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- February 2, 2023
February 2, 2023
Administration
Black History Month
February is annually recognized as Black History Month and serves as a time to reflect and teach about the injustice inflicted upon Black and African Americans lives while celebrating the many contributions and achievements that have been made politically, economically, and culturally by members from the Black and African American community.
Mandir of Madison
We want to give a huge THANK YOU to all who came out to support Sun Prairie's celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.!
Youth and Families Commission
Still haven’t fulfilled your New Year’s resolution to get more involved with your community? Here’s an opportunity. The Sun Prairie Youth and Families Commission is looking for three adults to round out its roster of eight adults and five students who work on community issues. Appointments are for three years.
The Youth and Families Commission’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for the residents of the Sun Prairie Area School District. The group seeks to promote healthy behaviors, healthy lifestyles, and the community conditions that empower people to be self-sustaining, contributing members of their families, schools, workplaces, and communities.
Meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month (except for July, when it is the second Thursday) in person or via Zoom.
The commission has been instrumental in establishing:
· The Community Gardens
· Community Schools
· The Youth Center (which recently became a part of Community Schools)
· And many others
To apply, complete an application at https://onboard.cityofsunprairie.com/apply/. For more information, contact Mary Ellen Havel-Lang, chair, at spyfc@charter.net.
Assessing
2023 Revaluation
*BUT WHAT IS A REVALUATION....?*
Great question!
In its simplest form.... it's the action of assessing the value of something again. In this case, we're talking about property.
- - - WHY DO WE DO IT? - - -
To initiate a revaluation is to completely redo the assessment roll to update property values to market. There may be several reasons for this, including:
-Current assessment was not made in substantial compliance with the law
-Inequities may exist within and/or or between property classes
-Governing body may want updated records to show the physical characteristics of all its taxable real and personal property
-Governing body may want an original inventory of all its taxable property
A revaluation ensures that all property owners receive uniform and fair assessments, and are paying their fair share of property taxes.
- - - MORE INFORMATION - - -
We will be continuing to break down information about this process but for access to more details, you can visit https://cityofsunprairie.com/151/Assessing
City Clerk
In-Person Absentee Voting
In-Person Absentee Voting will take place February 7 – February 18 and will be available at City Hall, 300 E Main Street.
The Goal
The Clerk’s Office goal during every election is to ensure that every eligible voter is able to safely cast a ballot and have that ballot be counted. Our office takes great pride in elections, and we go above and beyond making contact with residents to ensure their ballot is counted. We work tirelessly to ensure all elections in Sun Prairie are open, fair, and transparent.
Community Development
Pizza with Paul!
The Sun Prairie Chamber and the City of Sun Prairie Economic Development have partnered to host this event. This is a great time to connect with our Mayor, Paul Esser along with Dane County Executive Joe Parisi.
The schedule goes as follows:
- 11:30am - Doors open & free pizza (available while supplies last)
- 12:00pm - Introductions of Mayor Paul Esser & Dane County Executive Joe Parisi
Executive Parisi will touch on how Dane County is leading the state in renewable and energy efficiency projects. Learn what tax Incentives for business programs are available and how you can receive them.
Mayor Paul will give the State of the City presentation with an emphasis on businesses.
- 1:15pm - Community Question & Answer time
- 1:30pm - Conclusion
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: shorturl.at/orz28
Community Spotlight
Sun Prairie Women Empowerment Recognition - Women's History Month
Please consider nominating a woman that has empowered YOU and others in Sun Prairie! As an example, this could be a woman that has inspired you who is a scholar, teacher, business owner, advocate, club leader, etc. We want you to have the opportunity to celebrate any woman who has made an impact in your life.
This application is open from Sunday, January 15th until Friday, February 17th. Certificates will be mailed to nominees in mid-March. What is typed in the paragraph area below will be shared with who you nominate. Please double check the spelling and grammar before final submission.
*This is a celebration of all women. We encourage and welcome all who identify as a woman from any background to participate as nominators and nominees.
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:
Winter/Spring Rec Connection Guide
Winter/Spring Rec Connection Guide now available and registration is open!
1. View the Winter/Spring Guide at rec.cityofsunprairie.com!
2. Log in to our website to make sure you know your password and that your account is up to date, including street address and email address.
3. If you don’t already have an account, create your account. If you think you have an account, but cannot find yourself on the website, please do not add yourself again. Call the Recreation Department office at 608/837-3449 and we will assist you.
4. If you do not have a Sun Prairie address, but live in the Sun Prairie School District, the system will not know that and will charge you Non-Resident rates. If you continue your registration and pay Non-Resident rates, the difference is non-refundable. Please contact our office prior to your registration so that we may adjust your account to reflect the proper designation.
5. If you accidentally register for the wrong program, do not immediately register for the correct program. Call us (608-837-3449) and we can make the transfer for you.
“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
Upcoming Programs Not to Be Missed: Listen to Your Art 2/17 – Paul Klee
February 17th
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Registration Deadline: 2/10/2023
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. This day's theme is Paul Klee, students will create art inspired by this artist.
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.
February 18th
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: 2/10/2023
Your instructor will guide you step-by step through the hand knitting process to create your very own unique and cozy chenille blanket. Hand-knitting requires no needles or knitting experience!
All the supplies are included.
Completed, your chunky blanket will be a approximately 50”x 50” (size varies upon tightness of loops). Cost includes enough yarn to complete an adult lap-sized blanket.
February 22nd – April 5th
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Registration Deadline: 2/15/2023
We're excited to partner with the Sun Prairie YMCA to offer Aqua Cycling!
Aqua Cycling is a unique water experience where participants hop on a stationary bike that is submerged in 3-4 feet of water and pedal against the resistance of the water. Follow along with the instructor as you get a great workout in the water during this low-resistance class!
*Water shoes are strongly recommended
*The instructor is a YMCA staff member
American Red Cross Babysitter Training
March 4th
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: 2/25/2023
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.
All sessions cover the same material.
Please bring a sack lunch.
Thursday Early Release Afterschool Programming (previously TGIT)
Thursdays, 1:30-5:00 p.m.
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.
Fitness Classes
Public Services
Big Bus News!
City Council approved the final memorandum of understanding with Metro Transit for establishment of a local bus circulator in 2023!
City of Sun Prairie to Pilot New Composting Program
The City of Sun Prairie is proud to announce a new composting pilot program using yard waste collected from the City Recycle Center and curbside collection from Pellitteri Waste Systems.
The City produces approximately 5,350 tons of yard waste and brush each year. Previously, this material was trucked to landscaping facilities in Dane County. The goals of this program are to provide residents with a soil amendment for use in gardens throughout the community and reduce vehicle miles traveled associated with transporting yard and brush waste outside of the community while reducing overall operational costs. Through this program, yard waste will now be turned into compost on city property.
Composting is a controlled, aerobic (oxygen-required) process that converts organic materials into a nutrient-rich soil amendment or mulch through natural decomposition. The end product is compost, which is a dark, crumbly, earthy-smelling material. Microorganisms feed on the materials added to the compost pile during the process. They use carbon and nitrogen to grow and reproduce, water to digest materials, and oxygen to breathe. Some of the many benefits to composting include improving the structure and health of soil by adding organic matter, helping the soil retain moisture and nutrients, reducing the potential for soil erosion, and reducing the need for pesticides and fertilizers. Staff are hopeful of the program’s impact in the Sun Prairie community.
“Piloting this composting program is an exciting step in cultivating a more sustainable Sun Prairie and we look forward to the many benefits it will yield,” said Jeremy Cramer, Director of the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The pilot program was developed collaboratively between the Public Works Department, Wastewater Treatment Plant, and Administration, with support from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Dane County Department of Waste & Renewables, which provided funding as part of their 2022 Organics Management Grant Program.
For specific questions about the composting program, please contact Jeremy Cramer via email at jcramer@cityofsunprairie.com.
Community members interested in composting at home are encouraged to express their desire for the City’s composting bin group purchase program. To do so, please go to https://www.opentownhall.com/portals/519/Issue_12027.
Sun Prairie Public Library
Library Closed from 9am to 2pm Friday, February 3rd
The library will be closed from 9am-2pm on Friday, February 3rd for our Staff In-Service. We will be open from 2pm-6pm. The drive-thru book drops will remain open.
Children’s & Teen Service
Family Fun: Groundhogs & Shadows
Thursday, February 2 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Geared for those in K-5, but all ages are welcome! We'll have a craft or two and other fun activities all about groundhogs and shadows! No registration.
Mondays, January 30-April 24 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Small Fry Storytimes are 20-30 minutes long and are filled with 1-2 short books, songs, action rhymes and more! Some songs, stories and rhymes are repeated each week and new ones are gradually introduced. Grown-ups and big kids, please share in the fun too!
Tuesdays, January 31-April 18 9:30-10:00 a.m.
Fridays, February 10-April 21 9:30-10:00 a.m.
Little Kid Storytimes are 25-30 minutes long and are filled with short books, songs, fingerplays, rhymes, puppets and more – a different variety each week. The content of Tuesday's Little Kid Storytime will be the same as Friday's Little Kid Storytime. No registration for both Storytimes. All Storytime participants agree to abide by library policies and procedures.
Fridays, February 10-April 21 10:45-11:15 a.m.
Big Kid Storytimes are 30-35 minutes long and are filled with longer books, songs, fingerplays, rhymes, puppets and more – a different variety each week. This Storytime is geared for children who are ready for stories that are a bit longer.
Thursday, February 9 6:30-7:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 25 10:00-10:30 a.m.
Family Storytimes are 25-30 minutes long and are filled with songs and stories. Geared For ages 0-5, but all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend!
Adult Services
Tuesday, February 7 6:30-7:30 p.m., Library Community Room
Join us for a creative evening with master artist and Wisconsin Public Radio host Ruthanne Bessman and discover the art of origami. Enjoy making fun gift ideas for your valentine! Learn to fold a variety of simple heart-shaped models in time for Valentine’s Day including a heart card and the beating heart action model! Registrants must be at least 13 years of age and all materials will be provided free of charge. Space is limited. Please register via the library’s Events Calendar at https://sunprairie.librarymarket.com.
Author event: Larry F. Sommers
Wednesday, February 8 6:30-7:30 p.m., Library Community Room
Senior storyteller Larry F. Sommers, author of “Price of Passage: A Tale of Immigration and Liberation”, talks about his family, his debut historical novel, and the publication process. From inception to publication, the novel took six years of the author’s life. Along the way he learned some things about writing, about publishing, and about himself. Larry will spend an engaging half-hour sharing these insights, with a Q&A afterwards. The author will be glad to sign copies of “Price of Passage”, either previously purchased or bought for cash on premises. Please register via the library’s Events Calendar at https://sunprairie.librarymarket.com to receive a reminder email prior to the event.
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
Public Health Madison & Dane County will be holding walk-in vaccine clinics in the library’s Community Room on Saturday, February 4th from 1-4pm and Saturday, February 25th 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. For the most current availability and appointment information, please visit the Public Health Madison & Dane County website.