Paul Soglin: Waxing America

Mass Transit 40 Under 40

Congratulations to Madison Metro’s own Transit Marketing Specialist,  Jessica Stammer,  for being named one of Mass Transit’s 40 Under 40! Jessica started with Madison Metro as an intern working on creating an in-house advertising program. Her many accomplishments, including creating a database of advertising information on buses and installing QR codes at more than 300 bus stops for real time bus arrival, led to her hiring in January of 2013.

Since, Jessica has taken over Metro’s employer bus pass program as well as their electronic communications, with astounding success. We are proud to have Jessica on hand and appreciate all she has done and continues to do to make our City better!

To read more about Jessica click on the link below:

http://www.masstransitmag.com/article/12089957/2015-top-40-under-40-jessica-stammer

Community Conversation on Community/Police Relations

September 2nd on Madison’s Southwest side, a neighborhood police officer when responding to an altercation, was physically attacked by one of the individuals involved and verbally harassed by several bystanders. Incidents like this one that escalate into violence endanger not only those involved, but our community as a whole.

Alders Matt Phair and Barbara McKinney, along with the Neighborhood Resource Teams, community leaders and Theresa Terrace and Southwest side neighborhood residents, plan to hold the first in a series of community listening sessions to address issues of community trust . The focus of these conversations is to build a strong Madison community.

The goal of these restorative justice sessions is to provide a comfortable environment for Theresa Terrace and Southwest side neighborhood residents, police, and policy makers alike to come together and engage with one another respectfully and freely to effectively address issues and build trust. I would encourage all residents of Madison’s Southwest side to attend.

Alders Phair and McKinney are currently working to secure a date, time, and location and will share that information as soon as it is available.

Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman Skatepark Now Open!

The clouds and rain did not dampen the spirits of those who came out for the ribbon cutting for the new Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman Skatepark at Central Park! I was happy to welcome the first round of skaters with Parks Superintendent, Eric Knepp, Patrick Hasburgh with the Madison Skatepark Fund, representatives of The Goodman Foundation, Willy Street Co-op, Madison Community Foundation, Great Dane Pub, Madison Parks Foundation, Dane County PARC, Marquette Neighborhood Association,  and many other donors and supporters to celebrate the project's completion.

The skatepark, located in Central Park at 202 S. Ingersoll St. is approximately 20,000 square feet and offers street skating obstacles and two bowls. The deepest bowl is designed to represent the empty swimming pools used by Southern California skaterboarders in the 70s. The second bowl ranges in depths of 4-7 feet and is considered a "flow" bowl for easier skater in and out transitions.
  
The skatepark is a wonderful addition to Central Park and many years in the making. Leaders of the Madison Skatepark Fund began fundraising 14 years ago and did not let this dream die.

Be sure to swing by Central Park and break in the new skatepark!

 

Artists with Disabilities Showcase

The next event at the “Top of State” is coming up on September 17^th! In honor of the 25^th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the event joining the usual MadCity Bazaar Pop-Up Market will be the Artists with Disabilities Showcase! The showcase, a result of the partnership with Madison Nonprofit Day and the Top of State Program, will present the work of a number of Madison artists with disabilities whose talent in the arts has allowed them to earn an income while producing a beautiful product. The contributions of these artists serve as a reminder of the many talents and capabilities of people with disabilities while enriching the local culture of Madison. The Artists with Disabilities Showcase will be held at the Top of State, where State Street meets the Square from 12 pm until 6 pm on the 17th.  Be sure to stop by to appreciate the art and celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act!

Black and Latino Unity Picnic

Last weekend was the 7^th Annual Black and Latino Unity Picnic held at Penn Park. It was great that so many Madisonians enjoyed the entertainment that included  dancing, spoken word poetry, a DJ, and, of course, good food!  More importantly, there were valuable opportunities to discuss issues and build on efforts that bond African Americans and Latinos in Madison.

The mission of the Black and Latino Unity Picnic is to generate discussion, to unite communities, and define the meaning of progress.

Events like these are important to build community and bring people of all ages, races, and ethnicities together to work towards a better Madison.  I extend my thanks to the organizers and participants.

Top of State Partner Showcase

I hope many of you have had the opportunity to enjoy some of the recent events at the Top of State by Madison’s Central BID, the City of Madison, Madison Parks Foundation, and Isthmus.  These events have provided a welcoming environment downtown for young and old to enjoy and I am grateful for the huge effort extended to make them a success.

The festivities continue on Thursday, September 10^th at the MadCity Bazaar with the “Partner Showcase”!

The “Partner Showcase” will combine a resource fair with the pop-up market to commemorate the organizations that have participated in the “Top of State” events throughout the summer.  While shopping, visitors can hear about sustainability efforts in Madison; pick up membership information from the Wisconsin Bike Fed; learn about downtown museums and events; and even look for job opportunities with the Wisconsin Union, Madison School and Community Recreation (MSCR), and the City of Madison!

The event will run from noon to 6 pm at the “Top of State” where State Street meets the Capitol Square.

Find more details on the event at the link below and be sure to come out and help us celebrate the “Partner Showcase”!

http://www.visitdowntownmadison.com/events/events.php?category_id=5345#72052