News

Among the new products being developed in the world of artificial intelligence (AI), are some that may improve life for dementia patients and their caregivers.    Dr. Jeannine Rowe, PhD, MSW, Professor of Social Work and Gerontology at UW-Whitewater said, “AI is reshaping life for older adults in ways that support social connection, personal growth, independence and health.”    A new artificial intelligence product called “Sunny” guides patients through structured, engaging conversations designed to stimulate memory, verbal fluency, and problem-solving.

For Frank P. who has mild cognitive impairment, Sunny was a little formal at first but after interacting for a while, conversations have become more familiar and engaging.   “It really does feel like you’re having a conversation with someone who’s interested.”   One advantage of Sunny is that “she” doesn’t mind when Frank repeats himself.  Frank’s wife and care partner said Sunny is not judgmental.  “Frank can tell a story and forget he told it and tell it again.”  

Dena D. says she exercises more often, stays hydrated and remembers to take her 10 medications since she installed an AI-powered companion robot called ElliQ beside her favorite chair.  About the size of a small table lamp, the robot has no face, but it swivels, nods, lights up and chats with humanlike body language and poise. “We’ll start the day; she asks me how I slept. At the end of the day, she asks how my day was,” says Dena.

The tone of AI responses is programed to be friendly, patient, and good-natured so as not to cause frustration.  This is especially appreciated by caregivers who are often overwhelmed with tasks and prone to impatience.  Evidence has shown that AI companions can also help people feel less lonely. 

 With all the potential for good, experts have concerns about privacy and improper use.  Dr. Rowe recommends patients and care partners seek support and training which can be available from social workers, health workers and nurses. Many communities offer “Senior Tech Days” where younger people teach older adults about new technologies.  

Another risk is that caregivers and memory facilities may come to depend on AI at the expense of human interaction.   “Even as these technologies evolve and become more accessible,” says Dr. Rowe “the need for human social connection remains essential to health and well-being, and no AI technology can replace that fundamental human bond.”

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For more information, click here:

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/31/well/mind/dementia-ai-companions.html

https://www.i-conect.org/study-details

https://www.newdays.ai

This article is submitted by Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, a program of Whitewater Seniors in the Park to help educate the community about dementia and to support patients and their care partners.  New committee members are very welcome!  Contact JJackson@whitewater-wi.gov or call Jennifer at 262 473 0535       https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/273/Seniors-In-the-Park

“The Family Stone”

Tuesday, December 9, 1 pm 

(Holiday/Comedy/Romance)

Rated PG-13; 1 hour, 43 minutes (2005).

From “The Week” magazine: “Diane Keaton’s death will make fans’ annual re-viewing of this cult 2005 holiday drama hit home. She anchors an ensemble cast as a headstrong matriarch who is losing her own cancer battle.” Also stars Dermot Mulroney, Craig T. Nelson, Sara Jessica Parker, and Luke Wilson. 

Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $15 and non-residents is $20. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes out of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/

Katherine Staniszewski of Whitewater, WI has been named to the 2025 summer trimester Dean’s List at Palmer College of Chiropractic’s Main Campus in Davenport, Iowa.

Palmer College of Chiropractic, the first and largest college in the chiropractic profession, has campuses in Davenport, Iowa, and Port Orange, Florida.

The City of Whitewater’s Community Development Department recently completed a Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) visit to Generac Power Systems’ Whitewater facility at 757 N. Newcomb Street. The visit, conducted on November 20, 2025, included Economic Development Director Mason Becker and Economic Development Coordinator Ashwini Rao, who met on-site with Rebecca Goodacre, Senior Human Resources Manager, and Ryan Williams, Director of Operations.

Conversations during the visit reinforced Generac’s long-standing commitment to Whitewater and showcased the company’s continued role as a major employer in the region. Generac’s Whitewater facility currently supports approximately 850 employees, maintaining workforce stability through a combination of strong benefits, competitive wages, and clear pathways for internal advancement. Generac leaders highlighted that many employees have progressed from production roles into supervisory and management positions.

The team also provided updates on workforce development initiatives, including a training partnership with Blackhawk Technical College, which has received positive feedback from participating employees, and Generac’s ongoing GPS Education Partners program with Whitewater High School that introduces students to careers in manufacturing and energy technology.

Reflecting on the company’s connection to Whitewater, Rebecca Goodacre shared: “Generac has always valued its partnership with the City of Whitewater. We appreciate the city’s willingness to listen, collaborate, and support our workforce and operations. It’s a strong and positive working relationship, and we look forward to continuing to grow together.”

Generac noted that the local roadway network, particularly Highway 12 and Highway 59, continues to effectively support the facility’s logistics, employee attraction and employee transportation. Company leaders also expressed an interest in expanding community involvement and partnering with the city on future outreach initiatives.

Generac’s ongoing efforts to onshore production and insource key components have strengthened supply chain resilience, an important factor in maintaining stable operations and supporting long-term growth.

“Our team values the strong relationship we have with Generac, and we appreciate their decades of investment in Whitewater,” said Mason Becker, Economic Development Director. “Their commitment to workforce development, high-quality jobs, and community engagement continues to make Generac a foundational employer in our local and regional economy.”

The Community Development Department will continue its ongoing BRE program outreach to ensure Whitewater businesses receive the support, resources, and connections needed for continued success.

Businesses within the City of Whitewater that are interested in learning more about the BRE program can contact Mason Becker at mbecker@whitewater-wi.gov

The City of Whitewater is excited to invite the entire community to join us for Christmas at Cravath, a month-long celebration of lights, holiday cheer, and family-friendly fun!

From December 5th, 2025 through January 5th, 2026, Cravath Lakefront Park and downtown Whitewater will come alive with festive events for all ages. The season kicks off on Friday, December 5th with the Holiday Market from 5-8 p.m. and our dazzling Parade of Lights at 6 p.m., followed by the official lighting of the park’s holiday display.

Thank you to our incredible sponsors for lighting up Whitewater! TDS Fiber, Jennifer Visser’s State Farm Office, Fort Community Credit Union, The Coburn Company, Inc., First Citizens State Bank, Associated Bank, Pro Landscape WI, Generac, Burtness Whitewater, KEtterhagen Ford, Whitewater Family Dentistry, Whitewater Chamber of Commerce, and the Katzman Family Farms.

Throughout the month, families can enjoy:
 Cookies with Santa
 Parents’ Night Out & Kids Pajama Party
 Paws and Claus Pet Pictures with Santa
 Breakfast-for-Dinner with Santa
 Family Painting Projects
 Meet the Magic: Real Reindeer for Christmas
 Chili Cook-Off
…and so much more!

Whether you’re shopping local, snapping photos with Santa, or simply taking in the sparkling lights, there’s something magical for everyone.

We invite all residents and visitors to celebrate the season with us and make unforgettable memories at Christmas at Cravath.

 Join us for a holiday season full of joy, lights, and community spirit!

For full details, visit www.wwparks.org or follow the City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation on social media. Some programs require a registration fee, others are FREE. Please sign up for the free programs as well to help be sure we do not run out of items. 

La Ciudad de Whitewater se complace en invitar a toda la comunidad a unirse a nosotros en la Navidad en Cravath, ¡una celebración de un mes llena de luces, alegría navideña y diversión para toda la familia! Desde el 5 de diciembre de 2025 hasta el 5 de enero de 2026, el Parque Cravath Lakefront y el centro de Whitewater se llenarán de eventos festivos para todas las edades. La temporada comienza el viernes 5 de diciembre con el Mercado Navideño y nuestro deslumbrante Desfile de Luces, seguido por la iluminación oficial de la exhibición navideña del parque. A lo largo del mes, las familias podrán disfrutar de: Galletas con Santa Noche de Padres y Fiesta de Pijamas para Niños Fotos de Mascotas con Papá Noel Desayuno para Cena con Santa Proyectos de Pintura Familiar Conoce la Magia: Renos Reales para Navidad Concurso de Chili … ¡y mucho más! Ya sea que estés comprando localmente, tomando fotos con Santa o simplemente disfrutando de las luces brillantes, hay algo mágico para todos.

¡Gracias a nuestros increíbles patrocinadores por iluminar Whitewater! TDS Fiber, la oficina de State Farm de Jennifer Visser, Fort Community Credit Union, The Coburn Company, Inc., First Citizens State Bank, Associated Bank, Pro Landscape WI, Generac, Burtness Whitewater, Ketterhagen Ford, Whitewater Family Dentistry, la Cámara de Comercio de Whitewater y las granjas de la familia Katzman.

Invitamos a todos los residentes y visitantes a celebrar la temporada con nosotros y a crear recuerdos inolvidables en la Navidad en Cravath.

¡Únase a nosotros para una temporada navideña llena de alegría, luces y espíritu comunitario!

Para obtener todos los detalles, visite www.wwparks.org o siga a City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation en las redes sociales. Algunos programas requieren una tarifa de inscripción, otros son GRATIS. Por favor, regístrese también en los programas gratuitos para ayudar a asegurarnos de no quedarnos sin artículos.

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. The early winter snow storm last weekend prompted this vintage Whitewater “snow” view. This image, taken around 1900 shows the north side of Main Street with snow-covered streets. It also shows the best way people got around during snowy winters, a wagon on sled runners. Some of us may have wished we had runners on our cars last week!

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

(3861P, Whitewater Historical Society)

On Saturday, December 6, 2025, the family, friends, and greater
Whitewater community will gather to celebrate and memorialize Ken
Nehring, a good man and a life well lived. Coach Nehring was a teacher by
trade but a basketball coach at heart, and he made a lasting impact on
countless young men as a coach, mentor, and friend.

For the past five decades, basketball has been my vocation as both a
player and a coach. Over those many years, I have had the privilege of
playing for and working alongside some truly outstanding coaches, and
Coach Nehring stands at the very top of that list. With time, I have come to
appreciate even more the way he taught the game with discipline,
enthusiasm, empathy, and class. Athletics can sometimes become
transactional, and when that happens, the transformative life lessons the
game can teach are diminished. Coach was never transactional, and he
never compromised with what mattered.

Coach, thank you for teaching us the skills of the game and, more
importantly, instilling in us the values of discipline, perseverance, and
teamwork. Your mentorship helped us become better players, but even
more so, better men. Your countless acts of kindness, many of which
were never publicly acknowledged, will never be forgotten.

Coach Nehring was inducted into the UW-Platteville Hall of Fame as a
player and into the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Hall of
Fame as a coach. For many of us, he was far more than a Hall-of-Famer.
He was a role model and a friend. Each time I returned to Whitewater, I
made a point of stopping by to visit with Coach. Those conversations and
that fellowship were always a blessing. Future trips home will not be the
same without him, but the memories will last a lifetime.

Coach, thank you for believing in us, inspiring us, and leaving a profound
and lasting impact on our lives.

Michael Murphy
Whitewater Whippet, Class of 1980

Whitewater High School hosted their annual National Honor Society Induction Ceremony on December 3rd, celebrating the academic achievement, leadership, character, and service of outstanding students. New junior and senior members were formally welcomed into the organization in a ceremony that highlighted the four pillars of NHS and the important role student leaders play in the WHS community.

The event included reflections on the meaning of NHS membership, recognition of each inductee, and the traditional signing of the NHS registry. Newly selected officers for the upcoming year were also honored and installed during the ceremony.

“We are incredibly proud of our students for earning this distinction,” said NHS Advisor Ms. Liberty Cunningham. “Their commitment to scholarship, service, leadership, and character strengthens our school community and sets a powerful example for their peers.”

Whitewater High School congratulates all newly inducted members and looks forward to their continued contributions to the school and the greater community throughout the year.

New Junior Members:

• Connor Brumeyer
• Langdon Coburn
• Marcus Roselle
• Anjay Magana Rodriguez
• Jordyn Weeden
• Maddi Morton
• Maddie Joseph
• Karlee Villegas-Korbel
• Emmett Spear
• Frank Mbifi
• Jacek Egnoski
• Emy Islas
• Carson Miller
• Kai Peterson
• Tylen Bucholtz

New Senior Members:

• Marvin Duarte Garcia
• Delaney Hammack
• Shaday Capistran Linares
• Rosenburg Escobar

Existing Members:

• Chacha Binagi
• Payton Brautigam
• Matthew Carollo
• Grace Coleman (President)
• Lucy Davis (Secretary)
• Erison Dreksler
• Joseph Falcon
• Mya Graves-Koran
• Nina Heim
• Kaia Jones
• Lilian Navejas-Ortiz (Treasurer)  
• Samuel Nickelsburg
• Genesis Valadez
• Alexa Wildenberg
• Elora Wildermuth
• Atreya Wilson (Vice President)
• Cara Yang

Article and photos submitted by Liberty Cunningham
Whitewater High School NHS Advisor
cunli01@wwusd.org

Celebrate 30 Years of Musical Magic at the UW-Whitewater Gala Concert! – Saturday, December 6 @ 7:30 p.m. – The Young Performing Arts Center Join us for a spectacular evening as the UW-Whitewater Gala Concert marks its 30th in-person performance with a holiday celebration inspired by the grandeur of the silver screen. Step into a night where music meets the magic of the movies—an unforgettable journey through soaring melodies, dramatic rhythms, and the powerful emotion only live performance can deliver.This milestone event not only showcases the extraordinary talent of nearly every ensemble in the UW-Whitewater Department of Music but also supports music scholarships that help future artists thrive. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a first-time guest, don’t miss this dazzling celebration of music, legacy, and the enduring power of live performance. 6:30 p.m.: Small Ensembles and Basket Raffle Experience the full scope of this extraordinary evening with every corner of the venue igniting in dynamic, immersive performances by student ensembles. While you are enjoying the music and twinkling of holiday lights, grab a beverage and check out the annual ornament sale in the lobby, the amazing prizes at our basket raffle in the Kachel Center, and more. Enter for your chance to win a basket sponsored by generous local businesses and/or patrons while supporting a great cause! Bring your wallets; entries will be cash only.  7:30 p.m.: Gala Benefit Concert Step into a night where music meets the magic of the movies—an unforgettable journey through soaring melodies, dramatic rhythms, and the powerful emotion only live performance can deliver. Music from “The Polar Express,” “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and more holiday favorites are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat! Secure your seats now—and be part of the Gala’s most epic chapter yet! Admission is $30. There is no charge for parking. All profits from this event support the Department of Music Scholarships. PRE-CONCERT ENSEMBLES Kachel Center 6:30 p.m. – Euphonium & Tuba Quartet 6:55 p.m. – Student Brass Quintet Center of the Arts Atrium 6:30 p.m. – Marimba Ensemble 6:55 p.m. – Guitar Ensemble The Young Lobby 6:30 p.m. – Clarinet Ensemble 6:55 p.m. – Chamber Orchestra Fern Young Terrace 6:30 p.m. – Harmonia 7:00 p.m. – Clarinet Ensemble MAIN CONCERT ENSEMBLES Vocal Jazz Jazz Ensemble I Symphonic Wind Ensemble Chamber Singers Symphony Orchestra INTERMISSION ENSEMBLES Kachel Center Jazz Combo The Young Lobby Cello Ensemble Fern Young Terrace Flute Ensemble The Young Stage Piano Duet POST-CONCERT ENSEMBLES Kachel Center Saxophone Ensemble Center of the Arts Atrium Hawk Kor The Young Lobby Trombone Choir

Residents of the Whitewater Unified School District are encouraged to consider seeking a
position on the School Board. The final day for filing is Tuesday, January 6, 2026, by 5:00 p.m.

Three seats will be on the spring ballot. The incumbents are Stephanie Hicks, Lisa Huempfner, and Christy Linse. Incumbents have until Friday, December 26, by 5:00 p.m. to file their Notification of Noncandidacy. Under section 120.06(6)(b)3m of state statutes, the District Clerk will give the public prompt notice if any incumbent files their Notification of Noncandidacy on the School Board Election page of the district website.

Any person who is a United States citizen and a qualified elector of the Whitewater Unified School District is legally qualified to become a member of the School Board. In addition, Board candidates should have a genuine interest in and devotion to public education, a willingness to give time and effort to the position, a capacity to understand people, and the ability to work cooperatively with others. The School Board is the district’s policy-making authority and is responsible to the public for the success of all education services offered by the district. This success is dependent on many individuals, but also upon each Board member’s understanding of the workings of the
district-wide operations and each member’s ability to participate meaningfully in the decision-making process that governs the district.

The candidate filing documents may be obtained and filed at the office of the School Board Secretary at the Whitewater Unified School District Central Office, 419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater. School Board candidates do not circulate nomination papers, but the School Board Secretary, Christine Dodge, will assist in completing necessary filing documents.

CENTRAL OFFICE HOURS
Through Friday, December 19, 2025
M-Th, 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m./ F, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Monday, December 22 through Friday, January 2 – The Central Office is Closed

Monday, January 5 and Tuesday, January 6
7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (5:00 p.m. is the deadline for filing candidacy paperwork on January 6)

Interested in Running for the WUSD School Board?
All School District Candidates must complete and submit the required forms to the filing officer no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Candidacy paperwork, Ballot Access Checklist & Campaign Finance Overview – Local Candidate Committees is available at the Central Office, 419 S. Elizabeth Street, Whitewater. The Whitewater Unified School District does not require nomination papers for School Board candidates.

*If you have questions or need assistance with candidacy paperwork, please contact Christine Dodge, School Board Secretary, at 262-472-8713 or cdodge@wwusd.org.