http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/index.php Copyright 2008, Paul and Teresa Bauman Paul and Teresa Bauman en-US SPHPBLOG 0.4.7.1 http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/index.php?entry=entry080713-151604
A former co-worker to whom I was close conquered leukemia and has since had a child.

Both will be remembered Friday when Sun Prairie turns out for the annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life event at the high school track.

Throughout the night, participants will share inspirational stories, hug and hold hands, and maybe even shed some tears (both of sorrow and joy).

It's an uplifting and emotional event for the hundreds who take part. Particularly noteworthy is the survivors' lap, in which those who are beating this deadly disease walk in unison around the quarter-mile oval.

If you've never taken part in Relay, please consider doing so this year ... for all of those who've gone before us and all of the people who are battling the disease now.

We'd also like you to share your story here. Please tell us why the fight against cancer is important to you, personally.

Your words may encourage others to get involved in the fight.

-- PB]]> http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/index.php?entry=entry080713-151604 Paul and Teresa Bauman Sun, 13 Jul 2008 20:16:04 GMT http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=07&entry=entry080713-151604 http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/index.php?entry=entry080426-141828
The results, at the time of their demise, were leaning 3-1 in favor of prohibiting smoking in local bars and restaurants. To the best of our memory, many of the comments fell into the following categories:

** Smoking is bad, but let local businesses decide for themselves whether to permit it.

** The effects of second-hand smoke are too detrimental to allow it to continue in public settings.

** The issue should be addressed at the state (or federal) level, so as not to drive business from one municipality to the next.

We feel bad for not being able to report out on all of the great feedback we received, so we're asking you again to take a few moments to share your views in response to this blog item.

Please note, this topic is not currently being discussed within Sun Prairie's local government, but like it has for many of our neighboring communities, the topic will no doubt arise in the future.

Let your elected officials know how you feel. Should Sun Prairie implement a communitywide smoking ban for bars and restaurants?
]]> http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/index.php?entry=entry080426-141828 Paul and Teresa Bauman Sat, 26 Apr 2008 19:18:28 GMT http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=04&entry=entry080426-141828 http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/index.php?entry=entry080311-061822
See related story: http://www.sunprairietoday.com/news/story/3764

Here's your chance to weigh in on the issue, without even having to attend a public hearing. What guidance can you offer the School Board? How important is it for all children to attend the school closest to where they live? Do you have a suggestion that hasn't been considered yet?

More important, what are your thoughts on developing boundaries as the district grows? Should a more comprehensive plan be put in place in anticipation of the district's ninth elementary school?

Your thoughts will help educate your community.

PB]]> http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/index.php?entry=entry080311-061822 Paul and Teresa Bauman Tue, 11 Mar 2008 11:18:22 GMT http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=03&entry=entry080311-061822 http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/index.php?entry=entry080217-145610
While educated voters look at the big picture -- weighing each candidate's views and actions on the myriad issues facing the nation -- it's also important to consider the impact our top elected official has at the local level. With that in mind, we'd like your thoughts on how Barack or Hillary, John or Mike -- or any of the others still on the ballot -- would help (or hurt) Sun Prairie.

Share your thoughts. If we get enough, we'll summarize them in an upcoming article.

PB]]> http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/index.php?entry=entry080217-145610 Paul and Teresa Bauman Sun, 17 Feb 2008 20:56:10 GMT http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=02&entry=entry080217-145610 http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/index.php?entry=entry080126-224007
While all of these factors were certainly part of the formula for a pleasant dining experience, the top reason I enjoyed the meal was the friendly, helpful nature of the staff. They welcomed us as soon as we walked through the door. They regularly checked on our table to make sure we were content ... but they weren't overbearing. They smiled. In short, they made us feel appreciated; they were thankful we had chosen their restaurant.

And because of how we were treated, we will return many times over.

Of course, I can think of other experiences -- some local, some not -- where the manner in which I was treated is why I am unlikely to return. In some cases, the discourteous reception may have been an anomaly. Maybe a clerk was just having a bad day. But to me, the customer, that is not relevant. I expect to be treated as a valued customer every time I walk through the door ... just as I am at Market Street Diner.

To highlight the value of outstanding customer service, we'd like to hear about your positive local experiences. Where have you been treated well? Which stores or restaurants do you frequent because of their people skills? Who does it best when it comes to customers?

Let us know where the customer is king.

PB]]> http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/index.php?entry=entry080126-224007 Paul and Teresa Bauman Sun, 27 Jan 2008 04:40:07 GMT http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=01&entry=entry080126-224007 http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/index.php?entry=entry080116-065814
Such a store would join three other Sun Prairie grocers -- long-established Sentry Foods, Pick 'n Save and Copps, which opened last spring.

What do you think about this proposal? Is is a good addition for the West Side? Do we already have enough grocery stores? Is this the right type of growth for your community?

Share your thoughts!

PB
]]> http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/index.php?entry=entry080116-065814 Paul and Teresa Bauman Wed, 16 Jan 2008 12:58:14 GMT http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=01&entry=entry080116-065814 http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/index.php?entry=entry080111-060107
What are your thoughts?]]> http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/index.php?entry=entry080111-060107 Paul and Teresa Bauman Fri, 11 Jan 2008 12:01:07 GMT http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=01&entry=entry080111-060107 http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/index.php?entry=entry070416-224040
Having held terms on the Common Council, as mayor and on the County Board, Hanneman demonstrated a passion for public service ... and a compassion for his fellow citizens.

As fond memories of this well-respected man surface, consider sharing them with others through this site. It's a nice way to pay tribute to one who's done so much for others.]]> http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/index.php?entry=entry070416-224040 Paul and Teresa Bauman Tue, 17 Apr 2007 03:40:40 GMT http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=04&entry=entry070416-224040 http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/index.php?entry=entry070206-231708
Others, however, may be struggling with the challenges and changes that growth brings -- factors such as the need for more schools and local services.

We want to hear your perspective. Let us know what you think of Sun Prairie's growth.

PB and TB]]> http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/index.php?entry=entry070206-231708 Paul and Teresa Bauman Wed, 07 Feb 2007 05:17:08 GMT http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=02&entry=entry070206-231708 http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/index.php?entry=entry070204-174620
What would you like to ask of these individuals?

Send us your suggestions and we'll do our best to work them into the discussion Thursday.

PB and TB]]> http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/index.php?entry=entry070204-174620 Paul and Teresa Bauman Sun, 04 Feb 2007 23:46:20 GMT http://www.sunprairietoday.com/site-com/assets/pages/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=02&entry=entry070204-174620