News

Second Annual Whitewater Pride Rally set for Oct. 1

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.

Help celebrate LGBTQ+ pride, diversity, and inclusion in our community at the second annual Whitewater Pride Rally from noon until 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Cravath Lakefront Park in downtown Whitewater.

“The Pride Rally is a way to support our kids and listen to the stories of their journeys,” Virginia Coburn, a Whitewater Unites Lives member and a Pride Rally committee member said. “Come to the rally. Be a friend to them and their families.”  

This family friendly event will include activities for children, adults and even the family pets all in support of our LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors with a focus on high school and college students.

The afternoon’s events include music, performances, vendors, and food trucks. Speakers will discuss the state of the LGBTQ+ movement locally and nationally.

“As a planning group, we believe it is important for communities like Whitewater to show that we, too, are supportive of LGBTQ+ students and others. Celebrating those who are out, coming out or thinking about it is critically important for rural communities to demonstrate real support for all that LGBTQ+ residents add to the fabric of vibrant communities” Stephanie Selvick, UW-Whitewater’s LGBTQ+ coordinator, said.

 “This event provides an opportunity not only to celebrate, but also to educate. Having a report on issues facing the LGBTQ+ community and their allies is an important part of inspiring and garnering additional support and activism for the community.”

Volunteers from Creative and Resourceful Educator (CARE), a UW-Whitewater student group, will be on site to lead children’s activities. A children’s corner will include story time with community leaders who will read a selection of LGBTQ+ children’s books. Among those participating are interim UW-Whitewater Chancellor John Chenoweth, interim Provost Robin Fox, and others.

Your pets are also invited to attend and participate in an inaugural Pride Pet Costume contest. Registration will take place from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on the day of the event. For the safety of your pets and others, please make sure all pets are leashed and comfortable with crowds.

            Whitewater’s Sweet Spot Café is providing support with Pride-themed cookies that will be available at the event. Support of the local business community is an important part of the continued success of this free event.

            “As an educator in this wonderful community, it’s absolutely inspiring and heartwarming to be part of this ever-growing event. Whitewater High School students talked about last year’s Pride Rally all year long,” Camden Harlan, an English teacher and co-advisor for the Gay-Straight Alliance at Whitewater High School, said. “Whether attendees gathered up the courage to speak on stage or experienced their first drag show (like me!), they will remember those moments for the rest of their lives. It’s the support of a resilient and inclusive community – businesses, schools, and municipalities – that allows us to celebrate and show our love for every human.”

            Event partners are Impact student organization, Unity Project, Whitewater Unites Lives, Whitewater High School Gay-Straight Alliance, The Book Teller, First United Methodist, and the Pride Center at UW-Whitewater.

            For more information call 262-472-7169 or check the event Whitewater Pride Rally Facebook event page.

The City of Whitewater Celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the Discover Whitewater Series

Editor’s Note: The following was submitted by Knight Public Affairs, LLC.

The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC)’s 10th anniversary celebration of the Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon, 5K, and W3 Fit Kid Shuffle was a wildly successful community event, raising money for local charities. 

This year’s Discover Whitewater Series (DWS) brought in over 462 participants, 408 volunteers, and nearly 70 sponsors. With live music, friendly faces, and a scenic new course, race weekend could not have gone better. Dozens of runners were awarded for their accomplishments, including the following overall winners:

Women’s Half Marathon Winners: Peighton Meske (1st), Jenny Zwagerman (2nd), Lauren Mordini (3rd)

Men’s Half Marathon Winners: Matt Barrett (1st), Martin Erl (2nd), Alexander Cushman (3rd)

Women’s 5k Winners: Miranda Slaback (1st), Heidi Mane (2nd), Rachel Fielding (3rd)

Men’s 5k Winners: Devin Johnson (1st), Mark Elworthy (2nd), Paul Taylor (3rd)

To see all race results, visit www.runnersedgeracetiming.com/results.asp. 

Women’s Half Marathon Winners: Peighton Meske (1st), Jenny Zwagerman (2nd), Lauren Mordini (3rd)
Men’s Half Marathon Winners: Matt Barrett (1st), Alexander Cushman (3rd)
Men’s Half Marathon: Martin Erl (2nd)

Participants of the DWS were enthused by the overwhelmingly organized and welcoming event. City Council President, Lisa Dawsey-Smith, gave the opening remarks as runners prepared to take on the race course. The sun was shining and the warm fall air made for a beautiful morning as both races began.

As runners ventured through the course, they got to experience some of Whitewater’s finest features. The DWS team was proud to welcome new and returning participants alike, exceeding their greatest expectations of the race. Thanks to all the hard work of volunteers and sponsors, this 10th anniversary DWS proved to achieve its mission of bringing people together in support of a good cause. 

Women’s 5k Winners: Miranda Slaback (1st), Heidi Mane (2nd), Rachel Fielding (3rd)
Men’s 5k Winners: Devin Johnson (1st), Mark Elworthy (2nd), Paul Taylor (3rd)

All proceeds will be distributed to the DWS’s five charity partners: Whitewater LEADS, Working for Whitewater’s Wellness (W3), Whitewater Unified School District, Bethel House of Whitewater, and the J-Hawks Swim Club. Runners and volunteers joined together afterwards to celebrate the day’s accomplishments, enjoying a free beverage from bronze sponsor 841 Brewhouse. 

“The 10th anniversary of the DWS proved to be a year of celebration, growth, and success,” said Race Director, Dawson Miller. “It was amazing to see runners and volunteers alike showcase their hard work.”

The DWS team would like to thank all who came out in support of the race. The whole community is blessed to have had 462 participants attend the DWS, making it a hugely successful charity event. We hope everyone will join us again for the next one! Stay tuned for more information on the 11th annual race. 

 To learn more about the DWS, 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.

ADRC of Walworth County to Offer Healthy Living with Diabetes (Oct. 4-Nov.8)

Editor’s Note: The following was submitted by Walworth County.

More than 100 million adults in the U.S. are now living with diabetes or pre-diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While that statistic is startling, there is good news. People with diabetes or pre-diabetes can improve their health by joining a Healthy Living with Diabetes workshop sponsored by the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Walworth County. The program has been researched and proven to improve the health of adults with diabetes or pre-diabetes.  

During the six weekly sessions, Healthy Living with Diabetes gives participants strategies for managing diabetes, including techniques to deal with symptoms and information about healthy eating, appropriate use of medication, exercise, and working effectively with health care providers. Participants learn to make realistic, achievable action plans, share their experiences, and help each other solve problems.

Healthy Living with Diabetes will be held in the Community Room on Tuesdays, October 4 to November 8, 2022, from 1 to 3:30 p.m., at the Woodview Park Apartments located at 353 Tyrrell Court Delavan, WI 53115. 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.

This Week’s Garage Sale

233 Ash Ln.

Whitewater, WI

Saturday 9/24 , 8am- 2pm Sunday 9/25, 8am -2pm 

Tons of EUC, name brand, boy and girl clothes. 

Boys size Small, Medium, Large and XL.

Girls size 3/4T and 5-14/16. 

Tons of shoes including winter boots. 

Winter gear. Snow pants and tons of jackets. 

Womens size clothing XSMALL-Small.

Mens size clothing Small – XLarge.

Housewares.

Bedding- sheets and blankets. 

Outside equipment including some camping gear.

Kids wagon.

Tons and tons of good stuff and cheap. Priced to give you an amazing deal while helping us clear things we no longer need. 

Paige Davis and Kelsey Herold Join Whitewater Kiwanis

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.

Lorrie Koppein, the Lieutenant Governor of Division 4 of the Kiwanis Wisconsin-Upper Michigan District, and Patrick Taylor, President of the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club, welcomed new members Paige Davis and Kelsey Herold of First Citizens State Bank to the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club this week. They will serve as Co-Treasurers for the fiscal year, and as officers of Kiwanis.

Whitewater Kiwanis is a group of dedicated volunteers who help both children of the Whitewater community and the world, all with 100% of funds raised going directly to youth projects and zero to administrative costs. Over the past five years the club raised funds to make possible the recent installation of the city’s first piece of inclusive playground equipment, a We-Go-Round, in Starin Park.  Annual donations are also made to provide scholarships for students, as well as support for organizations such as the Whitewater Food Pantry, Bethel House, The Community Space, and the Whitewater Youth Soccer Club.

If you have an interest in helping youth in Whitewater, you can check out Whitewater Kiwanis on Facebook and join our Club by contacting Patrick Taylor at Petaylor.law@gmail.com.

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving

 the world one child and one community at a time.

Christine Hayes selected as the recipient for the 2022 Wisconsin Music Educators Association Michael G. George Distinguished Service Award

Editor’s Note: The following was submitted by the Whitewater Unified School District.

Christine Hayes, Lincoln Elementary Music Teacher has been selected as the recipient for the 2022 Wisconsin Music Educators Association (WMEA) Michael G. George Distinguished Service Award.  This award is given annually to an individual who has made significant contributions to music and music education over a sustained time period.  “Mrs. Christine Hayes has made a significant contribution to the Whitewater students and families since 1988,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, WUSD Superintendent.  “Her excitement and passion about reaching all students in the creative and musical realms is absolutely inspirational in the WUSD.”  

Christine Hayes loves teaching K-5 General Music at Lincoln Elementary in the Whitewater Unified School District and the relationship she has with students and families is central to receiving this award; however, the next few paragraphs will highlight the ways in which her work has impacted the profession far beyond your school district. She is proud to be a music education advocate and has served on the 2014 National Core Arts Standards for Music writing team for General Music Grades 3-5, piloted national cornerstone assessments, served on the 2017 writing team for the new WMEA Wisconsin State Standards and is immediate past chair of the WMEA State Standards Committee. In addition, she is a Past-Chair of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Council for General Music Education and a WMEA Past-President.  

Special honors include: 2016 Wisconsin Award for Excellence in Music Education-Madison Symphony Orchestra & Ward Brodt Music, the 2014 WMEA Creative Sparks in Music Education Award, 2008 Herb Kohl Teacher Fellowship Award, 2007 Wisconsin Teacher of the Year – Phi Delta Kappa International/Wal-Mart, 2003 WCDA “Outstanding Church Musician” Award, 2001 Wisconsin Alliance for Arts Education Model School Program Award in Arts Education, team leader, 1998 Council of Chief State Officers National Arts Assessment Training Institute – WI Representative, and 1985 Fulton County Teaching Excellence Award. 

Christine has a passion for sharing world music and cultures with the students and community in which she teaches, traveling to Ghana and the mountains and heartland of Mexico for educational study. She serves on community arts boards and has served on most every committee of WMEA/WMSA as well as the Wisconsin Alliance for Arts Education Board.  

“We are extremely proud of Christine’s accomplishments,” Pate-Hefty added. Christine Hayes will be honored October 26th at the 2022 Wisconsin State Music Conference in Madison.

United Way to Kick-off Season of Caring on October 2nd 2022

Editor’s Note: The following was submitted by United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties

The United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties is launching their second annual Season of Caring, scheduled to run for seven weeks from October 2nd  – November 12th.

“We are kicking off our 2022 campaign season focused on our theme “We are ALL the United Way” and the greatest way we believe our communities can be join us, is to generously spread kindness and caring power to as many people as they can,” states Elizabeth Ellis-Bols, United Way executive director.  “Our communities have faced very difficult times these past several years, so we want our campaign efforts focused not only on fundraising, but on taking care of one another and showing our appreciation. We want to help people recognize the importance of community engagement and give them easy opportunities to become more involved.”

The Season of Caring will consist of six different small missions across six weeks, beginning on Monday, October 3rd. The missions will be as follows: Join our Mission (week one), Donate an Hour (week two), Show Appreciation (week 3), Give Your Support (week four), Connect With Others (week five), and Treat Yourself (week six). There are no set requirements for completing each mission, and there is no sign-up or registration fee for participating.

“We wanted to make participation in this six-week series as easy as possible,” Ellis-Bols states. “We will be offering a lot of suggestions and information that will help people determine what specific acts of caring will work best for them, but we also want community members to get creative and express themselves during these small missions. Mostly, we want people to remember that small, simple acts of kindness can have a huge ripple affect across communities. And I think we can all agree that our communities need as much caring power and support as possible right now.”

Some of the suggested acts from United Way include signing up for United Way newsletters (Join Our Mission), sending a thank you note to a healthcare worker, teacher, etc. (Show Appreciation),  donate blood (Give Your Support), registering on United Way’s volunteer platform (Donate an Hour), join a book club (Connect With Others) and taking time to enjoy a favorite activity (Treat Yourself).

Any community member can participate in the Season of Caring, and United Way is encouraging workplaces to join in and use it as a team building exercise, or for parents to engage their children and make it a fun family activity. The acts can be as small or as big as an individual determines and can include acts that are completed very quickly or tasks that require a longer commitment.  The one request from United Way, is that folks share their participation and encourage others to join.

“We want to see all of these amazing acts of caring and we want the participants to share their positive impact with others and encourage them to join in,” Ellis-Bols states. “We have created specific hashtags for the week that we ask people to use anytime they post their participation on social media. We’d also love for United Way to be tagged in any postings so we can help share the information. But mostly, we want participants to find any way to share – text your friends, post something up in your break room at work, or email your family members. We want to see this have a profound, positive impact on our communities.”

Full details for the Season of Caring, including instruction sheets for each individual day, hashtag details, Facebook images and more, can be found on the Season of Caring page on the United Way’s website – https://uwjnwc.com/events/week-of-caring/.

“We’ve put together lots of details and marketing information to make it very easy for people to participate and to promote each week’s task,” Ellis-Bols states. “I’ll be sharing my personal participation each week, as well as our board of directors’ involvement, because our United Way is fully committed to spreading caring power throughout our communities. At United Way, we see one of our main responsibilities as creating connections throughout our communities – connecting individuals to needed help and resources, connecting volunteers to organizations who could benefit from their time, connecting donors to causes and missions they care about, and now connecting the power of kindness and support to those who need it.”

To join in on the week’s events, people are encouraged to visit the United Way website and subscribe to their newsletter and to “like and follow” their Facebook page (@uwjnwc). Participants are encouraged to share their acts of caring by sharing to their social media pages and using the following hashtags: #uwjnwc #seasonofcaring #2022campaign #wearealltheunitedway.

“We’re so excited to launch this version of this caring series and we think it’s the perfect way to begin our campaign season,” Hartwick adds. “We look so forward to seeing community member participation, and to see witnessing the impact that simple acts of caring can make in our communities. Thank you to those who will join us.

Anyone who would like more information on United Way or who has any questions on the Season of Caring, can visit the United Way website at www.uwjnwc.com or contact Ellis-Bols at 920.563.8880 or unitedway@idcnet.com. 

The United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties’ mission is to fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in our communities. We do that by providing support to community programs, projects and local agencies that provide critical health and human services to those in need.  This network of helping services can be described as a “safety net” for those in our midst in need.  Whether it is transitional housing, literacy education, after-school programs and education, health and dental care, end of life care, mentoring programs, job training or disaster relief, the United Way identifies the greatest needs in our community and helps to fund agencies that can meet those needs.

For more information about our local United Way, you may visit the website at www.uwjnwc.com  or “like” the Facebook page at “United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties.”  For details regarding the United Way’s online volunteer tool, please visit www.volunteermain.com.

Whitewater Collects 2022

2022-whitewater-collects-flyer-wooden-animals

The 9th annual Whitewater Collects show will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022 from 12:00
PM to 3:00 PM at the Cravath Community Lakefront Center, 341 S Fremont St, Whitewater.

This popular annual event is put on by the Whitewater Historical Society and is free and open to
the public.

In addition to viewing the displays of area collectors, visitors can receive free verbal professional
evaluations of up to two antique or vintage items from noted auctioneer, Carol Miller. Ms.
Miller is the owner of Bailey’s Honor Auction and Estate Services, LLC.

Collections being displayed this year include vintage Fiesta Ware, historical political
memorabilia, antique muffineers, antique Stanhopes, autographs of famous people, antique
children’s pull toys, face jugs, Whitewater Pottery, antique pyrography, Pescheret art, hunting
bows, and many more!

If you would like to display a collection (space is still available) or get more information, contact
Jan Goder at jgoder1976@gmail.com or 262-949-0644. Collections can be antique, vintage, or
contemporary.

Join us! This event is fun, interesting, and educational!