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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
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
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 13th, and thereafter on the 2nd 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 10th, “The Blues Brothers,” May 8th 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.
Please join us in congratulating the WHS Math Team, who on March 6th scored higher than nine other high school teams to win the Rock Valley Conference Math Meet Championship!
Andrew O’Toole, Lauren Rollette, and Alex Clarksen were all recognized for high individual point totals, with Andrew tying for 1st place individual score in the Conference. The team totals were close, but thanks to the points earned by them and their teammates Emmanuella Mbifi, Nola Coburn, Luc Pomazak, Emerson Ellenwood, and Dante Baker, the championship trophy is back at WHS where it belongs.
The team offers its own thanks for the outstanding math faculty at WHS who nurtured their problem-solving skills and math knowledge.
We’re proud of you, Math Team! Well done!
Article and Photo Submitted by Eric Kendall
Whitewater High School Math Team Advisor
ekendall@wwusd.org
The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) is thrilled to announce its upcoming Month-Long Rummage and Art Sale, offering opportunities throughout March for community members to unearth hidden gems and support the mission of the WAA. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
Additionally, on March 21, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., art enthusiasts and bargain hunters are invited to join The Whitewater Arts Alliance for a special day of treasure hunting and fun events that will include a silent auction, bucket raffle drawing, and a 50-50 drawing as part of the Art Sale–all to benefit the WAA fundraising goals. Come hunt for bargains in art from local artists and
discover wonderful “treasures” from our storage.
Located at the Cultural Arts Center, 402 West Main St in Whitewater, the sale will showcase a diverse array of items from our storage and art pieces generously donated by Whitewater Arts Alliance artists. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase some beautiful art pieces or make bids on or silent auction items while supporting the Alliance’s mission to promote artistic
expression and engagement within the community.
Kim Adams, Gallery Director for Whitewater Arts Alliance, expresses optimism for the event’s dual role as a fundraiser and community celebration. “We are hopeful that our Rummage and Art Sale will not only provide art enthusiasts with fantastic bargains but also serve as a significant fundraiser for the Whitewater Arts Alliance,” says Adams. “Every purchase made at the
sale directly contributes to our efforts to enrich our community through the arts.”
Adams extends an invitation to all art enthusiasts and community members to join in celebrating the arts and fostering connections within the vibrant Whitewater community. “We invite everyone to come out, explore the incredible talent of our local artists, and join us in supporting the arts,”
Don’t miss this chance to discover exceptional artwork, find unique treasures, and contribute to a worthy cause.
For more information, please contact:
Kim Adams
Gallery Director, Whitewater Arts Alliance
Phone: 608-201-2151
Email: wwartsalliance@gmail.com
Website: www.whitewaterarts.org
Facebook:
www.facebook.comwwartsalliance
“Celebrating the arts and creating
community!
Editor’s note: The following article appeared in the Lexington [KY] Herald Leader on March 4. The Warhawk Women’s Basketball team is playing Hope College (MI) on Friday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the Kachel Gymnasium in the Williams Center. Transylvania University plays UW-Stout at 5:00 p.m. See this post for further information. Kachel Gym has a seating capacity of 2495. The Warhawk women would appreciate a great crowd, which also might have an impact on NCAA decisions for home court for future women’s and men’s basketball tournament games.
“Extremely disappointed.’ Transy not happy NCAA sent its women’s basketball team packing.
The NCAA revealed on Sunday that Transylvania women’s basketball will travel to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for — and not host — the second weekend of the 2024 Division III Women’s Basketball Tournament. The Pioneers (29-0), the second-overall seed in this year’s tournament, are the only unbeaten team to not receive hosting privileges for the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games. Top-overall seed NYU (27-0), which did not host in the opening weekend due to its men’s team hosting the opening weekend (men’s teams receive hosting priority in even years, women’s teams in odd), and third-overall seed Rhode Island College (29-0), which did host the opening rounds, will both play in front of a home crowd this weekend.
Transylvania did serve as host for the opening round games on Friday and Saturday, but will travel roughly seven hours northwest for the next round. Administrators connected to the program expressed their frustration with the NCAA’s decision to select Wisconsin-Whitewater (24-4) as the tournament’s second-weekend host. Transylvania University president Brien Lewis shared his distaste for the decision with NCAA president Charlie Baker in an early afternoon email shared with the Herald-Leader. “Dear President Baker, “I am extremely disappointed to learn that despite being the undefeated national champions and being on a historic 62-game winning streak (the third longest in DIII women’s basketball), the Transylvania Pioneers will not be hosting the next round but will be sent on a 7-hour bus trip to Whitewater, Wisconsin. “To say that this seems a very poor way of rewarding consistent outstanding performance by these student athletes and their dedicated supporters is a gross understatement. “While I understand and applaud the general policy of limiting flights and travel, this does not appear appropriate or reasonable in these circumstances and given the bracketing and results of the tournament to date. “I regret having no alternative at this point but to express this frustration very publicly. “Sincerely, Brien”
A representative of Transylvania University said Lewis’ email may be used as the university’s statement. Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference commissioner Jay Jones issued the following statement via email to the Herald-Leader on Sunday. “It is always disheartening when your team is not given the respect and recognition they have earned. While we have been assured that the decision was based on a travel and cost-saving policy, it nonetheless puts a defending national champion, that has not lost a game in two seasons, over seven hours from home. I hurt for the players, their families and the city of Lexington that has really embraced this team over the last two seasons and deserved a chance to support them on their home floor next weekend.”
According to D3hoops.com, the purveyor of the widely accepted regular season rankings for both men’s and women’s Division III college basketball, there is no perfect formula for deciphering which teams get to host.
“The NCAA Tournament selection committees build the brackets and decide which schools will host each weekend. While teams with higher regional rankings have a better chance to host, several factors go into hosting decisions including geography, facilities, attendance history and revenue potential and a school’s willingness to host. The NCAA has encouraged the committees to keep travel costs down, especially during the opening weekend, so the committee may give hosting opportunities to a lower seeded team that is closer to the other teams in the pod and reduces the number of flights the NCAA has to cover. If a team is 500 miles or more from the game site, the NCAA will pay for the team’s flight.” Per the most recent NCAA regional rankings as of games through Feb. 25, Transylvania is the No. 1 team in Region VIII. Wisconsin-Whitewater is the top team in Region IX. The Warhawks reached their third straight Sweet 16 with an 86-47 victory over Minnesota-Morris in the first round and an 89-65 defeat of Millikin in the second round. Region IV leader NYU’s bracket quarter contains two other region Nos. 1 in Region V leader Scranton (27-2) and Region X leader Hardin-Simmons (26-3). Bowdoin (27-2), the top team in Region I, and Rhode Island College, the No. 1 team in Region II, are the only region leaders in their respective bracket quarters.
Last season, unbeaten Transylvania hosted the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament before traveling to Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, for the second weekend. The Pioneers [from Transylvania] went on to win the first national championship in program history. Transylvania faces the University of Wisconsin-Stout at 6 p.m. EST [5 p.m. Whitewater time] on Friday at the Kachel Gymnasium in Williams Center before Wisconsin-Whitewater and Hope College (26-3) tip off at 8:30 p.m.[7:30 p.m. Whitewater time] Wisconsin-Stout (23-7) defeated Washington University in St. Louis 71-61 in the first round and Puget Sound 61-40 in the second round to reach the Sweet 16.
Obituaries
SHIRLEY A. KNUTESON, age 85, of Whitewater, died Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Glenwood at Mulberry Campus in Whitewater. She was born to Hugo and Helen (Wilson) Ferge of Elkhorn, WI. She attended school in Walworth High School, graduating in 1956. Shirley worked at Sterlingworth in Elkhorn and then Fairhaven Nursing Home prior to retirement. As a young woman, she loved roller skating, had a love for animals, especially her dogs and horses on the farm. She was a loyal Brewer and Packer fan. Her diverse family was her pride and joy. Shirley is survived by her six children Jerry … Read more
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A celebration of life for Dave Triebold will be held July 27 at Triebold Farms, with festivities beginning around 11:30 am. A rememberance service will take place at 12:30 pm. A pig roast will follow, and the pool will be open. The family encourages you to stay through the evening for a bonfire as well. Contact Kris (262)949-5474 or Kath (414)412-4385 with questions.
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James Paul Fisher, 86, known by friends as JP or Jay, passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at UW Hospital, Madison, with his immediate family by his side. His body finally surrendered to a heart attack after battling heart and kidney ailments for many years. Born in Fond du lac, Wisconsin, on October 25, 1937, to Lorraine and James Fisher, JP was a resident of Elkhorn and then Whitewater, Wisconsin. At age 2 JP was diagnosed with polio. Through daily therapy administered by his mother and grandmother, he overcame this life threatening virus, and with a prognosis of limited … Read more
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Shirley M. Messier, 86, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on July 8, 2024. Shirley was born to Erwin and Leona Reese on May 20, 1938, in Farmington, Wisconsin. Shirley (“Shirttail”) attended the local country school, then set out on her own, taking a job doing factory work. On August 24, 1957, she married Blaine Messier in Jefferson, Wisconsin. They had three daughters, Michele (Shelly), Terry, and Karen. Shirley spent many years being a working wife and mother, finally retiring from Polymer Technologies / MacLean Fogg in Whitewater. Shirley loved country music and spent her retirement years going to George Jones … Read more
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Patricia Ann ParrBorn 7/20/42Departed to Heaven 5/10/23 About herself, Patricia often said “I love life, I love God, He always has taken care of me, and He always will”. Patricia died peacefully at Angels Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc, after a long and courageously fought season of declining health. Patricia was born in Beaver Dam, to a lovely family, which included her older brother Dennis and not too long after, her lifetime best friend and little sister Mary. They grew up on an idyllic “Gentlemen’s Farm” outside of Jefferson, with horses and many animals. Her parents, Floyd and Kathryn owned the … Read more
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Marjorie Alice “GG” Roloff, 89, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Golden Years in Lake Geneva, WI. She was born July 31, 1934, to Fred and Martha (Arndt) Papcke, in Whitewater, WI, the fifth of eleven children. GG attended South Heart Prairie School, across the road from the family’s home farm. She is a Whitewater High School graduate. On April 19, 1953, she married her high school sweetheart, Eric. She worked a variety of jobs over the years. Her most memorable of those being the local canning factory and as a crossing guard. After retiring, she and Eric would … Read more
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Marilyn Mae Fuerstenberg, 81 of Whitewater, WI., passed away on June 27, 2024, at Agrace Hospice in Janesville, WI. Marilyn was born May 27, 1943, in Geneva Township, to Raymond and Doris Kilpin. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, her two younger brothers, Mike and Donny Kilpin. Marilyn married William (Bill) Fuerstenberg on September 21, 1963. Bill and Marilyn lived in Whitewater. Together they raised three children, taking the family on yearly vacations and camping trips throughout the years. Marilyn worked for Walworth County Health and Social Services as a Child Protection Social Worker. She dedicated 25 years … Read more
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Jerome Francis Burke, age 76, of Whitewater, WI, passed away unexpectedly following a brief illness on June 27, 2024. Jerry was born in Evanston, IL on May 13, 1948 to Stephen and Catherine Burke. He grew up in Glenview, IL, where he graduated from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Grade School and then Loyola Academy (Wilmette). Those early days spawned treasured, lifelong friendships. He went on to graduate from St. Joseph’s College (IN) with a BA in Economics, and it was there thathe met his beloved wife, Eileen. They married shortly after graduation and were blessed to share their lives … Read more
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Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz passed away Sunday, June 30th in home beside family and friends in Milford, Delaware from a long battle with cancer. Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz was born on February 24, 1965. She was the daughter of Doña Carmen Santa Cruz Valdez and Don Luis Vicente León, who allowed her to share a life of family union with her four brothers: Braulio, Carmen Rosa, Edgar and Juan. She was born in Lima-Peru and grew up in the Ventanilla district of the constitutional province of Callao of Peru. She completed her primary studies at the La Merced … Read more
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Lowell V. Youngs, 87, of Whitewater passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024 in Madison. Lowell was born on September 4, 1936 in Wyoming to Isaac and Violet (Doble) Youngs. He grew up in the very small town of Veteran, Wyoming, where he was one of nine students in his graduating class. After graduating, Lowell attended the University of Colorado, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in 1958. Lowell was drafted into the US Army in 1960 and selected to be in the Army Band, where he gladly carried a clarinet instead of a gun. He was … Read more
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