News

The Whitewater Unified School District invites all middle school families to the next Middle School Matters engagement session, which will take place Monday, November 18, from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m.

Part of an ongoing family engagement initiative, the event will provide parents and caregivers with valuable information, tools, and resources to help navigate the middle school years. Topics in the upcoming session include tutorials on Infinite Campus and the Rooms App, information on middle school grading, and how families can expect to receive school and district communications.

“We are building this program to include the entire school—not just those new to us,” said Chris Fountain, WMS Principal. “Through these sessions, we equip families with knowledge and support while building strong partnerships between home and school to foster positive student experiences and maximize their learning and potential. We are committed to making these sessions interactive to ensure our parents and caregivers have opportunities for questions and discussion.”

Families are encouraged to bring their own mobile devices to access the digital resources reviewed during the session. District staff will be on hand to provide answers to questions and discuss various topics relevant to the middle school experience.

Families with questions on the Middle School Matters program are asked to contact Stacey
Joseph, Music Teacher at sJoseph@wwusd.org.

The College of Arts and Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater announces its production of “Sylvia” by A.R Gurney. Directed by Robyn Accetta, this production will run in Hicklin Studio Theatre on select days from Nov. 15-23. Tickets are on sale for the performances and can be purchased in person at Ticket Services, online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling (262) 472-2222. The Hicklin Studio Theatre and UW-Whitewater Ticket Services are located in the Greenhill Center of the Arts at 950 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for age 65+ and $13 for under age 18.

Step into Greg and Kate’s world as they are balancing their new lives in the vibrant city of Manhattan after twenty-two years in the suburbs. Discover how Sylvia, a lab and poodle mixture, becomes an escape from the stress of work for one and an opponent for affection for the other. A.R Gurney paints a humorous picture as Sylvia turns the lives of Greg and Kate upside down. The hilarious play depicts the relationship of a man and his best friend and the importance of his marriage through complications and revelations. Don’t miss the significant lessons that a street-smart dog like Sylvia will teach the couple. This play contains language that might not be suitable for a younger audience.

The play originally premiered off-Broadway in 1995 and on Broadway in 2015 and has included notable cast members such as Sarah Jessica Parker as Sylvia and Matthew Broderick as Greg.  When asked about the upcoming production, director Accetta stated, “When I first read Sylvia, I was instantly charmed by its quirkiness – kind of like those unexpected plot twists in your favorite 90s sitcoms. Our team set out to capture the humor and heart that makes this story special.”

Performance times for “Sylvia” are as follows:

• Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
• Nov. 16 at 2 p.m.
• Nov. 17 at 2 p.m.
• Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
• Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
• Nov. 23 at 2 p.m.

You don’t want to miss this hilarious performance of “Sylvia” in Hicklin Studio Theatre Nov. 15-23. Act now to take advantage of the half price matinee on Saturday, November 16! Get your tickets today in person, online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling (262) 472-2222. There is a $2 surcharge for tickets purchased at the door at the time of the event. Parking during this event is available at no additional charge in University parking lots 1 & 2.

The Hicklin Studio Theatre and UW-Whitewater Ticket Services are located in the Greenhill Center of the Arts at 950 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190. Ticket Services hours are Monday-Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. when classes are in session.

Event Date: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 5 pm-7 pm
Event Location: WAA Gallery, 402 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI

Fee: $35 (includes all materials)

The Whitewater Arts Alliance is excited to announce the return of Rhonda Kolander for a second acrylic painting workshop titled “Ocean Sunset.” Join us on Friday, November 15, from 5 pm-7 pm for an evening of creativity and relaxation.

This workshop is perfect for artists of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned painters. Rhonda will guide participants through the process of creating a beautiful ocean sunset painting, sharing tips and techniques to enhance your acrylic painting skills.

Spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your spot today! Registration is available at the Cultural Arts Center or online at https://www.whitewaterarts.org/shop/workshop-registration-rhonda-kolander-acrylics-ocean-sunset

Whether you’re looking to unwind, learn something new, or connect with fellow art enthusiasts, this workshop promises to be a fun experience. Don’t miss out on the chance to create your own masterpiece under Rhonda’s expert guidance!

For more information, please visit whitewaterarts.org or contact:
Kim Adams, Gallery Director, Whitewater Arts Alliance
Phone: 608-201-2151
Email:wwartsalliance@gmail.com

By Diane Jaroch
Director, Irvin L. Young Memorial Library

If you haven’t heard, the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library has completed Phase One of the building project and is open to the public. The building opened to the public on October 31^st. We no longer charge fines, so if you still have items that need to be returned that may be overdue, you will not be charged once they are checked in at the library. We also have an outdoor book return for your convenience. Come visit us and see the changes that were made while we were closed. The library has now entered Phase Two of the building project, with the addition being built. Our hours are the same as they have been in the past: Monday -Thursday 9:00 am-8:30 pm, Friday 9:00 am-5:30 pm, Saturday 9:00 am-3:00 pm. Our phone number is 262-473-0530. To stay updated on library news be sure to subscribe to our monthly newsletter and check our website and social media platforms on a regular basis.

The WHS Class of ’74 held their 50th reunion on September 14, 2024 at The Fuzzy Pig in Whitewater. Photos are courtesy of Tom Ganser.

Top Row (standing):  Bill Koenitzer, Jane (Messerschmidt) Koenitzer, Ben Killips, June (Knuteson) Parks, Allan Parks, Wayne Thorne, Lori Nelson, Bill Wagie, Mark Mead, Mary (Perich) Perry, Jim Newhouse,  Deb Hoffman, Don Lasch, Shari (Talbert) Ingersoll, Bruce Borden, Patti (Robbins) Priske, Mark Bailey, Jelaine (Henry) Goehl, Luke Rehrauer, Roger Walton

Third Row: (sitting) Carol Taylor, Kathy (Smith) Cianciolo, Mary Morphew, Julie (Piat) Enerson, Virginia (Ruenger) Thorne, Jane (Wagner) West, Danni (Caldwell) Potratz, Colleen (Behrens) Splittgerber, Lori (Notbusch) Vicker, Kori Oberle

Second Row:  John Duerst, Steve Taylor, Jeff Walters, Sue (Krause) Lein, Roger Kincaid, Rick Lein, Ron Hull, Reid Jolin, Trent Agnew, Kevin Boynton, Doug Behrens, Bob Keith

Bottom Row (sitting):  Kori Oberle, Lei (Brenton) Lund, Julie (Brandt) Dooley, Meg Underwood, Crystal (Stevenson) Singer, Jerry West, Bill Knilans, Mark Traxler, Todd Cummings
Photo by Tom Ganser – tganser33@gmail.com

Rainbow among local organizers to present documentary by people overcoming loneliness

Rainbow Community Care, in collaboration with the Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation and the Watertown Area YMCA, invites the public to attend a free community screening of All the Lonely People on Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Country Inn & Suites in Fort Atkinson. Following the film, there will be time for a panel discussion and social hour. Loneliness, social isolation, and ways to support one another will be topics discussed as well, including how to build supportive networks. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided along with free soda and water and a cash bar is also available.

Presented by the Clowder Group, this powerful documentary film follows a handful of people from different walks of life as they overcome social isolation and chronic loneliness – a condition that is affecting millions of people in the wake of the COVID pandemic. Researchers believe the effects of loneliness on our health are as bad as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The added stress of feeling alone increases heart disease, stroke, anxiety, and even an earlier onset of dementia.

Caring for a loved one is one of the most rewarding yet challenging roles a person can take on, but it can also be tiring and stressful. When you’re a primary caregiver, especially in a rural community, it can feel isolating – both physically and emotionally. If your loved one was once the one handling daily tasks and responsibilities and now relies on you for help with a serious illness or other challenges, that change can create even more strain, limiting your ability to connect with others. It’s essential to acknowledge these feelings, seek support, take care of your own physical and mental health, and remember that you’re not alone.

Limited to the first 200 people. For more information and to register for this free event please visit: https://bit.ly/AllLonelyPeople.

It is the best time of year, FRUIT SALES!! The FFA would GREATLY appreciate your support. There is truly something for everyone: fruit, cheese, and sausage. The sale ends November 12th at 11:59 P.M. I have attached my online link below. Thank you in advance!

Online Fruit Sale Link: https://app.fundraiseit.org/shop.php?code=254259

Editor’s note: The above announcement was provided by Emily Schmidt.