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Roger C. Beckman age 86 passed away on April 7, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born on June 20, 1931, in Rockford, Il to Clarence and Genevieve (Matranga) Beckman.

He spent his early life in Rockford, Il  Attended  East H.S. in Rockford before entering the Army. He was stationed in Germany during the Korean War.

On February 26, 1955, he married Virgene Rainwater. Following their marriage, they lived in Rockford, Il and Morris, Il before retiring to Whitewater, WI in 1987

He worked for Commonwealth Edison Power Company in Rockford and Morris Il retiring after 35 years.

He was a member of the Lion’s Club in Whitewater, WI participating in many of the 4th of July parades. Roger spent his winters in Florida where he enjoyed playing the accordion and organ in bands with fellow retirees.

Roger is survived by his wife Virgene, 2   sons Gary Beckman and  Gordon (Mia Tatic) Beckman and Gordon ’s children Alex, Olivia, and Ana.  He is further survived by his sister Bonnie (Al) Keller and nieces Lana and Lisa.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Memorial Service will take place at 11 am on Friday, April 13, 2018, at the Nitardy Funeral Home 550 N. Newcomb St. Whitewater, Wi.

Memorials to the Whitewater Lion’s Club or the American Heart Association would be appreciated.

The family would like to thank Rainbow Hospice.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family, www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.

WHS Boys Tennis Tops Beloit Memorial

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WHITEWATER HIGH 4, BELOIT MEMORIAL HIGH 3

Singles
No. 1 — Slate Spear, WHITEWATER HIGH, def . Matt Wick, MEMORIAL HIGH, 7-6 (8), 6-4; No. 2 — Cole Kinson, WHITEWATER HIGH, def . Britton Schow, MEMORIAL HIGH, 6-4, 7-6 (5); No. 3 — Austin Kaja, WHITEWATER HIGH, def . Zach Strong, MEMORIAL HIGH, 6-1, 6-2; No. 4 — Nicolas Kuzof, WHITEWATER HIGH, def . Gabriel Garza, MEMORIAL HIGH, 6-3, 6-2;

Doubles
No. 1 — Thomas Oselio-Max Mejia, MEMORIAL HIGH, def. Anthony Reed-Colin Chenoweth, WHITEWATER HIGH 6-3, 6-2; No. 2 — Adrian Sowicz-Nikolaus Carpenter, MEMORIAL HIGH, def. Joesph Creanza-Henry Bresser, WHITEWATER HIGH 6-3, 6-2; No. 3 — August Braatz-Noah Poepping, MEMORIAL HIGH, def. Zach Brantmeier-Christian Knedler, WHITEWATER HIGH 6-2, 6-2;

Comments from Coach Jordan Dittmer:

As a whole, our team played well, especially in singles where we swept Beloit Memorial. Austin Kaja and Nick Kuzoff played very well in their convincing wins at #3 and #4 singles. Cole Kinson edged out a close victory at #2 singles to tie the meet at 3-3. Slate Spear was the hero as the meet came down to him at #1 singles. The score was 3-3 when Slate was still playing so whoever won his match would win the meet. He was able to grind out a victory in two close sets against a very solid opponent.

Seniors in the Park will offer Virtual Dementia Tour on April 20, 2018.

Rainbow Hospice Care is collaborating with Seniors in the Park to bring a unique learning opportunity to all area residents interested in learning more about living with dementia. The Virtual Dementia Tour® is a special community education program that addresses matters relating not only to end-of-life care but also to caregiving. Created by Second Wind Dreams, the Virtual Dementia Tour is a scientifically proven, interactive simulation program designed to build sensitivity and awareness about dementia. The program is for anyone seeking to understand the physical and mental challenges of dementia—professional and non-professional caregivers, families, business leaders, and first responders are especially encouraged to participate. Deb Weberpal from Seniors in the Park feels “It is important that family and friends of those with dementia have an understanding of what their loved one or friend is going through.  I believe the tour will create compassion and more understanding of what a person with dementia experiences and struggles with.”

Those experiencing the Virtual Dementia Tour can expect to spend 45 minutes to an hour involved in a three-step process, which begins with a short “pre-test” to determine their knowledge and perceptions regarding dementia. Next, they will be fitted with physical and sensory-altering devices (e.g. goggles, gloves, earphones) and instructed to complete a series of simple tasks, which mimic the physical and mental restraints of Alzheimer’s disease. Then is the “tour” experience—a 12-minute period where participants attempt to complete five simple common activities of daily living. Observers record their behavior for a follow-up interpretation and consultation. After the simulation, there is a post-test to see if their perception of this debilitating disease changed after having completed the activity. “It is part of our [Seniors in the Park] efforts to educate the community and businesses about dementia. A community that supports and is inclusive of those with dementia helps to combat the stigma of dementia and lessens the potential for isolation of the person with dementia and their care partner” says Deb Weberpal from Seniors in the Park.

There is no cost to attend; however, those interested need to schedule a specific time, in advance, between 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. to take the tour. 

To register, please call Deb or Patrea at (262) 473-0535. More information about the Virtual Dementia Tour can be found at http://www.secondwind.org/virtual-dementia-tour/. Additionally, NHPCO’s Caring Connections offers information and resources for professionals and consumers at www.caringinfo.org.

The event is at Starin Park Community Center 504 W. Starin Rd, Whitewater WI, 53190.

Judy Harms Retires as Whippet Girls Basketball Coach

Judy Harms has retired as the Girls Basketball Coach at Whitewater High School, effective today.  Harms retires from a coaching career which spanned 18 seasons, including highlights such as a 56 game Rock Valley Conference winning streak, the 2015 D3 State Championship, and the 2015 WBCA Coach of the Year.

Harms will still continue as a Physical Education Teacher at Washington Elementary School in Whitewater.

Thank you, Coach Harms, for all you have done for your students, your athletes, and the community of Whitewater!

Coaching Career Highlights:

  • COACHED 18 SEASONS (2000-01 thru 2017-18)
  • 244-157 CAREER RECORD (61%)
  • 5 ROCK VALLEY NORTH CONFERENCE TITLES (’12, ’14, ’15, ’16, ’17)
  • 56 GAME ROCK VALLEY CONFERENCE WINNING STREAK (2014 thru 2017)
  • 4 WIAA REGIONAL TITLES (’12, ’14, ’15, ’17)
  • 1 WIAA SECTIONAL TITLE (’15)
  • 1 WIAA D3 GIRLS BASKETBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP (’15)
  • WBCA STATE GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH OF THE YEAR (’15)
  • FROM 2012 thru 2018 (her last 7 years):
    • 105-14 ROCK VALLEY CONFERENCE RECORD (88%)
    • 152-23 OVERALL RECORD (87%)
  • COACHED 3 RVC CONFERENCE PLAYERS OF THE YEAR: Myriama Smith Traore (’16 & ’17), Sarah Schumacher (’15), and Brooke Trewyn (’14)
  • COACHED 4 D3 ALL-STATE PLAYERS: Myriama Smith-Traore (’15, ’16, ’17), Rebekah Schumacher (’17), Sarah Schumacher (’15), Brooke Trewyn (’14)

“The Wizard of Oz” Young Performers’ Edition on April 12th and 13th at 7:00 pm in the Whitewater High School auditorium.

Are you interested in taking a journey down the yellow brick road to head to the Emerald City?  Then plan on attending the Whitewater Middle School production of “The Wizard of Oz” Young Performers’ Edition on April 12th and 13th at 7:00 pm in the Whitewater High School auditorium.

The Thursday, April 12th performance is a “Pay What You Can” evening, with suggested donations of $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors.  On Friday, April 13th, ticket prices will cost $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors.  Children five and under will be free both nights.

General seating tickets will be available in the WHS box office.

Under the direction of Liz Elliott, the cast and crew include Audrey Mayer, Wyatt Anderson, Anderson Waelchli, Gio Anello, Keith Cameron, Cosette Wildermuth-Breitzman, Madison Strickler, Olive Coburn, Tyler Arnett, Skylar Staebler, Colin Dugan, Ben McCulloch, Calvin Baker, Sophie Walton, Max Hsu, Morgan Zingsheim, Evie Troxel, Izzy Dieter, Jackson Cohen, Rose Fosdal, Andrea Alcala, Chloe Prince, Lucas Scherer, Josh Kirley, Quincy Boudreau, Marco Wence, Keegan Peyer, Alejandra Diaz-Gallegos, Emma Clarksen, Aidyn Amundson, Sierra Culbertson, Zuri Goldsmith, Emily O’Donnell, Leah Newmann, Anisa Dauti, Aldo Rodriguez, Vincent Sorensen, Dejaney Valles, Meg Roselle, Caelyn Caputo, Grace Walters, Aelx Jones, Maria Verduzco, Claire Tourdot, Sierra Gonzalez, Mia Islas, Afton Clapper, Ilana Lothes, Mikeala Klumb, Betzy Palomec, Colton Travis, Abby Olson, Cole Schlicher, Ethan Dugan, Ali Edmonds, Heidi Sherman, Ella Liberto, Arno Crowley, Henrey Mortimer, and Rebecca Schmidt.

Additional support and assistance in the production of this show has come from Jim McCulloch, Lynn Lema, Alyssa Reetz, Calla Craze, Tonya  Noland, and high school helpers, Carter Waelchli, Colin Chenoweth,  Maggie Jay, Lauren Harkness, Emma Van Daele, David Kromholz, and Henry Bresser.

“The Wizard of Oz” Young Performer’s Edition is by L. Frank Baum with music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, background music by Herbert Stohart, dance and vocal arrangments by Peter Howard, orchestration by Larry Wilcox, adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company, based upon the classical motion picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co. and distributed in all media by Warner Bros.

Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Upcoming Programs

Author Ronald J. Berger
Irvin L. Young Memorial Library
April 10, 6:00 p.m.          

Ronald J. Berger, author of, Children, Save Yourselves!, will be at the library to discuss his book.  Children, Save Yourselves! is a compelling true story of two Jewish brothers who survived the Holocaust in Nazi-occupied Poland. One brother, the author’s father, endured several concentration camps, including the infamous camp at Auschwitz, as well as a horrific winter death march. The other brother, the author’s uncle, survived outside of the camps by passing as a Catholic among anti-Semitic Poles, including a group of anti-Nazi Polish partisans, eventually becoming an officer in the Soviet Army. The book traces the defining prewar, wartime, and postwar events that marked their extraordinary lives.  This program is free and open to everyone.

For more info, 

Little Free Library Steward Networking Reception (A Big Read Program)
Irvin L. Young Memorial Library
April 11, 6:00 p.m.          

Local area Little Free Library Stewards or those interested in having a Little Free Library are invited to come to a reception in their honor during The Big Read.  We will discuss The Big Read and network about Little Free Libraries.

For more info, 

 
Mark Denning (A Big Read Program)
Irvin L. Young Memorial Library
April 12, 6:00 p.m.

Educator Mark Denning, a member of the Oneida Nation, will speak about Anishinaabe cultural perspectives in The Round House that may be invisible to the casual reader. He will also educate participants about native dance, and about how the dances themselves, and the clothing the dancers wear, tells stories. This event is being offered in connection with The Big Read. The program is free and open to all ages.

For more info, 

Whippet Girls Soccer Takes Down Rival Evansville

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From Coach Dan McCrea:

On Thursday, April 5th the Whippets hosted conference rival Evansville on a very, very cold evening and defeated the Blue Devils in the 89th minute of play on a penalty kick by Junior Carmen Kraayvanger who was fouled in the goal box. The contest pitted a 1-0-0 in conference play, 1-1-0 overall Evansville against the 0-0-0, 0-0-0 Whippets.

Possession by both teams ebbed and flowed throughout the contest but the young Whippets defended their goal with notable play Freshmen Hannah O’Brien, Mariana Cano as well as Sophomores Brianna Zimdars and Josie Hintz. Goalkeepers Alexa DuClos and Cora Linos split time in the box and played admirably. The play and energy of Junior Meikayla Korf supported fellow midfielders Freshman Kacie Carollo, Odessa Sonn and Rylee Stachow.  Returning Junior Carmen Kraayvanger, who missed last season due to an injury, played extremely well and came through on the game-winning penalty kick. Forwards Sierra Brunner, Jaden Henneman, and Caty Strait provided solid play against the Evansville defenders. The 1-0-0 in RVC play host a non-conference game against Delavan Darien on Tuesday, April 10 at 6:45 p.m. Whippet JV was defeated by Evansville.

For a video from NBC 15, 

Rozella Jean Gunter, 94, of Whitewater passed away on April 5, 2018 at Fairhaven Retirement Community.

Jean was born in Blue Earth, Minnesota on January 16, 1924, she was the daughter of George and Thessie (Hurley) Magloughlin. She graduated from Pecatonica High School in Pecatonica., Illinois. She received her nursing degree from Passavant Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago. For forty years, she worked as an emergency room nurse and was later nursing supervisor of the emergency room at Condell Memorial Hospital in Libertyville, Illinois. She was a member of Saint John’s Lutheran Church in Libertyville for over twenty-five years.

On November 25, 1950, Jean married Irby Gunter, who preceded her in death on January 15, 2005.

Surviving are her children Richard (Jamie) Gunter of Whitewater, WI, Carol (Brad) Fisher of South Lake Tahoe, CA; grandchildren, Richard (Angela) Gunter Jr., Randall Gunter, Molly Beitz, Patrick Fisher; great-grandchildren, Connor, Cora, R. Ryan Gunter III.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, husband and brother, James Magloughlin.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial to Fairhaven Retirement Community, 435 W. Starin Rd., Whitewater, WI 53190

www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Walton Oaks Volunteer Restoration Day – April 14

Why: The park was established in 2008 when Ross and Melissa Walton donated the 2.6-acre parcel to the city.  It also just happens to have some Old Growth Bur Oak trees, Nannyberry shrubs, Pussy Willows, Red Oak, Wild Plum and many other native plants growing about it worth saving.  Among these natives are situated some nasties including: European Buckthorn, Glossy Buckthorn, Honeysuckle bushes, and Mulberry which need our attention.

When: April 14, 2018, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Where: Walton Oaks Park is located at 654 N. Stonefield Lane on the northwestern edge of Whitewater as part of the Park Crest residential subdivision, accessible from North Tratt Street via Bloomingfield Drive.

How: We will be using Chainsaws, Pruners, Spray bottles, Chemical treatment sticks and our human ingenuity.  I have a few extra pruners and chemical sticks, but if you have your own Buckthorn removal equipment please bring along. Dress for the weather and the work, including waterproof boots.