Archives

Whitewater Arts Alliance showcases three quilt artists at the Cultural Arts Center

A quilt show created to reflect quilts around the world as well as prepared in tandem with the Public Art Project, “Barn Quilts”, with quilters/artists Nancy Dynkowski, Linda Kimball, and Rita Oehrke will be featured at the Whitewater Arts Alliance’s Cultural Arts Center (CAC), 402 West Main Street, from now to June 25, Thursdays through Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. There will be a free reception, open to the public, on Sunday, June 25 from 2:30 – 4 p.m. at the CAC which includes a short Q&A session.

During this exhibition, downtown will also be covered in public art quilts that will be hanging from now until the end of September. Both types of exhibitions showcase different flavors of quilts ranging from the Wisconsin barn tradition to expert embroidery on fabric.

Biographies and artist statements will be posted on the Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) website in the near future.

General photos and information about the quilt show can be found on the WAA website:
https://www.whitewaterarts.org/quilt-show-2023. Any questions regarding the show can be addressed to WAA manager, Ashley McDarison, at wwartsalliance@gmail.com or (262) 472-0204.

Big thanks to our sponsors!

Events Provide Safe Disposal of Hazardous Waste, Electronics, TVs, Appliances, Tires & More

Editor’s note: Brad Marquardt, city public works director, indicates that there will be no satellite locations this year. Previously there was an event in Whitewater, but that will not occur this year.

Walworth County will host residential Clean Sweep recycling events on Friday, June 23, and Saturday, June 24. The Clean Sweep program safely collects and disposes of waste through a licensed facility. The events will be held at Walworth County Public Works, W4097 County Road NN, Elkhorn. No registration is required.

Residents may dispose of household hazardous waste on Friday, June 23, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Acceptable hazardous waste products are those labeled caustic, acid, flammable, danger, warning, or poison. Examples include oil and lead-based paints, pesticides and herbicides, adhesives and lubricants, old fuel, fluorescent bulbs, mercury thermometers, thermostats, furniture stripper, drain cleaner, antifreeze, brake fluid, and motor oil. Items should be in their original containers, if possible. A full list of acceptable items can be viewed at www.co.walworth.wi.us/1059/Household-Hazardous-Waste-Guides.

On Saturday, June 24, from 8 a.m. to noon, residents may dispose of household hazardous waste as well as electronics, TVs, appliances, and tires.

Household hazardous waste is free. All electronics, computers, monitors, and TVs can be recycled for free. Mini fridges, small AC units, and dehumidifiers cost $5 each. Refrigerators and freezers cost $10 each; all other appliances are free. Tires with 18-inch rims or smaller may be recycled; the cost is $10 each for tires without rims and $15 each for tires with rims. Cash only.

Clean Sweep has served the residents of Walworth County since 1992 and the annual program has proven successful in keeping hazardous waste out of the landfill, wastewater treatment facilities, local environment, and groundwater.

Clean Sweep is sponsored by the Walworth County Public Works Department and funded in part by the Town of Darien, Mallard Ridge Landfill Fund, and a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

The Public Works department would like to acknowledge the following local partners and supporters for their financial contributions to the 2023 Clean Sweep program: City of Delavan, Village of Williams Bay, Lockhart Service, Inc., Kikkoman Foods, City of Whitewater, Joe Porter McLean, Halverson Door, Village of Walworth, Village of East Troy, and Walworth County Metropolitan Sewerage District.

For more information and a complete list of items accepted at Clean Sweep events, please visit
www.co.walworth.wi.us/342/Hazardous-Waste-Electronics-Recycling, or contact the Walworth
County Solid Waste Division at (262) 741-3116, walcosw@co.walworth.wi.us.

City of Whitewater Plan and Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes ALDI site plan review
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
Community Room- First Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone:
https://meet.goto.com/564029805
You can also dial in using your phone
United States: 1 (571) 317-3112
Access Code: 564-029-805
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Monday @ 9:00 a.m.
Agenda (click on meetings in upper right corner)

Whitewater Unified School District School Board Special Meeting – Monday @ 6:00 p.m. (CLOSED SESSION)
Agenda (click on meetings in upper right corner) includes to discuss potential land/building allocation and discuss and prepare for the Whitewater Aquatic & Fitness Center negotiations. 
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
6:00 p.m.
———————————————–
6:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87690274017?pwd=NVJXUEUwZUZrNW5OaTJtNmVBYVRVQT09
– Passcode: 204813
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 876 9027 4017
– Passcode: 204813
———————————————-
Closed Session
———————————————-
7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online (OPEN SESSION)
Agenda (click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes Reading Adoption and Funding Presentation (Informational) – 1 HOUR
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84014353690?pwd=QXc0ZkpsTHRPZkFXT0RKdjdWek5tQT09
– Passcode: 253825
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 840 1435 3690
– Passcode: 253825

City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Cravath Conference Room
Municipal Building – 2 Floor
312 W Whitewater St
Agenda includes Discussion And Possible Action Regarding Removing No Parking On The George Street
Cul-De-Sac and Discussion Of All Potential Sanitary Sewer And Water Main Extension Requests
Anticipated For The Next Two Years For New Development.

Whitewater Aquatic & Fitness Center Subcommittee Meeting – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes mediation discussion.
Whitewater High School Library
534 S. Elizabeth Street
Whitewater, WI 53190

• URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83251069508?pwd=aGFmSnhjN1BhdkQxRk1TNzJ4L0I5QT09
  Passcode: 259829

• Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
• Webinar ID: 832 5106 9508
• Passcode: 259829

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Review Draft #2 Affordable Housing Policy (Rev. 6/9/23) and possible recommendation for
consideration by the Common Council (Draft #1 included for reference).
Location: Municipal Building – Community Room 1st Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
This will be an IN‐PERSON and VIRTUAL MEETING
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us via computer, smart phone or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device:
Please click this URL to join.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89178875824?pwd=UFJLR3dSeWw4aW82Y2UzU1V0b3d6QT09
Passcode: 081364
Or join by phone: 1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 891 7887 5824
Passcode: 081364

The Whitewater Landmarks Commission has started a new mini-documentary series about the various Landmarks located in Whitewater. Each monthly episode will highlight a different landmark, the first being the Hamilton House, located on 328 W. Main St. The intention of the series, according to James Olm, a Landmark Commission member, is “to make aware and inform the public about our various special landmark treasures, covering everything from historical facts, to stories and legends, to special memories from Whitewater residents.” Each episode will run between 6 – 10 minutes long, and can be accessed through YouTube. The series is produced voluntarily, at no charge. You can watch the first episode now here (or by scrolling down on this page.)

Growing evidence indicates that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by adopting key lifestyle habits. When possible, combine these habits to achieve maximum benefit for the brain and body. Start now. It’s never too late or too early to incorporate healthy habits.

Break a sweat: Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body. Several studies have found an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline.

Hit the books: Formal education in any stage of life will help reduce your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. For example, take a class at a local college, community center or online.

Butt out: Evidence shows that smoking increases risk of cognitive decline. Quitting smoking can reduce that risk to levels comparable to those who have not smoked.

Follow your heart: Evidence shows that risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes negatively impact your cognitive health. Take care of your heart, and your brain just might follow.

Heads up! Brain injury can raise your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Wear a seat belt, use a helmet when playing contact sports or riding a bike, and take steps to prevent falls.

Fuel up right: Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Although research on diet and cognitive function is limited, certain diets, including Mediterranean and Mediterranean DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may contribute to risk reduction.

Catch some Zzz’s: Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking. Take care of your mental health: Some studies link a history of depression with increased risk of cognitive decline, so seek medical treatment if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns. Also, try to manage stress.

Buddy up: Staying socially engaged may support brain health.

Pursue social activities that are meaningful to you. Find ways to be part of your local community. If you love animals, consider volunteering at a local shelter. If you enjoy singing, join a local choir or help at an afterschool program. Or, just share activities with friends and family.

Stump yourself: Challenge and activate your mind. Build a piece of furniture. Complete a jigsaw puzzle. Do something artistic. Play games, such as bridge, that make you think strategically. Challenging your mind may have short and longterm benefits for your brain.

BRAIN FITNESS IDEAS

Learn a dance.

Take a cooking class.

Learn to play an instrument.

Be Social! Friendships are important.

Sing in a group.

Learn a new word each week and use it.

 Move! Keep the blood moving through the brain. Exercise is important!

Take up a creative hobby, especially one with fine motor skills like knitting, drawing or painting.

Do things differently such as the way you drive home;  use opposite hand, put pants on opposite leg first.

Learn a new sport.

This article reprinted from Whitewater Seniors in the Park June Newsletter, submitted by Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, a program of Whitewater SITP.  New members are always welcome.  Contact jfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call Jennifer French at 262 473 0535.

Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) announced the names of five scholarship recipients who were selected to receive $2,000. The FCCU scholarship was developed in 2019 as a reflection of FCCU’s mission statement: “To help our members be in a better financial position than when we met them.” These scholarships will help members achieve their educational dreams.

This year’s scholarship committee reviewed the applications submitted by our member graduates. “There are so many talented seniors in the surrounding communities,” Whitney Townsend, Director of Business and Community Development, said, “It is a challenge to select only five recipients when plenty more demonstrate great character and achievement.”

The FCCU scholarship recipients for the 2022-2023 school year included:
• Lauren Lescohier, Fort Atkinson High School graduate, plans to attend UW Whitewater to pursue a degree in elementary education.
• David Ganser Jr., Jefferson High School graduate, plans to attend UW Stout to pursue a degree in construction management.
• Noah Clifton, Jefferson High School graduate, plans to attend Madison College for liberal arts with plans to pursue a degree in construction management.
• Cali Kopecky, Whitewater High School graduate, plans to attend UW Whitewater to pursue a degree in business.
• Alex Martin, Whitewater High School graduate, plans to attend UW Whitewater to pursue a degree in music education.

Walworth County to Host Dedication of the Nancy Russell Trail Network at White River County Park on June 24

Dedication Coincides with Founders’ Day Event

At its February 2023 meeting, the Walworth County Board of Supervisors voted to rename the White River County Park trail network the Nancy Russell Trail Network in honor of former County Board Chair Nancy Russell.

“Nancy Russell was instrumental in the acquisition and development of White River County Park,” says Walworth County Board Chair Rick Stacey. “Because of Nancy, generations of Walworth County residents will be able to enjoy this beautiful park. Renaming the trail network in her honor acknowledges that legacy.”

The dedication of the Nancy Russell Trail Network will take place on Saturday, June 24, at 9 a.m., at White River County Park, 6503 Sheridan Springs Rd., Lake Geneva. County Board Chair Rick Stacey and Walworth County Parks Committee member Merilee Holst will speak before unveiling the new Nancy Russell Trail Network signs.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Friends of White River County Park will host its annual Founders’ Day picnic, with guided walks, family-friendly activities, and history and information about the park. The group will also provide grilled lunch. The event is free; goodwill donations will be accepted.

To learn more about White River County Park, visit www.co.walworth.wi.us/828/White-River-Park.

Our thanks to Steve Watson for sharing his beautiful photography with us again.

Hunter Martin, of Whitewater, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics and Law from Wisconsin Lutheran College. Hunter is a graduate of Whitewater High School.

Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC) is an independent, residential, nationally ranked Christian college in Milwaukee that serves nearly 1,100 undergraduate and graduate students through its on-campus and online programming. The college, which prepares students for lives of Christian leadership, is recognized for its academic excellence and superior student experience. Caring, Christian faculty work directly with students, who benefit from numerous research, service, and co-curricular opportunities designed to enhance academic and spiritual growth. Learn more at wlc.edu.

“Boy Erased”

Tuesday, June 13, 1 p.m.

(Biography/Drama) Rated R (language, sexual content) 

1 hour, 55 minutes (2018). 

A current topic of discussion is conversion therapy. In this thoughtful, well-acted film, the son of a Baptist minister participates in a church-supported gay conversion therapy program after being outed to his parents. Starring Lucas Hedges, Russell Crowe, and Nicole Kidman.