Martin Drive November Enews

Martin Drive E-News
November 2008


Night Time Trick or Treat
Friday October 31st
Night Time Trick or treat was another huge success. The 15th Annual trick or treat came off without a hitch. There were about 260 registered kids from about 85 families. There were 22 adult volunteers and 17 teen volunteers. There were about 37 treating homes and mountains of donated candy. Special Thanks to Krista Pena from 44th Street for going door to door to sign up homes. And special mention to Shannon Visnaw who also signed up homes.

Three houses did exceptional jobs of decorating and went all out. I would like to recognize, Kristen Appleget on the corner of 44th & Martin, Janet Froh on 44th Street and Jeff Strohman and Patricia Munford who do an exceptional job of decorating their house on 46th Street every year. You helped make the event very memorable.

Special Martin Drive Block Watch Meeting
There was a special meeting of neighbors with representatives of the Police Department because of several burglaries in our neighborhood. Typically we have very few burglaries so the fact that there were several in the neighborhood in a few weeks caused concern. The police department suggested meeting with us to let us know what they were doing and what we should do to be safe. First, the police department provided extra coverage or sweeps as they called them. We had some foot patrol officers. They suggested making a list of your possessions including serial number, size, etc so that it could be recovered. The suggested listing your items on mythings.com a website designed just for this. The also mentioned that s suspect had been arrested who might be responsible for the burglaries. And, I am happy to report there have not been any additional burglaries so possibly the police have the correct suspect.

Got the Utility Bill Blues?
We energies can shut off your utilities if you have past due balances until Oct. 15. If you face having, utilities shut off here are some things you can do.
Contact the utility company immediately to make a payment plan. If you cannot reach a payment agreement, contact the Public Service Commission’s Consumer Affairs @ (800) 225-7729.

If you need help paying your utility bill, there is financial assistance available for income eligible households thru the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) at (866) 432-8947 or online at www.homeenergyplus.wi.gov

There is a comprehensive listing of the State’s energy assistance programs at (800) 522-3014 or online @ www.energyhelp.wi.gov.


Foreclosure Prevention & Assistance
Do not be afraid to reach out for help. There are more and more foreclosures coming up. If you need help, reach out and be persistent in requesting help. Some resources for help with foreclosure are:
Homeowner Preservation Foundation Hotline 1-888-995-HOPE
Acorn Housing Corp. 414-444-6902
Housing Resources Inc. 414-461-6330

We must be the change we wish to see. – Ghandi
No one ever became poor by giving. Anne Frank