(Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club submission – Nov. 6) Whitewater Middle School Builders Club students were out and about raking on Friday at the school, Lima Cemetery, Calvary Cemetery, several residents’ yards, Whitewater Congregational Church, Culver’s, Whitewater Islamic Center, and a farm. Thirty-eight young people (with nine from the high school) were working hard in our community! The Builders Club is a part of the family of Kiwanis Clubs in Whitewater.
The following message was sent to WHS parents on November 6:
Dear WHS Families,
The District adopted a plan requiring a school to shift to virtual instruction for three days after three positive COVID-19 cases are confirmed within a seven-day period. Unfortunately, we have confirmed three or more cases at Whitewater High School, and the building will be closed for in-person attendance Monday. The building will be left vacant on Saturday and Sunday and deep cleaned on Monday. In-person instruction will resume on Tuesday.
Contact Tracing:
Upon receiving the notification and confirmation, the school conducted initial contact tracing and has contacted any students or staff who were directly impacted by close contact via phone. If you did not receive a call, you were not a close contact.
Online Meals:
The deadline to order online meals for Monday remains at 10:00 a.m. Sunday. Families are able to order meals by following this link: https://sites.google.com/wwusd.org/wusd-covid-19/food-service. Meals ordered for pick up at WHS Monday will be available for pick up outside of WHS.
Online Instructional Schedule:
On Monday, November 9th, students should log into their Google Classroom. Assignments will be posted and class meetings will begin at 8:00 a.m.- 2:15 p.m. Please see schedule below:
Monday, November 9
8:00-8:30, Period 1
8:45-9:15, Period 2
9:30-10:00, Period 3
10:15-10:45, Period 5
11:00-11:30, Period 6
11:30-12:00, Lunch
12:15-12:45, Period 7
1:00-1:30, Period 8
1:45-2:15, Period 9
2:15-3:15, Office Hours and Asynchronous Work
These virtual meetings are important for students so please make every effort to help your child connect with their teachers during the scheduled times.
Questions
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Lovenberg at (262) 472-8100.
Best,
Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty
District Administrator
—
Estimadas familias de WHS,
El Distrito adoptó un plan que requiere que una escuela cambie a la instrucción virtual durante tres días después de que se confirmen tres casos positivos de COVID-19 en un período de siete días. Desafortunadamente, hemos confirmado tres o más casos en la Escuela Preparatoria de Whitewater, y el edificio se cerrará a la asistencia en persona el lunes. El edificio quedará vacío el sábado y el domingo y se limpiará a fondo el lunes. La instrucción en persona se reanudará el martes.
Rastreo de contactos: Al recibir la notificación y confirmación, la escuela realizó el rastreo de contactos iniciales y ha contactado por teléfono a los estudiantes o personal que fueron afectados directamente por el contacto cercano. Si no recibió una llamada, no fue un contacto cercano.
Comidas ordenadas en línea: La fecha límite para ordenar comidas en línea para el lunes sigue siendo a las 10:00 am del domingo. Las familias pueden ordenar las comidas siguiendo este enlace: https://sites.google.com/wwusd.org/wusd-covid-19/food-service. Las comidas ordenadas para ser recogidas en WHS el lunes estarán disponibles para ser recogidas afuera de WHS.
Horario de instrucción en línea: El lunes 9 de noviembre los estudiantes deben conectarse a su plataforma de clases de Google. Las asignaciones serán publicadas y las reuniones de clase comenzarán a las 8:00 am y continuarán hasta las 2:15 pm. Por favor, vea el horario a continuación:
Lunes, 9 de noviembre
8:00-8:30, Periodo 1
8:45-9:15, Periodo 2
9:30-10:00, Periodo 3
10:15-10:45, Periodo 5
11:00-11:30, Periodo 6
11:30-12:00, Almuerzo
12:15-12:45, Periodo 7
1:00-1:30, Periodo 8
1:45-2:15, Periodo 9
2:15-3:15, horas de oficina y trabajo asincrónico
Estas reuniones virtuales son importantes para los estudiantes, así que por favor haga todo lo posible para ayudar a su hijo a conectarse con sus maestros durante los horarios programados.
Preguntas
Si tiene alguna pregunta, por favor contacte al Sr. Lovenberg al (262) 472-8100.
Lo mejor,
Dra. Caroline Pate-Hefty
Administradora de Distrito
(UW-W Press Release, Nov. 4) — Beginning Monday, Nov. 9, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will serve as a COVID-19 testing site for the greater community. Anyone 5 years and older can get a test.
“We have a longstanding mission to serve the region, and during this public health crisis, UW-Whitewater stands ready to offer its expertise, its resources, its venues and the talents of its caring employees to assist in the fight against COVID-19,” said Chancellor Dwight C. Watson. “With the virus surging across Wisconsin, testing is a critical component to stopping the spread. We want people to know that the Warhawk family is here to help, and in the spirit of our great university, we always pull together in the most challenging times.”
The testing site is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, at the Kris Russell Volleyball Arena in the Williams Center, 907 W. Schwager Dr., Whitewater, WI 53190. Free parking is available in lots 7 and 9 on Warhawk Drive. Please note, during Thanksgiving week, testing will be offered Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday only (Nov. 23-25), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Pre-registration is required at doineedacovid19test.com. This is a rapid antigen test (nasal swab). People will receive their results within 15 minutes; space is set aside for people to safely distance while they wait.
Individuals who test negative using the rapid antigen test, but also are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or who test positive but do not have symptoms, are urged to get a confirmatory PCR test. A free PCR test will be available immediately to those who qualify on site.
Community testing at UW-Whitewater is possible due to a new University of Wisconsin System “surge testing” initiative, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
This program complements an already existing partnership between UW-Whitewater, UW System and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to regularly test university students, which began earlier this semester. UW-Whitewater students will continue to get their COVID-19 tests through University Health and Counseling Services at Ambrose Health Center on Starin Road by making an appointment at uww.edu/uhcs.
For more information on COVID-19 testing at UW-Whitewater, visit uww.edu/warhawks-return/testing.
Caitlin Jung wins Outstanding Adult Student award at UW-Whitewater
(UW-W Press Release -11/03/2020) — Caitlin Jung from Whitewater, who is studying economics at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, has won a 2020 Outstanding Adult Student award.
Faculty and staff nominate candidates for the award, which recognizes students’ dedication to academics and the positive influence they make in the college classroom.
“The returning adult students selected for this award are hardworking, dedicated, resourceful, and actively engaged both in and out of the classroom. They are goal-oriented, take their learning seriously, and are highly committed to their academic programs, said Lynn Smith, student services coordinator for adult/nontraditional students. “They do it all – balance work, raise children, care for parents or other family members, volunteer, serve our country, and still exceed the expectations of their professors.”
(Downtown Whitewater press release – November 2, 2020) — During this unprecedented time, there
have been many unknowns for businesses, individuals, organizations, and events. Following
continued concerns about the COVID-19 virus, the Downtown Whitewater, Inc. board of
directors has decided to cancel the 2020 Parade Of Lights. Even though this saddens us to
announce we believe this is the right decision to make. Our number one priority as an
organization is to keep the Whitewater community safe and healthy and help stop the spread of
the COVID-19 virus in our community.
We would like to thank the entire Whitewater community along with our sponsors and
participating organizations for your continued support of the parade year after year. We’ll
continue to meet virtually and plan for a fantastic 2021 Parade Of Lights. We are working with
the City of Whitewater to put together a program with highlights from previous events for the
community to view.
(Support Wisconsin Dairy/Katzman submission) In the spirit of Halloween, Elizabeth Katzman – who raised $10,000 this spring through her Support Wisconsin Dairy yard sign campaign – donated 200 half gallons of Prairie Farms chocolate milk to The Community Space and the Whitewater Community Food Pantry. Chocolate milk is the Official Drink of Halloween! Founded in 1938, Prairie Farms is a farmer-owned cooperative made up of more than 900 farm families – many from southern Wisconsin. Prairie Farms produces high-quality dairy products – including milk, butter, cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, cream cheese and ice cream – for families throughout the Midwest.
What to do when your mask opinions differ from others
The recommendation to wear masks in public during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to countless conversations between families, friends and strangers. The use of masks is effective and protects you, and the people around you, from the spread of COVID-19. The CDC recommends that you wear masks in public settings around people who don’t live in your household and when you can’t stay 6 feet away from others.
However, debates around the topic of mask-wearing take place in person, online, and everywhere in between. Their tone ranges from civil to verbally or physically violent. SSM Health wants to minimize the divisiveness about COVID-19, and specifically, one of the greatest tools to stop its spread.
“First and foremost, masks do work,” says SSM Health psychologist Dr. Julia Shah. “However, there is skepticism on the topic that is compounded by the fact that in the beginning of the pandemic, we did not have a full understanding of the virus and how it was spread. We didn’t yet know how effective masks actually were.”
“It’s ok to be angry, or whatever feeling you may have,” says Dr. Shah. “Keep in mind that people wear masks (or do not wear masks) for a plethora of reasons. The story you are telling yourself about their choice may not be the actual reason.”
Dr. Shah admits confronting someone about their behavior can feel awkward, but there are things you can do to alleviate the situation. If you’re with someone or plan on seeing someone you know, here are some things to keep in mind:
If you’re interacting with a stranger or someone you do not know, things can be much different. Here’s Dr. Shah’s advice for those situations:
In situations like these, some people can’t help but try to change the other person’s mind. But be mindful that it might be fruitless.
“First impressions are powerful, especially negative ones,” says Dr. Shah. “Those who thought negatively about wearing masks likely still do.”
At the end of the day, try to remember we are all in this together, and be kind.
“You can only control yourself,” concludes Dr. Shah. “Say your peace and draw your (loving and respectful) line in the sand.”
Milton, WI
Donald Henry Tomten, age 89 passed away Sunday, November 1, 2020 at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital Janesville, WI. Donald was born on March 19, 1931 to Gilbert and Selma (Bekkum) Tomten in Westby, Wisconsin.
He graduated from Westby High School in 1949. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving in the Navy from 1949 to 1954. He was an Aviation Electrician Airman stationed in the South Pacific where he worked on the returning aircraft. He was a member of the Janesville VFW Club. He married Margaret Genevieve Warner on July 14, 1956, later he married Gloria Davis in September 1982. Donald worked as an auto carrier for JATCO in Janesville, WI before retiring in 1991, after 33 years.
Donald enjoyed bowling and playing card games such as Cribbage, 500, Hearts, and Rummy. He was a big fan of the Packers, Brewers and the Milwaukee Bucks. In High School he excelled in football as an offensive guard, in which he lettered. He grew up on the family dairy farm in the Timber Coulee area and was very proud of his Norwegian heritage. He grew up as a Norwegian-speaking American who didn’t start learning the English language until he attended Kindergarten. Music was a very prominent part of his personal and family life, where he played the fiddle, and was gifted to play by ear. His children remember very fondly the family gatherings where his brother, and he, would play music until late at night.
Donald is survived by his children; Robert (Kona) Tomten (Viroqua,WI), Deborah (Alan) Gillespie (Whitewater,WI), Richard (Becky) Tomten (Milton, WI), step-children, Suzette (Dave) Goodin, Ted (Kim) Davis, Doug (Lori) Davis, brother Sherman Tomten, nine grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents, his wives Margaret (Genny) and Gloria, his daughter Cynthia Benner, siblings Annibelle Tomten, Blaine Tomten and Anton Tomten and a grandson, Timothy Lauer.
Public Graveside Services will be held at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Friday November 6, at 11:30 am with Military Honors and Father David Wanish officiating. The Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton is assisting the family.
(Studio 84 press release) Studio 84 has reinvented 2nd Saturdays. Sign up to receive your free kit and a link to the instructional video for the project that month.
Director, Deborah Blackwell states, “After being closed for several months due to mandated closures, we are back on our feet and organized with our new life. We could finally focus again on how to use the remaining funds from the Whitewater Community Foundation for 2nd Saturdays.”
“With our regular programing,” Blackwell says, “we were able to reopen but only with about 25-30% of our artists to keep people count and distancing safest. However, 2nd Saturdays we couldn’t reopen as a come when you can open studio due to space and numbers that may come in to keep distancing safest. We never know how many people would attend during the day or hour, so it would be hard to keep things safest for all.”
“So 2nd Saturdays has been reinvented”, Blackwell comments. She states, “Everything has been recreated to accommodate for these safety measures. So we put everything online. People can sign up for the 2nd Saturday project and reserve the free kit and create art at home. Once registered they will receive the link to the online video on how to do the art project of the month. Kits would be picked up at Studio 84 curbside.”
Blackwell notes, “For November and December only we will be offering this opportunity and then our funds will have been depleted. So take advantage of this while it lasts! And remember it’s all FREE!” Fill out the form to reserve your kit today. https://forms.gle/Q7doLvhdJ12z5dJe9Visit our website for more details: www.studio84inc.org
(Story submitted by UW-W from article written prior to Halloween by Craig Schreiner | Photos by Craig Schreiner) With Halloween only days away, you expect to see a Wookie or a Pikachu walking on the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus. Add to that an extraterrestrial skateboarding music-playing messenger of good will. He comes in peace — sometimes with candy.
That spacesuit-clad student is Sid Lara, a freshman from Crystal Lake, Illinois, who began venturing forth from his residence hall room as the space traveler “Astro” about a month ago. Astro has one mission — to draw a smile from everyone he meets.
“I was really bored one weekend,” recalls Lara, who had purchased the suit early for Halloween. “And I thought, ‘What if I just went out in the suit on a longboard and started playing music (from a smartphone)?’ People loved it a lot, so I kept doing it. I started giving out candy eventually.”
Lara said the white NASA-inspired coverall came from a costume shop, while the helmet with mirrored visor was a separate purchase, costing him $35. The people Lara met as Astro began asking to adorn the helmet with their signatures and art, and Astro obliged.
“I don’t really do this for anything (for myself),” said Lara, who is a business student. “I’m just doing it to make people’s day better. I’ve always wanted to do that. I want to do something in the future that makes people happy in some way.”
Lara remembers how it felt when he first tried out Astro in early October, heading out in costume on his longboard from his residence hall room to the University Bookstore and back again.
“It was a really short ride, but people were honking their horns, they were like waving at me,” he said. For Lara, Astro also has become one way of venturing forth as an independent spirit at college.
“College is a big place; it’s definitely not like high school,” he said. “In high school, everyone would know who I am. In college, there are so many more people that I don’t really care what people think. This is what’s fun to me, and as long as I’m having a good impact, that’s all that really matters.”
“If you step outside of your comfort zone just a little bit, you’d be surprised at what you can do,” he adds.
Each week, Lara tries to create time in his schedule for Astro — often late in the day on Tuesdays and Thursdays and on weekends — to wander campus, often around the residence halls. He hopes to continue brightening spirits into the semester.
“I do have something more festive (planned for November) for everyone to experience, so I’m looking forward to that,” he said.