News & Events

Rockin’ Respite now has openings for caregivers seeking respite care for their loved one. The Rockin’ respite program is a collaboration of Fort HealthCare, local volunteers and local churches. We serve seniors in the Walworth and Jefferson county area. 

Here’s an unsolicited testimonial that was received from the spouse of one of our participants:

“Whitewater is a dementia-friendly community that includes Rockin’ Respite. My name is Susan and I am a care partner. I know firsthand caregiving is hard. It often feels like there is no time left for you. Rockin’ Respite is a free program that offers time and rest for you, the care partner. Staff, including a nurse and volunteers, work one-on-one with your care partner. Activities include games, trips down memory lane, music, and light exercise. Lunch and snacks are provided. More importantly, smiles, laughter, and abundant care are provided.

As for me, well, I can read a book, have coffee with a friend, or finish a long overdue project worry-free knowing my care partner is happy and is in good hands thanks to Rockin’ Respite.“

Rockin’ Respite meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 9:30-3:30 at The Chapel, 445 Warner Road, Whitewater. There is no cost other than a nominal charge for lunch. If you are a full time caregiver in need of a respite break please contact Nurse Maisie Allie at (920) 723-7288 or Jennifer at 262-473-0535 for more information,  

The Walworth County Division of Public Health, in partnership with the Geneva Lake Environmental Agency (GLEA) and the City of Lake Geneva, has officially closed the Lake Geneva Public Beach at the Riviera. The Big Foot Beach State Park beach will also be closed, per the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. A harmful algae bloom has been reported. Please avoid aquatic recreation and swimming in this area.

To ensure public safety, GLEA and Walworth County Public Health continue to actively sample the algae blooms in the city and lake-wide to determine the strain of Cyanobacteria and its toxicity level.

Blue-green algae, known as Cyanobacteria, are microscopic organisms naturally present at low levels in lakes, streams, and ponds. When conditions are favorable, usually in summer, the number of algae can increase dramatically. Some algal species produce toxins that, when ingested, can harm the neurological systems or liver of people, pets, livestock, and wildlife, and can cause other health problems.

There is no way to know immediately whether an algal bloom is harmful, so follow these tips to try and avoid contact with harmful algae:

• Do not swim in or near algal blooms
• Avoid water where blue-green algae appear as scums on the surface of the water, pea-soup-like discoloration, or a paint-like sheen
• Don’t swallow water while swimming
• Wash off after swimming in any lake, river, or pond to reduce the chance of illness
• Keep your pets away from algal blooms and rinse them off with clean water after swimming in lakes and ponds to reduce exposure to algal material

Symptoms of algae-related illness include:

• Sore throat, congestion, cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing
• Eye irritation
• Itchy, red skin, with or without blisters and/or hives
• Earache
• Agitation, headache
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting

Members of the public and veterinarians should call 608-266-1120 or complete the online form Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB) Illness or Sighting Survey, F-02152 (web survey) to report any blue-green algae blooms and related human or animal illnesses.

For more information on harmful algae blooms, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/harmful-algal-blooms.

Editor’s note: The image on the homepage is not a photo of either of the above lakes.

“The Fall Guy”

Tuesday, August 27, 1 p.m.

(Comedy/Action/Romance)

Rated PG-13; 2 hours, 6 minutes (2024)

Stuntman Cole Seaver (Ryan Gosling) has to track down a missing movie star, solve a conspiracy, and try to win back his girlfriend (Emily Blunt) while still doing his “day job.

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/

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater YES for Education.

Whitewater YES for Education formed back in 2004 to help support the passage of school district referendums. The group is intentionally and necessarily nonpartisan and not political. Whitewater YES works to keep folks aware of all the positive things happening in our school district. For example, the group maintains a Whitewater YES Facebook Page.

As part of this effort to continue a drumbeat of positivity, this weekend Whitewater YES is putting up bilingual “We Love Whitewater Public Schools” yard signs around the community to celebrate back to school time and show support for our teachers, staff, and students. The signs will stay up until Saturday, September 7. The response to this effort during Spring graduation was really positive! 

We are hoping this effort brings people together and shows hardworking district staff and proud students that the community cares and supports them. 

Who’s ready for the LAST Concert in The Cravath Lakefront Park? Piper Road Spring Band is always one of the most popular concerts; the group is in its 51st year! There are always some folks on the “dance floor” when they’re playing. PRSB consists of Randal Harrison Hoecherl (fiddle), Bob Mason (mandolin), Barry “Blacky” Riese (guitar),  Mark Hembree (bass), and Billy “Kangaroo” (washboard).

Piper Road Spring Band will present our last concert THIS Thursday, August 22nd at 7 p.m. This event is FREE and family friendly. Bring your dinner, a lawn chair or blanket, and come enjoy some music in the Park!

Fort HealthCare proudly announces its official recognition as a Dementia Friendly Organization, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to providing inclusive and compassionate care for all patients.

To achieve this recognition, Fort HealthCare diligently met the rigorous criteria set forth by the Dementia Friendly Business/Organization standards:

 Over 50% of staff have undergone specialized training in dementia care
 Management has received comprehensive training to effectively lead and support dementia-friendly initiatives
 Continuous integration of dementia care training and resources into ongoing staff development programs
 Proactive consideration of environmental updates to better accommodate individuals living with dementia

Lisa Rudolph, Director of Inpatient Services and Education and Chair of the Dementia Friendly Committee at Fort HealthCare, expressed her excitement about this achievement, stating, “We are thrilled to be officially recognized as a Dementia Friendly organization. This milestone reflects our unwavering dedication to providing high-quality, person-centered care to individuals living with dementia. Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that Fort HealthCare is a welcoming and supportive environment for all patients and their families.”

Fort HealthCare remains committed to advancing its efforts in dementia care and upholding its mission of promoting health and well-being throughout the community.

For more information about Fort HealthCare and its dementia-friendly initiatives, please visit FortHealthCare.com/dementia-friendly.