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Southern Lakes Conference Reunion (Update: phone number correction)

The 5th Annual Southern Lakes Conference reunion will be on Friday, Oct. 7th again at the Place To Be in downtown Elkhorn at noon. This year we are including the years from 1954 to 1962. So anyone who played any sport in the old SLC those years please try to attend. Please contact some of your teammates from those years to come. It is a good time to talk old times with some of your foes from years ago and have a great lunch. If anyone has any questions you can contact me Tom Kraus gatortom57@yahoo.com 262-215-9985.

Editor’s note: We recognize that the logo for the conference, and the schools that were part of the conference, were probably different in 1954-1962. If someone has a logo from that era we’ll be pleased to use it!

Editor’s note, 9/28 @ 9:40 a.m. – Phone number for Tom Kraus corrected.

Obituary: Craig A. Garbisch, 62, of Fort Atkinson

Craig A. Garbisch, 62, of Fort Atkinson, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday,
September 22, 2022.  He was born in Watertown, WI, on June 3, 1960, son of the late
Eugene A. Garbisch and Ruth M. Garbisch (Lueder).

Craig had many struggles and hardships in his short life, but he always had a positive
outlook and he never wavered in his faith.  He was an active member of Bethany
Lutheran Church.  Craig worked many jobs, probably most notably Bienfang’s Bar.  Prior
to his car accident and cancer diagnosis, he was employed at the University of
Wisconsin-Whitewater.  Volunteering and service to others was his focus after his
disability didn’t allow him to work.  He volunteered at St. Vincent’s and the Senior
Center.  He cherished his time spent with family and friends.  He was always thinking of
ways to make someone else’s day brighter. 

Craig is survived by his siblings, Julie (Jim) Laferriere, Tami (Roy) Magsamen and Todd
(Cathy) Lueder; 4 nieces and 1 great niece.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 3, 2022 at Bethany Lutheran
Church in Fort Atkinson.  Visitation will be from 10 a.m. at the church until time of
service.  Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.  A luncheon will follow at the church.


Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.
www.DunlapMemorialHome.com

New Warhawk Marching Band uniforms take wing  

Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by UW-W.

For the first time in 13 years, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Warhawk Marching Band soared into Perkins Stadium on September 10 with new uniforms, thanks to Glenn Hayes, professor of music, and uniform designer and alumnus Michael Cesario. The new uniforms, which feature a design that evokes the wings of a hawk, is the latest the two have collaborated on over the years.

Since 1987, Hayes has served as the director of the UW-Whitewater Marching Band. During his tenure, hundreds of performances have energized not only Perkins Stadium but also famed Lambeau Field and stadiums hosting the NCAA Division III National Championship football games.

“There have been so many shows. Packers games, Brewers Opening Days, hosting State Show, Homecomings,” said Hayes. “At many of these events we are able to connect with alums, share memories and hear how proud they are of what the band is doing now. Each year when new students are brought into the marching band family, I get the opportunity to see a special connection that only band members can know. The instant welcome and support for new members holds a special place in my heart.”

Cesario, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in theatre with a minor in speech in 1971, is also an alum of the music fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Since graduating, he has built a notable career in design and is known for his work on Broadway, television, and repertory stages across the country. Recognized as a national leader in pageantry arts, Cesario is in demand as an adjudicator and clinician for high school bands nationwide and is responsible for creating the trademark uniforms of America’s finest bands, drum corps, and color guards through FJM Inc., a uniform store based in Montgomery County, Ohio.

“Let’s be clear, since the age of nine in 1957, I was consistently the worst musician in any group,” said Cesario. “But sometimes the kid needs the band more than the band needs the kid. Participating gave me the experience to know that athletic fit and breathable fabrics would make us all more comfortable and flexible. Between band and theatre, I could combine the best of both worlds for better function and design.”

Hayes said Cesario asked him if he had any thoughts about the design this time around. “After teasing him about finally asking me for input I said ‘Maybe incorporate a wing idea.’ He responded, ‘Okay. Anything else?’ I said, ‘Yes. Make a statement.’”

“Glenn and I explored several ideas, but we kept coming back to the abstract power of flight,” said Cesario. “The hawk wing provides a strong visual component to represent a soaring hawk, but also shows how the elements of the band pull together from all over the campus, from all over the country, to become a singular ambassador of the university.” 

The excitement for the uniforms has been universal and almost overwhelming.

“The ‘chatter’ on social media has been surprising,” said Hayes. “The number of interactions, shares and retweets is off the charts. When we debuted the final sketch at our banquet in December, the students literally cheered. It is a stunning design. It is a statement. The hawk wing concept on the front that carries up into the hat is pure genius — and pure Cesario. On the wall facing the stadium there is a banner that reads ‘Powered by Tradition.’ It’s a statement about the legacy of our athletics programs. The marching band is also powered by tradition — one of excellence in performance. And we’ve always been fueled by innovation. This uniform captures both perfectly.”

Jennifer Zamora is a Hometown Hero

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.

Jennifer Zamora is a WUL Hometown Hero, and has been nominated for  “Volunteering as the lead gardener in charge of Whitewater’s Community Garden, helping families with their garden plots and responding quickly to needs, ensuring that families have produce to supplement their grocery purchases.”

Jennifer Zamora at the Community Gardens – Photo by Tom Ganser.

WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.   

 Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com 

Free Sacred Music Concert

Come enjoy encouraging Christian music and a challenging message from the Bible, presented by the Southland Ministry Team! The SMT is a traveling ensemble (vocal and brass quartet) whose purposes include supporting the local church in music and preaching, encouraging young people to live for God, and promoting the opportunities of Southland Christian Ministries. The SMT also offers print and digital resources designed to help in spiritual growth.

The public is cordially invited – Tuesday, October 4, 7:00 p.m. – Kettle Moraine Baptist Church, 505 S. Wisconsin St., Whitewater.

For more information regarding the concert, please call the church at 262-473-2224 or send an email to kmbc@kmbcwi.org.

This Week’s City & School Board Meetings

City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.

Whitewater Unified School District – Monday @ 7:00 p.m.
Whitewater School Board – Regular Meeting
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin

6:00 p.m. via Zoom Online

  • URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84587610282?pwd=QVYzTkl4RU5hckhoQkRqaW5Jb3NJZz09

– Passcode: 799038

  • Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
  • Webinar ID: 845 8761 0282

– Passcode: 799038

Closed Session

Open Session: 7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online

Agenda (click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes Report of Preliminary Third Friday of September Student Count and Enrollment

– Passcode: 183049

  • Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
  • Webinar ID: 834 0692 5093
  • Passcode: 183049

City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes budget update
City Managers Conference Room – 2nd Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
This will be a blended meeting (both in person and virtual options). To join from your
computer, tablet or smartphone, please use the below link:
https://meet.goto.com/285030981
You can also dial in using your phone.

1 (224) 501-3412

  • Access Code: 285-030-981

City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes lakes project updates
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
Cravath Lakefront Room- 2nd Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83568818525?pwd=RVA5NkNEdjBkL0MwTXdHc2pWTXJWZz09
Meeting ID: 835 6881 8525
Passcode: 204001
Or Dial 1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 835 6881 8525
Passcode: 204001



Obituary: Douglas John Hoekman, 68

On the evening of Wednesday, September 21, 2022, Douglas John Hoekman passed away surrounded by family at Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center.  He was sixty-eight years old.

Doug was born on July 13, 1954 to John and Darlene (Minkey) Hoekman, joining older sisters Kathy and Doreen.  He graduated from Whitewater High School with the Class of 1972 and met Kristi Senhenn at Gateway Technical College in Kenosha, Wisconsin.  They married on August 16, 1975 at First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater.  Doug and Kristi had three children: Jessica, John, and William.

For most of the ’80s and ’90s, Doug could be found in the kitchen of the Edge of Town restaurant that he and Kristi owned in Palmyra, Wisconsin. After selling the restaurant in 1997, Doug worked at Ewald Automotive Group in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, until his retirement in September 2021. His employees and co-workers remember him as a man with an easygoing personality and a drive for excellence in his work.

Doug’s family and friends remember him as a patient and warm-hearted husband, father, son, and brother. In addition to his two sisters, Doug was proud to discover a brother, John (Mary), of Colorado, later in life. He connected with people easily and made friends wherever he went. Doug’s favorite pastimes were spending time with his family and cheering on the Green Bay Packers.     

Doug is survived by his wife, Kristi, daughter Jessica (Joseph) Coburn, son John (Shan) Hoekman, William (Emily) Hoekman, and grandchildren Aidan, Kate, and Nola Coburn, Ji and Vera Hoekman, and Maple Hoekman as well as extended family, friends, and colleagues. He is greatly missed by his dog, Carmel.

A memorial service will be held on September 30, 2022 at The Chapel at 445 Warner Road in Whitewater. Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. until the service at 5:00 p.m.  An informal dinner will be hosted by the family after the service at 6:00 p.m. Donations in his honor may be directed to Paddy’s Paws at http://paddyspaws.blogspot.com/p/donate.html or Lola’s Lucky Day at https://www.lolasluckyday.com.

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family.

Seniors in the Park Presents The Hand of God

“The Hand of God”

Wednesday, September 28, 1 p.m.

This is the final film in our Wednesday Summer series of foreign, cult, and documentary films. 

(Drama) Rated R (sex, language, nudity);

2 hours, 10 minutes (2021). Shown in Italian with English subtitles. Nominated for Best International Film Oscar and AARP Movies for Grownups Best Foreign Film.

In 1980’s Naples, Italy, a young soccer player and fan pursues his dream only to be interrupted by a family tragedy that eventually changes his destiny. Filmed in Naples, Isle of Capri, Stromboli and Sicily. 

October is Mammoth Hike Challenge Month

Editor’s Note: The following is from the Ice Age Trail Alliance.

Hike 42 miles on Ice Age National Scenic Trail and visit three Trail Communities

Put on your hiking boots or your trail runners and get ready to hit the Ice Age National Scenic Trail for the 2022 Mammoth Hike Challenge.  

FREE registration is now open at iceagetrail.org/mammoth-hike-challenge.

It is the third year for this popular event, which is presented by the Ice Age Trail Alliance. This year, participants are challenged to walk/hike/run/backpack 42 miles on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail and visit 3 designated trail communities. (This year’s mileage corresponds with it being the 42nd Anniversary of the Ice Age Trail becoming a National Scenic Trail.)

The Challenge is open to all ages and ability levels. That’s in line with the Trail, which offers a variety of trail types; from flat and paved in areas like Janesville or Manitowoc, to rugged and winding in Langlade County. It’s truly a Trail for everyone.

The reward for completing the Mammoth Hike Challenge is a 2022 limited-edition challenge patch and certificate.

Participants can accumulate their miles individually or as part of a team. “The goal for this challenge is to be a fun,” says Amy Lord, Manager of Outreach and Education for the Ice Age Trail Alliance. “Don’t think you can hike all 42 miles yourself? Then get a friend or your family to do it with you.” 

New This Year: Bonus Mileage

Since post-pandemic life is more hectic and hiking 42-miles may seem daunting to some, the Alliance is offering ways for Challenge participants to earn “bonus” miles without hiking. They can attend Challenge-related events to earn 10 miles or visit a fourth Trail Community to earn 10 miles. 

Trail Communities are Important Part of the Ice Age Trail Experience

The Ice Age Trail goes through or near many Wisconsin communities. Seventeen of those are officially designated Ice Age Trail Communities. These communities are spread along the 1,200-mile Trail and include two newcomers: Rib Lake and Merrill. 

“Trail Communities are great hiker destinations,” says Lord. “They understand the importance of the Trail and appreciate the hikers that use it. They are perfect for a pre-, mid-, or post-hike stop.”

“We hear again and again how being a Trail Community enticed someone to visit it,” says Lord. “It’s great that the Trail can bring attention to these maybe maybe-not-so visited places.”

Itineraries Highlight Trail Communities
To encourage participants to seek out new areas they’ve never hiked before—and make the challenge easier to achieve–the Ice Age Trail Alliance curated Challenge itineraries, which are available at iceagetrail.com/mammoth-hike-challenge.

The itineraries provide trail maps and showcase the exceptional restaurants, attractions, and historical landmarks in the 17 official Ice Age Trail Communities: Antigo, Cornell, Cross Plains, Delafield, Hartland, Janesville, Lodi, Manitowoc-Two Rivers, Merrill, Milton, Rib Lake, Slinger, St. Croix Falls, Sturgeon Bay, Verona, West Bend, and Whitewater.

AKHG, a Duluth Trading Co. company, is the official apparel sponsor of the 2022 Mammoth Hike Challenge.

Fast Facts about the Mammoth Hike Challenge

  • More than 13,500 people have participated in past Challenges
  • All 15 Trail Communities were visited (Rib Lake and Merrill are new in 2022)
  • Generated almost $700,000 in local economies