Client Newsletter | March 2021
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It’s March and Spring is just around the corner! February sure gave us some frigid weather, but warmer days are ahead! Don’t forget to set your clocks forward by one hour before you go to bed on Saturday, March 13th, as Daylight Saving Time officially begins on Sunday, March 14th. Spring arrives March 20th offering a whole new season of hope as more and more individuals can receive the COVID-19 vaccine. We’ve included the latest information regarding who will become eligible to receive the vaccine beginning this month. The Department of Health Services is working aggressively to roll out the vaccine as fairly, quickly, and safely as possible. This is exciting news!
COVID-19 Vaccine Updates
 
Who Is Next in Line to Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine?
Beginning on or around March 1st, based on vaccine availability, five additional groups will become eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine:
  • Education and Child Care Staff
  • Individuals enrolled in Medicaid long-term care programs
  • Public facing essential workers
  • Non-frontline health care personnel
  • People who live together in facilities and share common spaces
To see specific examples of eligible individuals within each group, here is more information. If you feel you fall under any of these groups, contact your health care provider to see if you are eligible, as well as when and where you can receive the vaccine.
 
Remember, even if you have received the vaccine, you still need to practice social distancing, masking, handwashing, and testing. Most importantly, if you have been exposed to COVID-19 make sure you are isolating and quarantining.
 
COVID-19 Vaccine Locations

If you are currently eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and have a local healthcare provider, they will contact you via MyChart, mail, or phone to schedule an appointment for your shots based on vaccine availability. If you do not have a local healthcare provider, don’t worry. Public Health Madison & Dane County will be providing vaccinations or match you with another resource in Dane County. For more information click the button below.

For those over age 60, the Waunakee Senior Center has compiled information about vaccination locations.  
March Hours and Shopping
We are open Mondays and Fridays from 9:00 AM-4:00 PM, Wednesdays from 9:00 AM-7:00 PM, and Saturday, March 27th from 9:00 AM-2:00 PM. Shopping appointments are available during all open hours. To make an appointment, go to https://bit.ly/WNCShopping2021 or call us at (608)849-5740. 
Bedding and Spring Décor in the Corner Store

Jazz up your beds this month and get a good night’s sleep with new comforters, sheets, pillows, and mattress toppers located in the Corner Store! We also have a variety of fun St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, and spring décor that can spruce up your home and bring in the season!
A Word About Text Messages from Neighborhood Connection
If you have a cell phone number that you have shared with us, you have likely been receiving occasional text messages from us with program information and links to community resources. Many clients have let us know that this is how they’d like to receive information. If you’ve not been receiving the texts and would like to, please contact Stacey via email or at (608)849-5740 and let her know.
The text messages are sent from an online system, not a cell phone, so we do not have an easy way to see responses. If you need to respond to one of our text messages, please do so via email or by calling us at (608)849-5740..
Looking for a Bike?
Check Out the Waunakee Bike Rodeo
and Bike Donation Event!

If anyone in your family is looking for a bike, we may be able to help. The Waunakee Village Center in partnership with Waunakee Neighborhood Connection, DreamBikes, and the Waunakee Police Department, is holding a free community bike rodeo and donation event on May 22nd 9:00 AM-12:00 PM.

The bike rodeo is designed to promote safe riding habits and skills for younger riders – typically elementary to intermediate school age children (5-12 years old). Dreambike’s trained staff will be available to inspect all bikes and offer simple fixes on site.

Dreambikes will also be collecting gently used bikes that will be tuned up and made available for Waunakee families that are in need of dependable bikes at no charge.
To request a bike please call us at (608)849-5740, fill out our online request form, or give your information to a Welcome Center volunteer next time you come in to shop. 
Community Resources 
                 
Emergency Rental Assistance Program
If you have fallen behind in rent, reside in Dane County, are at or below 50% of area median income, and have experienced economic hardship due to COVID-19, you can now apply for assistance through the Dane CORE Emergency Assistance Program.

Click here for more information about eligibility and how to apply. If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact Stacey via phone at (608) 849-5740 or email at sdudley@waunakeenc.org. 



Vaccine Transportation
 
Are you 65+ and struggling to find a ride to your vaccine appointment? If you reside in Dane County, live independently in a home or apartment, NewBridge may be able to help at no cost! Contact them at (608)512-0000 Ext. 3.
March Holidays

St. Patrick’s Day
Wednesday, March 17th
Saint Patrick's Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick, is a cultural and religious celebration held on 17 March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland.
International Women’s Day
March 8th is International Women’s Day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women! This year’s theme applauds the tremendous efforts by women and girls around the world in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Let’s hear a “You go, girl!”
Community Events in Waunakee
Schumacher Farm Park
Maple Sap Workshop
Saturday, March 6, 2021 1:00-2:30 PM
Cost: $8 for ages 14 & over

Discover the magic of maple syrup! In this workshop you’ll learn the basics of making maple syrup from your own backyard. Beginning with how to identify a maple tree, you’ll explore the various tools used for maple sap collection and learn how to tap a tree. General handouts of the process will be available, and all participants will be entered in a drawing for maple syrup prizes. This family-friendly event is sure to put a smile on your face. 
New Client Registration

Anyone interested in registering to receive Waunakee Neighborhood Connection's services can contact Stacey Dudley, client and volunteeer services manager, at sdudley@waunakeenc.com or (608) 849-5740 to set up an appointment.