Tonight’s Concert on the Square Rescheduled due to…

COLD! Can you believe it? Here’s the info http://ping.fm/xvvJz

Myles Teddywedgers…A Great Lunch Downtown

If you find yourself on the square at lunch time, don’t overlook the unassuming triangle shaped storefront at the top of State Street where State/Carroll and Mifflin Streets all intersect. This unassuming little “hole in the wall” is some of the best food I’ve had.

What is it? Why it’s Myles Teddy Wedgers Cornish Pasty located at 101 State Street.

What’s a pasty? First it’s pronounced “pass-tee” and certainly is not to be confused with something that might adorn certain stripper body parts. It’s a traditional Cornish meal made to be eaten while on the move. Sort of the Cornish version of a burritto I’d think. In the traditional form it’s a pastry “turnover” stuffed with meat, potatoes and onions. Myles puts a different spin on this traditional fare with offerings of a “Big Cheesy” with mozzarella cheese, ground beef and pizza sauce. The Veggie Wedgie for those wanting a meatless option and a Chicken Pie filled with chicken, peas, corn, carrots, cheese and a white cream sauce.

The Super Pizza is an awesome lunch on the go and my current favorite. 1/2 a Teddywedger is more than enough for even the biggest appetite. I always save room for dessert of an M&M Cookie. They are made fresh daily and are worth the trip in to the store just for a cookie.

I’ve tried some of the other pasties as well. The traditional is very good. The crust is flaky and light and the fillings are robust.

Top this all off is the friendly staff and you’ve got a really great, inexpensive dining experience.

Concerts on the Square…A Few Rules

From the Capitol Police department are the following reminders:

STATE CAPITOL POLICIES:

• Blankets placed before 3 p.m. will be removed.

• Do not dump alcohol on the lawn; it kills the grass.

• No rocks, bricks, stakes or tarps on the Capitol lawn.

• Use only low height chairs on the lawn, with (6 inch) tubular, “U”-shaped legs.

• No tables with standard legs.

• No animals.

BE RESPECTFUL OF YOUR NEIGHBORS:

• Please refrain from talking during the concert.

• Limit smoking and burning of incense and citronella candles.

Thank you for your cooperation,

and enjoy the concert!

Concerts on the Square Begins Tonight

One of my favorite Madison traditions, is the WI Chamber Orchestra’s “Concerts on the Square”. This annual tradition typically begins the last Wednesday evening of June and runs every Wednesday through the month of July.

Tonight’s concert is “Rachmaninov Rhapsody” and if the weather allows the concert to go on, proves to be a great start to the season.

To find out more, visit the Chamber Orchestra’s website at http://ping.fm/DZUF6

Central Madison Police Newsletter

Each month, the central district publishes an online newsletter. I like it because it will have a refresher on some part of the law and an update on any and all crime issues in the district during the proceeding month.

Here’s the link to subscribe yourself: http://ping.fm/yYafK

Madison Named #7 by Kiplinger

Teachers, Firefighters Can By HUD Homes 50% Off

Did you know that there’s a federal program that lwill allow aw enforcement officers, teachers and firefighters/emergency medical technicians and who meet all other requirements of the program are eligible to purchase an available home at 50% off of the current list price?

It’s call the “Good Neighbor Next Door” program and is being offered by the US Housing and Urban Development agency.

To find out more about this unique and awesome opportunity, visit their website at http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/reo/goodn/gnndfaq.cfm

Madison Again on Top 10 List

Kiplinger has named Madison, WI 7th of the top 10 places to live.
http://ping.fm/4HLgX

HUD $8000 Tax Credit Rules Revised

HUD News Release
May 29, 2009
HousingZone
WASHINGTON – Speaking to the National Association of Home Builders Spring Board of Directors Meeting, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced that the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will allow homebuyers to apply the Obama Administration’s new $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit toward the purchase costs of a FHA-insured home. Donovan said that today’s action will help stabilize the nation’s housing market by stimulating home sales across the country.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 offers homebuyers a tax credit of up to $8,000 for purchasing their first home. Families can only access this credit after filing their tax returns with the IRS. Today’s announcement details FHA’s rules allowing state Housing Finance Agencies and certain non-profits to ‘monetize” up to the full amount of the tax credit (depending on the amount of the mortgage) so that borrowers can immediately apply the funds toward their down payments. Home buyers using FHA-approved lenders can apply the tax credit to their down payment in excess of 3.5 percent of appraised value or their closing costs, which can help achieve a lower interest rate. To read the FHA’s new mortgagee letter, visit HUD’s website.

“We believe this is a real win for everyone,” said Donovan. “Today, the Obama Administration is taking another important step toward accelerating the recovery of the nation’s housing market. Families will now be able to apply their anticipated tax credit toward their home purchase right away. At the same time we are putting safeguards in place to ensure that consumers will be protected from unscrupulous lenders. What we’re doing today will not only help these families to purchase their first home but will present an enormous benefit for communities struggling to deal with an oversupply of housing.”

Currently, borrowers applying for an FHA-insured mortgage are required to make a minimum 3.5 percent downpayment on the purchase of their home. Current law does not permit approved lenders to monetize the tax credit to meet the required 3.5 percent minimum down payment, but, under the terms of today’s announcement, lenders can now monetize the tax credit for use as additional down payment, or for other closing costs, which can help achieve a lower interest rate. Buyers financing through state Housing Finance Agencies and certain non-profits will be able to use the tax credit for their downpayments via secondary financing provided by the HFA or non-profit. In addition to the borrower’s own cash investment, FHA allows parents, employers and other governmental entities to contribute towards the downpayment. Today’s action permits the first-time homebuyer’s anticipated tax credit under the Recovery Act to be applied toward the family’s home purchase right away. Unlike seller-funded down-payment assistance, which was a vehicle for abuse, this program will allow homebuyers to shop for the best home price and services using their anticipated tax credit.

According to estimates by the National Association of Home Builders, the Administration’s homebuyer tax credit will stimulate 160,000 home sales across the nation – 101,000 of which will be first-time buyers who will receive the credit. Another 59,000 existing homeowners will be able to buy another home because a first-time buyer purchased their home. Given FHA’s current market share, it’s estimated that thousands of families will be able to purchase a home by allowing the anticipated tax credit to be applied toward their purchase together with an FHA-insured mortgage.

Homebuyers should beware of mortgage scams and carefully compare benefits and costs when seeking out tax credit monetization services. Programs will vary from organization to organization and borrowers should consider whether the services make sense for them, as well as what company offers the most suitable and affordable option.

For every FHA borrower who is assisted through the tax credit program, FHA will collect the name and employer identification number of the organization providing the service as well as associated fees and charges. FHA will use this information to track the business closely and will refer any questionable practices to the appropriate regulatory agencies, as necessary.

Speed and Alcohol Enforcement in Madison

During the weekend of May 29th, 30th and 31st, The Madison Police Department is participating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration sponsored alcohol and speed enforcement grants that are coordinated through the Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation Safety. As a participant in these grant initiatives, additional Madison police officers will be on patrol during this period with the objective of detecting and apprehending vehicle operators who are violating speeding laws and who are under the influence of an intoxicant and/or controlled substance. Officers will also be enforcing seatbelt violations as part of the “Click It or Ticket” campaign.

Although law enforcement efforts are an important part of public safety, we rely heavily on the cooperation of the public to be aware of, and to follow, all traffic laws. The Madison Police Department supports the “Zero In Wisconsin” campaign and believes that we all can make a difference.

Please remember to drive safely and to “buckle up.” The Madison Police Department also reminds motorists that state law requires that vehicles yield right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks. Remember – do not drink and drive!