News & Events

“Signs of Community” Art Exhibition Featuring Industrial Photography by Lance Thomas at Whitewater Cultural Arts Center Gallery

Whitewater Arts Alliance announces its current art exhibition, “Signs of Community,” showcasing the industrial photography of Lance Thomas. The exhibition will run from March 1-30, 2024, at the Whitewater Cultural Arts Center Gallery located at 402 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI, 53190.

Lance Thomas

Lance Thomas, a talented photographer with a passion for aging architecture and community narratives, brings his unique
perspective to life through his industrial artwork. Thomas embarked on his project journey in 2012, exploring the city of Milwaukee and capturing the essence of its urban landscapes. What started as a simple stroll evolved into a profound artistic exploration, where Thomas discovered that the beauty of a community lies in its simplest elements. “I set out to capture the essence of aging architecture and community bonds through my lens,” says Lance Thomas. “Incorporating salvaged and
reclaimed materials to frame my work adds depth and resonance to each piece, creating a powerful presentation that invites viewers to delve into the heart of each image.”

In 2019, Thomas expanded his project to include iconic buildings and signs in Whitewater, as he prepared for an exhibition at Roberta’s Art Gallery, located in the UW-W University Center, and participated in a collaborative art project installed at the University Center.

Returning to Whitewater for the “Signs of Community” exhibition at the Cultural Arts Center, Thomas is excited to share his latest works with the community. The Whitewater Arts Alliance, will hold an artist’s reception on Thursday, March 21, from 4-6 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Lance Thomas and engage with his thought-provoking artwork.

Please see this Banner post for information regarding the months-long art and rummage sale. Additionally, on March 21, from 12-6 p.m., the Whitewater Arts Alliance will offer special deals during their art and rummage sale, offering bargains on local artwork and unique treasures from their storage. Many Whitewater Arts Alliance artists have donated their work for the sale.

Kim Adams, Gallery Director for Whitewater Arts Alliance, invites art enthusiasts and community members to celebrate the arts and foster connections within the community. “Join us in exploring Lance Thomas’s remarkable industrial photography, as we come together to celebrate the arts and create a sense of community,” says Adams. Adams is hopeful that the rt sale will be a successful fundraiser for the Whitewater Arts Alliance.

For more information about the “Signs of Community” art exhibition and the upcoming art/rummage sale, please contact Kim Adams at 608-201-2151 or visit www.whitewaterarts.org.

It’s movie awards season and Seniors in the Park will be presenting many nominated and winning films over the coming months!

“Killers of the Flower Moon”

Tuesday, March 12, 12:30 p.m.

(Earlier starting time due to film’s length; 15 minute intermission midway). 

(Drama/History) Rated R (profanity, violence)

3 hours, 26 minutes (2023).

When oil is discovered in 1920’s Oklahoma under Osage Nation land, the Native American Osage people are mysteriously murdered one-by-one until  the newly formed FBI steps in to unravel the mystery. Nominated for 10 Oscars, including Best Picture, Director (Martin Scorsese), Actress (Lily Gladstone) and Actor (Robert DeNiro). 

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 $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes our 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/

Reminiscing about the past can be a powerful way to connect, offering comfort and joy for both persons with dementia and caregivers.  Reminiscing is less about facts, names and dates than it is about re-experiencing feelings of happiness, comfort, and love. Here are some tips on how to reminisce effectively and sensitively.  

Choose the Right Time: Pick a moment when your loved one seems most alert and open. Mornings are often a good time, but every individual is different.

Use Props to Spark Memories: Photos, music, familiar objects, or scents can act as powerful triggers for recalling memories. They can serve as a gentle prompt that encourages your loved one to share their stories. The aroma of baking cookies or cake can bring on pleasant memories, so don’t miss a chance to appreciate that moment together.

Be Patient and Receptive: Show genuine interest in their stories, even if they repeat themselves. Don’t insist they recall a name or date.  Your attentiveness, patience and affection are much more important.

Follow Their Lead: Let them guide the conversation. If they steer towards a particular topic or era, follow their lead.

Avoid Correcting Errors: The goal is to enjoy the moment together, not to challenge inaccuracies. Remember, the emotional pleasure you both experience is more important than factual details.

Encourage Sensory Memories: Sometimes, talking about how things tasted, smelled, sounded, or felt can be easier than recalling specific events.

Use Open-Ended Questions: Phrases like “Tell me about…” or “What was it like when…” can encourage more detailed responses than yes/no questions.

Remember the goal of your time together is to create emotions of warmth, kindness and comfort.  You may hear statements that are incorrect – one moment she has a daughter, the next she never had a daughter – but there is no need to correct the statement.  Nobody likes to be corrected and you may inadvertently cause feelings of shame.  Keep your goal in mind.

For more information on reminiscence benefits, click

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-together-magazine/ideas-help-person-dementia-feel-connected-using-scents-and-aromas

This article submitted by Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, a program of Whitewater Seniors in the Park to help inform the community about dementia and to support patients and caregivers.  New members are always welcome!  Contact jfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call Jennifer at 262 473 0535.  More resources for caregivers:

https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center

https://www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/departments/human_services/aging_and_disability_resource_center/index.php

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/benefit-specialists/ebs.htm

Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser

Erika Svanoe

A WHS alum, who is a nationally known and respected composer, is returning to Whitewater for a performance of her recent symphony.  The UW-Whitewater Symphonic Wind Ensemble will be performing Dr. Erika Svanoe’s Symphony in Blue and Gold on Sunday, March 10 at 3:00 p.m. in the Irvin L. Young Auditorium. Tickets are available online at https://www.uww.edu/youngauditorium/ticket-services/all-events or at the door. Adults are $7, those age 65+ or under age 18 are $4. There is a $2 surcharge for tickets purchased at the door.

Svanoe is a composer/conductor in the greater Twin Cities area. She has held academic appointments at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, Bemidji State University, and the University of New Hampshire. She is an active freelance composer, conductor, and clinician. She is also the creator of Marrying Mr. Darcy, the Pride & Prejudice card game.

Dr. Erika Svanoe (b. 1976) is a conductor and composer for wind band, known for her lyrical melodies, nods to classic literature, musical deconstruction, humor, and pastiche. Her works have been performed by “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, the United States Navy Band, and the National Concert Band of America, at venues such as the Midwest Clinic, the American Bandmasters Association National Conference, and the Boston New Music Festival. Her music has been featured on Wisconsin Public Radio, in Bandworld’s Top 100, and the Teaching Music Through Performance in Band series. Her first major work, The Haunted Carousel, won the 2014 NBA Young Band Composition Contest. Her first album, “The Music of Erika Svanoe,” was recorded by Andrew Boysen, Jr. and the University of New Hampshire Wind Symphony, and released in 2022.

The Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, Walworth County along with Emagine Theater, Lake Geneva is excited to introduce, the first in Wisconsin, an exciting new program for those in early stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s.  It is called “No Hush Movies.”  They will be presented at the Emagine Theater in Lake Geneva.  The first movie will be EASTER PARADE, March 13^th, and thereafter on the 2^nd Wednesday of each month.  The doors will open at 1:30 p.m., with a start time of 2:00 p.m.  The next movie will be  “Some Like It Hot,” April 10^th, “The Blues Brothers,” May 8^th and so on.  The Dementia Friendly Movies aim to provide a safe and enjoyable cinematic experience for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.  The auditorium lights are set higher, the sound levels are set lower, and the room temperature is comfortable. *What are “No Hush Movies”?  You are encouraged to participate if you like.  Sing along, get up and dance, talk, (NO HUSH or SHHHHH!)

The cost is only $5 each and there will also be a refreshment special available for $5.  You are welcome to invite friends and family and all will enjoy the special low prices.  You can purchase tickets in person or online at: https://www.emagine-entertainment.com/theatres/emagine-geneva-lakes/  under “SPECIAL EVENTS.”  All seating is on a “first come, first serve” basis. 

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from The Dementia Friendly Community Initiative. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Jan Alexander from Pixabay.

Winther Hall

Chancellor Corey A. King, Governor Tony Evers, and Greater Whitewater Committee President Jeffery Knight at the signing celebration on March 6 for the bill that will fund Winther and Heide Hall renovations

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from UW-Whitewater.

Wisconsin’s future educators will have a significantly upgraded home in which to earn their teaching licenses thanks to an upcoming renovation project at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Nearly $78.5 million is designated for the project as part of a capital budget bill, Senate Bill 895, approved by the state legislature on Feb. 22 and signed into law by Governor Tony Evers on March 6.

The project will transform two 1960s-era buildings on the southeast side of campus.

The bulk of the funding will go toward a complete renovation of Winther Hall, home to the College of Education and Professional Studies. The renovations are sweeping and game-changing for the university’s acclaimed education program, and will resolve space and building infrastructure deficiencies, improve instructional and departmental spaces, and increase technology capabilities. 

“With these capital improvements, UW-Whitewater can meet an increasingly critical workforce need,” said Chancellor Corey A. King. “There is a nationwide shortage of professional educators and teachers, especially in rural areas. UW-Whitewater proudly licenses more teachers than any other university or college in Wisconsin. This project gives us room to grow. It is an investment in Wisconsin’s future. We thank our government leaders for their overwhelming support of the project, as well as the students, faculty, staff, alumni and community stakeholders whose advocacy helped move it forward.”

In an August 2023 report, the Wisconsin Policy Forum reported the number of teachers working on a license with stipulations, or an emergency license, was 3,197 in 2021-22. That number, which represents individuals teaching in classrooms without being fully prepared or fully licensed to teach in the areas they were hired to teach in Wisconsin, has tripled since 2012-13.

“New graduates are needed in every education field,” said John Chenoweth, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “UW-Whitewater prepares students for a full breadth of careers in preschool through postsecondary education fields. This includes not only pre-kindergarten through grade-12 teachers, but also pupil services such as school counseling, psychology and social work as well as school and district administrators, higher education professionals and early childhood leaders.

“The vast majority of our alumni — 84 percent — stay and teach in Wisconsin Schools, meaning UW-Whitewater is uniquely positioned to change the trajectory of the state’s teacher shortage.”

Built in 1969, Winther Hall will experience the most dramatic transformation. Specifically, the project replaces the roof, elevators and more than 200 windows. New exterior windows will be selectively installed to introduce natural daylight into areas of the building not previously used for instruction or where daylighting standards are not currently met. It reimagines the existing footprint of the building to expand classrooms, instructional and computing laboratories, shared clinical space, and an advising center. Classrooms, lecture halls, and instructional laboratories will be reconfigured and expanded to accommodate modern instructional technology and flexible furnishings. HVAC, mechanical, electrical/telecommunications, and plumbing distribution networks will be replaced and reconfigured as necessary to accommodate the new floor plan layouts. 

Neighboring Heide Hall was built in 1965. This aspect of the project includes new elevators, a new roof, and new windows and doors.

A small addition will be constructed onto both Heide Hall and Winther Hall for accessible restrooms, in keeping with UW-Whitewater’s priority mission to provide exceptional services for students with disabilities.

Architects started preliminary design in January, 2024. Construction is expected to start in late 2025 on Heide Hall first before switching over to Winther Hall. Construction is estimated to be complete in late 2028 for both buildings.

UW-Whitewater’s teacher preparation programs go back more than 155 years, when the campus was initially founded as Whitewater Normal School, which trained teachers for one-room school houses. The College of Education and Professional Studies now graduates about 800 people each year.