(Whitewater Public Library submission) The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library offers a new craft for adults every other week! Just stop by the Library, grab their take-and-make craft kit, and follow along with the craft video! Videos can be found on their Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Crafts for adults are available the weeks of:
June 14 and 28
July 12 and 26
Eastbound lanes of W. Main Street at Elizabeth Street will be closed for concrete repairs starting Wednesday afternoon June 9th. Westbound traffic on Main Street will be reduced to one lane and eastbound traffic will use the other westbound lane. Elizabeth Street will be closed to traffic at W. Main Street. The closure is expected to be in place until June 21st.
The image on the homepage, “Lancaster Ohio Road Repair – 4/8/14” by rbatina is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Source: Brad Marquardt, P.E., City of Whitewater Public Works Director
EASY ID & FILE OF LIFE
Tuesday June 15 5:30—7:00 p.m.
City Market
Downtown Whitewater
People with cognitive impairment or memory loss that are at risk, or could be at risk, of getting lost or wandering are encouraged to complete the EZ-ID process. It’s free and simple. Demographic information, digital fingerprints, and photos are saved to a jump drive which can be given to the police in the event of an emergency. The jump drive is placed in your File of Life, which is placed on your refrigerator.
If you live alone, EZ-ID is also recommended for emergencies.
The File of Life will be available both at the Easy ID table and the Whitewater Dementia Friendly table with a purple dementia angel sticker or without. File of Life is also available at Starin Park during open hours.
Easy ID is sponsored by Walworth County TRIAD which is a non-profit organization which is part of a national community policing initiative wherein law enforcement professionals, first responders, seniors and community groups partner to meet the crime safety needs of seniors. TRIAD of Walworth County is on Facebook and their website is www.sewistriad.org
Source: Deb Weberpal, Senior Coordinator, Seniors in the Park
JEFFERSON- Rainbow Hospice Care Bereavement Counselor/Chaplain Laura Wessels had never officiated a marriage ceremony before. But her first one will likely be a day she and the couple will always remember.
Chris Behnke and his fiancée, Allie Radcliffe, had their hearts set on a fall wedding in Austin, Texas. But Chris also wanted his dad Don to be there to see him get married. Don is a Rainbow Hospice Care patient and a resident at Alden Estates of Jefferson. Traveling long distances for him was no longer an option.
So Chris and Allie wanted to find a way to bring the wedding to him. But with the COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing, there was no guarantee that would be possible.
Alden had started lifting visitor restrictions but wouldn’t be able to accommodate a huge ceremony. The guest list would have to be limited.
The staff at Alden agreed to let Chris and Allie get married in their chapel. With a location secured, the couple needed a minister or a Justice of the Peace to perform the ceremony.
Wessels has been providing Don’s wife Mary with pre-bereavement support services since the start of the pandemic, and when Mary told her about her son’s wedding, Laura offered to marry the couple. But Mary left the decision up to her son.
“I told her what was going on and Laura said ‘Mary, I’m going to offer one time. I’m not going to bother you with it, but I could marry them,’ ” said Mary Behnke.
Both Chris and Allie loved the idea and the wedding took place on Saturday, April 24 at Alden Estates at 2 p.m. Besides having both his mother and father by his side, the wedding also served as a joyful family reunion as Chris’s brother James and his sister Susan were able to fly in from the East Coast for the special day. Due to the pandemic, the family hadn’t seen each other in over a year.
“Because our other children are older, Chris was like our little surprise package,” Mary Behnke said. “It was really special that he wanted his dad included in the wedding and his brother and sister also wanted to be here. It was a great gift.”
Allie’s parents, Rick and Kathryn, also arrived from Texas to round out the wedding party.
As they were surrounded by an intimate circle of family, Chris and Allie exchanged vows and rings at the altar of the chapel. Wessels was happy she could be there to conduct the ceremony.
“There was no music or special readings, but it was intimate and beautiful and sort of casual,” said Wessels. “I thought it was a beautiful thing that Chris and Allie wanted to make sure that Don was part of their special day. I was honored to be a small part of their celebration.”
“It was very important for me, as his son, to have my dad involved while we still could,” said Chris Behnke. “I was inspired by my parents renewing their vows for their 50th wedding anniversary at Alden a few years back and figured this was something we could pull off as well. Family is very important to both of us. We felt this special moment was best celebrated with just our immediate family.”
The family then gathered for pictures in Alden’s courtyard and, with the help of his wife, Don joined in toasting the new bride and groom as everyone enjoyed a glass of champagne. The celebration wasn’t complete until they had dessert together.
“The whole thing just came together and was extremely special and very moving for us. I was just pleased to have Laura,” Mary Behnke said. “That made it even more special because she’s been helping me along. Everybody loves her. Everybody couldn’t believe how sweet she is and even the bride’s mother kind of mouthed to me during the ceremony how wonderful Laura was.”
It might not have been the traditional wedding that the newlyweds originally envisioned when they said “I do,” but the day turned out to be better they could have imagined as they begin their life together.
“We will remember and cherish the fact that we could share this moment with all of our parents and start this next adventure with their love and support,” Chris Behnke said. “I will personally remember seeing my father laugh and smile and be engaged with all of us. In particular, my dad (Don) reaching out to shake the hand of Allie’s father. I think that left a strong mark on both of our hearts.”
“This group of people had not met before this day, but you never would have known it,” Wessels said. “They enjoyed getting to know each other, lots of conversations going on around me, and just so much shared joy in their wedding and everyone being able to be there for it. I felt like I floated the next couple of days, it was such a high!”
Even though Chris and Allie have already officially tied the knot they will hold another celebration in Texas in October with a larger group of family, friends, and coworkers. That will be more of a ring ceremony. Besides that to look forward to, Chris and Allie will always have the memories of that special Saturday in April when they first became husband and wife with their families by their side.
“My heart is still so full from the day and I couldn’t have imagined starting our marriage together in any other way,” said Allie Behnke.
“We’re both very thankful for Alden, as well as Laura and Rainbow Hospice Care for helping us make this ceremony happen and allowing me one more important life event with my father at my side,” Chris Behnke said.
(Contributed by Kenyon Kemnitz, Rainbow Hospice Care)
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Artanya Wesley announced on June 3 the appointment of Elizabeth Watson as the next dean of students at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
“Dr. Watson brings a great combination of leadership skills, knowledge and experience, as well a passion for enhancing the educational outcomes for students,” Wesley said. “She has a demonstrated commitment to collaborating with university and community stakeholders to ensure students are positioned to thrive within campus life. She works tirelessly at local, state and national levels advocating for students’ success and accessibility in higher education. I look forward to the continued efforts and work Dr. Watson will engage in with the Dean of Students Office staff and the campus and local community. I am delighted to welcome her to this new role.”
Since July of 2019, Watson has served in two critical leadership roles on campus. As interim dean of students, she is responsible for strategic planning, supervision and implementation of student conduct, community standards, student retention programming and safety. As interim assistant vice chancellor for student affairs, she provides senior level administrative leadership, strategic planning, vision and direct supervision of the Dean of Students Office, Student Involvement and Leadership, Career Services, University Health, Counseling and Wellness Services, Children’s Center, and Center for Inclusive Transition Education and Employment.
Watson will assume the role of dean of students on July 1.
“The opportunity to serve students, the campus community and the larger community of Whitewater is truly a privilege. Serving as the dean of students allows me to transition the leadership and experiences I have had within the Division of Student Affairs to all students and stakeholders,” Watson said. “My commitment to social justice and equity aligns with UW-Whitewater’s values and I look forward to being an active partner across the university to support student success, safety and lifelong learning.”
After serving as director of disability services and ADA coordinator at Edgewood College in Madison, Watson came to UW-Whitewater in 2006 and served as director of the Center for Students with Disabilities for nearly 13 years. A prolific grant writer, Watson has secured about $7 million in awards during the past five years for university and community programming targeted toward improving the student experience at UW-Whitewater and quality of life for individuals with disabilities in the state of Wisconsin, from health services to technology to employment assistance. A licensed professional counselor and certified rehabilitation counselor, she earned a B.A. and M.Ed. from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
“I would like to express my appreciation to Terry Tumbarello for his leadership of the search as well as Erica Johnson and Katrisa Hillard for support throughout the process,” Wesley said. “Also, I would like to extend my gratitude to each search committee member for their time and commitment to the process.”
Source: UW-W Announcements
RIPON, WI (06/07/2021)– Ripon College has announced its Dean’s List for the Spring 2021 semester, recognizing academic excellence. To qualify for the Dean’s List at Ripon College, students must achieve a 3.40 grade point average or higher on a 4.00 scale and complete at least 12 credits of regular letter-graded work.
Clarice Bergman of Whitewater, Wisconsin, is majoring in English and Politics and Government with a minor in Communication
Lydia Wiley Deal of Whitewater, Wisconsin, is majoring in Music and Physics
Jacob Zuehlke of Whitewater, Wisconsin, is majoring in Music and Business Management
Ripon College, founded in 1851, is Wisconsin’s best-value private college and a national leader in liberal arts education, devoted to ensuring every student realizes their unique potential. Ninety-six percent of alumni are employed, in graduate school or student-teaching within six months. In recognition of its academic excellence, the college was awarded a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa in 1953, placing it among a select group of the nation’s top colleges. Ripon has the highest earning graduates in Wisconsin, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard. Ripon ranks first in Wisconsin and third in the Midwest on Washington Monthly’s list of “Best Bang for the Buck” colleges. The College has the highest minority graduation rate in the nation. Ripon is consistently recognized as a “Best Value” and “Best 383 College” by The Princeton Review and a Top Tier National Liberal Arts College by U.S. News & World Report. For more information about Ripon College, visit ripon.edu.
TROY, AL (05/27/2021)– Abby Grosinske of Whitewater, WI, has been named to the Provost’s List at Troy University for the Spring Semester/Term 4 of the 2020/2021 academic year.
The Provost’s List honors full-time undergraduate students who are registered for at least 12 semester hours and who have a grade point average of at least 3.65.
About Troy University
Troy University is a public, historic, international university with 22,500 students and 154,000 alumni. Students choose TROY for its quality academic programs, reasonable costs and availability of financial aid, outstanding faculty, and flexible in-class and online class offerings. Students on the Troy, Ala. campus enjoy a traditional college experience, while adult students are the centers of attention at campuses in Dothan, Montgomery and Phenix City, Ala., as well as at locations around the world and online.
(Whitewater Unites Lives submission) Jennie Jochims is a WUL Hometown Hero for baking goods and helping with a rummage sale in order to support the City of Whitewater Police Department – K9 TILLA’S NEXT RIDE.
WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.
Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com
Make a difference in the lives of caregivers and those they care for by volunteering at the Rockin’ Respite. What volunteers have to say:
“I leave Rockin’ Respite and my heart is filled with gratitude that I could be part of a family of volunteers that provide socialization for our guests and their caregiver gets a much-needed day off to do whatever they choose! It is a small gift of time with huge rewards. I am an appreciated part of a new family.”
“Volunteering for this program brings me joy. The program offers a precious few hours for the full-time caregiver twice a month. Also, thanks to volunteering, I have gained a new dear friend!”
“What I like most about volunteering for Respite is knowing how much of a difference it makes, not only to those coming to Respite, but to the Caregivers.”
“They [caregivers] can rest assured that their needs are being met in a safe, loving environment. The camaraderie and interactions with our guests and other volunteers are added bonuses for me!”
We hope to have our respite site up and running in July. You socialize, play, do simple art projects, sing, and just plain have fun! A nurse supervises the site and trains the volunteers. We need volunteers who friend a guest for a minimum of three hours a month on the second or fourth Tuesday. Shifts are 9:30 – 12:30 or 12:30 – 3:30. We currently have enough volunteers for four guests but have two more (max of 6 guests) who desperately need to join us. Without you, we will have to put them on a wait list. Afternoon volunteers are most needed and we’d love it if you could give more time, but understand lives are busy. Call Deb at 262-473-0535 or email dweberpal@whitewater-wi.gov for more information or to sign up as a volunteer.
Source: Submission by Deb Weberpal, Senior Coordinator, Seniors in the Park
City of Whitewater Equal Opportunities Commission – Monday @ 5:00 p.m.
VIRTUAL MEETING AGENDA
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/922488045
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240‐3212
Access Code: 922‐488‐045
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/922488045
City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission Worksession (VIRTUAL WORKSESSION) – Tuesday @ 1:00 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE, THIS IS A VIRTUAL MEETING ONLY
Agenda: Presentation by Robert Watson of Commonwealth Heritage Group, Inc. relating to WHITEWATER
EFFIGY MOUNDS PRESERVE project and possible discussion regarding the same.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/92334480885?pwd=TGxIcDB1MlhmdkYxUE5lNzAzdFJQZz09
Meeting ID: 923 3448 0885
Passcode: 924246
Or Dial
1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 923 3448 0885
Passcode: 924246
City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion And Possible Action On Awarding The 2021 Southwest Elevated Tank
Contract, Discussion And Possible Action Regarding Vehicle Speeds On Clay Street, Discussion And Possible Action Regarding Removing The Speed Bumps On Franklin Street
This will be an in-person meeting
Municipal Building – 1st Floor
Community Room
312 W Whitewater St.
City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Alcohol Beverages In Cravath Lakefront Park Ordinance and
WAFC Lease Agreement Discussion And Approval
This will be an in-person meeting
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
Cravath Lakefront Room- 2nd Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
(Whitewater Public Library submission) The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library invites all to attend Plant Swap! This outdoor drop-in program on the Library’s patio will take place Wednesday, June 9th from 10 a.m to 2:00 p.m.
From the library: “Calling all plant lovers! Do you want to re-home some of your houseplants? Do you have too many cuttings or babies from your current plants? Bring them to the Library and meet other houseplant lovers! Don’t have any plants? Stop by and choose a new plant for your home. All are welcome. Be sure to check out some houseplant books from the library while you are here!”
Participants are encouraged to drop off plants for the Swap in the weeks leading up to this program. For more info contact Torrie Thomas 262-473-0530.
