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Dementia Friendly Community Initiative Thanks United Way Contributors

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Dementia Friendly Community Initiative.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU UNITED WAY CONTRIBUTORS

Bernadette and Eric Russow moved to Elkhorn thirteen years ago bringing with them patience, a thirst to
learn and find humor in the day-to-day, and an ability to love others. Let’s cycle through the evolution of
Bernadette and Eric Russow’s major milestones!

In 2008, Bernadette and Eric Russow joined the Walworth County Aging Network and assisted in raising
awareness and funding for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, in Lake Geneva. Three years after, the walk was
recognized as the #1 walk in the United States for communities of similar size.

In 2015, Bernadette and Eric became trained and established the first Memory Café at the Matheson
Memorial Library in Elkhorn. Since then five additional Memory Cafés have been added: Lake Geneva, Delavan,
Burlington, Whitewater and a second one in Elkhorn. Memory Cafés are comfortable, social gatherings for
those experiencing minor memory loss and/or have mild cognitive impairments, and for caregivers.

In 2017, Bernadette, President, and Eric, Secretary/Treasurer, launched the nonprofit Dementia Friendly Community
Initiative (DFCI) in Walworth County, providing free training to individuals, police, first responders, groups, faith
communities and businesses, interested in learning more about dementia. Their goal is to help the
community become dementia friendly. According to former Wisconsin Governor Martin Schreiber, in his
book My Two Elaines, “The biggest problem is ignorance about Alzheimer’s.” Walworth County became the
first county in Wisconsin to be nationally recognized as dementia-friendly by the Dementia Friends of
America and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging. To date, 6,000 people and 70 businesses
in Walworth County have been trained.

After learning about the 16% increase in death by those with Alzheimer’s in 2020 due to isolation,
Bernadette and Eric began sponsoring Cycling Without Age, a grassroots movement, which started in 2012 in
Copenhagen, Denmark, with the purpose of providing free rides to elderly citizens struggling with isolation,
dementia, Alzheimer’s, and mobility issues. This interactive activity allows these citizens the time and space
to feel the wind in their faces and recall the joy of mobility. Cycling Without Age is an international
phenomenon in over 52 countries. Wisconsin holds the title of most Chapters in the U.S., with 16.

In 2021, DFCI’s first year of operating Cycling Without Age, 400 rides were provided with the use of two trishaw bikes,
called Chats, purchased, and shipped from Denmark at a cost of about $10,000 each. In 2022, 700 rides
were provided with the help of 30 volunteer trishaw pilots, the oldest pilot being 88 years old! Most recently
Bernadette and Eric became the winners of the David Bretl Community Betterment Award, presented by The
Walworth County Economic Development Alliance (WCEDA).

Because of the generosity of contributors to the United Way of Walworth County, DFCI was awarded United
Way funds and ARPA Grants managed by United Way of Walworth County, totaling $20,750. DFCI was just one
of the 45+ community vetted organizations helped by United Way of Walworth County.

This financial contribution helped Bernadette and Eric purchase two additional trishaw bikes for DFCI, at an
increased price of $13,800 each due to inflation, and a second trailer. Bernadette and Eric also noted,
“There are a myriad of ways. We would be remiss if we didn’t thank Kunes Automotive.” Kunes is loaning
the use of a pickup truck used to pull the trailer to and from the numerous locations.

DFCI’s need for financial and volunteer support continues, including the need of specialized skills in computer
and accounting, social media, art design, and project management, as well as more volunteer pilots, for as
little time as 2 to 3 hours a month. Please consider supporting the mission of Bernadette and Eric, to create
dementia-friendly spaces and promote dementia awareness throughout the community.  Bernadette says,
“There is a role for everyone in Walworth county with the Dementia Friendly Community Initiative and
Cycling Without Age.”

Obituary: Lavena Pauline (Smith) Mc Donald, 90

Lavena Pauline (Smith) Mc Donald was born May 5, 1932, in Springfield, Illinois, the daughter of Edward Alexander & Elsie Viola (Farrand) Smith. She was married to John Joseph Mc Donald, February 17, 1951, in Springfield. In 1965, they moved to Buffalo Grove, a Chicago suburb. After nearly 33 years, they moved in retirement to Antioch, Illinois. John died shortly after, and Lavena remained there until 2007. She then took up residence in De Forest, Wisconsin. She remained in her home until the effects of aging and failing memory compelled a move into residential care. Lavena died at Hearthstone, a part of Fairhaven Senior Services, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, on January 10, 2023.

Lavena enjoyed collecting antiques, particularly dolls. She reupholstered and refinished furniture for the house. She was capable in the kitchen, and was a talented seamstress. She was especially adept at, and took great joy in, caring for the children in her family, both as a young aunt for her nephew and nieces, as the mother of five, and as a grandmother.

Lavena was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and eldest son, John, Jr.; her brothers, Harold & Ed Smith, Jr., and her sister, Eleanor Tolan. She is survived by four children: Mary Beth & Vito Van Ornum, of Maysville, North Carolina; Tom & Tricia Mc Donald of Gurnee, Illinois; Kathleen & John Serkowski of Buffalo Grove, Illinois; the Rev. Dr. David Mc Donald & Dr. Jennet Shepherd of De Forest, Wisconsin; and a daughter-in-law, Terrie Mc Donald, of Antioch, Illinois. There are 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, along with 9 nephews and nieces and their families, and an extensive array of cousins.

The family is grateful to the caregivers at Hearthstone and Fairhaven, and to Rainbow Hospice for their assistance and support. Memorials may be made to the Congregational Church, 133 S. Franklin Street, Whitewater.

A private committal service will be held at Liberty Cemetery, Salem, Wisconsin. A memorial service will be held in early May at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Whitewater.

Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com



Obituary: Virginia Nell Lauer, 89, of Milton

Virginia Nell Lauer, age 89, of Milton, died January 4, 2023 at Huntington Place after a long illness.  She was born on August 7, 1933 to John and Lula (Hobbs) Godfrey.  Virginia married her high school sweetheart, Willis Lauer, on October 6, 1951 at North Lima Presbyterian Church.  Virginia enjoyed working outside in her yard and gardens.  She was a talented seamstress, was the clothing leader for Lima 4-H, and taught many young girls to sew.  She also enjoyed quilting and golfing.  Virginia was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Virginia is survived by her 3 children: Norm Lauer, Rod (Patsy) Lauer, and Laurie (Bill) Garbe; 9 grandchildren: Lee Ann (Rocky) Klitzke, William (Rebecca) Lauer, Beth (Ross) White, Lance (Kelli) Baker, Kristoffer (Candace Robbins) Garbe, Michael (Kris) Garbe, Trevor Garbe, Frank (Janice) Arnold, and Katie (Ryan) Nass; son-in-law: Lee (Rita) Arnold; 16 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Willis Lauer; daughter: Christine Arnold; grandson: Timothy Lauer; 3 brothers: John Gordon Godfrey, Paul Godfrey, and Willard Godfrey; sister-in-law: Marian Godfrey.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at the Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton.  Burial will follow at Milton Cemetery.  Visitation will take place on Thursday at the funeral home from 10:30 a.m. until the start of services.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Virginia’s name to Agrace Hospice, MS Society, or the American Cancer Society.

The family would like to thank the Brooke and the staff of Agrace Hospice for the loving care given to their mother. www.albrechtfuneralhomes.com

Obituary: Geraldine Blanche (Riedl) Brunner, 92

Geraldine Blanche (Riedl) Brunner

November 8, 1930 – January 3, 2023 (age 92)

Geraldine Blanche (Riedl) Brunner, 92, formerly of Jefferson, WI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater, WI.  Gerry was born November 8, 1930 in Helenville, WI, to Lothar and Elizabeth (Richter) Riedl.  She attended St. Lawrence Catholic School and was a graduate of Jefferson High School.  Gerry met Robert Brunner, of Milwaukee (the love of her life), in Jefferson, and they were married on June 27, 1953, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Jefferson. 

Gerry was a devoted wife to Bob for 69 ½ years.  She was a dedicated mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  Her pride and joy were her family.  The Catholic faith was central to her life.  Gerry loved singing and sang in the church choir for many years.  Gerry was blessed to have the opportunity to stay at home for many years to raise their five children.  In 1970, she started working as a secretary at the Jefferson County Courthouse where she was employed for 26 years and gained life-long friends.  She was also in a euchre club for over 50 years with friends who were near and dear to her heart.  In the last few years of her life, Gerry suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia.  She fought a hard fight until the very end. 

Gerry is survived by her children: Barbara (Mike) Pretasky of Mindoro, Tom (Mary Kay) Brunner of St. Clair, Michigan, Patti (Del) Chmielewski of Jefferson, Tim (Kathy) Brunner of Brookfield, Alison (Glenn) Stoll of Whitewater; 17 grandchildren, lovingly referred to as her “17 gems”  Randy (Meri) Pretasky, Erin (Austin) Barborak, Brendan (Colean) Brunner, Ryan (Lindsey) Brunner, Laura (Peter) McCann, Lindsay (Zachary) Eisen, Michael (Amanda) Brunner, Kevin Brunner, Maureen Brunner, Nick (Karlie) Litterski, Emmy (Josh) Chaves, Kate (JC) Clay, Matt Brunner, Jake Brunner, Sarah Brunner, Brad (Sara) Stoll and Ben Stoll; 19 great grandchildren; Lincoln, Clara, Rosalie and Harriet Pretasky, Dalton and Emma Brunner, Hailey and Leah Brunner, Colin McCann, Olivia and Madeline Eisen, Elliana and Charles Brunner, Caroline Litterski, Isaac, Lily and Luna Chaves, Adler Stoll, Geraldine Clay, and brother Lyle (Carol) Riedl.

Geraldine was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Robert, and brothers Lothar Riedl and Stanley Riedl. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, W4791 US-18, Jefferson, WI with Fr. Thomas Coyle officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  A burial will take place at St. Lawrence cemetery immediately following the service. 

Special thank you to her loving and devoted husband, Bob, who was at her side every day until his death in October. In addition, thank you to Dr. Roberta Wedl, Fairhaven Medical Director, Margie and Jamie, nurses, and the CNA staff at Fairhaven, and Rainbow Hospice (Kendra, Sarah, Steve and all of the CNAs) in Jefferson for the exceptional care they provided Gerry over the last two years. 

A message from her family:  To my mom, grandma, and great-grandma.  You will be deeply and forever missed but never ever forgotten!  We love you to the moon and back!  Heaven gained an angel today.  You are now free to spread your wings and fly.  Until we meet again…we love you!

A donation may be made in Gerry’s name to St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Jefferson, WI or Rainbow Hospice in Jefferson.

Schneider-Michaelis Funeral Home, Jefferson is assisting the family.  Online condolences may be made online at www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com.

John’s Disposal Fire Update: Cause Unknown; Loss May Be in the Millions of Dollars

The damaged building is shown in the back of the photo; this is the north face
South face of the affected building [Lynn Binnie photos]

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

At a press conference on Monday afternoon, City of Whitewater Second Assistant Fire Chief Joe Uselding provided an update on the “five alarm plus” fire at John’s Disposal that was called in at approximately 9:54 p.m. on Sunday, January 8. Highlights included:

  • City Manager John Weidl and Uselding expressed appreciation to the city fire department staff and to the over thirty agencies (fire departments and other businesses) that assisted the department. John’s Disposal management personnel also helped. The outside support was needed due to the size of the incident, the cold conditions, and need for water to be brought to the scene. There is no water supply on the property other than for personnel use. Water was brought in from the adjacent cogeneration plant and also with the use of tender trucks transporting water from fire hydrants.
  • No injuries were sustained.
  • The department was successful in limiting the fire to one of several buildings on the property, and mobile equipment on the property was not significantly affected. The primary firefighting operation continued until approximately 2-3 a.m. Fire personnel are still monitoring the building to suppress hot spots, and will likely be on scene for a couple more days. There is no danger to the public and the DNR is monitoring any runoff from the incident.
  • The building was used for the storage and sorting of materials that are to be recycled. Uselding estimated that the building’s size may be in excess of 15,000 square feet. It has multiple levels and contained a conveyor belt and various sorting units.
  • Though a social media comment indicated that the fire appeared to have started in a restroom, Uselding indicated that it is not known where the fire started, and the cause is under investigation. There is not currently any inclination that it was suspicious in nature.
  • The building was structurally compromised and had a partial collapse. Uselding indicated that the estimated value of the loss in building and contents is likely in the millions of dollars. It is not known what the company’s plans may be for replacement.
  • Highway U is open.
  • A message on the John’s Disposal website states, “One of our recycling facilities caught on fire in the evening on Sunday, January 8th. All routes will remain on their scheduled service day for the entire week of January 9th. Please note that service times may vary and that some recycling routes might be collected before the garbage routes. We give our sincerest thanks to the many firefighters who have been assisting us during this tough time.”

Obituary: Loretta “Lori” Frances Schrank, 75

Loretta Frances Schrank, “Lori”, was three days shy of her 76th birthday when she passed away after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born January 7, 1947 in Chicago, IL to Raymond and Helen (Pasternak) Burkhardt. The third of four children, Lori grew up in Chicago, IL before her family moved to Whitewater, WI. She graduated from Whitewater High School and earned her teaching Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from UW-Whitewater. She was a loving and devoted mother to her sons, Benjamin and Andrew. She married the love of her life, Bill Schrank on December 27, 1986 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Milton, WI.

Lori started her teaching career at the age of 19 with 36 fourth graders at St. Williams Catholic School in Janesville. She spent the majority of her years as a second-grade teacher at Milton West Elementary School where she poured all of her energy and passion into her work with her “kids.” Lori was very artistic and created magical things in her classroom for her students. How could they forget that they had to RSVP to come to Mrs. Schrank’s house for Christmas breakfast and to the end of the year pool party? Many of those students have called her their favorite teacher of all time.

Lori had a zest for life and lived by the phrase, “Treat your friends like family and your family like friends.” She treasured and nurtured each and every relationship with the ones she loved. She had a thousand-watt smile and anyone that ever met her fell in love with her immediately. She was a phenomenal wife, mother, sister, and auntie, but her favorite role was being “Grammie” for her grandbabies. She was always so proud of them all. Lori had many nieces and nephews that she loved and lived for as well. There never was a dull moment with her, and the kids enjoyed swimming in the pool and eating bomb popsicles after, going to the movies, playing cards and games, and seeing who could tell the best joke. She attended many of their games and concerts and they knew she was there when they heard her signature loud whistle to celebrate their achievements.

Lori was also very competitive and a terrific athlete. She loved to play softball for the Belles of St. Mary and was especially proud of the 1992 Monday Night Women’s League Championship. That was the year their team beat a team of young girls that had been at the High School State Girls Softball tournament the year before. They even went to St. Mary Church after the game, and asked Father McEnry to let them ring the bell. She loved to fish and enjoyed the many Canadian houseboat fishing trips over the years. Even though on many trips she was the only woman, she seemed to have the knack of always catching the biggest fish. Earning her the title, “The Boat Bitch.”

She was a true animal lover. Friends and family fondly remember her rehabilitating baby raccoons and calling them out of the woods like she was Dr. Dolittle, making friends at every chance with any dog or cat she saw, visiting Ben at his zoo jobs to see the lions and tigers, and loving up on her own dogs and kitties.

Lori is survived by Bill, her loving husband of 36 years, and sons Ben (Leah) Smejkal of Clintonville, WI and Andy (Ashley) Smejkal of Grand Junction, WI. She is also survived by her sister Mary Ann Burkhardt (Sue Hale) of Janesville, WI and Diane (Paul) Joseph of Delavan, WI, sister-in-law Susan Burkhardt, Tomahawk, WI and brother-in-law Bob (Sharon) Schrank, Milton, WI. Grandchildren Alyssa (Codi) Papcke and their son Finley, Austin (Amber Katz) Smejkal and their daughter Luna, Lily, Veda, and Nala Smejkal and Xoe Smejkal (children of Andy); Sami, Brock, and Alli Smejkal (children of Ben). Additionally, she is survived by several very special nieces and nephews.

Lori is preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Helen Burkhardt, father and mother-in-law Harold and Jeannine Schrank, brother Raymond Burkhardt, daughter Sarah Smejkal and niece Amy Schrank.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 14th, 2023 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Milton with Father David Wanish officiating. Burial will follow at Milton Lawns Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton on Friday, January 13th, 2023 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. and again Saturday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the mass. Memorials can be made out to St. Mary Catholic Church.

The Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Obituary: William Gerald Albrecht, 79

William Gerald Albrecht was born on May 4th, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois to William and Essie Albrecht and welcomed by older sister, Jean. He was known to his friends, and anyone else he met, simply as Bill. Bill unexpectedly passed early in the morning on January 5th, 2023. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Joyce. Together they raised a daughter, Royce, and welcomed son-in-law, Luke, into their family. Luke and Royce have three children – Jacob, Marcella (Ellie), and Lydia – who all adored their grandfather.

Bill spent his childhood into his adult years in Chicago. Growing up, Bill began his lifelong passion for baseball. He would play every chance he had, even persevering through the wool uniforms. This love followed him into adulthood, where he was the pitcher on the park district and church teams for many years. As a teenager and young adult, Bill’s time off of the baseball diamond was spent exploring his talent for drawing and photography.

Bill spent his working years in the construction industry. He began as a rodman in the Technical Engineering Union and was a diligent and honest worker. Over the years, Bill’s attention to detail never faded. This is especially true as he finished his career as a Senior Superintendent at Pepper Construction.

His love of baseball followed him into retirement where he watched every major, minor, and little league game that he could. This love was joined by an enjoyment of golf. In the summers, Bill would golf at least once a week at different courses near his home in Whitewater, WI. When Bill wasn’t watching baseball, golfing, or spending time with his family, he could be found in his workshop creating. Many of those who had the pleasure to know Bill have been blessed by the handmade wood items he made for them.

Bill will be remembered for his sense of humor, desire to serve others, love for those around him, and dedication to Christ. A visitation will be held by the family on January 14th, 2023 at Briggs Road Evangelical Free Church in Elkhorn, Wisconsin from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Bill’s memory to the Gideons International or your favorite charity. Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

FREE Campus & Community Meals Continue – January 9/Comidas de Espaguetis GRATIS Continuan 9 de enero

FREE Campus & Community Meals Continue – January 9/Comidas de Espaguetis GRATIS Continuan 9 de enero

The Congregational UCC, 133 S. Franklin Street, Whitewater, continues to host the free Monday night carry-out spaghetti meals.
Temporarily…beginning January 9th through January 30th, 2023, only frozen carry-out meals will be available. Beginning February 6th, we will resume the Sit-Down meals and fresh Carry-Outs. Carry-outs are available from 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. For more information, contact Patty Harmon at the First English Lutheran Church office, (262) 473-5076 or at the Congregational UCC office, (262) 473-4101.

El UCC Congregacional, 133 S. Franklin Street, Whitewater, continúa ofreciendo las comidas gratuitas de espagueti para llevar los lunes por la noche.
Temporalmente… a partir del 9 de enero hasta el 30 de enero de 2023, solo estarán disponibles comidas congeladas para llevar. A partir del 6 de febrero, retomaremos las comidas para sentarse y las comidas para llevar frescas. Las comidas para llevar están disponibles de 5:00 p. m. a 6:00 p. m. Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Patty Harmon en la oficina de la Primera Iglesia Luterana Inglesa, (262) 473-5076 o en la oficina de la UCC Congregacional, (262) 473-4101.

John’s Fire Update: No Injuries; Trash/Recycling Expected to Be on Schedule

Update 1/9/23 at 10 a.m.: According to a press release from the City of Whitewater, it was at 9:51 p.m. on January 8 that dispatch received a report of smoke and flames at John’s Disposal. It is indicated that upon arrival officers found one building fully engulfed in flames. As of the time of the release at 8:33 a.m. on the 9th, fire personnel were still on the scene containing hot spots.

No John’s employees were onsite when the fire was called in, and no injuries have been reported. Although traffic has been reopened on County Highway U, it is requested that the public avoid the area at this time. The city expressed appreciation to the many communities that provided, and continue to provide, fire personnel and resources for the incident.

The release also indicated that according to a John’s representative trash and recycling pickup is expected to remain on schedule.

The Banner will be updated as further information becomes available.

Update 1/9/23 at 7:30 a.m.: Per WMTV: “Employees were given passage on Hwy U to get into work this morning, telling NBC15, they were given the green light from JDS to carry out work as scheduled.”

Update 1/9/23 at 7:30 a.m.: The following was posted to the Whitewater Fire Department Facebook page at approximately 2 a.m.:

Source: WFD Facebook page

 

Crews are currently operating at a structure fire on Hwy U at John’s disposal outside of Whitewater. Hwy U is shutdown between Fremont and Hwy D. Crews will be operating on scene for an extended period of time.

Photo posted to Walworth Co. Scanner Updates Facebook page, courtesy of Michelle Fischer [The plume to the right is from the cogeneration plant]
Palmyra Fire Dept. personnel at Enterprise & Newcomb fire hydrant
Taken at 11:45 p.m. from Welcome Travelers Wayside Park [Lynn Binnie photos]

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

Per Whitewater Dispatch, a structure fire was reported at John’s Disposal, 107 County U at approximately 10 p.m. on Sunday, January 8. At this time the Banner is able to report that with the amount of smoke still arising from the property at midnight, the large quantity of firefighting vehicles on site from multiple agencies, and the number of tankers still being filled at hydrants, this is a major, five alarm fire. Reportedly agencies have been responding from as far as 50 miles away. As of 1 a.m. on Monday we are unable to confirm any further information.

County U between Fremont and County D is likely to be closed for many hours. It is expected that there may be some icy areas on roads where tankers have been filling from hydrants.

John’s Disposal’s recycling facility in the Town of Norway in western Racine County suffered what was described as a massive fire on July 1, 2018.

The Jefferson County Scanner Facebook page, considered to be a reliable but unofficial source of information, published the following late breaking updates:

**UPDATE AT 1112P ,Waukesha County requested with a tender strike team on the interdivisional box

UPDATE 1138p, strike team of engines requested from Dane Co

UPDATE 103am, Green County requested with a strike team

The Walworth County Scanner Updates Facebook page, which is considered to be a reliable but unofficial source of information, published the following information about the January 8, 2023 fire.

Whitewater Fire: MABAS 12-5 2nd alarm
John’s Disposal Hwy U for structure fire
3rd alarm – full
Upgraded Full 4th
5th alarm for truck companies
5th Alarm for tenders
Upgraded to interdivisional strike team level from
MABAS
division 106 for tenders
Divison 115 for engines

Engines: Fort Atkinson, Palmyra, Helensville, Cambridge, Darien, city of Delavan, Stoughton, Evansville, Sharon

Trucks: Whitewater, East Troy, Lake Geneva, Watertown

Tenders: LaGrange, Milton, Big Bend, Edgerton, Johnson Creek, Kettle Morraine, Troy Center, Clinton, Waterloo, Janesville, Walworth

Squads: Jefferson, Rome, Lake Mills, Town of Delavan, Sullivan, East Troy, Footville, Western Lakes

Ambulances: Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Waterloo

Chiefs: Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Helenville, Lake Mills, city of Delavan, Elkhorn, Evansville, Dousman, Williams Bay

Special Equipment
Milton RIT
WE Energies
Western Lakes Rehab
Lyons Air Unit

Change of Quarters Mukwonago engine & chief

Ixonia

Conductor “Doc” Hayes Gifts a Carnegie Hall Baton to “Conductor” AJ Dillon of the Packers

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

The Green Bay Packers have enjoyed a four game winning streak, culminating in the New Year’s Day 41-17 blowout against the Vikings. Immediately after his second-half rushing touchdown in the Vikings game, running back AJ Dillon (#28), conducted an “orchestra” in the end zone. The video of the performance may be viewed here.

Dr. Glenn C. Hayes, director of bands at UW-Whitewater, obviously appreciated the performance, as he sent Dillon the following letter, together with a cherished baton that he used in “the most famous music performance site in the world,” Carnegie Hall. Hayes, whom the students affectionately call “Doc,” expressed the hope that the baton will lead Dillon “to the most famous football game in the world,” obviously the Super Bowl. On January 4, Jordan Dajan on cbssports.com wrote, ” I hypothesized last week that Green Bay could be pulling an “anti-Packers” this season, where it disappoints in the regular season and then explodes in the playoffs. Win this week against the Lions, and the Packers are in the dance.” Super Bowl LVII will be played in Glendale, Arizona on February 12. The Packers’ final regular season game is at Lambeau Field, Sunday, January 8 at 7:20 p.m. The game will be broadcast on NBC, with coverage also on WRNW, Milwaukee, 97.3 FM.

The letter is reproduced below.

Dillon expressed his appreciation to Hayes just two days later with the following tweet, which has had over 1.4 million views.

The exchange has also generated considerable media attention, including the following report on Channel 3000 that features a brief interview with Hayes.

Editor’s note: The photo on the homepage is from AJ Dillon’s Twitter page.