Lynn Binnie

On December 4 at the Prairie Village Community Center, the League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area presented their “Making Democracy Work” award to Patrick Singer and Lynn Binnie. Both Patrick and Lynn served on the City of Whitewater Common Council for 14 years, with Patrick having retired in 2021 and Lynn in 2022. Unfortunately Patrick was unable to attend the presentation due to family illness. Photos below are courtesy of Tom Ganser.

The award read as follows:
WHEREAS, the League of Women Voters of the Whitewater Area is affiliated with the LWV of the United States (LWVUS), the organization where hands-on work to safeguard democracy leads to civic improvement in America and in Whitewater, Wisconsin; and,

WHEREAS, the League is a nonpartisan political organization that has fought since 1920 to improve our systems of government and impact public policies through citizen education and advocacy; and

WHEREAS, the Whitewater Area League’s Making Democracy Work Award honors community members that exemplify the League’s mission; and

WHEREAS, the Whitewater Area League collaborates with LWVUS and other organizations to achieve mutual goals, increase civic participation, create lasting change in the community, and, above all, signify to others that the League of Women Voters “Makes Democracy Work;”

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the LWV of the Whitewater Area has chosen LYNN BINNIE and PATRICK SINGER as the recipients of the 2022 Making Democracy Work Award for their civility and influential leadership as members and past presidents of the Whitewater Common Council and for their years of service on many community boards and committees.

NOW THEREFORE, we members of the League of Women Voters of the Whitewater Area, urge all residents of Whitewater, Wisconsin to pay great tribute and respect to LYNN BINNIE and PATRICK SINGER for all they represent and have accomplished on behalf of their fellow citizens.”

Update: In addition to the public forums on campus shown with each candidate’s information, there also is an opportunity for the remaining four candidates to meet with members of the community at the Community Engagement Center, 1260 W. Main Street. Those dates and times are shown below.

Lynn D. Akey – December 6, 2023 – 5 to 6 pm – Community Engagement Center

John D. Chenoweth – December 7, 2023 – 5 to 6 pm – Community Engagement Center

Corey A. King – December 8, 2023– 5 to 6 pm – Community Engagement Center

Mrinal Mugdh Varma – December 13, 2023– 5 to 6 pm – Community Engagement Center

Paul D. Plotkowski – December 14, 2023– 5 to 6 pm – Community Engagement Center

Further information regarding the forums is available here.

The candidates will also participate in separate campus public forums, offering opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and community members to interact directly with them. The schedule for each forum is shown below.

The finalists, listed in alphabetical order, are:

Lynn D. Akey
Vice President for Student Success, Analytics and Integrated Planning, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mankato, MN
Curriculum vitae
In person: 3-4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, Timmerman Auditorium, Hyland Hall
Live stream:

John D. Chenoweth
Interim Chancellor, University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
Whitewater, WI
Curriculum vitae
In person: 3-4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, Timmerman Auditorium, Hyland Hall
Live stream: See link here

Corey A. King
Vice Chancellor for University Inclusivity and Student Affairs, UW-Green Bay
Green Bay, WI
Curriculum vitae
In person: 3-4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, Timmerman Auditorium, Hyland Hall
Live stream: See link here.

Paul D. Plotkowski
Dean and Professor, Padnos College of Engineering and Computing, Grand Valley State University
Grand Rapids, MI
Curriculum vitae
In person: 3-4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, Timmerman Auditorium, Hyland Hall
Live stream: See link here.

Mrinal Mugdh Varma
Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor, Auburn University at Montgomery
Montgomery, AL
Curriculum vitae
In person: 3-4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, Timmerman Auditorium, Hyland Hall
Live stream: See link here.

After reviewing campus feedback, Rothman and the Special Regent Committee, comprised of Regents Bogost, Ashok Rai, Jill Underly, and Kyle Weatherly and chaired by Regent Vice President Bogost, will interview the finalists and recommend a single successful candidate to the Board of Regents, which must approve the appointment.

The person selected through this process will be UW-Whitewater’s 18^th chancellor.

For more information about the five candidates, the public conversations, and the search process, see the UW-Whitewater chancellor search page: https://www.uww.edu/chancellor-search. For more information about UW-Whitewater, go to its homepage: https://www.uww.edu/.

The Dance Factory and Lake Geneva Symphony present Tchaikovsky’s popular ballet, The Nutcracker, written in 1892, on Saturday, December 17 at 1:00 p.m. Tickets ($30-35) are available here.

EMMANUEL RAMIREZ. Born and raised in Mexico, Emmanuel is a dance teacher, dancer, actor, and choreographer. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Dance from Universidad de Guadalajara and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Drama from Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes, Mexico. Emmanuel has danced for various professional companies throughout Mexico, such as Compañía de Danza Clasica y Neoclasica de Jalisco, Compañía de Danza Clásica de Quintana Roo, Danza UNAM, Atelier Ballet Teatro Contemporaneo and Guadalajara en Movimiento, where he danced choreography pieces of Mark Godden, Nazira Yakubova, Katia Garza, Rosario Murillo, Dalirys Valladares, Sergio Vicencio, Arcadio Carbonell, Diego Vazquez, Raul Fernandez, among others.    Emmanuel moved to Chicago in 2016 where he’s performed annually in both Ballet Legere’s and Ruth Page’s Nutcracker and danced as a company member of Elements Contemporary Ballet. As a Teacher, he has worked for Maywood Fine Arts, Ballet Legere, Dance On Broadway, The Rooted Space, Kenwood Ballet School, and Chicago Public Schools. As an actor he played the role Iago from Othelo for Repertorio Latino Theater Company, Sharks’ ensemble in West Side Story at Marriott Theater, and Ramon in Zorro the Musical at Musical Theater Works. He recently earned his Pilates Certification through Kinetic Axis studying under Steven Winterstein and is certified nationally through the Pilates Method Alliance.

NICOLE VOLPE. A Chicagoland local, Nicole has had an eclectic performance career. After graduating from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN in 2016 with a degree in Psychology, she returned home to Chicagoland to study at Lou Conte Dance Studio’s Scholarship Program. Before launching her career as a freelance dancer, she also trained at Ruth Page, Hubbard Street Professional Program, and ABT Summer Intensives, among others. In Chicago, she had the opportunity to dance as a season soloist with Mandala South Asian Arts, Ballerina #1 on FOX’s Empire, with Alma Dance School in their productions of Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty, and as the Sugar Plum Fairy in Tina Hansen’s Nutcracker in 2019.   Most recently, she had the opportunity to perform in the ensemble and Mistress alternate in Drury Lane Theater’s production of Evita. She is now living in Boston, MA with her husband and three cats, where she runs Nicole Marie Photography. She continues to dance in Boston, and is excited to be dancing with City Ballet of Boston, collaborating with Harvard Ballet Company, and exploring her own choreographic work with the thriving Boston dance community. She is thrilled to be returning to dance with The Dance Factory’s Nutcracker!

Editor’s note: The following announcement was posted by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater on December 9.

Deans Hayes, Goza to retire in 2023

Eileen M. Hayes, dean of the College of Arts and Communication, and Franklin Goza, dean of the College of Letters and Sciences, will retire from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater next year, they announced.

“It has been an honor to work with Dean Hayes and Dean Goza. Their commitment to the university and our mission of transforming lives is something I have been able to observe on a daily basis,” said Robin Fox, interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “Over the years, I’ve seen their strong support of their colleges, administrative teams, faculty and staff, their commitment to shared governance and their focus on students through offering high-quality, rigorous programs. Their retirements are well deserved and I wish them the very best. On a personal note, I will miss their thoughtful counsel, which I have often turned to for guidance.”

Hayes joined the Warhawk family in August of 2017.

“Dean Hayes, a noted scholar of Black music and LGBTQ community formation, has an impressive vitae. Of special note is her role in the College Music Society, which is the largest professional music society for the multi-disciplines,” Fox said. “She is the immediate past-president of the organization. This level of leadership is significant and helps to continue to elevate UW-Whitewater and the College of Arts and Communication on a national level.”

In a message to the college, Hayes remarked, “As I have said on numerous occasions, it is a pleasure to join you in furthering the education of our students. We have a marvelous faculty, academic staff, and university staff; the list of accomplishments of Music, Art and Design, Communication, Theatre/Dance, and Media Arts and Game Development is long. Daily, I marvel at my good fortune at having had the opportunity to work with you.”

Goza began his leadership role at UW-Whitewater as associate dean in August of 2013, and was hired as dean in June of 2019.

“Dean Goza’s work at UW-Whitewater has resulted in new majors, minors, certificates and emphases,” Fox said. “I would also draw attention to his support for the development of two new departments under his leadership — Computer Science and World Languages and Cultures. This type of support for the members of the college is just one example of Dean Goza’s strong and responsive leadership.”

In a message to the college, Goza remarked, “I want to thank all of you for everything that you do to make this a great college. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with you and to serve as one of the college leaders during the past 10 years. It is truly a bittersweet moment for me as I thoroughly enjoy what I do, especially being able to interact on a regular basis with such dedicated and inspirational individuals like you.”

Hayes’ retirement is effective March 13, and Goza will retire June 30.  

The national search for the College of Letters and Sciences dean has already begun and the national search for the dean of the College of Arts and Communication will be launched early in the spring semester.

Many caregivers have mixed feelings about holidays. They may have happy memories of the past, but they also may worry about the extra demands that holidays make on their time and energy.

Here are some ways to balance holiday-related activities while taking care of yourself and a loved one with dementia:

• Safety first.  Be sure holiday decorations are secured, cords are not loose and traffic areas are clear.
• Simplify, simplify, simplify!  Your everyday life requires much time and energy.  Don’t add a lot of stress.  Think of simple pleasures like taking a walk or taking a drive to view decorations.  Prepare a special food together but keep it simple.
• Take care of yourself.  As difficult as it is to find time for rest, regular meals and exercise, try your best.  Enlist friends to sit with your loved one.
• Set your own limits. You do not have to live up to the expectations of friends or relatives. Your situation is different now.
• Involve the person with Alzheimer’s in simple holiday preparations, or have him or her observe your preparations. Participating may give the person the pleasure of helping and the fun of anticipating and reminiscing.
• Simplify meals and decorating.  You don’t have to do everything you used to do.  Find one tradition that is not too demanding and emphasize its connection with the past.  
• If visitors are desired, limit them and find a time when your loved one is at his or her best. 
• If your person with dementia gets upset or overstimulated, have some quiet distractions in your playbook, such as looking at photos or going for a walk.
• Make sure there is a quiet space where the person can rest and have time to recharge.
• Try to maintain your daily routine as much as possible and avoid noise, loud conversations, loud music, lighting that is too bright or too dark, and having too much rich food or drink (especially alcohol).
• If you receive invitations to events that your loved one cannot attend, consider going yourself. Ask a friend or family member to spend time with the person while you’re out.

Happy Holidays to all!

This article is submitted by Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, a program of Whitewater Seniors in the Park.  

https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/273/Seniors-In-the-Park

 More Holiday resources for caregivers and their loved ones:

Managing the Holidays: Interactive Discussion about How to Cope

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/holiday-hints-alzheimers-caregivers

All photos are courtesy of Tom Ganser, in no particular order. The Parade of Lights on December 2 was powered by Generac.

“Christmas Oranges” 

Tuesday, December 13, 1 p.m.

(Drama/Family) rated PG; 1 hour, 41 minutes (2012)

Share a slice of Christmas sweetened with family and friendship in a poignant story based on a classic holiday tale. Starring Edward Herrmann and Nancy Stafford.

Editor’s note: The following announcement was received from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will celebrate the achievements of its graduates at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, as proud families and friends gather for the 2022 December commencement ceremony.

Approximately 630 students will cross the stage to receive their degrees. The ceremony, about two hours long and presided over by Interim Chancellor John Chenoweth, will be held at Kachel Fieldhouse in the Williams Center. 

This year’s commencement speaker is Jen Rulon. Since earning a Bachelor of Science in biology and a minor in psychology in 1993, she has embarked on a series of accomplishments that include working as a marine animal trainer and behaviorist at SeaWorld, becoming a 15-time Ironman Triathlete, and sharing, through her brand JenRulon.com, inspiring messages to people from all walks of life on the TEDx Stage and through publications like Triathlete Magazine, Runners World and The New York Times.

The student speaker is Jacquelyn Schimke, who is earning her Master of Science in Education in special education–professional development, with autism specialist, transition specialist and applied behavioral analysis certifications. In May 2021, she received her Bachelor of Science in Education with an emphasis on special education and cross-categorical licenses in intellectual disabilities and learning disabilities.

The ceremony will recognize 63 undergraduates from the College of Arts and Communication, 164 from the College of Business and Economics, 164 from the College of Education and Professional Studies and 130 from the College of Letters and Sciences and five degrees that are not college-specific, for a total of 525 undergraduate degrees. The School of Graduate Studies will award 104 degrees, including 98 master’s degrees and 6 doctorates.

The graduating class includes 5 international students, 41 military veterans and 134 nontraditional students, defined as undergraduate students who are 25 years of age or older. In addition, 79 self-identified students with disabilities will receive degrees.

Commencement will be broadcast live online by UWWTV, the university television station. Access to the livestream will be posted at uww.edu/commencement.

Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by Christine Hayes.

WHITEWATER ELEMENTARY 5^th GRADE CHOIRS TO PRESENT WINTER CONCERT TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13

Over 100 fifth grade music students from Lakeview, Lincoln and Washington Elementary Schools will combine to perform their Winter Concert on Tuesday, December 13, at 7:00 p.m.  The Concert is at the Whitewater High School Auditorium and is open to the public, free of charge. 

Selections include “De Colores,” “Moonlight Sleigh Ride,” Welch folk song “When in Dreamland,”  “Gaudeamus Hodie,” the beautiful “The Snow Begins to Fall,” and Leroy Anderson’s holiday favorite, “Sleigh Ride.”  The concert will begin with “The Star-Spangled Banner.”  Conductors are Christine Hayes, Justin Kamp, and Val Troxel.  Accompanist for the choir is Mrs. Barb Taylor.