- Home
- Services
- Stay Connected
- Clock Tower Express Newsletter
- March 3, 2022
March 3, 2022
Community Development
Artful Wine Walk is Back This Spring!
Artful Wine Walk is back this spring! Join the Downtown Sun Prairie Business Improvement District on Thursday, May 5 5-8:30 PM and sample wine at 30 local businesses. Participating businesses will be hosting exclusive sales, specials, entertainment, and appetizers. Standard tickets are $35 and designated driver tickets are $10. Purchase tickets online or the day-of the event at the Bank of Sun Prairie!
artfulwinewalk2022.eventbrite.com
Several Sun Prairie Shops Participate in 9th Annual Vintage Shop Hop Event!
The Sun Prairie Business Improvement District is pleased to announce that several shops throughout the City of Sun Prairie, including Downtown Sun Prairie, are participating in this year’s Vintage Shop Hop event on Friday, March 4 and Saturday, March 5, 2022.
Vintage Shop Hop is a "road trip on steroids"--specifically designed for vintage related businesses in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.
Over 400 locally owned vintage shops, antique malls, boutiques, occasional and pop-up shops, barn sales and restaurants in two states are rolling out the red carpet for customers with discounts, giveaways, raffle drawings, demos, live music, ideas on re-purposing old items, and more. The shop hop is a self-guided road trip for vintage and antique lovers in the region.
“Faded Roots is SUPER EXCITED to be a part of the Vintage Shop Hop! Not only is this event an opportunity to have a fun shopping road trip with your friends, but it ALSO allows you to check out what makes each local shop unique to it’s beautiful and thriving Downtown! We hope to see you!” says Jennifer Lee, owner of Faded Roots Boutique.
Stop in at the participating businesses involved in Vintage Shop Hop. The variety of activities and promotions happening throughout Sun Prairie are as follows:
- Budding Butterfly, 101 E. Main Street: Budding Butterfly is a charming metaphysical store located in the heart of Downtown Sun Prairie. We carry jewelry, incense, incense burners, candles, tapestries, altar cloths, dreamcatchers, clocks, crystal trees, crystal keychains, wind-chimes, window art, fountains, home and garden décor, and some fun snarky items such as wall décor and bumper stickers. Take 10% off any one item in the store!
- Faded Roots Boutique, 375 E Main Street: A women’s boutique with eclectic fashion and unique artisan goods. Faded Roots Boutique, OF COURSE, will be a part of this BIG FUN and are excited to say they will be extending their hours! The boutique will be open 10AM-7PM on Friday offering 20% off any one regular item, buy one get one FREE trunk sale, and 60% off selected racks. Faded Roots Boutique will be open 10AM-5PM on Saturday with live music by Swannanoa Bluegrass Band 11AM-2PM and continued specials from Friday.
- Carpe Diem Boutique, 243 E. Main Street: Carpe Diem is excited for this year’s Shop Hop! We are a quaint boutique in the heart of downtown Sun Prairie. We offer jewelry, clothing, home decor and gift items that are fun, sassy and affordable. With any $25 purchase, receive a FREE beaded bracelet during the Shop Hop!
- Nest Interior Design, 223 E. Main Street: One-of-a-kind finds for your home, as far as the eye can see! Whether it is vintage lighting, stunning accessories or hand-crafted furniture, layer your home with fabulous treasures from Nest. Unique, vintage pieces are a fantastic way to put your personal stamp on all of your interior spaces! Enjoy 20 percent off of the treasure you find at Nest, some exclusions apply. We will also offer a special treat for our early shoppers.
- The Wire Basket, 243 E. Main Street: The Wire Basket has a unique blend of antiques, vintage, and gifts. Stop in Friday and Saturday during the Shop Hop for in store sales. Every purchase over $10 picks a shamrock and gets a free gift! Come visit downtown Sun Prairie and see what you’ve been missing!
Please note that hours vary by participating business. The promotional offers and activities are up to the discretion of each business.
An interactive Google Map includes all of the participating shops with detail information that can be accessed on mobile devices while shoppers are traveling the area. The public is invited to create their own self-guided road trip for the shop hop weekend. All 400+ shops and link to the Google Map are listed on the event’s blog page https://vintageshophop.blogspot.com/ or follow the Vintage Shop Hop Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VintageShopHopEvent/.
Follow Visit Sun Prairie https://www.facebook.com/VisitSunPrairie/ and Downtown Sun Prairie https://www.facebook.com/DowntownSunPrairie/ for more event details and up-to-date information.
Housing Study Virtual Workshop #2 - Did You Miss It?
On Thursday, February 10, a community input session was held to gather feedback on what is being proposed to improve housing in Sun Prairie. We had a variety of elected officials, community members, and other stakeholders attend to be able to offer their ideas, suggestions, and other comments about the recommended strategies. Didn't have a chance to attend, you can review the recording here!
See some of the comments from fellow community members made during the workshop!
Parks, Recreation and Forestry
Recreation Department
The Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation & Forestry office is 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.
Announcements:
Winter/Spring Guide out now!
Register today! - rec.cityofsunprairie.com
Online Guide available here - https://view.flipdocs.com/?ID=10018939_143015
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”
We’re Hiring – Join our Team!
Come have the BEST SUMMER EVER with team PRF.
For a full list of our summer job openings visit: governmentjobs.com/careers/SunPrairieWI
“Recreation is for Everyone” Scholarship form!
Come join us for fun and enriching programs available for the whole family! Requesting a scholarship is easier than ever with our NEW online form! This easy, streamlined form provides "no questions asked" financial access to SPPRF programs.
In order to request the Recreation is for Everyone Scholarship you must be a resident of Sun Prairie or enrolled in the Sun Prairie Area School District.
For questions or assistance contact us at 608-837-3449 or rec@cityofsunprairie.com
- Scholarships cover 50% of enrollment fees on most programs
- No formal documentation is required for approval of financial assistance
- Online submission with approvals within 2 business days
New in 2022! – Fitness Flex Pass & Fitness “Try it” Week
Not sure what fitness class is right for you? Enjoy the flexibility to try them all with our new Fit Flex Pass. Click here to purchase a 5 or 10 class pass, Fit Flex Pass - Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation & Forestry (cityofsunprairie.com), passes never expire!
American Red Cross Classes:
Did you know that Sun Prairie Parks Recreation & Forestry now offers Red Cross training? Check out this informational flyer for more!
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Upcoming Programs Not to Be Missed:
School’s Out Programs!
School's out for SPASD, but class is in session at the Westside Community Services Building! Join us for morning and afternoon programs, or both! We also include the option for late pickup (after AM classes only) and early drop-off (PM classes only) lastly we offer the ability to stay in between programs if need be!
Listen to your Art 2/25 (AM session) Ages 9-11 - Listen to your Art 2/25 (PM session) Ages 5-8
Registration Ends: 03/04/2022
Join Ms. Jessica from Jessica’s Art Studio on these days off of school for hours of creativity! You will also learn about famous artists and popular art methods such as drawing, painting, sculpture, clay exploration and more. Wear “Art Clothes” and be prepared to get messy. It is recommended to bring an Art Bag with you to take your projects home at the end of the day. Each day will explore entirely new projects than the day before, so signing up for the whole week means TONS of new unique art projects.
Friday Frenzy – I Spy! – 3/11/2022
Registration Ends: 03/04/2022
Calling all super sleuths! Someone stole Mr. Bear and we need your help. The crime scene is set where you can put your CSI skills to work finding clues to hopefully find Mr. Bear and bring him home.
Games, Art, Tag, and Outdoor Recreation (G.A.T.O.R.)
Registration Ends: 05/06/2022
School’s out for SPASD, but class is in session at the Westside Community Services Building. Join us for a day off school program. Spring is here! Time to grab your friends for a fun filled day with group games, art projects and other outdoor activities. Tennis shoes are required. Be sure to dress for the weather, it’s Wisconsin after all. We will provide a Free Hour of Fun in between AM and PM sessions for anyone that wants to pick up late, drop off early, or stay for both sessions. Select this option when registering to attend.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Archery Lessons!
Family Archery Lessons – Beginner (Ages 8+) - Youth Archery Lessons - Beginner (Ages 8-17)
Registration Ends: 03/14/2022
Join our National Archery in the Schools Program certified instructor, Terry Berndt, to learn all about the popular sport of archery! In this beginner session, students will learn about archery safety, determine their "dominant eye" make a string bow to help with proper technique, and will learn about the 11 steps to archery success. Fun games will also be played that will challenge the archer's aim.
Family Archery Lessons - Intermediate (Ages 8+) - Youth Archery Lessons - Intermediate (Ages 8-17)
Registration Ends: 03/14/2022
Join our National Archery in the Schools Program certified instructor, Terry Berndt, to immerse yourself in the popular sport of archery! During this intermediate session, archers will build off what was learned in the beginner class. The students will progress by shooting at longer distances and will participate in more challenging games. Also, more emphasis will be put on NASP tournament style scoring. All equipment and materials will be provided.
*Participants do not have to complete the Parks and Recreation beginner class to be able to join the intermediate class, however, having some prior experience in archery is recommended for this class
NASP IBO Style 3-D Archery Session 2
Registration Ends: 04/04/2022
Expand your knowledge and skills to 3-D. This class and range will be entirely devoted to learning the NASP IBO 3-D division. Archers will learn to score the same 3-D range distances and animals that are currently being used in the National Archery in the Schools program. All equipment will be provided. You may bring and use your own bow if it is a Mathews Genesis. No other equipment will be allowed.
Note: This is not a beginner Archery class. Archers must have taken a Sun Prairie Park and Rec Archery class previously or have some shooting experience in the NASP program to participate.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Upcoming Programs Continued…
Camp Creativo – AM Session – 3/21 – 3/25 Camp Creativo – PM Session – 3/21 – 3/25
It’s Spring Break! What better way to enjoy your free time than coming to Camp Creativo - Join Ms. Jessica from Jessica’s Art Studio for this week long Art Camp and explore different art mediums such as; acrylic paints, water color paints, modeling clay, 3D building, collage, mosaics and more! Each day will explore different themes and mediums so register for one day or for all of the days! Don’t forget to wear your “Art Clothes”, as we’ll explore messy materials during Camp Creativo.
Public Safety
Sun Prairie EMS Vaccination and Testing Services!
Sun Prairie Media Center
“SUN PRAIRIE, DID YOU KNOW?: A PERSONAL SHARING OF BLACK HISTORY” IN SUN PRAIRIE PREMIERES
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Meet Marilyn Ruffin! She is a Black Community Leader who has an important story to share about her history, experience, and contributions to Sun Prairie.
- Marilyn served as the first Black Sun Prairie School Board Member?
- About some of the challenges she had to face in order to serve in that role?
- That Marilyn is not a POC (Person of Color), BIPOC (Black Indigenous Person of Color), or minority? She is a Black woman (and she says to ALWAYS capitalize the “B” in Black).
This video and other local programming content is housed on the Sun Prairie Media Center’s website. KSUN is available on Charter Spectrum (channel 983) and TDS (channels 13 and 1013). Live streams and on-demand programming are available as well on Roku and Apple TV devices, at sunprairiemediacenter.com, and on the free Sun Prairie Media Center app, available to download from the App Store and Google Play.
CANDIDATE FORUMS/PROGRAMMING COMING TO KSUN
Sun Prairie residents will have some important decisions to make when they head to the polls on April 5. And the Sun Prairie Media Center is offering extensive programming to help residents make those decisions.
On Sunday, March 6, the Sun Prairie Action Resource Coalition will be sponsoring a candidate forum at the Sun Prairie East High School’s Performing Arts Center that will include candidates for SPASD School Board, City of Sun Prairie city council, and cthe Dane County Board. This forum will be moderated by SPMC director Jeff Robbins and will air live at 12 noon on March 6 on KSUN.
Elsewhere, two “Talk of the Town” candidate forums hosted by Chris Mertes and Don Hooser will soon be recorded: On March 4, District 4 challengers Russ Wied and David Virgell will record a forum at the Sun Prairie Media Center. Wied and Virgell are vying for the seat left open by departing City Council Alder Mary Polenske.
Then on March 18 SPASD School Board candidates Stephen Elmer, Lisa Goldsberry, Latoya Holiday, Diana McFarland, and Steve Schroeder will record a “Talk of the Town” forum taped at Sun Prairie City Hall Council Chambers. The five candidates are vying for three available seats.
Also on March 4, Dane County Board candidate Brenda Yang, who is running unopposed for the District 19 board seat, will conduct an interview at the SPMC. That interview will be hosted by SPMC director Jeff Robbins.
All candidate programming will be broadcast on KSUN and available for on-demand viewing through the SPMC’s Sun Prairie Media Center app, on sunprairiemediacenter.com, and through the Media Center’s Roku and Apple TV channels. For times when all candidate programming will be seen on KSUN, please check the schedule at sunprairiemediacenter.com/ksun-schedule/.
In addition, there are several interviews with candidates being conducted for 103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio with hosts Bill Baker and Andy Schoenherr. For times when those interviews will run, please check sunprairiemediacenter.com/103-5-the-sun-schedule.
CHECK OUT THE “STATES OF THE CITY” ON KSUN'
If you’ve haven’t heard Mayor Paul Esser’s annual “State of the City” presentation yet, the SPMC has you covered with no fewer than three ways to access the information.
First is the return of “Community Conversations,” which features Esser and Economic Development Director Taylor Brown going over the State of the City, including a look at the breakdown, impact, and distribution of residents’ tax bills, as well as challenges and successes the City had in 2021 and what major steps will be taken in the upcoming year. The program also includes the Mayor and Communications and Diversity Strategist Jake King facilitating conversation with some important individuals on the theme of "resiliency". These special guests include Kristin Grissom, Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Director; Scott Semroc, Sustainability Coordinator; and Alexander Brown, Transportation Coordinator.
You can also see a shorter version of the “State of the City” as presented live at a Chamber of Commerce event held at the Sun Prairie Public Library Community Room, or you can see an interview with the Mayor as conducted by Don Hooser and Chris Mertes for “Talk of the Town.” The interview touches on several topics while also incorporating the “State of the City” presentation.
All of these programs can be accessed on demand at sunprairiemediacenter.com/ksun, through the SPMC’s Roku and Apple TV channels, and on the Sun Prairie Media Center app. For times that the programs are airing on KSUN (available on Charter Spectrum and TDS), please consult sunprairiemediacenter.com/ksun-schedule.
UPCOMING SPMC CARDINAL BASKETBALL PLAYOFF COVERAGE
Let the Madness begin. Or should we say “continue” . . .
While both the Sun Prairie boys’ and girls’ hockey teams have ended their WIAA tournament play, as of this writing both the Cardinals boys’ and girls’ basketball teams are continuing their WIAA tournaments, and the Sun Prairie Media Center will be there with all the coverage.
The #3 Cardinals girls’ basketball team, coming off home victories over #14 Middleton and #6 Watertown, will take on #2 Arrowhead in a sectional semifinal on Thursday, March 3, beginning at 7 PM. If the Cardinals win, they would play either #1 Brookfield East or #4 Waunakee on Saturday, March 5, at 1 PM. Both of those games will be covered on 103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio.
The #6 Cardinals boys’ basketball team will begin their tournament play on Friday, March 4, at 7 PM as they take on #11 Madison Memorial at Sun Prairie. This game will be aired on KSUN and 103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio. Should the Cardinals win, they would likely take on #3 Waunakee on Saturday, March 5, at 7 PM. That game would be on 103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio.
The Sun Prairie Media Center would like to thank its sponsors for these playoff games: Woodman’s, TDS, Culver’s, Pro Active Engineering, Concrete Lifting Technologies, and the Bank of Sun Prairie.
The Sun Prairie Media Center is actively looking for announcers for the upcoming baseball and softball seasons. Please e-mail Jeff Robbins at jrobbins@cityofsunprairie.com if you have interest and availability for some games.
KSUN can be viewed on Charter Spectrum (channel 983), TDS TV (channels 13 and 1013), through Roku and Apple TV devices, on sunprairiemediacenter.com, and on the Sun Prairie Media Center mobile app.
Sun Prairie Public Library
We’re very excited to share a walk-through video of our Conceptual Design, now available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FscSJVPMBU. More details on the Library Expansion project are available at https://www.sunprairiepubliclibrary.org/library_expansion
Children’s & Teen Services
Tuesday, March 8 4-4:45pm
Library Community Room
NEW in 2022! Young Explorers Club will be for ages 4-8. Registration is required.
This club will meet once a month and we'll explore different animals, eco systems, habitats, and more! This program will meet in-person in the community room each month. Space will be limited. Children can be left with the librarian as long as they are registered. For any questions, problems registering, or for more information, please email Sammy: snieman@sunlib.org or call the Children's Desk: 608-825-0701. Please register here.
ACT Diagnostic Test with Galin Education
Tuesday, March 8 9:30-1pm
Library Community Room
Sophomores, sign up now for a free ACT diagnostic test! While the juniors are taking their ACT, get a head start for your own test. The library is partnering with Galin Education to offer a realistic ACT experience. This diagnostic test will help you work out some test-taking jitters as well as help you focus your studying. Please bring a calculator if you have one. Please register here.
Adult Services
Thursday March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 from 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. This five week series is facilitated by certified master instructor, Jody Curley, M.A. This is a five week series and you may register for any session that suits your schedule, be it one, two, or all five. Beginner's welcome anytime. This program will be held via Zoom. Please register on the Events Calendar at https://sunprairie.librarymarket.com, and Zoom details will be emailed to you.
Sunday, March 6 2-4 p.m.
Library Community Room
Join us for our first in-person program of the year while enjoying some art therapy. In this two hour workshop, you'll learn to design your own beautiful handmade greeting cards devoted to the glorious season of spring. Jamie Statz-Paynter of Independent Stampin' Up! will demonstrate and share her card buffet. All materials will be provided. Space is limited and only adults may register. Please register on the Events Calendar at https://sunprairie.librarymarket.com. For more information call the Adult Information Desk at 825-0702.
Monday, March 7-Monday, April 25 from 1-3 p.m.
Discussion Room 1
Would you like to learn to play Mah-jong? Mah-jong originated in 19th century China, and is a game played, usually by four people, with 136 or 144 rectangular pieces called tiles. The object is to collect winning sets of these tiles as in card games such as gin rummy. The classes will be held in Discussion Room 1. Space is limited and registrants may sign up for no more than two classes in the series in order to learn the basics of the game. Please register on the Events Calendar at https://sunprairie.librarymarket.com. For more information, email sunref@sunlib.org or call the Adult Information Desk at 825-0702.
Changes: Mid-Career or End-Career Options in Peace Corps
Wednesday, March 9 6:30-7:45pm
Library Community Room
Have you always considered the Peace Corps as an option, but somehow life has gotten in the way? Come discover your options for Peace Corps service! Talk with returned Peace Corps Volunteers.
- Learn what is involved in applying
- Get resources on how to find out more
- Ask questions and get answers
Please register here to be assured a spot at this in-person event.
Public Health Madison & Dane County will be holding walk-in vaccine clinics in the library’s Community Room on Fridays 3/4, 3/11, 3/18 and 3/25 from 3:00-5:30 p.m. Everyone 5 and older is welcome. No ID or insurance required, but children 5-17 must have a parent or guardian present. First, second, and booster doses will be offered. Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson available while supplies last.