Recently Occupy Madison held a 5 year anniversary party for the Occupy Madison Tiny House Village – and it was a reminder that the hard work and perseverance was so worth it. Here’s a brief look at the event and how you can help.Here’s the videos from the welcome and the three panel discussions with the residents, neighbors and our plans for phase 2. For transparency purposes, I serve on the board of directors (co-president of the board) and was the primary “developer” of the project with much help from volunteer Bruce Wallbaum, our architect Ed Kuharski, Bachmann Constructions Chris Quandt and city staff Zoning Administrator Matt Tucker and planning staff Tim Parks. And of course the 1,000s of volunteer hours put in by so many in the community.
WELCOME
Co-president Luca Clemente and County Board Supervisor and neighbor Heidi Wegleitner make opening remarks.
RESIDENTS PANEL
Russ Albers, Gene Cox and Sofia Martinez, three of the four residents share what its like to live in the Village
NEIGHBORHOOD PANEL
Volunteer and neighbor Diane Farsetta is joined by long time supporter and photographer, neighbor Leslie Peterson as well as Meredith Lowe (former Emerson East co-president) and former Alderperson Larry Palm for a look back at the struggles of getting approval from the neighborhood and what worked to make our village the first in the nation to be located in a residential neighborhood.
PHASE 2
What’s next for OM? A look at what needs to happen to make Phase 2 a reality and add 4 more houses to get us to 9 tiny houses at the village.
MORE TO COME
I don’t have the video completed for the powerpoint presentation by Allen Barkoff or our wonderful entertainment of the Raging Grannies and Mike and Tom. My computer is all better now, but I lost a few things along the way and it slowed me down being without it for four days!!!
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
- We always need volunteers! Produce items in the woodshop, produce jewelry and hand sewn or loomed goods, gardening and caring for seedlings for plant sale, taking a shift in the store selling items, board members, social media and website assistance, and more! Let us know your skills and we’ll put you to work!
- Donate! We need to raise $100,000 – $125,000 more in funds (we have $50,000) towards phase two.
- Shop! Our store is open extra holiday hours, come pick up holiday gifts for others, or treat yourself! We have handmade goods along with T-shirts, postcards, books, succulants and other gifts for others or yourself! Details and hours on facebook. Or listen to WORT to hear more about our holiday sale!
