May 5, 2022
Administration
StigmaFree!
The City of Sun Prairie has committed to being an organization that is StigmaFree for individuals impacted by mental health issues. Organizations can take the pledge offered by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and commit to addressing the stigma surrounding mental health issues through different events, practices, and programming.
StigmaFree
NAMI’s StigmaFree initiative encourages organizations to consider the well-being of employees and create changes that have a lasting impact. Although every organization is different in how it operates, NAMI recommends embedding the following best practices into regular operations and workplace culture:
- Create company policies regarding mental health.
- Show support to employees experiencing mental health challenges.
- Provide management training.
- Decrease stigma in the workplace.
As a StigmaFree partner, organizations have access to NAMI’s advisors, experts, and educational content. The City is taking advantage of these resources and offering mental health programming for city staff and the community as well as reviewing policies to ensure they are more inclusive for individuals impacted by mental health issues.
Mental Health Awareness Month
On Tuesday, May 3, Mayor Esser proclaimed the month of May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Sun Prairie. To recognize the significance of this time, the City will be offering programming for city staff and the community on this topic.
Juanona Brewster from Join In Action will be spending time with city staff to teach on topics such as chronic stress, ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences), and other common mental health challenges. She will also be coaching participants on how to deal with these challenges in practical ways.
NAMI Dane County will be hosting two sessions at the Sun Prairie Public Library that spend some time presenting on the fundamentals of mental illness, supporting a loved one with a mental health challenge, and the Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) Sun Prairie Police Department officers go through. Additionally, there will be a lived experience panel made up of individuals sharing their recovery story of living with a mental illness. These sessions will take place in person on Wednesday, May 18 and Tuesday, May 31 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
“It is important to me that everyone in Sun Prairie feel they are safe and that they belong in this community regardless of their mental health status,” said Mayor Esser. “I encourage all in our community to increase awareness and understanding of mental health challenges, reduce stigma and discrimination, and promote accessible services for all.”
To register for the community programming opportunities, please go to https://sunprairie.librarymarket.com/events/month/2022/05 and select the preferred date to attend.
For specific questions about this initiative, please contact Jake King, Communications and Diversity Strategist, at jking@cityofsunprairie.com.
Employee Service Recognition Awards!
Earth Month in Sun Prairie!
The City of Sun Prairie will be recognizing Earth Day by transforming it into an extended timeframe shared by April and May filled with a variety of educational events, community activities, and different sustainability initiatives. The community will have many opportunities to not only protect and preserve local spaces but also build relationships while engaging in volunteer activities. Although there are many items on the schedule throughout this season, community members are encouraged to pay special attention to a few upcoming opportunities.
No Mow May
This conservation initiative encourages property owners to reduce mowing practices during May as a way to provide early season foraging resources for pollinators that emerge in the spring. Bees are an essential part of ecosystems and the City wishes to increase pollinator-friendly habitat by encouraging pollinator-friendly lawn-care practices, empowering citizens to make a direct and meaningful impact on their own properties. On Tuesday, March 29, City Council adopted a resolution designating the month of May as “No Mow May”.
The City has temporarily suspended the enforcement of Chapter 8.36 – Noxious Weeds, regulation of length of lawn and grasses, or any other section that regulates the length of grass to allow pollinator species to emerge and early flowering plants to establish, which may result in ground-cover exceeding established ordinance height of 8-inches.
As part of the pilot program, residential properties are to participate and must follow all pilot guidelines including advanced registration with the City. Organizations and businesses interested in participating will be considered on a case-by-case basis due to the significant land area these entities may manage. Once May has ended, enforcement of Chapter 8.36 – Noxious Weeds will resume on Wednesday, June 1.
Get Involved!
Earth Month is intended to bring the entire community together and collectively take steps in making Sun Prairie a more sustainable place for all. This has been made possible by collaboration from city staff Administration and the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to partner with my colleagues and different organizations to offer such a variety of events and initiatives for the community to participate in,” said Scott Semroc, Sustainability Coordinator.
Residents and organizations can learn more about the “No Mow May” initiative and register their property at https://form.jotform.com/220884700591154.
To review the schedule of all the different activities taking place, please visit www.cityofsunprairie.com/2022EarthMonth.
For any specific questions or comments on Earth Month, please contact Scott via email at ssemroc@cityofsunprairie.com or Cindy Burtley, Parks and Forestry Division Manager, at cburtley@cityofsunprairie.com.
Yard Signs! 
For households participating in No Mow May, yard signs are available for pick up! There is a limited quantity of 250 available with one sign per household. We ask participants to hold on to the sign and reuse it for every year this initiative takes place.
Yard signs are now available for pickup at the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry (PRF) Department office - 2598 W Main St #2, Sun Prairie, WI 53590 (upstairs of the Westside Building). You can pick them up during business hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Only on Friday, May 6, the PRF Department will stay open until 7 p.m. for individuals who need more time to pick up signs.
City Clerk
International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) is proud to announce that Elena Hilby has achieved both her Certified Municipal Clerk and Master Municipal Clerk designations. In light of the speed and drastic nature of change these days, lifelong learning is not only desirable, it is necessary for all in local government to keep pace with growing demands and changing needs of the citizens we serve. We take immense pride in Elena and her desire to keep her education current, as well as her dedication to your municipality.
The primary goal of IIMC is to actively promote the continuing education and professional development of municipal clerks through extensive education programs, certification, publications, networking, annual conferences and research. IIMC also engages in municipal research administration, enhances critical professional skill development and fosters a spirit of mutual assistance and good fellowship among municipal clerks around the globe.
IIMC grants the Master Municipal Clerk designation only to those municipal clerks who first complete their CMC designation and then meet the demanding education requirements, which is approximately 120 hours of education at their state Institute. In addition, they must have a record of significant contributions to their local government, their community and state. Elena completed her Certified Municipal Clerk designation on 6/19/2019 and her Master Municipal Clerk designation on 4/28/2022.
The International Institute of Municipal Clerks, founded in 1947, has approximately 9,500 members throughout the United States, Canada and 15 other countries. The mission of this global non-profit corporation is to enhance the educational opportunities and professional development of its diverse membership. You may find more information on IIMC’s educational programs and our Certifications at http://www.iimc.com/index.aspx?NID=8.
Community Development
Join us for the first outdoor Sun Prairie Farmers Market of the season. You will have the opportunity to shop locally from a great line up of returning and new vendors. Extend your market stay and take in beautiful Downtown Sun Prairie for shopping and dinning!
The following businesses are participating in opening weekend festivities by:
FOREVER YOURS JEWELRY - Spring Bling Sale. 20-30% off In-store Items. April 26, 2022 - May 7,2022. Some Exclusions Apply.
BANK OF SUN PRAIRIE - Shred it Day! 9AM - 11AM in Bank Parking Lot
CITY OF SUN PRAIRIE - Compost Bin Sale Pick Up Day - 11AM - 2PM in City Hall Parking Lot
SUN PRAIRIE HISTORICAL MUSEUM - Seasonal Opening Day from 10AM - 4PM
Thank you to the 2022 Presenting Sponsor Salvatore's Tomato Pies for supporting the Sun Prairie Farmers Market
Welcome to Downtown Sun Prairie’s Artful Wine Walk!
1. All participants must present valid identification showing they are at least 21 to participate in this event. Once an ID has been presented you will receive a wristband, which must be worn to be served food or wine at the event.
2. Wine samples are 1 ounce pours.
3. Consider writing your name on your wine glass and your booklet, so that you can identify your items if you set them down.
4. You may visit the locations in any order; enjoy our many businesses in Downtown Sun Prairie while you are here!
5. Follow traffic and pedestrian rules. Please only cross the streets at the marked crosswalks.
6. No liquid / alcohol may be carried in your wine glass between locations. Before leaving one location please dump all liquid into the appropriate container; water is available for rinsing glasses. Alcohol containers are NOT permitted on city streets.
7. These event runs from 5-8:30 p.m. Participating businesses will have listed wine samples and may have appetizers while supplies last during that time. Additional offerings at participating businesses during the wine walk event are offered for an additional charge.
8. There is a map showing the locations of the participating businesses in the center spread of this booklet.
9. Please designate a sober driver or utilize a taxi service to get home.
10. We reserve the right to remove patrons from this event for failing to follow these rules.
11. Please abide by Dane County’s Public Health order and local business policies.
Enjoy Artful Wine Walk and we hope to see you at more Downtown Sun Prairie events such as:
Saturday, May 7: First Outdoor Farmers Market
Thursday, June 2: Dine in the Dream Park
Thursday, June 23: Great Race & Classic Cars
Thursday, July 14: Adventure Day in Support of Sunshine Place in Memory of Capt. Cory Barr
Thursday, July 28: Wild Rumpus Circus
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.
Office will be closed on Monday, May 30th
Announcements:
Summer Rec Guide out now!
Registration now open for all summer programs and swimming lessons. To view the guide or to register, visit rec.cityofsunprairie.com
Sun Prairie Family Aquatic Center Passes
Family Aquatic Center season passes, and discount punch cards are now available to purchase. Purchase your season pass by May 18 for an early bird discount and limited-edition key chain! To purchase, visit Purchase Season Passes
We’re Hiring – Join our Team!
Come have the BEST SUMMER EVER with team PRF.
Want to be a lifeguard? We will certify you and pay for the class! Join the Fun this summer by working one of the coolest jobs in town!
For a full list of our summer job openings visit: https://tinyurl.com/h6rsjskp
“Recreation is for Everyone” Scholarship form!
Become A Volunteer!
The City of Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department (SPPRF) has announced a new volunteer program and management system due to the growing community interest in volunteering for programs, services, and events.
The volunteer opportunity database will be updated regularly with new opportunities that provides interested individuals with details of each option. All new volunteers are required to apply online, and once approved, can manage their assignments and log hours online.
Current volunteer opportunities include a mix of one-time and ongoing assignments such as neighborhood park stewards, museum inventory volunteers, Lettuce Dream Garden ambassadors, Concerts in the Park volunteers, and more.
“We are excited to connect community members who are eager to serve with different opportunities in a way that’s organized and easy to follow,” said Kristin Grissom, Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Director.
Interested individuals and groups can view volunteer opportunities online at www.tinyurl.com/spprfvolunteer
To apply to become an SPPRF volunteer, fill out the application at: www.tinyurl.com/spprfvolunteerapp
Important Dates!
Upcoming Programs Not to Be Missed:
Games, Art, Tag, and Outdoor Recreation (G.A.T.O.R.)
Friday, May 8th
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
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.
Friday, May 13th
9:00-11:30 a.m. (ages 9-11)
12:30-3:00 p.m. (ages 5-8)
Registration Ends: 05/06/2022
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.
We will provide a Free Hour of Fun in between AM and PM School's Out sessions for anyone that wants to pick up late, drop off early, or stay for both sessions. Select this option when registering to attend.
American Red Cross Babysitter Training
Saturday, May 21st
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Registration Ends: 5/16/2022
This training provides kids, ages 11-15, with the information and skills necessary to provide safe and responsible care in the absence of parents/guardians. This training will also help participants develop skills in leadership, professionalism, basic care, safety, safe play and first aid.
Public Safety
Police SOLO Patrol
The Sun Prairie Police Department is proud to share that Officer Eric McGlynn and Officer Chris Jauch have completed their field training and will commence solo patrol.
Officer Eric McGlynn Officer Chris Jauch
Sun Prairie Media Center
SPMC BROADCASTING SPHS GRADUATION SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE / COPIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE
The Sun Prairie Media Center is happy to announce that it will once again provide live coverage of this year’s Sun Prairie High School graduation ceremony.
This year's ceremony is scheduled to take place Friday, May 27, beginning at 5:30 PM. The ceremony will be held in Madison at the Kohl Center.
SPMC’s coverage will be seen live on KSUN Charter channel 983 or TDS channels 13 or 1013. The ceremony will also be streamed at sunprairiemediacenter.com/ksun as well as available on KSUN’s Roku and Apple TV channels and on the SPMC app, available to download for free from the App Store or Google Play.
“We are always happy to partner with the school district in providing the broadcast of the high school graduation,” said SPMC director Jeff Robbins. “Last year at the new stadium was fun, but it’s nice to not have to worry about the weather! The district always hosts a wonderful commencement ceremony and we look forward to joining the teachers, administrators, school board, families, and most importantly the graduates in sharing the excitement of graduation day!”
Business sponsorship opportunities are available for the broadcast. Participating businesses will be recognized at the outset of every broadcast (live and replays), every on-demand viewing, and every USB or DVD sold.
Speaking of USBs and DVDs, the SPMC is offering DVD and USB copies of the graduation ceremony for sale. DVDs and USBs make great gifts for grads and their families, whether they were able to attend the live ceremony or not! 2022 (and past) graduation DVDs & USBs can be ordered by going to sunprairiemediacenter.com/sphsgraduation.
The SPMC will also be broadcasting live the Prairie Phoenix Academy graduation ceremony happening on Thursday, May 26 at 1 PM. DVDs and USBs for the PPA ceremony will also be made available for purchase.
For more information on the broadcasts, sponorships, or DVD/USB sales, please contact the Sun Prairie Media Center at 608-837-4193 or via e-mail at staff@sunprairiemediacenter.com.
Congratulations to the Class of 2021!
LIMITED SPOTS REMAIN IN MEDIA CENTER’S SUMMER WORKSHOPS
You’re in luck . . . there is still room in the Sun Prairie Media Center summer workshops!
Some workshops have filled, but there are plenty of great opportunities left to get your kids involved in the Media Center this summer!
If you know of someone aged 9-14 who loves to make videos, movies, or even podcasts and wants help taking their creativity to the next level, then you need to sign them up for these workshops!
Online registration is open now and will close on June 10. But hurry – these classes are filling fast! More information and online registration is available at kids4.tv. Available workshops include:
- Adventures in Sports Production, June 20-23
- Adventures in Movie Making, June 20-23
- Adventures in Animation, July 18-21
- Adventures in Reporting, July 18-21
- Adventures in Podcasting, July 25-26
- Adventures in Live Television, July 27-28
These 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!
“The summer workshops are great for families who want to get involved in KIDS-4 but want to sample before signing up for the school year program,” said SPMC director Jeff Robbins “And some workshops, like sports production, are completely unique and not covered during KIDS-4.”
Discounted rates for SPMC members are available. More information on memberships is available at sunprairiemediacenter.com/memberships. Scholarships are also available.
Please contact Mara Trusty at mtrusty@cityofsunprairie.com with any questions.
Sun Prairie Public Library
Library Closed on Friday, May 6 for Staff In-service
The library will be closed this Friday, May 6 for Staff In-Service. The drive-thru book drops will remain open.
Children’s & Teen Services
Coming Soon: Summer 2022 Reading Program
There’s a reading program for everyone – babies through teens! (And there’s even a program for adults!) Register for the Summer Reading Program in person or online anytime between June 1st and August 6th.
Record your reading on a paper log or in the Beanstack app. Track by books (titles) or by minutes (time) – whatever works best for you! The more you read, the more prizes you earn! Complete 80 books or 12 hours to earn all the prizes, a pass to the Library Pool Party in August, and your “Library Champion” sign!
Adult Services
Pakistani Vegetarian Dish Demo
Sunday, May 8 2-3 p.m., Library Community Room
Think spring! Join us for a very (very!) delicious Pakistani Vegetarian Dish demonstration! Facilitated by local chef, Huma Siddiqui, and prepared with her own White Jasmine signature spices. The menu will include red lentils with spinach and cholay, garbanzo beans cooked in a spicy tomato sauce with onions, chili powder, garam masala, and cilantro, all topped with raita, a yummy and unique yogurt sauce. Registration required. To attend, please register here. Wearing a mask is not required, but strongly recommended.
Monday, May 9 6:30-7:30 p.m., via Zoom
Nutrition plays a big role in supporting mental health. In this talk, we will cover some of the key vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional considerations that impact mental health and the foods that can help support this important aspect of wellness. Presented by registered dietician and nutrition expert, Laura Poe Mathes. This program will be held via Zoom. To receive the registration information, please register here.
Programs for Job Seekers
Join us during the month of May for a series of programs geared towards for job seekers. Registration is required. For more details and to register to attend, please visit our Events Calendar at https://sunprairie.librarymarket.com. All programs will be held in the Library Community Room. Wearing a mask is not required but is strongly recommended.
Tuesday, May 10 6-7 p.m.
Resume Info Session with Urban League of Greater Madison
Tuesday, May 17 6-7 p.m.
Monday, May 23 6-7 p.m.
Mental Illness 101: Developing A General Understanding and Awareness
Wednesday, May 18th 5:30-7:30pm or Tuesday, May 31st from 5:30-7:30pm
Library Community Room
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Dane County will be offering in-person programming throughout the month of May, which is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month. Staff from NAMI will present on the fundamentals of mental illness and how to offer support to those experiencing challenges. In addition to the presentations, there will be a lived experience panel made up of individuals who share their stories of living with mental illness and a Sun Prairie Police Officer to teach the community about what it means to be a CIT (Crisis Intervention Trained) officer. Registration is required. For more details and to register to attend, please visit our Events Calendar at https://sunprairie.librarymarket.com. Snacks and refreshments will be provided for attendees.
Mental Illness 101: Developing A General Understanding and Awareness
Wednesday, May 18th 5:30-7:30pm or Tuesday, May 31st from 5:30-7:30pm
Library Community Room
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Dane County will be offering in-person programming throughout the month of May, which is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month. Staff from NAMI will present on the fundamentals of mental illness and how to offer support to those experiencing challenges. In addition to the presentations, there will be a lived experience panel made up of individuals who share their stories of living with mental illness and a Sun Prairie Police Officer to teach the community about what it means to be a CIT (Crisis Intervention Trained) officer. Registration is required. For more details and to register to attend, please visit our Events Calendar at https://sunprairie.librarymarket.com. Snacks and refreshments will be provided for attendees.
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
Public Health Madison & Dane County will be holding walk-in vaccine clinics in the library’s Community Room on Fridays through May 27 from 3:00-5:30 p.m. (No clinic on 5/6). 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.
Friday, May 20th 6-8:30 p.m.
The Loft at 132
Join us at The Loft @ 132 on May 20th for a fun night with live music from Underground Sound Jazz, delicious food by Salvatore's, Buck and Honey's and Beans 'n Cream. To learn more about this event and to purchase your tickets, visit: https://www.sunlibfoundation.org/gala-2022.
Sun Prairie Utilities
SPU Summer Energy Challenge
Sun Prairie Utilities encourages customers to sign up for the Summer Energy Challenge! Participants in the energy-efficiency challenge commit to reducing their energy usage during peak summer months. Reducing energy usage by at least 5% from June through September will enter participants into a drawing for one of three great prizes. The winner will choose from an Energy Star-certified washing machine, an electric lawnmower, or a smart home energy kit.
Sign up for the Summer Energy Challenge through Sun Prairie Utilities’ MyAccount before June 1. To register:
1. log-in to MyAccount,
2. click on the “Property” tab,
3. select 5%, and click “lock it in!”
MyAccount helps you easily track your energy usage, spot trends, and receive timely alerts whenever your energy use reaches a pre-determined level.
Participants in the Summer Energy Challenge can feel twice as good about their commitment to energy savings. Sun Prairie Utilities will donate to the Sunshine Place an amount equal to the value of participating customers’ total savings (up to $2,500.) The more energy saved, the more Sunshine Place will receive!
Focus on Energy – Energy Saving Fair
To help you prepare for saving energy this summer, Sun Prairie Utilities is partnering with WPPI and Focus on Energy to host an Energy-Savings Fair. Visit the Sun Prairie Utilities offices on Tuesday, May 10, 10 am – 2 pm, 125 West Main Street, Sun Prairie, to purchase energy-saving products such as discounted LED lightbulbs. View the event flyer. If you cannot make the in-person event, you can shop online at techniartpopup.com/focusonenergy_spu. The online store will be open through May 23, 2022.