AUGUST 19TH, 2020

“Affirmations are our mental vitamins, providing the supplementary positive thoughts we need to balance the barrage of negative events and thoughts we experience daily.”

― Tia Walker
Often times when something happens that is out of our control, i.e. bee stings, break-ups, COVID...we find ourselves head down focused on ourselves. Our internal dialogue becomes, "how does this impact my day?", "why is this happening to me?", "it's not fair". Those loud self-obsessed concerns keep us from lifting our eyes to see what is happening to those around us. We stop caring about someone else's victory as we remain trapped in our own narrative. As of Monday morning, I had one response in my inbox regarding my invitation to participate here on this platform. And it was exactly what I needed to hear...
Ability in the time of COVID
Written by Tricia Lewis, Director of Independent Living Services at Society’s Assets

There’s no question that COVID-19 has completely uprooted our lives. We’re concerned about money, safety, education, and missing people and events. We long for normalcy. There have been changes for everyone. Unexpectedly, some changes have been positive, especially for people with disabilities.

For many disabled students, health problems reduce attendance. Remote learning means they are still part of the class. This goes for disabled employees as well. Working from home, they can customize their workspace, avoid transportation snafus, and take care of their health while staying employed. Accommodations that were labelled unreasonable, like a flexible schedule or video meetings, are commonplace now.

Socializing is different, with video calls, online games, even virtual religious services. Streaming Broadway shows or museum walking tours have brought the outside world in for people who couldn’t get to it before. We weren’t expecting the lockdown, but it compelled us to find new solutions and made the world more accessible.
I needed to read this story. I needed a highlight that felt far more valuable than the inconvenience I've experienced. I needed mental vitamins! March 2020 brought forth a season of innovation and adaption and opened us all up to a new way. A new way to connect. A new way to explore. A new way to live. My hope as we continue to take steps towards normalcy is that we do not lose sight of being inclusive, because togetherness doesn't have a maximum capacity. We shouldn't either.
Keep smiling, keep sanitizing, and stay safe!

The Elkhorn Chamber
submitted by Kate Abbe
Society’s Assets hosts a weekly online or phone check-in for people with disabilities or mental health conditions. Part support, part resource sharing, and part just chatting, we try to stay connected.
Call Emily C. at 800-378-9128 for details.
REMINDER:
The Elkhorn Chamber and it's staff continue to provide weekly
e-blasts for all of our newsletter subscribers and chamber partners. If you have business updates or events to share please send to Kate Abbe at [email protected]. Let us help you continue to grow and engage with the Elkhorn community and surrounding areas!
If you or a business you know are in need of assistance please reach out
SCHOOL REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Annual Returning Student Registration is now open! Please login to your Family Access account and register your student(s) for the 2020-21school year. All returning families must complete Returning Student Registration prior to the first day of school, September 8, 2020. 

Please note, for students planning on participating in Middle School or High School athletics, a physical examination is required. Student-athletes will also need to complete Athletic Registration

EASD: REOPENING OUR SCHOOLS!
The Elkhorn Area School District (EASD) is preparing for a traditional, in-class return on September 8,2020. Health conditions within our community as well as local or state directives may require us to change or modify our initial plans, so flexibility and understanding will be needed as we navigate these unprecedented times.

Three different instructional models have been planned for students.

CHAMBER UPDATES
SATURDAYS ON THE SQUARE
OPEN AUGUST 22nd!
ONLY THREE MARKETS REMAIN!

Saturdays on the Square will be open
9am-1pm, August 22nd, and ready for visitors! Plenty of shade to enjoy while shopping the fresh market, baked goods, and our amazing local craft vendors!

HELP DURING COVID-19
SMALL BUSINESS WEBINAR
We are excited to announce Dave Gee, the author of the Amazon Best Seller, Restart-The Small Business Guide to Thriving During Chaos, will be providing an overview of the insights from his new book on August 24th at 12pm.
The sessions will be 30 minutes with
15 minutes for Q&A.


Please join Dave Gee's Facebook group for access to the webinar: JOIN HERE
THAT'S DEBATABLE
The 3rd Congressional District Primary Debates have now been completed and are available to view online. These were organized by Wisconsin Public Radio, with video streaming provided under a partnership with the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce and WIN Technology's Perigon System.
Republican Debate
Recorded Friday, July 31
Jessi Ebben of Eau Claire
Derrick Van Orden of Hager City
Democratic Debate
Recorded Thursday, August 6
Ron Kind of La Crosse (Incumbent)
Dr. Mark Neumann of La Crosse
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
OPEN ARMS DENTAL CLINIC
RIBBON CUTTING AUGUST 19TH!
YOU'RE INVITED!!!
Our official Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for the Dental Clinic has been set and we are extending invitations to our friends

WHEN: Wednesday, August 19, 2020

TIME: Ribbon Cutting at 4:00 PM, clinic tours between 4:30 - 6:00 PM

WHERE: 209 E. Commerce Ct, Elkhorn, WI 53121
DEAR LIVESTOCK BUYERS
@WALWORTH CTY FAIR
With great enthusiasm and pride, we would like to announce that there will be Junior Livestock shows and a Meat Animal Sale for the exhibitors this year.
The online Livestock Sale, featuring the finest animals exhibited by the youth of Walworth County.
Wednesday September 2nd at 6pm - Friday, September 4th at 10am!

The sale order is: Beef, Sheep, and Swine.
These exhibitors have been working on their projects, even during these historic, trying times. We are looking forward to a good old-fashion competitive auction and we appreciate your willingness to support the kids and their hard work for 2020. 

REPUBLICAN MEET AND GREET @WHISTLE STOP
Thursday, August 20th: the Republican Party of Walworth County is holding a candidate meet and greet at The Whistle Stop in Elkhorn starting at 6:30pm.

100 E Clark St, Elkhorn

We have invited: US Congressman Bryan Steil - who has a conflict but is going to try to get there if possible, State Senator Steve Nass, candidate for the 28th Senate District Julian Bradley, State Representative Amy Loudenbeck, Walworth County District Attorney Zeke Wiedenfeld, Walworth County Clerk Kim Bushey, Walworth County Treasurer Valerie Etzel, and Register of Deeds candidate Michele Jacobs.

It's an evening of mingling and talk with candidates one on one. There is pay as you go food and beverages available.

RSVP by calling 262-903-0572
Please leave message with # attending/eating!
BUSINESS UPDATES
COOLEST THING MADE IN
WISCONSIN
The Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin is back for the fifth straight year. WMC is partnering once again with Johnson Financial Group to highlight the manufacturing industry and ultimately determine what is the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin.
 
The nomination period ends on Sept. 4 and voting will begin in September.

DEMENTIA CARE
BUILDING BLOCKS
FREE ONLINE WEBINARS - FALL 2020

Registration is limited, so sign up today!


MASKS: THE PERFECT FIT!
@CENTRAL PRINTING
As more and more states mandate wearing masks, we wanted to reach out to let you know about our Mask Solutions. We have been helping companies since the start of the pandemic to find quality PPE products. Our team has sourced multiple mask options to help you comfortably adhere to CDC standards. Whether you need disposable masks, or maybe something more customized and fun, our team can help you find the best fit!

If you would like to view more of our PPE Product options CLICK HERE
Patio Blues on the Bend @
SPERINO'S PEPPERONI PUB
EVERY MONDAY TILL AUGUST 31ST

Come out and enjoy Glenn Davis, Jim Schoberg, and more on our patio. Bring a bag chair or drop the tailgate, and vibe to the rhythm. Food and Beverage available, Carry-Ins not permitted.
*Weather Dependent*

LEARN & GROW
UW-Extension website offers recipes, how-to videos and more
“Food safety is, and should be, a primary concern when home canning any type of food, from pickles to meat. The University of Wisconsin-Extension sets itself apart in providing up-to-date research-based information,” says Ingham. “Begin the food preservation season by updating your resources so that you can be sure that you are preserving safe, high quality food for your family to enjoy.”

How to Manage your Online Reputation
Your online presence is the first impression of your business to new and prospective customers. It is crucial that you manage your online reputation to ensure that your business is making that first impression a great one, leading to new business opportunities. But how? Why? Who has the time? Join us to learn more:

GATEWAY: LEAN ONLINE
CLASSES STARTING THIS FALL!
At Gateway Technical College, we are again prepared to offer online classes for Lean Operations, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt classes. These classes are scheduled to start at the beginning week of our Fall Semester on September 4, and run for 12 weeks. All of these courses will require a Final Exam and a project to be completed at your place of employment.  

JOIN THE TEAM!
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
GENEVA LAKE WEST
Geneva Lake West Chamber of Commerce is looking for new Executive Director. Great position for a professional looking for a part time opportunity! Manage the day to day business of running a 160 member Chamber of Commerce including planning/running events. This is a 1099 independent contractor position reporting to a Board of Directors. Knowledge of the West End area is a must.

WELCOME AMBASSADOR
VISIT Lake Geneva
Welcome Center
VISIT Lake Geneva is seeing a passionate
Lake Geneva area ambassador to fill a position at the downtown Welcome Center located on Wrigley Drive across from the Riviera.
Summer Hours: Approx. 16-24 weekly. Winter Hours: Approx. 8-12 weekly.
Please contact Taylor Blair at [email protected] or
262-248-1349.
ODLING PLUMBING IS HIRING!
THRIVENT FINANCIAL
WE ARE GROWING!
Know someone like a coach, pastor or teacher who is energized by helping people reach their goals? What about someone who’s motivated to run their own business or wants to make an impact in their communities?

COVID-19 UPDATES
Walworth County COVID-19 Phased Guidance 
This document provides broad guidance for recovery from COVID-19 in our community. Walworth County encourages organizations and individuals to consider this guidance and apply it where able. Organizations should feel empowered to implement solutions that best meet their needs and should develop plans to adjust practices in the event of another rise in COVID-19 cases.

Reminder: Available Small Business Relief Options
For business resources