What’s happening in #WalCo this week?
Hey, #WalCo! What’s going on this week? A call for volunteers for an upcoming park work day; Walworth County and the United Way team up to help local non-profit agencies; National Suicide Prevention Week; and the ADRC has a full September events schedule.
That’s a Wrap on the 173rd Walworth County Fair
We came, we saw, we ate too many corn dogs! The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and Veterans Service Office were on-site throughout the fair. We were grateful for the opportunity to meet so many wonderful Walworth County residents and visitors. The Sheriff’s Office showed off its Mobile Emergency Response Vehicle (MERV) and gave away bicycles to four lucky winners. DHHS had the Mobile Health Hub on display, a Plinko game for kiddos, and shared information about Small Talks Wisconsin—a program targeted at preventing underage drinking. Plus, we hit the airwaves as DHHS employees were interviewed by 104.5 WSLD about Small Talks and the Mobile Health Hub. We’ll see you next year at the fair!
National Suicide Prevention Week
September 4 to 10 is National Suicide Prevention Week, a call to unite communities in the prevention of a leading cause of death in the United States. The goal of the annual, weeklong campaign is to share resources for those affected by suicide or who are in crisis themselves, raise awareness of the impact of suicide on our communities, reduce the stigma surrounding suicide, encourage individuals to seek mental health treatment, and educate people on how to recognize the warning signs and risk factors.
Throughout the week, the Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Walworth County Veterans Service Office have been sharing resources on Facebook. Additionally, the Walworth County Crisis Line is available 24/7 at (262) 741-3200, and a list of national crisis hotlines is available at www.co.walworth.wi.us/1006/Health-and-Human-Services.
On September 21 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., DHHS will host a free community training session called Question Persuade Refer (QPR), a suicide prevention program that teaches three simple steps that anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Space is limited. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3QarNLV. Learn more about QPR and suicide-prevention resources at www.co.walworth.wi.us/1053/Suicide-Prevention.
Volunteers Wanted for Park Work Day on Sept. 30
Does your idea of the perfect work day involve fresh air, pulling weeds, and getting dirty? Do you love our County parks? If so, join us! We’re looking for volunteers to help with an upcoming park work day on Friday, Sept. 30, from 9 a.m. to noon, at White River County Park. Volunteers with be assisting Walworth County and Geneva Lake Conservancy in the removal of invasive plant species. Click the link to register: https://bit.ly/WRCPVolunteer
Walworth County and the United Way Team Up to Support Local Non-Profits
Walworth County has awarded the United Way of Walworth County an additional $75,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to be distributed to local nonprofits through an ARPA grant-funding program established in 2021. The goal of the program is to offset the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic incurred by local 501(c)(3) agencies.
In December 2021, Walworth County awarded an initial $100,000 to the United Way through the grant-funding program. Sixteen area nonprofit agencies received between $1,000 and $9,000 each.
For this round, eligible agencies can request between $1,000 and $7,500 and may utilize the grant for assistance implementing COVID-19 prevention or mitigation tactics; technical assistance, consulting, or other services for business planning; assistance with payroll support, costs to retain employees or other operating costs; or assistance to those impacted by COVID-19.
A board comprised of United Way of Walworth County committee members will select the grant award winners. Only 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible to apply. These organizations must also maintain their principal place of business in Walworth County, conduct their business in Walworth County, and serve people within Walworth County.
Applications will be available on September 14, 2022. Qualifying 501(c)(3) agencies interested in applying should contact Tammy Dunn for an application, (262) 374-4474. The application will also be available online at www.unitedwaywalworth.org. The deadline to apply is September 30, 2022, at 5 p.m. The goal is to issue the awards by the end of October.
Register Today: Aging & Disability Resource Center's September Events
The Powerful Tools for Caregivers educational workshop series is designed to provide caregivers with the tools they need to take care of themselves while caring for a loved one. The class consists of six sessions held once a week on Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m., September 12 to October 17, 2022. There will be onsite respite care, available at no cost, for the caregiver’s loved one during this workshop. The program is facilitated by experienced class leaders, many of whom are caregivers themselves and have successfully applied the techniques they teach. The workshop has a suggested donation of $10.
Meeting for WEA Insurance Members: Wisconsin Educators Association (WEA) insurance members will be losing their health insurance as of December 31, 2022. To assist WEA members with this transition, the ADRC will host a meeting on Thursday, September 15th, from 1 to 2 p.m. to discuss available options and provide information. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions of the Walworth County Elder Benefit Specialist. If you have questions about this program, contact Julie Juranek at (262) 741-3366.
- Stepping On is a program designed specifically for individuals aged 60 or older who have fallen and have a fear of falling. The program provides participants with strategies for avoiding falls including balance and strength exercises, home safety check suggestions, medication review, and more. Stepping On will be held on Thursdays, September 22 to November 3, 2022, from 10 a.m. to noon, in the Auditorium at the Aurora Lakeland Medical Center building located at W4051 County Road NN, Elkhorn. The workshop has a suggested donation of $10. For questions or to register for the program, contact Chetney Blaszczyk RDN, CD at (262) 741-3309.
Community Events: What's Going on Around the County
Keep on truckin’ at Big Foot Recreation District’s Touch-a-Truck event on Saturday, September 10, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Big Foot Union High School parking lot. Keeping with the four-wheeled themed, the Lanesway Car and Truck and Tractor Show will be held at Elkhorn Area High School on September 10th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year's event will be honoring veterans and remembering the fallen from 9/11. New to this year's event will be a Patriotic Kids Parade. Lake Geneva American Legion Post 24 hosts its 15th Annual Car Show on September 10 at the American Legion, 735 Henry St., Lake Geneva. There will also be a raffle, door prizes, and food! The 2nd Annual Lake Geneva Taco Fest promises live music, entertainment, and--what else?--tacos. The event takes place September 9 to 11 at the Lake Geneva House of Music.
*We do our best to ensure the accuracy of event information. However, please confirm all details with event hosts either directly or online. Changes to locations, dates, and times are beyond our control. Thank you!
Follow us! Walworth County is on Facebook
Walworth County has launched an official Facebook page. Here’s what you can expect to see on the page: News alerts, information about upcoming County Board meetings and public hearings, details about programs and services, park events and highlights, construction updates, community updates, career and volunteer opportunities, answers to FAQs, behind-the-scenes snapshots, and more. We hope you’ll give us a follow and share this page with your friends, family, and neighbors. Also, check out these County departments on Facebook: