide composting collection program in Fitchburg? What can the City of Fitchburg do to help you?
Please contact Kristofer.Canto@fitchburgwi.gov <mailto:Kristofer.Canto@fitchburgwi.gov <mailto:Kristofer.Canto@fitchburgwi.gov> >
For more information on Madison’s Anaerobic Digester:
http://host.madison.com/news/local/writers/pat_schneider/million-program-would-send-chicken-bones-pizza-boxes-to-madison/article_328344c7-9fa2-5d9a-9d9d-029f405ca554.html <http://host.madison.com/news/local/writers/pat_schneider/million-program-would-send-chicken-bones-pizza-boxes-to-madison/article_328344c7-9fa2-5d9a-9d9d-029f405ca554.html> <http://host.madison.com/news/local/writers/pat_schneider/million-program-would-send-chicken-bones-pizza-boxes-to-madison/article_328344c7-9fa2-5d9a-9d9d-029f405ca554.html <http://host.madison.com/news/local/writers/pat_schneider/million-program-would-send-chicken-bones-pizza-boxes-to-madison/article_328344c7-9fa2-5d9a-9d9d-029f405ca554.html> >
For more information on UW-Madison’s Composting Campaign:
http://os.createsend1.com/t/ViewEmail/j/7DBB88D0B46A7CDE/6DDE17046F71B1DBC5EC08CADFFC107B#toc_item_2 <http://os.createsend1.com/t/ViewEmail/j/7DBB88D0B46A7CDE/6DDE17046F71B1DBC5EC08CADFFC107B#toc_item_2> <http://os.createsend1.com/t/ViewEmail/j/7DBB88D0B46A7CDE/6DDE17046F71B1DBC5EC08CADFFC107B#toc_item_2 <http://os.createsend1.com/t/ViewEmail/j/7DBB88D0B46A7CDE/6DDE17046F71B1DBC5EC08CADFFC107B#toc_item_2> >
8. 2013 National Get Up and Ride Bike Commuter Challenge and Dane County Bike Challenge – May – September - To reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicular traffic, City of Fitchburg staff members are participating in the National Bike Commuter Challenge and the Dane County Bike Challenge. Read More <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/documents/GreenE-NewsBlast26.pdf <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/documents/GreenE-NewsBlast26.pdf> > ... As of May 29th, the City of Fitchburg team of 12 has accumulated 1,439 miles, saved 689 pounds of CO2, saved $219 dollars in transportation costs and burned 56,872 calories. It’s not too late and anybody can join. Whether you plan on commuting or taking a ride along Fitchburg’s beautiful trail system, visit www.nationalbikechallenge.org <http://www.nationalbikechallenge.org <http://www.nationalbikechallenge.org> > and join this initiative.
Rick Eilertson, P.E., Fitchburg Environmental Engineer
22 - See Nine Springs E-Way Tour on Video
Last October, with emeritus UW Professor Phil Lewis, former County Supervisor Bill Lunney (once the Co. Supervisor for our neighborhood) and others, Dorothy Krause and Mary Mullen took a trolley ride tour of the Nine Springs E-Way, from Lake Farms Park to Dunn’s Marsh, largely on the Capital City Trail, stopping at many key locations for extended discussion.
The City of Fitchburg cable folks came along to create a historical record. The program they produced can be viewed at http://tinyurl.com/NineSpringsTour <http://tinyurl.com/NineSpringsTour>
If people would like a DVD copy, they can request one from FACTv at either FACTv@city.fitchburg.wi.us or 608-270-4225.
Mary Mullen was on the county’s E-Way Committee that was was appointed in 1970 to encourage implementation of the environmental corridor along the route of the Nine Springs Creek. The County Parks Commission was the primary promoter of the E-Way. The county, with the help of state and federal funds, bought most of the property that was not already in public hands.
A bike path now runs along the entire corridor, giving Dunn’s Marsh residents a chance to see the entire corridor from the seat of a 2-wheeler. If you an armchair biker, just watch the video.
In the video you can see Dorothy in a brownish jacket with some red on it and Mary in a bright red jacket.
by Dorothy Krause and Mary Mullen
OTHER
23 - SCOTUS, DOMA, POTUS, What?
Acronyms, that’s what those weird “words” are, shortcuts to a series of words. Do you know what these particular acronyms mean?
The first two appeared in many articles I read this week about some momentous decisions put out by the Supreme Court of the United States. Get it? The SCOTUS.
DOMA was in the news because one of the Court’s decisions struck down the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). SCOTUS decided that states that permit gay marriage must give married same-sex partners the same rights as married heterosexual partners.
Now for POTUS. I always do a second take on that acronym. To me, the POTUS and the President of the United States sound like two different things. But no, the POTUS is the President of the United States.
I suppose you could call acronyms “green.” Newspapers save a lot of ink by using them.
by Mary Mullen
24 - Squeeze Out a Cure for Epilepsy
How can you help squeeze out a cure for epilepsy?
Lily’s Fund for Epilepsy Research invites kids and adults to host their own lemonade stands anytime and anywhere throughout the spring and summer months. It’s fun, easy and a great way to raise awareness of epilepsy, and money for important epilepsy research at UW-Madison.
Everything you need to host your stand is available on the Lily’s Fund website at www.lilysfund.org
. <http://www.lilysfund.org>
Email the time and location of your stand and Lily’s Fund will put it on their website. Photos too!
When: Anytime!
Who: You, your kids, your friends, your family, your co-workers, your neighbors
Where: Your neighborhood, school, local business….at festivals, swim meets or ball games. Wherever you want to have your stand.
Why: To find a cure for epilepsy AND help people understand what epilepsy is. By promoting epilepsy awareness, you spread the word and help raise money for cutting-edge epilepsy research at the UW-Madison. The more people hear about it, the less strange and scary it will seem. The more awareness we create, the more research will be funded.
How? Easy. Everything you need is online in our lemonade stand kit. Just download the materials from the website:
Lily’s Fund for Epilepsy Research is an all-volunteer grassroots organization that raises awareness and money for local research. For more information, email lilysfund@gmail.com
. <mailto:lilysfund@gmail.com>
25 - State Assembly Rep. Terese Berceau Decries the State Budget
(Attachment: “5 -Berceau budget newsletter.doc”)
In her June 21 e-newsletter to constituents, our State Assembly Representative Terese Berceau discussed the state budget that was passed by the Republican legislature. She and the rest of the Democrats - who are in a minority in both the Assembly and Senate - opposed the budget but could do nothing about its passage.
She named 8 good things about the budget, and a host of “bad” and “ugly” aspects of it. The “bad list” includes 6 finance items, 6 human services and health care items, 8 education items, and 10 environmental items.
“The (Really) Ugly” is a list of 9 items.
Berceau mentions these items as the worst.
· Bringing back bail bondsmen and bounty hunters for the first time in 30 years.
· Kicking the Center for Investigative Journalism of the UW Campus and prohibiting University employeees from collaborating with the Center.
· Allowing law enforcement officials to collect DNA swabs from certain people upon arrest rather than on conviction.
· Authorizing no-bid sales of state property.
· Special interest favors to payday loan stores, cable companies, and makers of lead paint.
· The fact that family income of $70,000 is too poor to pay for private school tuition while $24,000 is to rich for a family to get onto BadgerCare health insurance.
· The fact that the budget included almost 100 policy items having nothing to do with state finances.
· The state will now be spending more on its correctional system that its university system.
· The legislature had to exempt their budget from the balanced budget law because it spends more than it takes in during the second year of the biennium.
If you want to read her entire newsletter which contains both the “good” and the “bad,” go to Attachment “___ Berceau budget newsletter.”
If you would like to read the Fiscal Bureau's comparison of the budgets from both the governor and the Joint Committee on Finance, go to http://legis.wisconsin.gov/lfb/publications/budget/2013-15%20Budget/Pages/JointFinance.aspx <http://legis.wisconsin.gov/lfb/publications/budget/2013-15%20Budget/Pages/JointFinance.aspx>
The Assembly Republican "technical" amendment can be found at http://legis.wisconsin.gov/eupdates/asm77/2013_06_19%20WI%20Assembly%20AA%203.pdf
------ END of the 7/5/13 DUNN’S MARSH NEIGHBORHOOD e-NEWS ---
THANKS FOR READING.
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