November 4, 2021
Administration
A Sustainability Tip!
As we get closer to winter, it's time to check in on your heating systems and their performance! Here are some tips and a graphic from Energy Saver that can help you.
Community Development
Welcome Michael Beale as New Economic Development Specia
list!
The City of Sun Prairie is excited to announce Michael Beale as the new Economic Development Specialist. This is a position within the Community Development Department. Michael will be responsible for providing administrative, technical and research support for specific economic development initiatives, assisting in executing the City’s business attraction efforts, and developing relationships with key partners.
Michael enters this role with dynamic experience and a wealth of knowledge about community development. Beginning in June of 2014, he served as the Community Planning and Development Representative for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In this position, he carried the responsibility of administering economic development and housing grants throughout Wisconsin. After that role, he became the Real Estate Development Coordinator for Gorman & Company and oversaw development projects in Colorado and Florida. His most recent experience includes overseeing the implementation of telecommunications solutions in hospitals across the U.S. as Project Management Team Lead for Amtelco. Michael graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee with a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and History. After completing his bachelor’s degree, he earned his Masters of Science in Urban and Regional Planning.
He is looking forward to helping Sun Prairie expand its economy and creating opportunity for its citizens. “Sun Prairie has been an economic success story for more than a decade now, and I think we can continue to foster a lively business friendly city with a strong sense of community,” said Beale.
During his free time, Michael enjoys being around family and friends, especially his two newborn twin sons Isaac and Grant. Along with raising kids, he and his wife Brittany are parents to their dog Griffin. Michael makes it a priority to explore outside of Wisconsin. Some of his favorite travel spots include Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Italy, Germany, Austria, and Latvia.
In the upcoming months, Michael will be directing his focus on economic development projects such as Sun Prairie Business Park infrastructure development, applying for Economic Development Administration grants, and assisting with the City’s branding initiative.
For more information regarding economic development in Sun Prairie, please visit https://cityofsunprairie.com/266/Economic-Development.
Goodbye, Jimmy
The wooden carving of Jimmy the Groundhog has enjoyed a long-term residency in Cannery Square. Jimmy knows location matters and it has been decided by the City that the art piece transition out of Downtown Sun Prairie.
Unfortunately, age has caught up with Jimmy and due to safety issues of erosion and decay, he is looking to retire somewhere a little more suitable for his needs. In a couple weeks, he will be removed from his current position and placed in storage. Although many will recognize that Jimmy is going, not everyone knows where he came from.
History
The late Mike Cunningham and John Weishar, former BID Board Chair, helped with the creation of the Jimmy the Groundhog wood carving. At the time, Mike and John felt strongly that Cannery Square needed a piece of public art that would represent the unique aspects of Sun Prairie. Since the Groundhog Prognostication had always taken place in or near downtown, they decided to bring a groundhog statue close to the event.
Jimmy was carefully carved out with a chainsaw from an oak tree donated by a resident in the Royal Oaks neighborhood. The tree was diseased and eventually had to be taken down. Mike and John were able to obtain two large logs from that tree. One log was for carving out Jimmy and the other was used by Public Works to create the base.
John Weishar Mike Cunningham
Future
Sun Prairie has been a community that proudly embraces Jimmy as a unique part of local culture. He’s always been an engaged participant when it comes to local events. A couple examples of this include the times when he’s cheerfully held an onion during the local Farmer’s Market or the time he wore beads to celebrate Groundhog Day. “Jimmy the Groundhog statue has been a downtown staple for about 15 years,” said Colleen Burke, BID & Tourism Manager. “His presence will never be forgotten in Cannery Square.”
Having Jimmy hibernate during the winter will allow staff to evaluate his true condition out of the elements. “Although I’ve enjoyed my time in the Cannery spotlight, it’s time for me to move on,” said Jimmy the Groundhog.
In 2022, the City will review Cannery Square to consider future modifications and improvements that can be made to the area. Although the art piece will be missed, other City-funded sculptures will still be around such as Georgia the Cow, who will endure winter inside the Nitty Gritty, and “We All Fit Together” Bucky the Badger inside of the Westside Community Service Building.
While it is true that a major visual piece of local culture will be moving on, community members can still get a taste of of the Sun Prairie experience by visiting different restaurants, shops, and events taking place downtown by going to https://cityofsunprairie.com/535/Downtown-Sun-Prairie.
Finance
It's Budget Season! How Does It Work?
Public Hearing on the Budget
A public hearing on the city budget is on Nov. 9, with the adoption of the budget on Nov. 16. All the meetings are virtual for the public. To register for virtual attendance follow instructions on the meeting’s posted agenda.
Residents can also submit comments on agenda items by emailing councilandmayor@cityofsunprairie.com or through Survey Monkey. Watch the meeting on KSUN (channel 983 on Spectrum cable or channels 13/1013 on TDS cable) or stream online at sunprairiemediacenter.com or on the Sun Prairie Media Center app.
For more information on City meetings, please visit https://agendas.cityofsunprairie.com/onbaseagendaonline
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.
COVID-19 Update
In accordance with the Public Health Madison and Dane County (PHMDC) recent Face Covering Emergency Order #4 (publichealthmdc.com), we will require everyone age 2 and older to wear a mask or face covering for all indoor programming and rentals, inside the Family Aquatic Center bathhouse, and when visiting the Parks, Recreation and Forestry office for in person services until Face Covering Emergency Order #3 expires on November 5th, 2021. This order (Order #4) will expire after 22 days (Nov. 27th), Public Health Madison & Dane County does not plan to replace it with any other mask requirements. For the most up to date Dane County COVID-19 information visit publichealthmdc.com and specific Parks, Recreation and Forestry mitigation plan visit rec.cityofsunprairie.com
Announcements:
Fall Fun Guide is now available! Register today for fall programs!
Register at rec.cityofsunprairie.com
Winter/Spring 2022 Activity Guide Coming Soon!
Release Date – November 23rd, 2021
Registration Begins – December 7th
Office Hours Update
Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm
Closed: November 16th, Thanksgiving (November 25th, 26th)
Sun Prairie Historical Museum
Closed to the Public – November 1st-May 1st
“Volunteer work continues behind the scenes to develop new exhibits and advance collections inventory. Anyone interested in volunteering at the Historical Museum should email museum@cityofsunprairie.com”
Sun Prairie Rink Rangers
Calling all volunteers! – Become a “Rink Ranger!”
SPPRF has invested in two ice rink liner systems for the 2021-2022 skating season. The liner systems significantly improve the quality of the ice and the duration of the skating season. However, the liner system also requires additional maintenance, time, and attention that a traditional flooded rink does not.
SPPRF is committed to providing high quality ice rink facilities, but due to the additional manual labor required, combined with finite staffing resources, a community-supported volunteer program is critical for the success and future expansion of these facilities. The "Rink Rangers" Adopt-a-Rink Volunteer Program is a family-friendly volunteer opportunity that relies on community members to assist the Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department with basic ice rink maintenance such as snow removal, flooding/resurfacing (trained volunteers only), general site cleanup, and other maintenance needs as identified.
The 2021-2022 season is the first year of this program and will serve as a pilot to determine if additional ice rink liner systems within the park system are feasible in future years.
• For more information, see the Fun Prairie Rink Ranger Information Packet.
• To sign-up, please e-mail rec@cityofsunprairie.com to request a volunteer form!
Safe Haven Youth Mentorship Program
Sun Prairie Community Schools and the Sun Prairie Neighborhood Navigators have teamed up to bring you the Safe Haven Youth Mentorship Program!
This FREE program invites youth and teens ages 8-16 to participate in safe, supervised activities every Friday from 4:30 – 6:30 pm at C.H. Bird Elementary School for the duration of the school year.
For more information, or to sign up, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/SPYouthMentorship2021
New in 2022! – Fitness Flex Pass
Not sure what fitness class is right for you? Enjoy the flexibility to try them all with our new Fit Flex Pass. More details to come in our 2022 Winter/Spring program guide!
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Classes/Programs:
Rec on the Go – November “Be Thankful”
Res $15.00 / Non-Res $15.00
Pickup dates begin 11/18 – Ages: 5-14
Rec on the go is a theme-based exploration kit for kids ages 5 and up. Each month will feature crafts, experiments, and other fun activities for kids. Pick up or Delivery is available.
Pick up and delivery will be available November 18 & 19. Particpants will be emailed when kits are ready so make sure your email address is up to date.
Rec on the Go – December “Elves Workshop”
Res $15.00 / Non-Res $15.00
Pickup dates begin 12/16 – Ages: 5-14
Rec on the go is a themed based exploration kits for kids ages 5 and up. Each month will feature crafts, experiments, and other fun activities for kids. Pick up or Delivery is available.
Pick-up and delivery will be available December 16 & 17. Participants will be emailed when kits are ready so make sure your email address is up to date.
Be a “Safe Kid” - Fall 2021 - (10:00am – 12:00pm)
Be a “Safe Kid” – Fall 2021 - (12:30pm – 2:30pm)
Res $35.00 / Non-Res $53.00
Ages: 9 -14
10:00am – 12:00pm
This "Safe Kids 101" training provides kids, ages 9 - 14, sklls for being home alone. Basic guidelines, first aid, fire safety, family emergency, internet safety and more will be covered in the 2-hour training. All sessions cover the same material.
Please note: A parent is required to stay for the first 15 minutes of class
Res $41.00 / Non-Res $61.00
Ages: 18+
6:15 – 8:15pm
Learn to decorate cookies with the lady from Pretty Killer Cookies, Laura! She will show you basic royal icing cookie decorating techniques. Decorating cookies has never been more fun! Each participant will go home with their own set of cookies. Cookies will be holiday themed!
Res $41.00 / Non-Res $61.00
Ages: 8-12
6:15 – 8:00pm
Learn to decorate cookies with the lady from Pretty Killer Cookies, Laura! She will show you basic royal icing cookie decorating techniques. Decorating cookies has never been more fun! Each participant will go home with their own set of cookies. Cookies will be holiday themed!
Bedtime Buddies – December “The Littlest Reindeer”
Res $25.00 / Non-Res $25.00
Ages: 2-4
Bedtime Buddies are a themed based stuff animal kit for toddlers and preschoolers ages 2-4. Each kit will feature a themed based unstuffed animal, stuffing, book, and snack. Bedtime Buddies is sure to make bedtime more fun! Pick up or Delivery is available.
Non-residents must pickup - No delivery available.
Pickup/delivery is December 16 & 17. Please make sure your email address is up to date as that is the way you will be contacted about pickup/delivery.
4th Annual Holiday Light Decorating Contest - 2021
Res $0.00 / Non-Res $0.00
Open to homeowners and businesses!
Enter for a chance to win "Best Decorated Home in Sun Prairie!"
Registration:
Registration Deadline - Thursday, December 9th, 11:59pm Register online at rec.cityofsunprairie.com. Home/Business must be located in Sun Prairie School District. For more info, follow the instructions on the left!
*By registering using either method, you are granting the City of Sun Prairie permission to use your name and photo of your house/business for future publicity.
Judging:
Judging will be 5:00 - 9:00pm the week of December 13th.
Awards:
- Best First-Time Entry
- Judge’s Choice
- People’s Choice (online voting)
- Best Decorated Business - New for 2021
*All winners will also receive an official City of Sun Prairie ‘Holiday Lights Contest Winner’ yard sign
Contest Rules:
- Entry deadline is Thursday, December 9 at 11:59 pm
- Participants are required to submit one (1) photo of their home no later than December 10 that will be posted for community judging (People’s Choice Award). Photo can be emailed to rec@cityofsunprairie.com
- Home/business must be located within the Sun Prairie City School District (please check with us if you’re not sure)
- Contest is limited to what can be seen from the street side of the house/business at night
- People and live animals are not allowed as part of the display
- All participants are encouraged to keep their house/business decorated through December 31 so the community may view and enjoy!
- In-person judging will take place the week of December 13 between the times of 5:00-9:00 pm
- Winners based on in-person judging will be notified by December 17
- Online judging will be open until December 20 and winner will be notified after it closes
Safe Haven Youth Mentorship Program
Location C.H. Bird Elementary School – Fridays, 4:30 – 6:30pm
Ages: 8 - 16
The Safe Haven Youth & Teen Mentorship Program is brought to you by Sun Prairie Community Schools, Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation & Forestry, and the Sun Prairie Neighborhood Navigators.
The program meets weekly each Friday at C.H. Bird Elementary School from 4:30 - 6:30 pm and provides safe, supervised activities that foster growth in leadership, resiliency, and life skills.
Public Safety
Sun Prairie Fire & Rescue
Firefighters were out in the schools last month to teach about fire safety and prevention. 109 classrooms from 23 area schools, pre-schools and daycares participated this year. Crews discussed how important it is to “get out and stay out” when the smoke alarm sounds, as well has having a family meeting place to account for all family members. Crews showed what firefighters look like in an emergency and what kind of emergencies you may see us at.
We are thankful for all the teachers and staff who made it possible for us to get out and meet all of these great kids this year. We really missed it last year!
Check them!
November is starting out chilly and we would like to remind everyone to have furnaces and fire places inspected by a professional annually. These devices burn fuel to create heat, if something is causing them to burn inefficiently it could be leaking Carbon Monoxide into your home. Be sure to have a Carbon Monoxide Detector on each level of your home and near bedrooms. Check to see if the batteries are fresh and the detector is not expired (typically 5-7 years). Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning can be similar to typical seasonal illnesses but can be far more deadly if not caught.
POICE Spooktacular!
The Sun Prairie Police Department had so much fun participating in Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce’s Spooktacular held on the 28th! It was great to see all the trick-or-treaters and community!
Public Works
City of Sun Prairie Participates in New Adopt-A-Storm Drain Program
The City of Sun Prairie is excited to participate in a program focused on keeping storm drains clean and clear. Storm drains play an important role in flood prevention and protection of lakes, rivers and streams. They help move storm water runoff from roofs, driveways, streets and other hard surfaces to underground pipes or storm sewers that eventually make their way to our lakes, rivers and streams. Unfortunately, that runoff also carries pollutants, trash, leaves and other debris with it to our waters. Keeping storm drains and the area around them clean can help protect our waters!
Steps that the City has taken to tackle the issue of pollutants running down into waterways include:
- Reviewing and updating the storm water management plan annually.
- Joining the Madison Area Municipal Storm Water Partnership to collectively apply for a storm water discharge permit to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
- Spreading awareness and education about the importance of keeping area storm drains clean to the public through articles, newsletters, social media activity, and more.
In addition to our existing efforts, we know this cannot be done alone and the community is invited to join!
Sun Prairie is one of five communities partnering with Dane County on a new Adopt-A-Storm Drain program and we’re looking for volunteers. It’s easy! Here’s how it works.
1. Adopt a nearby storm drain using the Dane County Adopt-A-Storm Drain App.
2. Commit to safely cleaning the area on and around the adopted storm drain at least once a month, but preferably before every large rain event.
3. Report the amount and type of debris after each cleaning using the Adopt- A-Storm Drain App.
4. Report any spills/discharges washing down the storm drain.
5. Agree to share feedback that will be used to improve the program and expand it to other Dane County communities.
All volunteers will be provided a Storm Drain Cleaning Kit that includes a safety vest, storm drain decal to place on their adopted storm drain, dust pan and broom, collection bucket and an Adopt-A-Storm Drain sticker to proudly display. Volunteers will also be included on our Adopt-A-Storm Drain e-Newsletter, which comes out 3-4 times/year. Adopt a local storm drain and have a Ripple Effect on area waters!
“We’re excited to participate in this program and invite the community to join in on creating cleaner and safer streets,” said Tom Veith, Engineering Director.
A limited amount of Storm Drain Cleaning Kits for Sun Prairie is set to arrive this Thursday at City Hall. After registering to adopt a storm drain, participants will need to coordinate with Adam Gross, Staff Engineer, for a kit to be delivered to them. He can be reached via email at agross@cityofsunprairie.com.
To Adopt-A-Storm Drain near you or learn more visit: https://ripple-effects.com/adopt-a-storm-drain.
City-wide Yard Waste Collection the Week of November 8th
The next City-wide yard waste collection will begin on Monday, November 8th. Residents must set yard waste curbside by 7 a.m. on the first day of the collection week. Further information on the yard waste collection can be found on the Public Works website.
Residents are reminded of the following important guidelines regarding yard waste pickup:
- Materials placed at the curb for collection on the scheduled weeks must be placed into open trash bags, garbage cans (no lids) or storage containers (no lids).
- Leave a container out for your empty plastic bags, crews will not take the plastic bags.
- Please do not mix brush or garbage with the materials.
The City Recycle Center continues to be open:
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Saturday from 8:30am to 4pm.
Please see the Recycle Center website for drop-off rules and procedures.
- The next curbside yard waste collection (leaves, grass, etc.) will be the week of November 22nd.
All collection rules and guidelines remain in effect for curbside services. Check the City’s Refuse & Recycle page for program rules to be sure what you are setting to the curb is in compliance with the rules.
Contacts
- Greg Dustin, Public Works Supervisor, (608) 837-3050, publicworks@cityofsunprairie.com
- Ben John, Public Works Operations Manager, bjohn@cityofsunprairie.com
Meet The City's Transportation Coordinator! 
The City of Sun Prairie welcomes Alexander Brown as the new Transportation Coordinator. This position is housed in the Engineering Department. Main responsibilities include providing transportation planning support to the City and its different commissions and committees, offering transportation-specific recommendations on new development proposals, and leading engagement efforts related to transportation, transit, and active transportation projects in the City. Alexander is the first to serve in this role.
The City’s former Planner/Transportation Planner, Philip Gritzmacher Jr., transitioned in June from his role in Sun Prairie to a similar one in Madison. After his transition, the role was reevaluated to better address the community’s transportation and transit needs. The original position had components of transportation planning but not a dedicated focus. After reevaluation, it was decided that the role should be split into two full-time positions of Planner and Transportation Coordinator. On Tuesday, July 20, City Council approved a resolution for the creation of the Transportation Coordinator position. The resolution states:
WHEREAS, the Committee of the Whole met on Tuesday July 20, 2021 to review staff’s recommendation to create a Transportation Coordinator position; and
WHEREAS, this position will oversee the city’s efforts in the areas of transit, active transportation planning, pedestrian/traffic safety, and public engagement on transit and transportation issues; and
WHEREAS, this position will be responsible for seeking, writing, and administering grant applications for transit and transportation-related projects;
Alexander joins the City with a strong background in transportation and transit planning. In 2017, he served as Planner for the North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (NCWRPC) where he prepared and facilitated two active transportation plans: North Central Wisconsin Regional Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan and Langlade County Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan. After his time as a planner for NCWRPC, he transitioned to Associate Planner/Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Coordinator for the City of Janesville and had the opportunity to complete a federally compliant Long-Range Transportation Plan addressing all modes of transportation. Alexander is an alumnus from the University of Wisconsin –Madison. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and Political Science as well as a Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning.
He is excited to move the City and its transportation goals forward. “My goal is to continue the City’s momentum in laying the groundwork for continued and expanded public transit service to the City, making it feasible for more people to travel between Sun Prairie and Madison by means other than a car,” said Brown. “The City has made great strides in implementing a Complete Streets-style network across the city, and continuing that focus on designing streets for all users will remain critical as the community continues to grow.”
When not working to improve transportation and transit for the community, Alexander enjoys being active by hiking, kayaking, and biking. He also enjoys spending time lounging with a good book.
Although Alexander will be serving in a variety of capacities, he will play a major role in the work of the Pedestrian Safety Task Force and advancing safety for the Sun Prairie community. For more information on the task force, please visit: https://vision-zero-sunprairie.hub.arcgis.com/
Sun Prairie Media Center
CARDINAL PLAYOFF HOOPS LIVE ON KSUN, 103.5 FM
Even though at press time the Sun Prairie Cardinals’ football team was still very much in action, it is also time to look forward to Sun Prairie Media Center’s live coverage of another sport: Boys’ and girls’ basketball.
After a 2019-2020 campaign that was cut short and an abbreviated 2020-2021 season, the Sun Prairie Cardinals boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball teams are excited to be back with a full schedule of games and to be playing in front of fans all season.
But if you can’t make it to the game, rest assured that there will be coverage of both boys’ and girls’ hoops provided by the Sun Prairie Media Center on KSUN (Charter cable channel 983 and TDS channels 10 and 1013), on 103.5 The Sun Community Radio, and online at sunprairiemediacenter.com.
While exact details are still being finalized, the SPMC is planning to provide coverage of 46 games, with the majority of home games airing on both KSUN and 103.5 FM. Most away games will be exclusive to 103.5 FM with video coverage provided when possible. Of course all video coverage will be available on the SPMC’s Roku and Apple TV channels and all coverage will also be available on the SPMC app, available to download for free from Google Play and the App Store.
Boys’ games will be called by SPMC veteran and all-around hoops expert Mike Mathison with coverage of girls’ games provided by a rotation of superb broadcasters.
“We are thrilled to be getting into basketball season,” said SPMC director Jeff Robbins. “Both programs have great reputations and this will be their last hurrah as the only teams in town before sharing the spotlight with the Wolves next year. I want to thank our fantastic crew, announcers – especially Mike Mathison – sponsors, and the school district for everything they do to make these broadcasts possible.”
Basketball sponsors for the 2021-2022 campaign include Woodman’s, Concrete Lifting Technologies, Culver’s of Sun Prairie, TDS, Eagan Automotive, Bank of Sun Prairie, Hebl and Hebl Attorneys at Law, and S&K Automotive. There is still sponsorship opportunities for any business that wants to get involved in this exclusive coverage. Anyone interested should contact Jeff Robbins at jrobbins@cityofsunprairie.com or via phone at 608-837-4193.
Sun Prairie Public Library
Over the past few weeks team members from FEH Design, Library Staff, Library Board members, and the community have been working behind the scenes to facilitate the schematic design process. Click here to review the Goals for Success, the designs that have been created by team members from FEH Design with the input and guidance of the community, and provide your feedback on the schematic design sketches. Over the next few months, the Library Board will be narrowing down the designs, with the help of your feedback. All are welcome to comment and participate in the process! More information on the Library Expansion Project is available at https://www.sunprairiepubliclibrary.org/library_expansion.
Children’s & Teen Services
Join us for Small Fry Storytime on Mondays at 10 a.m. in the SPPL Storytime Facebook Group or on the SPPL YouTube Channel, and Storytime on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. in the SPPL Storytime Facebook Group or on the SPPL YouTube Channel. Visit https://www.sunprairiepubliclibrary.org/storytimeinfo for up-to-date info.
Outdoor Family Storytimes will continue on Wednesdays, at 10:30 a.m., weather permitting. Call the Children’s Desk at 825-0701 for more information.
Thursday, November 11 3:30 - 4:30 PM
Sammy wants to play Among Us and maybe some Jackbox games! Game with Sammy on Zoom on select Thursdays at 3:30 PM. Registration required for each session and space is limited. This program is for those who are 7-12 years old.
Friday, November 12 4-5 p.m.
Melissa wants to play Among Us and Jackbox games! Game with Melissa on Zoom on select Fridays at 4:00. Registration required for each session and space is limited. Email Melissa at mcarollo at sunlib.org to register. This program is for teens in 6th-12th grade.
Tuesday, November 16 4-5 p.m.
Join Melissa on Zoom for Teen Creativity Club! The activity for our November 16 meeting is TBA. Registration is required, reserve your spot by using the form below. This program is for teens in 6th - 12th grade. Questions, concerns, or if registration has already closed but the event has not yet happened, please email Melissa at mcarollo@sunlib.org.
Adult Services
Gentle Tai Chi
Thursday, November 4, 11 and 18 2-2:45 p.m.
Take an afternoon rejuvenation break and join us for Gentle Tai Chi! Tai Chi is slow, mindful exercise which focuses on attention to the breath and has been proven to be helpful for strength, alignment, flexibility, stress management, cognitive fitness, and balance of body, mind and spirit. It's practical, relaxing, and can be modified for a wide range of special needs. Facilitated by certified master instructor, Jody Curley, M.A. This program will be held via Zoom. To receive the Zoom log in information, please register on the Events Calendar for each date you wish to attend at www.sunlib.org.
Wisconsin African Americans in the Civil War
Tuesday, November 9 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Hundreds of African American soldiers and regimental employees represented Wisconsin in the Civil War, and yet these individuals are rarely mentioned in state histories. Jeff Kannel, local historian and author, will discuss the research behind his book Make Way for Liberty, through which he hopes to shine a light on the crucial role of African Americans from Wisconsin in the Civil War. This program will be held via Zoom. To receive the Zoom log in information, please register here.
Wednesday, November 17 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Make the most of this year's fall bounty, improve your health, and enjoy fermented vegetables all year long! Learn how to make sauerkraut, kim chi, and pickled vegetables, along with the equipment needed, troubleshooting tips, where to find resources for more information - and you'll also receive a few tasty recipes! Facilitated by registered dietician, Laura Poe Mathes. This program will be held via Zoom. To receive the Zoom log in information, please register here.
Urban SUN: Black Voices Book Club
Sunday, November 21 3-4 p.m.
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 is "Reader's Choice"! All participants will be invited to talk about one or two works by Black authors/creators that they would like to share with the group. The Urban SUN book club will meet via Zoom until further notice. To receive the Zoom log in information, please register here.
Library Board Appoints Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee
The Sun Prairie Public Library Board recently appointed seven community members to the newly established Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee. The purpose of the D.E.I. Advisory Committee is to advise and guide the Library Board as they review policies and procedures, set priorities and goals within the strategic plan, and expand services and spaces, with the guiding principle and commitment to advance equity, honor diverse identities, and create an inclusive culture for all.
The appointed community members include Brittanie Campbell-Turner, Brianna Larson, Shenika Moss, Lucila Polo, Mark Schwingle, Chandu Vemuri, and Leah Wilson.
Sun Prairie Utilities
Lighting Effects Drive
Event Date:
Monday - November 1, 2021 - 12am to Tuesday - December 7, 2021 - 4pm
Sun Prairie Utilities is accepting donations to be distributed to our less fortunate neighbors through the Spirit of Giving program of the Sunshine Place.
For every $20 donation to the Spirit of Giving made through our business office, Sun Prairie Utilities will give 1 strand ofLED Holiday Lights. These lights use 1/10th of the energy as compared to traditional mini lights.
This offer is limited to 3 light sets per customer. Donations are being collected through December 7, 2021 at our office, 125 West Main Street.
We know that many people have a hard time paying for their heat during the winter and these donations are one small way you can effectively help keep our neighbors warm. Consider helping today.