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City of Verona Newsletter
Issue Twelve - June and July 2014
This Issue:
Verona Hometown Days
Fire and EMS Facility Open House
Lincoln Street Reconstruction
2014 Street Rehabilitation Program
Grass Cutting Regulations
Domestic Abuse Intervention Services Presentation at Senior Center
Car Seat Checks
Library to Offer Free English Classes to Adult Spanish Speakers
Summer Concerts in the Park
Lifeline Screenings Event at Senior Center
It's a Growing Thing - Gardening Events at Verona Library
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June Events
9-14Planting Week
11New Fire and EMS Facility Open House, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., Verona Fire Station
12-15Hometown Days Festival
12Fireworks, 9:30 p.m.
13Library Sleepover, 7 p.m. - 8 a.m.
15Hometown Days Parade, 12:00 p.m.
17Author Amitabh Pal at Verona Library, 7 p.m.
19Domestic Abuse Intervention Services Presentation at Senior Center, 12:30 p.m.
19Books n Booze, 5:30 p.m.
20Senior Center Birthday/Anniversary Lunch
26Lifeline Screenings Event at Senior Center
28Scare Tactics: Deer and Rabbit Prevention in Your Garden, 10 a.m.


July Events
10Concert in the Park: Down From the Hills, 6 p.m.
12Antiques and Collectibles Appraisal Event at Library, 10 a.m.
15Muslim Women and Veiling, 7 p.m.
16Car Seat Check Event at Verona PD, 4 - 7 p.m.
17Concert in the Park: Blue Olives, 6 p.m.
17Books n Booze, 5:30 p.m.
19Weeds and Soil: Keeping Your Garden Healthy, 10 a.m.
24Concert in the Park: The Birddog Blues Band, 6 p.m.
31Concert in the Park: Some Assembly Required, 6 p.m.


Library Sleepover
June 13, 7:00 p.m.-8:00 a.m.
Elementary school age kids are invited to spend the night at the library. Games, crafts, and more will make this a memorable night. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Register online or by phone. Limited to 100 children.
 Author Amitabh Pal at Verona Library
June 17, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Pal will discuss his book Islam Means Peace: Understanding the Muslim Principle of Nonviolence Today. Islam Means Peace focuses on the tradition of nonviolence and tolerance in  Islam. Books will be available for sale and signing.
 Senior Center's Birthday/Anniversary Lunch Entertainment:
Doug Brown
Friday June 20, 11:45 a.m.
Verona Senior Center
Doug Brown has been called one of the finest pickers in the Midwest for his work as a guitarist. Brown has composed much of the music for American Players Theater in Spring Green and has also produced an album as a jazz pianist. To attend the birthday/anniversary lunch, please make a reservation by noon on June 19.  Lunch is at 11:45 a.m. and the show will begin at 12:30 p.m. Lunch is not required to attend the show.
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 Antique and Collectibles Appraisal Event
July 12, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Verona Public Library
It's time to look through the attic or the basement. Bring your antique/collectible item to the library to see what, if any, historical or monetary value it may have. Mark F. Moran, author and antiques expert, will be available to appraise objects. Registration is required and limited to 40 participants and one object. Register in person or call 845-7180.  A list of categories of objects for appraisal is available at the library.
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Muslim Women and Veiling
July 15, 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Verona Public Library
Dr. Funda Derin, professor of languages and cultures of Asia at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, will explore dress codes of women in Islam based on the Koran and tradition. 
 Adult Summer Reading Program
June 12 - July 25
"Literary Elements" is the theme of the Adult Summer Reading Program combining science and literature. Take part in the Verona Library's summer reading program by completing an entry form every time you read or listen to a book between June 12 and July 25. Each entry you bring to the Reference Desk gives you another chance to win a Kindle Fire 7" tablet. The drawing will be held on July 28. This is open to adults 18 years and older. 
Books 'N Booze Book Discussion
The Verona Public Library has a book group targeted toward young adults. Books 'N Booze Book Discussions take place at Pasqual's Cantina, 100 Cross Country Rd., on the third Thursday of each month. Below are the upcoming dates, times, and book titles.

 

June 19, 5:30 p.m.

Bossypants by Tina Fey

July 17, 5:30 p.m. 
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
 
"We don't urge readers to drink, we urge drinkers to read"
Contacts:
  
111 Lincoln Street
845-6495
  
111 Lincoln Street
Commercial - 845-0963
Residential - 845-0909
  
410 Investment Court
845-6695
 
111 Lincoln Street
845-7623 - Non Emergency
 
101 Lincoln Street
845-9401 - Non-Emergency
 
500 Silent Street
845-7180
 
108 Paoli Street
845-7471
Verona Hometown Days, June 12-15
Verona's annual Hometown Days Festival is scheduled for June 12 through 15, hosted by the Verona Area Chamber of Commerce. Festivities include the Hometown Days Parade, carnival, live music, beer tent, fireworks, and more! The festival is located at Community Park which is located directly behind City Hall and Eagles Nest Ice Arena. For more information, including a schedule of events, visit the Hometown Days website.

Fireworks
A fireworks display will take place at Community Park at 9:30 p.m. on Thursday June 12.



Hometown Days Parade
The Verona Hometown Days Parade will be held on Sunday, June 15 at noon. The parade route begins at Paoli Street and S. Nine Mound Road and runs along Paoli Street, Main Street, and W. Verona Avenue to Legion Street. Intersections and roads on the route will be closed from 11:45 a.m. until approximately 1:30 p.m.

Live Music
Thursday, 7:30 p.m. - Charm School Rejects
Friday, 8:00 p.m. - Madison Country
Saturday, 8:30 p.m. - Cherry Pie

Other Events
Many other events will be taking place during the festival. View the full schedule HERE.

Safety Advice from the Verona Police Department
To make Hometown Days fun and safe for all, the Verona Police Department would like to remind attendees of a few City ordinances. Smoking is prohibited in all City Parks including the festival grounds and beer tent. Additionally, no open intoxicants will be allowed on festival grounds with the exception of alcoholic beverages sold and consumed within the fenced area of the beer tent.

Lincoln Street Construction
Lincoln Street is being reconstructed south of City Hall. The street will be open during the Hometown Days Festival, but on street parking will be limited. People are encouraged to access Community Park from Verona Avenue and to park in the lot next to the Eagles Nest Ice Arena.
New Fire and EMS Facility Open House
An open house on the design of a new Fire and EMS Facility will be held on Wednesday, June 11 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the current fire station at 101 Lincoln Street. The project architect and representatives of the City will present the station plans and be available to answer questions. The City is planning to start construction on the new station in July. This facility would house the City of Verona Fire Department and Fitch-Rona EMS. The design is for an approximately 40,000 square foot facility with living quarters that is intended to serve the Fire and EMS needs of the community now and into the future. For more information on the New Fire and EMS Facility, click HERE.
Lincoln Street Reconstruction
Reconstruction of Lincoln Street began the week of May 19. The project limits are from William Street to the south end of Lincoln Street. Included in the project is Oak and Holiday Court. The work consists of replacing the water main, hydrants, and water services. We will remove all of the existing curb and gutter, driveway approaches, existing asphalt pavement and base course. Then we will install fabric, crushed aggregate base course, pour new curb and gutter, driveway approaches, pave the street with new asphalt and restore any disturbed lawn areas. The project is slated to be completed by September 1, 2014. Lincoln Street will be open to local traffic at all times during the construction.
2014 Street Rehabilitation Program
The 2014 Street Rehabilitation Program will begin approximately July 1, 2014. The streets that are included in the project are:
  • Basswood Avenue from Hemlock Drive to the end of the cul-de-sac;
  • Basswood Avenue from Maple Road to Tamarack Way;
  • Tamarack Way from Basswood Avenue to Cross Country Road;
  • North Nine Mound Road from Grace Street to Acadia Way.
The work consists of replacing any deficient curb and gutter, driveway approaches, pulverizing the existing base course and pavement, reshaping the base course, and paving the street with new asphalt. This project is slated to be completed by October 1, 2014. During the construction, the streets will be open to local traffic.
Grass Cutting Regulations in Effect
With summer finally here, the City would like to remind residents of the City's regulations regarding lawn work. City regulations prohibit property owners from allowing grass and weeds on their premises to grow more than eight inches in height, and prohibit the growth of any noxious weeds. Anyone found to be in violation will receive a hanging "door knocker" to remind them of the requirements. Only one warning will be given during the mowing season before the City intervenes by immediately mowing the property, of which you would be billed, and issuing a fine.

For property owners who have natural lawns that are registered with the city (natural laws are select grasses and wild flowers native to North America designed and purposely cultivated to exceed twelve inches in height), the height limitation is waived but these lawns are still subject to the prohibition of any noxious weeds.

If you see anyone in violation of these regulations, please get the exact address and a photo, if possible, and contact the Building Inspection Department at 608-848-9940, email at buildinginspector@ci.verona.wi.us, or file a complaint online.
Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS) Presentation at Senior Center
The Verona Senior Center will host a Domestic Abuse Intervention Services Presentation on Thursday, June 19 at 12:30 p.m. This training and presentation will cover the definition and types of domestic violence, warning signs of an abusive relationship, and resources for people experiencing abuse. It will also break down myths and stereotypes that exist about domestic violence. The presentation will be facilitated by Hannah Wagner Jacoby, Training and Education Coordinator at Domestic Abuse Intervention Services.
Car Seat Check Event at Verona Police Department, July 16
The Verona Police Department will be offering child car seat checks by a certified child passenger safety technician on Wednesday July 16, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Verona Police Department, 111 Lincoln Street. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 1-14. According to Madison Area Safe Kids, 9 out of 10 child restraint and car seats are installed or used incorrectly in Dane County. The risk of injury and death is significantly decreased by properly installing and using child safety seats.

Car Seat Checks are by appointment only between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and last for 30 minutes. To make an appointment, contact the Madison Area Safe Kids at 608-890-8999.
Library to Offer Free English Classes to Adult Spanish Speakers
The Verona Public Library will be offering English Classes to Adult Spanish Speakers on Tuesdays and Thursday, June 10 through July 31. Dinner will be provided from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. with classes from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. There will be free on-site child care and programs for school age children. Registration is required and limited to 20 participants, who must be 18 or older. Contact Yamileth Ruiz at 608-228-4839 to register. This program is presented in partnership with the Literacy Network and sponsored by a grant from Epic.
Summer Concerts in the Park 
The 2014 Concert in the Park lineup has been set and will again be held at Harriet Park on four consecutive Thursdays beginning July 10. All four bands are new to Verona and they cover a wide range of musical styles. Below are the dates, bands, and musical genres:
  • July 10: Down from the Hills - Bluegrass along with some Cajun and Folk mixed in
  • July 17: Blue Olives - Features a seven piece band performing their award winning mixture of Rock, Funk, and Soul
  • July 24: The Birddog Blues Band - Traditional four piece band playing a variety of Blues and R&B hits
  • July 31: Some Assembly Required - diverse mix of styles from the 60's through today's hits
All shows are free, run from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. rain or shine, and would not be possible without the generous support every year from the Verona Area Chamber of Commerce.
Lifeline Screenings Event at Senior Center
Thursday June 26, 2014
Life Line Screening, a leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings, will host their affordable, non-invasive and painless health screenings on Thursday June 26 at the Verona Senior Center. Five screenings will be offered that scan for potential health problems related to: blocked arteries which is a leading cause of stroke; abdominal aortic aneurysms which can lead to a ruptured aorta; hardening of the arteries in the legs which is a bone density screening for men and women used to asses the risk of osteoporosis. Register for a Wellness Package which includes 4 vascular tests and osteoporosis screening from $149 ($139 with our member discount). All five screenings take approximately 60-90 minutes to complete. In order to register for this event, please call 1-888-653-6441 or visit the lifeline screening website HERE. 
It's a Growing Thing - Gardening Events unpotted-flowers.jpg at Verona Public Library
Planting Week  - June 9-14
Adopt a seedling or seedlings this week and plant it in the garden. You will receive a caretaker certificate and a sign to decorate and place next to your plant from the Verona Public Library

Scare Tactics: Deer and Rabbit Prevention
Saturday June 28, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Deer and rabbits love eating the delicious and tender leaves from your garden. Learn about and create safe ways to keep them out of the garden.

Weeds and Soil: Keeping Your Garden Healthy
Saturday July 19, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Learn ways to keep your garden healthy and weed-free. Test the garden soil, and compare it to the prairie soil. Bring a sample of your own soil for testing. Make a garden hat to take home.