Lynn Binnie

Whitewater Fire/EMS held their annual pancake breakfast on September 8. Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser.

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

In a Facebook post on September 6, Whitewater Cinemas, which is locally owned, announced that they are now open only Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Their website will not be announcing the following weekend’s movies until at least Tuesday, as they only learn their week’s bookings on Monday afternoon.

Facebook commenters made a number of suggestions in response to the post, including showing old movies and sporting events. The cinemas responded that they have considered many such possibilities, but there are many legal complications, for example, for showing Packers games on the big screen, and even old movies are not inexpensive to show.

The motion picture industry is beginning to recover from the pandemic, but, per the statistics shown on the table below, the domestic box office has yet to reach pre-pandemic levels. Increased availability of streaming is among the factors that have taken a toll. Americans who went to the cinema more than five times in 2000 went fewer than three times in 2023. An even more stark statistic: “One out of every five moviegoers has vanished since the pandemic,” said The Hollywood Reporter. According to theweek.com, “Last year’s Hollywood strikes complicated the issue, as the strikes stalled or halted many anticipated film productions and left holes in the box office schedule.”

Year	Domestic box office (billions)	Releases	#1 movie
2024 (Through 9/1)	$5.848	452	Inside Out 2
2023	$8.908	590	Barbie
2022	$7.370	499	Top Gun: Maverick
2021	$4.483	441	Spider-Man: No Way Home
2020	$2.113	465	Bad Boys for Life
2019	$11.363	910	Avengers: Endgame
2018	$11.892	993	Black Panther
2017	$11.075	854	Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi
2016	$11.375	855	Finding Dory
2015	$11.149	845	Jurassic World
2014	$10.369	849	Guardians of the Galaxy

The text of the Whitewater Cinemas Facebook post is as follows:

Hey Whitewater – we’re now open Friday-Sunday only!

We won’t lie, business has been tough since 2020. Costs are up, attendance is down, and we’re in an industry where we have to rely on a lot of outside factors like the studios, what they release, and their terms.

We love this community and want to continue serving you as long as we can, and this decision makes that feasible.

We’ll still have all of the latest releases at our famously low prices ($8 for adults, $7 at matinees – you can’t beat it!) Plus, free refills on our delicious popcorn and soda, and all of our concessions will continue to be available to go.

If you want to support us (or another locally owned theater near you), we suggest-

-Seeing a movie this weekend and buying concessions! We make very little off of ticket sales, but concessions balance that.

-Purchase concessions to go and bring our popcorn home for your next movie night or game.

-Engage with our social media posts and share them with your friends, family, and community groups.

Thank you all for your continued support. We are grateful to be one of the very few locally owned and operated movie theaters in Wisconsin. We’ll see you this weekend for a movie!

Check our our website for showtimes and to pre-purchase tickets:

http://www.whitewatercinemas.com

Editor’s note: The image on the homepage is from the Whitewater Cinemas Facebook page.

The Unity Project of Fort Atkinson will be hosting the seventh annual Fort Fall Fiesta on Saturday, September 14th from 12-4 pm at Jones Park in Fort Atkinson. The event is free, and everyone is welcome.

The fiesta brings together English and Spanish speakers within our community for an afternoon of food, music, dancing, games and children’s activities. Authentic food will be available from La Morenita taco truck and the Hispanic congregation of First United Methodist Church. Delicious ice cream treats will be served by Frostie Freeze and Beauty and the Bean will serve coffee drinks. A local DJ will take requests for a mix of Hispanic and local favorites. The Cub Scouts, Jefferson County Humane Society, Fort Healthcare and BASE will have fun activities for the whole family. Free face painting, balloon animals and giveaways. New this year will be a quinceañera fashion show co-hosted by the Fort Atkinson Club at 1:00 pm. Community members are invited to enter the domino tournament for a chance to win tickets to the Milwaukee Brewers. The Fort Atkinson Chamber will announce the winner of Lemonade Day at 2:00 pm. The event will also feature over thirty exhibitors who offer products, services, or opportunities to the Hispanic community.

This year’s event sponsors include Fort Community Credit Union, Fort HealthCare, Jones Dairy Farm and Molina HealthCare. Concessions are sponsored by Kwik Trip and BKS Dental.

Special thanks go out to Sam Hartwick and the Fort Atkinson Generals, Fort Atkinson Parks & Recreation Department and City of Fort Atkinson for their support.

“The Unity Project’s mission is to promote a sense of acceptance and belonging among all members of the community. The Fiesta is an opportunity to bring people together, celebrate, and create bonds that strengthen our community,” said Whitney Townsend,
event organizer.

Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of 9/11 and State Day of Service and Remembrance

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #240 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Wed., Sept. 11, 2024, out of respect for the nearly 3,000 individuals who lost their lives in the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Additionally, Executive Order #240 declares Wed., Sept. 11, 2024, as a state Day of Service and Remembrance to encourage all Wisconsinites to commit acts of service and give back to local neighbors and communities to honor the lives lost 23 years ago. Gov. Evers and members of the Evers Administration will be participating in service events on Wed., Sep. 11, 2024, as part of the state Day of Service and Remembrance. “Each year on this day, we remember the thousands of individuals who lost their lives, pay tribute to the first responders, neighbors, and volunteers, among many others, who responded bravely and at great personal sacrifice, and honor the countless more whose lives were forever changed by this tragedy,” said Gov. Evers. “On 9/11, we reflect upon the spirit of service, our resilience together, and our resolve to find strength through unity, community, and common purpose. I encourage Wisconsinites to join in honoring this solemn day through service, whether it’s finding ways to give back to our local communities or even through simple acts of kindness to others.” A list of potential volunteer opportunities, including virtual options, can be found on the Volunteer Wisconsin website here. Wisconsinites can also participate in other ways, including by engaging with their neighborhoods and communities, performing acts of kindness, or taking the time to reflect on the significance of the day.

The City of Whitewater is inviting all residents to a community listening session on Friday, September 13th, to discuss an exciting new housing project proposed by NRS Real Estate. The session will focus on the potential development of modular homes, a distinctive and affordable housing option that could meet the needs of our community.

Date: Friday, September 13th
Time: 3-5 PM
Location: Community Room at City Hall, located at 312 W Whitewater Street

Unlike previous development proposals, the modular homes presented by NRS Real Estate offer a unique advantage—each unit can be delivered for under $300,000. This initiative aims to provide a more affordable housing solution while maintaining quality and design standards that align with Whitewater’s strategic goals.

NRS Real Estate representatives will be on hand to explain the details of the project, address any questions, and gather input from residents. This listening session is a crucial opportunity for community members to voice their opinions and help shape the future of housing in Whitewater.

“We’re committed to making sure that any development in Whitewater reflects the needs and desires of our residents,” said Economic Development Director Zeinert. “This session is an important step in that process, and we encourage everyone to participate and share their thoughts.”

Your feedback is vital in determining whether this modular home project is a good fit for our community. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to ensure Whitewater continues to be a great place to live.

For more information, please contact Taylor Zeinert at 262-473-0148 or at tzeinert@whitewater-wi.gov

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the City of Whitewater.

Bethel House is seeking sponsorships for its annual Farm & Vine to Table Fall Dinner, which will be hosted this year on Friday, November 1st, at Staller Estate Winery & Vineyard.

“Our organization is so excited to once again host our Annual Fall Dinner at Staller Estate Winery & Vineyard,” states Megan Hartwick, Bethel House Executive Director. “This beautiful event serves as the primary fundraiser for Bethel House, providing crucial funding support for our organizational operations and our Emergency Assistance & Transitional Housing programs.”

The 2024 event will also celebrate Bethel House’s 30th anniversary.

“Last year’s event was the most successful Fall Dinner Bethel House has hosted, raising just over $27,000,” Hartwick adds. “This year, in honor of our milestone anniversary, we have set a very lofty goal to raise $30,000. And the way this community has always shown up for Bethel House and the families we serve, has me confident we can reach that.”

Confirmed sponsors for this year’s event include Bernie & Nancy Labovitch (Humanitarian Hero sponsor – $5,000), First Citizens State Bank, Sue & Ken Kidd and First English Lutheran Church (Community Investor sponsors – $3,000), Richard & Veronica Telfer, Bob & Sharon McCullough, Everett & Ellen Long, Harry & Barb Penington and Carole Scharinger (Family Advocate
sponsors – $1,000), and Kent Hutchins and Thayer & Anne Coburn (Hope Builder sponsors – $500).

The remaining sponsorships include one Community Investor, one Family Advocate, and four Hope Builders. Each level offers various recognition benefits, with full details available on the Bethel House website at www.bethelhouseinc.org. Sponsorship slots can be confirmed by contacting Hartwick at 262.473.2715 or director.bethelhouse@gmail.com. Sponsorships will be filled on a first-come-first-served basis.

The event is also supported by in-kind donations from Staller Estate Winery & Vineyard, Sue & Bill Chandler, Tom Ganser, and dozens of local business donors who have contributed to the silent auction.

“The generosity of Bethel House donors and supporters knows no bounds,” states Jessie Dugan, Bethel House Board President. “We are so appreciative of all who are extending financial support for this event, as well as all those who have contributed auction items, promoted ticket sales, and will be joining us on November 1st. Bethel House’s impact on local families wouldn’t be possible without this show of caring power from our community.”

Tickets for the Fall Dinner will be on sale starting Thursday, September 5th, and will remain open until October 18th or until sold out.

Tickets for the event are $75 and include a five-course dinner with wine pairings chosen by the Staller Estate staff. There will also be live orchestral music and many silent auction items for guests to bid on. Tickets can be purchased online through the Bethel House website (www.bethelhouseinc.org), or individuals can contact Bethel House to pay via mail and check.

“All proceeds from this event will support Bethel House’s critical work to prevent homelessness for children and families in the greater Whitewater community,” Hartwick adds. “The needs in our community are at an all-time high, and our staff and board of directors never cease to be amazed at the rallying support of Bethel House donors when they know local families need assistance. Bethel House believes that all families deserve a safe, stable place to call home, and we’re so thankful to all those who aid us in that work.”

Full event details can be found on the Bethel House website at www.bethelhouseinc.org. Any questions about the event can be directed to Hartwick at 262.473.2715 or director.bethelhouse@gmail.com.

---

Bethel House is an ecumenical project helping families facing homelessness in the Whitewater area. Bethel House provides transitional housing, emergency financial assistance, and case management to families in need.

Bethel House utilizes seven private housing units where families can live for up to one year while working on the issues that led to their homelessness. Case management services include budgeting, debt repayment, job searching, resume creation & building, life skills & decision-making, accessing other community resources & services, and much more.

Bethel House services are provided to clients free of charge and with understanding and compassion. Clients are always treated with the dignity and respect we all deserve. For more details, visit www.bethelhouseinc.org or call 262.473.2715.

Warhawk Bold meets Paralympic Gold

By Chris Lindeke
Marketing and Communications Manager
University Marketing and Communications

Seven current or former members of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball programs won gold medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, continuing a strong tradition of Warhawk success on the sport’s international stage.

John Boie, AJ Fitzpatrick, Nate Hinze, Talen Jourdan, Jeromie Meyer and Jake Williams were each part of the Team USA men, who defeated Great Britain 73-69 in the championship game to finish an undefeated run through the tournament and clinch the team’s third consecutive Paralympic title.

Hinze and Williams are now three-time gold medalists in the Paralympics. Williams led Team USA with a game-high 26 points in the gold medal victory. Boie, a member of the starting lineup with Williams, earned his second gold medal.

Fitzpatrick, a current human performance major at UW-Whitewater, Jourdan, and Meyer claimed their first gold medals competing in their first Paralympic Games.

The performance capped an incredible run through the sport for several Warhawks over the last 12 months. Williams, Fitzpatrick and Jourdan were each part of the Warhawks’ 2024 National Wheelchair Basketball Association intercollegiate national championship in March. Boie and Meyer joined the trio on the gold medal-winning Team USA at the 2023 Parapan Games last November.

Warhawk alum Mariska Beijer became a two-time gold medalist after leading the Team Netherlands women to a second consecutive first-place finish. One of the world’s top players, Beijer tallied 22 points and 10 rebounds in the Dutch’s 63-49 win against Team USA in the gold medal game.

Warhawk silver medalists included those who were part of the Team USA women — Becca Murray, Lindsey Zurbrugg, coach Christina Schwab and assistant coach Desiree Miller. Murray is now a four-time Paralympics medalist, and Zurbrugg is a two-time medalist. Schwab, the former UW-Whitewater women’s coach who currently works in the First Year Experience office, was a three-time gold medalist as a player in 2004, 2008 and 2016, and now a first-time medalist as the national team’s coach.

Other Warhawk alumni who competed at the Paralympic Games include Sammy White, whose Team Australia men finished fifth, and Vanessa Erskine and Mareike (Adermann) Miller, who helped the Team Germany women place sixth.

UW-Whitewater’s wheelchair basketball programs were highlighted in a feature by The Athletic, the sports vertical of The New York Times, in late August just ahead of the start of the Paralympic Games. The piece was published online before appearing in the August 30 print edition of the Times.

UW-Whitewater’s eight current or former student-athletes who represented Team USA in wheelchair basketball were more than any other school in the country.

New artist in The TeaLux Cafe Gallery! Terry Fair.

Awesome poster collages from Terry’s radio show!

They will hang there until October 31st, so go grab a tasty tea and check them out!!

Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Rhonda Kolander.