Spring yard waste set out dates, construction updates, public information meetings, events and announcements

Hello neighbors,

I hesitate to say “happy spring”, in the event that statement jinxes things such that we get another foot of snow, but I’m hopeful the coldest days are mostly behind us for a while.

With spring comes a number of changes, including the opportunity to set out yard waste on your terraces, which you may begin to do starting April 16. All residents will receive two collection opportunities this spring. You may also bring your yard waste to drop off sites as your schedules allow.

Spring also means construction:

• This week on University Avenue traffic will be moved to outside lanes in both directions. The north side multi-use path will begin being detoured on April 19. Again, I recommend subscribing to the City updates on this project, as the traffic situation will continue to change as the project progresses.
• Anderson Street will be fully closed to traffic just east of Wright Street for the construction of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) station beginning April 10.
• East Washington Ave will be down to one lane in the Westbound direction. Please plan travel times accordingly.

Meetings

• April 20, 6pm: Public Information Meeting regarding the next phase of construction for the BRT system. Please register in advance for this online meeting.
• May 10, 6:30-8:30pm: West Area Plan Open House, Lussier Community Education Center, 55 S. Gammon Rd. Community members are encouraged to drop in to hear short City agency presentations on projects spanning land use planning, transportation, stormwater management, water quality protection, parks and open space, and more. Residents will have the chance to talk with staff to learn more, including how these projects may affect them and how they can be involved. Visit the West Area Plan webpage to learn more, and sign up for the email list to receive regular West Area Plan updates.

Events

• April 11, 11am-3pm: Diversity in Construction Career Fair – Madison Labor Temple, 1602 S Park St. #106
• April 12, 6:30-8pm: Law Enforcement Career Fair - Officers will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about their profession and community policing.
• April 12, 4-7pm: Latino Academy’s Open House - Join the Latino Academy of Workforce Development, Inc. to celebrate their new home, during a gathering of students, community leaders, volunteers, community partners and employer partners at the new office located at 2909 Landmark Place, Suite #203. Please register in advance.
• April 13, 4:30pm: Habitat for Humanity of Dane County Home Dedication,1853 Beld Street - Join Habitat for Humanity of Dane County for a home dedication and open house of the very first Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) Habitat home in Dane County! ICFs provide a sustainable, noncombustible concrete building system that reduces upfront expenses and on-site construction time while maximizing the structure’s durability and energy performance.
• April 13, 4-6pm: gALPHA Urban League Spring 2023 Showcase at Urban League of Greater Madison. RSVP HERE!
• April 13, 5:30pm: Access Community Health Centers the Celebration of Service Dinner, Monona Terrace. Please register in advance.
• April 14, 4-6:30pm: Spring Fling at the Regent Market Co-op. Enjoy brats and food samples, and come inside to sample some new products to imbibe in.
• April 14, 5:30-8pm: Warner Park Recreation Center Family Fun Night
• April 14, 5-8pm: RCC GameChangers 50th Anniversary Art Show - Join this collaboration art exhibit between RCC GameChangers and We Step Into the Light Survivor Art Show at Union South.
• April 15, 10am-noon: Build Foam Robots at the Monroe Street Library. Kids under 7, please bring your parents!
• April 21, 5:30-7:30pm: Library Takeover Event for parents and their school-aged kids, Pinney Library.
• April 22, 10am-noon: Madison Parks Earth Day Challenge. Sign up for one of more than 900 volunteer spots to assist in trash pickup, raking, weeding, and more.
• April 22, 8:30am-3:30pm: Free HUD-approved Homebuyer Class – Atrium at Villager Mall, 2300 S Park St.

Announcements

• With the Madison Metro route redesign, Madison Metro is recruiting for Metro Transit Ride Guides to help people navigate the new routes. These Guides will be stationed at busy bus stop areas, employment centers, and various community centers to point people in the direction of the most appropriate stop, hand out schedule materials, and teach people how to ride the bus. Please note: this opportunity is open to high school students and young adults ages 18 and up.
• Monona Terrace Announces Concerts on the Rooftop Season: Monona Terrace is excited to announce its free summer Concerts on the Rooftop lineup!
• City of Madison Announces 2023-24 Youth Poet Laureate Opportunity: The City of Madison Arts Commission, and Madison Poet Laureate Angela Trudell Vasquez are pleased to announce the second annual call for a Madison Youth Poet Laureate.
• Sound the Alarm. Save a Life: The American Red Cross is making homes fire resistant through the Red Cross Home Fire Preparedness Campaign. At no cost, you can have the Red Cross visit your home and demonstrate some simple changes that will help protect your family against fires including: 
  • Free smoke alarm installation if no working smoke alarms are present in your home
  • Guidance in developing a Family Disaster Plan
  • Valuable emergency preparedness tips and information
  • Visit the Red Cross webpage to learn more and to setup your free appointment.
• School-Age Child & Youth Development Services: The City of Madison RFP "Building Human Capital: School-Age Child and Youth Programs" is posted on the City of Madison Community Development Division Funding Opportunities website. Submissions are due by 4:30 pm Monday, May 15.
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It is an honor to have the opportunity to continue to represent you all on the Madison Common Council for a second term. Thank you for your votes, and for your support.

Be well,

Regina Vidaver