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Home Sweet Home! – Banner City Bikers return from Utah

From Blake Scharine:

The last installment of BCBikers trip to Utah has arrived.

In the past 4 articles, I’ve shared incredible sights to see, exceptional roads to ride and great places to visit. The one thing that all these things have in common is that we were able to share the experiences with great friends.

Many times we take friendship and comradery for granted, but it’s very obvious God has blessed me with an awesome group of friends that share the love of biking & travel.

Included in this last article are some of my favorite pics, the ones with my friends…

Well, Utah 2018 has come to a close…

  • logging in over 4200 miles
  • temperatures from 48°-108°
  • hundreds of twisties & switchbacks
  • Vistas unmatched anywhere on earth
  • … and time with friends that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Until next year,
God’s Strength & Grace!

Blake

This is the final part of the Banner City Bikers’ trip to Torrey, Utah. For part 1, ; part 2, ; part 3, ; part 4, 

Whitewater School Board Approves Referendum Question for November 6 Ballot

At its August 13 meeting, the Whitewater Unified School District board approved a resolution to place a referendum question on the ballot for November 6, 2018.

If approved, the referendum would provide expanded revenue limit authority over the next four years and generate funds that would go toward maintaining targeted class sizes, student support and mental health services, comprehensive instructional and co-curricular programs, technology, safety, and facilities infrastructure. It would replace a 2014 referendum, which is set to expire in June 2019.

“In placing the question on the November ballot, the district and board look to maintain what has made Whitewater schools so great,” said Casey Judd, board president. “We believe we must keep the programs and services currently available to our students now and in the years to come. We also must make the most efficient use possible of the money taxpayers have invested in our local schools. The solution that will be presented to voters achieves both of these ends.”

In Wisconsin, the amount of money a school district receives is restricted by a revenue limit, also known as a revenue cap. Every district has its own revenue limit, which is impacted every two years by the state budget and is highly dependent on changes in annual enrollment. WUSD’s revenue limits dictate the majority of its operational spending.

In recent years, state budgets have not increased revenue limits to keep up with inflation. Moreover, a decline in student enrollment means WUSD’s revenue limit is being reduced at a rate much faster than the district’s ability to realize the costs savings that can come from serving fewer students. In fact, the district’s current revenue limit is at the same level as in the 2010-11 fiscal year.

“While our state-imposed revenue limit has not increased for the past eight years, we’ve also seen rising costs related to inflation and investments in technology,” said Dr. Mark Elworthy, WUSD district administrator. “Our top priority is to continue our legacy of delivering a top-quality educational experience to each and every student.”

In addressing its needs, the district and board used an inclusive process, engaging community members to develop potential solutions that balance the district’s needs with those of the Whitewater community. This included the Citizen Finance Advisory Committee, a group of local business and community leaders.

If passed, the November referendum would result in a $0 tax rate increase in the first year, in keeping with past district referenda. It would then increase the levy rate $30 per every $100,000 of assessed property value in subsequent years.

To learn more about WUSD’s needs, the process the district has used to address them and the solution that will appear on the November 6 ballot, visit www.wwusd.org/referendum. The District will be scheduling information sessions for the community in September and October.

Invading Cripple Creek, Pikes Peak & Garden of the Gods… – Part 4 of the Banner City Bikers in Utah

From Blake Scharine:

Followers of the BCBikers!

A half day at Cripple Creek and overnight. We kept ourselves pretty busy! I encourage you to read up a bit on Cripple Creek, CO. It was and still is a big player in gold mining. (Crazy how commercial mining is done nowadays.)

Our ride into Gunnison, CO is one to remember. Coming in on 92 on the scenic north rim of the Black Canyon. As has been nearly everywhere, the pavement was great and the canyon view was dark, massive with a big river meandering its way to the dam.

The Ol Miner restaurant in “Gunny” did not disappoint and the next day Russ & Mary Rogers along w/John Sanderson headed out early to shave a day off the return trip for a wedding and family commitment.

Leaving Gunnison through Monarch pass was great. We took advantage of a slow day at the trading post and took the cable cars up to 12,000 ft… very cool and also VERY COOL.

On to Cripple Creek, a gambling town, with lots of restaurants and numerous other activities

  • gambling
  • narrow gauge train ride
  • a little riding
  • gambling
  • feeding the loose donkeys
  • walks around town
  • oh, and did I mention gambling?

Pikes was great, part of the group opted out of riding up to 14,000′ but they did go part way up to visitor center and explored as they watched us through a telescope.

Lastly, before a Dairy Queen stop, we visited Garden of the Gods. This a great drive or hike through park and FREE!

We’re making our way east of Colorado Springs for 6 hours in Kansas then another 8 hours. That’s 14 hours on the bikes!

It shouldn’t be so amazing to me anymore, how God puts all these things in front of us to enjoy. Just a little heaven on earth.

Til next time!
Blake

The next installment of the Banner City Bikers’ trip to Torrey, Utah will be posted as sent in by members of the group. For part 1, ; part 2, ; part 3, 

Multiple upcoming events at Wisconsin Makers

Flash Mini Workshop in Animation

On Tuesday, August 14, 2 pm – 5 pm, Wisconsin Makers (200 E Clay Street, Whitewater) is holding a Flash Mini Workshop in Animation, Stop Motion, and Related Technology.

This is an introductory workshop for students in 8th to 12th grades and beyond. We will discover all flavors and variations of animated graphics. A blend of both computer-generated and old school methods will be covered. Thus we will cover what could be possible given current and emerging technologies and their limitations.

Flash Blacksmith Mini Workshop, step 3 of 10

Wisconsin Makers (200 E Clay Street, Whitewater) is having a Flash Blacksmith Mini Workshop, on Thursday, August 16, 3 pm – 5 pm. We will be doing step 3 in a series of 10 steps in building a modern anvil. This is an ongoing process from our last workshop in building the anvil. Sign up on Eventbrite, Meetup, and Facebook for this workshop.

 

 

 Home School Open House

Wisconsin Makers (200 E Clay Street, Whitewater) is having Home School Open House, Thursday, August 16, 1 pm – 3 pm and 6 pm – 8 pm.

We invite all Home School parents and students to our Home School Open House. We are focused on both STEM and STEAM activities and are very excited about our expanded Fall semester. We have a grant from the Whitewater Community Foundation for supplies for our workshops.

Our members, your instructors, freely share knowledge with Home School parents and students. After all, we are a MakerSpace with an Educational Mission.

For more information on Wisconsin Makers like our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/wisconsinmakers/ and
join our Meetup, https://www.meetup.com/WisconsinMakers/.

Lorraine Marlyn Krieser, 92, of Fort Atkinson, died August 12, 2018, at Reena Assisted Living Facility.

Lorraine was born on July 27, 1926, in Fort Atkinson to Loyal and Malinda (Buchholtz) Kump. She attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School and graduated from the Fort Atkinson High School in 1944.

On August 18, 1945, she married the love of her life Louis Krieser in Fort Atkinson. Louis passed away August 28, 2011.

She was a dedicated member of the American Legion Auxiliary. In August of 2017, she was awarded a distinguished award of 65 years of membership.

Lorraine was a stay at home mother to raise five daughters. She spent many hours crocheting making things for her family and friends. The crocheted hangers she made were a big hit with everyone. She was on a Lutheran bowling league for many years. She enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting with Louie and her family.

Lorraine was strong in her faith and was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson.

Surviving are her five daughters, Connie (Doug) Zimmerman of Whitewater, Sherry (James) Rodgers of Mukwonago, Colleen Brahmstadt of Fort Atkinson, Debra (Gary) Zebell of Fort Atkinson, and Wendy (Michael) Taylor of Fort Atkinson; 12 grandchildren, Deanna (Dennis) Karbowski, Leslie (Bev) Zimmerman, David (Jamie) Rodgers, Rebecca (Noel) Schrotenboer, Steven (Jackie) Brahmstadt, Mark (Kalli) Brahmstadt, Kevin Brahmstadt, Vicki (Brian) Aarstad, Pamela Hansen, Timothy (Jodi) Zebell, Jamie (Jacob) Stedman, and Chad Belzer; 29 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; a sister Verna (Arnold) Schlegel of Waukegan, Illinois and a sister Carrie (William) Viola of Mukwonago.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her husband Louis; her brother Mervin Kump; a grandson Brad Zimmerman; and a son-in-law George Brahmstadt.

The funeral service will be held at 11 am on Thursday, August 16, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson, with burial to follow in the Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Atkinson.

Visitation will be at the church on Thursday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.

The Nitardy Funeral Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.

She will be greatly missed by her family who loved her dearly. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Rainbow Hospice and Reena Assisted Living for all the care they provided to Lorraine and her family.

If desired memorials may be given to Rainbow Hospice Center, 1225 Remmel Drive, Johnson Creek, Wisconsin 53038 or to Bethany Lutheran Church, 404 Roosevelt Street, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin 53538.

Jaime Calvillo Velasco, 43 of Whitewater passed away at his home on Sunday, August 5, 2018. | Jaime Calvillo Velasco, 43 de Whitewater falleció en su casa el domingo 5 de agosto de 2018.

Jaime was born on December 1, 1974 to Francisco Antonio Calvillo Angel and Maria Consuelo Velasco Lopez in Rosa Morada Nayarit, Mexico.  At a young age he would go out to the fields to work with his dad. Jaime moved to the United States when he was 18 years old. His first job when he arrived to California was working out in the fields, this was only temporary until he could get another job. His time in California is what led him to meet his wife, Susana Mendoza. They met around the Fresno, California area. After time, they fell in love for each other and ended up getting married in California. They gave birth to their eldest son, Nelson, after 2 years of being married. He later had his daughter Emily and youngest son Cesar, he was a loving and caring father. He was always a hard worker starting from his teen years until his final days, owning his own landscaping business for more than 15 years. He managed to see his father but had not seen his mother since he left his hometown.

He is survived by his wife Susana Calvillo, Whitewater; children Nelson (19), Emily (14) and Cesar (8); sister Ramona; brother Francisco Jr, Alonso, Javier; parents Francisco Antonio and Maria of Mexico. He was preceded in death by his sister Dalia.

A Mass will take place on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at 11:00am at St. Patrick Catholic Church 1235 W Main St, Whitewater, WI. Visitation services will also take place later that day on Tuesday at V’s Waterfront Venue LLC 292 S Wisconsin St. Whitewater, WI from 6:00-9:00pm. Burial will take place at a later date in Jaime’s home town in Mexico.

Jaime nació el 1 de diciembre de 1974 a Francisco Antonio Calvillo Angel y María Consuelo Velasco López en Rosa Morada Nayarit, México. A una edad temprana él salía a los campos para trabajar con su padre. Jaime se mudó a los Estados Unidos cuando tenía 18 años. Su primer trabajo cuando llegó a California fue trabajando en el campo, esto fue solo temporal hasta que pudo conseguir otro trabajo. Su tiempo en California lo llevó a conocer a su esposa, Susana Mendoza. Se conocieron en el área de Fresno, California. Después de un tiempo, se enamoraron el uno del otro y terminaron casándose en Calfironia. Ellos dieron a luz a su hijo mayor, Nelson, después de 2 años de estar casado. Luego tuvo a su hija Emily y otro hijo, Cesar, era un padre cariñoso y afectuoso. Siempre fue un gran trabajador desde que era un adolescente hasta sus últimos días, dueño de su propio negocio de jardinería por más de 15 años. Siempre un hijo al pendiente de sus padres. A su padre logro a verlo y a su madre desde que se vino no la volvio a ver.

Le sobreviven su esposa Susana Calvillo, Whitewater; sus hijos Nelson (19), Emily (14) y Cesar (8); hermana Ramona; hermano Francisco Jr, Alonso, Javier; los padres Francisco Antonio y María de México. Le precedió en la muerte su hermana Dalia.

La misa tendrá lugar el martes 14 de agosto de 2018 a las 11:00 a.m. en la Iglesia Católica St. Patrick, Whitewater. Habrá los servicios de visitas en V’s Waterfront Venue LLC 292 S Wisconsin St. Whitewater, WI ese mismo martes de 6:00-9:00pm. El entierro se llevará a cabo en una fecha posterior en la ciudad natal de Jaime en México.

Studio 84’s Artist of the Month: Laurie Narad

Laurie Narad says, “When I was a little girl I always wanted to be an artist, yet I did not think it was possible until coming to Studio 84.”

Laurie thinks back to four years ago when she started coming to Studio 84, she was afraid to mix colors, and now she does it all the time with confidence. Coming to the art studio twice a week has its health benefits, too. Laurie has Cerebral Palsy and experiences a sense of relaxation when she is painting. It has also helped with the dexterity in her left hand. Laurie says art has taught her there is no one way to create something.

Laurie is currently beginning in Studio 84’s Vocational Training Programming that will assist her in developing her art as a career. She’s sold many of her notecards and coffee mugs with her art on them at local venues such as the Whitewater City Market and an art fair in Jefferson.

With the help of staff, Laurie works from a custom designed easel that makes her canvas and paints easily accessible. There is a special support board that gives her good arm a place to rest and stay steady.  She says that some days are easier than others and some days she needs someone to hold her arm still enough to be able to paint due to her Cerebral Palsy. She will let staff know if she needs a stencil or an area taped off to help guide her and prevent paint from getting where she doesn’t want it.

Laurie states that staff Ben Kelly and Intern Stacy Whetlow are very good at inventing and developing ways for students to be successful and she is very grateful to have them on board.

You can see some of her work at Studio 84’s store located at 121 W. Center St. in Whitewater, WI

Studio 84 in Whitewater is a non-profit art studio that provides experiences in the arts for the community. They specialize in the creative and vocational development of people with disabilities, including those with Autism, physical disabilities, cognitive limitations, and mental illness. The studio is open to all ages and all abilities.

To learn more visit studio84inc.org  or check us out on Facebook.