City-County Building
Common Council

Week of January 19, 2026

posted 

District Niners,

This cautionary tale is about the challenges of winter in Wisconsin, especially for those fifty-five years of age and older.  It is "raw" out there and the danger of falling is real.  The slick spots are hidden below that fresh layer of snow and the conditions are such that (if not careful) you will fall.  If you do not have cleats for your shoes, walking poles or a hiking pole...consider staying inside especially given the sub temperature projections for this coming week.

A District 9 Walnut Grove constituent (G.S.) posted information about available resources on Nextdoor for those who have appointments, errands, grocery shopping, etc. She writes that: 

1.)  RSVP (a free service) provides rides for the elderly for medical and dental appointments. They appreciate donations and you need to give them at least 2 weeks notice. 

2). Home Service is a free program sponsored by Madison Public Library. Volunteers will bring your books to you and will pick them up when they are due. Note:  The program is for people who permanently cannot get to the library. You can always check out books using this service but you, yourself or a friend, cannot go back to picking up books at the library on your library card once you join.  

3.) "Transit Solutions is a program that picks you up at your house, takes you to a shopping area, picks you up from the shopping area and brings you back home. They will even put your parcels in the house for you. There is a two dollar round-trip fee. They go to different places on different days. They pick you up around 10 am and start taking people home at noon. On the West Side, for example, on Fridays they go to Aldi’s and Target in Fitchburg. On Thursdays they go to Greenway Cross in Middleton. On Wednesdays they go to Hilldale, Metcalfs, Target and Metro Market in the University and Midvale Blvd area."

  4.)  "Metro Transit is a program for elderly and disabled that will take you to your destination for a $3.25 fee each way. You fill out a form and they determine if you are eligible. This is for those who are not on a bus line or who can’t walk to a bus stop. They operate from early in the morning to late at night 7 days a week including holidays. You need to arrange your service by 4:30 pm the day before. 

Continuing, she writes, "I hope this helps people out there who need such services. I have used all but one of these programs so far and found everyone to be exceptionally kind and helpful. I was just recently approved for Metro Transit and have every reason to believe they will also be great."

Updates and Notices

Observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day: City of Madison offices are closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. All emergency services will be open. In case of an emergency, please call 911. For non-emergencies, please visit the following webpage for contact information.

Boards, Commissions & Committee Meetings

Note: This is not a complete list of meetings for this upcoming week. All meetings and their details can be found at the Meeting Schedule page.

If you would like more information about becoming a member of a City board, commission, or committee, please visit the page linked here.

Announcements & Releases

Additional upcoming events can also be found on the City events calendar.

 

Your well-being,

Be extra careful out there District Niners when you are out and about. Take your time, watch our step and stay vertical.

Until next time, be safe and be well.

 

Joann

 

 

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District 9 - Alder Pritchett

Portrait of Alder Joann Pritchett

Alder Joann Pritchett

District 9
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