News

As part of the Welcome Week for UW-Whitewater students this Fall, speaker Zach Mercurio will be visiting campus on August 24.  He will be giving a presentation on Creating a Culture where Everyone Matters. This presentation is open to all staff and students on campus, as well as the community.  There will be free parking in lots 1 & 2 from 9:30-12:30 for this event. 

Information Submitted by Stephanie Hartmann
HR Manager – Benefits, Wellness, FMLA
Human Resources & Diversity – Administrative Affairs Division
University of Wisconsin – Whitewater
hartmans@uww.edu

The City of Whitewater has officially contributed a title sponsorship of the Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon, 5K, and W3 Fit Kid Shuffle. Through their help, the DWS is able to host a major running event, give back to local nonprofits, and showcase Whitewater’s picturesque landscape.

The DWS 10th anniversary race is scheduled for Sunday September 18th, 2022. The DWS is truly a team effort that succeeds because of the collaboration of so many community entities including organizations, schools, businesses, and the city itself.

“The City of Whitewater’s title sponsorship truly helps us to reach our goals as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the race,” said GWC Chairman, Larry Kachel. “With the city’s support, the DWS is able to bring all the largest entities in the Whitewater community together to host this welcoming event.”

Thanks to the city and its contribution to the race, the DWS is able to provide highly coordinated public safety and parking. For the past decade, the City of Whitewater has offered volunteer, police, and financial support that exceeds generosity.
“What we love about this event is that it brings the Whitewater community together all while showcasing our beautiful city,” said Whitewater Common Council member, Lisa Dawsey-Smith. “We are beyond thrilled to partner with the DWS.”

Through this partnership, members of the Whitewater community are given the opportunity to get active, all while celebrating and connecting with one another! To register for the DWS, learn more about race weekend, and connect with sponsors, visit https://RunWhitewater.com/.

About the DWS
The goal of the DWS is to promote the City of Whitewater and highlight its greatest features. The DWS partners with the city, business community, university, and the school district to make this a tremendous event that benefits all who participate. For more information about the race visit runwhitewater.com. For general race inquiries, email info@runwhitewater.com.

For more information about the DWS, contact Jeffery Knight at jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662.

Article Submitted by Elena Rolley
Director of Operations, Knight Public Affairs, LLC.

Many people wish to arrange their affairs to live well in their later years, and ensure that their end-of-life plans follow their wishes. Still, it is something that many people find challenging.  Planning AHEAD is a new online class from UW-Madison Division of Extension, created to address most aspects of end-of-life planning.  

In 1 – 1.5 hour online classes, Extension Educators guide participants through examining health care wishes, financial responsibilities, legal requirements and documentation, distribution of personal property, end-of-life decisions, dealing with grief, and the emotional ramifications of all of the above. The program is designed both for those who want to prepare for their own passing, to make things easier for family members, and for those who have, or are in the process of, losing a loved one and are dealing with the transition. This course features an online planning workbook to help organize the tasks and documents associated with end-of-life decisions.  

By working through these sessions, participants find that the financial, healthcare, and other decisions don’t feel so overwhelming. Southern WI residents are invited to join Planning AHEAD, a free online course facilitated by UW-Madison, Division of Extension Educators from Crawford, Grant, Iowa, Kenosha, Racine, Richland and Walworth Counties. Registration is now available here, http://go.wisc.edu/SoAHEAD.   

Classes are Tuesdays 9-10:30 am September 13-October 25, 2022. Join the classes from home, as they are held online via zoom, and will include time to check in on how to use this technology during the first class. Questions can be sent to amanda.kostman@wisc.edu  or please call the Walworth County Extension office at 262-741-4961 for more information about Planning AHEAD. Check out the program website at https://aging.extension.wisc.edu/programs/planning-ahead/.  

Article Submitted by Amanda Kostman
Human Development and Relationships Extension Educator
http://walworth.uwex.edu/

Anyone in Whitewater interested in seeing the August blooms of a Prairie Garden is welcome to take a self-tour of our backyard at 505 East Clay Street on the East side of town, on the North shore of Tripp Lake and next to Clay Street Nature Park.

Please park on the Street. The mosquitoes are not bad this year! Native Americans in Southeastern Wisconsin probably woke up each morning looking at these same perennials.

Article and Photo Submitted by Richard Ehrenberg
richehr@hotmail.com

The Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) will offer Welcome to Medicare workshops on Thursday, August 18, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. This popular educational session will provide information about Medicare for individuals turning 65 years of age, those over 65 and planning to retire, or individuals with disabilities that have received Social Security Disability benefits for 24 months or have End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease).

“It is vitally important that individuals eligible to receive Medicare are aware of the different parts of Medicare, including Part A and Part B, as well as the prescription drug coverage,” says Elder Benefit Specialist Julie Juranek. “Being knowledgeable about premiums and penalties for not having creditable prescription drug coverage will help people make sound choices when exploring available plans.”

The Welcome to Medicare workshops will be held at the Walworth County Health and Human Services building, 1910 County Road NN, Elkhorn. RSVPs are highly recommended by calling (262) 741-3366.

About the Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center: 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 personal situation.

Article Submitted by Julie Juranek
Health and Human Services, Elder Benefit Specialist
jjuranek@co.walworth.wi.us

The Southern Wakes United Water Ski Show Team will be “Skiing for Sight” to benefit the Whitewater Lions Club on August 20, 2022 at 6:30 pm at the Scenic Ridge Campground located on Whitewater Lake.

There will be 50/50 raffles, gift basket raffles, t-shirt sales and more! All money raised at this event will be donated to Lions Club of Whitewater. So bring your family and friends out for a free night of entertainment, and support a great cause. Hope to see you there!

Article and Images Submitted by Theresa Kluczynski
Events Coordinator, Southern Wakes United Water Ski Show Team
events@southernwakesunited.com