UW Extension Upcoming Workshops

Get Checking-April 14th, 2010 @ Citizens First Credit Union 250 N. Sawyer, Oshkosh

Download a full program brochure at http://tinyurl. com/getcking.



Rent Smart- April 20th & 22nd @ Menasha Public Library 440 First St., Menasha.

Download a full program brochure at http://tinyurl. com/RentSmart2010



Kristi Cutts

Family Living Educator

Winnebago County UW-Extension

625 E. County Rd. Y, Suite 600

Oshkosh WI 54901

Phone: 920-232-1973

Fax: 920-232-1967

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50th Annual WPS Farm Show

The 50th Annual WPS Farm Show is happening now at the EAA grounds in Oshkosh. The event runs March 30, March 31 and April 1, 2010, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday.

For more information, visit here.

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Common Council Updates

We've come across a few online info sources for the April 6 Oshkosh Common Council election. Check them out:

1. Steve Cummings has a website: http://stevecummingsforcouncil.com/


2. Ronald Kane Hardy has a campaign video:





3. And, the UWO American Democracy Project wants everyone to vote for their councilors on Tuesday... May 30th that is...


Of course, election day is April 6, 2010.

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History of Oshkosh

The city of Oshkosh's website has a nice section on the history of the city. The site is packed with historical info, maps, reports, links, and pics. It is important for the city and its residents to recognize the importance and value of the city's historical heritage. I encourage everyone who hasn't already checked out the site to take a few minutes and learn a bit about the city - www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/Landmarks_Commission/Default.htm

If you get ambitious, check out the historical society - www.morganhouse.org/

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Lights out at 8:30PM Tonight (Sat)

According to a City of Oshkosh release, the city will be observing Earth Hour by turning off non-essential lights in the city on Saturday, March 27th from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Residents are also encouraged to turn off non-essential lights as part of this global initiative. In conjunction with Earth Hour a mayor’s proclamation announcing the city’s involvement in the event was announced at the Tuesday, March 23rd Oshkosh Common Council meeting.

In 2009, nearly one billion people from 4,100 cities in 87 countries turned out their lights for Earth Hour. Working together, the citizens of Oshkosh can send a positive message that we care about the environment.

Additional details on the Earth Hour initiative are available at www.EarthHour.org.

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Petri Taking the Lead on Water Protection

As of March 23rd, Rep Tom Petri is the only Wisconsin legislator (in either the Senate or the House of Representatives) to sponsor the Great Lakes Ecosystem Protection Act. According to Clean Wisconsin, this important bi-partisan legislation:

•permanently establishes the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (the financial investment in Great Lakes Restoration)

•increases coordination between federal agencies by establishing the federal Great Lakes Interagency Task Force and between federal agencies and non-federal stakeholders through a new multi-stakeholder management board

•re-authorize both the Great Lakes Legacy Act and the Great Lakes National Program Office to ensure EPA has the administration to support its expanded responsibility to coordinate Great Lakes restoration efforts

Congrats to Rep Petri for taking the lead on this important issue.

For more information, google "Great Lakes Ecosystem Protection Act". Tell your representative to sponsor this valuable legislation that will protect and improve our water.

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Medication Dropoff Dates April & May 2010

Access the schedule for northeast Wisconsin medication dropoff dates HERE.

Learn more about the importance of proper medication disposal HERE.

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Downtown Oshkosh is Still Open!

Yes, construction has started, and Main St just north of the river is torn up. But everything is still open, and there are easy ways to access the businesses with plenty of parking and sidewalk space for your travels (unfortunately there are no friendly bicycle avenues though, so do so at your own risk and then notify your councilors and community development folks how ridiculous this is).

Anyway, the Downtown Business Improvement District has put together a program to help with the downtown navigation. You can check them out on facebook at www.facebook.com/downtownOshkosh or www.downtownoshkosh.com/events2010.html

Some points to consider from BID regarding the 2010 Road Construction Downtown Oshkosh:

~ Project limits are from the Fox River Bridge to Irving Avenue

~ The road construction is expected to begin in Spring 2010 and finish in the Fall of 2010 (Not just a facelift structural changes such as:) pavement structure, curb and gutter, sidewalk, storm sewer, sanitary sewer, water main, street lighting, and traffic signals

~ Goal of the project is to provide a safe and practical street for the next 40-50 years

~ This will give Downtown Oshkosh the opportunity to update the streetscape and add safety enhancements for both vehicles and pedestrians

~ Some cross streets will remain open for the duration of the construction period

~ Block captains have been assigned to distribute information on a weekly basis during the construction

~ Back door entrances will be the main entrance for the businesses located on Main St.

~ Maps and signs will be used during the road construction to help people get downtown


And who is all downtown? Check out THIS LIST of downtown businesses. Other than a grocery store, you can get almost anything you need, and lots that you might just want.

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Do you know what you can and can not recycle?

I've been noticing lately that lots of folks seem to not fully get recycling. Then I considered that probably most folks haven't taken the time to read what they can and can not recycle. So, here is a self-administered test for all readers of Main Street to take to determine their level of competence in the world of recycling:

Note: the test refers to municipal recycling programming. Many of you have found creative and alternative ways to reuse items, which is great. However, we're talking about what you put into your nice new blue container or take to the drop off site.

Section A: Paper Test

1. Can I recycle Card board tubes?

2. Can I recycle cardboard pizza boxes?

3. Can I recycle paper back books?

4. Can I recycle phone books and magazines?

5. Can I recycle cardboard milk cartons?


Section B: Cans and Containers

6. Can I recycle aluminum foil?

7. Can I recycle engine oil containers?

8. Can I recycle window glass?

9. Can I recycle empty paint cans?

10. Can I recycle narrow neck #2 plastic containers?


Section C: Other Issues

11. I should throw away unwanted antifreeze?

12. I should pour out unwanted pesticides and fertilizers?

13. I should turn in all burnt out compact florescent light bulbs to the Winnebago County Household Hazardous Material Facility?

14. Needles used in medication should be carefully thrown away?


Scoring:

Seven wrong or more: You should be living with someone to take care of you. Please please read this and this and then have someone else read them to you.

Four to Six wrong: Please please read this and this.

Two or Three wrong: Pretty good, but still not too smart. You should also read this and this.

One or None: Nice job - you have earned a MainStreet Star. Now share your wisdom with your neighbors.


Answers: YNYYN NNNNY NNYN

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Oshkosh Resident Survey

According to an announcement by city manager Mark Rohloff:

The City of Oshkosh, in cooperation with the Masters of Public Administration Program at UW-Oshkosh, is asking you to participate in a citizen survey. By completing this survey, you are helping the City of Oshkosh set priorities for the future! If you do not live in the City of Oshkosh, please do not complete the survey.

The purpose of the study is to solicit feedback on the service quality and budgeting priorities. Your responses are completely anonymous. There are no identifying marks on the survey or the return envelope. Completion of this survey is voluntary. You are not required to participate and may stop at any time. Completion of this survey will take approximately 15 minutes.

If you have any questions about this survey, its results, or your rights, you may contact the primary investigator: Karl Nollenberger, 920-424-3230. or by Email

Access the survey: http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/citizens_survey.aspx

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Civil Rights Activist to Speak at Oshkosh Public Library

A Tennessee man who has spent 50 years fighting for civil rights and social justice will share his inspiring experiences during a special event on March 25 at the Oshkosh Public Library. The author talk and book signing begins at 7 p.m. in the library’s lower level meeting room.

The Rev. Aaron Johnson is the author of Man from Macedonia: My Life of Service, Struggle, Faith and Hope, which he wrote with Oshkosh author Deb Cleveland. Cleveland, who will accompany Johnson on his trip to Wisconsin, arranged his visit to Oshkosh because she believes in his powerful message of faith and social change.

Johnson was born a sharecropper’s son during a time when young black men could be lynched for meeting the eyes of a white woman. In 1960, as a seminary student at Shaw University in Raleigh, Johnson sat at a whites-only lunch counter, where a waiter threw hot soup in his face and police clubbed him and dragged him to jail.

Those experiences and many others shaped the course of Johnson’s work in social justice at the local, state and national levels. While pasturing a Baptist church in Fayetteville, N.C., for decades, Johnson advised three North Carolina governors on race relations, established progressive policies as the state’s first African-American secretary of corrections and helped launch a massive prison evangelism effort across the country.

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Social Justice Week Events Announced

UW Oshkosh has announced the events March 29 - April 1, 2010. Workshops and lectures include the following topics:

~ Business practices
~ Employment law
~ Inclusion practices and values
~ Learning disabilities
~ Modern civil rights issues
~ Race, sexuality, and diversity
~ Making a difference
And Many more

This program looks to be one of the finest UW Oshkosh events organized in recent years, and everyone should strongly consider attended a few sessions. The program is free and open to the public. Free parking is available at (no permit required) in lots 13, 15, 32 and lower level of the parking ramp for events.

Click HERE to see the program flyer.

A huge congrats to the following organizers and sponsors: UW System Institute on Race and Ethnicity, Rainbow Alliance for HOPE, Black Student Union, Women’s Advocacy Council, LGBTQ Resource Center, African American Studies, Women’s Studies, Sociology, Residence Life, Polk Library, Dean of Students Office, Academic Affairs and Student Affairs.

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Candidate Forums Tonight (Mar 18)

League of Women Voters common council candidate forum is tonight, Thursday March 18, 6:30-7:45pm. You can go in person to 404 City Hall, watch on cable 10, listen on 101.9 FM, or watch it streaming at www.oshkoshcommunitymedia.org

You might as well stick around and watch / listen to the school board forum afterwards from around 7:45pm to 9:00pm. There are several excellent candidates running that are strong proponents of quality education programming.

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United Way annual meeting 2010

Plan to attend the United Way annual meeting on Wed. March 24th from 4:30 – 6:15PM, at La Sure’s. Details of the event are below:

~ 4:00 PM Board Meeting (Board members only)
~ 4:30 PM Cash bar & hors d’ oeuvres
~ 5:15 - 6:15 PM Meeting & Celebration

Location: La Sure’s Banquet Hall, 3125 South Washburn St., Oshkosh

$15 per person or $120 per table of 8 (Payment in advance appreciated); (Business casual attire)


Highlights of the Meeting:
~ Report on the election of members & officers
~ Report on Program Results
~ Company Campaign Recognitions
~ Volunteer Recognitions

Please RSVP by March 19 at (920) 235-8560 or by emailing oauw@oshkoshunitedway.org

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Oshkosh Transit System Public Input

The Oshkosh Transit System (OTS) and the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission are conducting a planning process to complete a Transit Development Plan (TDP) for OTS. This planning process will comprehensively examine OTS’s services and identify recommendations for improving the system over the next five years. Routes, service times, fares, technology, policies, and other areas of the system will be evaluated and discussed. The end result of this planning process is to improve the service for the community.

Over the 12-18 months, they are offering several opportunities for public comment concerning OTS. One opportunity to express your voice is to click on the link below. It is a brief online form where you can list comments and ideas.

http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/Transit/ots_public_input.aspx

When you get a chance, please provide your input in this form. Additionally, feel free to work with your customers or clients to fill out separate form submittals. The submitted information is anonymous. I also would encourage you to forward this link to other groups or individuals in our community that could provide comments on the Oshkosh Transit System. Visit http://www.oshkoshtransit.com/

For more questions, contact:

David Vickman
Transit Coordinator
Oshkosh Transit System
926 Dempsey Trail
Oshkosh, WI 54902
Ph: (920) 232-5341
Fax: (920) 232-5343

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Reminder: Critical Analysis and Accountability are Good

There is an unnerving rhetoric growing in the community among folks spewing ignorance veiled as wisdom, and it is of great concern to those of us who value accountability, responsiveness, and critical thinking.

It is coming in the form of community players clamoring around the word "micro-manage". This has now expanded to suggest that the citizen role in our government is that of a passive board of directors.

Be highly suspect of the folks who use this "micro-manage" phrase, as it has been used to suggest that councilors shouldn't ask questions, that councilors shouldn't call out staff when they say one thing and then do a different contradictory thing, and that councilors have no place in holding city staff accountable.

Some of the calls for a more useless council come from folks who don't like to watch the often painful and boring council meetings. Citizen-led government at the local level, when working well, is not always pretty. These aren't councilors with full time staff making pretty good pay for their work. Nor are city staff trained in public communication and performance. These topics are often dry, policy-heavy, and detail-oriented matters. This all meshes together to produce a clumsy, slow-moving meeting involving questions, answers, speeches, presentations, and the occasional fumble.

When meetings start flowing with no questions, with only praise for how things are done, with suggestions that mistakes and misinformation should be overlooked, and when everyone is always getting along, then we have problems.

When the city acts in contradiction to established plans such as the comprehensive plan or the downtown action plan, an effective council will call that out.

When the city fails to respond to resident concerns and opinions, such as those demonstrated in city surveys and through advisory boards, an effective council will stand up on behalf of the residents.

When the city takes action that effects residents but fails to engage the same residents in the planning and implementation process, an effective council will step up and identify this faulty process.

When the council works with residents and establishes clear guidelines for the city, and the city fails to follow those guidelines, an effective council will make this inappropriate conduct known and will take steps to ensure that such blatant disregard for policy and procedure does not continue.

When the city implements actions that damage our natural resources, our historical treasures, and our valuable community services, an effective council will take action to stop the destruction of Oshkosh's unique and valuable resources.

So when folks claim that "micro-managing" is bad, consider that they are suggesting that we should return to an uninformed, un-inquisitive, and buddy-buddy system that fails in all forms of accountability, responsiveness, and representation. This would most certainly not be good for our city.

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A good discussion on Oshkosh water management

City manager Rohloff and public works director Patek joined the city's Sustainability Advisory Board at their March meeting to talk about storm water quality and management. The talk included the Melvin pump, DNR regulations, plans, and more.

The meeting can be viewed HERE. Water is the topic from 10 minutes through about 56 minutes

Based upon my viewing of discussions at various city meetings and interviews, I think this hour-long discussion was one of the more in-depth and informative that have happened. I also hope this has opened the door for many more series in which a critical questioning of operations occurs. I thank Mr. Rohloff and Mr. Patek for coming to the meeting, and for chair Ronald Hardy for making it happen.

On the more surprising level, Mr. Patek informed the board that they identified and resolved a property that had their sewage flowing into the lake and not into the treatment plant. (see around the 21-24 minute mark).

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Project Prom Girl 2010

Want to make a positive difference in the life of a young woman and/or do you know a young woman who might need a prom dress? Get involved and make a difference: Share an application with a young woman in need, donate a dress and/or volunteer your time and talents for Project Prom Girl!

Project Prom Girl provides an opportunity for campus and community women to connect with high-school aged girls from the community. Our goal is to provide prom dresses as well as invaluable knowledge through the workshops offered and connections with leaders from the campus and community.

The actual program will take place on Friday, April 9th from 9:30AM-2:30PM at the UW Oshkosh Women’s Center and will include activities, workshops, a film, luncheon and selection of dresses. Detailed program information and student applications are located on our homepage www.uwosh.edu/womenscenter

Donate contemporary dry-cleaned formal dresses to the Women's Center and we will be happy to provide a tax-exempt receipt. Volunteers can choose to commit to assisting in the planning process and/or offering their seamstress skills the day of the event. Monetary donations are also always needed, as they cover expenses such as dry cleaning, purchasing plus size dresses, and program transportation needs. For more information, please contact Jennifer at castillj@uwosh. edu or call 920-424-0963.

All donated dresses must be received by 7pm Thursday, March 18th.

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Wisconsin Water Efficiency Conference and Oshkosh

The Wisconsin Water Association is hosting a Water Efficiency Conference on May 13, 2010 in Pleasant Prairie, WI. The purpose of hosting such a conference is to fulfill the WWA's mission of:

"To build awareness and promote the benefits of water efficiency in Wisconsin. We will function as a clearinghouse for water providers, businesses, and the public on issues of water supply, source water quality, and best practices for residential, manufacturing, and agricultural water efficiency. We will focus primarily on water efficiency practices that contribute to maintaining adequate water supplies and healthy watersheds for future generations in the state of Wisconsin."

The WWA is the Wisconsin branch of the American Water Works Association (AWWA), which is the world's leading organization for water utility professionals, and an organization which the city of Oshkosh supports and utilizes for information on best practices, research data, and utility trends. Throughout the state of Wisconsin, municipalities have been proactively implementing responsible water management programming that includes water efficiency education, water-efficient appliance rebates, conservation pricing (rates), massive leak detection campaigns, and more.

The city of Oshkosh has been dragging its feet on this issue, despite water clearly being the most valuable resource and asset of the community. It is important for residents who recognize the value of water and who are interested in maintaining a clean and safe supply of water to contact their city officials and municipal staff to let them know that water conservation and efficiency should be a priority for the city. Further, it is important for boards such as the Parks Board and the Sustainability Advisory Board to continue pushing for quality protection of our valuable natural resources. Finally, it is important that municipal staff attend trainings and ongoing education programming such as this conference to ensure they are implementing the best practices that ensure responsible management of our water resources.

The WWA outlines a series of goals related to water efficiency, including:

1.Build awareness of the benefits of water efficiency in Wisconsin, providing local water industry leaders educational information to illustrate how water efficiency saves money, protects drinking water resources, minimizes water pollution and health risks, reduces the need for costly water supply and new wastewater treatment facilities, maintains the health of aquatic environments, and saves energy used to pump and treat water

2.Collaborate with other water stewardship initiatives in the State of Wisconsin to relate storm water and wastewater management practices to the local drinking water industry.


3.Provide the tools that ensure customer satisfaction and preparedness for future economic development while implementing efficient water management.

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OSHKOSH SPRINGS INTO SONG

You've seen them around the community-- but you may not have seen them like this! Don't miss the fun as Oshkosh "celebrities" and friends take to the stage, in an evening of song and dance, to benefit the Kiwanis teachers' scholarship program and programming at The Grand Opera House

Where is everyone headed on Saturday night (Mar 13)? Well, of course they will be at the Alberta Kimball Auditorium, 375 N Eagle Street (I have a sick kid and homework so I'll have to sit this out).

Time: 8:00pm - 10:30pm

Purchase tickets online HERE

Check out the cast list:

Bryan Bain, UW-Oshkosh
Molly Butz, Oshkosh Senior Center
Lisa Cadkin, Oshkosh Allergy Center
Joe Ferlo, Grand Opera House
Gordon Hintz, WI State Assembly Rep
Alex Hummel, Christine Ann Center
Gary Konrad, Konrad-Behlman Funeral Homes
Melissa Lantta, UW- Oshkosh
Janelle Larie, Miss Oshkosh 2006
Peg Larson, Community Cheerleader
Lori Renning, Community Cheerleader
Teri Stern, Family Values Hair Salon
Frank Tower, Hoffmaster
Aubyn Vogel, Family Values Hair Salon
Amy Weinsheim, Jazzercise
Paul Esslinger. Mayor, City of Oshkosh
Mark Rohloff . City Manager, City of Oshkosh
Jessica King, Oshkosh City Council; Compass Law
Tony Palmeri, Oshkosh City Council; UW-Oshkosh
Burk Tower, Oshkosh City Council; UW-Oshkosh

special appearance by the Grand Opera House staff-
Tom Hanson; David Lange; Ann Pistohl; Jeff Potts; Nicki Scovronski; Shawna Terry; Kristine Berg

and the JAZZERCHIX
Stacy Berger
Karen Bowen, Oshkosh School Board, retired- UW-Oshkosh
Pam Elmer, Christensen's
Terri Groth, Perfecseal
Jeanne Jewell, Arts for Kids Child Care Center
Kris Kenowski, UW-Oshkosh
Karen Larson, retired- At&T
Mary Lajcak, Community Cheerleader
Megan McClellan
Emily Mueller-Flanagan, Mueller Lincoln Mercury
Sandy Morrissey
Janet Parker
Cindy Smith
Diane Stueber- Oshkosh North High School
Lynnette Taugher- Jazzercise performer
Bridget Thorpe-Kavanaugh
Sue Ziegler

NARRATOR
Sue Panek, Oshkosh Area United Way

Ticket Prices:
$35 Premium
$30 Orchestra/Mezzanine
$25 Gallery
$5 Students-only section (side areas)

post adapted from an email received

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Oshkosh, The DNR, and Water Conservation

According to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC), which serves as the state's regulating body of utility services such as Oshkosh Water, the DNR has formed a conservation advisory committee to assist with developing the State’s new water conservation and efficiency rules.

According to the announcement:

"The rules are required under Wisconsin 2007 Act 227, which implements the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact. The rules will specify mandatory or voluntary water conservation measures that are required for new and increased water withdrawals statewide. Regulated water users include agriculture, industry, commercial, power production, and public water systems."

The DNR's website is: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/water/dwg/WIGLObjectives.htm

The Great Lakes Compact calls for comprehensive water conservation programming that includes water conservation rates, mass implementation of water saving hardware, and extensive water conservation education.

Oshkosh fits within this area and will soon be required to implement water conservation programming. While this movement may be related to scarce water resources in certain areas, that is not the case for Oshkosh. Rather, research has demonstrated that water conservation practices are an important compontant of an effective water quality protection program. A significant side benefit of water conservation is also energy conservation.

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Winnebago Lakes Conference March 13

On Saturday, March 13, 2010, the Winnebago Lakes Council is hosting an all-day conference on water quality, water management, and long-term sustainability planning for the Winnebago Lakes Pools. Speakers include water specialists, DNR staff, and more.

This FREE event is scheduled from 8:30am - 3:00pm at the Coughlin Center, 625 E County Rd Y just north of Oshkosh. For more information on the program, visit HERE.

Questions, contact the council at info@winnebagolakes.org.

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Local Candidate Eye on Oshkosh Show Times

Eye on Oshkosh provides a valuable and needed service to the community by interviewing candidates for public office. This provides voters an opportunity to learn more about issues and candidates while providing the candidates a great (and free) opportunity to access voters in their living rooms.

Candidates will be on during the following weeks (see Eye on Oshkosh for more info):

This week: School board candidates Steve Eliasen and Karl Loewenstein

Week of March 15: School board candidate Dan Becker and Oshkosh Common Council candidates Brian Poeschl and Burk Tower

Week of March 22: Oshkosh Common Council candidates Steve Cummings and John Hinz, and Steve Herman and Ronald Kane Hardy

Week of March 29: Branch 5 Judicial candidates Edmund Jelinski and John Jorgensen

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Winnebago Air Quality Advisory Today

Winnebago County was included in a noticeably large grouping of Wisconsin counties that are currently experiencing unhealthy particle pollution levels in the air (I know.. is there a "healthy level"). The advisory is slated for Sunday through Tuesday (Mar 7 - 9).

In Dec 09, MainStreetOshkosh included Air Quality in its annual awards, stating: "this is something the local municipality would be addressing, through the forestry dept, health dept, comm development, etc. The sustainability board would be a good source for action on this too. However, this topic is almost non-existent in communication circles or in city hall."

According to the DNR Air Advisory Notice:

"The watch is being issued because of the forecast for elevated levels of fine particles in the air. Fine particle pollution is composed of microscopic dust, soot, liquid droplets and smoke particles that are 2.5 microns or smaller. These fine particles come primarily from combustion sources, such as power plants, factories and other industrial sources, vehicle exhaust, and wood burning.

The Air Quality Index is forecast to reach the orange level, which is considered unhealthy for people in sensitive groups. People in those sensitive groups include those with heart or lung disease, asthma, older adults and children. When an air quality watch is issued, people in those groups are advised to reschedule or cut back on strenuous activities during the watch period.

People with lung diseases such as asthma and bronchitis and heart disease should pay attention to cardiac symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath or respiratory symptoms like coughing, wheezing and discomfort when taking a breath, and consult with their physician if they have concerns or are experiencing symptoms.

Fine particle pollution deposits itself deep into the lungs and cannot easily be exhaled. People who are at risk are particularly vulnerable after several days of high particle pollution exposure."

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Shoreland Restoration at Menominee Park

Back in February, the Oshkosh Sustainability Advisory Board unanimously approved a shoreland restoration proposal for the northern edge of Menominee Park around Millers Bay. The plan attempts to improve water quality while improving fish habitat, reducing the presence of geese near the park trail, and improving the aesthetics of the park area.

This proposal follows efforts by the DNR as well as Winnebago County, and is in line with work done throughout Door County and Green Lake - both areas which I visit often.

The plan should appear in the very near future on a Parks Board agenda, and it should be interesting to see how the new Parks Director will treat this proposal. In general, I suspect that the majority of this moves forward, as the Parks Department has a strong environmental and natural resources advocate in Bill Sturm, city forester and former interim parks director. Bill worked closely with Sustainability Advisory Board members and the Winnebago County Land and Water Conservation Department as this plan was developed.

Take a look at the plan HERE.

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Oshkosh Community Foundation Report 2008/09

This is probably old, but I was checking out the Oshkosh Community Foundation site to see if an update was available on their urban forestry program. I heard they may be approaching $500,000 and I wanted to remind anyone who hasn't yet contributed to support this wonderful effort.

Anyway, I came across their 2008/09 report Although it may be slightly dated, the report still provides great info on some excellent Oshkosh programming, as well as highlighting contributors and reviewing recipients. Check it out here.

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Oshkosh Rain Data

Our friends over at OSNW3 OSHKOSH-NORTH have responded to the gap in readily available data for actual Oshkosh rain figures. This stems from a common council meeting where the data was unavailable, and it was obvious that no councilors were familiar with the figures, nor was city staff.

OSN reviewed all the rain data for the city dating back to the 1800s, and assembled a list of all 24 hour rain events which experienced greater than 3 inches of rain.

This rain data is available as a spreadsheet HERE.

Nice work to OSN, the finest online source for Oshkosh weather.

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Chamber Leadership Osh Info Meeting

Oshkosh residents are invited to the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce Leadership Oshkosh Informational Meeting on:

Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 4 p.m

At the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, 120 Jackson Street.

What: Hear from community leaders and past and present Leadership Oshkosh participants on what Leadership Oshkosh means to the community and how alumni have used their training.

This informational meeting is free of charge and open to the public. Reservations are requested.

For more information or to make reservations, contact Kathy Bermingham at 303-2265, ext. 32, or kathy@oshkoshchamber.com.

Participants are invited to attend Business After Hours immediately following the meeting as guests of the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce. Business After Hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at Benesch & Fox Cities Construction, 4614 Red Fox Rd.

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Oshkosh Special Needs Parent Coalition

The Oshkosh Special Needs Parent Coalition invites you to a Community Conversation.
Join us as we discuss possibilities of inclusion for all children in our Community.

We invite you to an evening of conversation where you will have the opportunity to share ideas on how to expand community involvement.

We look forward to an informal and open discussion that will explore ways to create a vision in our community. We will also enjoy some wonderful treats!

We want to hear from you! Come and join us

When: Thursday, March 11th, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Where: Hooper Community Center at 36 Broad St.

RSVP: by Friday, March 5th to Shannon Walter at osnpc1@gmail.com or 920.233-1345

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Roundabouts Info Meeting

Learn about roundabouts

• 16 roundabouts will be built in Winnebago County as part of the US 41 Project

• 3 opening in 2010

• Learn how to properly navigate

• Wisconsin Department of Transportation staff available for questions and answers

• Watch videos and use interactive animations

Public Meeting March 6th fr0m 10 a.m. to 1 p.m at Mercy Medical Center, 500 S. Oakwood Road, Oshkosh, Conference Rooms A-B (Main entrance-follow signs from reception desk)

For general project information:

www.us41wisconsin.gov

For questions about the meeting contact:

(920) 492-4109

Kris Schuller

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UW Oshkosh Response to Posters of Ignorance

Email notice received from UW Oshkosh Chancellor Wells concerning the recent distribution of racist flyers around campuses in Northeast Wisconsin:

March 3, 2010

Colleagues,

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is committed to inclusive excellence, and we simply do not tolerate any form of hate speech or illegal activity. We will continue to respond strongly to racist and sexist behavior and to enforce the law when the instances are violations of the law. We are doing everything we can to assist law enforcement authorities to apprehend the perpetuator(s), and we will continue to do whatever we can within the law to protect members of our community from further exposure to acts of a sexist or racist nature.

For example, we are considering the pros and cons of installing cameras in our parking lots to create greater security in our lots. We also are collaborating with law enforcement officials throughout the region and with our sister institutions to respond very strongly to these types of racist and sexist acts. Furthermore, I will be approaching our faculty to organize panels and information sessions on effective ways to counter hate speech while upholding everyone’s first amendment rights.

I am concerned with what appears to be an increase in the frequency of these types of racist and sexist occurrences in Wisconsin and around the nation. I believe this pattern is likely to continue if we don’t take all necessary measures to discourage further expressions of hate speech. I am calling on educational, business, media, elected and other community leaders throughout the New North region to stand up and speak out forcefully against what appears to be an increase in hate speech and other racist and sexist behaviors. I believe we, as leaders, are morally obligated to speak out.


Richard H. Wells
Chancellor

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ADRC of Winnebago County

AGING AND DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER (ADRC) of WINNEBAGO COUNTY
220 Washington Avenue, Oshkosh, WI 54309
877-886-2372
adrc@co.winnebago.wi.us

On February 1st we initiated an Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). The ADRC is a place for the general public to come for information either in person, by telephone, or other written mode, with an initial focus on:
- Information and Assistance
- Options Counseling
- Elderly Benefits counseling
- Enrollment Counseling for long term care programs (programs available July 2010)

The ADRC services will be phased in, with a skeleton staff pattern until July 2010. There are no financial or functional eligibility criteria to use this service. The services are intended to be available to elderly and persons who have disabilities.

We will be located on the north side of the 3rd floor in the Oshkosh Human Service building. After July 1st, we will have a presence at the Neenah Human Services building as well.

Previously adult intake for Long Term Care programs was routed through Access and moved on to one of the LTS Adult Access workers. As of Monday, Feb 1st these calls, for adults and adolescents age 17 yr 9 months (3 months shy of their 18th birthday) will now come to the ADRC. The contact information for can be found below:
Phone: 877-886-2372
E-mail: adrc@co.winnebago.wi.us

As of Feb 1, the Adult Protective Services team will be funneled to 2.5 staff, also accessible through this phone number and e-mail address. The LTS Access team ended as of January 31, 2010. If you have any questions about this please contact the ADRC.

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Oshkosh Dragons

Registration for the fifth annual Oshkosh Dragonboat Race and Festival is now open. The Oshkosh Dragonboat Race & Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010 at the Leach Ampthitheater & Riverside Park from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Team registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

To register your team:
1) select your team captain(s)
2) fill out our simple online form at oshkoshdragonboat. com
3) Mail your $100.00 (non-refundable) deposit to the Oshkosh YMCA
The remaining entry fee will not be due until July 1.

Registration:
Early registration (on or before July 1): @ $900.00/team
Late registration (after July 1) @ $1000.00/team>

Registration fee includes a designated practice session, official dragonboat tee-shirts for all team members, a 10'x10' team tent and space inside the athlete's village and 3 heats on race day. We race - rain or shine.

Contact for for details:

email: dragonlady@uwosh. edu
website: oshkoshdragonboat. com

phone: 920/424-0344

Proceeds from the Oshkosh Community Dragonboat Festival support:
1) Student leadership and involvement scholarships at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.

2) The YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, offering membership assistance to over 2,400 youth, families and individuals annually. The Strong Kids Campaign assures older adults, individuals with disabilities, group home members, and financially challenged individuals’ participation at the YMCA.

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Guns N Hoses Part 3

From the OPD website:

Police and Fire Departments from around the Fox Valley will face off in the 3rd Annual Guns N Hoses Charity Hockey Game for The ALS Association!

Where: Oshkosh 20th Ave YMCA, 3303 West 20th Ave Oshkosh, WI. 54904

When: Saturday, March 6th @ 6:30 p.m.

- Guns N Hoses T-shirts for sale in all sizes
- 50/50 raffle to benefit the YMCA’S Strong Kids Program
- Prizes include an Ipod Nano, kids rides on the Zamboni and more
- Game programs with players names, departments, and hockey rules
- $5 donation at the door, kids 6 and under are free
- 100% of all proceeds go to The ALS Association

Show support for your local Police and Firefighters and help raise money for this great charity!

For more information or to donate call:
Bret Hamer (920) 203-3170 or Andy Lecker (920) 267-1249

This fast paced hockey game consists of professional firefighters and police officers from Oshkosh and the surrounding police and fire departments.

All money raised will go to The ALS Association, which is Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Lou Gehrig’s Disease is a thickening of the tissue in the spinal cord resulting in muscle atrophy. It also affects the nerve cells in the brain, both of which eventually lead to death.

Patients lose control of voluntary muscle action and become paralyzed. There is no cure, but medical advances and research have found drugs which slow the progression. About 6,000 people are diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s every year in the U.S. Average life expectancy is 2-5 years. Unfortunately, The Oshkosh Police and Fire Departments both have had retired members diagnosed with the disease, which is why we chose ALS for this year’s charity recipient.

Celebrity coaches will consist of Fire Chief Tim Franz and Police Chief Scott Greuel.

Oshkosh Fire Department Honor Guard will present the colors for the National Anthem.

Oshkosh West Boys Choir will sing the National Anthem.

There will be a 50/50 raffle with two other prizes being an Ipod Nano and one year of Happy Meals from McDonalds. Cost of raffle will be $1/ticket or 6 for $5. Kids can win a ride on the Zamboni in between periods!

Please help us raise money for this great charity by coming to the game on March 6th.

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Sustainable Communities Public Policy Forum

Sustainable Communities Public Policy Forum - Join experts in the field to learn what is happening in the realm of sustainable communities, network with peers, and contribute policy ideas that will move Wisconsin forward in sustainability!

Event #1 – DePere Regional Sustainable Community Roundtable Discussion will be held March 2, 1:00-3:30pm @ the Kress Family Library in DePere. To register, simply email or call Judy Knudsen, judith.knudsen@ces.uwex.edu, 920-391-4651, or Catherine Neiswender, catherine.neiswender@ces.uwex.edu, 920-232-1972.

Five other Regional Roundtables that lead up to this forum will be held around the state between February 25th and March 5th.

http://sustainablecommunitiesforum.wisconsin.edu/roundtables

Policy ideas from the Roundtables will be folded into the policy discussions at the March Forum – which takes us to Event #2….


Event # 2 -- Sustainable Communities Public Policy Forum will be held at UW-Fox Valley March 25-26. Early Bird registration ends on March 1. To register, simply visit the site
http://sustainablecommunitiesforum.wisconsin.edu - and click on the Register Now button. Detailed program and speaker bios can also be found on this site.

The Forum includes a great line up of two invited speakers, breakout sessions with three Wisconsin case studies and three out-of-state case studies, and evening entertainment. Day two of the forum includes a roll-up-the-sleeves session, a keynote public policy expert, and big picture reflection. A written publication, "Building Sustainable Communities in Wisconsin : Opportunities and Challenges Moving Forward," will capture and summarize the input, findings, and recommendations of the regional roundtables and March forum.

Please share this invitation widely and often. Thank you and hope to see you there!

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