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Did you know that the City of Milwaukee has a tool loan program? For an annual fee of $35.00 (or only $25.00 for those 62 years and older) you can borrow a variety of hand and power tools.

The Tool Loan Center is located at 2500 W Capitol Dr and is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

For more information you can call (414) 449-0705. For more information on the Tool Loan Center check out this message from Alderman Hamilton.

Now that it is officially summer in Milwaukee, the orange barrels (the city's unofficial summer flower) have been sprouting up along various streets and roadways. The construction season can cause a huge hassle if you're not prepared for it. However, tools do exist to help minimize the headaches caused by the repaving of roadways.

Information is available at the city level. The Department of Public Works (DPW) lists construction projects that may affect traffic patterns. Also available from the city is a powerful tool called Map Milwaukee. Among other things, it has a tool that allows the user to view current and upcoming paving projects in the city. To view a description of how to use this feature, and to access Map Milwaukee, click here.

Available from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is an up to the minute map of Milwaukee-area congestion levels for the various freeways that go through and around Milwaukee. Also available are listings of Milwaukee-area lane and ramp closures.

These tools should help to minimize some of the impact that construction has on traffic patterns in Milwaukee.

Have questions about city, county, state or federal government services?
Stop in the Central Library's rotunda on Wednesday, May 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

This is your one-stop place to ask the experts. Topics covered include:

• Federal Taxes
• Home Buying

• Low-Income Housing
• Foreclosure Prevention
• Police & Fire Safety
• Veteran Benefits
• Social Security Benefits
• Workplace Safety
• Job Seeker Resources
• Congressional Offices & Liaisons
• Consumer Protection
• Senior & Caregiver Resources
• Postage Stamps
• And much more!

According to Prevention Magazine's annual survey with the American Podiatric Medical Association and Sperling's Best Places, Milwaukee ranks number 15 of the 25 best walking cities in the U.S. The survey points to the downtown RiverWalk as the reason Milwaukee did so well on the list.

To see how your own neighborhood ranks in terms of walkability check out the Walk Score Website. Type in your address to calculate your neighborhood's walking score and to view a list of places within walking distance.

Although winter seems far away with the wonderful weather we are having this week, we all know that blustery days are right around the corner. Learn how make your home into a cozy nest impervious to cold and high energy bills by attending the Home Repair program at the new Villard Square on October 19 at 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. This program, presented by the Neighborhood Development Improvement Corporation, Department of City Development, will show you how to increase your home energy effiency before winter arrives. You can also find out what funds are available for insulation and home repairs.

No registration is required. For more information about this program, call (414)286-3011

Today is the day of the recall election. Your vote will help determine who will be the Governor of our fair state. If you didn't get the chance to vote early, there is still plenty of time to make your voice heard today. To see where your polling place is, enter your address into the Wisconsin Voter Public Access' search form. If you need any other information regarding the election, and any requirements for same day voter registration, look at the City of Milwaukee Election Commission's website. Now you should have everything you need to make your voice heard. Make sure you tell your friends!