Archives

Chris Graham Elected to Serve on NCAA Board of Governors

Whitewater High School Graduate Graham Elected to NCAA Board of Governors

Colorado Springs, Colo. – Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Commissioner Chris Graham has been elected to serve as on the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Board of Governors as an ex-officio member for 2020. The one-year term is a result of Graham’s appointment as Chair of the NCAA Division II Management Council. Graham is a 1989 graduate of Whitewater High School.

“It’s an honor to serve Division II and the NCAA in this capacity,” stated Graham. “I’m especially proud to represent our outstanding institutions and representatives in the RMAC, and excited to work on behalf of all student-athletes.”

Entering his 7th year as RMAC Commissioner, Graham joined the RMAC after 10 years as Executive Director of the Midwest Conference. A 1993 graduate of Ripon College, Graham’s term on the NCAA Board of Governors will conclude upon the close of business at the 2021 NCAA Convention in Washington, D.C.

Graham is the son of Theresa Lee of Whitewater and Mike Graham of Waterford.

Lakes Drawdown Update Draws Crowd

Approximately 60 people attended an update on the Lakes Drawdown at the Municipal Building on February 1. The speakers were Cameron Clapper, City Manager; Eric Boettcher, Parks and Recreation Director; and Heidi Bunk, Water Resources Management Specialist with the DNR. In March of last year, 150 holes were drilled in order to determine the sediment levels in the lakes. The drawdown started with Cravath Lake on July 8, and by September 10, Cravath had fallen 3.5-4′ and Trippe Lake, 2.5-3′. Unfortunately very heavy rainfall occurred on September 12, leaving the lakes at above normal levels. The drawdown continued until mid-October, resulting in Cravath’s level being 3-4′ below normal (compared with a goal of 5-6′) and Trippe being 2.5-3′ below normal (versus a goal of 6′). Additional drawdowns will occur in the spring.

The primary goal of the drawdown is to eliminate as many invasive plant species as possible, with the expectation of improving the health and appearance of the lakes, as well as to reintroduce recreational opportunities. It is also hoped that it will be possible to deepen the navigable channels through dredging, which would occur in early 2021. Dredging, however, is an extremely costly process, and it will not be known until this fall what is realistic financially. Additionally it is not yet known where the dredged material would be taken.

Photos were shown exhibiting the positive results of lake drawdowns at School Section Lake near Dousman as well as at Little Muskego Lake. Although Whitewater can also expect positive results, the outcome will be significantly dependent on the amount of precipitation in coming months, with drier conditions being desired. Heidi Bunk indicated that the goal is that this coming summer the lake bottom will become cracked with “Mars-looking cracked sediment.” The cracks allow oxygen to enter the sediment, resulting in bacteria consuming organic material.

A number of residents with lakefront properties had questions about shoreline restoration, which may require permits from the DNR. Many of them also had concerns about the geese population, which was described by some as the largest ever seen during the winter. It appears that some migratory geese have chosen to remain in the area, taking advantage of the availability of fish. It was indicated that it’s very difficult to make long-lasting reductions in the geese; however, approaches such as oiling of eggs and geese roundups can have some success. The planting of tall vegetation near the shore will discourage the geese from going onto properties.

After the lakes are refilled there will be revegetation of desirable species and restocking of fish. It was acknowledged that it’s unfortunately likely that drawdowns will be required approximately every 7-12 years. Silt coming from upstream will continue to fill in the lakes. It is hoped that improved agricultural practices along streambanks will help to address this concern.

Additional updates will be provided as the project progresses.

For the nearly 1.5 hour video of the presentation click here.

For Frequently Asked Questions click here and go to the bottom of the page.

For an article in The Gazette on February 2, click here.

Travel More: Trip Planning with Seniors in the Park

MOTORCYCLE TRIP PLANNING
Tuesday, February 18, 9:30 a.m.
Gather with other riders and bring your ideas, maps, tablets or whatever you need to plan routes and destinations for motorcycle rides May through October 2020. We’ll have the coffee on and treats.

CYCLIST RIDE PLANNING
Friday, March 6, 1:00 p.m.
We would like to try some bicycle rides this summer. If you are interested in helping plan some rides, please join us on the date above and let us know you will be participating. Bring your ideas, maps, tablets or whatever you need to plan routes and destinations.

VAN TRIPS
LUNCH BUNCH
Thursday, February 13, 10:30 a.m.
We will be eating lunch at Somewhere Else in Elkhorn with a stop at Lakeland Bakery on the way to lunch. Fee: $3.00 members, $6.00 non-members. RSVP by Tues., February 11 (Minimum 7 people)

BREAKFAST BUNCH
Thursday, February 20, 8:15 a.m.
Enjoy breakfast at the Cracker Barrel in Janesville. Fee: $3.00 members, $6.00 non-members RSVP by Monday, Tues., February 19 (Minimum of 7 people )

FISH FRY FRIDAY
Friday, February 28, 4:00 p.m.
Join us for fish close to home at Nite Cap Inn in Palmyra. Fee: $3.00 members; $6.00 non-members RSVP by Wednesday, February 26 (Minimum of 7 people)

JANESVILLE SHOPPING
Wednesday, February 5, 9:30 a.m.
Get picked up where you live and shop on the north side of Janesville. Participants choose where to shop. Fee: $3.00. RSVP by Mon. January 6 (Minimum of 5 people)

Extended Travel
Trips are open to adults of ALL AGES. For detailed itineraries on any of the extended trips, call 262-473- 0535, send an email to dweberpal@whitewater-wi.gov, or stop in at the Starin Park Community Building.

IRISH DISCOVERY: October 20—27, 2020
Trip Preview Wed. Mar.11 2:00 p.m. Please RSVP
Visit beautiful, green Ireland with an optional extension to Belfast and the Giants Causeway. Highlights: Dublin City Tour, Christchurch Cathedral, Flying Boat Museum, Cliffs of Moher, Trinity College, Ring of Derry, Dingle Peninsula, Jaunting Car Ride, Guinness Storehouse, Kilkenny, Killarney and Limerick City Tour. Optional 3 day excursion to Belfast & the Giant’s Causeway. Fee is $3199 pp dbl, includes air, accommodations and attractions per the itinerary. Premier World Discovery

WISCONSIN’S NORTHWOODS: August 16—19,
Trip Preview Wed. Feb.12 1:00 p.m. Please RSVP
Experience the essence of the Northwoods that delivers friendly people, quaint small towns, clean lakes and the smell of pine trees. Cruise on the Chain O’ Lakes, tour ginseng and cranberry farms, Amish lunch, snowshoe baseball game, personal visits with Jim Harris and the Canoe Guys, the geographic marker halfway between the Equator and the North Pole. Mepp’s Fishing Lures, dinner at Little Bohemia and more! Trip organized by Country Travel Discoveries (formerly Taste of Home). Travel with other local senior centers. This 4 day trip offers 8 meals; fees, tips and bag handling included. $997 pp/dbl

VIRGINIA BEACH GETAWAY: April 18-24, 2020
Featuring an Atlantic Coastal Harvest Food Tour, Aviation Museum and Norfolk Naval Station, Washington DC and more! $1559 pp/ dbl and reservation deadline is March 1. Includes free home pickup in Walworth County. Deadline is March 1

PACIFIC NORTHWEST & CALIFORNIA: August 2-9, 2020
Tour highlights of Seattle, Mount St. Helens, Columbia River Gorge and Moltnomah Falls, Rogue River cruise, the Avenue of Giants in the Redwood Forest and San Francisco. $2999 pp/dbl. Includes air, transfers, all excursions. For more info go to https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/963399. Collette

LONDON AND PARIS: September 9—16, 2020
From cosmopolitan London to romantic Paris, cross the English Channel via the Eurostar Train and take in the best of these iconic cities. Enjoy a leisurely-paced exploration with plenty of time to discover the culture of both these iconic cities with choices and on your own. $3999 pp/dbl. Collette. For more info go to https://gateway.gocollette.com/ link/963395

DISCOVER CROATIA & THE ADRIATIC COAST: October 5-16, 2020
Featuring Istrian Peninsula, Lake Bled, Dalmatian Coast, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Farm-to-table Dinner, Split, Diocletian’s palace. Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Opatija-Croatia’s Riviera and Choice on Tour. For more info go to: https:\gateway.gocollette.com/link/990247

2021 TRIPS COMING SOON!
February 2021—Thailand
Spring or Fall 2021—Sensations of Lyon & Provence with 3 nights in Nice
September 2021—New York City and the Hudson River Valley

Seniors in the Park
504 W Starin Rd, PO Box 178
Whitewater WI 53190

Phone 262-473-0535
Hours Mon-Thurs 8:00 am-4:00 pm Friday various days/hours

Senior Coordinator Deb Weberpal, CPRP
dweberpal@whitewater-wi.gov

Volunteer Editor Romelle Koch
Front Desk Patrea Wilson
Parks & Recreation Director Eric Boettcher

Websites: schedulesplus.com/wwtr
www.wwparks.org
www.whitewater-wi.gov

Seniors in the Park is a division of Whitewater Parks and Recreation

Valentine’s Day Celebration hosted by Seniors in the Park

Share a decadent dessert with your special someone or friend. We’ll also have warm beverages and NA champagne. There will be time for socializing and maybe a little trivia. Dessert entertainment will be provided by Duane Worden. He performs with guitar and keyboard offering a uniqueness not typically found in today’s acts. He plays all over southern Wisconsin at venues and for private parties. His smooth tones and warm voice will keep you entertained and wanting more. Deadline to sign up is February 7. Fee is $5.00 members and $8 non-members.

Seniors in the Park 
504 W Starin Rd, PO Box 178 
Whitewater WI 53190
Phone 262-473-0535 

Hours Mon-Thurs 8:00 am-4:00 pm Friday various days/hours 

Senior Coordinator Deb Weberpal, CPRP 
dweberpal@whitewater-wi.gov
Volunteer Editor Romelle Koch 
Front Desk Patrea Wilson 
Parks & Recreation Director Eric Boettcher 

Websites: schedulesplus.com/wwtr 
www.wwparks.org 
www.whitewater-wi.gov

Seniors in the Park is a division of Whitewater Parks and Recreation


Whippet Girls Defeat East Troy 56-24

The Whippet girls defeated East Troy on Friday night, January 31, by a score of 56-24.

Kacie Carollo led all scorers with 22. Abby Grosinske contributed 15, and Cora Linos and Catherine Skindingsrude each added 6.

Grosinske led the team in both assists (5) and rebounds (12) and tied for the lead in steals with Brianna Zimdars (3 each).

Abby Grosinske, File Photo by Bob Mischka

Twelve Whippets saw substantial playing time in the game.

Whitewater’s Most Celebrated Winter Event of the Year Returns – Sat., 2/8

Hundreds of Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) supporters from across Whitewater and beyond will be “Freezin’ for a Reason” as they plunge into icy water to raise funds for SOWI athletes on February 8 at Cravath Lakefront Park beginning at 12:00 p.m.

The Whitewater Polar Plunge is one of 13 Polar Plunges that take place in cities across Wisconsin in 2020. Money raised in this unique winter tradition helps SOWI athletes compete in games at the state, national and even international level, in addition to helping with health and wellness programs that enrich the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities year-round. Last year in Whitewater, plungers raised $54,000 for SOWI athletes. Statewide, thousands of brave and generous participants brought in more than $1.3 million.

Although most participants plunge with friends, coworkers, classmates, or even solo, the Polar Plunge truly is for everyone. Individuals who want to support the cause but would rather stay warm and on dry land can register as “Too Chicken to Plunge.” Plungers who raise the minimum $75 will receive the official Polar Plunge long-sleeve shirt. Those raising more can earn additional items such as tumblers, towels, sweatshirts or Visa gift cards. Many dedicated plungers go far beyond the minimum $75 donation requirement. In Whitewater in 2019, the top fundraising team raised more than $5,000.

More than just jumping into frigid waters, this iconic event partners with the City of Whitewater and “Freeze Fest” and features a chili cook off, hot chocolate, live DJ, raffles and more! The Polar Plunge is an event enjoyed by all ages and is lucky to have great support from the community including The City of Whitewater and University of Wisconsin Whitewater.

Registration is open at PlungeWI.org. For more information about Special Olympics Wisconsin, visit SpecialOlympicsWisconsin.org.

Special Olympics Wisconsin is proud to partner with Kwik Trip, Walgreens and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics for the 2020 Polar Plunge.

CONTACTS:

Caitlin Fitzpatrick, Director of Special Events
(262) 598-9507 ext. 2
cfitzpatrick@specialolympicswisconsin.org

Tommy Jaime, Director of Communications
(608) 442-5675
tjaime@specialolympicswisconsin.org

About Special Olympics Wisconsin

Special Olympics Wisconsin is a statewide organization of the Special Olympics movement that unleashes the transformative power and joy of sports everyday around the world. Through work in sports, health, education and community building, Special Olympics has been empowering people with intellectual disabilities for more than 50 years, leading to a more welcoming and inclusive society. With the support of donors, coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics Wisconsin provides year-round sports training and nearly 150 athletic events with 19 Olympic-type sports to 9,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities. Join our online community by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! For more information, visit SpecialOlympicsWisconsin.org or call (608) 222-1324.

Half-Priced Open Swim (Mon-Fri 12-2) All Month Long!

Forget about winter for a while and take advantage of this month’s awesome deal happening at the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center!

Where: Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center

            580 South Elizabeth St.

            Whitewater, WI 53190

When: Monday- Friday throughout February 2020

Time: 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.

Price: $4.00 resident of Whitewater

$5.00 non-resident of whitewater

7th Annual Optimist Trivia Night – February 21, 2020

The 7th Annual Optimist Trivia Night is coming to the Whitewater community on February 21, 2020. The annual event will be held on the UW-Whitewater campus in the University Center Hamilton Room with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. Trivia will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be provided along with a cash bar.

Gather a team of 8-10 of your friends and family and enjoy a night of engaging trivia, delicious food, and beverages, hearty laughter, bucket and cash raffles, a food drive, and much more! Childcare will be provided with games and activities at Warhawk Alley to keep the young ones entertained in a safe environment.

All proceeds raised at this event will go to UW-Whitewater/Community Optimist Club and the UW-Whitewater Student Optimist Club sponsored community projects such as a courtyard artwork project at Lincoln Elementary School and various projects for the Whitewater Community Space. Youth/family events like the “Easter Egg Hunt” and “Breakfast with Santa” that the UW-Whitewater/Community Optimist club hosts every year will also receive funding from the proceeds of this event.

Support your local Optimist Clubs with a night filled with fun, friendship, and fundraising. Spots for team registration are still open. To register contact Jan Olsen at olsonj@uww.edu. For more information, contact Kim Adams at adamsk@uww.edu or 262-472-1477. 

Members of the UW-Whitewater/Community Optimist Club and the UW-Whitewater Student Optimist Club pose gear up for the 6th Annual Trivia Night – February 22, 2019.

Team “Axe Us a Question” sponsored by McCullough’s Prescriptions and Gifts won the costume contest during the 6th Annual Trivia Night – February 22, 2019.