UW-Whitewater announces 2020 alumni award recipients

Three alumni who have achieved significant professional and community service success are being honored as the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater celebrates its 152nd anniversary. Each 2020 award winner is a woman of color and represents the first generation in her family to earn a college degree.

This year’s recipient of the Outstanding Recent Alumni Award is Sydney Nelson. The award recognizes Nelson’s personal and professional commitment to mentoring others and her focus on teaching financial literacy skills to the various communities she serves, including in her role as president of the Milwaukee Chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants, Inc. Nelson, who earned a BBA in accounting in 2013 and a Master of Professional Accountancy in 2014, is a senior internal auditor for Advocate Aurora Health in Milwaukee. Read more >>

The recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award for Professional Achievement is Sarahí Monterrey. The award recognizes Monterrey’s extensive career developing bilingual curricula and advocating for dual-language programs. She was named Wisconsin’s 2018-2019 High School Teacher of the Year and selected as Wisconsin’s 2019 representative to the National Teacher of the Year Program. Monterrey, who earned a bachelor’s degree in education in 2002 and a master’s degree in 2003, is an English learner teacher at Waukesha North High School. Read more >>

Regina Carlisle-Williams is this year’s recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award for Community/Regional Service. Carlisle-Williams, who earned a bachelor’s degree in business education in 1978, is recognized for her service to others, as evidenced by numerous local, regional and statewide awards citing her outstanding citizenship and her commitment to the community. Carlisle-Williams is a retired legal assistant for Loeb & Herman, S.C., of Milwaukee, where she worked for 40 years. Read more >>

“All three of these accomplished alumni speak to UW-Whitewater’s legacy of supporting diversity and the success of students of all backgrounds,” said Chancellor Dwight C. Watson. “I couldn’t be more proud of their achievements. Through their lived experiences, they have modeled the Warhawk values of equity, diversity and inclusion that we work to instill in all of our students.”

“The impact of UW-Whitewater alumni can be seen and felt across the nation and world,” said Amy Oeding, director of alumni relations. “They not only contribute immensely to their professions, but they also give back to their communities and continue to have a rich connection to the campus and to today’s students.”

Also being recognized are the 2020 UW-Whitewater Outstanding Student Award winners, one from each of the university’s five colleges. Each student will receive a $1,000 scholarship in addition to their award:

• Allison August, general management major from Janesville, College of Integrated Studies
• Haley Fritsche, early childhood education major from Lake Tomahawk, College of Education and Professional Studies
• Julia Gahr, accounting and supply chain and operations management double major from Sussex, College of Business and Economics
• Jasmyn Kosier, music education major from Wauwatosa, College of Arts and Communication
• Komi Yenkey, computer science major from Whitewater, College of Letters and Sciences

The outstanding alumni and student awards are traditionally presented at an event in honor of the university’s annual Founders Day on April 21. Because of the state Safer-at-Home order, this year’s event, scheduled for April 25, was canceled. This year’s awardees will instead be honored at the university’s 2021 Founder’s Day event.

For more information on UW-Whitewater’s Outstanding Alumni awards, visit http://www.uww.edu/alumni/awards

BEEF AND PORK CONTRIBUTION SUPPORTS COMMUNITY AND FARMERS

(Madison, Wis.) – Tyler Sailsbery, owner and chef at The Black Sheep in Whitewater, is committed to providing nourishing meals for Whitewater community members in need.  A recent contribution from Vita Plus helped him in that mission.

This contribution is part of the Vita Plus Serving Customers & Rural Communities Project.  Vita Plus, an employee-owned livestock feed and nutrition company, has committed $100,000 to support rural food security initiatives throughout the Upper Midwest.  The purposes of the project are to assist those in rural communities during the COVID-19 pandemic while also supporting dairy, swine, and beef producers by purchasing their products as dairy and livestock farms face subsequent market challenges.  Through this broad-based effort, local Vita Plus nutrition consultants and facilities will identify opportunities to make a difference in the communities where they and their customers live and work.

Chad Howlett, Vita Plus beef consultant and sales manager, worked with Katy Katzman and her daughter, Elizabeth, of Katzman Farms in Whitewater to designate his portion of the funds to The Black Sheep.  The restaurant used the contribution to purchase ground beef and pork to use in the meals it prepares and offers to kids and families free of charge.

“This was a great chance for us to give back to a local community,” Howlett said.  “We’re all in this together and it’s great when the agriculture community can come together to support one another.  Our farmers love to know the food they produce is put to good use and enjoyed.  This project helps us complete that circle in the community.”

Tyler Sailsbery told the Banner, “That was very kind of them (Vita Plus.) We ordered just over a hundred pounds of meat from Sorgs with this donation. It allowed us to offer the kids sloppy joes, tacos, breakfast quiche or egg bake with the sausage, brats and more. We were also able to hand out 1 lb packages of ground pork and ground beef.”

Vita Plus Corporation is an employee-owned company headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, and has been serving livestock producers since 1948.  More than just a feed supplier, Vita Plus consultants offer the latest cutting-edge technology, nutrition and management information.  For more information about the organization, call 800.362.8334 or go online at www.vitaplus.com.

Congratulations to UW-W’s 150th Graduating Class!

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater celebrated the achievements of its graduates on Saturday, May 16, in a virtual event, which can still be viewed on UW-Whitewater’s Facebook page.

More than 1,700 students received degrees, including 1,685 from the Whitewater campus and 95 from the Rock County campus.

The commencement ceremonies at both campuses originally scheduled for this month have been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the university is looking at potential dates to hold an in-person event at some point in the future.

“These unprecedented times have changed how we live our lives, and we must forego the traditions we normally experience. Although we cannot be together physically at this time, we can still come together and celebrate the success and achievements of our graduating students,” said Chancellor Dwight C. Watson

At the event, Watson and Interim Provost Greg Cook gave remarks, as did student speakers Alexander Ostermann and Brian Martinez.

Ostermann, a marketing major from Cedarburg, is the outgoing student body president who had wide-ranging experiences at UW-Whitewater, including as a musician, fraternity leader, Warhawk Ambassador and Homecoming King. Read more >>

Martinez, a political science major from Mt. Pleasant, served as intergovernmental affairs director for Whitewater Student Government, where he advocated for student concerns and causes to elected officials at the local, state and national level. During his time as a Warhawk, he incorporated his passions for environmental conservation and philanthropy. Read more >>

The virtual event also featured the conferring of degrees and a special musical surprise. In addition, UW-Whitewater debuted its Warhawks Rising social media campaign, where newly minted graduates share their photos and proudest achievements on Facebook.

The graduating class includes 15 international students, 85 military veterans and 244 nontraditional students, defined as undergraduate students who are 25 years of age or older. In addition, 137 self-identified students with disabilities will receive degrees.

CITY OF WHITEWATER PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

This public service announcement serves as a reminder that blowing or depositing grass clippings into any City street is prohibited.

Banner Comments: Reasons that this is not permitted include: 1) Grass clippings, leaves, and other lawn debris can clog storm drains, resulting in street and private property flooding. 2) Storm drains flow directly to local lakes untreated. Grass clippings add unnecessary nutrients, which help feed harmful algae blooms. 3) Clippings can make the street slippery and hazardous for bicyclists and motorcyclists.

Using a mulching mower puts clippings back into the turf and keeps the nutrients where they belong. Should you choose to use a discharging mower, please be sure to point the blower toward your property (away from the street) to prevent clippings from leaving the lawn. Mowers may also choose to bag clippings, but they may not be disposed of in the garbage totes. City residents are encouraged to compost clippings on their property or take them to the city’s compost site site.

When finished mowing, be sure to use a blower, broom, or rake to clean up any grass clippings or debris that have inadvertently made their way into the street, sidewalk, or storm drain.

City Code – Chapter 12.08 – STREET OBSTRUCTIONS

Sections:

12.08.010 – Prohibited.

(a)No person, except as provided in Section 12.08.020, shall place, deposit, keep, or cause to be placed, deposited or kept in or upon any street, alley, gutter, sidewalk or public ground within the limits of this city any stone, brick, timber, lumber, iron, wood or other material for building, or any wood, snow, rubbish, earth, grass clippings or lawn debris, or anything or substance whatever; nor shall any person burn or cause to be burned any such substance in any public street or alley; nor shall any person leave any automobile, truck, trailer, equipment or other vehicle standing or parked in or upon any street, alley, sidewalk, or public ground so as to encumber the same, or so as to obstruct, impede, or hinder travel thereon; nor shall any person leave, or cause to suffer any box, barrel, crate, cask, bale, package, merchandise, or other thing to stand, be or remain upon any street, alley, sidewalk, gutter, or public ground longer than may be actually necessary for the act of delivering or receiving the same.

(b)Any person violating any of the provisions of this section shall forfeit and pay a penalty of not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than two hundred fifty dollars, together with the costs of prosecution.

(Ord. 983 §51, 1982; prior code §6.01(1)).

(Ord. No. 1759A, § 1, 2-16-2010)

Stacey Lunsford, Director of the Irvin L. Young Library, told the Banner that as of May 13 the library had had 333 curbside pickups since that service began on April 27. For information on how to arrange for a pickup, please click here.

Requests may now be made for materials from the other consortium libraries, recognizing that wait times are longer due to safety protocols. Per Ms. Lunsford, items are quarantined for 72 hours after they eventually arrive at the library before they can contact patrons to arrange for pickup.

WHITEWATER RESPONDS MEAL MINISTRY

Effective Monday, May 25, Whitewater Responds – the meal ministry at First United Methodist Church – will take a hiatus. The number of those receiving food is decreasing as the weather warms up and college students are leaving the community. This is simply a pause to reevaluate the needs of the community and to refresh our volunteers. This ministry may be revived as we simply do not know the timeline of the pandemic. Since March 18, over 4,000 meals have been provided to college students, families with children, and seniors. First United Methodist Church will continue to have a limited number of pre-packaged meals and bags of nonperishable items available in case of an emergency. Thank you to the Whitewater community for all the support and encouragement. 

City Manager Cameron Clapper issued a press release on May 14 in reference to the changes made to the Safer at Home Emergency Order #28. Please click here to download the release, which includes links to many helpful resources.

Mr. Clapper states, “As most are aware, yesterday, the Wisconsin Supreme Court overturned the Safer at
Home Emergency Order #28. The Court determined that the order is subject to administrative rule-making, and because it was not established in rule, but rather it was established via order, the Supreme Court found EO #28 “unenforceable.” This ruling takes effect immediately.”

“As is the case with any municipal government, two fundamental objectives of the City of Whitewater are to first protect and preserve the health and safety of the community and second, to support local business growth and development. With these two objectives in mind, the City has issued the following release in response to the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s decision.”

Here are the highlights from the “For Residents and Visitors” section. There is another large section particularly addressing business concerns.

For Residents and Visitors:
The City of Whitewater encourages community members to adhere to health and safety guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Jefferson County Health Department, and Walworth County Health & Human Services Department. Follow key practices as outlined below.

1. Practice social/physical distancing by maintaining at least 6 feet between yourself and others at all times, except
   when gathering with those within your own household;
2. Avoid large gatherings, especially those where social distancing practices are not observed;
3. Frequently wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer;
4. Cover coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands);
5. Regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces;
6. Avoid shaking hands;
7. Stay home when sick, including with even mild symptoms, and discuss your health with your primary medical care
   provider.
8. If you are considered high risk due to age or a health condition, continue to remain safer at home and take
   precautions such as limiting travel to essential reasons and working from home as much as possible.

Municipal Facilities
Municipal facilities will remain closed to the public through June 1st and may extend as needed until a system is in place to ensure the safety of city staff and community from possible exposure. Further details and a timeline for incremental reopening will be released at a future date.

Our Readers Share: Marilyn Fuerstenberg: “Smile”

Marilyn Fuerstenberg writes, “I have been a visual artist painting in watercolor since 1988. I have enjoyed sharing with the community. I enjoyed helping my grandkids learn how use their creativity. My 10 year old great granddaughter was getting bored with not being in school. She said she could only read so much. Not being able to share art supplies with her, I came up with using the natural products that are free. I made a few as samples. All you need are pebbles, glue, a marker, and twigs and a piece of cardboard. I used mat board.

— Our thanks to Ms. Fuerstenberg for demonstrating what beautiful artwork can be created with free materials and a lot of creativity.

— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share.  Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com or click on “submit a story” near the top right of our homepage.  Thanks for thinking about this!

WHITEWATER RESPONDS
Response to the COVID-19 community impact.  The resources below are available for the community during this time. 

For Individuals needing help:

o   Apply for FoodShare Online or Over the Phone
o   Apply for WIC
o   Tenant Resource Center: https://www.tenantresourcecenter.org/ or 608-257-0006
o   Southern WI: Legal Action of Wisconsin: https://www.legalaction.org/contact-us
o   Northern WI: Judicare: http://www.judicare.org/
o   FAQ’s for Unemployment Claimants and Employers Link
o   Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with COVID-19?

For Families:

o   Caregiver Help Desk: 855-227-3640. Read More
o   Talking to Kids about Covid-19 Read More
o   Mutual Aid groups for seniors More Info
o   Employees in need of child care can submit a request for care through the Department of Children and Families (DCF) updated Child Care Finder or proactively view up-to-date availability across the state using the department’s new child care map.

For Anyone:

o  Call 800-985-5990 to speak to a trained crisis counselor or text TalkWithUS to 66747.
o   Find more resources at Resilient Wisconsin’s page.

Utility Relief Offered to Wisconsinites: Governor Evers has issued an emergency order to suspend several utility-related rules. This has allowed the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to direct regulated utility companies that during this time. Utility companies cannot disconnect utilities for nonpayment, cannot assess late fees, cannot require deposits for reconnection, must allow for deferred payments, and must remove barriers for customer establishing or re-establishing connections. Anyone who has questions on this or is not offered these benefits by their utility companies, is encouraged to contact the PSC at 608.266.5481 or 1.888.816.3831.

COVID-19: RESILIENT WISCONSIN provides information about the pandemic, tips to feel stronger and more connected during the pandemic, support for people in emotional distress or contemplating suicide, and much more.

CHILD CARE FINDER: Essential employees in need of child care can submit a request for care through the Department of Children and Families (DCF) updated Child Care Finder or proactively view up-to-date availability across the state using the department’s new child care map. DCF is working with health care providers, child care centers, community organizations like YMCAs, schools, and other partners to open emergency child care centers for essential workforce families. New centers will be opened as demand for child care increases. DCF has provided guidance and resources for organizations interested in opening child care centers. For any questions regarding this effort, please contact dcfmbcovid19@wisconsin.gov. 

NEED HELP PICKING UP GROCERIES OR RUNNING ERRANDS? If you are in the Whitewater area and would like a volunteer to pick up groceries or run errands for you so you can limit exposure, please let Living Word Fellowship know how we can help. You can call us at 262-458-4580 or email information@living-word-fellowship.com. Stay well!”

WHITEWATER UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT MEALS
A week’s worth of meals will be distributed each Monday from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. This includes five breakfasts and five lunches for each child. We will not distribute meals Tuesday through Friday. These meals are available to all children in the community 18 years old and younger. Children do not need to be physically present to receive the meals, but may pick up meals without an adult. Parents, guardians, and caregivers are able to pick-up meal bags for all eligible children in the household. Please practice physical distancing when picking up meals and thorough hand-washing with soap and water before eating the take-home meals.  Anyone with a fever or respiratory symptoms should not be picking up meals. When picking up a meal, you will now need to get out of your vehicle. The meals will be placed on a table to maintain social distancing.

Locations:
– Whitewater High School, in circle drive
– N. Tratt Street, along Garden Apartments
– N. Newcomb Street, along Whitewater Woods
– N. Walton Drive, north of W. Bloomingfield Drive
– N. County Line Road, into Wright’s Mobile Home Park
– Fonda Street, along Washington Elementary
– Lincoln Elementary School

PREPARED, INDIVIDUAL MEALS
Prepared individual meals will be available for take-out Monday through Friday, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., starting on Wednesday, March 18 for community members and UW-Whitewater students. Meals can be picked up at the Prairie Street entrance of First United Methodist Church. This is the same location as Tuesday Free Lunch. Prepackaged, shelf-stable food items are also be available for pickup, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

All are welcome!

145 S. Prairie Street – (262) 473-2131 or  churchoffice@fumcwhitewater.org

THE COMMUNITY SPACE
The Community Space (TCS) is a place where people share food, clothing, furniture, toys and household items for free. TCS also has a Little Free Pantry available 24/7 in the front vestibule. NOTE: Only food is available at this time, except for extenuating circumstances.

834 E. Milwaukee Street – (262) 379-0187 or  roberskay@yahoo.com

Additional information.Facebook

THE BLACK SHEEP
Every Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. until the safer at home is lifted, The Black Sheep is providing breakfast, lunch, snacks, dairy products, and local foods to anyone in need. The items are located at their little “Free Food Truck” that is stationed across from “Me and My Pets” in downtown Whitewater. They believe no one should go hungry. Individuals can take what they need while supplies last. If the truck is empty or you have any questions, their phone number is (262) 613-7119 or you may send them a Facebook message.
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WHITEWATER RESPONDE
Respuesta al impacto comunitario de COVID-19. Los recursos a continuación están disponibles para la comunidad durante este tiempo.

¿NECESITA AYUDA PARA CONSEGUIR ALIMENTOS O HACER MANDADOS? Si usted 
vive en el área de Whitewater y desea que un voluntario recoja 
alimentos o haga mandados para usted, por favor informe a Living Word 
Fellowship cómo podemos ayudarle. Nuestro número de teléfono es 
262-458-4580 y nuestra dirección de correo electrónico es 
information@living-word-fellowship.com.

“Querido hermano, oro para que te vaya bien en todos tus asuntos y 
goces de buena salud, así como prosperas espiritualmente.” (3 Juan 2)

COMIDAS, INDIVIDUALES PREPARADAS
Las comidas individuales preparadas estarán disponibles para llevar de lunes a viernes de 5:00 a 7:00 p.m., a partir del miércoles 18 de marzo para miembros de la comunidad y estudiantes de UW-Whitewater. Las comidas se pueden recoger en la entrada de Prairie Street de First United Methodist Church. Este es el mismo lugar que el Almuerzo Gratis del Martes.

A partir del lunes 23 de marzo, los alimentos ya empaquetados también estarán disponibles para ser recogidos, de 5:00 a 7:00 p.m.

¡Todos son bienvenidos!

145 S. Prairie Street – (262) 473-2131 o churchoffice@fumcwhitewater.org

EL ESPACIO COMUNITARIO
El Espacio Comunitario (TCS) es un lugar donde las personas comparten comida, ropa, muebles, juguetes y artículos para el hogar de forma gratuita. TCS también tiene un Little Free Pantry (pequeña despensa de comida)  disponible 24/7 en el vestíbulo delantero.

834 E. Milwaukee Street – (262) 379-0187 o roberskay@yahoo.com

Información AdicionalFacebook

THE BLACK SHEEP
A partir del miércoles 18 de marzo y todos los martes a viernes, durante el tiempo que puedan o hasta que las escuelas vuelvan a abrir, puede venir a The Black Sheep entre las 9:30 a.m. y las 10:30 a.m. o entre las 3:30 p.m. a las 9: 00 pm para recibir una comida que puede calentar en casa o una opción de fruta, cereal, yogurt y sándwich. Creemos que nadie debería pasar hambre. Llame o envíe un mensaje de texto para informarles con un día de anticipación cuántas comidas necesitará al día siguiente y a qué hora llegará. El número de teléfono es (262) 613-7119 o puede enviarles un mensaje de Facebook.

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