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#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: 1916 Women’s Basketball Champions
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
And, once again it’s March Madness so we could not resist another vintage basketball photo from our collections.
This great image shows a girls or women’s basketball team from 1916 with the basketball marked as “Champions.” It is not clear if this was a high school or normal school team, but printed on the shoes of the women is “Whitewater 1916.” And, while the emphasis right now is on the men’s action, we love to show how women, even in the past, have had a love for the game as much as men and boys do. In fact, since title IX in the 1970s, the support for girl’s and women’s basketball has grown to be almost as popular as men’s. Another plug for women’s history month!
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(3847P, Whitewater Historical Society)
Obituary: Kathleen Rogers Lundin, 87, of Sanibel Island, FL
Kathleen Lundin (nee Rogers), co-author of several business books with her late husband, Dr. William H. Lundin, passed away on March 19, 2023, after a multi-year battle with a series of debilitating physical problems and illnesses. Her family serenaded her with a live rendition of “I’ll take you home again Kathleen,” by her bedside as she was passing. The Sanibel Island resident was 87 years old.
Known as Kathy, she was the daughter of Chicago residents Stanley and Rosemary Rogers, who both worked multiple jobs to raise their family of two daughters through the depression. Kathleen attended St. Alphonse’s High School in Chicago, then enrolled in the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. She met her husband Bill, a psychoanalyst with a budding practice, and worked as his secretary before marrying him in 1958. Bill was a decorated WWII combat medic and former POW, which sparked Kathy’s lifelong interest in survival instincts.
Bill and Kathy raised their children in the Streeterville area in downtown Chicago, before buying an unfinished school of Frank Lloyd Wright home in Kettle Moraine, Wisconsin and relocating. They embraced the beauty of the area, with Kathy researching and writing the first official history of the nature district in which they resided. She taught her children the varied arts of self-resilience in a remote area, focusing on mastering nature and being self-directed and goal driven. These values kept her alive throughout her long and debilitating final days.
As their children left home, Kathy focused on real estate development, at one point managing several properties in Chicago, Madison, WI and Sanibel Island. Bill and Kathy had purchased a five-acre parcel from the Starling family in the late 1960’s and developed them with the aid of island naturalist George Campbell, author of “The Nature of Things on Sanibel.” Bill and Kathy migrated to the island permanently in the 1980’s, which became their base for international travel and art collecting. Bill applied his many years of consulting experience to their first book, “The Healing Manager.” Over the course of the next decade and a half they penned several more business books, their most famous being “When Smart People Work for Dumb Bosses.”
When Bill passed away in 2000, Kathy immersed herself in the community of the island, working at CROW, and planning for a book based on interviews with POW’s. She is survived by four children, Steven (Candace), Carey (Mark), Leslie (Grant), and Lauren (Dan) and seven grandchildren.
Kathleen will be interred with Bill at Arlington National Cemetery, where a memorial service will be held this summer.
Whitewater Cinemas to Premiere Animated Film Directed by WHS Alumnus
Michael Hilliger, WHS ’17, invites readers to the premiere of his independently made animated short, “Marcus The Teenager’s Never-Ending Quest for Popularity.” Michael says it’s, “The goofy film I’ve been crafting for 2 years! 10 Minutes of Funny Animation! Stellar Voice Acting! An original score! A jazz piece with real players! Test audiences seem to love it!”
The event:
On Monday, March 27, doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 and are available at the door. Michael will be there to answer questions after the film and talk about how he created the short, so be sure to bring your questions. Merchandise and concessions will be available for purchase.
The plot:
A neurotic teen named Marcus desperately tries to improve his social standing through short-term “quests for popularity,” which often succeed (and backfire) in delightfully unexpected ways.
The creator:
Michael Hilliger is a lifelong creator of entertainment media specializing in animation. He was an animator on Amazon Prime’s “The Boys” and other animated shows since his graduation from Whitewater High School in 2017.
We are so excited to be hosting this premiere right here in Whitewater! MARCUS your calendars, we’ll see you on March 27th!
Municipal Judge Candidates Share Views
Voters have several places where they may obtain information about and the perspectives of the two candidates for City of Whitewater Municipal Judge on the April 4 ballot, Art Coleman and Patrick Taylor (incumbent).
The League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area hosted a forum at the Municipal Building for the candidates on March 19. The forum was recorded by Whitewater Community TV, and the 58-minute video is available here.
The League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area also sponsors the vote411.org site, where both of the candidates responded to questions. When a voter enters their address they may view all of the races on their ballot, and a number of the candidates in other races may have also responded to questions.
Fortatkinsononline.com also provides a page that includes the judge candidates’ responses regarding their background, qualifications and views.
Our Readers Share: Steve Watson – Migration time again
Steve Watson writes, “It’s migration time again. We’re fortunate to have two lakes here in Whitewater that draw these travelers in for some R & R.”
resident.
Steve Watson concludes, “Keep your eye to the sky and on the water. You never know what you’ll find – right here in Whitewater.”
Our thanks to Steve Watson for sharing more beautiful nature photos.
— 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 or click on “submit a story” near the top right of our homepage. Thanks for thinking about this!
24/7 Fitness Access at the Whitewater Aquatic & Fitness Center
The Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center (WAFC) is now offering 24/7 access for fitness members 18 years and older. The 24/7 access applies to the strength training equipment (i.e., weightlifting, deadlift platforms, benches, free weights, and power racks) and cardiovascular training equipment (i.e., ellipticals, bikes, treadmills, etc.) in the fitness center.
The WAFC provides individuals, families, students, seniors, and commuters in Whitewater and beyond with an affordable, convenient recreational fitness environment with a variety of amenities including fitness center, aquatic center, group classes, locker rooms, and concessions.
Previously, the fitness center was open Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sundays 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Ever since COVID-19, the WAFC team has been focused on rebuilding membership and creating new ways to access the fitness center.
“It is great to finally be able to offer our members 24-hour access to the fitness center. This allows members the option to work out during the time that best fits their needs. Numerous members have expressed interest in the addition and it’s nice to be able to accommodate them,” says Eric Boettcher, Parks & Recreation Director.
24/7 fitness access enables members 18 years and older to work out at their convenience. With the WAFC being operated by the City of Whitewater Parks and Recreation Board, one of their goals was to make the fitness center more accessible to Police, Fire, EMS, and other city employees regardless of their shifts.
For safety reasons, 24/7 access applies to the fitness center only. The fitness studio with the spin bikes and fitness classes will be closed along with the locker rooms and aquatic center. Restrooms on the fitness side will be open. The facility is under 24-hour video surveillance, but in the event of an emergency patrons need to contact 911. The facility (LED) lights will remain on 24 hours a day.
John Weidl, Whitewater City Manager shares, “This is a perfect example of how Eric and his team continue to provide efficient and high-quality services for our increasingly diverse community and their increasingly diverse ways of living, working, and playing in our community. I can assure you this is just the start of the WAFC’s renaissance!”
Current members who wish to have after-hours access to the fitness center should stop at the desk for setup. For more information, call the Whitewater Aquatic & Fitness Center at 262-473-4900.
We Energies Gas Customers May Receive a Call Regarding a Visit
We Energies confirmed to the Banner that some local natural gas customers may receive an automated call indicating that a contractor will service their gas meter in the near future. Caller ID may identify this as a spam call. The utility has contracted with Southern Cross to change out a module on certain gas meters in the area. This work will take only a few minutes and will not require entry into a residence unless the gas meter is inside. Gas service will not be interrupted. Personnel will be driving company identified vehicles.
Spring Baha’is and Friends Artist Gathering
Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by Suzanne Popke.
Spring Baha’is and Friends Artist Gathering
Saturday, April 1, 1 p.m. thru 5 p.m.
Historic Landmark Nelson Salisbury House, 404 W. North St., Whitewater
Open to all Whitewater Artists and Musicians and Crafters and Writers. Everyone will be asked to share and discuss their art and talent. Invite your friends and family. Let the host, Suzanne Popke know what special set up or arrangements you may need. There is limited parking on the street next to the house, and in the public parking lot right across the street from the house next to the Whitewater Cultural Arts Center. Snacks and beverages will be available. Come join the fun and community-building.
Suzanne Popke: intsim@idcnet.com or 262-490-6067
Baha’i philosopher `Abdu’l-Bahá said…: “All Art is a gift… When this Light shines through the mind of a musician, it manifests Itself in beautiful harmonies. Again, shining through the mind of a poet, it is seen in fine poetry and poetic prose. When the Light of the Sun of Truth inspires the mind of a painter, they produce marvelous pictures. These gifts are fulfilling their highest purpose…”
UW-W Student Wins at WI Broadcasters Assoc. Awards
Michael Garcia wins at Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Awards
Michael Garcia from Whitewater, WI, who is studying Journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, was among the honorees at the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association 2023 Student Awards for Excellence. The event was held Feb. 23 at the Madison Marriott West in Middleton.
Garcia won Third Place in TV Writing for the project “Rising Star,” and Third Place in TV Photojournalism for the project “Rising Star.”
The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (WBA) is a state broadcasters membership group that was established in 1951. Its main purpose is to promote the development of the arts of aural and visual broadcasting in all its forms, working closely with statewide educators and broadcast managers/directors to encourage and promote customs and practices that will strengthen and maintain the broadcast industry to best serve the public.
The WBA also recognizes state broadcasters, professionals, and student/amateur broadcasters with annual seminars and recognitions. Students in the media studies program at UW-Whitewater have the opportunity each spring to attend a number of networking break-out sessions during the annual Student Seminar, typically held in late February/early March.
“Attending the annual Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Student Seminar provides the opportunity to learn from those currently in the field who attend and donate their time to educate our UW-Whitewater communication students about all forms of the media business,” said Jim Mead, director of UWW-TV and lecturer. “It’s great to see relationships form between professionals and our students. The seminar is a true networking experience.”
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from UW-Whitewater.