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Community News in Middleton & Madison WI

An Angel Beyond Our Borders

Attic Angel Association member and volunteer Barb Tensfeldt (left) received the Senior Service Award from the Rotary Club of Madison for her work with Attic Angel Community, Olbrich Botanical Gardens and the University of Wisconsin School of Human Ecology.

Over the last 20 years, Barb has contributed 6,500 hours of service as an Attic Angel volunteer. From chairing the Attic Angel Association Board—almost a full time position – to co-chairing a $1.5 million fundraising campaign, Barb is a gifted leader. Each year, she pitches in to help with the Attic Sale, an Attic Angel fundraiser to benefit children and the elderly. She also works directly with residents in Attic Angel’s memory care unit and tends extensive outdoor gardens for the delight of the Attic Angel Community.

Barb is a Master Gardener who also volunteers for Olbrich Botanical Gardens. For two decades, she has served on the Olbrich Botanical Society Board of Directors and helped lead Olbrich’s expansion, including the Thai Pavilion and the Rose Garden. In addition to helping with many Garden events, she spearheads Olbrich’s Plant Sale with the Pros – one of the garden’s biggest fund-raisers.

Shift gears to the UW campus, where Barb majored in Home Economics Education and remains a loyal alumna. Today she is Vice Chair of the Board of Visitors for the School of Human Ecology and a member of the Helen Allen Textile Collection Development Committee.

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Middleton Chamber

The Playing Field


The Playing Field Poster

Children affected by trauma such as homelessness and those with special needs such as autism spectrum disorders have different sensory needs for emotional support that helps them learn to manage behaviors. Our dream is to create a play space that allows children to be successful while ... being kids! Some of our plans:

  • A large open space for running (crowded spaces are often a behavior trigger for children)
  • High fencing and an appropriate climbing structure (children impacted by trauma or those on the autism spectrum often take bigger risks and climb higher)
  • Sensory panels that welcome independent play when children are agitated
  • A maze for children to walk through (this helps the brain to organize)
  • Small structures where children can feel safe
  • Specially designed pieces to work large muscle groups

By helping children at this critical point in their development, your gift will be helping the future of our community!

 Visit The Playing Field Website