June 17, 2021
Administration
Streets of Sun Prairie events!
The Sun Prairie Business Improvement District is pleased to announce this summer’s Streets of Sun Prairie line-up of Thursday night events taking place in Downtown Sun Prairie:
- June 17, 5:00-7:00PM:Dine in the Dream Park and Dueling Pianos. Firemen’s Park in the Prairie Dream Park, 415 Park Street, Sun Prairie.
- Event attendees can expect to find local Downtown restaurants selling select items from their menu; participating restaurants include Beans ‘n Cream Coffeehouse, Eddie’s Alehouse & Eatery, Glass Nickel Pizza, and Salvatore’s Tomato Pies. Restaurants will donate 10% of food sales to the Dream Park.
- Two Birds duo Marta Hansen, owner of The Piano Gal Shop, and Clarisse Tobia will perform Dueling Pianos. Dueling Pianos is a format where there are two pianists / singers that take requests. Request can be made prior to the event: visit The Piano Gal Shop’s Facebook page to request a song.
- Other Downtown participating businesses that will be at the event include Andy Eyers – State Farm Agent, and Wisconsin Apparel.
- Funny Faces Family Entertainment will be on-hand with balloon sculpting.
- The first 50 kiddos will receive a free Bank of Sun Prairie beach ball!
- The 1st of 5 “Yoga in the Park” events will take place. Bring a yoga mat or beach towel for an amazing kid-friendly mindfulness experience. Yoga will begin at 5:30p.m.
- The Sun Prairie Dream Bus and Explore Children’s Museum are also participating!
- Parking for the event will be in the lower level part of Fireman’s Park, as all event activities will be in the Dream Park’s parking lot.
- June 24 Sing-a-Long in Cannery Square, 1 Cannery Square, Sun Prairie
- Two Birds duo Marta Hansen, owner of The Piano Gal Shop, and Clarisse, will provide musical entertainment during the annual Sing-a-Long with a selection of classics from Disney, Pixar, and other animated favorites. Lyric sheets will be available. Audience participation is encouraged, as well as costumes.
- Funny Faces Family Entertainment will be on-hand with balloon sculpting.
- Stop by the Explore Children’s Museum pop-up table to say hi!
- July 29, 5:00 – 7:00PM: Wild Rumpus Circus in Cannery Square, 1 Cannery Square, Sun Prairie.
- The Wild Rumpus Circus will have stilt walkers on hand from 5:00-6:00p.m. and will provide a live circus performance from 6:00-7:00p.m.
- Funny Faces Family Entertainment will be available to create caricature drawings.
- Stop by the Explore Children’s Museum pop-up table to say hi!
- August 12, 5:00-8:00PM: Classic Cars and Bluegrass Music on Market Street and Cannery Square, 1 Cannery Square and the corner of Market Street and Main Street
- Road Apples Car Club will be on hand to show off a variety of classic cars. Come on down to chat with the owners about their passion for these amazing automobiles! Please visit https://www.road-apples.org/ for more information.
- Kodey Feiner of the Soggy Prairie band, and Marta Hansen of The Piano Gal Shop, will entertain with bluegrass music!
- Funny Faces Family Entertainment will be on-hand with balloon sculpting.
- Stop by the Explore Children’s Museum pop-up table to say hi!
The Streets of Sun Prairie event series is sponsored in part by the Bank of Sun Prairie.
The Streets of Sun Prairie event series is designed to offer a variety of entertainment and engaging activities throughout Downtown Sun Prairie that hopefully appeals to a wide range of people. We hope that residents and visitors explore Downtown Sun Prairie before and after all of the events.
Follow us on Facebook at Downtown Sun Prairie for more event details! www.facebook.com/downtownsunprairie
Downtown Sun Prairie… we’re having fun down here!
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
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 force 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
Engineering
Home and Yard Care
Rethinking yard care can save time and money. Many sources of urban water pollution originate right at home. Clearly, there is a need to rethink what we're doing at home if urban waters are to be clean and usable.
Whether yard care is your favored hobby or a chore to protect your investment, there are many actions you can take at home that will also protect your lakes and streams. You can have a healthy yard and garden while minimizing environmental problems.
Landscape Planning
Proper planning for landscaping helps save time and money. It can also reduce the need for chemicals and increase the amount of rain and snow melt absorbed into the ground. It will also make the yard more attractive and enjoyable.
- Incorporate natural features that attract beneficial insects and birds.
- Consider installing a simple downspout garden with compost or a rain garden to direct roof runoff.
- Plan a landscape that requires minimal maintenance.
- Use plants native to this area wherever possible. They are hardier, best suited for our climate, can withstand periods of drought and require less maintenance.
- Plant an extra tree for multiple environmental benefits, especially where it becomes part of a planting bed or "naturalized" landscape area that recycles leaves, twigs, and other yard "wastes."
Lawn
Work with Mother Nature instead of against Her. By properly mowing, mulching, and composting leaves and grass clippings, you can reduce fertilizing, watering, and weeding. Grass clippings allowed to remain on lawns instead of being raked or bagged provide nutrients for your turf. Even pests become less of a problem if more "natural diversity" in plantings is used-as opposed to typical urban uniformity-so that susceptible plants are grown farther apart.
- Mow only those areas that you use on a regular basis. If there are areas of your yard you don’t physically go to, consider landscaping that area with native plants instead of turf.
- If you have natural or "wild" areas on your property, think twice before deciding to convert them to turf or traditional landscaped areas. Natural areas usually require less time and money to maintain than formal landscapes, and are usually the best at preventing water pollution from runoff. This is especially important for waterfront property.
- Adjust your mower to a height of at least two and half inches or more.
- Mow with a sharp blade frequently enough that you can leave grass clippings on the lawn and don’t have to rake.
- Mulch bare soil as soon as possible to minimize erosion. Disturb no more ground than necessary for a project, while preserving existing vegetation.
- Aerate compacted soils and apply compost to improve soils, promote infiltration and help grow a thicker, healthier lawn.
- Get soil tested before applying fertilizers and herbicides to determine what your lawn needs.
- If using fertilizers or herbicides, make sure to follow instructions on the label. Timing is everything. Applying the right amount of fertilizers or herbicides at the right time of year when it's most effective can help you minimize use and save you money.
- Use no-phosphorus fertilizer. Fertilizer labels include three numbers N-P-K (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium). Make sure the middle number is 0. Most WI lawns do not need additional phosphorus which can runoff and pollute our waters causing excessive algal growth.
Composting
Composting household and yard waste saves you money by reducing the need for expensive commercial soil additives. Compost improves the fertility and health of your soil. Composting turns fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and tea leaves, eggshells, grass clippings, leaves and other yard “waste” into precious fertilizer for your gardens. Recycling these valuable organic resources also saves water by helping the soil hold moisture and minimizes storm water runoff.
Remember to put dairy, meat, bones, lard, mayonnaise, pet waste, oils or fats in the garbage, not your compost.
Erosion Control
- Consider installing a rain garden to help storm water soak in.
- If your garden is on a slope, plant rows along the contour, rather than up and down the slope. This helps slow runoff and decreases the rate of soil erosion.
- Spread mulch around your garden plants using compost or grass clippings to help reduce erosion, keep moisture in the soil, suppress weed growth and add nutrients.
- Build steps of logs or old railroad ties on areas with steep slopes to help prevent erosion. Between steps, spread a thick layer of wood chips to protect the soil.
- Seed exposed areas with grass or some other groundcover. After seeding spread mulch over the area to help keep the seeds moist and in place until they germinate. On steeper slopes you should cover the mulch with burlap netting for extra protection.
- Cover piles of soil with tarps to prevent it from blowing or washing away until you are ready to use it.
Parks, Recreation and Forestry
Recreation Department
SPPRF office is now open: Monday – Friday 8:00am-4:30pm 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.
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. Reserve now for your 2022 graduation parties and family reunions. 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
Confirmed pool opening date and hours! Still time to purchase your season passes at rec.cityofsunprairie.com or stop in our office M-F 8:00am-4:30pm. Questions? Give us a call 608-837-3449
City of Fun Prairie!
Did you hear the news?! The Mayor has changed the name of the City of Sun Prairie to the City of FUN Prairie for the month of July in honor of Parks and Recreation Month! SPPRF, in partnership with a number of local businesses and community organizations, are putting together some exciting things to highlight all of the local fun to be had in our community! Stay tuned over the next several weeks for more information and what living in the City of FUN Prairie means for residents!
Youth Mentorship Program for Young Men
Sun Prairie Youth & Teen Navigator and Sun Prairie Library Board member, Darreon Steward is offering a FREE mentorship program for young men through the Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation Forestry Department and the Neighborhood Navigators program. Each meeting date of the program will focus on a different life skill such as cooking, resume-writing/job interviewing, self-care, wellness, etiquette, etc. The program seeks to accomplish the following goals:
- Build a community between the youth of Sun Prairie
- Provide youth with tools for everyday life
- Have youth be invested in and feel part of the community
- Develop and foster resilience-building skills
The program will serve youth and teens entering grades 5-10 for the 2021-2022 school year. There is no fee to attend, and participants may drop-into the program. However, all participants must have a signed registration form and waiver form on file prior to attending.
The program will run on Mondays and Wednesdays, June 21 – August 18 at The Element on Main Apartments (102 Park Circle) and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 22 – August 19 at Vandenburg Heights Park (1020 Vandenburg Street).
Completed registration/waiver forms can be e-mailed to rec@cityofsunprairie.com.
WRPA 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
Join us for Trivia at Sheehan Park on the central athletic field. Bring your own chair or blanket, and Disney knowledge…we will provide the rest! Great family fun activity for all ages. Visit our Facebook event page for more info.
Check this out!
Tumbling Session 1, Ages 5-8
Monday-Friday, 6/28-7/2, 11:00-11:50 am
Fee: $49 Residents, $69 Non-Residents
This general tumbling class is designed for all genders who have little to no previous experience with tumbling. Students will learn basic body positions and vocabulary to execute safe tumbling skills. Students will build flexibility, strength, and confidence through daily practices, games, and challenges. Students will work on developing their gross and fine motor skills while having fun in a gym setting!
New Sessions Added!! Kinder Kickers Soccer, Ages 3-4
Tuesdays, 6/29-8/3, 3:15-4:00 pm
Wednesdays, 6/30-8/4, 3:15-4:00 pm
Fee: $55 Residents, $130 Non-Residents
This program introduces youth to soccer with games that allow them to run, play as a group and kick a ball. They will gain basic soccer skills while building fundamental skills such as balance and coordination. Classes incorporate activities that are sure to be fun for everyone!
Junk Sculpture, Ages 8-10
Wednesday & Thursday, 6/30 & 7/1, 2:00-5:00 pm
Fee: $44 Residents, $64 Non-Residents
Bring your junk to the Westside Building and we will create with it. Students will enjoy creating art worthy sculptures for a “gallery showing” for friends and family on the last day of class.
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+
Rec on the Go – Recommended for Ages 5-14
July, Fun Prairie! – Basic Kit $7
July, Fun Prairie!– Deluxe Kit $17
July has been designated Fun Prairie month. Our kits will include activities that make Sun Prairie great like a city scavenger hunt, Jimmy the Groundhog craft and more! Non-residents must use curbside pick-up. Pick-up and delivery will be available the week of July 19.
Bedtime Buddies – Ages 2-4
July, Down By the Cool of the Pool! Kit
Bedtime Buddies is designed for toddlers and preschoolers. Each kit will include a stuffed animal kit, book and snack. Each month there will be a different book and matching stuffed animal. Non-residents must pickup - No delivery available. Please make sure your email address is up to date as that is the way you will be contacted about pickup/delivery.
**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
Sun Prairie EMS Awarded $200,000 Grant for EMS Outreach Program
The City of Sun Prairie’s Emergency Medical Services Department has been awarded a $200,000 CDBG-CV grant to assist with the community’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. With this grant, the paramedics at Sun Prairie EMS will be able to provide residents with free in-home medical support for all manner of issues related to the pandemic. This grant provides opportunity for people:
- Who contracted COVID-19, so that they can receive in-home medical support during recovery;
- Who are hesitant about getting vaccinated
- have one-on-one education about the benefits, focused on their specific situation
- to be supported with daily visits post-vaccination in order to monitor for side effects;
- Who may have lost their insurance to be able to get access to healthcare via the EMS system;
- Who are reluctant to visit the doctor to be able to get in-home visits in coordination with a physician;
- Who have no transportation to a doctor/clinic to be able to have medical care delivered to them in their home;
- Who cannot get to the doctor/clinic during business hours to be able to receive medical care on their schedule;
- Who are affected by the digital divide and cannot participate in tele-health, to be able to have tele-health technologies brought to them.
Paramedics will provide free in-home visits to monitor health, assist with prescribed treatment regimens, and provide education about prevention/mitigation strategies to help reduce the direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19 in the community. All program participants will receive free pulse-oximetry devices and touchless thermometers. Additionally, paramedics will distribute free medication lockboxes and free medication disposal kits from our partners at Public Health Madison and Dane County.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused loss of employment, income, and insurance for thousands of people in Dane County and Sun Prairie. Citizens of Sun Prairie have experienced considerable strain and impact upon their health and well-being, and some of the most vulnerable community members have suffered the worst. Many individuals with a COVID-19 diagnosis are forced to recover and recuperate at home, often without medical surveillance or support. This can be especially challenging for those persons who lack strong social support networks, who do not have access to digital communication tools, and who may be forced to forego healthcare needs due to various reasons including lack of insurance or limited resources. Despite the encouraging decline in cases and the gradual reopening of society, the collateral damage from COVID-19 such as housing/food insecurity, childcare issues, transportation challenges, and isolation continue to have a negative impact on the physical and mental health of individuals.
The Emergency Medical Services profession is uniquely positioned to be able to address these barriers. EMS is designed, equipped, trained, and staffed to deliver medical care at any location throughout the community and does so on a routine basis. “Paramedics have traditionally focused on emergency care. However, their clinical training, advanced skills, 24/7 availability, and community focus position them perfectly to also take on public health duties. These “community paramedicine” programs are transformative, with EMS providing comprehensive care for patients in their homes without transporting them to a hospital as well as focusing on preventing illnesses. Our research at UW is showing that community paramedicine programs are successful at improving healthcare, particularly for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities”, said Dr. Manish Shah, professor and vice-chair of research at the University of Wisconsin BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine. “Congratulations to Sun Prairie EMS for their decision to develop a Community Paramedic program and particularly supporting COVID 19 patients with limited resources.”
Sun Prairie EMS accepts persons and families into the program by referral via its close partnerships with hospital discharge planners and community service groups. Referrals from concerned family/friends, physicians whose patients would benefit from such, and self-referrals from persons who wish to join are also welcome. The program will run from late-June 2021 through the end of March 2022, and participants will self-certify that their household income meets program requirements:
| Household Size | Household Income | Household Size | Household Income |
| 1 Person | Less than $54,950 | 5 People | Less than $84,800 |
| 2 People | Less than $62,800 | 6 People | Less than $91,100 |
| 3 People | Less than $70,650 | 7 People | Less than $97,350 |
| 4 People | Less than $78,500 | 8 People | Less than $103,650 |
Sun Prairie EMS Medical Director Dr. Michael Lohmeier, who provides clinical oversight to paramedics says, “This is such an exciting opportunity for Sun Prairie EMS. Not only does this provide another avenue to care for some of the most at-risk patients in our community, but it also helps strengthen the healthcare safety net and serves to meet the patients at their most vulnerable. In addition, it gives the Sun Prairie EMS team a chance to collaborate with our hospital colleagues, to build on their already strong knowledge base, and to professionally grow in a new direction. I'm honored to be part of such an energetic and forward-thinking organization, and enthusiastically support this program.”
EMS outreach programs such as community paramedicine are familiar in other areas of Wisconsin and around the United States. “This is Sun Prairie’s first venture into an EMS outreach program of this scope. We are very excited for the opportunity and honored to have been selected as a grant recipient”, said EMS Chief Brian Goff. “Sun Prairie is a vibrant, modern community and it makes good sense that its public safety teams engage in public outreach, education, prevention, and support. In these unique and challenging times, we are hopeful that our contribution to individual and community resilience will be especially beneficial.”
For more information, to make a referral, or to inquire about participating in the EMS Outreach program yourself, please contact Sun Prairie Emergency Medical Services via email at EMS@cityofsunprairie.com, or call us at 608-837-3604.
Congratulations Officer!
The Sun Prairie Police Department is pleased to announce that Officer Thomas (TJ) Wagner has successfully completed his field training. He will be working second shift in the north district.
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
SPHS Graduation Production Available for Purchase
The Sun Prairie Media Center would like to thank everyone who made the broadcast of this year’s SPHS graduation a success. Special thanks to Kevin Sukow, Matthew Weyer, and John Barth at the district for their collaboration and cooperation, while Jeff Robbins would specifically like to thank Rachel Packard, Mara Trusty, Colin Lessig, and Dan Corcoran for their hard work through the heat, the rain, and the eventual comfortable temperatures for their great work.
The graduation broadcast – typically the biggest of the year for the staff of the SPMC – this year was the first ever at the Bank of Sun Prairie Stadium at Ashley Field, not to mention the first live graduation broadcast since 2019.
Though the commencement ceremony is over, the SPHS graduation – as well as the Prairie Phoenix Academy graduation held the day before – can be seen on SPMCs website at sunprairiemediacenter.com/ksun-on-demand/.
Even better though – because on-demand space is limited and the Media Center eventually removes on-demand programming to make room for newer offerings – is purchasing a DVD or USB of the graduation ceremony.
DVDs and USBs of either the SPHS or PPA ceremonies can be purchased online at sunprairiemediacenter.com/sphsgraduation. The cost of DVDs is $35 each and the cost of USBs are $20 each. The DVDs and USBs feature the entire ceremony and make thoughtful gifts for grads and their families, whether they were able to attend the live ceremony or not!
The SPMC would also like to thank its corporate sponsors that made this year’s production possible: Pulse Automation and Security, Talamore Senior Living Sun Prairie, Woodman’s Markets, Heartland Church of Sun Prairie, Colony Brands, Sun Prairie Utilities, Hebl and Hebl Attorneys at Law, the Parenting Game, Hyland Campus, Concrete Lifting Technologies, American Family Insurance-Josh Erickson Agency, Texas Roadhouse, Bakke Chiropractic, and the Bank of Sun Prairie.
Congratulations to the Class of 2021!
"Get Back" to Tuesday Night Tunes at Wetmore Park
Tuesday Night Tunes returns to the newly-renovated and improved Wetmore Park in 2021 with a full summer of great music.
Kicking off the summer schedule on July 13 is a concert sponsored by the Friends of the Sun Prairie Media Center, which is also serving as a sixth anniversary celebration of the launch of 103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio, Sun Prairie’s community radio station.
Playing at the concert will be Madison Mystery Tour, a Beatles tribute band that specializes in accurate live renditions of the entire Beatles recorded catalog. Active since 2012, Madison Mystery Tour has performed sold-out concerts at major venues and festivals. The July 13 concert is set to begin at 6 PM at Wetmore Park on 555 North Street in Sun Prairie.
“I’m thrilled that our Friends group is sponsoring such a fantastic group to launch the Tuesday Night Tunes series and to celebrate the radio station’s anniversary,” said SPMC director Jeff Robbins. “It’s a great year for Beatles fans. Not only have solo albums by George Harrison and John Lennon seen super deluxe re-issues this year, but the highly-anticipated Peter Jackson ‘Let It Be/Get Back’ reimagining and accompanying box set are due later this year, which is the biggest Beatles project in over 25 years.”
In addition to the music, the Sun Prairie Lions Club will host a beer tent, and food and other beverages will be available for purchase from Texas Roadhouse, Sassy Cow Creamery, and others.
There is also scheduled to be a 50-50 raffle to benefit the Friends of the Sun Prairie Media Center as well as a staffed booth with more information on the Sun Prairie Media Center.
For more information about the Sun Prairie Media Center or how to become a member producer, please check out sunprairiemediacenter.com or e-mail Jeff Robbins at jrobbins@cityofsunprairie.com.
Summer Workshops - Last chance!
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!
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. Be sure to tune in for our next guest! Terry Tao from Madison Area Chinese Community Organization will be joining!
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.
- Youth Services walk-up window
- Drive-thru holds pick-up window (by appointment only)
- 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 am in the SPPL Storytime Facebook Group or on the SPPL YouTube Channel, and Storytime on Tuesdays at 10:30 am 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.
Wednesday, June 23th 3-4pm
Our Tween Book Club is intended for readers in grades 6-9. We will discuss lighter topics than our Teen Book Club. All meetings will be held on Zoom and registration is required. Email Melissa at mcarollo at sunlib.org to register.
Family Adventure Day (On Zoom)
Thursday, June 24th 2:00-3:00pm and 4:00-5:00pm
Geared for kids in grades K-5. This program requires you to pick up a supply bag that will include materials for the projects! Sammy will then walk everyone through how to make the project while on Zoom.
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.
Dream Bus – Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 19th 3:00-5:00pm
Visit the Dream Bus bookmobile at the Juneteenth Celebration at Sheehan Park on Saturday, June 19th from 3-5pm. What can you do on the Dream Bus? Sign-up for a library card, return materials, and get free books, movies, wi-fi and more!
Monday, June 21 and Tuesday, June 22nd 7:00-8:00pm
The Eclectic and Evening Book Clubs will discuss this month’s reading material. Everyone is welcome! To join the discussion, please register on the Events Calendar.
Urban SUN: Black Voices Book Club
Sunday, June 27th 3:00-4:00pm
A monthly book club devoted to creating meaningful conversations about race by exploring works of contemporary and historical African-American authors. Discussions are led by Sun Prairie residents, Donna Mackey and Marilyn Ruffin. Get ready to get uncomfortable and get real! This month's book selection is Caste, by Isabel Wilkerson. Copies will be available at the library for those who register; please call the Information Desk at 825-0702 to schedule a pick-up. This title may also be available from Overdrive/Libby in ebook or audio format.
New LINKcat mobile app
The new LINKcat mobile app is now available! 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. Questions? Call the library at 825-7232 for help from staff.
Some of the features are:
- a digital library card;
- connect all of your family cards to one account;
- 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;
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