Marjorie Stoneman

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.

Celebrate all of the wonderful ways in which all children add to the beauty of our community at the third annual free family-friendly International Children’s Day Celebration on Saturday, April 27 in Whitewater.

This event will include live music, games, crafts, face-painting and other activities for children of all ages and runs from noon until 4 p.m.  at Lincoln Elementary School. Information will be available on local and regional services for families.  A variety of international food offerings from local organizations will also be for sale.

Marco Wence will perform. A student choir will sing Puerto Rican and Chinese children’s songs including one that honors the Lunar New Year. Lakeview Elementary students will drum. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the talents of our school children and community members.

“Whitewater prides itself on being a community that is supportive of all children and their families. April 27 is an opportunity to celebrate International Children’s Day and those who care for, support, and encourage children here and around the world,” said Miguel Aranda, planning committee member.

Representatives from the Mexican Consulate of Milwaukee will be at the event, providing information and answering questions.

The World Conference for the Well-being of Children in Geneva, Switzerland, proclaimed June 1 to be International Children’s Day in 1925. It is usually marked with speeches on children’s rights and wellbeing, and other events involving or dedicated to children. A similar event, Universal Children’s Day, falls on Nov. 20. It was established by the United Nations in 1954 and aims to promote the welfare of children around the world. The first celebration of International Children’s Day in Whitewater was held in April of 2022. Many countries around the world celebrate the day in late April.

Sponsors of International Children’s Day Celebration include Whitewater Unified School District, Whitewater Unites Lives, and Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.

Editor’s Note:  The following interview was done by Marjorie Stoneman on behalf of Whitewater Unites Lives.

Jose Cano’s parents came to the U.S. from Guadalajara, Mexico when he was five years old.  Now 40 years old, Jose has been working to become a United States citizen.  Currently, he is in the DACA program (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and must register often to keep his driver’s license and permit to work.  And work he does.

Jose works full-time as an automotive technician in Delavan, volunteers full-time for the Delavan Fire Department, and is raising five children with his wife in Delavan.  But his American journey began in Whitewater.

When Jose came to the United States with his grandfather and parents at age five, he did not know English.  The family lived at the Twin Oaks Trailer Court and Jose attended Washington Elementary School, where he learned English. 

When he was in Middle School the family moved to Delavan to join a church there.  His grandfather, parents and siblings have all since become United States citizens.  Jose, though, continues in limbo through the DACA program.

After high school, he wanted to become a Marine, but because of his legal status, he was unable to.  Now, he says, he is so grateful that his children are United States citizens and can be whatever they want to be.

“It’s frustrating that we get our hopes up and then we get pushed to the ‘back burner.’  It is very stressful,” he said of the DACA program.

Yet he has a giving, caring, warm, friendly disposition, and is raising his family to be helpers.  He tells his eldest son, “If you see someone in need, do what you can to help.” Not long ago Jose received a Life Saving Medal for “Ten Successful Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Saves” in connection with his volunteer service with the Delavan Fire Department.

But Jose has taken his caring nature beyond Wisconsin borders.

In 2014 he and his family drove to Arkansas to help the families devastated by a tornado that killed 16 people.  He, his wife and son filled up their minivan with supplies and delivered them.  He remembers his son taking his own toys and giving them freely on his own to a family that lost everything.

In 2017, he and several co-workers, with the contribution of a truck from Kunes, delivered supplies to help victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas.  He was so grateful to the Delavan community members who helped fill the truck with donations.  He said it was eye-opening to see how the community responded to help a different community – to help a human cause. 

“Working together we can accomplish good in society, regardless of color, background, or where you are from,” said Jose.  “I wish it was more like that every day, where people value and respect each other regardless of color.”

Jose also donates his spare time to help local people as a board member of the Open Arms Free Clinic and as a member of Voces de la Frontera.  In Whitewater, he was one of the first to join the recently-formed Immigrant Support Coalition.  He is pleased about the group, and thankful that “people see us as human – they don’t just see where we are from or the color of our skin, but they look at us a human beings.” He is glad to be a part of the group because Whitewater is his childhood home.

Jose is also grateful that Whitewater Police Chief Dan Meyer is supportive of driver’s licenses for all people in Wisconsin, regardless of legal status.  He says many people need to go to Illinois to be trained to drive and receive a driver’s license, but that is not always practical for families.  He says making sure that all drivers are trained and get insurance is a necessity and a safety issue.

WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.

Students at WHS achieve the school’s highest ACT scores since 2018-2019

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.

Whitewater High School juniors have achieved the highest composite ACT score the school has reached since 2018-2019. They achieved an average composite score of 19.1 as compared to a composite average score of 17.2 last year, an 11% increase year over year. The 2024 state average composite score is 19.4. 27% of the WHS students met or exceeded three or more college readiness benchmark scores—an 8% increase from the previous year.

This celebration did not come without work and a plan. This year, the WHS staff implemented a three-pronged campaign with students to address skill development, attendance improvement, and test preparation tools. Utilizing a College Equipped Readiness Tool (CERT) program, which took the guesswork out of establishing benchmark scores, it allowed staff to focus on areas of improvement to set student improvement goals, and gave students individualized assessment practice where they needed it. WHS also emphasized the importance of attendance, working with families to eliminate barriers in getting to school, and implemented an exam exemption incentive plan that students could achieve by setting personal improvement goals.

“Our students’ outstanding performance on the 2024 ACT is a testament to the innovative spirit around success that we have at the high school; our educators are committed to continuous improvement,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent of the Whitewater Unified School District. “We proudly celebrate their academic success and commitment to reaching their full potential.”

The ACT is an in-person assessment designed to measure the academic readiness of 11th-grade students in English, math, reading, science, and writing. The ACT provides benchmarks to categorize students as college-ready or below college-ready. Students can use their ACT scores for various purposes, including college admission, scholarships, course placement, and even NCAA eligibility.

More information about the ACT in Wisconsin is available at https://dpi.wi.gov/assessment/act.

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.

The Whitewater community has the opportunity to help fill the shelves of local food pantries to serve those in need on Saturday, May 11. There are two ways to donate food and help our hungry neighbors.

– For more than 30 years, USPS has conducted an annual nationwide food drive on the second Saturday of May- the largest one-day food drive in the country.  In Whitewater, the food drive is supported by the Hunger Task Force to help the Whitewater Food Pantry. Residents will be receiving postcards and/or plastic bags in the mail as a reminder of the food drive. Just put your nonperishable contribution in or near your mailbox on Saturday, May 11, and your mail carrier will take the food to the Whitewater Food Pantry. Questions? Laurie Giorno, lead volunteer in Whitewater, can be reached at 262-903-9416. 

– The Community Space in Whitewater has been in operation for just five years, but has already ramped up to give out more than 300,000 pounds of food a year through its collaboration with Feeding America and other organizations and its dozens of volunteers. Whitewater Unites Lives is hosting the food drive at the Community Space this year to help meet the increased demand TCS has experienced. To help, bring your nonperishable donations to TCS on 834 East Milwaukee St., drive around the back, and WUL volunteers will happily collect your donation from your car between 8:30 and 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, May 11. Questions? WUL co-founder Rosalinda Martinez can be reached at 920-222-0749 and co-founder Marjorie Stoneman can be reached at 414-861-4126.

Suggested donations to both pantries include peanut butter, jelly, individual packets of oatmeal, canned tuna, dried cereal, canned fruits and canned vegetables.   

Whitewater Unites Lives (WUL) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.

For more information about The Community Space, visit their website at communityspacewhitewater.com/

For more information about Whitewater Community Food Pantry, visit facebook.com/WhitewaterFoodPantry/

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Community Foundation (WCF.)

The Whitewater Community Foundation (WCF) has announced that the Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) was the recipient of the WCF Action Grant from last fall, and has received $3,500 for website design and development improvements with more accessible materials and clear, simple navigation in both Spanish and English.  The grant will also aid in completing the poster project and finishing the Community Resource Wall in the Dental Office.    

Olivia Nichols, CEO and Executive Director of the Rock River Community Clinic, said, “We are so grateful for the support of the Whitewater Community Foundation to advance these two projects at RRCC, both of which will support our efforts to continue finding effective ways to support our patients. Partnership support is critical to our organization’s overall community outreach and education efforts, and we are incredibly appreciative of the WCF’s willingness to serve in this partnership capacity for our organization.” 

At RRCC, all community members are welcome and accepted. BadgerCare (Medicaid) and Medicare are accepted at all RRCC locations and help support RRCC operations and services. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), RRCC receives higher reimbursement rates for BadgerCare and Medicare payer groups, which helps cover discounted prices for patients who are uninsured or underinsured (high deductible plans). Many commercial insurance groups are also accepted at RRCC, and further support the mission.

Care coordination services are also available at RRCC to help patients overcome barriers to accessing healthcare, including prescription assistance programs, transportation support, and behavioral health referrals. Care Navigators also assist in enrolling eligible families in BadgerCare to attain needed health insurance for individuals, families, and children. Over one-third of RRCC medical staff are bilingual (Spanish & English) to further support patient care and communication.

By increasing access to health care services, offering care at affordable costs, and providing care coordination services, RRCC works to create a healthier, more equitable, community. For clinic hours and directions, visit www.rockrivercommunityclinic.org

Rock River is one of many organizations that have received Whitewater Community Foundation Action Grant funds over the years.  The next grant application process deadline is April 30.  

Qualified projects should be intended for educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent purposes that will benefit and improve the greater Whitewater community.  Consideration will also be made based on the results of the 2023 Civic Summit, when more than 30 community members, business leaders, educators, nonprofit organizers, and others determined key areas for improvement in Whitewater:

• Communicating to Whitewater’s diverse population in English and Spanish, making signage bilingual, coordinating communication to all groups, and providing opportunities for people of different backgrounds, age groups, etc. to integrate to help meet community needs;
• Housing assistance, affordability and accessibility for families and professionals seeking to purchase homes;  
• Marketing Whitewater by coordinating and cross-pollinating events, calendars and volunteer opportunities.

Projects are expected to be accomplished within a specific period of time (generally not more than one year) and should be creative, innovative and address community needs.  Interested organizations can find more information and fill out an application at: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bx6_oS4QSIAeR3BoVjNTeVJfQzg 

The deadline for submitting applications is April 30, 2024.

Organizations interested in pursuing a Whitewater Community Foundation Action Grant should check out the Whitewater Community Foundation web site https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org/community-action-grants/ or contact Kat at 262-473-1403.

The Foundation continues to provide and host scholarships for Whitewater High School students and also offers fiscal sponsorship to organizations that are seeking 501(c) (3) status or require temporary pass-through funds for worthy community projects.

More information about the Whitewater Community Foundation can be found at whitewatercommunityfoundation.org and on Facebook. 

The Whitewater Community Foundation’s mission is to “enhance quality of life in the Whitewater area via educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent expenditures.”

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.

Celebrate all of the wonderful ways in which all children add to the beauty of our community at the third annual free family-friendly International Children’s Day Celebration on Saturday, April 27 in Whitewater.

This event will include live music, games, crafts, face-painting and other activities for children of all ages and runs from noon until 4 p.m.  at Lincoln Elementary School. Information will be available on local and regional services for families.  A variety of international food offerings from local organizations will also be for sale.

Marco Wence will perform. A student choir will sing Puerto Rican and Chinese children’s songs including one that honors the Lunar New Year. Lakeview Elementary students will drum. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the talents of our school children and community members.

“Whitewater prides itself on being a community that is supportive of all children and their families. April 27 is an opportunity to celebrate International Children’s Day and those who care for, support, and encourage children here and around the world,” said Miguel Aranda, planning committee member.

Representatives from the Mexican Consulate of Milwaukee will be at the event, providing information and answering questions.

The World Conference for the Well-being of Children in Geneva, Switzerland, proclaimed June 1 to be International Children’s Day in 1925. It is usually marked with speeches on children’s rights and wellbeing, and other events involving or dedicated to children. A similar event, Universal Children’s Day, falls on Nov. 20. It was established by the United Nations in 1954 and aims to promote the welfare of children around the world. The first celebration of International Children’s Day in Whitewater was held in April of 2022. Many countries around the world celebrate the day in late April.

Sponsors of International Children’s Day Celebration include Whitewater Unified School District, Whitewater Unites Lives, and Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.

Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Dr. K. Praveen Parboteeah, an esteemed professor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics, and chair for the Department of Management, is celebrated not only for his exceptional teaching prowess but for his significant scholarly contributions by reaching a remarkable new milestone of 10,000 Google citations. 

A Google citation indicates an instance where a researcher’s work is used by a different scholar in another study. The frequency of citations points to the practical or adaptable value of the research or the unique character of the findings.  The 10,000 Google citations milestone demonstrates that Dr. Parboteeah is not only making a profound impact within UW-Whitewater, but he is contributing to original scholarly research worldwide. 

Like all professors at the College of Business and Economics, Dr. Parboteeah’s primary responsibility is providing a rich course experience for learners. Celebrated among his students, Dr. Parboteeah leveraged his classroom experience to play a pivotal role in crafting a strong curriculum that enables learners to explore more advanced research for solving real-world challenges. This step was crucial to developing, and now leading, the only Doctorate of Business Administration in Wisconsin that is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)–the world’s foremost business school accreditation body. In fact, Dr. Parboteeah’s DBA program was described by one recent graduate, Dr. Tim Hagar, as “a ticket to my dream career.”

Dr. Parboteeah’s research journey began at California State University – Chico in 1992 as a Teaching Associate and Research Assistant. Since then, he has published extensively in renowned journals such as the Academy of Management Journal, Organization Science, and the Journal of International Business Studies. Additionally, he serves as a regular reviewer for numerous prestigious journals and has held editorial positions at key publications in international management, including the Journal of International Business Studies, Journal of World Business, International Journal of Cross-Cultural Management, and the Management International Review. Dr. Parboteeah is also currently a senior editor and associate editor at the Journal of Business Ethics and Business & Society respectively, two of the leading journals in the business ethics field. Dr. Parboteeah’s extensive publication portfolio and editorial engagements with prestigious journals not only demonstrate his scholarly rigor but also signify his unwavering commitment to advancing research and encouraging intellectual conversation.

As we celebrate the remarkable milestone of 10,000 Google citations, Dr. Parboteeah’s scholarly impact is undeniable. Said Dr. Paul Ambrose, Dean of the UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics; “Dr. Parboteeah’s active involvement on campus, leadership, and pivotal role in shaping the DBA program underscore his commitment to fostering academic excellence and advancing knowledge in his field.”

Congratulations to Dr. Parboteeah on this tremendous accomplishment!

More about the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics (CoBE): 

Wisconsin’s largest business college, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics, is home to the #1 ranked online Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program in the State, of single schools. The College of Business and Economics offers a rich breadth of co-curricular activities to enhance student development and learning outcomes, including award-winning student organizations and applied learning experiences. CoBE is in the top 2% of the world’s business schools, earning both AACSB and AACSB Accounting Accreditation (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). For more information on the College of Business and Economics, visit uww.edu/cobe or email cobe@uww.edu. 

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Arts Alliance.

The Whitewater Arts Alliance Whitewater, in collaboration with the Wisconsin Regional Arts Program (WRAP) is proud to present the WRAP exhibition titled “Stories Through Art,” running from May 2 to May 26, 2024.

The Wisconsin Regional Art Program(WRAP), a program administered by the Association of Wisconsin Artists, has been a cornerstone of promoting art and creativity among nonprofessional artists since it began in 1940 as an outreach initiative of UW-Madison. Today, WRAP continues its legacy by offering over 25 art exhibitions and workshops held throughout the year, aimed at encouraging the artistic growth of individuals from rural areas across Wisconsin.

“Stories Through Art” will feature a wide range of works by nonprofessional Wisconsin artists, spanning various mediums including 3D sculptures, acrylic, oil, and collages. The exhibition will be accessible both in-person and online, offering art enthusiasts the opportunity to engage with the creations of talented individuals either online or in-person.

Artists interested in participating in the exhibition can visit

https://www.whitewaterarts.org/wrap-2024 for complete information and to download a submission form. The entry fee is $30, allowing for up to three submissions.  Submissions must be received no later than April 22, 2024. ”Stories Through Art” embodies the essence of creativity and storytelling, inviting both artists and art enthusiasts alike to explore the narratives within each piece of art.

Join us in celebrating Wisconsin’s artistic landscape at the Cultural Arts Center (CAC) in Whitewater at an awards reception and watercolor workshop to be held on Saturday, May 4, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the CAC gallery. This event promises to be a celebration of artistic talent and a platform for attendees to connect with the growing arts community in Whitewater.

The gallery, located at 402 West Main St, Whitewater is open to the public from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Thursdays through Sundays.

For more information contact Kim Adams, Gallery Director by email at wwartsalliance@gmail.com, by phone at 1-608-201-2151 or on our website www.whitewaterarts.org.

About Whitewater Arts Alliance: The Whitewater Arts Alliance, Inc. is dedicated to supporting, promoting, and developing the arts as an essential and integral part of the community.

The mission of the Whitewater Arts Alliance is to support, promote, and develop the arts as an essential and integral part of our community.

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Community Foundation.

The Whitewater Community Foundation is now accepting applications for Spring Community Action Grants.  Grants will be awarded to local nonprofit organizations actively working to support the greater Whitewater community. 

Qualified projects should be intended for educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent purposes that will benefit and improve the greater Whitewater community.  Consideration will also be made based on the results of the 2023 Civic Summit, when more than 30 community members, business leaders, educators, nonprofit organizers, and others determined key areas for improvement in Whitewater:

• Communicating to Whitewater’s diverse population in English and Spanish, making signage bilingual, coordinating communication to all groups, and providing opportunities for people of different backgrounds, age groups, etc. to integrate to help meet community needs;
• Housing assistance, affordability and accessibility for families and professionals seeking to purchase homes;  
• Marketing Whitewater by coordinating and cross-pollinating events, calendars and volunteer opportunities.

Projects are expected to be accomplished within a specific period of time (generally not more than one year) and should be creative, innovative and address community needs.  Interested organizations can find more information and fill out an application at: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bx6_oS4QSIAeR3BoVjNTeVJfQzg 

The deadline for submitting applications is April 30, 2024.

Kat Mawhinney, WCF Board Member who chairs the Community Action Grant Selection Committee, said, “We are pleased to be able to offer these grants to organizations helping to make the Whitewater community stronger.”

Organizations interested in pursuing a Whitewater Community Foundation Action Grant should check out the Whitewater Community Foundation web site https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org/community-action-grants/ or contact Kat at 262-473-1403.

The Foundation continues to provide and host scholarships for Whitewater High School students and also offers fiscal sponsorship to organizations that are seeking 501(c) (3) status or require temporary pass-through funds for worthy community projects.

More information about the Whitewater Community Foundation can be found at whitewatercommunityfoundation.org and on Facebook. 

The Whitewater Community Foundation’s mission is to “enhance quality of life in the Whitewater area via educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent expenditures.”

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Margaret Wheeler.

Updated note: The snacks are provided through a private donation.