Water main flushing this week, night paving on University next week, public information meeting, announcements and events

Hello neighbors,

Please be advised that water main flushing will occur this week west of Breese Terrace between Regent St. and University Ave., then south of Regent St. and east of Randall Ave.

Also, as we near the end of construction on University Ave. (hallelujah!), there will be night paving work starting May 20, weather permitting, for 3-4 nights.

Public Information Meetings

There is a new development proposed for 3535-3553 University Avenue. There will be a virtual public information meeting on this item on May 20, at 6pm. This is a first neighborhood meeting to get feedback. Please register in advance.

News Releases & Announcements

• Madison Arts Commission awards $101,000 for arts projects in 2024 grant cycle: The Madison Arts Commission has awarded $101,000 to 57 organizations and individuals for projects through its annual arts grants program.
• MPD to hold active shooter survival training for public: The Madison Police Department is offering a training designed to save lives in an active shooter situation. The next session of the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) will be held on May 30.
• The Sustain Dane/City of Madison Recycle Better Course Returns on May 17, 2024: The Recycle Better course returns on Friday, May 17, 2024.And for the first time, the course will be offered in person.
• Lane and Street Closures – East Doty Street and Wilson Street: MG&E is replacing their duct bank package on E. Doty Street in preparation for the continuation of the Doty Street & Wilson Street reconstruction project.  During this time, E. Doty Street will be limited to one travel lane until August 16.
• City of Madison announces 2024-25 Youth Poet Laureate opportunity: The Madison Arts Commission is now accepting applications for the next Madison Youth Poet Laureate.
• #FlockToState as State Street Pedestrian Experiment officially begins: The City of Madison’s Pedestrian Mall Experiment is officially underway!
• Madison Water Utility Releases Annual Drinking Water Quality Report : Madison Water Utility is announcing the release of this year’s Annual Drinking Water Quality Report. The report provides an overview of the tens of thousands of drinking water quality tests conducted in 2023.
• Make your voice heard on how Madison and Dane County should spend federal HUD funds: We must create a 5-year road map, what we call a Consolidated Plan, that describes how we will use these funds from 2025-29, but we need your help in figuring out how to spend that money.
• Small business owners share how City of Madison resources helped them succeed: Alders from the City of Madison Common Council and members of the City’s Economic Development Committee went on a tour Saturday of some of the many local businesses that have benefited from City funding.
• In partnership with WMSN Fox47 and Monk’s Bar & Grill, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Madison will host the “School’s Out Community Care Drive,” May 13th - June 6th. Dane County residents are encouraged to donate personal-care items like toothbrushes, laundry soap, shampoo, and deodorant during the drive. The items collected will go to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry for distribution to neighbors in need. Drop off NEW, UNOPENED personal-care items at St. Vinny’s Thrift Stores or Monk’s Bar & Grill (Middleton and Sun Prairie locations) between May 13th and June 6th.

Events

• Learn to Fall Safely, Wednesday, May 15: Learn to fall safely and to get back up without injury. Falls are a leading cause of death for older adults in Wisconsin. We will use thick “crash mats” for practicing. Classes are progressive. Attending all 4 classes recommended. Scholarships available.
• Music in the Park in May, Wednesday, May 15: Free concert series at the Olin Park pavilion sponsored by FOOT - Friends of Olin-Turville and Madison Parks. Wednesdays in May from 6 to 8pm. Doors open at 5:45pm.
• Meditation At Monona Terrace, Thursday, May 16: Mindfulness Meditation will be led by Sarah Moore M.D., a mind-body practitioner, therapist, and physician. Sarah has been practicing meditation for more than 20+ years and teaching meditation to groups and individuals for the past 15 years. Her personal practice has brought her much peace, joy, and stability, and she is excited to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with others.
• Learn to Nordic Walk, Thursday, May 16: Turn your walk into a full-body workout with Nordic walking! We've partnered with Madison Nordic Ski Club (MadNorSki) for a free class. Participants of all ages are welcome and will explore the park and learn how to use walking poles for a cardio and strength-building workout.
• Westside Budget Engagement Event (Westside Community Connections), Thursday, May 16: Attention all Westsiders! Come join us at Vel Phillips Memorial High School for an interactive session where we discuss the 2025 budget outlook. This in-person event is your chance to have your voice heard and share your thoughts on what should be prioritized in our community.
• Volunteer at The Glen, Saturday, May 18: The Glen, a unique mixed-use outdoor recreation golf park located in the heart of Madison, WI, is more than just a place to play golf. It's a community hub where nature and recreation meet. We're on a mission to make The Glen a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming place for everyone – and we need your help! Volunteering at The Glen offers you a unique opportunity to contribute to your community, learn new skills, grow personally and professionally, and connect with like-minded individuals.
• Friends of Hoyt Park Workday, May 18, 10am-noon. This month we will continue to remove invasive weeds to make room for our native plants. We will be removing dames rocket in areas around the Ready Prairie. Wear sturdy footwear and long pants. Ticks or mosquitos may be present, so take precautions as necessary. Meet in the Main Parking Lot. The Friends of Hoyt Park will provide light refreshments.
• Great Strides Madison, Saturday, May 18: Great strides provide a fantastic opportunity for family, friends, students, and colleagues to come together and make a difference. The event harnesses the power of people with a shared vision and encourages collaboration, team building, and leadership as we take steps to dins a cure to cystic fibrosis.
• Bird & Nature Adventures | Starkweather Creek Area, Saturday, May 18:Outings in the Starkweather Creek area vary each month - be sure to check the starting location. Adventures typically at 10:00am on the 3rd Saturday of the month, year-round, and frequently start at the Goodman Community Center, unless noted otherwise. Outings include nature walks, canoe/kayak adventures, bicycling tours, and more, and are sponsored by the Madison Friends of Urban Nature, Madison Parks, Goodman Community Center , Madison Audubon Society, and Friends of Starkweather Creek. No registration is required. Pets are not allowed.
• Learn to Play Pickleball, Saturday, May 18: Learn the popular game of pickleball with Capital Area Pickleball Association! We've planned three, free classes with advanced registration required. Bring your own paddle and balls or borrow the provided equipment. Participants ages 10 and older are welcome and will learn the basics of pickleball, rules of the game and best strategies.
• Bird & Nature Adventures | Warner Park, Sunday, May 19: Walks at Warner Park held on the 3rd Sunday of every month are co-sponsored by Madison Bird City FUN partners Wild Warner  and Madison Audubon . Meet at the colorful Warner Park shelter by the lagoon. Parking is available nearby. No registration is required. No pets are allowed.
• Movie at The Glen, Sunday, May 19: Enjoy a free movie on the lawn of The Glen! We'll have yard games from 4-5pm and movie starting at 5:00pm. Grab dinner from Panchos Tacos (4:30-7pm) or The Glen House.

Be well,

Regina Vidaver