There will be five free band concerts in The Young, 930 W. Main Street on the UW-Whitewater campus this Friday and Saturday!
The concerts are a part of the Wisconsin Concert Band Association convention that is being hosted by the UW-W chapter of the Collegiate National Association of Music Educators and the Department of Music.
The free concerts on Friday are –
7:00 pm – La Crosse Logan High School Wind Symphony
8:00 pm – Arrowhead Union High School Wind Ensemble
Erika Svanoe
9:00 pm WCBA Intercollegiate Honors Band Whitewater native and WHS alum Dr. Erika Svanoe, a nationally known and respected composer, will conduct the band. Included on the program is the world premiere of Svanoe’s “Bolerobot.”
On Saturday, the free concerts are –
10:00 am – Mosinee High School Symphonic Band
11:00 am – Muskego High School Wind Ensemble
“This is a GREAT opportunity to hear bands from across the state. It’s a real bonus to have a world premiere by Erika Svanoe! I hope many residents turn out to welcome her home and witness how gifted she is as a conductor and composer!”, stated UW-W Director of Bands Glenn C. Hayes.
Wolf Moon by Bev Bonge-Ganser at Little Ripley Lake
Tom Ganser writes, “I took a photo of January 13th’s full “Wolf Moon” shortly after its rising and shortly before its setting from Acorn Ridge. Bev sent me a photo she took of the “Wolf Moon” from our cabin’s porch facing Little Ripley Lake.”
Our thanks to Tom and Bev for sharing these beautiful pictures.
The full Moon has many different names throughout the year. We normally have 12 full Moons a year, each with its own informal nickname.
January’s full Moon is also called the Wolf Moon, because it’s thought wolves howled more at this time of year as there was less food in the middle of winter.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week’s winter view is of the west side of Whitewater Street, across from the depot. The photograph is one-half of an old stereocard from around 1880. The building in the foreground with the sign that says “Whitewater Hotel” is where the current “Sweet Spot” cafe is located. But, it is not the same building. The building seen in this photo burned down about 1890 and was replaced by the current building (the old 20th century Whitewater Hotel) in 1892.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
Uecker throwing out a pitch in 2011 – By Steve Paluch – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19924016
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today released the following statement regarding the passing of Bob Uecker: “I am saddened to hear of the passing of one of Wisconsin’s own, Mr. Baseball himself, the great Bob Uecker. For more than 50 years, Bob brought the magic of the ballpark to life for so many, and I am sure I speak for Brewers fans everywhere when I say we gladly would have had him for 50 more.
“He wasn’t just a comedian and a great announcer—Bob was a man of character and integrity. Throughout his career, he made countless contributions to the history and culture of Major League Baseball, and he was active in giving back to our communities and our state. Boy, we’re going to miss him.
“He was beloved, not just in Wisconsin but across the country. He was a giant, and I—like so many other lifelong Brewers fans—will miss hearing his enthusiasm and love for the game and our Brewers on the airwaves. It’s a sad day. Kathy and I are thinking of his family, friends, the Brew Crew, and all those who knew and loved Ueck. He will always be remembered.”
The following statement was released by Uecker’s family:
“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Bob. To many, he was an announcer and entertainer whose humor and voice transcended the game, but to us he was so much more. Bob faced a private battle with small cell lung cancer since early 2023, which he met with the same strength and resilience that defined him. Even in the face of this challenge, his enthusiasm for life was always present, never allowing his spirit to falter. He brought joy to countless listeners through his wit, charisma, and love for baseball, Milwaukee, and all of Wisconsin, creating a legacy that will forever be cherished. While his contributions to the game are noteworthy, it is his kindness, humility, and love for family and friends that we will hold closest to our hearts. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time as we grieve and celebrate the man we were so lucky to call ours.” — The family of Bob Uecker
In a statement released by the club, Uecker’s family said he had battled small cell lung cancer since early 2023. “Even in the face of this challenge, his enthusiasm for life was always present, never allowing his spirit to falter,” the family said.
This statement was released by the Milwaukee Brewers:
“Today, we take on the heaviest of burdens. Today, we say goodbye to our beloved friend, Bob Uecker. Ueck was the light of the Brewers, the soundtrack of our summers, the laughter in our hearts, and his passing is a profound loss. He was the heart and soul of Wisconsin and a dear friend. Bob loved people; his presence warmed every room and he had a way of welcoming all of us into his world as if we were lifelong friends. Saying goodbye to Bob shakes us all. He was so much more than a Milwaukee Brewers icon. He was a national treasure. Bob entertained us with his words and storytelling, so it is no surprise that his passing now leaves us at a loss for our own words There is no describing the impact Ueck had on so many, and no words for how much he was loved. We are left with a giant void in our hearts, but also remember the laughter and joy he brought to our lives throughout the years.” — Milwaukee Brewers
After retiring, Uecker started a broadcasting career and served as a play-by-play announcer for Milwaukee Brewersradio broadcasts from 1971. Uecker became known for his self-deprecating wit and became a regular fixture on late night talk shows in the 1970s and 1980s, facetiously dubbed “Mr. Baseball” by TV talk show host Johnny Carson. He hosted several sports blooper shows and had an acting career that included his role as George Owens on the television program Mr. Belvedere and as play-by-play announcer Harry Doyle in the film Major League and its two sequels.
….Prior to the 2021 season, Uecker had never signed an official written contract with the Brewers to do the team’s play-by-play, instead agreeing to do so via an undisclosed number of handshake agreements with either Bud Selig or Mark Attanasio, the owners of the team. He signed a contract in 2021, in order to be covered under the Brewers’ health insurance plan after cuts to his SAG-AFTRA benefits for acting work.[14][15]
From 2022 to 2024, Uecker teamed with Jeff Levering and Lane Grindle to call Brewers home games on WTMJ in Milwaukee and the Brewers Radio Network throughout Wisconsin.[16] He was well known for saying his catchphrase “Get up! Get up! Get outta here! Gone!” when a Brewers player hit a home run.[1
Senior Voice Recitals are scheduled for Thursday, January 16, and Friday, January 17 for two very talented WHS students. On Thursday, Alex Sullivan will take the stage, and Friday is Alex Clarksen’s voice recital. Both performances begin at 7:00 PM in the James M. Stewart Auditorium at WHS and are free of charge.
The students have worked hard all semester to prepare, and would love to see a large audience.
Information Courtesy of MacKenzie Gehrke Whitewater High School Vocal Music Teacher gehma01@wwusd.org
This past Friday evening, Jack Hefty was recognized as the Wisconsin Cross Country Coaches Association Division 2 Cross Country Runner of the Year. The following script was written and read aloud by the WCCCA Vice President Andy Lelinski:
“Jack Hefty notched wins in two of his three invitationals this year, at McCarty Park at the Bulldog Invitational to start the season, winning by 26 seconds, and under the lights at the Lake Mills Nightfall Classic, winning by 13 seconds and breaking 16 for the third consecutive time this season. Even his lone loss of the season is impressive–another sub 16 effort at the Midwest Invitational. His championship season consisted of nothing but victories: a 48 second victory at the Rock Valley Conference Championship, a 22 second victory at the Whitewater Sectional, and a five second victory at the state championship. Congratulations Jack, on capping your high school career with an impressive season, and on being the Division Two Boys Runner of the Year.”
Jack Hefty
Congratulations, Jack!
Article and Photo Submittted by Chad Carstens Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach ccarstens@wwusd.org
The Whitewater Historical Society is delighted to announce another upcoming Whitewater Recollects panel discussion. Everyone is welcome to come join the fun! This time, the topic is Whitewater’s high schools. A panel of Whitewater residents will share their memories of attending Whitewater High School at its various locations, and audience members are invited to share their memories as well. Come reminisce about what Whitewater High School was like thirty, forty, or even fifty years ago! This event will be held on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center (located at 341 S. Fremont Street, Whitewater). The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
The Whitewater Historical Society is dedicated to the collection, interpretation, and preservation of the history of Whitewater and surrounding areas. To learn more, visit www.whitewaterhistoricalsociety.org and Like us on Facebook! From May through October, Depot Museum hours are Tuesdays during the City Market and Saturdays 9 AM to 12:00 noon.
MANCHESTER, NH = Madelyn Fosen of Whitewater (53190) has been named to Southern New Hampshire University‘s (SNHU) Fall 2024 President’s List. The fall terms run from September to December.
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with a 92-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Now serving more than 200,000 learners worldwide, SNHU offers approximately 200 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH. Recognized as one of the “Most Innovative” regional universities by U.S. News & World Report and one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, SNHU is committed to expanding access to high quality, affordable pathways that meet the needs of each learner.
Congratulations Silvia Harris, Lucy Davis, Margaret Brown, and Grace Coleman for being selected to represent Whitewater High School at Badger Girls State in 2025!
Silvia Harris, Lucy Davis, Margaret Brown, and Grace Coleman
Badger Girls State is a program designed to develop leadership skills in high school students and train future stateswomen in the science of government. The program will be held at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh from June 15-20. Participants are chosen for their interest in the American Government and their outstanding qualities of leadership, character, cooperativeness, dependability, and participation in extracurricular activities. Thank you to the Whitewater American Legion and Whitewater Rotary Club for sponsoring our awesome delegates again this year! Congratulations!
Laura Masbruch (R) and her sister Jane at the game
As was previously announced on the Banner, on October 23 Laura Masbruch was surprised to learn at an all-school assembly that she had been honored with WI Most Valuable Educator Award from TDS Telecom. Masbruch was informed that TDS would be treating her to two tickets to a Packer game as well as the opportunity for around 25 students to travel with her to Lambeau on a charter bus for a tour with a Packers alum and lunch.
“Part I” of the Packers connection took place on January 5. Laura told The Whitewater Banner that she and her sister Jane “were treated to an experience…that included an indoor all you could eat/drink tailgate party, sideline passes for the pre-game warm-ups, and seats on the 50-yard line. TDS also sent us some Packer gear.”
The high school staff decided that the “Part II” trip would be one of the incentives to encourage students to maintain good attendance. The trip will be hosted by Masbruch on February 20.
Kate McNulty, WHS associate principal, told The Banner, “In line with our district goals, we are working to improve overall attendance and decrease habitual absenteeism. At WHS, our attendance goal for the 2024-25 school year is 95%. Last year our goal was 92% and we hit it easily, so we decided to increase it for this year. As a part of that goal, we are having a monthly incentive drawing for students who have [at least a] 95% attendance rate. Each month we’ve done different rewards for the drawings from lunch on us (we order pizza or subs), t-shirts, and special lunch privileges. As for the Packer fieldtrip, students who maintained a 95% attendance rate for the entire 1st semester will have that as an option to select.
We did hold a 95% attendance rate in September, October, and November but unfortunately due to lots of illness, we did dip to a little below 93% in December. The incentives alone are not to credit for this. Additionally, we are making a concerted effort to remind students and families about the value of attendance by regularly sharing Attendance Matters information through our webpage and parent newsletter. Additionally, we host bi-weekly meetings with the Student Services team to discuss attendance issues and monthly we have a district attendance task force consisting of leadership from each building that meets to problem solve challenges and develop consistent practices.”
