News

(News release from SSM Health, Oct. 14)

Vitamin D, sometimes known as the “sunshine vitamin,” is in the limelight for its possible effect on COVID-19. Several vitamin D studies have encouraging results, but it is too early to definitively say that it can help prevent or fight the virus.

Vitamin D is historically known for supporting bone health, cell growth and the immune system. One of our primary sources is the sun, as UV rays can trigger vitamin D synthesis in the body. Questions about its benefits have even surrounded pandemics before.

“During the Spanish Flu outbreak in 1918, patients who were in an enclosed tent without sunshine fared worse than those who were able to spend regular time outside,” says SSM Health Infectious Disease physician Dr. Amanda Carlson. “Obviously, the research then was observational and conclusive evidence was lacking.”

Now, as the world puts COVID-19 under the microscope, researchers are again turning to vitamin D. One study out of Boston University found that patients who had sufficient vitamin D levels were less likely to have severe COVID-19 complications and were 51-percent less likely to die, compared to patients who had lower vitamin D levels. Another study found that adequate levels of vitamin D may actually decrease your risk of being infected by COVID-19 in the first place.

However, just like with the Spanish Flu, this research is again observational.

“These are very important studies because we don’t have a COVID-19 cure and continue to learn a lot about how to treat the virus,” says Dr. Carlson. “However, they’ve come with some scrutiny because higher levels of vitamin D are often seen in younger populations. Younger people tend to be healthier in general, which might allow their bodies to better fight COVID-19. We need a randomized study that would match variables between two groups to be able to say that vitamin D does in fact have a connection.”

In the meantime, should you start taking vitamin D supplements regularly?

“Vitamin D deficiency is very common, so many primary care providers already ask patients to take daily pills, especially during seasons when they aren’t exposed to very much sunlight,” says Dr. Carlson. “So if you start a regiment, you’ll receive all the proven benefits and any COVID-19 defense could be an added bonus.”

Vitamin D supplements are easy to find, as they are sold over the counter. Dr. Carlson adds that before taking any supplement, you should talk to your primary care provider about usage and dosage recommendations.

The City of Whitewater – Department of Public Works will collect leaf and yard waste the:

• Week of October 26 – October 30, 2020
• Week of November 9 – November 13, 2020
• Week of November 16 – November 20, 2020

Yard waste is defined as leaves, grass clippings, small branches and yard and garden debris. Yard waste must be bagged in clear, transparent, or biodegradable bags only. The City offers Bio-Bags in the fall at the Finance Department free of charge while supplies last. Yard waste will not be collected if not properly bagged or placed in non-transparent or black bags.

Please place your bagged yard waste on the curb no earlier than Saturday, October 24 (for collection during October 26 – 30) and Saturday, November 7 (for collection beginning on November 9). Residents may also use the compost site to dispose of leaf and yard waste prior to the above scheduled dates. The compost site is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Wednesday from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. More information will be published when a closing date for the compost site has been determined.

For those who miss the deadline of November 20, there will be two, six-yard dumpsters at the Department of Public Works (150 E. Starin Rd.) between November 23 and December 4. This will be an additional opportunity to dispose of yard waste. City of Whitewater residents only will have access during regular business hours (7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.), Monday through Friday. We ask that you please empty your bags/containers into the dumpsters and take them with you when you leave.

Residents requesting brush collection should call 473-0560 to make an appointment for pick up on Tuesdays.

If you have any questions please call the Department of Public Works at 473-0560.

NOTICE:  City Ordinance Chapter 12.08 – Street Obstructions, Section: 12.08.010 – Residents are prohibited from depositing any yard waste debris on city streets.

(WHITEWATER – October 13) The pastel work of Tatijana Jacenkiw is on display at the Cultural Arts Center gallery, 402 W. Main Street, Whitewater through October 25, 2020. In observance of Covid-19 safety precautions, the gallery is open Friday – Sunday, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., masks must be worn in the building at all times, and there is a maximum of 10 people allowed in the gallery at one time.

Tatijana Jacenkiw was born in Chicago and raised in a Ukrainian neighborhood. Abandoning her love of art in favor of a more practical profession, she attended the Illinois Institute of Technology where she received a degree in architecture. After starting her career in architecture, getting married, and raising a family, she decided to pursue a career as an artist in 2005. Tatijana began honing her skills by painting several days a week in the studio of Evanston portrait artist, Gay Riseborough. Subsequently, she took classes with Eleanor Spiess-Ferris and Jason Miklik, as well as attended workshops conducted by nationally recognized pastelists.

She is continually juried and has received awards in various international, national, and regional juried art shows. She has had several solo exhibitions in Illinois including the Ukrainian National Museum in Chicago. She is president and a master signature member of the Chicago Pastel Painters, a signature member of the Pastel Society of America, and a member of the Master’s Circle of the International Association of Pastel Societies. She has had her work published and received recognition in the Pastel Journal, the American Artist, and the Ukrainian Word among other publications.

Tatijana’s desire to share the wonders of pastels with other artists and art lovers led to her dedicated involvement with the Chicago Pastel Painters. Since 2013, she has been teaching pastel classes. She is currently an instructor at the Art Center of Highland Park.

Tatijana’s Artist Statement: “I work almost exclusively in pastels. The abundance of available colors mesmerizes me, and their refractive quality intrigues me. I am constantly amazed and fascinated by the way one can mix colors through layering, strokes and cross hatching resulting in an iridescence, depth and complexity of color that is always different.

I strive to capture the essence of the subject, tell a story, and convey a mood, a feeling, or a moment in time. No matter how much I plan a painting, once I begin, it becomes an emotional and reactionary process. While I love to paint everything and anything, people move me the most. My emotional connection with the subject matter, my love for color, my nervous energy, and my technique result in paintings that are consistently unique and yet uniquely my own.”

Website:https://www.tatijana-jacenkiw.com/

The mission of the Whitewater Arts Alliance is to promote the visual and performing arts through an alliance of artists, individuals, educational resources, and organizations to promote creativity and diversity that will serve to educate and enrich the lives of the residents of the Whitewater community and surrounding areas.

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
October 14, 2020

City Clerk Michele Smith reports that the state Department of Administration’s estimate of the city’s population for 2020 is 15,035. This is the first time in history that the population has passed the 15,000 threshold. Of course, the current and historic numbers shown below include a significant portion of UW-W’s enrollment. The “long-term” population is unknown, with most speculation being in the range of 6000-8000.

Following a U.S. Supreme Court decision announced on October 13, the U.S. Census Bureau has announced that it is closing the 2020 census effective on October 15. A lawsuit had sought to extend the collection through October 31. The data that is used for local and state redistricting is due to be released by March 31, 2021.

		2020	2019	2018
Walworth Co		11,976	12111	11966
Jefferson Co		3,059	2812	2838
Total		15,035	14923	14804

(Whitewater Chamber submission) The Whitewater Chamber of Commerce has re-imagined its annual Ghoul’s Night Out event. This year we are hosting a socially distanced scavenger hunt that will take place the whole week before Halloween, 10/24 – 10/30/20. Families/children will grab a scavenger hunt form and explore town looking for the hidden Halloween symbols at local businesses. There are symbols hidden on the east side, west side, and downtown! Once you have located at least 10 of the hidden symbols bring your completed scavenger hunt forms to the Discover Whitewater offices to pick up a spooky bag of tasty treats and get entered into the prize drawing for an amazing basket of seasonal goodies!

Children and families are encouraged to grab a scavenger hunt form from the Discover Whitewater office downtown, 150 W. Main Street, or print one from either the Whitewater Area Chamber Facebook event post or the chamber’s event page. Forms will be available at the downtown offices by 10/21. While we cannot tell you which businesses are participating, (that would give away the symbol locations), we want to thank the over 20 local businesses for joining in on the fun!

If you would like more information about this event please contact us by phone at 263-473-4005 or by email at info@whitewaterchamber.com Happy Hunting and Happy Halloween!

(J-Hawks submission) “We sell really nice wreaths at a great price, which are delivered the week of Thanksgiving.  Delivery is to anyone within a 30 mile radius of Whitewater,” said Coach Cheri Zimdars.

Simply click on this link to order:  J-Hawk Wreath Sale Link or email Coach Cheri at j_hawkswim@charter.net and she will send you the order from.

The J-Hawk Aquatic Club is a 501(c)3 providing both swim lessons and competitive swimming to youth in Whitewater and surrounding communities.  No child is ever turned away due to financial reasons.

Premiering Thursday, October 15th at 7:00 p.m., ‘From Our Home To Yours’ features entertainment from some of Young Auditorium’s most beloved performers.

(Young Auditorium submission) While dealing with the financial effects of a temporary shutdown, Young Auditorium is getting extremely creative with its latest fundraising event, a first-of-its-kind virtual-telethon. Premiering Thursday, October 15 at 7:00 p.m., From Our Home To Yours is a digital video presentation featuring performances donated by some of Young Auditorium’s most beloved theatrical artists and musicians. All proceeds earned from this event will directly support Young Auditorium’s general operations fund, reinforcing the venue’s efforts to provide the highest quality arts entertainment and community outreach programs.

While highlighting the important role our venue plays in the campus and local communities, the From Our Home To Yours presentation is filled with outstanding music, theatre, and dance performances from entertainers who already have a special connection to Young Auditorium. Participating artists like The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra, magician Bill Blagg, and the South Chicago Dance Theatre have each called Young Auditorium home…at least for an evening or two in the past.

The employees and volunteers who spend time here truly feel that Young Auditorium is a second home. For each event we present, we try to give our patrons, and the artists themselves, that same comfortable feeling. And while we’re not open for live, in-person events just yet, the ‘From Our Home To Yours’ program is designed to help bring some of the comforts of Young Auditorium into the homes of our supporters.

~Aaron Wesolowski, Marketing Manager – Young Auditorium

Following guidelines set forth by state and university officials, Young Auditorium temporarily closed its doors to the general public on March 14th, 2020, forcing the venue to cancel all remaining performances scheduled as part of its 2019-2020 season.

“The loss of ticket revenue experienced since the emergency shut-down is of great concern to our organization. With an estimated loss of approximately $200,000 just this fall, Young Auditorium is looking to the community we serve to help us come back stronger than ever. When the time comes to reopen our doors for live, in-person events and outreach activities, we want to be able to exceed the expectations of both loyal customers AND new patrons.”
~Shannon Dozoryst, Director – Young Auditorium

During the From Our Home To Yours telethon event, individuals will be encouraged to make donations using Young Auditorium’s online platform (https://www.uww.edu/youngauditorium/2020-home). The first 50 individuals to set up recurring monthly donations will even be offered a special Young Auditorium VIP pack. All proceeds earned from the event will go directly to the Young Auditorium General Operating fund, allowing the venue to move forward with planning initiatives for short and long-term goals including enhancements to digital programming, community outreach presentations, and arts education initiatives.

SAVE THE DATE:
From Our Home to Yours – Young Auditorium Virtual Fundraising Event
Premiere Week: Thursday, October 15th (7PM) – Thursday, October 22nd

(Presentation will remain available through December 2020)

To watch the virtual fundraiser, and to make your donation, simply visit the Young Auditorium ‘From Our Home To Yours’ website (https://www.uww.edu/youngauditorium/2020-home), or tune in to the Young Auditorium YouTube page starting October 15th at 7:00 p.m. While viewers are highly encouraged to participate during premiere week (10/15-10/22), the video presentation will remain available through the end of the calendar year. No purchase is necessary, but donations are strongly encouraged.

Although our theatre remains temporarily dark this fall, Young Auditorium has multiple opportunities available to watch high quality digital programming from the comfort of your home.

For complete event listings, performance descriptions, and instructions for purchasing and/or accessing
digital content, please visit youngauditorium.com.

(Whitewater Kiwanis submission) The Whitewater Kiwanis Family of Clubs, including Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Circle K, Whitewater High School Key Club, and the Whitewater Middle School Builders Club are celebrating 22 years of selling their beautiful red and white poinsettias in the Whitewater community for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Poinsettia orders are due November 10 (pick-up and delivery would be either November 24 or December 1, with deliveries for those with a 53190 zip code).  The red and white poinsettias are either 6” for $12 each or 8” for $20 each. 

Individuals who wish to purchase poinsettias may contact Rick Norman at 262-391-2228, Jean Bromley at 262-473-9126, Lorrie Koppein at 608-695-6366, Rollie Cooper at 262-473-5375, Marjorie Stoneman at 414-861-4126 or any member of the Kiwanis Clubs.  Orders may be picked up at the Whitewater Greenhouse, 301 Country Road U, Whitewater on November 24 between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. or December 1 between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Delivery arrangements should be made with the Kiwanian who sold the poinsettia. 

Safety is a priority, with all people delivering the poinsettias to wear gloves and masks when they handle the plants and when they are in contact with purchasers.

“The holiday season is brightened by these beautiful plants, and the funds raised help us continue to support the great work being done in Whitewater.  This year especially, with the need to cancel our breakfast in conjunction with the half marathon, we are focusing on the poinsettia sale as a major fundraiser in order to help our community.  We plan to do this with safety in mind, by wearing gloves and masks while handling and delivering the plants,” said Rick Norman, coordinator of the poinsettia sale for the Whitewater Kiwanis Clubs.

The Kiwanis Clubs thank Jim Boyd and the Whitewater Greenhouse for their 22-year partnership that continues to offer the beautiful poinsettia plants and at the same time raises funds to help meet community needs.

The Kiwanis Whitewater Breakfast Club is made up of dedicated volunteers who help both the Whitewater community and the world, all with 100 percent of funds going directly to projects and zero to administrative costs. Over the past 21 years, sales from the poinsettia plants have raised $150,000 for programs in the community. Last year, the club distributed more than $20,000, with donations to the Whitewater Unified School District, including shoes for students and scholarships; in addition the club donated to the Whitewater Food Pantry, Bethel House and the Methodist Church that served free meals during COVID.  Kiwanis helped to build and maintain the Flowing Well Shelter, the shelters at Starin Park and Treyton’s Field of Dreams, the WHS football field lights and press box, as well as adopting a highway to clean up.  In addition, the group donates to the Whitewater Youth Soccer Club, the Friends of the Whitewater Aquatic Center Family Partnership Fund and more. More information can be found on the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club Facebook page.

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world
one child and one community at a time.

WE HAVE ADDED A NEW RACE and AWARD DIVISIONS! 
This is an event for the entire family.

(J-Hawks submission) We know that this season has been tough on many younger runners, so we’ve added a 2 mile run/walk race to our events.

We have also created new award divisions for our high school, middle school, and elementary age racers.

New Awards Divisions:

Award Divisions (Top 3, Men, Women – Virtual Racers will have separate awards):

5k and 10k Divisions: Elementary, Middle School, High School, Post HS-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80-89

2 Mile Divisions: Elementary School, Middle School, Post Middle School

OVERALL WINNERS (We will be awarding gift cards to our IN PERSON overall winners! They will be mailed with your award) :

10K: Overall Men, Overall Women

5K: Overall Men, Overall Women, Overall High School Male, Overall High School Female, Overall Middle School Male, Overall Middle School Female

2 Mile: Overall Elementary, Overall Middle School Male, Overall Middle School Girl

All starts are staggered. Start times will be emailed Thursday night.

REGISTER HERE: https://runsignup.com/Race/WI/Whitewater/JHawkFallRun

(Studio 84 news release) On Saturday, October 3, 48 ticket holders lined up to collect their dozen cupcakes in Studio 84’s Chocolate Affair: Cupcake War.  Located in Whitewater, Wisconsin, Studio 84 is a nonprofit art studio that specializes in the creative development of people with disabilities.

The Chocolate Affair: Cupcake War is Studio 84’s second annual event that celebrates chocolate and the art of baking. This year it got a total redesign from full sized cakes served indoors to cupcakes picked up curbside.  With eight bakers entering their delicious cupcakes and decorated to the hilt, the competition was intense.  There were 48 ‘judges’ who voted on the Best Tasting and the Best Decorated Cupcakes in the County.  People could also purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win one of two beautiful “Death by Chocolate” baskets created by board member Julie Witt.

Bakers who entered their baked goodies were: Sarah Hoots, Addison Sievers, Meredith Campbell, Jeanne Jonely, Angie Stevenson, Jasmine Haag, Katie Krueger, and Lacey Rebarcheck.

Winners of the 2020 Cupcake War were: Best Tasting was Lacey Rebarcheck and the Best Decorated was Meredith Campbell. They will hold this title till next year.

Winners of the raffle were Aimlee Sorenson and Dennis Hillary.

Board members Heather Ruenz and Maragaret Wheeler packaged up 48 dozen cupcakes  (576 of them!) on Friday evening and handed them out curbside on Saturday. Board members Greg Porcaro and Karen McCulloch are happy to report that the event raised more than $1,500.

Proceeds from the event will assist with the many losses Studio 84 endured and continues to due to the shutdown with the pandemic.  Director, Deborah Blackwell, states, “Our artists are back in the studio as of July 7^th after almost four months of being closed. To maintain as much safety as possible we are operating at about a 25% capacity with returning artists. They are excited to be making art again and those who are in our career program are anxious to be selling their work again too.  Sales went down to zero during the shutdown and are slowly coming back.  All of their art fairs for the summer and fall had been canceled.  Right now the only way they are able to sell their work is with our online store and they hope you will consider buying some of their items for holiday gifts this year.”

You can visit Studio 84 online at www.studio84inc.org and follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/studio84inc