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State Proclaims May Ehlers-Danlos Awareness Month with Liz Sotherland’s Advocacy

Liz Sotherland, who together with her husband John, own BicycleWise, connected with our State officials to proclaim May as Ehlers-Danlos Awareness Month. With some work with local representatives, the past month was officially Ehlers-Danlos Awareness Month in Wisconsin! Thank you Governor Tony Evers. The official document will be proudly displayed at BicycleWise.

The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes are a group of connective tissue disorders that can be inherited and are varied both in how they affect the body and in their genetic causes. They are generally characterized by joint hypermobility (joints that stretch further than normal), skin hyperextensibility (skin that can be stretched further than normal), and tissue fragility.

It’s difficult knowing there’s no treatment or cure, but working toward awareness and more research gives Liz hope for herself and others. To learn more click here or here.

Pastel & Watercolor Exhibit now open in Roberta’s Art Gallery

Urban Landscapes by Wisconsin Pastel Artists and Tony Armendariz


Raw Energy & Contemporary Urban Landscapes Exhibits

Landscapes, buildings, animals, colors, and more; there are pastels and watercolors galore. Dive into the scenes of Roberta’s Art Gallery’s new exhibits, Raw Energy & Contemporary Urban Landscapes.

Roberta’s Art Gallery will be hosting Raw Energy & Contemporary Urban Landscapes by Wisconsin Pastel Artists and Tony Armendariz May 15-June 14, 2019.

The gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please join us for a reception with the artists on Monday, June 3 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a program from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Along with this, there will be refreshments and live music for your entertainment. The live music will be performed by Sergeant Early’s Dream.

The Wisconsin Pastel Artists is an organization made up of more than forty artists who focus each of their pieces around the use of pastels as their primary medium. “We want to encourage and foster creative painting with pastels, support our fellow artists, promote activities and exhibit opportunities, and increase public awareness of the beautiful artistry of pastels as a painting medium,” is the primary goal of the association. Along with showing in exhibits, the organization hosts workshops and lectures, while also attending conferences.

Tony Armendariz uses watercolors as his medium, and is the featured artist within the exhibit as a whole. From a young age, Tony was immersed in art while growing up in a graphic arts family. After years of working in corporate America as a web designer and graphic artist, he decided to leave to pursue his passion in watercolor and teaching. Armendariz states, “My paintings are portraits of timeworn structures and people in the urban landscape…my intent is that the subjects convey a variety of stories told over years of life and work.” Tony has won numerous awards, and is a part of six national artistic societies.

Roberta’s Art Gallery is a full service gallery that focuses on numerous styles of art exhibits, workshops and aims to reach students, faculty and staff, alumni, community members, and other visitors. Art is believed to be a universal language, and being a resource for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Roberta’s Art Gallery collaborates with students, campus departments, and student organizations.

All exhibits and receptions are free and open to the public. Roberta’s Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the James R. Connor University Center (UC) at UW-Whitewater. If you would like more information, feel free to contact Roberta’s Art Gallery via email ucart@uww.edu or via phone (262) 472-3193. We look forward to seeing you!

Whitewater Warhawks and Gymhawks Youth Gymnastics Team Up for Spring Fling

Group Photo of Coaches and Team



Members of the UW Whitewater Warhawks and Gymhawks Youth Gymnastics Competitive Team in Whitewater teamed up to host a Spring Fling mock meet for gymnasts currently enrolled in the Gymhawks recreational gymnastics program. The event held on May 11 was organized by UW Whitewater gymnast and graduating senior, Abby Helmke. Abby and her teammates volunteered as judges and coaches for the 40 gymnasts who registered for this event. Held in the Warhawks’ state of the art gymnastic facility, the participating youth were able to perform their skills in a just-for-event in front of friends and family to experience a taste of competitive gymnastics. The Gymhawks Youth Gymnastics team assisted with event set up, photo booth creation, and helped guide the participants throughout the event. All participants were awarded T-shirts, award certificates and event ribbons.

The Gymhawks Gymnastics program is a developmental gymnastics program run by the UW-Whitewater Gymnastics team. Young gymnasts learn in state-of-the art facilities with professional and caring staff and train in the same facilities as the five-time NCGA Division III National Gymnastics Champions Whitewater Warhawks. The Gymhawks Head Coach, Allison Annala, was recently named 2019 National Collegiate Gymnastics Association West Region Assistant Coach of the Year by the Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA). Gymhawks offer recreational group sessions, private and semi-private lessons, gymnastics camps, birthday parties, and has a USAG Competitive Team.

The Gymhawks competitive team currently consists of 21 team members, competing at Levels 3 – 7. For more information about the Gymhawks gymnastics program, contact Head Coach Allison Annala at gymhawks@uww.edu or 262-472-1454, find them on Facebook under “Gymhawks Gymnastics” or at the University of Whitewater’s website.

Related photos all courtesy of Tara LeRoy:
Elizabeth Miller.Spring Fling – Gymhawks Gymnast Elizabeth Miller, a student at Jefferson Middle School, competes on uneven bars during the “Spring Fling” mock meet held at UW Whitewater.

Jocelyn S and Sophie Lonsdale – Gymnasts Jocelyn Sveom and Sophia Lonsdale proudly share their awards for participating in the Spring Fling mock gymnastics meet recently held as part of the Gymhawks Gymnastics program.

Emersyn Brock – Gymhawk Gymnast Emersyn Brock performs a routine on the balance beam during Gymhawks Spring Fling gymnastics event

Gymhawks and Coaches Spring Fling – Members of the Gymhawks Competitive Gymnastics team pose after Spring Fling: Top Row – left to right: Courtney Knox (from Milton), Halee Peters, Trinity Wilson, Isabella Perez-Emory (from Watertown); Bella Grassi (from Milton), Carmen Gresens (from Edgerton) and Warhawk Senior Kateyln Turek. Bottom Row, left to right: Head Coach Allison Annala, Rihanna Pena (Elkhorn), Bailey LeRoy (Palmyra), and senior Warhawk Senior gymnast Abby Helmke

Bailey LeRoy and Coach Allison at Spring Fling – Level 4 Gymhawk Gymnast, Bailey LeRoy- a 4th grade student at Palmyra Elementary school- poses at the Spring Fling with the Gymhawks Head Coach, Allison Annala. Allison was recently named 2019 National Collegiate Gymnastics Association West Region Assistant Coach of the Year by the Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA).

New Beginnings APFV community workshop in Whitewater

Article and Photos by Tom Ganser

Front L to R
Ben Kelly, Lisa Otterbacher, David Byrne, Emily Radaj, Araceli Wence
Back L to R
Nathan Radaj, Pete Goihl, Sam Radaj, Deborah Grulkowski, Jessica Wilson, Regan Hammons, Nancy Schmidt, Mary Barnes, Deborah Blackwell, Brittany Redden

In May, five young teenagers and five senior citizens put their artistic and horticultural skills to the test in a fun and intergenerational experience sponsored by the Association for the Prevention of Family Violence (APFV).

The four-session workshop was supported by a 2018 grant from the Whitewater Community Foundation to promote collaboration between APFV and Studio 84, Whitewater Middle School students, and residents of Fairhaven Senior Services.

The first four-session workshop focused on providing a greater understanding of individual strengths and sought to gain insight on the different challenges each generation faces. The workshop included seniors and youth working together on a fun personality assessment and a combination art and garden project.

Throughout the sessions, the youth had an opportunity to share some technology experiences as seniors shared some of the wisdom they have gained throughout life.

Working side by side in Studio 84, the five teens and five senior citizens planned how to decorate flower pots, painted the pots, transplanted flowers and other plants into the pots, and distributed them to Fairhaven Senior Services residents.

APFV began in 1978 as a task force looking at the community problem of domestic violence, enhancing its mission over the years and expanding its services. In 2018 APFV changed its name to New Beginnings APFV and opened a second New Beginnings office in downtown Whitewater in order to better serve the needs of the northern portions of Walworth County as well as begin to serve residents of southern Jefferson County. The original office is located in Elkhorn.

New Beginnings APFV is an advocacy center that collaborates with individuals who are seeking to reclaim ownership of their lives. New Beginning advocates are dedicated to walking the journey with individuals who are navigating a challenging time in their lives that often involves emotional trauma as well as complex court and legal systems.

New Beginnings APFV provides comprehensive, compassionate support and services to people affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking and human trafficking. This includes crisis intervention, legal advocacy, safety planning, individual counseling, housing advocacy, children’s services, medical advocacy and information and referral to other relevant community resources.

To learn more about APFV, visit newbeginningswalworth.com.

WHS Soccer defeats East Troy, advances in WIAA regional play

  • Cora Linos making one of her 11 saves.
  • Carmen Kraayvanger scores the first WHS goal.

Article by Dan McCrea; Photos by Peter Mischka

Whitewater Girls Soccer, a number ten seed in first round WIAA regional play, traveled to number 7 East Troy and defeated the Trojans 2-0.

In regular season play, the Whippets lost twice to the Trojans, 2-0 and 2-1, thus the win was redemptive. The Whippets started off slow, but gained momentum when Carmen Kraayvenger scored, assisted by Jaden Henneman in the 37th.

The warm weather taxed the Whippets but the reserves provided steady relief maintaining the team’s tempo. In the 79th minute, Meikayla Korf placed a floater over the keeper to put the Whippets up 2-0 for good. Cora Linos recorded 11 saves in goal. Sierra Brunner pressed the Trojans on attack allowing  space for Kraayvenger, Korf, Henneman and Melanie Reyes to work the midfield. Defensively Brianna Zimdars, Maddie Elworthy, Crystal Chan and Hannah O’Brien held an aggressive East Troy attack.

Up next Whitewater travels to number two seed New Berlin West on Saturday at 1:00 pm.

Daniel Lee Leverenz passed away peacefully on May 16, 2019, after battling a serious illness for years.

He fought bravely with determination continuing his various jobs and hobbies until the end. With his kindness and generosity toward family and friends, “Danny” loved and lived life on his own terms. He became an amazing chef and baker ,a caretaker, a woodworker, and an excellent pool player. Most importantly, he was an avid reader and poet. He had a collection of thousands of books, movies, music, and art objects. Asked anything about his collections, he could answer them verbatim. Daniel was born in Fort Atkinson, WI and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1982. He since continued to pursue teaching and other careers in the Twin Cities.

He is survived by his partner of many years, Phyllis Kay Lenss, sisters Gail Beach, Jean Malson (Raymond), Terrie Leverenz (Matt), Stepmother Joyce Leverenz and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by mother, Vera Embree, father Walter Leverenz, and sisters, Sheryl and Shelley. Celebrations of his life will be held in Minneapolis, MN and Whitewater, WI.

Services will be held in Minneapolis on Saturday, June 15, 3:00 p.m. at Biffs Sports Bar and Grill, 777 Hwy. 65 NE, Spring Park Lake, MN, 55432.

Specified donations will go to Hospice of Minneapolis and Scleroderma Dan’s Book’s for Charity.

Myron “Mike” Richard Paynter, 79, of Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison.

Myron was born on February 9, 1940 in Johnstown Township, Rock County to Meredith and Eldora (Zanton) Paynter. He graduated from Whitewater City High School in 1958. Myron married Norberta Verthein on June 17, 1967. He was employed with Wisconsin Electric Company for over 25 years. Myron enjoyed golfing, deer hunting, and playing cards. He loved to follow his children and grandchildren in all their endeavors. Myron was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Norberta; children Julie (Matthew) Burns, Highlands Ranch, CO, Jennifer (Matthew) Nyquist, Orono, MN, Michael Paynter, Milwaukee; sisters Nancy Morrow, Whitewater, Elizabeth Banholzer, Astoria, OR, Arlene Kearney, DeForest; brother Robert Paynter, Whitewater. He was preceded in death by his parents Eldora and Meredith Paynter and brothers LaVerne and Arlyn Paynter.

Visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Whitewater. The funeral mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. and then a brief burial service at Hillside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Whitewater Community Food Pantry, P.O. Box 63, Whitewater, WI 53190.

Nitardyfuneralhome.com

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Free Ice Age Trail Events June 1, 2019

Hikers on the Ice Age Trail

Free National Trails Day Hikes on June 1
The ICE AGE TRAIL ALLIANCE (Walworth/Jefferson County Chapter) will sponsor two free
hiking activities on the I.A.T. in celebration of National Trails Day on June 1. There is no
charge for these hikes, and parking is free for the day. Both activities will begin at the Rice
Lake parking area near the boat launch, off State Park Road in the Whitewater Lake
Recreation Area. (Look for the Ice Age Trail tent!)



The Up to 20 Miles Hike will leave the parking area at 8 AM. Participants may elect to end
their hike at any road crossing — volunteer shuttle drivers provide free transport back to the
starting point. Water and bathrooms are available at the start, at Highway 12, and at the 9.4-
mile point, the historic Oleson Cabin on Duffin Road — an excellent shady spot to enjoy a
picnic lunch. Those who wish to continue may go on to the Emma Carlin trailhead or stop at
any road in between. Wearing hiking boots or sturdy shoes and bringing a cell phone,
snacks, mosquito dope, a hat, and drinking water is very strongly recommended. For more
information, contact Andy Whitney at 262-949-0286.

Mammoth Tracks: Hiking Fun for Families offers a choice of two two-mile hikes with the focus
on kids. Follow the rocky Ice Age Trail over the hills to the look-out for a bird’s-eye view of the
lakes, hills, and forests. Or trek around the lagoon then down-hill through the pines to a
bridge over a fast-running trout stream — your choice! These guided hikes leave the
playground area every hour from 10 AM until 1 PM. Long pants, please — and sunscreen and
shoes with socks. For more information, please contact Ellen Davis at 262-740-1113.

The meeting place for both is the I.A.T. tent between the boat launch and the purple playground at Rice Lake; parking stickers are not required on this day. The Up-to-Twenty-Miles hike leaves at 8 AM; the family hikes (choice of 2 – each about 2 miles in length) start on the hour between 10 and 1. All hikes are guided, with a sweep at the rear to make sure everyone is still on course.

Circle of Artists’ Exhibit “A Moment in Time” with “Freedom” Theme at Hoard Museum

The Circle of Artists group (formally Visionary Artists) will hold its Summer 2019 art exhibit at The Hoard Museum Gallery located at 401 Whitewater Avenue in Fort Atkinson, WI.  The opening reception will be held on Saturday, June 8th from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.  The paintings will be on display until June 22nd during regular museum hours, Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

The theme of capturing a moment in time has inspired the artists to create paintings that reflect their own interpretations of moments in time that are meaningful to them.  The paintings are done in a variety of mediums, colors and textures that reflect each of the artists’ varied styles.

As a special focus on “Freedom” each artist has also created one piece of art that pays tribute to freedom. These seven paintings will be displayed together to highlight what freedom means to them.

The artists hope that the viewing public will enjoy their efforts to stop time in its tracks through their paintings. They invite you to meet them at their opening reception and enjoy the experience of seeing what they have created.

Barbara Grant: “I enjoy experimenting with various media in my work.  For this exhibit regarding “moments” I depict elements that give me pause, discovering animal tracks, love letters, pink skies, etc.” 

John Dynkowski:  “I paint in watercolor as well as abstract collage.  Most of my work has a serenity theme for the viewer to escape into.”

Marilyn Fuerstenberg:   “For this show I challenged myself to paint subjects that have eluded my abilities in the past. “Give me a moment to paint that” was my inspiration for this show. Of course, I always have to include a few of my favorite floral paintings. I paint exclusively in watercolor.”

 Thomas Jewell:  “My subjects of interest are landscapes, horses, wildlife and portraiture.  I gain my inspirations from the natural world around me.  My color palette is derived from the primary and earth-tone colors. I love to explore the color ranges and light affects I can create as I challenge myself to grasp the magic beauty of landscapes, the elegance of the horse or the soul of portraiture subjects. I create in acrylic, oil, watercolor, and graphite mediums.”

Mary Nevicosi: “My art isn’t about realism or even rationalism. It is simply about putting brush to canvas every day and making colors and movements that thrill me.”

Sylvia Linton:  “My muse finds it hard to stay on one path, so I find joy in trying new ways of painting. For this show I have included watercolors, fluid acrylic pours, a collage, and an alcohol ink painting, finding beauty in the natural world and amusement in the world of my own imagination.”

Varla Bishop: Varla Bishop paints in watercolor and acrylic. She especially enjoys painting portraits of people depicting moments in time. She is also a pet portrait artist and visitors will see her love for animals in her work.

Circle of Artists: Varla Bishop, John Dynkowski, Marilyn Fuerstenberg, Barb Grant, Tom Jewell, Sylvia Linton, Mary Nevicosi.  

Visit their website: www.whitewatercircleofartists.com