June 3, 2021
Administration
Sun Prairie Community Conversations on Race, Equity, and Inclusion
What is it?
A collective, cross-sector group of Sun Prairie leaders have come together to establish a strategy that reflects cross-sector alignment for racial healing and transformation for the City of Sun Prairie with the support of Courageous Conversations Global Foundation.
What's the purpose?
As we integrate strategies for equity across our city and our systems, we want to ensure that it is guided and grounded in the current realities of our community and a collective vision for what equity in Sun Prairie will look like, feel like and live like for children, families and neighborhoods. We also hope to build empathy and compassion for our individual community members, of all ages, as we each individually process our biases and beliefs in addition to establishing systems-level change that will remove barriers for those historically marginalized in the process.
Our institutions are committed to equity and racial justice. We need to build a collective understanding that this is a process, not to undermine the urgency but to cultivate a conversation based on understanding and curiosity, trust in each other and our systems, and work toward a community with shared core beliefs around equity.
What does this look like?
We will start this process with a series of intra- and inter-racial conversations for community members to share about their experiences and their hopes, dreams, desires for what racial justice and equity looks like for them. We recognize that as we move through the process of racial healing and understanding, it is important to create space for both intra- and inter-racial conversations.
This will then be followed by a 2-day workshop to provide opportunities for up to 80 community members to equip themselves with tools to serve as effective catalysts for racial justice and racial healing. Community members do not need to attend a Community Conversation in order to participate in the training.
What happens after programming ends?
Global Foundation will meet with Key Strategy Partners to share what was learned throughout the conversations and workshops. They will highlight key themes and provide suggestions on a community strategy to take concrete action steps to address racism and inequities in Sun Prairie. The key strategy partners named above will then co-construct a plan moving forward.
Who is supporting this?
Sun Prairie Community Schools has led this effort with support from Courageous Conversations Global Foundation and in collaboration with the City of Sun Prairie, Sun Prairie Area School District, SPHS Black Student Union, Dane County Boys & Girls Club, Sun Prairie Public Library, African American Parent Network (AAPN), Sun Prairie YMCA, and Prairie Music & Arts. More partners may join as this is promoted and shared.
What's the timeline of programming?
End of June: Community Conversations - all conversations will be held on Zoom. These conversations are open to the public. It is respectfully requested that individuals only sign up for the intra-racial conversations for the race that they identify with. All conversations will be led by a trained Global Foundation facilitator of the identified race for each conversation.
○ East Indian: June 21, 7-9pm
○ Asian: June 22, 5-7pm
○ White: June 23, 5-7pm
○ Black: June 23, 5-7pm
○ Latinx: June 28, 5-7pm
○ Multi-racial: June 30, 5-7pm
● July 21 (9am-3pm), 22 (9-11:30am): FREE Virtual Courageous Conversation: The Experience Workshop
○ Open to the public - up to 80 participants.
○ This is a multi-racial training workshop. All registered participants are expected to attend both days.
How do I register?
Interested participants can register here or scan the QR code.
Questions?
You can contact Jamie Racine, Sun Prairie Community Schools Program Coordinator | jlracin@sunprairieschools.org 608.834.6534
City of Sun Prairie's Financial Reports Receive Awards
The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and PAFR are submitted to the Government Financial Officers Association (GFOA) by the city’s finance department. Members of the GFOA Special Review Committee and the GFOA Executive Board revi ew submissions by state and local entities for the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program and the Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award Programs. These award programs recognize state and local governments of all types and sizes on their high quality reports that promote better transparency of financial management.
The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report is a thorough and detailed report of the city's financial condition and reports on its activities and balances for the fiscal year. The City of Sun Prairie was recently awarded its fifth Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ending in 2019.
The City of Sun Prairie has begun submitting its Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), a user-friendly rendering of the full annual financial report. The popular report summarizes the information from the annual financial report and presents it in a more accessible and understandable way for the general public and other interested parties without a background in finance. The 2019 report marks the city’s fourth award for its PAFR.
To receive recognition for the programs, the reports are scored based on categories such as compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and program policy, understandability, reader appeal and overall quality. If a government’s report wins an award, it will receive national recognition, along with a plaque and press release. Recipients also receive feedback on their reports for areas of improvement to take into account for the following year.
The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and PAFR continue to be excellent resources for residents to become more familiar with the city’s finances. For more information and to review the city’s financial reports, visit https://www.cityofsunprairie.com/318/Financial-Statements.
Aldermanic District Task Force Survey Results
The purpose of the Aldermanic District Task Force is to study and gather public input on how many aldermanic districts and how many alderpersons per district there should be in Sun Prairie and to make a recommendation to the City Council. The task fo rce received 372 responses from the community survey. Survey results will help the task force learn what the residents of the City of Sun Prairie think about the current number of alderperson districts and number of alderpersons per district and possible changes to the structure of city governance.
Any changes regarding the number of alderperson districts and number of alderpersons representing each district would be implemented as part of the redistricting following the 2020 Census.
Learn more about redistricting, the Aldermanic District Task Force and the survey results here.
Sustainability Task Force Final Report
Sustainability is a community aspiration and can only be achieved when we collectively work together. The Sun Prairie City Council has identified sustainability as a priority in its Strategic and Comprehensive Plans and we are committed to pursuing a more green and equitable future for all current and future residents who call Sun Pra irie home.
The task force met twice a month from May 2020 to April 2021. Over the course of the year, the group defined sustainability, developed a vision statement, goals, and focus and impact areas along with strategic recommendations. The eight sustainability goals fall within the three impact areas: planet, people and profit. 115 strategic recommendations were made, along with measurable metrics to help benchmark success and progress.
These efforts are summarized in the final report that was presented at Committee of the Whole on Tuesday, 5/18. You can view the final report and the community survey results here.
Thank you to the following members of the Task Force for their contributions:
- Heather Barkholtz
- Jay Chatterjee
- Lee Gasper-Galvin
- Gary Haltaufderheide
- Mike Jacobs, Alder
- Chris Kunkle
- Sue Larson
- Ava Lombardino
- Frederick McConnell
- Amy Skicki
- Amanda Schienebeck
- Elizabeth Volz
Parks, Recreation and Forestry
COVID-19 Update
SPPRF office staff is open for in person services: Tuesday – Friday 9:00am-2:00pm and available by phone at (608) 837-3449 Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm, by email at rec@cityofsunprairie.com, or by appointment as needed.
Starting Monday, June 14 our office will re-open for in person services Monday – Friday 8:00am-4:30 pm!
Reserve your park facility for your private event today! Reservations are available for shelters, gazebos athletic fields and courts and accepted up to one year in advance. Green spaces are available to rent free of charge! For a full list of available rentals and to submit a request online visit: Facility Rental Information - Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation & Forestry (cityofsunprairie.com)
Sun Prairie Historical Museum is now Open!
Wednesday – Saturday, 11am-4pm
115 East Main St, Sun Prairie
Summer Registration is now Open!
To view the full program guide or to register visit rec.cityofsunprairie.com
Sun Prairie Family Aquatic Center Opens June 19, swim lesson session 1 registration closes June 14, get your spot today! Season Passes on sale now.
View the FAC guide, including information on swim lessons at rec.cityofsunprairie.com
WPRA Discount Tickets On Sale Now!
Tickets must be purchased in person and payment with cash or check only. 2.5% service fee, or a minimum of $1.95 applied to all credit card transactions. Office hours are Tuesday-Friday 9:00AM-2:00PM or by appointment call 608-837-3449.
Disney Trivia Night, June 27 3-5pm!
Join us for Trivia at Sheehan Park on the athletic field. Bring your own chair or blanket, and Disney knowledge…we will provide the rest! Great family fun activity for all ages.
Monday-Wednesday, 6/14-6/30
10:00-11:00 AM
Fee: Resident $37, Non-Resident $56
"Are you ready for some summer fun? Then join us at virtual Tot Lot! Tot Lot is a virtual class where each meeting students will enjoy a circle time which includes a welcome song, a story, a movement song and then a fun activity that might be either a science experiment or an art craft. During the first session we will have fun with ice cream, learn about things in the garden and celebrate the fourth of July!
A Zoom link will be emailed to you. Craft supplies will be delivered to your residence. Curbside pickup will be available for non- residents."
Playground & Water Games, Ages 6-8
Monday-Wednesday, 6/14-6/30 Ages 6-8
10:00-11:00 AM
Fee: Resident $37, Non-Resident $56
All week, participants will get to play some of their favorite games - new and old. From Hot Lava Monster to Capture the Flag and everything in between. Dress for getting wet because we will incorporate water into some of these timeless games such as carwash sponge dodgeball, jump the creek and many more!
Adult Pickleball Lessons Intermediate, Ages 16+
Mondays, 6/14-6/28
5:00-7:00 PM
Fee: Resident $41, Non-Resident $61
These lessons are for players who have some experience. If a player has participated in a Parks & Rec beginner class, this would meet the prerequisite for the intermediate class. If you have not completed the beginner class, please see prerequisites below.
* Has played pickleball and understands the basic rules of the game
* Is able to serve and return serve with reasonable consistency
* Can sustain short rallies
* Is aware of the "soft game"
* Knows the basic strokes
Pedal the Prairie 100 Mile Bike Challenge
Virtual Challenge
7/1-8/31
Fee: $12
Join us as we hop on our bike and pedal 100 miles throiughout Sun Prairie and beyond! Keep track of your outdoor OR indoor miles from July 1 through August 31 (average of 12.5 miles/week to reach 100!) Record your miles on a Google doc we will provide. ALL AGES WELCOME!
SWAG
- Everyone who registers will receive a Pedal the Prairie t-shirt
- Complete fun, mini challenges to help you stay on track
- Awards to the top finishers in total # of miles for the following age groups: 5 & under, 6/10, 11-15, 16-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70, 71+
**For more information or to register for these and other Recreation programs please visit the Recreation Department page at rec.cityofsunprairie.com Registration closes online one week prior to the start of class, to register after this date call 608-837-3449
Public Safety
National CPR and AED Awareness Week
June 1-7 is National CPR and AED Awareness Week! Sun Prairie EMS is pleased to support the American Heart Association and its important mission to increase survival from cardiac arrest. We are asking all members within our community to join us in our efforts to make Sun Prairie a heart-safe community!
Learn Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
In Sun Prairie, bystanders witness cardiac arrest events almost one-third of the time, and those persons have the best opportunity to help save a life. Even children as young as 9 years old can learn to perform CPR! If you have never had a CPR class, or if it has been awhile since you learned CPR, classes and refreshers are available from many different entities here in Sun Prairie and around Dane County.
Know Where to Find an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
When in public spaces such as grocery stores, gyms, shopping malls, etc., be on the lookout for where an AED is located. Private citizens and business owners alike might also purchase AEDs for their home or business. Business owners may consider installing an AED in a prominent and publically accessible place, and then announcing their device to Sun Prairie EMS and on Pulse Point.
Participate in Pulse Point
PulsePoint is a mobile phone application that is connected to the Dane County Public Safety Communications Center. It uses GPS technology to alerts CPR-trained individuals about cardiac arrest events in public areas within close proximity, and can even tell you where the closest AED is located.
Join us!
Join Sun Prairie EMS in making our community heart-safe! Please contact EMS@cityofsunprairie.com or call 608-837-3604 with questions.
Sacred Hearts Amazing Race
On May 24, Officers Rademacher and Enger helped run a station for Sacred Hearts School's Amazing Race competition. Students were tasked with decoding license plates to reveal a message.
Update to Coffee With A Cop!
You can stop and have coffee with a cop! This will be held at different locations throughout Sun Prairie. Community members interested in this opportunity to connect with officers can go to the Sun Prairie Police Department Facebook account and then follow the event page for updates. The next one will be Monday, June 28 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Beans n Cream Bakehouse | 1120 West Main Street - Suite 2101, Sun Prairie, WI 53590.
The mission of Coffee With a Cop is to break down barriers between police officers and the citizens they serve by removing agendas and allowing opportunities to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know officers in your neighborhood.
Changes in date and time may occur due to police-related circumstances. You can stay connected by following updates posted from Facebook and Twitter on the Sun Prairie Police Department's webpage. Just click here!
Sun Prairie Media Center
Graduation!
This year's ceremony is scheduled to take place on Friday, June 11, beginning at 5:30 PM. For the first time, the ceremony will be held at the new Bank of Sun Prairie Stadium at Ashley Field. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 12, at 10 AM, also at the Bank of Sun Prairie Stadium at Ashley Field. Any weather-related decision will be made by the SPASD by the morning of June 11.
At the time of this writing, only two tickets were being allowed per graduate. For anyone unable to get into the ceremony, SPMC’s coverage will be seen live on KSUN Charter channel 983 or TDS channels 13 or 1013. The ceremony will also be streamed at sunprairiemediacenter.com/ksun as well as available on KSUN’s Roku and Apple TV channels and on the SPMC app, available to download for free from the App Store or Google Play.
In addition, the SPMC is offering DVD and USB copies of the graduation ceremony for sale. DVDs and USBs make great gifts for grads, family members, and anyone else wishing to relive this once-in-a-lifetime event! 2021 graduation DVDs & USBs can be ordered by going to sunprairiemediacenter.com/sphsgraduation.
Sponsorship opportunities for SPMC's coverage are currently available! Sponsors are recognized on every live and replay broadcast, every live stream and on demand airing viewed, and every DVD and USB sold. Interested businesses can sign up at sunprairiemediacenter.com/sphs-graduation-ceremony-sponsorship-form. For more information please contact Jeff Robbins at 837-4193 or at jrobbins@cityofsunprairie.com.
The SPMC is also currently planning to record the Prairie Phoenix Academy graduation ceremony happening on Thursday, June 10. That ceremony will not be aired live but will be broadcast later on KSUN and made available on demand at sunprairiemediacenter.com. DVDs and USBs for the PPA ceremony will also be made available for purchase.
Multicultural Fair Radio Reboot
You can tune in for the May Radio Reboot hosted by Sarah Milweski on 103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio to learn more about Caribbean culture, history, and its rich diversity with Rachel Virnig, June Virnig, and John Delgado.
You'll be able to hear Rachel, June, and John share information about the Caribbean Association of Madison and the great work the organization is doing as well as how they all got involved.
How can you hear this interview? You can listen to it on 103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio! The episode will be airing for the next couple of weeks on Saturdays at 4 PM. It is also available to listen to via the Sun Prairie Media Center app as well as right here.
Summer Workshops
Have no fear . . . there are still spots available in the Sun Prairie Media Center’s much-loved, often-imitated-but-never-duplicated summer workshops. But they are going fast!
If you know of someone aged 9-15 who loves to make videos, movies, or even podcasts and wants help taking their creativity to the next level, then you need to sign up for these workshops!
These week-long workshops are designed for budding journalists, filmmakers, actors, and social media influencers who want a fun and creative way to express themselves. Participants will be introduced to media production in a fun, hands-on learning environment that is conveniently located – the Media Center is in the same building as the public library!
These courses will inspire kids in a creative atmosphere to learn communication skills they can use for a lifetime. Nothing is impossible when you have a camera, an idea and a group of friends!
Online registration is open now and will remain open until June 18. But hurry – there are only a few spots available! Find more information on these classes and register online at kids4.tv.
- Adventures in Movie Making, Session 1, June 28-July 1.
- Adventures in Movie Making, Session 1, June 28-July 1.
- Adventures in Animation, July 12-15.
- Adventures in Sports Production, July 12-15.
- Hybrid, Adventures in Photography. July 19-22.
- Hybrid, Adventures in Reporting, July 19-22.
- Adventures in Podcasting and Vlogging, July 26-29.
- Adventures in Music Videos, July 26-29.
All workshops will meet at the Sun Prairie Media Center. Discounted rates for SPMC members are available. More information on memberships is available at sunprairiemediacenter.com. Scholarships are also available.
Questions? E-mail Mara at mtrusty@cityofsunprairie.com. See you at the Media Center this summer!
Sun Prairie Public Library
Hours
M-F: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sun: 1-5 p.m.
- Quick Browsing (1 hour limit for browsing & check out)
- In person reference service, technology assistance, readers’ advisory service, circulation service
- Additional computer stations (one hour limit for computers)
- Faxing, photocopying, printing, microfilm reader, wi-fi
- Self-check-out
- In-person holds pick up
- Linkcat stations for catalog searching
- Adult Services will accommodate magazine and newspaper requests
- Services by appointment: Resume writing assistance, Teleconferencing, Telehealth, Test Proctoring, Project Recovery Counseling. These services will take place in the Discussion Room and will be coordinated by Adult Services.
- Walk-up window (Circulation & Youth Services)
- Summer Library Program for Youth & Adults
- Outdoor programs
- Bus passes, ride share taxi booklets, recycle stickers
Time limits: 1 hour for all in-person library services.
Masks: Masks are recommended but longer required for fully vaccinated individuals. Library staff will continue to wear masks in all public areas in service to our youth.
Children’s & Teen Services
Storytime Resumes Monday, June 14th
Join us for Small Fry Storytime on Mondays at 10:00 in the SPPL Storytime Facebook Group or on the SPPL YouTube Channel, and Storytime on Tuesdays at 10:30 in the SPPL Storytime Facebook Group or on the SPPL YouTube Channel.
Level Up this summer with the Summer Reading Program! Earn digital badges as well as cool prizes like a pass to the Dane County Fair, a pass to the Milwaukee Public Museum, a Pizza Hut personal pan pizza, a farm pass, a prize book, the all-new 2021 Library Champion sign and more! Also, you'll get something special just for signing up! The Summer Reading Program is for ALL ages -- whether you are being read to, just learning to read, or reading advanced teen materials...we have a program for you. Registration is available now on Beanstack.
Dream Bus – Crafts w/Sammy at Prairie Lakes
Tuesday, June 8th 5:30-7:30pm
Visit the Dream Bus at Prairie Lakes on Tuesday, June 8th anytime from 5:30-7:30pm for crafts with Sammy! What can you do on the Dream Bus? The Dream Bus is a library on wheels! Sign-up for a library card, return materials, and get free books, movies, wi-fi and more! Staff will have masks available.
Wednesday, June 16th 3-5pm
Our Teen Book Club is intended for readers ready for Teen materials and topics. Participation is generally 8th grade and up. Most meetings will be held on the first and third Wednesdays at 3:00 on Zoom (our first meeting on June 2 will be at 4:00, and will have an in-person, outdoor option). Email Melissa at mcarollo@sunlib.org to register. Registration is required.
Adult Services
Announcing the Adult Summer Reading Program! Our theme this summer is Read With Friends, and we also encourage you to join us for our first ever Big Summer Read, "We Ride Upon Sticks" by Madison author Quan Barry. Registration is available now on Beanstack.
Project Recovery: "The New Normal: Thinking Beyond the Pandemic”
Monday, June 7th 6-7pm
Are you feeling stress about coming out of extended social isolation? What will the "new normal" look like? Join Community Action Coalition's Project Recovery counselors for this hour-long workshop that will focus on how to transition back to in-person work and activities. Through this interactive workshop, participants will learn about common reactions to transitioning, setting boundaries within their comfort levels, and identifying strategies for how to navigate the "new normal." Participants will receive an electronic workbook for journaling activities during this workshop. This program will be held via Zoom, and is free and open to all adults. Please register here, and Zoom details will be emailed to you.
Alfred: The Quiet History of a WWII Infantryman
Tuesday, June 8th 6:30-7:30pm
Wisconsin author Louise Endres Moore will discuss her book, Alfred: A Quiet History of a World War II Infantryman. Intensely researched, it chronicles a panorama of the experiences and emotions of one gentle Wisconsin farmer during his deployment as a reluctant front-line machine gunner in Europe. This event will be held via Zoom. To receive the log in information, please register here. Please Note: Intended to be a realistic depiction of the war, this program is geared towards adults and older teens and may not be suitable for younger audiences.
African American Composers Concert
Tuesday, June 15th 6:30-7:30pm
Celebrate Juneteenth with vintage jazz, blues, and ragtime tunes! The Cherry & Jerry duo, joining us virtually from the bright lights of St. Louis, Missouri, will perform pieces by African American composers from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many of whom were born to former enslaved people. They'll also share their knowledge of the era's little known history, guaranteeing that this performance will be educational and entertaining for all! To view, watch on Facebook Live at 6:30pm. We will be able to leave the video up in our Facebook page after the live event. This Live Concert Series event is generously funded by the Friends of Sun Prairie Public Library.
Juneteenth: A Day of Celebration
Saturday, June 19th 2:00-3:00 pm (Juneteenth Literature Reading) | 3:00-8:00 pm (Juneteenth Community Sports Tournament)
Juneteenth - also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, or Emancipation Day - is a day celebrating the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States. It is a day to remember the injustice of slavery and honor the freedom of who those who were enslaved. This local Juneteenth celebration is made up of two different events that compliment each other for a full day of programming. From 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., there will be a public reading of literature at Sheehan Park from two Black community leaders, Donna Mackey and Marilyn Ruffin, highlighting the history and celebration around Juneteenth. There will be two different groups - one for children with age-specific literature and one for adults. The Juneteenth Literature Reading has been planned by the Sun Prairie Public Library and the City of Sun Prairie.
The Juneteenth Sports Tournament is a community event that offers a basketball, flag football, and sand volleyball tournament. There will be a free dinner provided featuring local vendors, food carts, and a DJ. The Dream Bus will be present from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This has been planned by the Black Educators Coalition with sponsorship and support provided by Sun Prairie Community Schools, QBE, and the African American Parent Network (AAPN).
New LINKcat mobile app
Mobile computing devices have changed the way we communicate, shop and interact with the world around us. Public Libraries are no exception, and a new LINKcat mobile app is now available that will enhance interaction with the online library catalog.
The new app is available for both Apple and Android devices and will be easier to use and more tightly integrated with LINKcat. Some of the features are:
• a digital library card;
• Spanish language labels and messages;
• more accessibility features for patrons;
• ability to search LINKcat and limit LINKcat searches;
• ability to place and manage holds;
• ability to view checkouts and due dates, and renew materials; and
• a list of LINKcat libraries with directions, hours, and contact information;
The new LINKcat mobile app is now available to the public. Users can download it from either the Apple or Android App stores. An online video tutorial for app users will be available later at help.linkcat.info. The current Library Anywhere mobile app for LINKcat will expire on June 30, 2021.
Dream Bus Bookmobile
The Dream Bus is a library on wheels! Sign-up for a library card, return materials, and get free books, movies, wi-fi and more! Staff will have masks available.
Mondays, 4-6 p.m.
C.H. Bird Elementary School
1st and 3rd Saturdays, May-August, 9-11 a.m.
Sun Prairie Farmers Market