Community

Jeff Wright, Superintendent of the Sauk Prairie School District, spoke to the Optimist Club on August 16 about the District’s goals for its students in the 2023-2024 school year. One goal is to create a space where students can try new things, possibly fail in their attempt, but feel safe in doing so. Studies have shown that students spend too much time doing things they already know. Students can grow from making mistakes, learn to figure out new things, and feel confident to challenge themselves in other unfamiliar situations. This will better prepare them for life outside of school. A second goal is to reduce the amount of time students spend looking at screens. Without screens, the mind is allowed to wander. We often look at screens because we are bored, but boredom can lead to creativity, teach patience, and reduce anxiety. A final goal is to find ways to spend more time outside – or at least provide opportunities to enjoy nature from inside. A benefit of the pandemic was learning that “outside time” provides a needed break and can bring a fresh perspective for both teachers and students. The Optimists meet at 7 a.m. at 6:8 on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. If there is a 5th Wednesday, they meet at noon at the Sauk Prairie School District Community Room. Visitors are always welcome! Pictured, school Superintendent Jeff Wright (left) with Jeff Boll, Optimist Member, on August 16.

John Lehan, Community Education and Recreation Director, updated the Sauk Prairie Optimist Club on the status of Culver Community Park, as well as other community and recreation news, at the August 30th noon club meeting. Much of the park is already complete, which you can see if you drive through on 21st Street. Culver Community Park currently has eight pickle ball courts, two tennis courts, three basketball courts, an ADA playground, dog park and washing station, a skate park, multi-use fields, and a sledding hill. All of these areas, and more, are currently being used by area residents. Prairie Landing, at 340 21st Street, is a multi-use facility, with kitchen, available for rentals. With an indoor capacity of 160 people at tables, plus an outdoor patio space with a fire pit, which can be rented separately or with the indoor space, Prairie Landing gives Sauk Prairie another venue for events. Erin Passhel, Recreation Coordinator, has primary responsibility for Prairie Landing and is excited to introduce the space to the community. The Recreation Department offers programs year-round and its on-line catalog can be accessed on its website at spparksandrec.org. Between star-gazing, disc golf, flag football, robotics, and more, residents of all ages will find something to do. The Optimists meet at 7 a.m. at 6:8 on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. If there is a 5th Wednesday, they meet at noon at the Sauk Prairie School District Community Room. Visitors are always welcome! Pictured, John Lehan, Director of Community Education and Recreation (center) is flanked by Jeff Boll, Optimist Member (left) and Erin Passhel, Recreation Coordinator (right) at the August 30 Optimist Meeting

It’s that time of year! The annual Sauk Prairie Optimist Nut Sale that supports Youth Programs is now in progress. You can get these premium Terri Lynn nuts: Cashews, Deluxe Mixed Nuts and Walnuts for $14 and Pecans for $15 or a one-pound bag. All nuts are for pre-order only by October 18th. Contact any Optimist member, fill out an order form at Eanneli Pharmacy, Ballweg Pharmacy, 3 Generations Gift Store, Retwist-T, or you may text or call Vicki at 608-393-7893 to order your nuts. Start planning now for your holiday baking and gift giving needs. (The nuts freeze really well.) Thank you for supporting the youth of Sauk Prairie. Pictured, Sauk Prairie Optimist members Vicki Gullickson and Margaret Mauch (as Frisky Squirrel) want to remind everyone about the Optimist Nut Sale September 20th to October 18th with delivery in November.

Natalie Beil is the Wisconsin Heights Optimists Volunteer of the Year for 2023. Beil was presented with the annual award at the Wisconsin Heights Optimist meeting July 27 by Optimist President Mary Lieck. Natalie grew up in Mazomanie and was taught by her parents from an early age that “you should contribute to what you want to make better.” So she did! Beil is a Trustee on the Mazomanie Village Board, chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee; and is treasurer and self-appointed cheerleader of the Mazomanie Chamber of Commerce. She was instrumental in bringing the community together during the massive 2018 flood. Her current volunteer projects include improvements to Wild West Days, the Free Concert Series on the Promenade, Friends of the Mazo Pool and the dog park. Natalie attended MATC and was the longtime owner of B Styles Floral and Gifts. Pictured is Wisconsin Heights Optimist President Mary Lieck, left, presenting the 2023 Volunteer of the Year award to Natalie Biel.

Pictured are: Anthony Dix, Director of Human Resources, Sauk Prairie Healthcare; David Kussow, Education Coordinator, Sauk Prairie Healthcare; Shawn Lerch, CEO, Sauk Prairie Healthcare; Jeff Wright, Superintendent, Sauk Prairie School District; Randy Patterson, Maintenance, Sauk Prairie School District; Chanda Kulow, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Sauk Prairie School District; Steve Dent, Plant Mechanic, Sauk Prairie Healthcare.

Responding to an increase in children and teens looking for snacks while in the library, one staff member at the Ruth Culver Community Library decided to see if she could secure funding to start a free snack shop. The messaging behind this new feature: take what you need, leave what you can. Library Aide Heather Haas saw a need in the library and decided to reach out to No Child Goes Hungry, a 501c3 that seeks to inspire, encourage, and support feeding kids in tangible ways. Haas was able to quickly secure funding for the cabinet and an initial stocking of it for our teens to be able to enjoy. We are so excited to be able to offer this to our community, especially for teens who need a snack after school, and are thankful that organizations such as No Child Goes Hungry exist to support our community needs. We invite anyone who needs a snack to visit our free snack shop, located in the teen area, and enjoy!