News & Events

Staller Estate Winery and Distillery proudly announces its outstanding success at the esteemed Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition (FLIWC) in Rochester, NY. Competing among top global entries, Staller Estate’s exceptional spirits captivated judges, earning prestigious accolades.

The FLIWC, one of the largest charitable wine and spirits competitions in the US, draws Masters of Wine, Master Distillers, Master Sommeliers, and industry experts for a rigorous two-day blind judging process. Proceeds support Camp Good Days and Special Times, benefiting families affected by cancer and sickle cell anemia.

Staller Estate achieved a pinnacle with the Gold Medal in the “Best in Class” category for their Estate Brandy. This smooth, complex spirit features an amber hue with notes of dried fruits, subtle vanilla, and oak. On the palate, it offers a harmonious blend of caramel, toasted almonds, and spiced honey.

Adding to their success, Staller Estate garnered a Silver Medal for their Orange Royale. This luxurious Orange liqueur blends barrel-aged brandy with ripe oranges, delivering a balanced aroma of citrus freshness and mellow brandy notes.

“We are deeply honored by these awards,” said Wendy Staller, owner and winemaker. “From our beginnings in 2008 to opening our distillery in 2021, this recognition underscores our commitment to quality.”

Located in Delavan, Wisconsin, Staller Estate Winery has been producing exceptional wines since 2008. Wendy Staller’s journey began with viticulture and enology studies at UC-Davis, culminating in the acquisition of their current vineyard. Alongside her husband Joe and their four children, they continue to uphold a legacy of excellence in Wisconsin’s heartland.

For more information about Staller Estate Winery, visit Staller Estate Winery or contact wendy@stallerestate.com.

Whitewater, WI – July 17, 2024 – Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) is pleased to announce the award of a $249,998 Momentum Grant funded by the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin (AHW) Endowment in collaboration with the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). The grant is in support of a larger, regional project “Advancing Access to Behavioral Health Care in Rural Jefferson and Dodge County.” The funding, distributed over 24 months beginning July 1, 2024, will significantly enhance access to critical behavioral health services for residents in these rural areas.

“We are thrilled by this opportunity with MCW to increase access to affordable, high-quality behavioral health services across Jefferson and Dodge County,” states Olivia Nichols, PhD, CEO of RRCC. “At RRCC, the expansion of our behavioral health services is a natural and needed next step towards meeting our community needs.”

With MCW’s Department of Family and Community Medicine, the approved proposal aims to establish a coordinated, financially sustainable behavioral health delivery system that leverages existing healthcare resources and empirically-based care models. This initiative is particularly focused on improving health equity and access to behavioral health services in underserved regions.

Dr. David Songco, PsyD, Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor at MCW, and Dr. Nichols, will lead this transformative project. The initiative will employ a strategic approach to unify existing community health partnerships, improve access to behavioral health services, and develop sustainable care models that address the unique challenges faced by rural populations.

“The approval of this grant is a testament to our commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of residents in Jefferson and Dodge County,” said Dr. Songco. “By leveraging our collaborative network and focusing on sustainable, integrated behavioral health services, we aim to make a lasting impact on the community.”

A HealthWorks Behavioral Health Committee has been formed to oversee the development of a dual-county wide collaborative network, including but not limited to, Fort Healthcare and Watertown Regional Medical Center leadership, county health & human services leadership, and Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation representatives. The committee will be tasked with aligning behavioral health services to maximize reimbursement revenue and ensure long-term sustainability, and to create a network-wide Masters of Social Work (MSW) field rotation in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater to support workforce development.

“Partners across the greater Jefferson County region have a long history of collaboration,” states Tina Crave, President and CEO of the Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation. “Mental health is a top priority for all of us, and we are eager to work together to innovate and improve the wellbeing of our community.”

Specifically at RRCC, the MCW grant funding will allow for expanded capacity of primary care and behavioral health providers to deliver integrated care, an improved referral system within the HealthWorks network, and enhanced screening and quality measures for mental health and substance misuse services throughout their service area.

“We know that there is a desperate shortage of behavioral health services, especially in rural areas and communities of color,” adds Beth Lucht, PA-C, LCSW, Behavioral Health Director at RRCC. “And we also know that providing integrated behavioral health services within primary care improves access as well as helping patients attain better outcomes in managing chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. We are excited to have this opportunity to work to build a more robust, accessible system of care in Jefferson and Dodge Counties.”

RRCC aims to provide affordable, accessible healthcare services to any individual in need of care. From dental to medical to behavioral health, RRCC accepts patients who are uninsured, on Medicare or BadgerCare, or underinsured through their private health insurance plan.

“Our organization strives to make accessing affordable healthcare services attainable to historically underserved communities,” states Nichols. “Now, with the inclusion of expanded behavioral health, we are able to offer a full healthcare home to all those in our communities who need our care.”

RRCC encourages stakeholders and community members to join in celebrating this significant award towards critical advancement in the overall mental health of our communities. Further announcements and updates about the project will be shared on RRCC’s Facebook & Instagram account and website. Any specific questions about the grant or RRCC’s participation in the HealthWorks Committee can be directed to Nichols at director@rockrivercommunityclinic.org or 262.472.6839.

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Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) is a community health center that provides comprehensive and cost-effective health care services to ensure all community members have access to the care they need. Serving families in Jefferson, Dodge, and Walworth County, RRCC includes medical clinics located in Whitewater and Watertown, and one dental clinic located in Fort Atkinson.

At RRCC, all community members are welcome and accepted, regardless of ability to pay, with discounted prices for patients who are uninsured or underinsured (high deductible plans). RRCC also provides care coordination services to help patients overcome barriers to accessing healthcare (e.g., transportation), and helps to coordinate referrals. Bilingual staff (Spanish & English) are available to support patients and their families. By increasing access to health care services, offering care at affordable costs, and assisting with healthcare navigation, RRCC works to create a healthier, more equitable, community. For clinic hours and directions, visit www.rockrivercommunityclinic.org

Olivia Nichols, Ph.D.
CEO/Executive Director
director@rockrivercommunityclinic.org
262.472.6839

It is anticipated work will begin on Forest Avenue, between Fourth Street and Church Street, the week of July 22, 2024.

During the project Forest Avenue will be closed to thru traffic. The intersections of Church Street and Fourth Street will have intermittent closures when work is being performed within the intersections.

Work on Forest Avenue includes replacement of the sanitary sewer main and laterals, the water main and laterals, storm sewer improvements, replacement of sidewalk, curb and gutter, and new asphalt pavement.

The project is scheduled to be completed by the first week of September 2024.

Brad Marquardt Director of Public Works
(262) 473-0139
Bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov

The First United Methodist Church is hosting an XYZ event, and all are invited to attend. 

On Monday, July 22nd First United Methodist Church will host Rev. Dr. Eliad Dios dos Santos, a United Methodist Missionary Serving in Italy.  All are invited at noon for lunch, followed by a presentation by Rev. Santos about her ministry in Italy. 

Cost is $6/person. Please RSVP to First UMC by Friday, July 19th by calling 262-473-2131.

Looking for a summer activity for your kids that will pay off down the road? FCCU’s Common Cents Summer Camp teaches the essential financial skills and knowledge that will empower children towards a brighter financial future.

The camp will be taught by FCCU’s Certified Financial Coaches and will include the basics of financial knowledge with grade-appropriate lessons, games, and activities. Participants will learn how to create a budget, set financial goals, and make informed decisions about spending and saving. The camp will be held on Wednesday, July 31 from 1:00-5:00pm at FCCU’s Home Mortgage Store, 732 Madison Ave, Fort Atkinson.

“We believe that financial education is crucial for the next generation. Our Common Cents Camp is designed to make learning about money fun and accessible, ensuring that children develop a positive relationship with finances from an early age “said Whitney Townsend, Director of Business and Community Development at FCCU.

The camp is free and open to all kids in grades 2-5. Registration can be completed online at https://www.fortcommunity.com/education-resources/financial-education/events. Space is limited; register today to invest in your child’s financial wellness!

Growing and Caring for Plants in Wisconsin: Foundations in Gardening is an online, complete-at-your-own-pace introductory course offered by the UW-Madison Division of Extension Horticulture Program. This course is designed for anyone who wants to improve their gardening skills, regardless of experience level. Participants learn key concepts for selecting, growing, and maintaining plants—from trees to houseplants to vegetables and everything in between! The course runs September 8–December 7, 2024. 

Registration opens July 15, Early Bird pricing runs July 15-August 12, and registration closes August 29. Foundations in Gardening is offered annually each fall. It is suitable for gardeners of all skill levels, and it also serves as an approved learning opportunity for those interested in joining the Master Gardener Program.

At the end of Growing and Caring for Plants in Wisconsin: Foundations in Gardening, participants will be able to:

• Link gardening practices and biology to preventing plant problems.
• Explain how to select, grow, and maintain the health of different kinds of plants.
• Identify strategies to manage plant problems.
• Explain what Integrated Pest Management is and how it benefits you and the environment.

This course includes 14 modules with videos featuring Extension specialists, virtual activities, readings, and additional resources. The course also incorporates live webinars with Extension specialists who present on their areas of expertise and answer questions from participants. 

Participants can dig deeper into important horticulture concepts by registering for additional online lab sessions led by Extension educators. In these labs, learners apply knowledge from the online modules to real-life gardening situations. Labs are held via Zoom and are recorded for later viewing. The online labs are available for purchase for an additional fee.

If you are interested in becoming a Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener, this course is considered an approved learning opportunity from the Wisconsin Extension Horticulture Program. For more information on how to become a Master Gardener, visit mastergardener.extension.wisc.edu/join.

Early bird registration is open from July 15-Aug. 12, 2024. Register at the early bird rate of $299, which includes an electronic version of course manual (PDF). Hard copies of the manual can be purchased at time of registration. Need-based scholarships are available during early bird registration, for those who are eligible for financial assistance. Find more information about this course at go.wisc.edu/ExtFoundationsInGardening. 

Questions? Contact the course moderator, Amy Freidig at gardening.class@extension.wisc.edu 

The UW-Madison Extension Horticulture Program provides research-based horticulture information to Wisconsin gardeners so they can make informed decisions that keep their plants healthy while protecting the environment.

Jeanine and Rick Fassl shared these beautiful images of their flowers on full display, blooming during some of the hottest, rainiest parts of our summer weather.

Thursday, July 18
11:30am – 12:45pm – Rain or Shine
Flat Iron Park – 402 W Main Street – Whitewater

Amanecer Y Más (The Marco Wence Trio) will play this Thursday, July 18, from 11:30am to 12:45pm, for the Whitewater Arts Alliance’s Savory Sounds Summer Concerts.  Amanecer Y Más is a well-known musical group here in Whitewater, playing Hispanic music that will warm your heart and move your feet to tapping.  Accompanied by acoustic guitars, they sing many folk and emotionally-filled ballads, and are a favorite of Savory Sounds Concerts.

And what food goes better with Hispanic music than food prepared by Tienda Y Taqueria?  Their business located in downtown Whitewater, Tienda Y Taqueria is a very popular Hispanic grocery and restaurant, offering delectable food choices.

This Week’s Sponsor: Premier Bank – www.bankwithpremier.com

Location: Outside the Cultural Arts Center (CAC) / Flat Iron Park (next to the Birge Fountain), 402 W Main St, Whitewater.

Rain or Shine: Normally held outdoors on the lawn. In the event of inclement weather, the concerts are moved inside the CAC and seating is provided.

Seating: If the concert is held outside, please consider bringing a lawn chair or blanket. A few picnic tables and benches around the Birge Fountain are also available.

Food & Refreshments: Food and other refreshments will be available from the food vendor or bring your own lunch. This week’s vendor is Tienda Y Taqueria. Located in downtown Whitewater, they are a very popular Hispanic grocery and restaurant, offering delectable Hispanic food choices.

Parking: CAC lot and city street parking is available with additional parking available at First English Lutheran Church.