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Young Auditorium Receives National Endowment for the Arts BIG READ Grant

Rock, Walworth and Jefferson County Communities to Read and Celebrate 
THE LATEHOMECOMER by KAO KALIA YANG. – Events Start APRIL 3, 2021

In a Press Release issued by Young Auditorium – September 17, 2020—Young Auditorium is a recipient of a full grant of $15,000 to host the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read in  Whitewater and its neighboring communities. An Arts Endowment initiative in partnership with Arts Midwest, the NEA Big Read  broadens our understanding of our world, our communities, and ourselves through the joy of sharing a good book. Young Auditorium is  one of 84 nonprofit organizations selected to receive an NEA Big Read grant to support a community reading program between September 2020 and June 2021. The NEA Big Read in Whitewater will focus on THE LATEHOMECOMER by KAO KALIA YANG. In addition  to the featured title, Young Auditorium also selects a companion novel to help involve youth in this innovative reading program. The featured youth title will be A MAP INTO THE WORLD, also by Kao Kalia Yang. Local ‘Big Read’ activities will start with a kick-off event on April 3, 2021, and continue taking place throughout the remainder of April. 

Young Auditorium Director Shannon Dozoryst is thrilled for Young Auditorium to have been awarded this grant for the 9th time. Dozoryst  explains, “Throughout the years, we have been able to connect and engage with community members, libraries and other community based organizations in a genuine and meaningful way via the NEA Big Read program. We look forward to facilitating a full month of  activities that will include thought provoking discussion, hands-on arts experiences, lectures, and family events”.  

The NEA Big Read offers a range of titles that reflect many different voices and perspectives, aiming to inspire conversation and  discovery. The main feature of the initiative is a grants program, managed by Arts Midwest, which annually supports dynamic  community reading programs, each designed around a single National Endowment for the Arts Big Read selection. 

“We are honored to continue our partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts on this incredible program,” said Torrie Allen,  president & CEO of Arts Midwest. “For more than 14 years this national effort has invested in communities as they gather to discuss the  stories and ideas that connect us to one another. We are especially inspired by the projects and organizations that are finding new,  virtual ways of creating those connections with their communities and are thrilled to support them at this critical time.” 

Since 2006, the National Endowment for the Arts has funded more than 1,600 NEA Big Read programs, providing more than $22 million  to organizations nationwide. Over the past thirteen years, grantees have leveraged more than $50 million in local funding to support  their NEA Big Read programs. More than 5.7 million Americans have attended an NEA Big Read event, approximately 91,000 volunteers  have participated at the local level, and 39,000 community organizations have partnered to make NEA Big Read activities possible. For  more information about the NEA Big Read, including book and author information, podcasts, and videos, visit arts.gov/neabigread. 

In addition to working with partners on a national and regional level, Young Auditorium is enthusiastic about working with multiple  campus and community partners on the Big Read project. Confirmed partners for the Big Read include: UW-Whitewater’s Office of  Continuing Education, UW-Whitewater College of Arts and Communications, UW-Whitewater Office of Diversity, Student Engagement  and Success, UW-Whitewater Andersen Library, UW-Whitewater Children’s Center, Old World Wisconsin, UW-Whitewater at Rock  County, Whitewater LEADS, UW-Whitewater College of Education and Professional Studies/Early Childhood Conference, The Hoard  Historical Museum, Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, Hedberg Public Library (Janesville), Dwight Foster Public Library (Fort Atkinson),  American Association of University Women (AAUW) Geneva Lakes Branch, among others.  

There’s still time to partner with Young Auditorium for an amazing Big Read event! With opportunities ranging from book and t-shirt  giveaways, to book discussions, dance events, luncheons, dramatic readings and more…there’s no shortage of ways to get involved.  While we are planning for live, in-person Big Read events, we are closely monitoring information in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.  If safety regulations limit us in any way, Young Auditorium will be able to pivot to digital-based or hybrid format events. 

Community libraries, businesses and organizations that are interested in working with Young Auditorium for The Big Read should  contact Keriann Kirkeng (262-472-1432/ kirkengk@uww.edu) for more information. A calendar of events and more detailed information about our community programs will be posted to – https://youngauditorium.wordpress.com/ as information becomes available. New  information can always be found by visiting youngauditorium.com. 

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Established by Congress in 1965, the National Endowment for the Arts is the independent federal agency whose funding and support  gives Americans the opportunity to participate in the arts, exercise their imaginations, and develop their creative capacities. Through  partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector, the Arts Endowment supports  arts learning, affirms and celebrates America’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, and extends its work to promote equal access to the  arts in every community across America. Visit http://arts.gov to learn more.

Arts Midwest promotes creativity, nurtures cultural leadership, and engages people in meaningful arts experiences, bringing vitality to  Midwest communities and enriching people’s lives. Based in Minneapolis, Arts Midwest connects the arts to audiences throughout the  nine-state region of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. One of six non-profit  regional arts organizations in the United States, Arts Midwest’s history spans more than 35 years. For more information, please visit  artsmidwest.org.

Brenda Marie (Buening) Channing went to her eternal home on Tuesday, September 15th

Brenda Marie (Buening) Channing went to her eternal home on Tuesday, September 15th.  Born March 3, 1949 in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin to Lawrence (Larry) and Louise (Scherer) Buening.  She graduated from Whitewater High School in 1967,  went to beauty school and worked as a beautician at Puddie’s Beauty Salon for many years. Special thank you to Carrie McDermott, who was Brenda’s loving caregiver for the last several years. Brenda loved her children fiercely and they appropriately called her Momma Bear.  Brenda is survived by her 3 children, Melissa (Channing) Steffen, Muskego, WI; Andrew Channing, Whitewater, WI; Jill (Channing) Jensen, Janesville, WI;  1 sister, Lisa Sheldon (Joel); 3 grandchildren, Macy, Jameson and Benjamin Jensen; 2 nieces and 1 nephew.

She is preceded in death by her parents and both brothers, Patrick and Brian Buening.  

Friends welcome to attend a graveside service at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 21st.

She is free and at peace with no more struggles and no more tears.  She will always be in our hearts and we know her path is clear.  So thankful for the precious good times.  Her love could not be denied.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Whitewater Historical Society’s Flashback Friday for September 18, 2020

This photo shows a Whitewater High School assembly from 1909. It is somewhat rare to have such quality interior photos that also show the students, since most class photos were taken outside and oftentimes only the exterior of school buildings were photographed. Built in the early 1880s, it served as the high school until it burned in 1927 and wa​s replaced with City High. It was affectionately known as “Big Brick.”

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society collections!

Flashback Friday photos are posted to the Facebook account for the Whitewater Historical Society. These images and captions will be posted to the Whitewater Banner the following Saturday morning for members of our audience who do not use social media.

The Whitewater Historical Society collects, preserves, and interprets the history of Whitewater and the surrounding area. Be sure to join us next week for more from the Society’s collections. Please “like” us on Facebook and check out our website at www.whitewaterhistoricalsociety.org!​

Walworth County Cancels Welcome to Medicare Workshop; Please call with any Medicare questions

From a press release issued by the Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services – Walworth County Health & Human Services (WCDHHS) has cancelled the Welcome to Medicare Workshops scheduled for October 22nd and December 3rd due to the continued pandemic situation. The event was to be held at the Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services, 1910 County Rd NN, Elkhorn WI 53121. 

“We encourage Walworth County residents to call and speak with a representative from our Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) if they have questions about Medicare,” said Randy Kohl, Health and Human Services Long Term Care Division Manager, “Staff are available to answer questions and connect our seniors to available services.”

If you would like information about services for older adults or need assistance please contact the ADRC of Walworth County at (262)741-3400.

Walworth County absentee ballots already requested were mailed 9/17; Jefferson will be close behind

From City Clerk Michele Smith, Sept. 20

The City of Whitewater has received over 1,500 requests for absentee ballots to date.  The Walworth County ballots were mailed out on 9/17/20.  Jefferson County ballots have not yet arrived, but are expected to be mailed out on 9/18/20.

For those who prefer to hand deliver their voted ballots to City Hall, there is a secure ballot drop box located in the vestibule of the Whitewater Municipal Building, 312 W. Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI.  The vestibule is open 24 hours per day, is lighted, and monitored by cameras.

All completed absentee ballots, including Voter’s Signature, Witness Signature and Witness Complete Address on the certificate Envelope, must be received by the municipal clerk on Election Day in order to be counted.

To register to vote or to receive an absentee ballot, you may go to myvote.wi.gov or contact the City Clerk’s office at (262) 473-0102.

UW-W’s Fairhaven Lecture Series returns this fall. Join us online, won’t you? Starts Mon., 9/21

Since 1983, faculty experts from UW-Whitewater have been presenting free public lectures on topics from art and history to current events and influential people. Join us online this fall, as we explore one of the most important issues in our lives today: Election 2020.

The 2020 election season will be like no other in U.S. history. An unconventional incumbent president, an international pandemic, and social and economic unrest will be on voters’ minds this fall. How will these people and events shape campaign messages? What can we learn from past elections in trying times? What will the results mean for 2021 and beyond? Join us this fall as we take a deep dive into Election 2020.

Lectures in the Fall 2020 series will be held virtually. Lectures may be held live via WebEx or pre-recorded and videos of all lectures will be posted to this page. Check individual title for information. Videos of lectures can be accessed for free any time after they are posted below.

Follow us on social media for updates and release: facebook.com/UWWFairhavenLecture   For videos of past series click here.  Any other questions, please contact Kari Borne at  bornek@uww.edu or 262-472-1003.

September 21 at 3:00 p.m.A Recap of the 2020 Presidential Nomination ProcessSusan Johnson, associate professor, Political Science and assistant dean, College of Letters and SciencesThis lecture will be held via WebEx. Click here to join the event.
September 28 at 3:00 p.m.COVID on the Campaign Trail: The Role of COVID-19 in 2020 U.S. Presidential Campaign CommunicationCorey Davis, professor, CommunicationThis lecture will be held via WebEx. Check back for a link to participate.
Who Owns the Central Bank? Monetary Policy, Government and Elections – Eylem Ersal, associate professor, Economics 
Supreme Court Appointees from Bush to Trump: The More Things Change, the More Things Change – Jolly Emrey, associate professor and chair, Political Science 
Natural Disasters, Man-made Calamities & the Economy: Making or Breaking the Incumbent President in an Election – Krastina Dzhambova, assistant professor, Economics 
One Week Left: The Final Days of the 2020 Campaign and What to Look for on Election Night – Eric Loepp, assistant professor, Political Science
Presidential Elections in Times of Crises – Dick Haven, professor emeritus, Communication
Election Results: Winners, Losers, and What Happens Next – Political Science Faculty Panel
Presidential Transitions: Understanding the Period between Campaigning and Governing – Louis Fucilla, assistant professor, Political Science
Fiscal and Monetary Policy Responses to Covid-19 and its Implication on Presidential Elections – Narendra Regmi, assistant professor, Economics

The content of each lecture in the Fairhaven Lecture Series is the intellectual property of the individual presenter.

“Beethoven at 250” Begins Music Mosaics Concert Series

(UW-Whitewater Department of Music submission) The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Department of Music always begins its Music Mosaics Concert Series with MungHee Chung’s incredible prowess over keys in black and white, and this year is no exception. In honor of Beethoven’s 250th Birthday, Chung will perform a solo piano concert comprised entirely of Beethoven’s compositions. This year all of the music concerts will be delivered digitally and tickets for this digital concert are on sale now through September 27, 2020. The link for digital content will be sent to ticketholders on September 28, 2020 and will be available for viewing through October 12, 2020. Single tickets are $13, and family viewing tickets (2+ individual viewers) are $26. These ticket rates include all taxes and fees. Call for tickets at 262-472-2222 or at https://tickets.uww.edu

Chung’s concert “Beethoven at 250” includes three Beethoven piano sonatas (No. 3 from early period; No. 23  from middle period, and No. 31 from late period). He wrote 32 piano sonatas during his lifetime. Though almost every composer has different styles that evolved throughout their life, Beethoven’s three styles had more distinctions between them. The early period was influenced by Haydn and Mozart, his sonatas have more traditional forms and styles.  His middle period pieces are very virtuosic and dramatic.  His late period is more soul-searching, somewhat introverted, and not too technical (very much like Brahms’s late period piano pieces).

“The three sonatas show vast range of emotions and pianistic ability.  When thinking about beautiful melodic composers, Chopin and Schubert (for his Lied) come to mind, but Beethoven’s Sonata 31 displays a beautiful, almost haunting, sobbing melody,” shared Chung about the music performed for this concert.

The Music Mosaics concert series benefits the UW-Whitewater Music Department’s Scholarship Fund, allowing the department to recognize students for their musical talents and academic excellence. 

Don’t miss the start of the Music Mosaics concert series with “Beethoven at 250.” Tickets for this digital concert are on sale now and are available through September 27, 2020. The link for digital content will be sent to ticketholders on September 28, 2020 and will be available for viewing through October 12, 2020. Single tickets are $13, and family viewing tickets (2+ individual viewers) are $26. These ticket rates include all taxes and fees. Call for tickets at 262-472-2222 or at https://tickets.uww.edu

Greg Majkrzak II appointed Council member for District 5; Council still not pursuing gathering ordinance, but UW-W invokes ability to discipline for off-campus behavior

Newly appointed AD5 Council member Greg Majkrzak II with his family

By Lisa Dawsey Smith
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

At the Common Council meeting on September 15, the members unanimously appointed Gregory Lee Majkrzak II to fill the District 5 seat that was vacated by McKinley Palmer on September 1. The other applicants were Brandon Joseph Thomas and Neil Hicks. Both Majkrzak and Hicks introduced themselves in the Zoom meeting; however, Dr. Thomas did not appear.

Mr. Majkrzak moved to Whitewater in 2016, lives on Tower Hill Pass, and is employed by Generac Power Systems as an Engineering Manager. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, and a Master of Business Administration from William Woods University, Columbia, MO. He is married to Dr. Tia Schultz, an associate professor in the Special Education Department at the UW-W, and they have four kids. Greg is the Vice Chair of the city Board of Zoning Appeals, and also serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of Whitewater Grocery Co. He indicated that he would plan to run in the April 6, 2021 Common Council election.

City Manager Cameron Clapper announced that Officer Shane Brandl, who has been serving as the School Resource Officer, has been promoted to Detective Lieutenant. He also reported that a new online form is available for citizens to express an interest in serving on boards and commissions. The form may be submitted at any time, regardless of whether there is an open position on a particular body.

Lisa Dawsey Smith, President of the Downtown Whitewater Board, spoke of the COVID-19 precautions that are in effect at the City Market. This year’s market is not considered a social event; there is no music and no food trucks are anticipated for the remainder of the season. Ms. Dawsey Smith encouraged citizens to support the farmers and other vendors, most of whom come from a 15-20 mile radius. Turnout this year has averaged only about 25% of that of previous years.

Board member Kathleen Fleming and Kellie Carpenter, Executive Director, of Discover Whitewater, gave the 2019 tourism report. An upcoming highlight is that Whitewater will be the first stop on the Mammoth 40 Hike Challenge on the Ice Age Trail.

UW-W Interim Chancellor Greg Cook reported on recent efforts to mandate student compliance with infection control practices in the midst of rapidly rising COVID-19 positivity. He indicated that the university now has the ability to discipline students for off-campus behavior, in particular for substantiated violations of the COVID-19. Printed below in italics is a portion of the communication that Dr. Cook sent to the campus community on September 14.

“At a special meeting last Wednesday night, I made an impassioned plea to the Whitewater Common Council regarding an ordinance to limit large scale gatherings. If we don’t change the course of this virus now, we will join other campuses in moving to remote delivery, maybe for two weeks, maybe for the remainder of the semester. This isn’t something any of us wants to do, but it may be required. We’ve said all along your health and safety is our main concern. Nothing has changed in that regard, and we will continue to put your health and safety first.

The COVID-19 virus has the immediate potential to impair our ability to fulfill our normal teaching mission. Failure to follow safety precautions impairs our ability to continue. Failure to wear a mask, observe social distancing, or take other suggested precautions will therefore be investigated aggressively and may lead to disciplinary action up to and including suspension and/or expulsion. This applies to student activity on campus, and it also applies off campus at any location when the student is expected to return to campus or participate in university events of any type. My official notice to you about this policy is attached to this email.“

Therefore, please be aware that the university will invoke state law and UW System policy UWS 17.08(2) which gives the Dean of Students Office the authority to discipline students when their behavior both on and off campus:

  • presents or may present a danger or threat to the health or safety of themselves or others, or
  • seriously impairs the university’s ability to fulfill its teaching, research, or public service missions.

The COVID-19 virus has the immediate potential to impair our ability to fulfill our normal teaching mission. Failure to follow safety precautions impairs our ability to continue. Failure to wear a mask, observe social distancing, or take other suggested precautions will therefore be investigated aggressively and may lead to disciplinary action up to and including suspension and/or expulsion. This applies to student activity on campus, and it also applies off campus at any location when the student is expected to return to campus or participate in university events of any type. My official notice to you about this policy is attached to this email.

Dr. Cook indicated that city residents observing students disregarding the safety precautions are encouraged to report the concern with the use of this form. Reports could also be called to the COVID-19 Hotline at 262-472-1362.

Cook indicated that there has been a backlog on contact tracing for those with positive tests, resulting in the designation of some University personnel to assist the county with this responsibility. Dr. Cook acknowledged having been disappointed with the Council’s decision at the special meeting on September 9 to not adopt an ordinance limiting the size of gatherings off-campus. After favorable comment about an ordinance from two citizens, including Will Hintz, Intergovernmental Affairs Director for Whitewater Student Government, and considerable Council discussion, there still was insufficient support informally indicated by Council members to warrant another attempt to develop an ordinance.

An article by Jonah Beleckis in The Gazette titled, “Reversing course, UW-W says it will punish students for off-campus actions,” provides further details.

Ilana Margarite Lathrop, 80, of Palmyra passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at Lake Country Landing in Oconomowoc

Ilana Margarite Lathrop, 80, of Palmyra passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at Lake Country Landing in Oconomowoc.

Ilana was born on April 10, 1940 to Clarence and Alice Walz at Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Ilana graduated from Waukesha High School and met her husband, Alfred (Ike) Lathrop, shortly thereafter. They were married for over 60 years and had three children together.

Ilana went back to school (WITC, Waukesha WI) when she was 40 and received her Accounting Associates Degree. She started her own Accounting and Tax Preparation practice in Palmyra, called L&L Accounting, Inc. She retired her practice (for the most part) around 2000. Ilana and Alfred moved to their retirement home in Mercer, Wisconsin. They spent about twelve years in the northeastern WI, and then returned to Whitewater to be closer to family and friends.

Ilana and Alfred enjoyed traveling across the United States and Canada and stopping at various sites to enjoying the adventure along the way. She also enjoyed crafting, making dolls, making jewelry, doing taxes even after retirement, and playing slots at any chance.

She is survived by her children, Robert Lathrop, Sharon (Matthew) Page, Christopher (Christina) Lathrop; grandchildren, Nathan Lathrop, Robbie Lathrop, Andrew Lathrop, Felicia Lathrop, Brianna “Ashton” Page, Erica Lathrop, and Rachael Page; two great-grandchildren, Evan Lathrop and Lexie Lathrop; brother, Clarence “Sonny” Walz; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Ilana is preceded in death by her husband, Alfred (Ike); siblings, Jeanette and Joyce; and niece, Charmaine Carr.

The family would like to give special thanks to Lake Country Health Services in Oconomowoc and Allay Home & Hospice in Brookfield for the exceptional care they provided to their mom.

Funeral services will take place on at noon on Friday, September 18, 2020 at the Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190. A visitation will take place from 11 a.m. until the time of services.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.