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- November 17, 2022
November 17, 2022
Administration
Be A Partner!
We want to know!
Un grupo de personas compuesto por representantes de la Ciudad de Sun Prairie, el Distrito Escolar del Área de Sun Prairie y Sunshine Place desea recopilar información sobre la mejor manera de honrar y celebrar la herencia hispana y latina. Agradeceríamos su opinión completando esta breve encuesta.
A group of individuals comprised of representatives from the City of Sun Prairie, Sun Prairie Area School District and Sunshine Place wants to gather information on how best to honor and celebrate Hispanic and Latino heritage. We would appreciate your feedback by completing this short survey.
Building Inspection
Snow & Ice Removal
Snow and ice must be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours after the snowfall ends. Sidewalks that are walkways for school children should be cleared as soon as possible.
A & C. Sidewalks and curb ramps shall be clear of snow and ice to a minimum of 4 feet, regardless of the source of accumulation. In the event ice has formed in such a manner that it cannot be removed, the sidewalk should be sprinkled with sand and/or salt.
B. Bus stops are cleared by City of Sun Prairie Public Works.
D & E. While mailboxes and fire hydrants are not required to be cleared we highly recommend clearing these areas.
If a sidewalk is not cleared by the required time, the property owner will receive one warning per winter season. After that, a citation of $67.30 will be issued for a 1st violation, $92.50 for a 2nd violation, and $155.50 per violation thereafter. In addition, beginning with the 2nd violation of the season, City crews will remove the snow and ice from the sidewalk. Property owners will be billed for this service, and unpaid bills will be added to the owner’s property tax bill.
If you are planning on a vacation or other absence from home, please make sure to make arrangements for someone to take over for you while you are gone. Residents who require time extensions to complete clearing of sidewalks may request such by contacting the Building Inspection Division.
If anyone has a question or concern regarding sidewalk snow removal, the Building Inspection Division is ready to help. You can reach us by email at buildinginspection@cityofsunprairie.com or by phone at (608) 845-1184 or visit the City’s website at www.cityofsunprairie.com for news and updates. If you are reporting locations which may be in violation of the city snow removal ordinance, please be prepared to leave enough information so that your complaint can be processed in a timely manner.
Community Development
A Sustainable Developer Guide (click the title to access the links)
A Festive Season in Sun Prairie
Small Business Saturday!
Community Spotlight
The Wisdom of Trauma
- Date: 11/29/22
- Time: 6:30-8:30 PM (screening and brief discussion to follow)
- Location: Colonial Club - 301 Blankenheim Lane, Sun Prairie, WI 53590
Hmong New Year Celebration
Did you know that Hmong New Year will be coming up!?This is an annual celebration that is observed and celebrated in the fall to honor ancestors and express gratitude for the year's harvest as well as to embrace a new beginning that is on the horizon!
Madison College will be hosting a Hmong New Year Celebration on Saturday, December 3rd at Madison College. Check out this link to register!
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:
Office Closed
Parks, Recreation, and Forestry office will be closed on the following days:
- November 24th and November 25th for Thanksgiving
- December 23rd and December 26th for Christmas
- December 30th and January 2nd for New Year’s
Winter/Spring Rec Connection Guide coming soon!
Winter/Spring Rec Connection guide will be coming out on Tuesday, November 22nd for viewing. Registration begins on Tuesday, December 6th. To view the guide on online, visit rec.cityofsunprairie.com. Winter/Spring registration opens on Tuesday, December 6th at 9:00 a.m.
“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 visit Recreation is for Everyone Scholarship Information
• 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
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!
Upcoming Events
5th Annual Holiday Light Decorating Contest
Registration Deadline: 12/8/2022
Registration:
*Online registration is open until 11:59 pm on Friday, December 2.
*By registering using either method, you are granting the City of Sun Prairie permission to use your photo of your house for future publicity.
Judging:
Judging will be performed by the Contest Advisory Board the week of December 12. The exterior of your home should be illuminated between 5:00 pm and 9:00 pm during those nights. Judging will be based on creativity, appearance and effort.
Judges will score using the following criteria:
• Creativity – Originality, number of materials used, homemade vs. commercially made
• Appearance – Color coordination, balance, overall attractiveness, overall WOW factor
• Effort – Time and energy put into preparation and presentation
Awards:
Winners based on the Contest Advisory Board's judging criteria will be notified by Friday, December 16. Entries will also be posted on Facebook and listed on the City Website for a community judging process to take place to award for 'People's Choice'.
*Best First-Time Entry (based on scoring criteria)
*Judge’s Choice (based on in-person scoring criteria)
*People’s Choice (online voting)
All winners will also receive an official City of Sun Prairie ‘Holiday Lights Contest Winner’ yard sign
Contest Rules
• Entry deadline is Friday, December 2 at 11:59 pm
• Participants are required to submit up to two (2) photos of their home at the time of registration that will be posted for community judging (People’s Choice Award). Photos can be emailed to rec@cityofsunprairie.com
• Home 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 decorated through December 31 so the community may view and enjoy!
• In-person judging will take place the week of December 12 between the times of 5:00-9:00 pm
o Winners based on in-person judging will be notified by December 16
o Online judging will be open until December 19 and winner will be notified after it closes
Upcoming Programs Not to Be Missed:
Saturday, December 3rd
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: 11/28/2022
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.
December 5th – December 28th
6:10 – 6:40 p.m.
Registration Deadline: 12/5/2022
Join Ryan Grimes Karate staff during this more advanced karate class!
*Pre-requisite: Participants should have completed the Beginner course prior to joining this Continuing course.
Note: Each additional family member after the first registered is $25.
December 5th – December 28th
6:50 – 7:50 p.m.
Registration Deadline: 12/5/2022
Join Ryan Grimes Karate staff for Kobudo! Class will involve ancient karate weapons such as Staff and Nunchaku.
*Pre-requisite: Participants should have completed the Continuing course or the Teen/Adult class prior to joining Kobudo.
Note: Each additional family member after the first registered is $25.
December 5th – December 28th
8:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: 12/5/2022
Join Ryan Grimes Karate staff in this karate class that welcomes both beginners and intermediate/advanced skill levels!
Note: Each additional family member after the first registered is $25.
Snowflake Garland Workshop – NEW!
Monday, December 5th
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: 11/28/2022
Learn the art of snowflake cutting through this fun and challenging workshop! Let's cut festive and decorative paper into unique one-of-a-kind snowflakes for garland. Jingle bells, beads and stickers will add to our snowflakes for garland that you can decorate your mantel, doorframe or any Holiday fireplace!
Saturday, December 10th
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: 12/2/2022
Create your own winter or Christmas themed snow globe out of modeling clay, mason jars, glitter and sequins! You don't want to miss out on this workshop as snow globes will last for years to come and become a family favorite holiday decoration to bring out year after year!
Saturday, December 20th
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: 12/6/2022
No need to make a mess at home when you can come to the Westside Community Services Building and decorate cookies for Santa! Pre-registered families will decorate a dozen yummy cookies for Santa...and may even snack on one for themselves. The fun will starts at 5:30 pm with a story read by Mrs. Claus, followed by cookie decorating and maybe even another surprise or two.
Each family will have have a special table prepared just for them that will include cookies, frosting, and a variety of sprinkles and other supplies needed for decorating. The program will end at 7:30 pm.
Fee is per1 dozen cookies.
Food allergy alternatives are not available for this program.
Monday, December 26th – Thursday, December 29th
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Registration Deadline: 12/19/2022
Don't miss out on this creative four-day Winter Break Art Camp! Each day we'll create a variety of art projects and media exploration including: acrylic paints, watercolor painting, sculpture with air clay and modeling clay, drawing and more through themes of snow, winter and arctic landscapes.
Thursday Early Release Afterschool Programming (previously TGIT)
Thursdays, 1:30-5:00 p.m.
December 1-22- $95
Elementary School Site Locations:
Meadowview
Northside
Token Springs - NEW
Beginning in the 2022 – 2023 school year, Sun Prairie Area School District Elementary Schools will be dismissing students at 1:30 pm on Thursday afternoons to accommodate professional staff development. In an effort to provide high quality afterschool childcare to our growing community, Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation & Forestry, the Sun Prairie Area School District and Community Schools are putting forth a collaborative effort to provide a community partner-based afterschool program. This program will aim to provide families with safe, affordable and engaging childcare on Thursday afternoons for students in kindergarten through 5th grade.
Childcare will be available from dismissal at 1:30 pm until 5:00 pm. We will pilot this program, starting in September, at three elementary school locations and will have programming at all nine elementary schools starting in January 2023. Program partners will be brought in monthly to provide fun and exciting programming ranging from chess to sports to ukulele lessons.
If this program isn’t offered at your school initially you do have the option to attend any site, but transportation will not be provided at this time. Registration will be by month for September -December. Please click “register” to be added to our interest list to be notified when enrollment begins and when new sites are added to this program.
For more information visit rec.cityofsunprairie.com and the digital version of the Rec Connection which will be updated prior to the start of the school year. Please contact Emily Rebarchek, erebarchek@cityofsunprairie.com, or call 608-837-3449 with any questions.
Public Safety
Internship Opportunity Available!
Know Before You Go!
Public Works
ADOPT A STORM DRAIN IN SUN PRAIRIE!
Do you live near a storm drain and can spare at least 15 minutes a month? Consider adopting a storm drain in your neighborhood. It's easy!
The goal of the Adopt-A-Storm-Drain program is to build a network of volunteers committed to cleaning the area on and around local storm drains and report back results. Keeping storm drains clean and clear can prevent localized flooding, keep our communities clean, and protect our waters. Municipalities are working hard to clean and maintain these storm drains, but we can’t do it alone.
All volunteers will receive a 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/window cling to proudly display. Volunteers will also be included on the Adopt a Storm Drain e-Newsletter, which comes out 3-4 times/year.
Find more information about the program and how to sign up here: https://ripple-effects.com/Adopt-A-Storm-Drain
Sun Prairie Media Center
SUN PRAIRIE MEDIA CENTER CARDINAL AND WOLVES BASKETBALL COVERAGE TIPPING OFF THIS WEEK!
The historic first year of having both Sun Prairie East and Sun Prairie West athletics continues and the Sun Prairie Media Center is thrilled to announce its broadcast schedule of upcoming boys and girls basketball games for both schools.
The Cardinals girls’ team is coming off a 2021-2022 season during which they won a share of the Big Eight conference title before falling to Arrowhead in the sectional semifinals. Meanwhile, the boys’ Cardinals team is under the tutelage of first-year head coach Steve Maselter, who is taking over from Jeff Boos, who coached the boys hoops team for 27 years including last year’s run to the the sectional finals.
Of course a great deal is changing for the 2022-2023 team due to the split into two varsity teams. For example, in addition to Boos’s retirement, the girls’ Cardinals team has only two players with any varsity experience.
Sun Prairie basketball fans are fascinated to see how these changes play out on the hardwood for the Cardinals and how the inaugural season for the Wolves teams will unfold. And they will be able to follow all four teams through Sun Prairie Media Center coverage on KSUN (Charter Spectrum 983 and TDS channels 13 and 1013), KIDS-4 (Charter Spectrum 984 and TDS channels 14 and 1014), on 103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio, and online at sunprairiemediacenter.com.
The SPMC is planning to provide coverage of at least 38 games, with games available on the SPMC’s cable channels as well as the SPMC’s Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV apps and on the SPMC app, available to download for free from Google Play and the App Store.
The full schedule of games is available online at sunprairiemediacenter.com/ksunprograms. Additional games may be added during the season as opportunities present themselves.
Boys’ games will be called by SPMC veterans and all-around hoops experts Mike Mathison and Getonn Harper with coverage of girls’ games provided by announcers Todd Richmond and Matthew Aumann.
“We are thrilled to be part of this historic season for both the Wolves and Cardinals,” said SPMC director Jeff Robbins. “I want to thank our fantastic announcers and the school district for everything they do to make these broadcasts possible.”
Affordable sponsorship opportunities exist for any business that wants to be involved in this exclusive coverage. In addition, help in covering or announcing games is always needed. Anyone interested in either opportunity should contact SPMC director Jeff Robbins via phone at 608-837-4193 or at jrobbins@cityofsunprairie.com.
Sun Prairie Public Library
Library Closed Thursday, 11/24 and Friday, 11/25
The library will be closed Thursday, 11/24 and Friday, 11/25 for Thanksgiving. The drive-thru book drops will remain open.
Children’s & Teen Services
Puppet Theatre Storytime
Thursday, November 17 6:30 p.m.
Friday, November 18 9:30 a.m. or 10:45 a.m.
Saturday, November 19 10:00 a.m.
Puppet Theatre Storytime will be 25-30 minutes long and will feature many puppets, along with stories, rhymes, and songs. Geared for ages 2-5, but all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend!
Friday, November 18 4:00-5:30 p.m., Community Room
Join Melissa for Teen Creativity Club! The project for our November 18 meeting will be making decorations for the Library's Yule Ball event in December. Registration is required, please register on our Events Calendar at https://sunprairie.librarymarket.com. Teens in 6th - 12th grade are eligible to register. Questions, concerns, or if registration has already closed but the event has not yet happened, please email Melissa at mcarollo@sunlib.org.
Tuesday, November 22 3:30 p.m.
Only for ages 7-12. We meet on Zoom. To get the link, please register on the Events Calendar. We play Among Us, Gartic Phone, Jackbox Games, and Roblox.
Tuesday, November 29 10:00-11:30 a.m and 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 30 10:00-11:30 a.m and 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 1 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Make winter crafts in the Community Room with us! Geared for ages 3-11. A variety of different crafts will be offered -- each child can make up to three projects to take home. Morning craft sessions are geared towards preschool age children; afternoon craft sessions are geared towards school age children; all sessions have something appropriate for all age levels. Children under 8 need an accompanying adult. No registration.
Adult Services
Saturday, November 19 2-4 p.m. Community Room
Prenicia Clifton is a world class opera singer. She was the first African American to sing in a Chinese opera house solely in Mandarin. In this presentation, Prenicia tells her story of overcoming society putting young Black girls in a box and what it really means to create your own path in life. Prenicia to this day constantly challenges the stereotypes of Black women and uses her story to inspire youth.
This event is part of the Ripple Project, a year-long series of free humanities programs focused on racial equity and social justice in the Dane County public libraries. Learn more at www.beyondthepage.info/ripple-project. The Ripple Project is sponsored by Beyond the Page, National Endowment for the Humanities, and Madison Community Foundation.
Other Library Information
Sun Prairie Public Library Foundation – Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is on November 29! The Foundation is excited to announce a $5,000 match gift for Giving Tuesday! Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement. All gifts made from Tuesday November 22-Giving Tuesday, November 29 will be counted towards the match goal. The total raised will go towards a family computer station. Mark your calendars and join us to kick off the season of gratitude! Additional details are available here: https://www.sunlibfoundation.org/givingtuesday