Thumbs up/down: Clinton Public Library, unsafe bicycling, Whitewater Cultural Arts Center
(Published Monday, June 25, 2007 12:08:25 PM CST)
A d v e r t i s e m e n t
To the Clinton Public Library and Director Michelle Dennis. She's passionate about the mobile summer reading program, now in its second year. She understands the importance of bringing library services and literacy to children in low-income families at Shady Hill Mobile Home Park. Many families there can't get to Clinton to check out books. So this inspirational librarian loads picture books, glue sticks and safety scissors in her van. "The services of the library are imperative to keep those children competitive in the school environment and, later on, in the work world," she told Gazette reporter Ann Marie Ames. Clinton Elementary Girl Scouts donated books to give away, and the Clinton Elementary Home and School organization donated money for the lending collection. To donate books, craft supplies or money to the program, or to volunteer to lead bilingual information sessions for parents, contact Dennis at (608) 676-5569.
To unsafe bicycling. Say what you will about bicyclists who ignore stop signs and even traffic lights, as well as other rules of the road. But too many children still bicycle without helmets. And too many adults fail to serve as good role models while bicycling. "More youngsters, ages 5-14, visit the emergency room every year for bike-related injuries than any other sport And some of those children die, typically from head injuries," says Dr. Brian Keaton, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians. School is out. That means more kids have more time to spend bicycling. Parents, why not insist they do so safely? And practice what you preach.
To the new Whitewater Cultural Arts Center. The center is in the White Memorial Building, fittingly described when it opened as the city's library in 1904 as Whitewater's most artistic building. The arts center is leasing the nearly forgotten building on West Main to create a central gathering spot, a friendly port, for local and area artists of many talents. It plans to host dance and musical performances and blend local arts together under one roof. Volunteers are helping make the building a home for the arts center, but more are needed to help with preparation projects. With enough support, the arts center could serve as another valuable community asset. We wish it success.
To preserving Zeloski Marsh in Jefferson County. Agencies and volunteers have teamed up to transform 1,500 acres of marginal farmland back into wetlands and grasslands in the marsh north of Cambridge. The groups filled in two miles of drainage ditches, disabled 12 miles of drainage tiles, built 10 islands for habitat, placed seven water control structures and modified an artesian well to flow into shallow pools. At a time when the National Audubon Society just reported severe population dips in some Wisconsin bird species, the marsh buoys hopes for wildlife. Already this year, the Madison Audubon Society has counted 140 species of birds there. The state Department of Natural Resources now owns and manages the marsh, which is part of the Lake Mills Wildlife Area. Much of the money for buying and preserving it came from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund. The restoration vividly demonstrates the value of the fund and why Gov. Jim Doyle was wise to request bigger future outlays.
To the Clinton Public Library and Director Michelle Dennis. She's passionate about the mobile summer reading program, now in its second year. She understands the importance of bringing library services and literacy to children in low-income families at Shady Hill Mobile Home Park. Many families there can't get to Clinton to check out books. So this inspirational librarian loads picture books, glue sticks and safety scissors in her van. "The services of the library are imperative to keep those children competitive in the school environment and, later on, in the work world," she told Gazette reporter Ann Marie Ames. Clinton Elementary Girl Scouts donated books to give away, and the Clinton Elementary Home and School organization donated money for the lending collection. To donate books, craft supplies or money to the program, or to volunteer to lead bilingual information sessions for parents, contact Dennis at (608) 676-5569.
To unsafe bicycling. Say what you will about bicyclists who ignore stop signs and even traffic lights, as well as other rules of the road. But too many children still bicycle without helmets. And too many adults fail to serve as good role models while bicycling. "More youngsters, ages 5-14, visit the emergency room every year for bike-related injuries than any other sport And some of those children die, typically from head injuries," says Dr. Brian Keaton, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians. School is out. That means more kids have more time to spend bicycling. Parents, why not insist they do so safely? And practice what you preach.
