June 2, 2022
Administration
Juneteenth in Sun Prairie
Originating in Galveston, TX, Juneteenth is a time to commemorate the emancipation that occurred of enslaved African Americans on June 19, 1865. See the event information of how Sun Prairie will be observing this time.
A Time to Bike!
Did you know that May is National Bike Month? This is a celebration of biking as transportation, as recreation, as essential to our well-being and everyday lives. May is also when the National Bike Challenge kicks off, and the challenge continues through September.
We want you to get involved and have highlighted a variety of different events, activities, resources, and more all related to biking!
Click here to see all of the different activities, events, and more happening for you!
No Mow May Update!
We want to give a BIG THANKS to all of the No Mow May Participants! We received lots of feedback and appreciation for this effort, and your participation will assist us in better understanding how we can provide the best city services regarding community biodiversity and pollinator foraging resources.
City Participation
We had several inquiries as to whether city properties participated in No Mow May. City staff worked to identify properties that could effectively participate based on several factors, below is a list of those properties and staff will continue to review options as we consider No Mow May efforts in future years. Several Sun Prairie School District properties also participated.
For park managed city property – PRF did not mow the following areas:
-Recycle Center
-3ft buffer along bike paths
-Shonas Park, northern access along Stonehaven Dr.
-Wyndham Hills Park - areas under trees
-area b/w Library and Community Garden
-Sheehan Park - sledding hill only
-Valley Park - area around playground will be mowed, the rest will be left unmowed
School District Property Sections:
Cardinal Heights Upper Middle School
Patrick Marsh Middle School
Prairie View Middle School
Resuming Enforcement
Please remember that that starting on 6/1/2022 enforcement of lawn height ordinances will resume, please maintain your lawn height under 8 inches. Please also refrain from discharging glass clippings into the street, which can reduce the efficiency of the storm water drainage system.
For more information and guidance, please see our Building Inspection Department Property Maintenance page Property Maintenance | Sun Prairie, WI - Official Website (cityofsunprairie.com)
Please find linked the ordinance related to lawn height 8.36.010 - Destruction of noxious weeds. C. 1. Improper Growth of Weeds/Grasses Nuisance Title 8 - HEALTH AND SAFETY | Code of Ordinances | Sun Prairie, WI | Municode Library
Coming Soon
Finally, once results are final and all information has been collected, an impact report will be provided to the community summarizing results and illustrating the collective impact this pilot had in the community. The city also plans to survey participants to uncover lessons learned and improvement opportunities. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with feedback to Scott Semroc. Sustainability Coordinator at ssemroc@cityofsunprairie.com. You can also connect with the Sustainability Committee to further similar project efforts in our community. Please also keep your yard signs, as we intend to revisit No Mow May in 2023.
Terracycle
Did you know you can recycle your candy and snack wrappers at City Hall? Check out the video her e to see where to go!
The box accepts:
-Candy wrappers
-Cookie Wrappers
-Multi-pack snack bags
-Snack bags
-Blister packs
This box does NOT accept:
-Paper based wrappers
-Sticks
-Food waste
-Cardboard master cartons
Curbside Recycling
Do you have questions about residential curbside recycling? Check out these short videos full of best practices created by our recycling program contractor Pellitteri Waste Systems. Pellitteri Waste Systems - About Us | Madison Wisconsin. A few quick tips from these videos:
- Aluminum cans – empty, but don’t crush or flatten. The system will identify a crushed two-dimensional can as paper, which contaminates the paper stream.
- Bagging Recycling – Consider not bagging, but if you do use a clear bag. If a black bag is used, the sorters have to assume it contains trash and it will be thrown into the waste stream.
- Food & Liquids –when in doubt, throw it out. If food or liquid can’t be removed from a container, throw it into the trash. Pizza boxes can be recycled, but sections with grease should be separated and thrown away.
Community Development
Branding Survey!
The Sun Prairie Tourism Commission, along with the City of Sun Prairie invites YOU - & everyone who lives & works & has a connection to Sun Prairie - to fill out a quick (10-15 minute) survey to help define Sun Prairie's true identity.
Survey responses will provide insight into what YOU think makes the Sun Prairie community unique & distinct from other parts of Wisconsin! The survey is part of a research & branding initiative, & is confidential.
Take the survey here!
Downtown Sun Prairie to host 2022 Great Race lunch stop on June 23
The Downtown Sun Prairie Business Improvement District is pleased to announce that the event organizers for the Great Race have selected Downtown Sun Prairie as a Lunch Stop on June 23 as part of the 2022 Hemmings Motor News tour, presented by Hagerty Drivers Club.
The Great Race, the world’s premiere old car rally, will bring 120 of the world’s finest antique automobiles to town for the event, with the first car rolling in to Angell Park’s south entrance starting at 11:45 a.m. The event will begin in Warwick, Rhode Island, on June 18, and will finish in Fargo, North Dakota, on June 26.
“We are excited to come to be coming to Sun Prairie and visit the historic Angell Park,” Rac e Director, Jeff Stumb said.
Teams and cars from Japan, England, Australia, Germany, Canada, and every corner of the United States will converge in Rhode Island in mid-June, with vintage automobiles dating back as far as 1916. The 9-day, 2,300-mile adventure will travel to 19 cities in Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota. “There are more than 500 people just in our entourage from all around the world,” Stumb said.
The event began in 1983 by Tom McRae and it takes its name from the 1965 movie, The Great Race, which starred Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, Natalie Wood, and Peter Falk. The movie is a comedy based on the real life 1908 automobile race from New York to Paris. In 2004, Tony Curtis was the guest of the Great Race and rode in his car from the movie, the Leslie Special.
The Great Race is not a speed race, but a time/speed/distance rally. The vehicles, each with a driver and a navigator, are given precise instructions each day that detail every move down to the second. They are scored at secret check points along the way and are penalized one second for each second either early or late. As in golf, the lowest score wins.
Each stop on the Great Race is free to the public and spectators will be able to visit with the participants and look at the cars for several hours. It is common for kids to climb in the cars for a first-hand look.
Cars built in 1974 and earlier are eligible, with most entries having been manufactured before World War II. In the 2021 Great Race a 1932 Ford won the event from San Antonio, Texas, to Greenville, S.C. The 2022 winners will receive $50,000 of the $150,000 total purse.
“When the Great Race pulls into a city it becomes an instant festival,” Stumb said. “Last year we had several overnight stops with more than 10,000 spectators on our way to having 250,000 people see the Great Race during the event.”
Parking will be offered at Angell Park’s upper lot, located off of Hwy N/Grove Street, and at the Sun Prairie East High School for $5.00, cash only. There will be live music and a variety of local food vendors at Angell Park. Angell Park is walking distance to unique shops and restaurants that the Great Race cars will drive past on their way out of town.
After the Great Race, Downtown Sun Prairie is hosting Classic Cars from 5-8 p.m. It is a free, family friendly event that will have free balloon sculptures for kids, and entertainment by Elvis impersonator Tony Rocker, in addition to cars being on display on Market Street.
Downtown Sun Prairie’s Lunch Stop event is presented by Downtown Sun Prairie. The Presenting Sponsor is the Bank of Sun Prairie, other sponsors include The Loft at 132, Frank Beverage Group, Beans N Cream Coffeehouse, Wilde East Towne Honda and General Beer Distributors.
Follow us on Facebook at Downtown Sun Prairie for more event details! www.facebook.com/downtownsunprairie
Community Spotlight
35th Annual StrawberryFest
Enjoy summer in true Sun Prairie style with the 35th Annual StrawberryFest on Saturday, June 18th. Come enjoy strawberry shortcake, hot dogs and brats, beer and wine, kettlecorn and more! And, of course, fresh local strawberries from Creek Bed Country Farmacy. Bring the whole family for summer fun-- a craft market, live music from Nine Thirty Standard, children’s games, and a Kiddie Farm brought to you by the Sun Prairie High School FFA! And for the first time this year, let your pet get in on the fun with the PawberryFest Pet Photo Contest! See our website for details. (https://www.colonialclub.org/petcontest)
The event will be all outdoors, from 10am-3pm at the Colonial Club Senior Activity Center: 301 Blankenheim Lane, Sun Prairie, WI 53590. Parking will be available at the Sacred Hearts DayCare (315 Columbus St, Sun Prairie, WI 53590). A free shuttle will be provided.
Human Resources
OPPORTUNITY TO DONATE BLOOD
Please join us for a blood drive at Westside Community Service Building on Thursday, June 2, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Appointments preferred, walk-ins welcome. Visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=CityofSP to schedule an appointment.
Join us at the Dane County Job Center
Join us at the Dane County Job Center on Wednesday, June 8th!
The City of Sun Prairie’s Human Resources Department will be recruiting for the following positions:
-Police Officer
-Coordinated Response Specialist
-EMS Outreach Assistant
-Neighborhood Navigator Program Manager
-LTE Maintenance (Public Works)
-Water Operator
-Recreational positions (Lifeguard, Program Instructor, and Program Assistant)
Parks, Recreation and Forestry
Recreation Department
The Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation & Forestry office is open: Monday – Friday 8:00am-4:30pm, or by phone at (608) 837-3449 or by email at rec@cityofsunprairie.com.
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. To purchase, visit Purchase Season Passes
WPRA Discount Tickets On Sale Now!
Tickets must be purchased in person and payment with cash or check only.
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
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. Click here to purchase a 5 or 10 class pass, Fit Flex Pass - Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation & Forestry (cityofsunprairie.com), passes never expire!
Important Dates:
Wetmore Park Splash Pad New in 2022 - Summer Kick-Off Event!
Come meet and mingle with Parks and Recreation summer staff, cool off at the splash pad, and battle your friends and family in a game of giant Connect Four and Jenga. Registration and information on summer programs as well as other community partners will be on site. Live music from the Sun Prairie Community Band from 6-7 p.m., refreshments and fun for the whole family.
Upcoming Programs Not to Be Missed:
June 7th – July 12th
6:00-6:45 p.m.
Registration Ends 6/3/2022
ZUMBA is a fusion of Latin and International music/dance themes that create a dynamic and exciting environment. Based on the principle that a workout should be "FUN AND EASY TO DO", the routines feature aerobic/fitness interval training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body.
June 8th – August 10th
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Registration Ends: 06/04/2022
Meet up with friends or make new ones while taking scenic outdoor and moderately paced walks in the Sun Prairie area parks and neighborhoods. For those wishing to participate in competitive walking races, tips will be provided. Following each walk there will be a short stretching and cool down segment. Come join the fun, bring a friend and be sure to dress for the weather! Please bring a water bottle.
Note: The group will meet at a different location each walk. An information packet that includes a schedule will be provided on the first day.
June 8th – July 13th
5:45 - 6:30 p.m.
Registration Ends: 06/04/2022
Instead of listening to music, you become the music in this full-body workout that combines cardio, conditioning, and strength training with yoga and Pilates-inspired movements. Using lightly weighted drumsticks, POUND® transforms drumming into a great work out!
Designed for all fitness levels, POUND® provides the perfect atmosphere for letting loose, getting energized, and toning up. The workout is easily modifiable and the alternative vibe and welcoming philosophy appeals to men and women of all ages and abilities.
Saturday, June 11th
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Registration Ends: 06/05/2022
Get outside and enjoy the sunshine! SPPRF is pleased to offer a therapeutic recreation experience for children with disabilities aged 6 - 12 this summer. Enjoy three different adventure experiences.
Play at the Sun Prairie Dream Park, become inspired at Explore Children’s Museum and swim with friends at the Family Aquatic Center! Join us for these exciting adventures in our community
designed to give children opportunities to play, explore, and socialize. Enroll for one Saturday, or all three!
In the event of inclement weather, program may be canceled and rescheduled for the following Saturday.
This is an inclusive program, friends or siblings are encouraged to enroll as well! Parents and caregivers are not required to stay on site at program but are welcome to attend. There will be qualified staff at each Parker’s Pals session, meeting or exceeding a ratio of one staff to every two participants. We ask that all participants use the restroom independently while at this program unless a parent or caregiver will be present. Restrooms will be available at all program locations. No transportation will be provided for this program, our group will travel on paved pathways between locations, less than .5 miles of distance.
June Bedtime Buddies – The Jungle Run
Registration Ends: 06/09/2022
Bedtime Buddies is a theme-based stuffed animal kit for toddlers and preschoolers ages 2-4. Each kit will feature a theme-based unstuffed animal, stuffing, storybook, and snack. Bedtime Buddies is sure to make bedtime more fun! Kits are available for pick up or delivery.
JUNE – THE JUNGLE RUN!
Swing into summer with Cub in The Jungle Run by Tony Mitton! This kit includes an unstuffed lion cub and a story about confidence!
$25 for first child, $15 for each additional child.
Pickup/delivery is June 16 &17. Please make sure your email address is up to date as that is the way you will be contacted about pickup/delivery. Non-residents must pickup - No delivery available.
Youth Mentorship – The Element (Monday/Wednesday)
June 6th – August 3rd
2:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Registration Ends: 08/01/2022
This grant funded program is for children residing in the Element on Main apartment complex and students of Westside Elementary School.
Spend the summer with Youth & Teen Neighborhood Navigators, Darreon and Vernard. This program is centered around positive role modelling through sports and activities. Program leaders will pull in community leaders and community partners to augment the program and provide positive experiences and role models for participants.
Participants will be invited to participate in three bus field trips throughout the summer, on a first come, first-served basis.
Program Information:
• Program staff will be stationed at the Element from 2:30 - 5:30 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays, weather dependent. Please check Rainout Line or Facebook to see if the program is cancelled for the day due to inclement weather.
• This is a drop-in style program. Children will sign-in upon arrival and sign out upon departure from the program. Children are not to leave on their own without being signed out by a parent/guardian or if a permission slip for self-sign out is on file with program staff.
• Structured activities will take place all afternoon – children may attend for the entire duration of time, or may choose to come for just certain times. Because it is a drop-in style program, children are not required to attend every meeting date – come play when it works for your child’s schedule!
NO PROGRAM ON 7/4 & 7/6
Youth Mentorship – Vanderburg Heights Park (Tuesday/Thursday)
June 7th – August 4rd
1:00-5:00 p.m.
Registration Ends: 08/01/2022
This grant funded program is for children residing in the Vandenburg Heights Park neighborhood and students at CH Bird School.
Spend the summer with Youth & Teen Neighborhood Navigators, Darreon and Vernard. This program is centered around positive role modelling through sports and activities. Program leaders will pull in community leaders and community partners to augment the program and provide positive experiences and role models for participants.
Participants will be invited to participate in three bus field trips throughout the summer, on a first come, first-served basis.
Program Information:
• Program staff will be stationed at Vandenburg Heights Park from 1:00 - 5:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, weather dependent. Please check Rainout Line or Facebook to see if the program is cancelled for the day due to inclement weather.
• This is a drop-in style program. Children will sign-in upon arrival and sign out upon departure from the program. Children are not to leave on their own without being signed out by a parent/guardian or if a permission slip for self-sign out is on file with program staff.
• Structured activities will take place all afternoon – children may attend for the entire duration of time, or may choose to come for just certain times. Because it is a drop-in style program, children are not required to attend every meeting date – come play when it works for your child’s schedule!
NO PROGRAM ON 7/5 & 7/7
Concerts in the Park Lineup
The Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department is excited to announce this summer’s Concerts in the Park Presented by the Bank of Sun Prairie.
The concerts will take place every Tuesday evening at Wetmore Park and are open to the public. There will be free crafts for kids and food and beverages available for purchase.
- June 7, 5-7 PM – Summer Kick Off & Sun Prairie Area Community Band (Traditional & Contemporary Band Music)
- June 14, 6-8 PM - Random Maxx (Pop/Rock)
- June 21, 6-8 PM - Soggy Prairie (Bluegrass)
- June 28, 6-8 PM - Depot. Express (Classic Rock)
- July 12, 6-8 PM - Sista Sensi (Reggae)
- July 19, 6-8 PM - Nine Thirty Standard Sponsored by the Friends of the Sun Prairie Media Center (Blues/Country/Rock)
- July 26, 6-8 PM - Marta and Clarisse with the Piano Gal Shop (Dueling Pianos)
- August 2, 6-8 PM - Sammy Ray & Friends (90's Cover Music)
- August 9 - Family Night, 5:30-6:15 PM David Landau (Children's Music) & 6:30-7:30 PM Sun Prairie Area Community Band (Traditional & Contemporary Band Music)
- August 16, 6-8 PM- Blue Olives (Blues)
- August 23, 6-7 PM - Sun Prairie Area Community Band (Traditional & Contemporary Band Music)
Concerts in the Park are sponsored in part by TDS Telecom, West Prairie Dental, Tipsy Cow, Josh Erickson – American Family Insurance, Herzing University, and Maureen Crombie, District 3 Alder.
Follow Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation, and Forestry on Facebook or online for event details!
https://www.facebook.com/sunprairierec
https://cityofsunprairie.com/1611/Concerts-in-the-Park
Public Safety
Click It or Ticket Mobilization
The Sun Prairie Police Department will join thousands of law enforcement agencies for this year’s Click It or Ticket seat belt campaign, one of the nation’s most important highway safety efforts. From May 23 through June 5, 2022, Sun Prairie Police will join officers statewide and nationwide, to patrol in order to reinforce one safety message – BUCKLE UP.
The annual campaign coincides with the first summer travel holiday. As more cars are out on the roads during Memorial Day weekend, Law enforcement official are asking everyone to buckle up and stay safe. “With an increased number of cars flooding the roads for the upcoming Memorial Day holiday, it’s vital that we get the word out about the importance of wearing a seat belt,” Sgt. Lefeber said.
Currently, 89% of Wisconsin motorists wear safety belts. The 11 percent who fail to buckle up accounted for 43% of all the drivers and passengers killed in Wisconsin traffic crashes in 2020.
Wisconsin’s primary seat belt law, in place since 2009, allows law enforcement to stop and cite motorists for failing to wear a seat belt. Drivers can also be cited for every unbuckled passenger in their vehicle. Penalties are higher for transporting unrestrained children. Failure to fasten a seat belt is among the most common traffic violations in Wisconsin, resulting in more than 27,000 traffic convictions last year.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2019, 55% of passenger vehicle occupants killed at night (6 p.m.–5:59 a.m.) were not wearing their seat belts. That’s why one focus of the Click It or Ticket campaign is nighttime enforcement.
“We aren’t handing out tickets for the thrill of it. Wearing a seat belt is not only the law, it can save your life,” Sgt. Lefeber said. “If you know a friend or a family member who does not buckle up when they drive, please ask them to consider changing their habits. Help us spread this lifesaving message before one more friend or family member is killed as a result of this senseless inaction. Seat belts save lives, and everyone — front seat and back, child and adult — needs to remember to buckle up every trip, no matter how long.”
For more information on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/ciot
POLICE Swearing In
On Monday, May 16th and Monday, May 23rd, the Sun Prairie Police Department swore in our newest police officers, Tyler Chitwood, Clayton Klubertanz, Kimball Webster, Jacob Maurer, and Chris Henning. We also added one new dispatcher and two part time CSOs. Welcome!
Dispatcher Andrew Reuter, CSO Odalys Gloria, CSO Chia Xiong, Ofc. Kimball Webster, Ofc. Jacob Maurer, Ofc. Tyler Chitwood, and Ofc. Clayton Klubertanz.
CSO Gloria and Xiong are currently in field training over the next several weeks. CSO Gloria brings with her experience as a volunteer firefighter. CSO Xiong has years of IT experience and is an active member in our community.
Ofc. Kimball Webster and Ofc. Chris Henning began their phase one of field training the week of May 30th. Ofc. Webster comes to us from the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office and St. Louis Metro PD with several years of experience. Ofc. Chris Henning just completed his schooling and academy certification in May.
Officers Klubertanz, Maurer and Chitwood will all be attending their 720-hour Police Academy starting in August.
We are so excited for all of the new members to our team.
POLICE WI LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL
On May 20th, the Sun Prairie Police Honor Guard Unit participated in the 32nd Annual Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony at the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial Site located on the State Capitol grounds. The event remembers the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Officers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
(L to R: Officer Michelle Schultz, Officer Mackenzie Miller, Officer Amy Bolling, Officer Nate Hoffmann)
POLICE Academy Graduation
Ofc. Connor Ziegler, Ofc. Eric Jeffers, and Ofc. Jared Bello. Pictures after their graduation from the 720-hour Police Academy. All three have begun field training the week of May 30th.
Sun Prairie Public Library
Friday, June 17 1:30-3 p.m.
Celebrate Juneteenth with the Sun Prairie Public Library and their partners, City of Sun Prairie, Sun Prairie Community Schools, Sun Prairie Neighborhood Navigators, Sun Prairie YMCA, SPPL Urban SUN Black Voices Book Club Facilitators, and Sun Prairie Boys and Girls Club.
The event will begin in the Community Room with a big screen reading of the picture book “Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth” written by Alice Faye Duncan and illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo. The picture book reading will be followed by an exciting community art activity led by Auzzie Dodson. Auzzie Dodson is an interdisciplinary Cultural Creator currently studying Art under the First Wave Program at UW Madison.
The festivities will conclude with an ice cream social and outdoor games and activities on the library lawn. Feel free to bring along a favorite piece of fabric, 8”x8” square. If you don’t have one, the library will have plenty of supplies on hand. Thank you to the Sun Prairie Public Library Foundation for funding this event and to JJ Stitches for their in-kind fabric donation. Registration is recommended. To register, visit our Events Calendar at https://sunprairie.librarymarket.com. All ages are welcome.
Children’s & Teen Services
Summer 2022 Reading Program!
There’s a reading program for everyone – babies through teens! 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. Visit https://www.sunprairiepubliclibrary.org/summer-reading-program for more details.
Miller & Mike & More! Summer Reading Kick-off
Tuesday, June 7
Activities starting at 2 p.m., Miller & Mike at 4 p.m.
Starting at 2 p.m., have fun with games, snow cones, crafts and activities both inside and outside the Library. It’s also a great time to register for the Summer Reading Program. At 4 p.m., the show starts. Crowd favorites Miller & Mike are full of energy and lots of fun with juggling, circus skills, audience participation and more. This show will be outside, next to the Library. Recommended for all ages. Everyone is welcome. Program length: Approx. 45 minutes
Sponsored by the Friends of the Sun Prairie Public Library.
Adult Services
June 1 - August 31, 2022
Log your reading time and complete activities to earn virtual badges. Every badge you receive earns you tickets to enter into prize drawings! Track your reading and other activities via Beanstack: https://sunprairiepubliclibrary.beanstack.com/reader365. As you log your reading and activities, you earn "badges" and enter to win prizes. Drawings for all prizes will be held at the end of the Summer Reading Program. Winners will be notified by telephone or email the week of September 5 and must pick up their prizes at the library. Not able to participate online? Stop by the Information Desk for a paper reading & activity log.
Indigenous Territory Chocolate & Medicinal Plant Tour (Virtual)
Thursday, June 9 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Take a walk into a Costa Rican forest with us! Known as the province of Limon, we'll travel deep into the country's southern Caribbean region to meet the Bribri, Costa Rica's largest indigenous population. We'll learn about their ancient culture, experience firsthand the old-fashion way to produce chocolate, and discover the Bribri's expertise about the healing power of medicinal plants. This event will be a 'live-in-real-time' tour, led by experienced travel guide and proprietor of Enjoy Virtual Tours Costa Rica, Alejandro Cano Ospiro. This virtual event will be held via Zoom. To receive the Zoom log in information, visit our Events Calendar at https://sunprairie.librarymarket.com.
Dismazed and Driven: Book Reading with Diane Nilan
Wednesday, June 15 6-7:30 p.m., Library Community Room
Since 2005, Diane Nilan has traveled the United States documenting the pervasive and underestimated problem of homelessness in our country. Please join Diane for a reading and discussion of her book “Dismazed and Driven: My Look at Family Homelessness in America” an account of her work and travel experience, followed by a screening of her short film "Not Homeless Enough" - which features the stories of four families in Madison and Dane County who have experienced homelessness.
This program is presented by the Doubled Up Workgroup, a workgroup of the Homeless Services Consortium, in partnership with the Sun Prairie Public Library. The program will close with a community conversation about what is happening locally, and what work still needs to be done.
Battling Injustice in Mississippi
Wednesday, June 22 6:30-7:30 p.m., Library Community Room
We are pleased to welcome Eddie and Mary Sue Short, two Freedom Fighters in the Civil Rights Movement during the pressure cooker of violent white resistance: 1960's Mississippi. Mr. and Mrs. Short will share their experience assisting the Black community to register to vote, fight poverty, and ensure that "public" facilities were truly open to the public. Despite receiving death threats and being jailed several times, they remained committed to the cause. Their story was recently chronicled in the book, “A Small Town Rises”. Copies of the book will be available for purchase following the presentation. Registration for this program is not required, but recommended if you would like to receive a confirmation email the day before the event. Please register on our Events Calendar at https://sunprairie.librarymarket.com. This program is funded by the Friends of Sun Prairie Public Library.
Dream Bus Bookmobile
Starting June 24, join the Dream Bus bookmobile on Friday afternoons at The Element on Main apartments, Rolling Prairie apartments, and Vandenburg Heights Park, in collaboration with Sun Prairie Community Schools. Sign up for a library card, check out free books, music, and movies, access free Wi-Fi and resources, and more!
Fridays starting June 24th:
The Element on Main Apartments - 102 Park Circle
11 – 11:45 a.m.
Rolling Prairie Apartments - 415 S. Bird Street
12 – 12:45 p.m.
Vandenburg Heights Park - 1020 Vandenburg Street
1- 1:45 p.m.
June Special Events
Dine in the Dream Park - Thursday, 6/2/22 from 5-7pm
Prairie Lakes - Thursday, 6/9/22 from 6-8pm
Juneteenth Celebration @ Carriage Hills Estate Park - Saturday, 6/18/22 from 2:30-5:30pm
Streets of Sun Prairie: Classic Cars - Thursday, 6/23/22 from 5-7pm
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
Public Health Madison & Dane County will be holding walk-in vaccine clinics in the library’s Community Room on Saturdays in June from 1-4pm. 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.
Sun Prairie Utilities
Sun Prairie Utilities is hiring! 
We are looking for a full-time Water Operator to join our team. Sun Prairie Utilities provides water to the City of Sun Prairie and is looking for a municipal water operator to maintain and repair wells, towers, reservoirs, mains, valves, services, and hydrants, plus perform advanced metering conversion and meter testing duties. Candidates must be willing to attain or retain WI DNR Subclass D&G Operator certifications and have a positive, team player attitude.
A valid CDL with a good driving record and experience operating heavy equipment are highly preferred.
Read the job description and apply online at www.cityofsunprairie.com