News & Events

Whitewater resident Tom Stanley has had such an interesting life that his next book is going to be a a biography. Tom and his wife, Sue, both taught for the Department of Defense in countries such as Japan, the Philippines, Germany, and on Okinawa, but his first book focused on a football coach from his hometown of Ashland, Wisconsin. The Mythmaker was co-authored by this coach’s son Tim McGuire.

Former Whitewater resident Marcia James hosted her book club – the Book Babes – at her Whitewater Lake rental this week. Tom joined nine ladies who have been meeting since 2002 and have often had authors join them. Tom not only discussed his book, but previewed the book that he is working on now about his and Sue‘s life. Then seven of the ladies and Tom got on a pontoon boat in triple digit heat and toured Whitewater Lake. Cold bottles of water and squirt guns were prolific!

Whitewater residents Jane Johns, Barb Pennington, and Dee Simon; Janesville residents Nancy Johnson, Donna Reinardy, and Jean Schollmeier; Pardeeville resident Lila Waldman; and Johnson Creek resident Ann Riall enjoyed lunch and custard before boarding the boat. The group has met in Baraboo, at a park in Janesville, and restaurants. The pandemic introduced Zoom as their frequent medium.

Linda Godfrey, Suzanne Popke, Marshall Cook, John Durand, and Richard Haney are other authors who have joined the group. Former Whitewater resident, Carrie Simon, who co-authored the Pudgie Pie cookbook, made pies for the group in Marcia’s backyard. The group meets once a month and have a teaching background in common.

Editor’s note: The above article and photos were provided by Marcia James.

Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Sheryl Robinson.

Whitewater Student Teen Lacey Skime, Awarded $10,000 Girl Scout Gold Award Scholarship for Pioneering Mental Wellness Initiative

Lacey Skime, an enterprising and compassionate resident of Prairie Du Chien, has been honored with a $10,000 Girl Scout Gold Award Scholarship for her innovative project, the “Mental Wellness Fair and Kits.” This remarkable achievement showcases Lacey’s dedication to fostering mental wellness and building a more supportive community.

Nationally, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) recognized nearly 3,200 members of the 2023 Gold Award Girl Scout class who identified issues in their communities, took action, and found or created solutions to earn their Gold Awards. This year’s world-changer class raised $2.5 million in funding and invested over 300,000 hours to address real-life problems such as environmental sustainability, racial justice, mental and physical wellness, and gender inequality in STEM.  

This year GSUSA awarded 110 Gold Award Girl Scouts from across our Movement, one from each council, a scholarship, made possible in part by the Kappa Delta Foundation, in addition to funds from GSUSA and its National Board.

In line with this mission, Lacey Skime’s “Mental Wellness Fair and Kits” project epitomizes the values of the Gold Award. The project began with a mental wellness fair encouraging open conversations and learning. Thought-provoking posters were displayed throughout her school, sustaining the conversation. Lacey’s commitment extended to radio interviews and strategic social media posts, ensuring a broad reach.

Collaborating with her friends and fellow troop members, Lacey developed mental health bags that found their way to various community agencies, creating a supportive network for young individuals facing challenges. These carefully crafted bags contained resources, encouragement, and practical coping skills to navigate difficult times. Agencies such as Crossing Rivers Hospital Behavioral Health Department, local schools, behavioral health clinicians, police departments and more readily embraced these emergency kits.

Reflecting on her impactful project, Lacey shared, “You don’t know exactly what’s going on with your gold award project to start one.   A big part of this is learning about your issue while you go through this.   You are not expected to be an expert on the issue.   It’s building your understanding, reaching others, being willing to learn more, grow personally, and teach others with the help of your community.  It’s bringing it all together in the end from a curious start.”

Lacey’s leadership shone through as she coordinated every aspect of the fair, demonstrating exceptional organizational and collaboration skills. Collaborating with many agencies, she successfully united different resources, facilitating a comprehensive approach to mental wellness.

Lacey’s enthusiasm was infectious, inspiring her peers and the community to rally behind her cause. She realized that the resources are available through surveys and conversations, and the need for these conversations is apparent. Lacey’s dedication also attracted the attention of the Crawford County Mental Health Coalition, further extending her network and impact.

“Lacey Skime exemplifies the spirit of the Girl Scout Gold Award Scholarship through her unwavering commitment to mental wellness and community collaboration,” said Sheryl Robinson, Badgerland Council Gold Award Mentor. “Her project showcases her leadership, resourcefulness, and compassion, making her deserving of this scholarship.”

Lacey’s initiative addresses mental health concerns and empowers others to join the conversation. Her journey proves that one determined individual can create a lasting impact, leaving behind a more supportive and connected community.

Lacey is attending UW Whitewater this fall.   She’s interested in elementary education or early childhood suction.  However, she’s also open to learning more about herself and her interests during these years.   She plans to work on campus and spend time with her nephews, build friendships and experiences. 

Update 8/28 @ 10 a.m.: Local resident Wesley Therrian indicates that he and his son Joshua are in the movie, “way up in the stands in the top row under Bob Uecker. If you could slow it down, there is a spot in there that shows Josh just getting into his seat. We are unfortunately unaccredited for our role in the filming. It was really fun.”

Update 8/28 @ 10 a.m. – Projectionist Mark Dorn passed on that UW-Whitewater Baseball Coach John Vodenlich also appears in the film.

“Mr. 3000”
Tuesday, August 29, 1 p.m.
(Comedy/Drama/Romance/Sports) Rated PG-13;
1 hour, 44 minutes (2004)

Stan Ross, a retired Milwaukee Brewers baseball player perhaps bound for the Hall of Fame, must come out of retirement at age 47 when it is discovered  he is three hits shy of 3,000. Filmed at American Family Field (Miller Park) Milwaukee, and Waukesha! 

Starring Bernie Mac, Angela Bassett, Paul Sorvino, Chris Noth, Larry King and Jay Leno. 

An event to celebrate the Heart Prairie Norwegian Methodist Episcopal Church being listed in the National Register of Historic Places will be held on Sunday, September 10th at 2:00 p.m.  The church is located at N7372 County Road P, Delavan.  The program will feature music, speakers, and attaching a bronze plaque to the front of the church. There also will be a marked walk of the historic cemetery.  Refreshments will follow.  There is limited parking and seating.  For more information, contact Georgia Kestol at gkestol@yahoo.com.

Editor’s note: The above announcement was provided by Georgia Kestol.