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March/April 2010
This N That
Reading is essential ...
Libraries play an important role in our communities. And, the
residents of Fitchburg will have a great site when their Library is
completed. Groundbreaking for a Fitchburg Library took place on
Monday, April 12 at the corner of Lacy Road an Research Park. A
reception followed at City Hall. Congrats to all who worked hard to
see this through the process! Enjoy!
 Anthony
the Great ...
The community came together for a Homegoing Celebration for Dr Anthony
Brown who battled kidney and lover disease for many years. On March
20, 2010 Mt Zion Baptist church was filled with family and friends who
bid Dr Brown good-bye. He worked tirelessly in this community lifting
up anyone who he came in contact with. It was a joyous celebration but
he will be missed. Our condolences go out to the family.
Community spirit …
2,400 volunteers paid $25 each to participate in a Haiti meals event
over the weekend. Meals were packaged on April 9, 10, and 11 and are
on their way to orphanages in Haiti. Additionally, Madison's area food
pantries will receive about 12, 00 meals. This successful event took
place in Middleton. Kudos to the organizers and volunteers.
Greyhound ...
Boarding a Greyhound bus got a bit easier on Friday, April 9 when they
moved back to Madison Metro's North Transfer Point, 1213 Huxley St.
The decision to move to this more centralized location was made to
accommodate, "…the residents who use our services," according to
spokesperson Timothy Stokes. This is a temporary solution according to
Greyhound officials. They continue to look for a permanent home in
Madison.
Moving forward ...
Allied Drive revitalization has moved along and according to
residents, "life is better". It is not quite where they want it to be
but the hard work and neighborhood participation in meetings with
decision makers has paid off in many ways. Children can play in the
neighborhood and the fear of shootings has lessened. Service providers
are looking at ways to strengthen their presence and overall this is a
place to be proud of. Hats off to all who continue to "build
community" in a place that was once thought to be hopeless.
 Praise God
...
The drop in the infant mortality rate in Dane County has led the
Department of Public Health Madison and Dane County to look at ways to
strengthen its presence in this community. Under the leadership of Dr
Tom Schlenker, Director and Pam McGranahan, there is a plan in place
to create a series of conversations with families in Dane County that
will connect the voices of Dane County to the practice of public
health, to continue to improve birth outcomes in this county and also
to encourage and create conversations in the African American
community about its infant mortality. Betty Banks has joined them in
building and improving the relationship between the Public Health
Department and residents who benefit from their many services. Join
the conversation and help them raise the voices in this community that
will strengthen and improve the services they provide. For more
information or to join the conversation contact Pam at 255-8154 or
Betty at 358-7035.
That’s what friends are for …
Hopes suicide education and prevention organization is sponsoring
their Walk for Awareness (suicide prevention) on May 1st from
10am-1pm. Registration begins at 8:30am. A light lunch and t-shirt are
provided for a cost of $30.00. Join this organization and raise the
awareness about how to prevent suicides in our community.
 Elegant
pioneer ...
During the month of February, Velma Hamilton Middle School celebrated
the birth and life of Velma Hamilton, the school's namesake. Mrs.
Hamilton was born February 28, 1910 and died July 92009. To
commemorate and celebrate, the school added a plaque and portrait of
this pioneer, painted by artist and art education teacher at the
school, Linda Mathis Rose. Also, during the month, a program was held
and the highlights of Mrs. Hamilton's life were presented in a
documentary. This Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Beloit College continues
to be an inspiration for all of us.
Smorgasbord...
There are "Men Who Cook" in this community and on March 6th , they
cooked and they drew about 300 people to taste and vote on their
cuisines. This 18th annual event was sponsored and organized by the
women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and is their scholarship
fundraiser held at the Fitchburg Community Center. 20 men brought
their skills to the competition and if you didn't attend don't miss it
next year!
Three simple words - Lock It Up! ...
Summer is just around the corner and our children will be out of
school and in our neighborhoods. Teach your children how to cross
streets, not be lured away by strangers, and in general how to be safe
where they live. Take them to some of the parks and other fun places
that teach and give them positive ways to spend their time. When it
comes to youth, their safety comes first. Lock up your guns, alcohol
and prescription drugs.Plan to attend the Lock It Up Town Hall Meeting
on Prescription and Over the Counter Drugs, Thursday, May 13th, at the
Urban League Center for Economic Development, 2222 S. Park Street.
call 608-770-2049 for more details, and visit www.youthsafetyfirst.org
He cares ...
The Urban League of Greater Madison brought a native son home to lead
their timeless efforts that support their goals and values in this
community. Kaleem Michael Caire was born and raised in Madison in the
heart of the African American Community, the Southside. After a
stellar career in Washington D C, he has come home where his roots are
firmly planted. His Grandmother, Mary Caire, was a pioneer in efforts
on the Southside for many years and helped to raise him. He is
certainly up to the task. Welcome back, Kaleem!
 As
rare as a rose in winter ...
On Tuesday, April 13th, Sr Executive Producer of Club TNT, and VOICES
Managing Editor, Gaddi Ben Dan buried his Mother who passed away on
Monday, April 7th. The Memorial Service was held at the New Macedonia
MB Church, Chicago, where she was a member for many years. Rose Mary
Bryant, 86, was also the mother of 6 daughters who reside in Chicago,
Ernestine, Florine, Catherine, Gloria Jean, Cherry Lee, and Geraldine,
the grandmother to a host of grandchildren and a friend to many
others. We give our condolences to the family.
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