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Fort HealthCare Maintains Prestigious Baby-Friendly Designation

 Staff of Fort HealthCare’s lactation program. Pictured (left to right): Carla Bilgrien, Linda Hommen, Diane Markham, Deb Schumacher. Not pictured: Shayla Martin and Stephanie Pagenkopf.

FORT ATKINSON – Fort HealthCare is proud to announce that it has once again achieved the highly prestigious international Baby-Friendly designation after a rigorous review process conducted by Baby-Friendly USA, the organization responsible for bestowing this certification in the United States.

Fort HealthCare embarked on the journey to become a Baby-Friendly facility beginning in 2013. The goal was reached, and the accreditation awarded in September 2016. Designation is for a period of five years, and in order to maintain this status, Fort HealthCare participates in continuous monitoring and audit processes, as well as participating in surveyor led on-site assessments every 5 years.

This distinguished honor demonstrates that Fort HealthCare is adhering to the highest standards of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. These standards are built on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, a set of evidence-based practices recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for optimal infant feeding support in the precious first days of a newborn’s life.

“We are extremely proud to be recognized for the hard work of our team members throughout the Baby-Friendly process,” said Deborah Schumacher, Obstetrics Manager. Fort HealthCare is committed to providing the support, education and resources moms need to successfully initiate breastfeeding and continue breastfeeding when they leave our care.”

About Baby-Friendly USA

As the accrediting body and national authority for the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) in the United States, Baby-Friendly USA is responsible for upholding the highest standards in infant feeding care by coordinating and conducting all activities necessary to confer the prestigious Baby-Friendly designation and ensure the widespread adoption of the BFHI in the US. Learn more about Baby-Friendly USA and the BFHI at www.babyfriendlyusa.org.

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates the use of the image on the homepage by Kate from Pixabay.

Where can school supplies be donated? – Responses to our reader’s question

A reader wrote this to the Banner: “Would it be possible to post an article about how to donate school supplies?  I know many churches and civic organizations do collections this time of year and I’d like to know how I can help.”

The following responses have been received:

The Community Space indicates that although they are not scheduling a special school supply distribution day this year, they are happy to accept any donations of supplies, and will distribute them to anyone who visits. The Community Space is located at 834 E. Milwaukee Street, and they are open Tuesday 8:30-11 a.m., Wednesday 3:30-7 p.m., Thursday 8:30-11 a.m. and Saturday 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Donors may drive around to the back side of the building, where there is a doorbell to call for assistance.

St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1225 W. Main Street, is encouraging donations of the following items which may be placed in the baskets in the church vestibule or in Berry Hall: Pencils, pens, erasers, backpacks, notebooks, glue sticks, pencil bags, crayons, protractors, colored pencils, flash drives, boxes of Kleenex, hand sanitizer, calculator, markers, headphones, paper, highlighters, rulers, folders, glue, scissors, or any other school supply. Distribution for children will be on Sunday, August 28 at 12:30 p.m. upstairs in Berry Hall. All children are welcome, whether associated with the parish or not.

Por Favor Apoye a Nuestros Estudiantes de San Patricio.Como parroquia podemos ayudar a nuestras familias, ayudando a comprar los útiles escolares. Por favor, considere comprar algunos de los útiles de la lista de abajo y colóquelos en las canastas que se encuentran en el vestíbulo o en Berry Hall. La distribución de los útiles será el domingo, 28 de agosto a las 12:30 PM en el salón parroquial. Todos los niños son bienvenidos sean o no parte de la parroquia. Lápices, plumas, borradores, mochilas, cuadernos, pegamento en tubo, bolsitas para lápices, colores de cera, transportadores, lápices de colores, tarjetas de memoria, cajas de Kleenex, desinfectante de manos, calculadoras, marcadores, audífonos, papel, resaltador, reglas, carpetas, pegamento, tijeras o cualquier otra cosa para la escuela.

We’d encourage any other organizations that are collecting school supplies to send an email to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com, and we’ll add to this compilation. Please provide as much specificity as possible regarding what items are needed.

Editor’s note: We appreciate the use of the image on this page and the homepage by Vinicius Imbroisi from Pixabay.

Obituary: Joseph Ray Brown, 58, of Milton

Joseph Ray Brown, 58, of Milton, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Friday, August 5, 2022, after a 5-year battle with ALS.

Joe was born August 1, 1964, in Janesville, Wisconsin to Ronald and Janet Brown.  He grew up on the Milton family farm and attended Milton schools.  He graduated from Milton High School in 1982 and attended UW-Madison majoring in agricultural business.  After college he worked as an agronomist and sales representative for multiple seed companies, including Pioneer Hybrid for the last 20 years.

Joe had a wide range of interests including music, reading, 3D printing, home brewing, NASA/space, model rocketry, science fiction, cannons, computer science and travel.  Joe and Lisa (and often their children) travelled to more than 10 countries, including a trip to Cuba with the band Blondie.  Joe was a large supporter of youth through Milton 4H and Milton FFA Alumni. 

Joe’s kind heart was exceeded only by his sense of humor.  His customers were truly his friends, many of whom were people he knew his entire life.  Joe wanted everyone to be happy and kind to others.  Small everyday acts of kindness can improve the world.

Joe courageously battled ALS for 5 years, never giving up.  He was continuously inventing and utilizing his 3D printer to improve his ALS journey.  He had a wonderful team of caregivers who made every day a joy for both him and Lisa.

Joe is survived by his wife Lisa; daughters Teegan (Jim) Scofield and Mina Heinen-Brown; grandchildren Maddison and Reid Scofield; his parents Ron Brown and Janet Kettle; his brother Rodney Brown and sister Danelle Kenney; and many relatives too numerous to mention (Joe had a very large family).  Joe’s caregivers included Susan and Christine, his niece Naomi, sister-in-law Linda, uncle Jim, as well as his fabulous breathing technicians Kathy and Bob.

Joe has left us much too soon and he will be missed every single day.  Joe and Lisa fell asleep every night holding hands.  Joe had a huge personality that affected everyone he met, enriching everyone’s lives.  Joe made being happy look easy.  Please take a moment tonight, go outside, look up at the stars and think of Joe.

Funeral services for Joe will be 11:00 a.m. on August 15, 2022, at the Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton.

Visitation times for Joe will be Sunday, August 14, 2022 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton, and again on Monday, August 15, 2022 at 1000 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home.

Interment to follow at Milton Cemetery 131 N Janesville Street, Milton.  A luncheon repast will follow at Lisa and Joe’s farm, 2626 E County Rd M.  

The funeral will also be livestreamed online for those who are unable to attend, please contact the funeral home day of for information regarding the livestream.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to the Wisconsin chapter of the ALS Association at als.org/donate

Obituary: Carolyn Stroupe, 96

Carolyn Stroupe, 96, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, July 27, 2022, at Agrace Hospice in Madison, Wisconsin. 

Carolyn was born January 9, 1926, in Buck Creek, Indiana, the daughter of Frank and Eva Pearson. She graduated from high school in Monticello, Indiana, and in her younger years spent many a summer day and evening at Indiana Beach dancing to big name bands of the era. Carolyn had a lovely singing voice and often sang in high school programs and for church on Sunday. 

Carolyn always identified herself as a farm girl and loved the rural life, living in the country, growing flowers and vegetables, adopting stray critters that wandered onto the farm, and doing the work that needed to be done. She loved to be busy and worked hard on the farm. She found satisfaction in fixing things and decorating her home with an artistic touch that she came by naturally. Even though, for a time, she lived in a condo in Florida she found herself coming back home in her later years to the rural area she loved in Whitewater. She lived a long full life and enjoyed traveling but was just as content to curl up in the evening at home with her devoted cat, Pfeffy. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and her only brother, J Frank Pearson. Pfeffy has also returned to her ‘rainbow’ home and was hopefully there to greet Carolyn as she made her journey to her heavenly home. 

Surviving are her former husband and lifelong friend, David Stroupe, of Whitewater, Wi.; her children by a previous marriage, Larry Joe (Kay) Wall of Watertown, Wi.; Linda Wall Walcher of Freeburg, Illinois; Jack (Jeanne) Wall of Strawberry, Arizona; seven grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Mulberry Glen Senior Living and Agrace Hospice for their kind and compassionate care. 

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at 12:00 P.M. at the First United Methodist Church, 145 S. Prairie Street, Whitewater. Visitation will take place from 11:00 A.M. until the time of the service. Inurnment will be private. 

Partisan Primary Election on Tuesday

The primary partisan election will be held on Tuesday, August 9 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The City of Whitewater has only one polling place for this election, the Downtown Armory, 146 W. North Street.

Voters may only vote for candidates in one party: Democratic, Republican, Libertarian or Constitution. The first option on the ballot is to designate the party in which you are voting. It is not required to fill in this item; however, doing so is recommended. You may view a sample of your ballot on the city’s website. The ballot for those residing in Jefferson County is labeled “Wards 11-13.”

Specific types of photo identification are required in order to vote. This website shows the acceptable forms of ID.

Citizens may register to vote at the polls. Proof of residence is required. This website shows the acceptable forms.

Obituary: Joyce Pauline Piper Duffin, 93

Joyce Pauline Piper Duffin, 93, of Whitewater passed away peacefully Friday, August 5, 2022 surrounded by loved ones. Joyce was born on October 12, 1928 in Cold Spring, WI, the daughter of Lisle and Leona (Akin) Piper. She attended Whitewater City High School and was Salutatorian of her class. Upon graduation in 1945, she attended the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater where she achieved a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She taught Business Education at Mukwonago High School for 5 years. In 1953 Joyce married her high school sweetheart, John Lee Duffin. They owned and operated a family dairy farm on Salisbury Road until John’s death in 2008. Joyce was an exceptional wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Family always came first. She enjoyed the simple things in life and found complete fulfillment in knowing her children were following their dreams. Her unconditional love, strong inner strength, integrity, quick wit and joyous personality made for the best mother and friend. She was an avid reader, enjoyed history, travel and she loved to laugh. Joyce will be immeasurably missed by her children, Nanci (Eddie) Nugen of Oklahoma City, OK, Brian (Julie) Duffin of Brooklyn, WI, Kevin (Tiffany) Duffin of Carmel, IN, Kelly (Ken) Thompson of Lakeway, TX, and Jeff (Andy Groves) Duffin of Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren, Tim (Missy) Nugen, Stephen (Rebecca) Nugen, Rebekah (Josh) Rivers, Elizabeth (Ben) Engebretson, Evan (Ashley) Larsen, Bret (Holly Powell) Duffin, Tara (Greg) Goldberg, Abigail Duffin, Keegan Duffin, Ian Duffin, William Maxwell, Meaghan Maxwell, Faith Thompson, Hope Thompson;14 great-grandchildren; sister-in-laws, Clarice Piper, Dorothy (Jack) Saylor, Carol Duffin, Bonnie Duffin; and many nephews, nieces and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 55 years and brothers (Lisle Jr, Myron and Don Piper). Visitation will be held 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, August 12th and also one hour prior to the funeral services, which are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 13th at Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater WI. As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider contributing to the Joyce and John Duffin Memorial Scholarship Fund, recognizing an outstanding Whitewater High School graduate pursuing University studies.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

WUSD Upcoming Important Dates / Colegios Próximas Fechas Importantes



Upcoming Important Dates
Thursday, August 11, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Middle School/High School WUSD Registration Day
Come see us and get pictures taken, fees paid, and assistance provided if you haven’t yet completed Online Registration – also meet the new Principal at WHS, Mr. Brent Mansky! (Pictures will be taken at the Middle School on September 14, 2022).
Terilyn Robles, Multilingual Services Coordinator and Jorge Islas Martinez, Bilingual Liaison will be available to meet with families as well! 
Athletic department and bilingual personnel for sports registration will be available at the Middle School on August 11 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
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Wednesday, August 17, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Elementary WUSD Registration Day
Come see us and get pictures taken (Pictures will be taken at Lakeview on September 13, 2022), fees paid, and assistance provided if you haven’t yet completed Online Registration – also meet the new Principal at Lincoln Elementary, Mr. Brad Gefvert!
Terilyn Robles, Multilingual Services Coordinator and Jorge Islas Martinez, Bilingual Liaison will be available to meet with families as well! 
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Wednesday, August 31, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
High School New Student Orientation
New to High School? Come to our New Student Orientation so we can help you get ready for your first day at Whitewater High School!
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Wednesday, August 31, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Middle School Open House
All middle school students and their families are invited to come visit their classrooms and teachers. We look forward to seeing you!
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Wednesday, August 31, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Elementary Open House
All elementary students and their families are invited to come visit their classrooms and teachers. We look forward to seeing you!
Questions?
Do you have questions about registration? For any registration or enrollment questions please see our “How to Enroll” webpage at https://www.wwusd.org/page/how-to-enroll2
Other questions over the summer? Contact information for each building can be found at https://www.wwusd.org/page/about-us
Need to reach the District Central Office? Hours and other information about the District Central Office can be found at https://www.wwusd.org/page/central-office 
We hope you are having a fantastic summer and look forward to seeing you in the fall!
WUSD

Editor’s note: We appreciate the use of the image on the homepage by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay.

SAVVY Caregiver Classes for Family/Friends Caring for Someone with Dementia

SAVVY Caregiver Classes at The Aging & Disability Resource Center

Reserve Your Spot Today

The Aging & Disability Resource Center of Rock County is offering the 6-week SAVVY Caregiver Training Program on Wednesday evenings from 6-8 p.m. beginning on August 24th and running through September 28th at the Dr. Daniel Hale Williams Resource Center (the old Pick & Save building) located at 1717 Center Ave., Janesville. There is no cost to attend this program.

Who is SAVVY for? Any family or friend caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of progressive dementia. What is SAVVY? Savvy Caregiver is a proven curriculum developed by Dr. Kenneth Hepburn and colleagues at the University of Minnesota. Grounded in research, this educational series teaches strategies, practical real-world skills and helps to reduce stress, both in the caregiver and the person for whom care is being provided. Savvy Caregiver increases the caregiver’s sense of competence and well-being even though there may be little experience. The course will provide a base of dementia knowledge and cover a variety of related caregiving topics and information.

Reserve your spot today for the SAVVY Caregiver Training Program by contacting Karen Tennyson at 608-741-3615 or karen.tennyson@co.rock.wi.us.

Editor’s note: We appreciate the use of the photo on the homepage by Tania Van den Berghen from Pixabay.

Lorine Niedecker Writing Fellowship Announced

Niedecker mural in Fort Atkinson (Source: lorineniedecker.org)


Fort Atkinson, WI and Fish Creek, WI – The Friends of Lorine Niedecker and Write On, Door
County announce the Lorine Niedecker Fellowship. The new fellowship will be offered every
two years to an established or emerging poet familiar with the work of the 20th century
American poet, Lorine Niedecker. The purpose of the fellowship is to encourage research into
Niedecker’s life and writing, and to promote new work that deals with the poetry of place.

The two-week fellowship, to be divided between, first, Write On, Door County, a writing center
in northeastern Wisconsin, and then Fort Atkinson, Niedecker’s hometown, comes with a
$1,000 stipend, a travel grant (up to $800) and a food stipend ($200), plus lodging. The
inaugural fellowship would be between April 30 and May 14, 2023.

The successful applicant must show an understanding and appreciation of Lorine Niedecker’s
work and her place in 20th century poetics, as well as a publishing history, whether in poetry
journals, full-length book, chapbook, monograph, or academic articles.

During the fellowship period, the successful applicant will give two public programs, to be
arranged by the sponsors, and one article for FOLN’s “The Solitary Plover.”

The application, which is online only, must include 10-12 pages of poetry, a 300-500-word
statement of purpose, an intellectual autobiography, and two references. Links to past
publications should be included in the application.

The application fee is $40, payable online at https://writeondoorcounty.org/ or by check.
Application period is from October 15 to December 15, 2022, with an announcement of the
successful candidate in January 2023.

Send applications to:
Jerod Santek, Founder and Artistic Director
Write On, Door County
jerod@writeondoorcounty.org
PO Box 457
4210 Juddville Road, Fish Creek, WI 54212

Editor’s note: The image on the homepage is from poets.org.

This Week’s City & School Board Meetings

Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Regular Meeting Monday @ 6:30 p.m. (Closed session)
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street

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6:30 p.m. via Zoom Online
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner.)
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83354531527?pwd=UnBtV1poYTZvVlc2ZXJvOHRFM0dBdz09
– Passcode: 677877
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 833 5453 1527
– Passcode: 677877
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Closed Session
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7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online (Open Session)
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner) Includes proposal to name High School Auditorium for the late Jim Stewart, which cannot be acted on before August, 2023 and budget update.
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87099963065?pwd=M1NESVVWTCtJNnNRMjYrdTN1YlF1dz09
– Passcode: 565826
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 870 9996 3065
– Passcode: 565826

City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes speed study on Hwy 59/Newcomb St. north of Starin Road.
Cravath Lakefront Conference Room
Municipal Building – 2nd Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.