Category: Uncategorized

Neighborhood Grant Program! Time to start thinking about projects you can do in 2023 to build community, improve organizational capacity, create gathering places, or beautify your neighborhood. Program materials will be posted on our webpage and sent to this listserv in early December.

Greater Madison Music City (GMMC) will host a happy hour and meetup at Café Coda on Thursday, December 8 from 4:30-6:30pm. A brief presentation will take place, releasing the results of two years of work the core GMMC planning team has completed in partnership with global music city experts Sound Diplomacy. This report gives an overview of economic impact and a regulatory assessment of our music scene. It concludes with recommendations to build inclusively, create jobs, and drive sustainable tourism across all communities and demographics in the Greater Madison Area.

Make Music Madison has a new open position!

Make Music Madison is hiring for a limited term Musician-in-Residence position to help build our musician network and support our neighborhood main stage initiative at Penn Park this year. The deadline is December 1 to submit a resume and short cover letter. 

Streets Division

Updates:

• Fall yard waste collection is in the home stretch. Don’t miss out!  Get the dates when you should put yard waste out for your home at www.cityofmadison.com/YardWaste
• Drop-off sites hours and locations will be changing at the end of November.  Before loading your vehicle, be sure you are aware of the hours of where you are going to take yard waste, electronics, and other items.  The drop-off site website is www.cityofmadison.com/DropOffSites
• Alternate side parking restrictions start on November 15.  Yes, winter is coming soon (regardless of how warm it is today).  Get all of your winter information needs, including parking info, at www.cityofmadison.com/Winter
• And finally, if you haven’t downloaded your trash & recycling calendar for 2023 yet it is available at www.cityofmadison.com/CollectionSchedule. 

SMNA in the past year approached our City Council Alder (Nasra Wehelie for District 7) to explore plans to complete a proposed walkway to complete the connection of Manchester Park to the northwest corner of the neighborhood across the greenspace drainage area. This was originally planned in the area but was never completed as the neighborhood aged. Funding approval was completed this week for the construction of a culvert crossing. Construction to happen in 2025!

Events

• The Hmong Institute’s Noj Tsiab (pre-New Year) and Thanksgiving Celebration: The Hmong Institute is hosting the Hmong Noj Tsiab (Pre-New Year) Celebration on Thursday November, 17th from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 4402 Femrite Drive, Madison. Noj tsiab pronounced “naw chia” is the meal held the night before the Hmong New Year festival begins. Noj Tsiab and Noj Peb Caug (New Year Festival) are traditionally celebrated after the harvest season. The Noj Tsiab tradition constitutes ritual activities such as a hu plig (soul calling), lwm qaib (bless the new year while washing away all negative energy with the old year), giving thanks to the ancestor’s spirit for a good harvest and for keeping the family healthy. A meal or feast is then served to the guests.

RSVP: may.lor@thehmonginstitute.org.

• Teejop & Beyond: Celebrating Native Nations of the Great Lakes, October – December 2022: Eight Native presenters will lead programs highlighting both traditional and contemporary practices, stories, and community relationships. Upcoming programs include:

• Nov. 5, 19: Family History Writing Workshops with Sherman Funmaker (Bear Clan Elder, Ho-Chunk Nation)
• Nov. 9: Indigenous Birth and Traditional Parenting presentation by Raeanne Madison(Crane Clan, Bois Forte Band Ojibwe Nation)
• Nov. 12: Art Walk in Monona with Kristie GoForth (Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians)
• Learn more: Website | Graphics + Photos | Press Release

• Noise mitigation study meeting at DCRA – November 14th: The Dane County Regional Airport is currently in process of updating its noise mitigation plan as result of the 115th Air National Guard transitioning from F-16s to F-35s. This is FAA Part 150 process used to determine eligibility for and fund sound mitigation inside the airport’s mapped noise contours. The second open house of the noise study will be held Monday November 14th from 6-8pm at the Dane County Regional Airport (between terminal doors 1 and 2). Information about the study process and materials from the first open house are on the DCRA’s noise mitigation plan (Part 150) webpage.

• Musician and activist Lyla June to speak on Indigenous rights, revitalizing ancient Indigenous land practices at free event on November 14th: Bringing her perspective as a woman of Diné (Navajo), Tsétsêhéstâhese (Cheyenne) and European lineages, June’s 90-minute talk will include both lecture and Q&A portions. The event, titled “An Evening with Lyla June: The Power of Indigenous Knowledge in an Age of Neocolonialism,” is free and open to the public, with no tickets necessary. Combining her personal experience with her studies in human ecology and Native American pedagogy, June advocates for Indigenous rights, the use of traditional land stewardship practices and mending from historical trauma. Patrons can learn more about the upcoming, free talk with June click HERE!

• World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims: The City of Madison along with the Vision Zero Stakeholder Task Force will commemorate World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims the week of November 14-21. The week features a memorial for people killed over the last 5 years that will be out all week in front of the Madison Municipal Building. Here is our news release about the event and week. Everyone is invited to a short press conference to remember victims of traffic crashes and renew the call for support to eliminate serious and fatal crashes. 
  • Date: Tuesday, November 15th
  • Time: 10:30 AM
  • Location: Madison Municipal Building, 215 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd – Outside

• Birding Backpacks + Madison Audubon Event, Always Available + November 15th: Madisonians who are bird curious can check out a Birding Backpack from Madison Public Library for up to one week. Backpacks include binoculars and field guides for one adult and one child, as well as a local birding guide that highlights locations close to each library. This project was made possible thanks to donations from the Feminist Bird Club – Madison and the Madison Public Library Foundation.

On November 15, we’ll be hosting an event in collaboration with Madison Audubon to highlight the connections between race and birds with Brigitte Fielder at Meadowridge Library. The UW-Madison professor will weave together the historical context of antislavery imagery, African American folklore, children’s stories about abolitionist views, and more, as she illuminates human-animal relationships that illustrate Black people’s resistance to oppression.

Learn more: Birding Backpacks Website | Graphics + Photos | Audubon Event Page

Announcements

• Healthcare.gov Open Enrollment Kick-Off: The Open Enrollment period for 2023 health insurance on Healthcare.gov kicks off on November 1st, 2022 and runs through January 15th, 2023. Consumers must sign up by December 15th for coverage to start on January 1st.

Madison Public Library is partnering with Covering Wisconsin to get the word out about this timeline to ensure that all Dane County residents know about affordable and low-cost health insurance options available to them. We are also hosting two open enrollment events at our libraries:

• December 3, 10am-2pm – Hawthorne Library, 2707 E. Washington Ave.
• December 10, 10am-2pm – Pinney Library, 516 Cottage Grove Rd.

Feel free to attend the press event to learn more (see attached release), or contact Courtney Harris, Covering Wisconsin Outreach & Partner Relations Manager; 608-262-1838; charris2@wisc.edu for more information to share with your constituents, neighbors, or service/program recipients.

More information is available on the Covering Wisconsin web site, including downloadable promotion materials. Free, local, unbiased help is available statewide. Consumers can visit WisCovered.com to learn more, or call the 2-1-1 Helpline (877-947-2211) to find an expert near them.            

• Public Health Madison & Dane County Violence Prevention Speaker Series Event, November 16, 2022: In partnership with Rape Crisis Center (RCC), PHMDC’s Violence Prevention Unit is hosting a virtual session on sexual assault prevention and services. The virtual session is free but registration is required: RCC Speaker Series Registration link. The session will be recorded and made available on public health’s Violence Prevention Unit’s webpage. This is the sixth of a “Violence Prevention & Intervention Speaker Series”. The upcoming session with Dana Pellebon from Rape Crisis Center (RCC) will provide information about their outreach, education, and prevention programs, services and advocacy for those harmed by sexual violence, and information on sexual violence.

The series will be sharing the latest violence prevention and intervention strategies, methodologies, and theories. It will also highlight VP Coalition members and the work that is being done in Madison and Dane County. It is open to everyone in the community, so please share with your networks.

Seeking local input on Michael Ford’s public art and design concepts for new Village on Park parking structure.

Based on initial public input, architect Michael Ford created and refined designs that will enhance the exterior face of the project as well as the interior stairwell. Now we are seeking public input about his final public art and design concepts by November 7 at noon. Let us know what you think by taking this short survey: https://airtable.com/shrpToQ4OdArUYruN 

Streets Division Updates:

• Fall yard waste collection is in the home stretch. You only have one or two chances for curbside yard waste pickup yet this fall.  Don’t miss out!  Get the dates when you should put yard waste out for your home at www.cityofmadison.com/YardWaste
• Drop-off sites hours and locations will be changing at the end of November.  Before loading your vehicle, be sure you are aware of the hours of where you are going to take yard waste, electronics, and other items.  The drop-off site website is www.cityofmadison.com/DropOffSites
• Alternate side parking restrictions start on November 15.  Yes, winter is coming soon (regardless of how warm it is today).  Get all of your winter information needs, including parking info, at www.cityofmadison.com/Winter
• And finally, if you haven’t downloaded your trash & recycling calendar for 2023 yet it is available at www.cityofmadison.com/CollectionSchedule. 

Metro Service Redesign Feedback – Virtual Public Hearing on November 9^th

On Wednesday, November 9, Metro Transit and the City of Madison Transportation Commission will hold a virtual public hearing at 6 p.m. to approve several items related to Metro’s redesigned service in 2023. All interested attendees must register to speak to attend. The meeting will be interpreted in Spanish, Hmong, Chinese and American Sign Language. 

• Items to be reviewed are:
  • Equity Analysis Summary
  • Equity Analysis Full Report
  • Bus Stop Placements: Stops to Close// New Stops // Maps
  • Route Start/End Times
  • Route Name Updates
  • DRAFT System Map

A number of these items have also been translated into alternate languages and are available here.

General Election is November 8, 2022

Voters can view a sample ballot for their address and find out where and how to vote on the MyVote Wisconsin website.

A number of offices are up for election:

• Governor/Lieutenant Governor
• Attorney General
• Secretary of State
• State Treasurer
• U.S. Senator
• U.S. Congressional Representative – District 2
• State Senator – District 27
  • Voters who reside in District 27 will see this office on their ballot
• Representative to State Assembly – Districts 46, 47, 48, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80
  • Voters who reside in each district will see that district’s race on their ballot
• Dane County Sheriff
• Dane County Clerk of Circuit Court

All Dane County voters will see three referendum questions on their ballots. Voters who reside in the Sun Prairie, Waunakee, Middleton/Cross Plains, or Verona Area School Districts will also see school district referendum questions on their ballot.

Events

• COVID vaccination clinic: A free COVID vaccination clinic will be held at Community Development Authority West, Romnes Apartments (540 W. Olin Avenue), on Thursday, November 10, from 12:30pm-4:30pm. No appointment is needed. Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax will be offered. Available to everyone 6 months and older. All are welcome! If you have any questions, please contact:
  • Christene Decot, cdecot@cityofmadison.com, 608-267-9524, 608-209-8373
  • Renee Robinson, rrobinson@cityofmadison.com, 608-242-6528, 608-220-1556
• Homebuyer education class: The City of Madison, in partnership with the Home Buyers Round Table of Dane County and Consumer Credit Counseling Service, is offering free, HUD-approved homebuyer education classes. Learn more about what it takes to buy your first home, securing a mortgage, and down payment assistance programs. Hear from content experts like realtors, lenders, insurance agents, home inspectors, and housing counselors. The next class is Saturday, November 12, 8:30am-3:30pm, at Villager Mall on Park Street, 2300 S. Park Street, Atrium entrance. Register here. Questions? Contact Maria Davila-Martinez at mdavila-martinez@cityofmadison.com or 608-266-6557.
• Fair housing training seminar: The Fair Housing Center of Greater Madison is offering a free, online fair housing training seminar for owners and managers of rental properties, or staff operating residential programs, in Madison on Wednesday, November 9, 6pm-7:30pm. The seminar will include information about the protected classes and prohibited practices delineated by local, state and federal fair housing laws, as well as emerging issues such as sexual harassment and hate incidents in housing situations. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/MadisonFairHousing or call 608-257-0853. If you need materials in alternate formats or other accommodations to access our services, please call 608-257-0853.
• Salute to Black veterans: A Salute to Black Veterans program is being held Wednesday, November 9, 12pm-2pm at the Radisson Hotel, 517 Grand Canyon Drive. Pre-registration is required. Vets can either email info@newbridgemadison.org or call 608-512-0000, ext. 3002 to register. The program includes a free luncheon honoring all branches of the military. Limited transportation is available upon request. Reservations will be accepted until noon on November 8.
• Lake Monona Waterfront Design Challenge: You are invited to attend the public event series for the Lake Monona Waterfront Design Challenge hosted by Madison Parks. The event series is an opportunity to learn more about the design challenge, the selected teams, their progress in plan development, and the final master plan proposals. The three events include a design challenge kick-off, midpoint check-in, and team presentations of their proposed vision for the Lake Monona Waterfront. The next event in the series is the midpoint check-in:
  • Design Challenge Check-In
    Monday, November 7, 2022 @ 6:00 pm CT
    Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, Lecture Hall, 1 John Nolen Drive
    Design teams will virtually present initial thoughts and concepts in developing a master plan vision for the Lake Monona Waterfront.

Announcements

• Transportation Demand Management Ordinance: On November 1, a proposed Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Ordinance was introduced to the Common Council. TDM focuses on shifting travel to sustainable transportation options such as transit, rideshare, biking, and walking. The TDM website provides a summary of the program and objectives. A brief description of the TDM program can be seen at 1:33 into the video of the August 15 TPPB meeting.
• Put pumpkins in your leaf pile: Streets Division crews will collect pumpkins along with your leave and yard waste. This includes other compostable decorations like corn stalks and hay. Remove any non-compostable items like wire, tea candles, or electric lights from these items and then please set them on top of your leaf pile or leaf bags. Read more here.
• Community Facilities Loan program: A new City of Madison funding program aimed at helping non-profits strengthen and vitalize City neighborhoods is underway. The Community Facilities Loan (CFL) program, administered by the City’s Community Development Division, provides low-cost financing for non-residential developments undertaken by non-profit organizations to acquire or improve properties that will serve the public. Learn more about the new program here.

District 7 Virtual Community Meeting
Wednesday, November 9, 2022-6:00pm

You can join the meeting using your computer, smartphone or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering at https://bit.ly/3fmm8Wf. THE MEETING WILL BE RECORDED.

Please join District 7 Alder Nasra Wehelie for a virtual community meeting where you will hear from her special guests Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes, West Police District Captain Kelly Beckett, and City Traffic Engineer Yang Tao.

AGENDA

• Welcome, introductions, and meeting basics
• MPD Chief Shon Barnes
  • Experience as Madison’s new police chief
  • Strategic plan for public safety in the city
• West Police District Captain Kelly Beckett
  • Update on public safety in District 7
• City Traffic Engineer Yang Tao
  • District 7 traffic engineering projects that are in the pipeline for 2023
  • Gather community input on whether or not to convert streetlights to LED
  • Vision Zero
• Q & A

You’re invited to a playground workshop for Raemisch Homestead Park

The City of Madison Parks Division is improving the playground at Raemisch Homestead Park and they want your input.

This process includes a regional playground workshop specific to playground replacements anticipated for 2023 on the west side including Maple Prairie Park, Oak Park Heights Park and Raemisch Homestead Park.

The workshop will include a larger group discussion, providing opportunity for neighborhoods to learn and share ideas, then will break out into smaller individually staffed sessions to address design considerations specific to each park. Following the workshop, staff will use input gathered at this meeting to develop two playground concepts, which will be presented at a second playground meeting held this winter. The new playground equipment will be installed in 2023.

Please feel free to bring children to help provide input on the playground!

PLAYGROUND WORKSHOP
Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 6:00 pm
Online via Zoom

REGISTER HERE?

Walk-tober

Are you ready for the challenge and get a prize? Walk to work, walk to the store, walk to pick up food, walk before school or just walk for fun. Walk-tober 2022 features walking routes each week to encourage you to get out and enjoy the season.  We also have a Walk-tober Challenge to encourage you to keep walking all month, with fun prizes for everyone who completes it.

Streets Division Updates:

• Fall leaf collection is underway!  Learn when to put out your leaves for pickup at www.cityofmadison.com/YardWaste
• Food scraps recycling at the farmer’s markets ends on October 25, 2022.  Learn more about this program and other ways to manage food waste at www.cityofmadison.com/FoodScraps
• Plan on taking brush or maybe leaves to a drop-off site? The hours and locations are different this year.  Before loading your vehicle, be sure the site you plan on using is open.  Get the hours and locations at www.cityofmadison.com/DropOffSites
• Can you believe it already snowed a little in Madison!  The Streets Division is ready for winter.  Are you?  Get all your winter information from parking rules to outdoor recreation opportunities at www.cityofmadison.com/Winter
• On October 21, 2022 the Streets Division will unveil the names of the electric compactors used at the Sycamore location.  The compactor names and vote totals will be available on the 21^st on the compactor webpage.

General Election is November 8, 2022

Voters can view a sample ballot for their address and find out where and how to vote on the MyVote Wisconsin website.

A number of offices are up for election:

• Governor/Lieutenant Governor
• Attorney General
• Secretary of State
• State Treasurer
• U.S. Senator
• U.S. Congressional Representative – District 2
• State Senator – District 27
  • Voters who reside in District 27 will see this office on their ballot
• Representative to State Assembly – Districts 46, 47, 48, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80
  • Voters who reside in each district will see that district’s race on their ballot
• Dane County Sheriff
• Dane County Clerk of Circuit Court

All Dane County voters will see three referendum questions on their ballots. Voters who reside in the Sun Prairie, Waunakee, Middleton/Cross Plains, or Verona Area School Districts will also see school district referendum questions on their ballot.

Absentee Ballots in the Mail

Voters are encouraged to ensure their absentee ballot certificate envelope is sealed and complete before returning it to the City Clerk’s Office. A complete absentee certificate envelope will include: Voter signature, Witness signature, and Witness address.

IN-PERSON ABSENTEE VOTING STARTS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, IN MADISON

In-person absentee voting will begin Tuesday, Oct. 25, at several locations throughout the City of Madison.

What will you need to bring with you if you’re voting absentee in person?

• An acceptable photo ID for voting in Wisconsin.
• If you need to register for the first time or update your registration because of a move or name change, you will need to bring a proof of residence document with you, too.

Because we have dozens of ballot styles citywide, we use the ExpressVote accessible ballot-marking device for in-person absentee voting.

Voters who have requested an absentee ballot by mail can return their completed absentee ballot to an in-person absentee voting location during the location’s voting hours.

At the end of the voting shift for the day, your absentee ballot will be brought to the Clerk’s Office in a courier bag with a tamper-evident seal.  The unique serial number on the tamper-evident seal is documented on a chain-of-custody form, as is the number of absentee envelopes sealed in the courier bag.

Voting will take place at the locations listed below.

*No voter registration on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 5 – 6, per state law.

Welcome Town of Madison residents to the City of Madison!

A week from Monday, the City of Madison will start providing services to approximately 5,000 additional residents, 2,407 housing units and 835 parcels. All City agencies are getting ready for final attachment, which will occur on October 31. For more information visit www.cityofmadison.com/townofmadison

Events

• Halloween on State Street: The City of Madison will once again be working to make State Street and downtown Madison a safe and enjoyable space for celebrating Halloween. Events that will be occurring, include:
  • Wednesday, October 26
    • Downtown Madison Family Halloween State Street and Capitol Square trick-or-treating for young children and their families from 3:00 – 6:00 PM sponsored by Madison’s Central Business Improvement District.
    • Hayrides around the Capitol Square from 3:00 – 6:00 PM sponsored by Madison Parks.
    • Movies with Madison Parks showing Hocus Pocus from 6:00 – 8:00 PM near the top of State Street.
    • See Halloween Activities for more information.
  • Saturday, October 29
    • Wisconsin Union Directorate Film Committee’s viewing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show at 10:00 PM in Shannon Hall.
    • Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin Performing Suspiria at the Orpheum Theater starting at 8:00 PM.
    • Other opportunities for spooky fun all around Dane County can be found here.
  • Monday, October 31: No planned events

In the past few years, the City has moved away from a formal/sanctioned event for Halloween, also known as Freakfest, and again there will be no formal event this year. There is also no UW football game or homecoming planned for Halloween weekend this year. To facilitate physical safety, a glass ban has been instituted on State Street for Halloween weekend, and Streateries will be closed at 6:00 p.m.

• Nurses 4 Black Wellbeing: Research participants are needed for an anonymous survey. The goal of the study is to learn more about the ways wellbeing, physical activity and life stress can affect blood pressure. Participants must racially identify as Black, cultural and ethnic diversity welcomed, age 18 or older, read/speak English, living in the greater Madison area. The research survey takes 20-30 minutes to complete. PPE will be provided. The research survey is one walking test (10-feet), one questionnaire on a laptop computer (with or without assistance), one blood pressure check, and one interview question about inner strength. Research participants receive one $25 Target gift card as a thank you for their time. This is a UW-Madison research survey. There is no connection with any community service. Questions? Concerns? Need additional information? Please contact Dr. Linda Oakley, black.wellbeing.study@nursing.wisc.edu,   608-263-5866.
  • Date: Wednesday, October 26, 2022 
  • Hours: Walk-in hours from 3pm to 6pm  
  • Where: Badger Building, 818 W. Badger Road (2 blocks off S. Park Street)
• Virtual community sessions on the 2023 budget: The city’s budget for 2023 will be debated and adopted by the Common Council in November. In addition to public comment opportunities at Finance Committee and Council meetings over the next six weeks, there will be two virtual community sessions on the budget. City Finance staff will provide background information on the city’s capital and operating budget process, including highlights of the 2023 executive budget.  This is a great opportunity for residents to learn more about our city’s budget.  Electronic copies of budget information can be found at https://www.cityofmadison.com/finance/budget/2023
• The first virtual session was recorded on October 13. The second virtual session will cover the same presentation and will take place on Monday, October 24. The meeting will start at 5:30 PM and end at 7:00 PM. 
  • Join the October 24 virtual community session (joining with this link will allow you to participate in live Q&A)
  • Live stream the October 24 virtual community session
• Intervention speaker series: Public Health Madison & Dane County continues to work with community partners to implement their Roadmap to Reducing Violence. To support the Roadmap, they co-hosted their violence prevention and intervention speaker series. Recent topics included:
  • Internet crimes against children
  • Back to school safety

         The next speaker series webinar will be:
         Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence “101”
         Thursday, October 27, 12pm – 1pm
         Register now

Announcements

• City of Madison polling place listing: Several polling locations in the City of Madison have changed since the last election. The City Clerk’s Office encourages voters to confirm their polling place before Election Day (November 8). You can look up your polling place address using the MyVote Wisconsin website or go to www.cityofmadison.com/WhereDoIVote. See a list of polling places here.
• Madison Fire now hiring firefighters/EMTs: For the first time since 2019, the Madison Fire Department is accepting applications for the position of fulltime firefighter/EMT. Becoming a firefighter/EMT is a unique opportunity to make a difference in a person’s life – and a direct impact in our community – every single day. No previous fire or EMS experience is necessary to apply. Learn more about this opportunity here.
• Electric compactors names announced: The Streets Division would like to introduce you to their newly named compactors – Rosie the Rubbisher and Stone Cold Squeeze Often. To learn how the names were picked and see a breakdown of the voting, read the news release.
• Lake water quality improved this summer: Great news! A lot fewer beaches were closed for swimming this summer. Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC) took a total of 430 water samples this summer from 23 beaches, looking for E. Coli bacteria and blue-green algae, which can make people sick. The total number of beach closures for swimming and recreation was 124, down significantly from last summer’s total of 345. There are many factors that contribute to the water quality of our lakes. PHMDC’s microbiologist helped explain the role of weather, pollutants, and clean water corridors in an interview on WORT-FM. Take a listen!

Country Grove Park Public Information Meeting

The City of Madison Parks Division is hosting a virtual public information meeting about the Master Plan for Country Grove Park, 7353 East Pass. Parks would like discuss the proposed shelter location and share some other ideas regarding changes to Country Grove in the coming years.

The virtual meeting is scheduled for:

Wednesday, October 26. 2022
6pm-7:30pm
Please register in advance

Please visit the Country Grove Park Master Plan page for more information about the master planning process.

Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of October 17, 2022

Meetings

• The Common Council does not meet the week of September 26, but many other City committees do, including the Finance Committee (10/17 and 10/18), Alcohol License Review Committee, Common Council Executive Committee, and Board of Health for Madison and Dane County. To see the full list of City meetings scheduled for the week, please consult the City meeting schedule.
• Town of Madison final public information meeting: The City of Madison will hold a Final Public Information Meeting for the Town of Madison Attachment on October 20, 2022 at 6pm. This public meeting will be conducted virtually and prior registration is required. Come meet City of Madison staff and learn about the Town of Madison attachment.

Events

• Dick Wagner honored in park dedication: In December 2021, Madison lost R. Richard Wagner, a public servant and community leader. On Friday, October 21, 1:30pm, the community is invited to join U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Alder Mike Verveer and friends as we honor the legacy of Dick Wagner in a park dedication ceremony. We will honor his legacy in a park dedication ceremony, renaming Kerr-McGee Triangle Park, 728 Jenifer Street, to R. Richard Wagner Park. More details here.
• Halloween on State Street: The City of Madison will once again be working to make State Street and downtown Madison a safe and enjoyable space for celebrating Halloween. Events that will be occurring include:
  • Wednesday, October 26
    • Downtown Madison Family Halloween State Street and Capitol Square trick-or-treating for young children and their families from 3:00 – 6:00 PM sponsored by Madison’s Central Business Improvement District.
    • Hayrides around the Capitol Square from 3:00 – 6:00 PM sponsored by Madison Parks.
    • Movies with Madison Parks showing Hocus Pocus from 6:00 – 8:00 PM near the top of State Street.
    • See Halloween Activities for more information.
  • Saturday, October 29
    • Wisconsin Union Directorate Film Committee’s viewing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show at 10:00 PM in Shannon Hall.
    • Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin Performing Suspiria at the Orpheum Theater starting at 8:00 PM.
    • Other opportunities for spooky fun all around Dane County can be found here.
  • Monday, October 31: No planned events

In the past few years, the City has moved away from a formal/sanctioned event for Halloween, also known as Freakfest, and again there will be no formal event this year. There is also no UW football game or homecoming planned for Halloween weekend this year. To facilitate physical safety, a glass ban has been instituted on State Street for Halloween weekend, and Streateries will be closed at 6pm.

• Homebuyer education class: The City of Madison, in partnership with the Home Buyers Round Table of Dane County and Consumer Credit Counseling Service, want to share with you these HUD Approved Homebuyer Education classes occurring monthly through the rest of 2022! Find all the events by following here. The next class for October is open! Learn more about what it takes to buy your first home, securing a mortgage, and down payment assistance programs. Hear from content experts like realtors, lenders, insurance agents, home inspectors, and housing counselors.
  • Time: 8am to 3pm
  • Date: Saturday, October 22, 2022 Register by October 18th
  • Location: Villager Mall on Park Street, Atrium Entrance (2300 S Park St. Madison, WI 53713)
  • Education provided by Consumer Credit Counseling Service and made possible by Home Buyers Round Table.
  • Register here: https://homebuyersroundtable.org/event/free-homebuyer-education-class-october-2022/
  • Any questions contact Maria Davila-Martinez (mailto:mdavila-martinez@cityofmadison.com) or by phone at 608-266-6557.
• Food scraps recycling: Food scraps recycling for 2022 ends on October 25 at two farmer’s market drop-off sites:
  • Market Site 1: South Madison Farmer’s Market (1602 S. Park Street, Labor Temple)
    • Hours: 2:00pm to 6:00pm.
    • Dates open: Only Tuesday markets
  • Market Site 2: Eastside Farmer’s Market (202 S. Ingersoll Street, McPike Park)
    • Hours: 4:00pm to 7:00pm
    • Dates open: Only Tuesday evenings

Also, consider composting your food scraps in your own backyard. News release

• Violence prevention: Join Public Health Madison & Dane County Violence Prevention Unit as they host the first of two violence prevention speaker series events during the month of October:
  • Speaker Series Event #4 – Panel Discussion
    • “The importance of youth engagement and connection in violence prevention efforts”
    • Wednesday, October 19, 2022, 12pm-1pm
    • Registration required

Announcements

• Celebrating native nations: Madison Public Library – in partnership with Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison – is bringing back a popular program from last year that centers the experiences, traditions and lifeways of Native people in and around Madison. Native presenters from different nations will lead programs highlighting both traditional and contemporary practices, stories, and community relationships. Programs kick off in October following Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and include art workshops, cooking and crop demonstrations, storytelling, presentations on traditional skills and customs, and more! Find all the details here.
• Spotlight on Cherokee Marsh: As we conclude the celebration of 50 years of conservation parks in Madison, we focus your attention on Madison’s largest conservation park. So large, the more than 1,300 acres of Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park are divided into three unique units – Mendota, North and South. Cherokee Marsh – North Unit was designated a conservation park in 1971 when the Parks Division first created the Conservation Park program. Read more about this natural wonder here.
• October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: One out of every eight women in the United States are at risk of developing breast cancer during their lifetime. In 2022, The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 5,380 new cases of breast cancer in Wisconsin. Early diagnosis is key to helping create better outcomes. Access to screening can be limited among people with lower incomes and who lack health insurance. To bridge this gap, the Wisconsin Well Woman Program (WWWP) offers free breast exams, mammograms and other diagnostic tests for women ages 45-64 (or under 45, for those with a current breast concern), who have limited income and insurance. Learn more here.
• Electric compactors to be named: Finally, the Streets Division will be revealing the names of the trash and recycling electric compactors used at the drop-off site located at 4602 Sycamore Avenue. Earlier this year, a ranked-choice style election was held to choose the names from a list of finalists. Over 2,200 votes were received during the election and two names received the highest number of total points were selected. On October 21, 2022, the names of the compactors will be revealed along with the breakdown of the voting totals. See the full list of very creative finalist names here.
• Madison Forward Fund: The Madison Forward Fund, a year-long guaranteed income experimental program, has distributed the first of twelve monthly payments to low-income families. The guaranteed income is a monthly payment of $500 given directly to 155 households for 12 months. It is unconditional, with no strings attached and no work requirements. The program is founded on the belief that Madison families deserve a basic level of income to support fundamental needs, and that people experiencing financial scarcity are best positioned to make decisions regarding their household needs. Read more here.
• 2023 Operating Budget: In this year’s Operating Budget, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway’s focus is on the programs and services that build a safer community, build healthier neighborhoods and create opportunities for youth. The City’s operating budget funds the numerous services, programs, and skilled staff that sustain high quality City services and help keep Madison strong. This operating budget released today is in addition to the 2023 Executive Capital Budget, released in September, which funds infrastructure, buildings and other capital investments. Read the news release here.
• October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Domestic Violence Awareness Month is held throughout the month of October as a way to bring advocates across the nation together to end domestic violence.? Throughout the month of October, the City of Madison, along with communities across the country, will mourn for those whose lives were taken by domestic violence, celebrate the tremendous progress victim advocates have made over the years, and connect with one another with a true sense of unity to end domestic violence. If you or someone you know feels unsafe in a relationship, help is available 24 hours a day by calling (608) 251-4445 or texting (608) 420-4638.  In an emergency, please call 911. For more resources, please visit https://abuseintervention.org/
• Healthy Communities Fund: The 2022 Healthy Communities Fund application period is now open. $14,000 is available to be awarded to local projects in Madison and Dane County that make an effort to address health inequity in our communities. Applications are due by November 11.
  • Landing page on the Public Health website
  • Direct link to application
• “Street Meets”: The City of Madison Engineering Division has a new digiseries out focusing on five impactful street and paths design projects the community has endured during the 2022 construction season. The digiseries “Street Meets” is a series of five videos focusing on the following projects:
  • University Avenue 
  • Old Middleton Road 
  • Jenifer Street 
  • St. Paul Avenue 
  • South Blair Street 

Moon over Monona Terrace TONIGHT, October 7^th, 7-9:30 p.m.

FREE tickets at mononaterrace.com All ages are invited to the Monona Terrace rooftop this Friday, Oct. 7 from 7- 9:30 pm to view the Moon and other celestial objects such as Jupiter and Saturn through a multitude of different telescopes provided by the Madison Astronomical Society. The evening will also feature fun learning activities for kids with educational games and prizes, and short kid friendly presentations about the moon and sky conditions. In the event of rain or cloud cover, the activities, presentations and games will be moved inside.

Streets Division Updates:

• Brush collection is over.  Do not set out more brush for pickup at this time.  Take your brush to a drop-off site (www.cityofmadison.com/DropOffSites)
• Yard waste & leaf collection starts is underway. Get the dates when you should set out your leaves and yard waste for pickup at www.cityofmadison.com/YardWaste
• The food scraps recycling drop-off is coming to a close of October 25.  To learn more about where you can take food scraps, and the hours and locations of the farmer’s market drop-off sites, visit www.cityofmadison.com/FoodScraps

Calling all Neighborhood Leaders! Please share any profile and contact updates by November 14.  Madison’s neighborhoods are the building blocks that make our community strong. The City of Madison values all the work that neighborhood organizations do in the community, and we would like to continue helping you bring people together to form a collective, united voice. The City of Madison has formally recognized many neighborhood organizations based on a few different criteria, as described on the City website. If your organization has been formally recognized, it will be listed with a descriptive profile that neighbors, businesses, community based organizations, and educational institutions use to find out about your group. Please find your group on our City website, review the information, and if you would like any changes, you can update your information here. If you have any questions, please send an email to Neighborhoods@cityofmadison.com

Health & Resource Fair for Older Adults Tuesday October 11^th 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Madison Senior Center, 330 W Mifflin St. FREE health screenings for depression & stress, memory, blood pressure, hearing and vision. Also, find info on Medicare, housing, scams, dementia and many more important topics, and attend two special presentations: Stay Warm & Save Energy by Madison Gas & Electric in both English and Spanish and Brain & Body Fitness by graduate students from UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health. This is a great opportunity to learn, collect information and get free health screenings; plus win door prizes and enjoy light refreshments. Call 266-6581 or email seniorcenter@cityofmadison.com for more information.

General Election is November 8, 2022

Voters can view a sample ballot for their address and find out where and how to vote on the MyVote Wisconsin website.

A number of offices are up for election:

• Governor/Lieutenant Governor
• Attorney General
• Secretary of State
• State Treasurer
• U.S. Senator
• U.S. Congressional Representative – District 2
• State Senator – District 27
  • Voters who reside in District 27 will see this office on their ballot
• Representative to State Assembly – Districts 46, 47, 48, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80
  • Voters who reside in each district will see that district’s race on their ballot
• Dane County Sheriff
• Dane County Clerk of Circuit Court

All Dane County voters will see three referendum questions on their ballots. Voters who reside in the Sun Prairie, Waunakee, Middleton/Cross Plains, or Verona Area School Districts will also see school district referendum questions on their ballot.

Absentee Ballots in the Mail

Voters are encouraged to ensure their absentee ballot certificate envelope is sealed and complete before returning it to the City Clerk’s Office. A complete absentee certificate envelope will include: Voter signature, Witness signature, and Witness address.

Town of Madison Final Public Information Meeting

The City of Madison will hold a Final Public Information Meeting for the Town of Madison Attachment on October 20, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. This public meeting will be conducted virtually and prior registration is required. Join us to meet City of Madison staff and learn about the Town of Madison attachment.

Events

• Madison Senior Center Health & Resource Fair: The Madison Senior Center’s annual Health & Resource Fair is on Tuesday, October 11, 9am-11:30am, at the Senior Center, 330 W. Mifflin Street. Learn more about the event here, or call 608-266-6581 or email seniorcenter@cityofmadison.com for more information.
• Community Talk Back Series: Join the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness (FFBWW) at noon on October 11 for their Community Powered Policy Session to share your thoughts on the most pressing issues affecting Black women, children, and families. Your feedback will directly shape the policy recommendations included in their “Policy Blueprint for Black Women’s Health: Black Women Deserve,” which will be published as a resource and roadmap for policymakers and decision-makers across the nation. All community members are invited to attend the various sessions. Register here for the upcoming session or future sessions.
• 20th Annual Wisconsin Book Festival: The schedule for the 20th Anniversary Fall Celebration of the Wisconsin Book Festival has been released! Visit wisconsinbookfestival.org to see the full lineup for the 4-day celebration taking place October 13-16 and start saving the date for your favorites. Catch international best-selling author Andy Weir for Project Hail Mary, activist and advocate Brenda Myers Powell for Leaving Breezy Street, Reese’s Book Club author Thrity Umrigar for Honor and many more!
• Fire truck parade: Please join the Madison Fire Department (MFD) on Sunday, October 9, at 1pm, for the annual Fire Truck Parade. For 2022, MFD has partnered with Downtown Madison to enhance the event with a fire safety scavenger hunt, fire-themed story walk, and deals and specials at downtown stores and restaurants.
• Walk-tober is back: For the third consecutive year, the City of Madison is promoting staying active this fall with a special month-long event, Walk-tober. This series of planned activities and events hopes to motivate the public to get out and walk during the month of October. The Walk-tober website provides weekly scheduled activities, walk suggestions, contests and a few collaborations (reading lists, nature walks and the “Walk or Wheel” challenge) with stakeholders around the city. You may also want to read about the 26th annual National Walk & Roll to School Day on October 12.
• Virtual community sessions on the 2023 budget: The city’s budget for 2023 will be debated and adopted by the Common Council in November. In addition to public comment opportunities at Finance Committee and Council meetings over the next six weeks, there will be two virtual community sessions on the budget. City Finance staff will provide background information on the city’s capital and operating budget process, including highlights of the 2023 executive budget.  This is a great opportunity for residents to learn more about our city’s budget.  Electronic copies of budget information can be found at www.cityofmadison.com/finance/budget/2023. Virtual community sessions on the 2023 budget will be held on Thursday, October 13, and Monday, October 24.  Both meetings will start at 5:30 PM and end at 7:00 PM. 
  • Join the October 13 virtual community session
  • Live stream the October 13 virtual community session
  • Join the October 24 virtual community session
  • Live stream the October 24 virtual community session

Announcements

• Accessibility to the ballot: The City of Madison Clerk’s Office works to make sure that every eligible voter is able to cast a ballot and have that ballot counted. Making sure all voters know their options for casting a ballot is one way they try to reach that goal. Learn more about the several tools that Clerk’s Office staff and election officials use to make sure voting is accessible in the City of Madison.
• Jeffrey Clay Erlanger Award: The City of Madison invites you to submit nominations for its annual Jeffrey Clay Erlanger Civility in Public Discourse Award. This award honors Jeffrey Clay Erlanger, who was an individual of integrity, passion, intelligence and civility. Jeff understood that thoughtful and caring people could have very different views on how to best address our community’s many complex issues and problems. Jeff, who died on June 10, 2007, spent a significant part of his life committed to public service, focusing on constructive advocacy and civil debate, fairness, openness and effective representation. He embraced the similarities that unite us. Find more information about the award and the nomination process here. Read the news release here.
• Dane CORE 2.0 application portal: As of October 5, the Dane CORE 2.0 application portal has reopened. For anyone who submitted an application prior to September 15, your application is still being processed and there is no need to submit a new application. To view the status of your application, or to check for open tasks (meaning you may be missing documentation in your file), please log into Neighborly and review your submitted application. For new applications, including Additional Funding Requests, there are new program eligibility requirements. The new program requirements include:
  • Program benefits will be available only to those with household incomes at or below 50% of the County Median Income, which are the following limits: Household Size of 1 $40,400, Household Size of 2 $46,150, Household Size of 3 $51,900, Household Size of 4 $57,650, Household Size of 5 $62,300, see website for more.
  • The program will provide assistance only for past-due (unpaid) rents.
  • Only arrears accrued since July 1, 2021, will be eligible.
  • Limited assistance will remain available for forward/future rent payments, and only if paired with security deposit assistance.

To learn about program eligibility and to apply for Dane CORE 2.0, please visit www.danecore.org.

• Vision Zero: The final Vision Zero speed reduction for 2022 will occur on a portion of Segoe Road beginning on October 10. This area was selected due to the busy use for multi-modal street traffic, its proximity to a school and park, as well as lots of residents, restaurants and a large shopping area. The section of Segoe Road that will see the speed reduced to 25mph is from University Avenue to Odana Road, approximately 2.2 miles.
  
  Nationally, a statistical analysis to the first quarter of 2022 shows that traffic fatalities are up 7% compared to 2021, which was already a high year for traffic fatalities. In contrast to the national trend, Madison crash data shows the total number of traffic crashes are down 5% for the first half of 2022, compared to the first half of 2021. Even more astounding is that fatalities and serious injury crashes are down 29% in the first half of 2022 compared to the first half of 2021. These promising statistics tell us that the citywide Vision Zero project improvements are making a difference!

Mayor Rhodes-Conway Releases 2023 Executive Capital Budget Prioritizing Affordable Housing, Climate Resiliency and Strong Neighborhoods

Mayor Rhodes-Conway released her 2023 Executive Capital Budget and 6-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which detail her funding proposals for buildings, infrastructure and other capital investments in Madison. The Capital Budget is one major piece of the City’s budget. In a month, she will introduce her 2023 Executive Operating Budget, which focuses on services, staffing and programs. (See included links for the full capital budget, summary and project map.)

Wayne Strong Received Annual Reverend Wright Human Rights Award

The 2022 annual Reverend Wright Human Rights Award was given to Wayne Strong (posthumously). Unfortunately, Wayne passed away earlier this year. The award was presented to Wayne’s wife, Terri, at the Common Council meeting on Tuesday, September 20, 2022.

Wayne was passionate about all forms of justice. He knew that young African American men needed positive role models and activities to succeed in spite of the racism and barriers that they experienced. Thirty years ago, as a neighborhood police officer, Wayne got involved in the Southside Raiders Youth Football and Cheerleading Program. He kept the program going long after he left the force. He was there for all youth, even those who were justice-involved, had trouble in school, or had fallen through the cracks in other ways.

General Election is November 8, 2022

The General Election is coming up on November 8th and voters can view a sample ballot for their address on the MyVote Wisconsin website.

A number of offices are up for election:

• Governor/Lieutenant Governor
• Attorney General
• Secretary of State
• State Treasurer
• U.S. Senator
• U.S. Congressional Representative – District 2
• State Senator – District 27
  • Voters who reside in District 27 will see this office on their ballot
• Representative to State Assembly – Districts 46, 47, 48, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80
  • Voters who reside in each district will see that district’s race on their ballot
• Dane County Sheriff
• Dane County Clerk of Circuit Court

All Dane County voters will see three referendum questions on their ballots. Voters who reside in the Sun Prairie, Waunakee, Middleton/Cross Plains, or Verona Area School Districts will also see school district referendum questions on their ballot.

Absentee Ballots in the Mail

Voters are encouraged to ensure their absentee ballot certificate envelope is sealed and complete before returning it to the City Clerk’s Office. A complete absentee certificate envelope will include: Voter signature, Witness signature, and Witness address.

Complete Green Streets Public Presentation

Join City of Madison staff and project consultants at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, for a virtual public presentation to share the draft Complete Green Streets framework, including priorities and decision-making elements that will shape how the City plans to design streets moving forward.  More information and a link to register for the Zoom meeting is online at www.cityofmadison.com/talkstreets

Town of Madison Final Public Information Meeting

The City of Madison will hold a Final Public Information Meeting for the Town of Madison Attachment on October 20, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. This public meeting will be conducted virtually and prior registration is required. Join us to meet City of Madison staff and learn about the Town of Madison attachment.

Madison Public Library is offering Birding Backpacks

Thanks to a generous donation from the Feminist Bird Club-Madison Chapter and the Madison Public Library Foundation, birding Backpacks can be checked out for 7 days at a time and Madisonians will find two backpacks at each Madison Public Library location. No holds are available for the bags, so they are first-come, first-serve.

Streets Division Updates

Residents get three curbside collection opportunities in the fall – Yard waste and leaves can be placed on the terrace, which is the grassy space between the sidewalk and the curb. If no terrace is available, it can be placed at the road edge or in the driveway apron. Click here for more information.

Updates from Alder Wehelie

• Fair Housing Training: The Fair Housing Center of Greater Madison is offering a free online fair housing training seminar for owners and managers of rental properties, or staff operating residential programs, in Madison on Thursday, September 29, 8:30am – 10am and on Wednesday, November 9, 6pm-7:30pm. The seminar will include information about the protected classes and prohibited practices delineated by local, state and federal fair housing laws, as well as emerging issues such as sexual harassment and hate incidents in housing situations. To register for this free online seminar, visit https://tinyurl.com/MadisonFairHousing or call 608-257-0853.

• MFD virtual recruitment open house events: For the first time ever, the Madison Fire Department (MFD) will host a series of virtual recruitment open houses aimed at introducing new audiences to the idea of becoming a career firefighter/EMT.
  • The first virtual open house takes place Monday, September 26, 6pm-8pm. Register here to participate.
  • On Tuesday, October 4, 6pm-8pm, the MFD will host a virtual recruitment open house for women. This event is designed to connect women interested in fire/EMS with other women currently serving at the MFD, and to share job-related information that is especially relevant to women. Register here to participate.

• Business District Support Program: The Business District Support Program website is now live and is accepting applications on a first come, first served basis. This program will provide grant funds to eligible local organizations that can activate or reactivate business districts by promoting small businesses and other economic growth activities such as programs, assistance, and events such as markets or festivals. In addition, this grant can be for existing business associations or new groups interested in exploring or starting a new business district.
• Indigenous People’s Day 2022 Tribute: Adams Outdoor Advertising is seeking art from native students for a week-long digital display in honor of indigenous nations in Wisconsin. These designs will appear at different times throughout the day and week on digital billboards in the Madison area (Sun Prairie, DeForest, Waunakee). Each design will feature an image of the artwork, the artist’s name, and the title of the artwork. Submissions are due by October 1. Questions? Contact Evan Schultz at 608-271-7900 or eschultz@adamsoutdoor.com.
  • What to submit
    • Photo or JPEG file of the artwork
    • Artist’s full name and tribal affiliation
    • Title of artwork, if applicableOpen to all artistic mediums (may be cropped to fit billboard
  • Where to submit
    • Evan Schultz, eschultz@adamsoutdoor.com
    • Abbey Chitwood, achitwood@adamsoutdoor.com
• Dane CORE 2.0: Dane County and the City of Madison were notified this week that their requests for additional emergency rental assistance funds have been approved. That means more federal funds will soon be available to continue the Dane CORE 2.0 program. The Dane CORE 2.0 application portal, which temporarily closed on September 15, will re-open at 12:00 am CST on Wednesday, October 5, for persons interested in submitting new applications and additional funding requests (AFR’s). Applications received prior to the September 15 pause will continue to be processed without interruption, and eligible claims will be paid. It is not necessary to resubmit those applications when the portal re-opens. Anyone wishing to review the status of an application that has already been submitted to see if there are any open tasks and that all information is up to date should log into Neighborly. Please note that the program changes described in our previous message will go into effect for any applications submitted after the portal re-opens. These changes are designed to reserve funds for those households facing the greatest economic hardships. They include the following:
  • Program benefits will be available only to those with household incomes at or below 50% of the County Median Income. (Previously, the income threshold was 80% of County Median Income).
  • The program will provide assistance only for past-due (unpaid) rents.
  • Only arrears accrued since July 1, 2021 will be eligible.
  • Assistance will not be available for forward/future rent payments unless paired with security deposit assistance.

• Credit card outages in City parking garages and lots: The Parking Division anticipates intermittent credit card processing outages due to network maintenance beginning at 7am on Saturday, September 24. This maintenance will temporarily disable the use of credit and debit cards at nearly all City-owned parking garages and lots. We expect credit and debit card services to resume later in the morning. More information here.

Please join us for our National Drug Take Back Day on October 29^th!

This event encourages everyone to clean out unused, expired, or unwanted prescription medications! Dane County – Safe Communities Madison Dane County, the African American Opioid Coalition, area law enforcement, and local community coalitions invite the public to participate in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Safely turn in expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs at our three designated collection sites in Madison on Saturday, October 29th. These are the site locations:

Prescription Drug Take Back Day provides a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposal of medications, while also educating the community about the potential abuse and consequences of improper storage and disposal of these medications.

GUIDELINES:

All waste pharmaceuticals must be generated by a household – no businesses are allowed.

• Bring: Prescription (controlled and non-controlled) and over-the-counter medications, ointments, patches, inhalers, non-aerosol sprays, creams, vials and pet medications.  Sharps will also be accepted.

• Do Not Bring: Illegal drugs, acids, aerosol cans, bio-hazardous materials (anything containing a bodily fluid or blood), personal care products (shampoo, soaps, lotions, sunscreen), household hazardous waste (paint, pesticides, oil, gas), mercury thermometers.

Participants may dispose of solid, non-liquid medication(s) by removing the medication from its container and disposing of it directly into a disposal box or into a clear sealable plastic bag. Plastic pill containers should not be collected. Blister packages without the medications being removed are acceptable.

Liquids will be accepted during this initiative. However, the liquids, creams and sprays must be in their original packaging. Liquids without the original packaging will not be accepted.

Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this initiative and should not be placed in collection containers.

**Safe Communities will also be providing free medicine lock boxes at each site

If you have any questions, please let us know!! Learn more about the event, time, and locations at https://safercommunity.net/meddrop/

Hope to see you there!