Week of August 31, 2026

District Niners,

On Tuesday, the fourth quarter of the year begins and for those of you who follow the almanac, the beginning of fall or the fall equinox begins on September 22nd.  Yes, it's getting darker earlier. This week, the last gasp of summer with temperatures in the upper 80's return.  Do remember to stay hydrated.  If grocery stores or thrift stores seem a little bit crowded, not to worry…its returning students stocking their kitchen cabinets or looking for décor items for their apartments.  After all, that's a good thing (recycling, repurposing and up-cycling in action)!  Please, take your foot off the gas pedal, slow down and observe the speed limits.

Updates and Notices

• If you have an interest in innovative libraries where imagination coupled with infinite and unfettered curiosity surrounds you, save the date (September 25th) and attend the  Opening Date of the  Imagination Center at Reindahl Park on the EAST side hosted by Madison Public Library, City of Madison Engineering,  Madison Parks and Madison Public Library Foundation. The Imagination Center at Reindahl Park is a multifunctional indoor-outdoor facility containing both a library and four-season parks pavilion. The building will open on Friday, September 25 with a ribbon cutting ceremony led by Library, City, and State officials at 3-4pm. Following the ribbon cutting, neighbors and residents are invited to an opening weekend of activities, including building tours, a how-to corner, nature walks, food trucks, a movie in the park, and more. 
• Are you new to Madison? Not quite sure how you want or will transport yourself to work or school?  Confused about the best route to take?  Afraid of the beltline?  Can I walk, bike, etc.?   If you are looking for answers, consider taking advantage of the Smart Trips Challenge to provide you with options to save money, reduce anxiety about beltline traffic, reduce your carbon footprint, etc.  The challenge is free and open to anyone age 18 or older who lives or works in Dane County. Create a free Round Trip account and log your eligible visiting trips for chances to win more than a dozen weekly and grand prize drawings. Are you ready? Visit the  Smart Trips Challenge 2026 on- line.

Boards, Commissions & Committee Meetings

• Finance Committee: The Finance Committee meeting will take place on Monday, August 31, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include authorizing the Economic Development Division to administer a Williamson Street Business Stabilization Support Program, as well as transferring $28,500 from the contingent reserve to the Office of the Independent Monitor for additional staffing and services costs.

Announcements & News Releases

Plan your trip accordingly If your travels take you anywhere near UW-Madison dormitories.  Please note that new and returning students will be moving in.  Plan your travel to avoid: 

• Street Closures for UW-Madison Housing Move In: Starting at 6:00am on Saturday, August 29th, multiple streets will be closed for the annual UW-Madison Housing Move In. The closures will be in effect daily from 6:00am to 6:00pm on August 29th, 30th, and 31st. 
• John Nolen Drive Traffic Pattern Changes Active Through Spring 2027:  Starting at 6:00 am on Tuesday, September 1, the left turn from southbound Broom Street onto John Nolen Drive will close to facilitate the remaining construction 
• State Street Campus Garage Officially Open: The newly completed State Street Campus redevelopment Project brings public parking, student housing, and regional bus service to downtown Madison. 
• Winners Announced for 2026 WE READ Youth Voices Writing Contest : MADISON, WI -- Three young Madison writers were announced and recognized this week as the winners of Madison Public Library and Forward Madison FC's 5th Annual WE READ Youth Voices Writing Contest. 

Events

• International Overdose Awareness Day, Monday, August 31: International Overdose Awareness Day provides a space for remembrance, connection, and healing for those impacted by loss.
• Get your plans for Labor Day underway by attending: Louka & Co., Friday, September 4: Get ready for an unforgettable evening on the Glen Patio with Louka & Co, a dynamic group known for their eclectic blend of bluegrass and beyond.

Your well-being

Several years ago, while visiting with my sister in Ohio at a local bookstore, I overheard a gentleman asking an associate to tell him how to get to the self-help section of the bookstore.  She replied, “If I told you that, it would defeat the purpose."  That brings me to why curiosity should be a major reason for getting up in the morning. Try, for example, instead of asking someone to tell you where the Best this or the best that is located, consider getting on the bus and when you see something interesting, get off and get lost! You never know what you will find or learn.  Have fun!

Until next time.

Joann