District 13 Updates: Vote!, Snow Emergency Zone Expansion, Buy Local

Hi Everyone,

I can't ignore the spectacle we were subjected to Tuesday night. The "debate" was a low-water mark in our democracy. Rather than dwelling on it to the point of despair, let's choose to double down on our own expressions of participatory democracy.

Most importantly in my mind that means VOTE. 

Democracy in the Park will take place once again this Saturday, October 3 in over 200 city parks to provide you a safe means of turning in your absentee ballot.  (This includes Vilas Park – Vilas Park Drive will open again for the weekend, with the barricades back in place Monday morning.)

Attending YWCA's Racial Justice Summit this week offered me much-needed ballast against the stormy blast of Tuesday's debate debacle. The theme of this year's summit is Reconstruction, Centering Blackness – A Path to Build Collective Power and Justice for All, with keynotes from Alicia Walters, Winona LaDuke, john a. powell, Rev. angel Kyodo williams, and Charlene Carruthers.

It's been a bit like taking a sip of water from a fire hose. A lot to take in. Very powerful and thought-provoking.

The summit wraps up today, but the work continues. An important film is being shown at First Unitarian Society this Friday and you're invited. The First Friday Film at FUS, Friday, October 2nd features The Long Shadow, a history of anti-Black racism in the US. A film that Paul Kivel, co-founder of Showing Up for Racial Justice calls "A must see for white people concerned about racial equity and social justice." You can view this film by going to this link anytime on October 2nd, but are encouraged to start your viewing no later than 6:30pm and join the after-film discussion: http://thelongshadowfilm.com/fus-madison/  This link contains links to the film screening as well as the after-film discussion.

Snow Emergency Zone Expansion

It's already October, and it's not too soon to get ready for the snow season.  (Remember how it snowed last year for Halloween?) 

The Snow Emergency Zone has expanded to include all of District 13 – this includes the Dudgeon-Monroe neighborhood, newly added this year.

If you park in the Snow Emergency Zone, you only need to follow overnight alternate side parking rules during a Declared Snow Emergency.  Many streets within the Snow Emergency Zone also have posted year-round Clean Streets/Clean Lakes parking rules. All posted parking rules remain in effect in the winter.  During a Declared Snow Emergency, follow both Clean Streets/Clean Lakes and alternate side parking rules.

Be reminded, please, that Clean Streets/Clean Lakes parking enforcement resumes this coming Monday, October 5. Clean Streets/Clean Lakes prohibits parking for one side of a street for a four hour window of time. The parking restriction allows for street sweeping, snow plowing, and other maintenance work. This is a year-round restriction in most areas of Madison.

Reminders about Leaf & Yard Waste Pick-up and Rain Barrel and Compost Bin Sale

New Leaf and Yard Waste Collection Schedule Now Available: Collection begins the week of October 11, 2020. For the fall of 2020, all neighborhoods of Madison have assigned days when they should set leaves and yard waste out for curbside collection. The leaves and yard waste collection schedule is now available at www.cityofmadison.com/yardwaste.

Don't forget the Rain Barrel and Compost Bin sale coming up on Oct 10!  Additional details here. 

Reduce Salt Use This Winter

Choose a responsible winter maintenance professional who is educated on salt impacts to our environment. For a full list of Salt Certified Applicators in Madison & upcoming Salt Certification Training dates, visit: cityofmadison.com/live-work/sustainability/winter-salt-certification.  (Just a reminder, if you're able to shovel frequently, you can reduce and sometimes eliminate the need for salt altogether.)

Buy Local, Support District 13 Businesses

If you're still feeling down about the "sh*tshow" of a debate and all the other stressors in our world today, a little retail therapy may be in order.  Here is a bulletin about Monroe Street businesses that could use your support:

Likewise, there are a number of businesses on Regent St, S. Park and Lakeside that are struggling during the pandemic and need your support. Please shop local whenever you can and help these businesses stay open!

That's all for now.

Take care and stay safe.

Tag