News

ADRC of Walworth County Offers Program to Help Reduce Caregiver Stress

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers: Stress Management is an educational workshop designed to provide caregivers with the tools they need to take care of themselves. Offered by the Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), this 90-minute program is focused on managing the stress related to caregiving.

The workshops are conducted by experienced class leaders who are caregivers themselves and have successfully applied the techniques they teach. Interactive lessons, discussions, and brainstorming will empower caregivers with the “tools” they choose to reduce stress and make positive, healthy changes in their lives.

The Powerful Tools for Caregivers: Stress Management workshop will be held Thursday, March 16, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., in Matheson Memorial Library’s Community Room, located at 101 N. Wisconsin Street, Elkhorn, WI. The workshop has a suggested donation of $10. 

For questions, or to register for the program, contact Chetney Blaszczyk RDN, CD at (262) 741-3309.

About the ADRC of Walworth County: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers, and the public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and providing options available to meet the needs of your situation. Learn more at www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center.

WHS Sophomore Dies Sunday, Teammates Play in His Honor Monday

Photos from the WHS Facebook page

According to a story in the Daily Jefferson County Union, “Monday’s Whitewater High School basketball game versus Evansville was about much more than who won or who lost. Ricardo (Ricky) Lopez-Navejas Jr., a sophomore WHS basketball member, died unexpectedly Sunday.

“We were really wanting to cancel this evening, but the family said to go forward in his (Ricky’s) honor,” Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent Caroline Pate-Hefty said. A moment of silence was held before the games began Monday night. Basketball players wore shirts in memory of Ricky warming up before the game and on the sidelines….

Tears were shed, hugs were given, and Whitewater’s community came together to support one another Monday night after a devastating tragedy.”

Here’s the post that appeared on the high school Facebook page on Tuesday:

Teary eyes, full hearts. Last evening, Whitewater came together for Ricky. Your generosity was tremendously moving and raised almost $3000 for the family of Ricardo (Ricky) Lopez-Nivejas Jr. The stands and the gyms were packed; our community, students and staff grieved together, as a family.

So many Thank yous…

Thank you to Ricky’s family for having the intuition to know that this is what our school community needed.

Thank you to our community for your generosity.

Thank you to the students who helped to set up a beautiful memorial for Ricky.

Thank you to our coaches for ensuring our students were supported and could honor Ricky’s memory yesterday.

Thank you to Aropa Designs for printing the amazing turn around in T-shirts for our students.

Thank you to our counseling and pupil services staff that gave of themselves tirelessly to assure our students and staff were okay.

Thank you to our staff for supervising and supporting while also grieving.

Thank you to the administrative team who worked tirelessly to support everyone.

Thank you to Evansville Community School District for your understanding and sportsmanship.

During this difficult time, it was heartening to see everyone come together to support one another. We will continue to accept donations for the family at the HS office through Friday, February 24th. Thank you so much. 🫶🏼

#24foreverwhippet

#1family

#whippetnation

Multi-Student International Photography Exhibit at Roberta’s Art Gallery Through March 15

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Roberta’s Art Gallery at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s James R. Connor University Center.

Community members are invited to explore the beauty of the world with the Office of Global Experiences’ “Adventures Abroad” exhibit at Roberta’s Art Gallery in the James R. Connor University Center from February 23 to March 15. This exciting international photography exhibit consists of photographs taken from around the world by over 13 students who studied abroad. This showcase includes photographs of landscapes and cityscapes of important sites including France, Costa Rica, Spain, Iceland, and Japan.  

 “Adventures Abroad” is a continuum of the 10th annual photo exhibit. Nick Jacobus, a political science major with a history minor, studied abroad in Thailand during the fall 2022 semester. Jacobus says, “Through my experience, I became a more culturally aware person and expanded my worldview beyond my immediate surroundings.” E Jeninga, an art major with an emphasis in graphic design and a double minor in advertising and special education, traveled to Iceland during May 2022. Jeninga states, “Iceland was gorgeous, and capturing how my classmates interacted with the new surroundings was captivating. I loved to catch them staring intently at a glacier or walking through the lava fields.” 

Walking to the Water – Sólheimajökulll, Iceland – E Jeninga

The Office of Global Experiences at UW-Whitewater offers hundreds of programs in over 50 countries to choose from. “Studying abroad was the best experience to come from my college career,” says Jed Pulley, a computer science major and Japanese studies minor at UW-Whitewater. “Being in a completely new place for four months grants a special shift in perspective that most people don’t get the privilege of experiencing, and I’m very grateful that I did.”  

A panel of students and faculty who traveled abroad and whose photographs are on display in the exhibit will be speaking during the exhibit reception on Tuesday, March 7 at 6 p.m. and there will be an opportunity for audience questions. Light refreshments will be provided.  

 The Orange-tiled Buildings of Malá Strana, a neighborhood in Prague, Czechia- Connor Butler

Roberta’s Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the James R. Connor University Center at UW-Whitewater. The gallery collaborates with campus departments, student organizations and community artists in coordinating and sponsoring exhibits. During the semester, gallery hours are Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and closed Saturday and Sunday. 

Roberta’s Art Gallery prides itself in all exhibits being free and open to the public. For parking information see the visitor parking website. Attending certain events can earn students class credit. To be featured in Roberta’s Art Gallery, contact us for a proposal request. Reach us at ucart@uww.edu or (262) 472-3193 or visit our website for any questions or inquiries. 

WHS Players “A Murder is Announced” Really Does Open Tonight

Join the WHS Players for Agatha Christie’s, “A Murder is Announced,” February 23 at 7:00 p.m., February 25 at 2:00 & 7:00 p.m. or February 26 at 2:00 p.m. in the WHS Auditorium. Tickets are $7 per student and $10 per adult. Reserve your general admission tickets by calling the box office at 262-472-8178. The Saturday matinee performance is a makeup for the canceled Thursday evening performance, so if you didn’t have tickets for Thursday but you’re interested in that performance be sure to check ahead of time to make sure there are enough seats.

We hope you can come out to support these talented performers. Dress rehearsal photos are compliments of Tom Ganser.

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: Rooftop View c.1900

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week we present a “rooftop” view, one of several in the society’s photo collections. Prior to aerial photography, rooftop views were very popular. This one was taken around 1900 from the top of the old Bower’s New Metropolitan Block in the middle of the south side of Center Street. Originally a three-story building, the Bower’s Metropolitan Block had a photography studio on the third floor during the 19th and early 20th centuries and a number of rooftop views in the collection appear to be taken from this building.

This view looks northwest with the three-story Pratt Institute building in front of the Congregational Church building at the top-center of the image. Beyond that is the large Old Main building of the Normal School (UWW) situated on one of the taller points of the city. In the foreground are the cream brick business buildings of the north side of Center Street.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(5135P Whitewater Historical Society)

Gov. Evers Announces Passing of Former Wisconsin Gov. Tony Earl

Governor orders US, Wisconsin flags to fly at half-staff as state mourns loss
Gov. Tony Evers today announced the passing of former Gov. Tony Earl, the 41st governor of the state of Wisconsin. After suffering a stroke this past weekend, Gov. Earl was hospitalized, spending his remaining days surrounded and loved by his daughters and close family. Former Gov. Earl passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Thurs., February 23, 2023, at the age of 86. Former Gov. Earl is survived by his four daughters, Julia Earl, Anne Earl, Maggie Earl Shore, Kitty Earl-Torniainen, and 11 grandkids: Lucy, Eamon, Jack, Ben, Ash, Henry, Deirdre, Will, Silja, Aili, and Kai.

Gov. Evers today also signed Executive Order #187 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff effective immediately as the state of Wisconsin honors former Gov. Earl’s service and contributions to the state. 

“It has been an extraordinary honor and a privilege to know former Gov. Earl, and Kathy and I are heartbroken today to announce his passing,” said Gov. Evers. “A formidable leader and public servant, trusted colleague and mentor, and a good and loyal friend, Tony was well-liked and respected by so many. Tony was always a staunch defender of our state’s proud traditions, including conservation, and his passing is a significant loss for our state and for all who had the fortune of meeting and serving with him. His wisdom and wit will be well missed. Kathy and I send our deepest condolences to his daughters and his family during this tremendously difficult time, and we join the people of Wisconsin in mourning the loss of former Gov. Earl.”

“The family is tremendously grateful for the love and support we’ve received,” said former Gov. Earl’s four daughters, Julia, Anne, Maggie, and Kitty in a statement. “Our dad would have been honored by the outpouring of gratitude expressed by all. He would encourage anyone he knew to actively engage in positive change.”

The Earl family also expresses its profound gratitude for the exceptional care he received at the University of Wisconsin Hospital. 

Former Gov. Earl was the 41st governor of the state of Wisconsin, serving as governor from 1983 to 1987. A Navy veteran and graduate of Michigan State University and the University of Chicago Law School, Gov. Earl served as an assistant district attorney in Marathon County from 1965 to 1966 and as the Wausau City Attorney from 1966 to 1969. In October 1969, Gov. Earl was elected to serve in the Wisconsin State Assembly via special election and was reelected in 1970 and 1972. While in the Wisconsin State Assembly, he served as majority leader beginning in 1972 through December 1974. Following his time in the Wisconsin State Assembly, Gov. Earl served as secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration from 1974 to 1975 and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) from 1975 to 1980, serving under the administrations of Govs. Patrick Lucey, Martin Schreiber, and Lee Dreyfus. 

Former Gov. Earl’s lasting legacy is marked by his devout support of stewardship and conservation during his time both as governor and as secretary of the DNR. In addition to serving on several boards and commissions, including the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Subcommittee on Energy, Clean Air and Climate Change, the Center for Clean Air Policy, and the Great Lakes Protection Fund, in 2019, Gov. Earl was honored with the renaming of the Peshtigo River State Forest as the “Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest.”

Former Gov. Earl was a Wisconsinite through and through—known for his authenticity, his wit, and his kindness, he has remained revered and respected by colleagues throughout his long career in public service, even decades after his time in office concluded. He was also known for pursuing pragmatic policy solutions with comity and respect despite party affiliation, his passion for and commitment to good governance, his leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion, especially for LGBTQ Wisconsinites, women, and communities of color, and being an outspoken critic of polarization and money in politics. Former Gov. Earl was also an active and engaged community member, including serving with distinction on the Board of Directors for the Joyce Foundation.

Executive Order #187 is available here and effective immediately until sunset on March 3, 2023. Executive Order #187 also orders flags to be lowered to half-staff on the date of former Gov. Earl’s future celebration of life. Details for the celebration will be released by former Gov. Earl’s family at a later date.

Milwaukee Artist Della Wells to visit UW-Whitewater March 10 as the 2023 Schuh Visiting Artist 

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the College of Arts and Communication, Department of Art and Design at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

The Department of Art and Design in the College of Arts and Communication at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater welcomes Della Wells as the 2023 Schuh Visiting Artist. Wells will be giving a free public lecture in the Young Auditorium on March 10 at 7 p.m. Prior to the lecture, beginning at 5 p.m., an hors d’oeuvres reception will provide an opportunity for everyone to view an exhibition of her work in the Crossman Gallery, located in the Greenhill Center of the Arts. 

Della Wells

Wells is a Milwaukee-based self-taught artist, curator, and arts advocate. In the lecture, she will speak about her journey with art in these various roles. Wells began drawing and painting seriously at the age of 42. Since then, she has created more than 2,000 images in various media and techniques, including collages. She has exhibited nationally and internationally and is represented by the Portrait Society Gallery in Milwaukee, WI. 

The exhibition, titled “Of Chicken, Myths & Fantasy: It Is Storied Tales Drives Our Dreams,” includes collages as well as drawings and paintings that are about storytelling and together reveal a magical land called Mamboland, where Black women rule and wherein Black women are both self-empowered and uplifted. The exhibition will be on view in the Crossman Gallery from March 6-23. 

Please join the Department of Art and Design for these free and public events on March 10: 

Exhibition Reception: 5 – 7 p.m. at the Crossman Gallery 

Artist Lecture and Q&A: 7 – 8:30 p.m. in the Young Auditorium 

No prior registration is necessary to attend the exhibition and reception. Free tickets for the lecture can be found online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling (262) 472-2222. The Crossman Gallery is located in the Greenhill Center of the Arts at 950 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190. The Young Auditorium is located at 930 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190. 

Ticketed events do not require a parking pass. Patrons can park in Lot 1 (corner of Prince & Main Street) starting up to 30 minutes prior to the event without a parking pass.
Non-ticketed events that happen during the week and before 5pm on Friday require that attendees have a parking pass. 

Ways to purchase a parking pass are as follows: 

  • A visitors pass can be ordered online on the Parking Services website and printed at home. 
  • Stop by the Visitors Center building at 826 W. Starin Road, Whitewater, WI 53190. Business hours are 7:30 – 4:30 pm. During non-business hours, attendees can stop by the kiosk located behind the Visitors Center building in the service drive-thru to purchase an hourly, daily or weekly parking permit. 

The Annette and Dale Schuh Visiting Artist Endowment supports an annual visit of a visual artist of a significant stature to UW-Whitewater. It offers a transformative visual arts experience to students in the Department of Art and Design. 

The College of Arts and Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater offers rigorous programs in music, theatre, dance, and the visual arts; internships; pre-professional opportunities in journalism, advertising, and applied communication; and innovative interdisciplinary studies. For more information visit uww.edu/coac.   

Fort Memorial Hospital Recognized as a Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital

Fort Memorial Hospital Recognized as a Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health

Fort Memorial Hospital in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin announced it has been recognized as a 2023 Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital. Compiled by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, this annual recognition program honors outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX™.

“It is a great honor to be awarded Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals in the United States in 2023 for the fifth consecutive year,” said Michael Anderson, MD, President and CEO of Fort HealthCare. “We are driven by our mission, vision, and values to deliver the highest quality of care, and receiving this award each year is a testament to the dedication everyone has at Fort HealthCare in serving our community and patients.”

“Across the nation, top 100 rural providers continue to serve as a source of inspiration for hospital leadership teams and staff working diligently every day to improve the delivery of care within their local communities,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader, the Chartis Center for Rural Health. “The list of award winners in each category is as geographically diverse as we’ve seen in some time, which is wonderful to see. We’re thrilled to be able to honor the outstanding efforts of these top performing rural hospitals.”

Now in its 13th year, the INDEX has established itself as the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Leveraging publicly available data, the INDEX is trusted by rural hospitals, health systems with rural affiliates, hospital associations and state offices of rural health across the country to measure and monitor performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

UW-W Invites Public to Spring Diversity Forum 2023; Two events may be streamed

Schedule of Events

Theme Summary: The Chancellor’s Committee on Inclusive Excellence is pleased to center this Spring 2023 Diversity Forum on disability justice and encouraging opportunities for learning, reflection and community building. The forum will feature panel discussions, a photographic exhibit, an opening keynote by Lydia X.Z. Brown, and more.

Keynote Speaker: Lydia X.Z. Brown

Date: Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Event Time: 3:30PM to 4:30PM

Virtual Event Details:

Click HERE for link or copy and paste the following text to the URL address bar, 
https://uww.webex.com/uww/j.php?MTID=mfd398af950def0784c9741e150d0b2c3

Webinar password if requested, but not needed: Forum2023

Physical Listening Location Available: University Center 259

Description: The 2023 Spring Diversity Forum will center on disability justice and encouraging opportunities for learning, reflection and community building. Join us by welcoming the keynote speaker Lydia X.Z. Brown, an advocate, organizer, educator, attorney, strategist, and writer, whose work focuses on addressing state and interpersonal violence targeting disabled people living at the intersections of race, class, gender, sexuality, faith, language, and nation.

About Lydia X.Z. Brown, click here.

Closed captioning services will be provided.

Film: Code of the Freaks

Date: Thursday, March 2, 2023
Location: University Center 76, Summer’s Auditorium
Event Time: 3:30PM to 5:30PM

Description: Code of the Freaks is a documentary that examines the representation of disabled people in Hollywood movies. A discussion will be moderated after the viewing with two special guests from the University of Illinois Chicago, film writers Alyson Patsavas and Carrie Sandahl.

Documentary Trailer 

American Sign Language interpreter(s) will be present, and closed captioning services will be provided for the film.

Conversation with Author Dr. Sami Schalk

Date: Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Location: University Center 275, Old Main Ballroom
Event Time: 11:00AM to 12:15PM

Description: Dr. Schalk is an Associate Professor of Gender & Women’s Studies at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Her interdisciplinary research focuses broadly on disability, race, and gender in contemporary American literature and culture, and she is the author of the books, Bodyminds Reimagined and Black Disability Politics. Please join us for a conversation with Dr. Schalk on her recent book, that explores how issues of disability have been and continue to be central to Black activism from the 1970s to the present.

About Sami Schalk, click HERE

American Sign Language interpreter(s) will be present.

Diversity & Inclusivity Award Reception

Date: Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Location: University Center 275, Old Main Ballroom
Event Time: 12:30PM to 1:15PM

Description: The Diversity and Inclusivity Awards are awarded to UW-Whitewater faculty, staff and students who have made outstanding contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts on our campus. Each award has been named after distinguished faculty and staff at UW-Whitewater, each of whom spent their careers promoting and supporting equity, inclusion and diversity on our campus, including Dr. Fannie Hicklin, Dr. Roger Pulliam and Mr. John Truesdale. The fourth award is designated for UW-Whitewater students and student organizations who have made exceptional efforts to support inclusivity and diversity at UW-Whitewater. Join us as we honor and celebrate inclusive excellence in action!

Virtual Option Details:

Click HERE for link or copy and paste the following text to the URL address bar,
https://uww.webex.com/uww/j.php?MTID=m977346fb3756ae205a446d778cca0515

Webinar password if requested, but not needed: Spring2023P

American Sign Language interpreter(s) will be present, and closed captioning services will be provided for individuals who attend virtually.

Disability History Exhibit

Dates: Tuesday, February 15 to March 5, 2023
Location: Lenox Library, UW-Whitewater at Rock County

Description: This disability history exhibit enlists photographic storytelling and archival images from advertising and the press to narrate, across 23 vivid panels, the centuries of struggles and victories fought and won by disabled persons in the United States, and the intersection of these struggles with religion, society, medical care, capitalism, scientific advancement, and their part in the broader human condition. Courtesty of the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education for the State of Alaska.

More information on the pieces, click HERE

Content Warning and Language Disclaimer: This exhibit includes disturbing information and images regarding the historical treatment of individuals with disabilities. Please take care while reviewing. Additionally, text and images from this exhibit come from primary sources that may be racist, sexist, ableist, or otherwise offensive. The language is retained in this exhibit to document the ways in which disability has been viewed in these social and historical contexts.

If in need of accommodation(s), please advise us as soon as possible. Requests are confidential. UW-Whitewater provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA requirements. Please contact edi@uww.edu. 

Memory Cafe on Civil War is March 13

Editor’s Note: The following is from the Whitewater Public Library.

The Whitewater Public Library’s Glacial River Memory Café theme on March 13 is The Civil War Era, and it features reenactors, music, stories, and treats relating to the American Civil War. This will be held on Monday, March 13th from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon. This event is free, and is open to anyone affected by early-stage memory loss and their care partner.

Registration is requested at librarymemoryproject.org. Click on “events” at the top of the page.

For more information, please respond to this email or call Suzanne at 262-458-2785.