Archives

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

Las clases de inglés gratuitas durante el día comenzarán en el Espacio Comunitario de Whitewater

El Distrito Escolar Unificado de Whitewater está ampliando su programa de inglés como segundo idioma (ESL) para adultos para incluir clases de inglés gratuitas durante el día. Las clases
 serán los martes y jueves de 10:00 a.m. a mediodía en el Espacio Comunitario de Whitewater, 834 E. Milwaukee Street en Whitewater, a partir del martes 12 de abril. Los estudiantes pueden inscribirse al llegar. Hay dos niveles disponibles y se proporcionará cuidado de niños gratuito. El coste de los materiales es de 25 dólares. Las clases son para los adultos de los alrededores que quieran mejorar sus conocimientos de inglés.

El programa de inglés fue fundado por Jorge Islas-Martínez hace veintitrés años, cuando ofrecía su tiempo para ayudar a otros inmigrantes a aprender inglés en
 Starin Park en Whitewater. Cuando el Sr. Islas-Martínez empezó a dar clases, no tenía libros ni financiación. Por suerte, no pasó mucho tiempo antes de que Sandra Heyer, autora de la serie True Stories in the News para adultos que aprenden inglés, conociera al Sr. Islas-Martínez en el parque por casualidad, y su conversación dio lugar a una hermosa asociación que dio lugar al liderazgo de Heyer como coordinadora de voluntarios y profesora de lectura.

El programa de inglés para adultos ha funcionado con éxito en el instituto de Whitewater y ofrece cuatro niveles de inglés y cuidado de niños gratuito los lunes, miércoles y viernes por la tarde de 6:30 a 8:30. Además, se han añadido clases especiales de pronunciación, tecnología y el examen de ciudadanía estadounidense. El programa también involucra a sus familias en actividades de asistencia para ayudarles a conocer los recursos de la comunidad. Muchos de los estudiantes de inglés que participan en el programa han prosperado y han conseguido avances en su trabajo, han conseguido mejores empleos e incluso se han convertido en ciudadanos estadounidenses. La financiación es proporcionada por el Distrito Escolar Unificado de Whitewater, United Way, iglesias y organizaciones del área, y donantes privados.

Ahora que el programa de inglés se está expandiendo para incluir clases de día, el Sr. Islas-Martínez afirma: “Esto es un sueño hecho realidad. Estamos muy agradecidos a Kay Robers y al equipo de El Espacio Comunitario por haber abierto los brazos a nuestro programa.  Esperamos seguir haciendo una diferencia promoviendo la educación”.

Los estudiantes pueden acudir a las clases de mañana en el Espacio Comunitario a partir del martes 12 de abril. Todos los estudiantes que completen con éxito el programa recibirán un certificado del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Whitewater. Para preguntas sobre las clases de inglés de día o de noche, por favor llame a Jorge Islas-Martínez al (414) 418-8424 o envíe un correo electrónico a joislas_m@hotmail.com.”
—

Free Daytime English Classes to Start at Whitewater’s Community Space

The Whitewater Unified School District is extending its adult English as a Second Language (ESL) program to include free daytime English classes. The classes will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m to noon at the Whitewater Community Space, 834 E. Milwaukee Street in Whitewater, beginning on Tuesday, April 12. Students can register when they arrive. Two levels are available and free childcare will be provided. There is a materials cost of $25. The classes are for adults in the surrounding area who would like to improve their English skills.

The English program was founded by Jorge Islas-Martinez twenty-three years ago when he was volunteering his time to help other immigrants learn English at Starin Park in Whitewater. When Mr. Islas-Martinez started teaching, he had no books or funding. Luckily, it wasn’t long before Sandra Heyer, author of the True Stories in the News series for adult English Language Learners, met Mr. Islas-Martinez at the park by chance, and their conversation led to a beautiful partnership that resulted in Heyer’s leadership as a volunteer coordinator and reading teacher. 

The adult English program has been running successfully at the Whitewater High School and offers four levels of English and free childcare on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. In addition, special classes have been added for pronunciation, technology, and the U.S. citizenship test. The program also engages its families in outreach activities to help them get acquainted with resources in the community. Many of the English Language Learners in the program have thrived with earning job promotions, landing better jobs, and even becoming U.S. citizens. Funding is provided by the Whitewater Unified School District, United Way, area churches and organizations, and private donors. 

Now that the English program is expanding to include daytime classes, Mr. Islas-Martinez states, “This is a dream come true. We are so thankful to Kay Robers and the team from The Community Space for welcoming our program with open arms.  We look forward to continuing to make a difference by promoting education.”

Students can come to the morning classes at the Community Space beginning Tuesday, April 12. All students who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate from the Whitewater Unified School District. For questions regarding day or evening English classes, please call Jorge Islas-Martinez at (414) 418-8424 or email joislas_m@hotmail.com.

Whitewater Unified School District School Board Election Canvass – Monday @ 9:00 a.m.
Agenda – click on “meetings” in upper right corner
The returns of the April 5, 2022, Whitewater Unified School District School Board election will be canvassed by the Board of Canvassers at 9:00 a.m. Monday, April 11, 2022, at the Central Office Board Room, 419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin. The canvass is open to the public. 

Plan and Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes site plan review for Dollar General store
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
Community Room- First Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/770052197
You can also dial in using your phone.
1 (872) 240-3412
Access Code: 770-052-197

City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes 2021 draft financial audit and bond issuance
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
City Manager’s Conference Room – 2nd Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/535799973
You can also dial in using your phone.
1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 535-799-973

City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
Community Room
Municipal Building – 1st Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.

City of Whitewater, Board of Zoning Appeals – Thursday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda – Shopko Optical, 1139 W. Main Street, applying to exceed maximum allowed sign size
In Person and Virtual
Community Room
Whitewater Municipal Building
312 W Whitewater St.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/319664637
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Access Code: 319-664-637

As was previously announced on the Banner, “Turnout in the City of Whitewater for the Spring general election on April 5 was steady but not overwhelming, with 1376 votes cast. Per the unofficial results … Jim Allen defeated Chuck Mills by a very comfortable margin to retain his seat as Council Member at Large. Al Stanek also beat Curt Knull by a large margin to succeed longtime supervisor Jerry Grant on the Walworth County Board of Supervisors, District 4. Lukas Schreiber was elected to his first full term representing Aldermanic District 2 with nine votes, and Jill Gerber, running unopposed to represent District 4, received 331 votes. According to City Clerk Michele Smith, this will be the first time in history that the Council has had a majority of female members, by a margin of 4 to 3.”

Our thanks to Tom Ganser for sharing these photos.

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.

If you have been on the Highway 12 bypass lately, you have seen the progress being made on the new Whitewater water tower south of the high school. This view from 1889 shows the building crew completing the metal tank on the old water tower in Starin Park. The water tower was part of the new water system installed in that year that included a pump house, a water reservoir, and several miles of pipe. Because of the new water tower, the old water tower will be decommissioned after over 130 years of service. It is hoped that the community will get together to preserve this important historic landmark!

Editor’s note: The city has indicated that there is no intention to demolish the water tower when it is taken out of service. It might be expected that funds will be required to preserve the landmark over the coming years.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(2437P, Whitewater Historical Society)

Editor’s Note: This information was provided by Kiwanis, with photos by Tom Ganser.

The Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club thanks the entire Whitewater community for generously donating $4,500 at the sit-down, dine-in Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, April 2.  Kiwanis served more than 500 breakfasts at its first dine-in Pancake Breakfast since 2020.

Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club President Patrick Taylor said, “We were so excited to see people in person and enjoy camaraderie and friendship as we feasted on the delicious Kiwanis pancakes and Jones sausage.  Thank you to everyone who donated to support our mission of helping children.” 

Kiwanis Whitewater Breakfast Club is made up of dedicated volunteers who help children in the Whitewater community and the world, all with funds raised going directly to projects helping improve the lives of children in the community and the world.  Each year, the club distributes approximately $20,000, with over half going to the Whitewater Unified School District, including shoes and scholarships.  Kiwanis helped to build the Flowing Well Shelter, the shelter and soon-to-be-installed accessible playground equipment at Starin Park and Treyton’s Field of Dreams, the WHS football field lights and press box, as well as adopting a highway to clean up.  In addition, the group donates to the Whitewater Youth Soccer Club, the Friends of the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center Family Partnership Fund, the Whitewater Food Pantry, Bethel House, Camp Wawbeek, and more.

More information can be found on the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club Facebook page. If you are interested in joining the club, helping the children and having fun at the same time, contact us!

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.

Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by The Friends of Lorine Niedecker and the Dwight Foster Public Library.

The Friends of Lorine Niedecker and the Dwight Foster Public Library invite you to celebrate National Poetry Month with this special poetry event: “Hear The Solitary Plover: A Poetry Reading” on Tuesday, April 26 at 6:30 p.m.

The poets published in the Winter 2022 issue of “The Solitary Plover” will join us in-person and remotely for a reading of their work. This reading will be moderated by Plover poetry editor Tom Montag, who will also read from his latest work.

You can attend:

IN PERSON at the Dwight Foster Public Library, 209 Merchants Ave in Fort Atkinson

REMOTELY by viewing the Live Stream on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/S-bGAImcRj4

The Solitary Plover is the newsletter of the Friends of Lorine Niedecker. It is issued twice each year, in winter and in summer. You can sign up to receive The Plover in your email, read the Winter 2022 issue and previous issues on the Friends of Lorine Niedecker website here: https://lorineniedecker.org/solitary-plover-archive/

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by ReVamp Nutrition in Whitewater.

ReVamp Nutrition in downtown Whitewater hosted a fundraiser for National Down Syndrome Day. Jericca, owner of ReVamp, has a longtime friend whose daughter was born with Down Syndrome. Jericca came up with a special tea and shake combo to help spread awareness of the condition. Down Syndrome occurs when extra genetic material is added to a chromosome. The reason why March 21st was the date is because the 21st chromosome is split into three copies instead of two.

Remi is a thriving seven month old baby who resides in Northern Wisconsin with her parents on a 50 acre homestead; they have dogs, horses, and barn cats. She was born with Down Syndrome as well as a congenital heart defect, and had open heart surgery in January. Danielle, Remi’s mother, got in touch with Jericca and asked if she would be willing to sell bracelets to help with bills in times of hardship. Jericca was touched to the heart that she asked and this was just the beginning of the fundraiser that came to mind. “We wanted to create a special combo for Monday that was associated with the blue and yellow in the Down Syndrome ribbon. Within a few hours the Down Syndrome Awareness Combo was created: Royal Blue Pina Colada  and Pineapple Breeze. The shake was coconut flavored with swirls of blue. The tea had flavors of pineapple, mango, and peach and was yellow in color. We wanted to make the most of this fundraiser and decided that one day was not enough. The Down Syndrome Awareness fundraiser was available all week long,” said Jericca.

For every combo sold, ReVamp donated a portion of the proceeds to Remi’s family. All the proceeds made from the bracelets went directly to the family along with many donations graciously given by the customers of ReVamp Nutrition. “We were so grateful for this opportunity to support a family who needs help during this time and for everyone who made it possible. As for Remi and family we hope that this donation will help in any way possible and we want you to know the ReVamp Nutrition is and forever will be #remijeanstrong,” concluded Jericca.

Editor’s note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Community Foundation. The Whitewater Banner is owned and operated by the foundation.

Danielle Frawley has stepped aside in her role as President of the Whitewater Community Foundation as of April 1, 2022.  Danielle has served as President of the Foundation since 2018 and will remain on the Board as an at At-Large Member.  Under Danielle’s leadership, the Foundation has continued to grow and expand its outreach in the greater Whitewater area.   We are grateful for Danielle’s leadership and appreciate her continued commitment and dedication to the Whitewater Community.  Roni Telfer and Therese Kennedy will assume leadership of the Foundation serving as Co-Presidents.  

About WCF: The Whitewater Community Foundation’s mission is to “Enhance quality of life in the Whitewater area via educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent expenditures” through scholarships and community action grants. To donate and support the continuation of the Whitewater Banner, simply send a check made out to Whitewater Community Foundation to P.O. Box 428, Whitewater, WI, 53190, or donate online at whitewatercommunityfoundation.org by clicking on the “Donate” button on top of the contact page. For tax purposes, the Whitewater Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Corporation. 

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the University of Wisconsin Whitewater’s College of Arts and Communication, Department of Music.

The College of Arts and Communication at UW-Whitewater announces five upcoming concerts taking place throughout April. Coming up on Tuesday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Thursday, April 21 are the Jazz II and Jazz I Spring Concerts followed by the Sonict Ensemble on Friday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m.. Next are two concerts on Sunday, April 24 with the Symphonic Wind Ensemble at 3:00 p.m. and Meistersingers, Singing Sirens and Concert Choir at 7:00 p.m.. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling (262) 472-2222. Masks are suggested for anyone attending events in the Greenhill Center of the Arts and the Young Auditorium. Do not come to campus if you are ill. For the most up to date campus safety information, visit the Warhawks are Back webpage.

The Jazz II Ensemble, performing Tuesday, April 19^th at 7:30 p.m. is a student ensemble directed by Bradley Townsend.  The ensemble will play tunes that vary in styles, from the sounds of Wayne Shorter’s modern jazz of the 1960’s to the gospel/blues of Charles Mingus and even a hip-hop shuffle by Ike Sturm. 

The Jazz I Ensemble, performing Thursday, April 21^st at 7:30 p.m. in the Light Recital Hall, is a student ensemble directed by Dr. Michael Hackett and will feature Milwaukee trumpeter and former UW-Whitewater student, Eric Jacobson. They will be performing works by Horace Silver, Matt Harris, Charles Mingus and more. Jacobson will perform a solo on “April in Paris” by Vernon Duke/E.Y. Harburg arr. Bob Mintzer, “Sail Away” by Tom Harrell arr. Eric Richards, and “The Red Snapper” by Bobby Shew arr. Don Menza.

The Symphonic Wind Ensemble, performing Sunday, April 24^th at 3:00 p.m. in Young Auditorium is directed by Dr. Glenn Hayes. As a part of the official Earth Month 2022 events, Steve Bryant’s “The Automatic Earth” for wind ensemble and electronics will be performed. The composition addresses the ongoing climate catastrophe and evokes the psychological effect of the impending disruptive change to our entire way of living on the planet, even under a best-case scenario. The piece weaves together two threads: the climate crisis, and the technological transformation of what it is to be human. The tandem acceleration of technological wonder and ecological catastrophe means, at best, a strange, unrecognizable future, likely within our own lifetimes.  Other compositions include Kataoka’s “Amenominakanushi – Father of the Universe,” Iannaccone’s “After a Gentle Rain,” and Meechan’s “Song of Hope” featuring trumpet soloist Dr. Matthew Onstad. Students from the Department of Environmental Sciences and UW-Whitewater Sustainability will be in the lobby before and after the concert to share information with concert attendees.

 Beyond the five ticketed events happening this month in the Department of Music, there are a multitude of free events including student recitals, ensembles, studios and even a guest artist. For a full lineup of events, please visit uww.edu/coac/events.

There are five featured concerts happening this April in the Greenhill Center of the Arts. They include: Jazz II on April 19 at 7:30 p.m., Jazz I Spring Concert on April 21 at 7:30 p.m., Sonict Ensemble on April 22 at 7:30 p.m., Symphonic Wind Ensemble on Sunday, April 24 at 3:00 p.m. and The Meistersingers, Singing Sirens and Concert Choir on Sunday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m.. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling (262) 472-2222. Masks are suggested for anyone attending events in the Greenhill Center of the Arts and the Young Auditorium. Do not come to campus if you are ill. For the most up to date campus safety information, visit the Warhawks are Back webpage.