The third Concert in the Park of the season, Tuesday, August 5, at 6 p.m. features Ladies Must Swing. The event is free and open to all. We are super excited to be back on Tuesday nights for the Concerts in the Park Series. Our partnership with the City Market is truly unique and we are looking forward to Summer 2025!!
FREE Concerts will start at 6 pm! City Market 4-7 pm. ALL at Cravath Lakefront Park.
There is a limited amount of seating on benches next to the parking lot. Bring a chair or blanket, and, if you wish, bring supper or pick it up from the City Market vendors.
Ladies Must Swing
A Big Band In Tune
Our story is about inspiration and encouragement given by lovers of good music and finding out what entertains and makes them happy. Over 27 years ago, LMS became Ladies Must Swing which came from Linda Marty Schmitz, President of the Madison Jazz Society, which also gave us our very first performance opportunity!
The presence of women playing jazz has gotten a lot of attention over the last decade and we are grateful for that. We intend to keep the musical momentum going and invite you to come see us, hear us, dance to us, celebrate with us, and re-live history!
Summit for Peace & Collective Well-being to Be Held August 7 in Whitewater, WI A Community Gathering to Inspire Healing, Unity, and Collective Action
The Wellness Collective is proud to host the Summit for Peace & Collective Well-being on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Cravath Lakefront Park in downtown Whitewater, Wisconsin. This one-day gathering invites individuals, leaders, healers, and changemakers from all walks of life to come together for a transformative experience dedicated to inner healing and outer peace.
With a mission to foster meaningful dialogue and compassionate action, the Summit offers a sacred space to explore what it truly means to live in alignment with ourselves, our communities, and our planet. The event will feature heart-centered workshops, spiritual practices, and dynamic speakers focused on creating peace within and around us. Highlights include: ● Interactive sessions and healing workshops ● Opportunities for discussion, connection, and collaboration ● Local wellness vendors and food trucks ● Meditation and movement experiences “We believe peace starts from within and radiates outward. The Summit is a call to action for anyone ready to be a part of the shift toward a more compassionate and unified world,” says event organizer and life coach, Denise Maple. The event is open to the public, and registration is now live. In addition to attending, community members are invited to get involved as: ● Food Truck Partners ● Wellness Business Vendors ● Sponsors committed to community well-being ● Volunteers
Registration is encouraged. The first 50 registrants will receive a goody bag! Please consider a donation to help us cover the costs of the event and to offer future peace and well-being events. Suggested donation: $10 To register, volunteer, become a vendor and/or donate, visit:
Let’s come together for a day of inspiration, healing, and unity — and co-create the peace we wish to see in the world.
About The Wellness Collective The Wellness Collective is a group of wellness practitioners and guides from Whitewater and surrounding areas committed to strengthening our world through compassion, grace, and conscientiousness. They believe there are a multitude of ways to shift energy in the world, and one way is through getting into a deeper, more honest relationship with oneself, first, and then with those within the community. Their mission is to foster meaningful dialogue and compassionate action.
City of Whitewater Alcohol Licensing Committee Meeting – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m. Agenda: Discussion and Possible Action regarding the denial of a Tobacco, Cigarette, and Electronic Vaping Application for Hemp 1848, Inc. Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St. *In Person and Virtual Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Please click the link below to join: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84824083114?pwd=8VCQqBB12h5aBtQa2S3AzVxfQTw14N.1 Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US Webinar ID: 848 2408 3114 Passcode: 685680
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m. Agenda includes Resolution Authorizing The Issuance And Sale Of Up To $1,506,107 Taxable General Obligation Promissory Notes, Series 2025, And Providing For Other Details And Covenants With Respect Thereto, And Approval Of Related $2,545,121 Financial Assistance Agreement; Discussion and Possible Action regarding the denial of a Tobacco, Cigarette, and Electronic Vaping Application for Hemp 1848, Inc Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St. *In Person and Virtual Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Please click the link below to join: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89679338612?pwd=tIesa0sExbBDv1KodjlxyKfIWjeFNP.1 Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US Webinar ID: 896 7933 8612 Passcode: 027592
City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m. Agenda includes Discussion and possible recommendation to Common Council the recommendations related to Starin Park Water Tower. Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St *In Person and Virtual Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/249142285 You can also dial in using your phone. Access Code: 249-142-285 United States: +1 (872) 240-3212 Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Public Arts Commission = Thursday @ 5:00 p.m. Agenda Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St *In Person and Virtual Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/249072189 You can also dial in using your phone. Access Code: 249-072-189 United States: +1 (872) 240-3212 Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install
2nd Row L – R: John Sobolewski, Jeff Winn, John Grosskreutz, Bob Boynton, Jim Hall, John Milner, Chris Thompson Pitterle, Mike Krebs, Judy Zabel Rausch, Charlotte Pellmann Kutz, Carol Hitchcock Geske, Carole Hepfinger Lewis, Barb Harris Kohlmetz, Carol Wojdula Cantando, Betty Patterman Strese; Hester Roe Mullenix
3rd Row L – R: Marty Peyer, Bryan Bishop, Dale Brown, Linds Kollwelter Schubert, Alan Berg, Maury Deaver, Klaus “Bill” Schlichtholz, Jim Holden, Ron Petak
[Above] Enlargement of the first photo for better view of the faces
Steve Watson writes “Mother duck and her brood feeding on the spillway. Their webbed feet propel them through the water and allows them to stand steady in the fast-moving spillway water.”
Our thanks to Steve Watson for sharing yet another interesting wildlife photo.
— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share. Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!
Balkin tying the school record for most wins in 2014 [UWW Website]
Balkin [submitted]
UW-Whitewater Announces Byron Balkin as Head of Tennis Program
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is proud to announce the hiring of Byron Balkin as the new head coach of the Warhawk men’s and women’s tennis programs.
A 2014 UW-Whitewater graduate, Balkin returns to his alma mater with a strong record of leadership and competitive success. He most recently served as the head tennis coach at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia from 2018-25, where he led the program to the second-highest win total in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference over that span.
Prior to his time at HSC, Balkin spent eight years in Whitewater. From 2014-18, Balkin served as the assistant under longtime head coach Frank Barnes. Balkin was also a member of the Warhawk tennis team from 2010-14.
“I am excited for Byron to become the next head coach at UW-Whitewater,” said Athletic Director Ryan Callahan. “As a former player and assistant coach here at UWW, Byron understands what it takes to continue the legacy that Ron Wangerin built and Frank Barnes continued to elevate for the past 23 years.”
As an assistant for the Warhawk tennis program, Balkin helped guide UW-Whitewater to eight NCAA Division III tournament appearances and four Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles. He was named the Wilson/ITA Women’s Tennis National Assistant Coach of the Year and the Central Region Assistant Coach of the Year (men’s and women’s) in 2016. That year, the UWW men’s and women’s teams advanced to the NCAA’s Round of 16 while three singles players and a women’s doubles team qualified for the NCAA Individual Championship.
“The hiring of Byron Balkin will go down as a great move for Warhawk Tennis,” added former Coach Frank Barnes. “Coach Balkin understands the culture here at UWW and knows what it takes to win here. He bleeds purple and it was only a matter of time before he returned back home to his roots. A phenomenal athlete and coach while here, he went on to elevate the program at HSC to its first national ranking when given the opportunity to run his own program. He has all the tools necessary to bring the athletes here to their full potential.”
Balkin was a standout on the court for the Warhawks. A three-time All-American, Balkin compiled over 170 singles and doubles victories during his phenomenal four-year career. He played a role in four NCAA Division III Tournament appearances including a Round of 16 finish in 2011.
Balkin earned a bachelor’s degree in integrated business and science and a Master’s in higher education with an emphasis in athletic administration — both from UW-Whitewater.
“I am honored and excited to accept the position as the next head coach of the men’s and women’s tennis programs at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater,” said Balkin. “I would like to thank Chancellor Corey A. King, Athletic Director Ryan Callahan, and the entire search committee for this incredible opportunity and for their confidence in me. UW-Whitewater has a storied tradition of athletic and academic excellence, and I look forward to building on that foundation with our outstanding student-athletes.”
“I also want to extend my sincere congratulations to Coach Frank Barnes on an exceptional career,” Balkin continued. “His contributions to Warhawk Tennis have been remarkable and it’s a true privilege to follow in his footsteps. I’m eager to get started and proud to be a part of the Warhawk family. Go Warhawks!”
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by UW-Whitewater.
Paint Wisconsin Overview/Reception: Roberta’s Art Gallery, Friday, August 8, 2025, 3-4:30 p.m.
Paint Wisconsin Awards, Art Auction and 20-Year Gala: Cultural Arts Center, Friday, August 8, 2025, 5-8 p.m.
5:00 pm – Gallery viewing, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and piano music by Jim Olm
5:45 pm – 20th Anniversary Acknowledgement, Marilyn Fuerstenberg Tribute and Thank You to WHS Class of 1961, Paint Wisconsin Awards
6:15 pm – Appeal by WAA Board Member Dwight Watson
6:20 pm – Live auction of “Painting with the Whitewater Stars” pieces and WAA artwork
7:30 pm – Performance by “Here Comes Treble” Sweet Adeline Quartet
The Marilyn Fuerstenberg Paint Wisconsin Exhibit Reception and Whitewater Arts Alliance 20-Year Anniversary Gala Scheduled for August 8, 2025
The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) is proud to present the 1st Annual Paint Wisconsin Exhibition and to host its 20th Anniversary Gala on Friday, August 8, 2025. The Paint Wisconsin Exhibit will run from Thursday, August 7 – Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Due to the overwhelming response to the call for art and the high-caliber pieces submitted for this juried exhibition, the WAA has partnered with Roberta’s Art Gallery in the James R. Connor University Center, located on the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UW-W) campus, to display some of the works. A list of the exhibiting artists and biographies of jurors Thomas Jewell, Frank Juarez, and Graeme Reid are available on the WAA website at https://www.whitewaterarts.org/paint-wisconsin-2025. Roberta’s Art Gallery will hold a Paint Wisconsin Overview and Reception on August 8, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Free parking will be available in UW-W Lot 12. The lot is located behind Andersen Library, near the corner of Prairie and Main Streets.
At 5:00 p.m., the program and celebration will continue in the Cultural Arts Center, home of the Whitewater Arts Alliance, located at 402 W Main Street, Whitewater. The ticket cost is “pay what you will.” The event will open with free heavy hors d’oeuvres, a beer and wine cash bar, and live piano music by Jim Olm. At 5:45 p.m., the WAA will honor former member, self-taught artist, and inspiration for the Paint Wisconsin Exhibit, Marilyn Fuerstenberg. When Marilyn passed away in June 2024, her many friends in the WAA and classmates from the Whitewater High School class of 1961 wanted to establish an event in her honor. Through their generosity and the contributions of local sponsors, the Paint Wisconsin Exhibition became a reality. The Paint Wisconsin Awards will be announced at this time.
Marilyn Fuerstenberg was instrumental in the development and growth of the WAA as she led workshops and brought renowned artists from around the country to Whitewater. Thanks to dedicated members like Marilyn, the WAA is also celebrating its 20-year anniversary on August 8. Established in 2005 by community members and local artists working together to preserve the Prairie Tillers Mural at the corner of Center Street and Whitewater Avenue, the organization strives to expand its mission to “support, promote, and develop the arts as an essential and integral part of our community.” To that end, the evening will include a live auction at 6:20 p.m. as a fundraiser. Auctioneer Jenny Gehl from Bravo Benefit Auctions will auction off the 12 pieces from the “Painting with the Whitewater Stars” event (to include pieces by Chancellor Corey King, City Manager John Weidl, and First Citizens State Bank CEO Jim Caldwell, among others), two paintings by Marilyn Fuerstenberg, two pieces by Albert Benedict, and other works. Directly following the auction, Jenny will guide a live paddle raise; all donors over a certain amount will be entered in a drawing for a gift basket valued at more than $500. The festivities will close with a performance by “Here Comes Treble” Sweet Adeline Quartet featuring Christine Hayes, Valerie Troxel, Lori Heidenreich, and Kim Taylor.
Everyone is welcome to the Cultural Arts Center for an evening of food, drink, art, and music in celebration of Marilyn Fuerstenberg, the Whitewater Arts Alliance, and community. Many thanks to our sponsors for making this event possible: Anonymous sponsors, Edge Broadband, Fort Community Credit Union, Gomez Landscaping, Harbor Homes, Jim Leaver Family, Sandy Adams, Serenity Concepts, TDS, and Triton Roofing.
Please visit the Whitewater Arts Alliance website for additional details regarding the schedule, or contact: Kim Adams, Gallery Director, Whitewater Arts Alliance
Gallery Hours: Thursdays-Sundays, 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Please Note: The gallery is closed outside of Gallery Exhibit Hours except for special events and is also closed when no show is currently running.
“20 Years Of Celebrating The Arts And Creating Community!”
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the Whitewater Arts Alliance.
The Catholic Spirit Radio Network announced that its network has expanded to Wisconsin, broadcasting to Whitewater and its surrounding communities and roadways. It can be heard on 89.3 FM on the radio, by using the app Catholic Spirit Talk Radio, streaming on catholicspiritradio.com, and listening to Alexa.
It airs 24 hours a day with a wide variety of hosts and a mix of programs from national networks of EWTN, Guadalupe, Ave Maria, Virgin Most Powerful, and Station of the Cross. It also includes five local shows. They have a website (catholicspiritradio.com) and a presence on Facebook and X.
Jon Hall, Founder and President, states, “We are thrilled to finally be broadcasting in your communities. All ages of Catholics and non-Catholics listen for the contemporary talk shows, analysis of news, and prayer opportunities. We hope you’ll tune-in often!”
Founded in 2011, Catholic Spirit Radio has grown to 11 stations throughout central and northern Illinois plus now Whitewater. It has over 1.5 million potential listeners. Catholic Spirit Radio, based in Normal, Illinois, is a non-profit organization.
Bethel will host a Farmers Market & Faire on Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 10 AM – 2 PM – the perfect time to see what’s happening with our community garden. All are welcome to join us for this special day. A featured part of this gathering is our bake sale, which was a huge hit last year. No one does a BAKE SALE like Methodist women, and this year will be no exception. Mark your calendars now – Saturday, August 2nd! We have 14 confirmed vendors – including our very own Bethel Garden goodies, organic flowers, Casa Mia cookies, local honey products, hand crafted artisan pieces, Quednows’ apples, 3-D printed toys, handmade stamped paper products, sweet corn, knitted pieces, and so much more! Back by popular demand is our live music area, and a free kids’ play zone. We all hope to see you there!
Editor’s note: The following article was previously published on The Banner.
Bethel’s Community Garden Project
One of the delights of spring is the opportunity to plant a garden. Gardens provide great food, physical and mental health benefits, and social connections to other gardeners. However, not everyone has the space for a garden, the time to tend to it from planting to harvest, or the experience to grow one. That’s where community gardens can be a valuable resource.
In 2024, a garden was planted at Bethel United Methodist Church, located on the corner of Hwy 12/67 and County Road A (www.ElkhornBethelUMC.org). The garden was planted on a piece of unused land at the church and provided beautiful flowers and produce which all community members and congregation members were encouraged to enjoy.
In 2025, with help from the gardening group Wisconsin Food Forests, this garden is being expanded. Wisconsin Food Forests (www.wisconsinfoodforests.com ) is an organization dedicated to establishing community gardens based on perennial plants that will provide food for years to come.
The Bethel Garden sits on a half-acre behind the church building and will include an annual garden of flowers and vegetables, an herb garden, and a variety of perennial food-producing plants, from root crops to trees. It is an open space where all community members are encouraged to participate. Anyone can come maintain the garden, help themselves to flowers and produce, wander around, or just sit and read a book. We encourage sharing of the flowers and food grown there with all who visit. All surplus produce will go to the Elkhorn Food Pantry, while we hope to share flowers with those in local nursing homes, care facilities, and senior living complexes.
Our most recent planting day was Saturday, May 31, 2025, where Bethel members and community friends came together to share their hands, their hearts, and their green thumbs.
The expansion of the garden is fairly labor intensive for the first year. In subsequent years as the garden becomes dominated by perennials, we anticipate that it will become more self-sustaining by virtue of being relatively low maintenance, and by the collective participation of people in the community.
We are deeply grateful for the number of folks who have already stepped up to help get this garden established. We had our first planting day on May 3, 2025, and had 20 plus volunteers, including children, show up to help put in the primary plants of the food forest. Since then, we have planted more perennials and annuals, including the vegetable garden, pumpkins, and lot of flowers. If this project sounds intriguing to you, please contact us with any questions (or advice). Please spread the word to anyone who might be interested and feel free to share our contact information with them.
Contact info: Diane Bustamante Tim Middleton Email: middlemante@genevaonline.com
