If you have a kindergartener starting at Midvale this fall, the Midvale-Lincoln School Community Organization (SCO) is planning to organize playdates for incoming kindergarteners this summer. (SCO is what Midvale-Lincoln calls their Parent-Teacher Organization.) If you are interested in being added to the list to receive information about the playdates, please add your email using the link below. The link also has a kindergarten FAQ with lots of helpful information for kindergarten families.
Also, if you are interested in MSCR after school care at Midvale for the 2026-27 school year, note that registration will open this Friday, May 1, at 12pm, and the information about it can also be found in the link below.

Information for Kindergarten Caregivers

The Madison School & Community Recreation Elementary Afterschool Programs are looking to fill a few summer positions.

• SREC Program Leader - Van Hise Elementary, part-time, June 12-July 31, off June 19, July 3.
  https://www.mscr.org/jobs/elementary-4k-4th-srec-program-leader-van-hise/

• Fascination Station Sports/Games Speciality Program Leader - Stephens Elementary, full-time, June 12-August 14, off June 19 and July 3.
  https://www.mscr.org/jobs/elementary-fascination-station-day-camp-games-sports-specialty-program-leader-summer-2026/

• Super Center Dance Speciality Leader - Lapham Elementary, full-time, June 12-August 14, off June 19 and July 3.
  https://www.mscr.org/jobs/elementary-super-center-arts-camp-dance-specialty-leader-summer-2026/

• Camp Compass Program Leader SUB - Varies, hours are not guaranteed, but possible to work up to full-time.
  https://www.mscr.org/jobs/elementary-camp-compass-substitute-program-leader-summer-2026/

More information at this link: https://www.mscr.org/jobs

Sunday, May 3, 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm

UW-Madison Arboretum Visitor Center, 2880 Longenecker Drive, Madison, WI

Friends of Lake Wingra is hosting a one-on-one rain garden workshop for people living in (or near) the Lake Wingra Watershed, including part of Midvale Heights (see the map below). This workshop will give homeowners 30 minute sessions with experts to plan a rain garden for their property and will guide them through the City of Madison application for a $500 reimbursement for installing a rain garden.

• Sunday, 05/03/26, 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm
• UW-Madison Arboretum Visitor Center
  2880 Longenecker Drive
  Madison, WI
• $20 registration fee
• Registration deadline 04/24/26
• Sign up HERE

Event Description

Friends of Lake Wingra and Dane County Ripple Effects are offering personalized, one-on-one rain garden coaching sessions for residents in the Lake Wingra Watershed (see map of watershed below). Residents outside the watershed may be accommodated as space allows. If you are unsure whether you qualify, please email Sarah Pabian at .

Each participant will receive a 30-minute session with rain garden experts, scheduled between 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm. Additional dates may be offered – email us if you’re interested but unable to attend this session.

During you session, you will:

• Review your property using an online mapping tool
• Identify drainage patterns
• Determine the best location for a rain garden
• Get guidance on sizing and plant selection
• Learn about site preparation and installation

* This session will focus on rain gardens that will receive water from residential downspouts.

Ideal Rain Garden Site Condition

The best location for a residential rain garden typically:

• Is at least 10 feet from your home’s foundation
• Receives at least 4 hours of sunlight per day
• Has a slope of less than 10%
• Provides adequate drainage
• Is located outside of tree canopy areas

Reimbursement Opportunity: The City of Madison is offering a limited number of $500 reimbursements to help cover the cost of installing a rain garden. Program details and eligibility requirements will be reviewed during your session.

Lake Wingra Watershed Map

📅 Saturday, January 31 | 2–5 PM

Bundle up and join your neighbors for an afternoon of winter fun, community, and connection at Westmorland Park!

All ages welcome—whether you’re playing, cheering, or just soaking in the winter vibes. Invite a friend and come celebrate winter with us!

Enjoy classic Winterfest favorites like the Medallion Hunt (with a great prize!), fort-building, and mining for treasure, plus new fun like snowball target practice. Warm up by the bonfires, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy treats shared by the community.

Due to the high volume of comments received so far, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is extending the public comment period to January 31, 2026, for the recent public meeting held for the Beltline Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) Study. The Study covers approximately 20 miles of US 12/14/18/151 (Beltline) from US 14 (city of Middleton) to County N (town of Cottage Grove) in Dane County. At the meeting the study team presented an overview of the information included in the Draft Beltline PEL Study Summary Report and the Preferred Strategy Package. The materials from the meeting, including the recorded presentation, meeting handout, and exhibits can be found on the public involvement (PI) page of the study website at the link below.

Beltline PEL PI Page

If you haven’t already, please consider providing feedback by filling out the online comment form. A direct link to the comment form can be found on the public involvement page of the study website.

WISCONSIN MASTER NATURALIST TRAINING OPORTUNITY

MADISON – Love Nature? Become a Wisconsin Master Naturalist!

Are you passionate about the outdoors and eager to give back? Turn your curiosity into action by joining the Wisconsin Master Naturalist program.

Through expert-led sessions and hands-on field experiences, you’ll explore Wisconsin’s natural history, tackle conservation issues, and gain skills to be an effective volunteer.
Training Details

Where: Dane County Extension office, 5201 Fen Oak Drive, Madison
When: May 7-August 20, 2026
Cost: $300 (Includes 40 hours of training and all materials)
Reduced fees are available for financial hardships.

Local Info: Students will be immersed in the diverse array of natural areas Dane County has to offer through the lens of local experts. Highlights of our time together will include prairie walks, rainfall simulators, fish shocking, soil coring, nature journaling, birdwatching, monitoring for bumble bees and dragonflies, and much more. Additionally, many of the activities done by the group will be connected to volunteering opportunities from local Dane County organizations.

Make a Real Difference
As a certified Master Naturalist, you’ll be able to provide service to a variety of organizations through education, stewardship, and citizen science activities. To stay certified, volunteers report 40 hours of service and 8 hours of advanced training annually.

Join a community dedicated to Wisconsin’s natural world!

For more information about the Master Naturalist program, please visit https://wimasternaturalist.org/.

Oktoberfest at Westmorland Park

Saturday, October 4, 2025

5-9pm

A new tradition with music (POLKA!), food, and fall festivities for adults only.

See full details and purchase tickets here: Westmorland Oktoberfest

Please share with your neighbors, we’d love to celebrate together.

Westmorland is closing out summer, and we’d love to see you there:

Summer Nights Finale

Saturday, September 13, 2025

4:30–9 PM at Westmorland Park

Featuring live entertainment from Pogie the Yogie, Gin, Chocolate, & Bottle Rockets, and Orchestra Salsoul Del Mad, plus food carts, desserts, and local beverages.

See full details here: Final Westmorland Summer Nights Event

Time: 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Location: Westmorland Park

Our mid-summer show is not to be missed! Enjoy music, dancing, and a stunning drone light show to close out the night.

🎵 Live Music Lineup:

Edi Gbordzi: African drums & dancing (4:30-5:30pm)
Johnny Chimes and the Natch’l Blues Band (5:45-7pm)
Headliner: V05 (7:15-9:30pm)
Emcee: Geoffrey Sandler
🎉 Drone Light Show (9:30-9:45)

🍴 Food Carts On-Site:

The Roost Fried Chicken
Jolly Frog
Thailand in a Truck
Eaton BBQ
Banzo
Stellas Bread
🍦 Desert:

Sassy Scoop Ice Cream
Lily’s Magical Treats
🥂 Drinks:

Local beers, root beer, non-alcoholic brews, THC-infused sips, and refreshing hard seltzers
Come early, stay late, and celebrate summer with neighbors and friends!

You might see posters saying that the MHCA is sponsoring this event, but those posters were made in error. The MHCA is sponsoring the 4th of July event, but not the Westmorland Summer Nights at Westmorland event.

Mark your calendars for May 17, 2025, for this stunning event held at Westmorland Park. Step into a world of nostalgia and community as we celebrate the spirit of giving and support for our beloved parks.

May 17, starting at 5:00 PM CDT

This is your chance to be part of an unforgettable night in support of the Madison Parks Foundation and our Madison Parks, which helps keep our parks thriving for all to enjoy. Spots are limited, don’t wait to grab your tickets!

More information here: https://onecau.se/picnicinthepark2025

Dinner tickets are nearly sold out, and we created another way to join the fun! We’re excited to open up a limited number of Disco Concert Tickets for those who want to enjoy the music, drinks, and dancing under the stars.

Disco Concert Ticket – $50 Includes:

• Live performance by VO5, Madison’s favorite 70’s disco band (Gate entrance 8 PM. Music starts at 8:30 PM)
• Beer & Wine (excluding the AirBar VIP Lounge)
• Entry to the Disco Party Tent, open from 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM
• Located in the hockey rink area at Westmorland Park