The City of Whitewater is thrilled to announce the launch of Christmas at Cravath, a month-long holiday celebration that promises to fill the season with joy, wonder, and community spirit. From December 6, 2024, through January 6, 2025, Cravath Lakefront Park will be transformed into a winter wonderland, featuring festive lights, activities, and events for the whole family to enjoy.
Friday, December 6th
Parade of Lights: Begins at 6:00 p.m., downtown Whitewater and ends at Cravath Lakefront Park. The park will be officially lit at the end of the parade.
Holiday Market: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., Cravath Lakefront Building. Local vendors offering holiday gifts, treats, and crafts.
Saturday, December 14th
Family Fun with Santa: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., Cravath Lakefront Building. Meet Santa, enjoy seasonal crafts, and participate in festive activities.
Friday, December 20th
Chili Cook-Off: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Cravath Lakefront Building. Register now to compete by emailing jjackson@whitewater-wi.gov.
The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area is honored to announce that Whitewater resident Camden Harlan has been selected to receive the League’s 2024 Making Democracy Work award for her outstanding leadership as President of Whitewater Pride for the last five years, working to create civil discourse in our community. The Whitewater Pride Rally that she organizes is a seminal event that brings our community together to support LGBTQ+ values of peace, love, and understanding. The League’s Making Democracy Work Award recognizes citizens who strive to make their community a safer and fairer place in which to live.
A public reception celebrating Camden’s advocacy for diversity, equity and inclusion with an emphasis on engaging youth and the community in social justice action will be held Sunday, December 1, 2 PM – 4 PM, at the Prairie Village Community Center, located at Prairie Village on County U and Fremont Street in Whitewater. Refreshments will be served.
Please join us on December 1st in honoring Camden. Camden has worked in the field of education for 22 years: first in Woodstock, IL for 18 years, and then Greenfield High School, and at Whitewater High School, where she served as the faculty advisor for the Whitewater Gay-Straight Alliance. She is now a member of the Academic Instructional Staff in the Department of Communication at UW-Whitewater. In addition to volunteering her time as President of Whitewater Pride, Camden also serves as the Recording Secretary of the Whitewater Arts Alliance (effective in January), a Board of Trustees member for the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, and on the steering committee member for Be Kind Whitewater.
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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!
Editor’s Note: The following interview was done by Marjorie Stoneman on behalf of Whitewater Unites Lives.
Tony Aranda is well-known in Whitewater for his dedication, passion and leadership of the Whitewater Youth Soccer Club (Whitewater United FC), a local parent-driven organization that welcomes soccer players from ages 4 to 17.
Soccer is his passion. He said, “I feel that is where I really help the community. It’s something I’ve been doing since 2008.”
Tony Aranda came to the United States from Guanajuato, Mexico at age 10, and has made Whitewater his home ever since. In Mexico, baseball was his sport. In fact, he tried to set up baseball games at Twin Oaks as a youngster. He never played soccer in Mexico, but learned at recess in America. One of the local coaches (Pedro Duran) needed players so he asked him to play. Thus, Tony’s soccer passion began at about age 13.
As a youngster, he participated in the soccer club he now coaches. He was inspired by all of his coaches who really helped students. One of his coaches was Richard Telfer, who to him was a coach and dad to one of the players (Gavin) – he didn’t find out until later that he was the chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at that time. Dr. Telfer and other coaches drove him to and from soccer, and Tony remembers that was key to his participation – both of his parents worked so the rides were crucial. Now he pays it forward by driving his soccer players to games.
Tony Aranda, Co-Owner of ARANDA
Since age 14 Tony has always played soccer and worked. He is the sixth of 11 children, and wanted to make sure to help his parents. At age 14 he had one newspaper route (The Janesville Gazette) that he later expanded into four routes. At age 16 he worked at an egg farm in Cold Spring. He cleaned buildings and worked the weekends to relieve the regular full-time staff. He worked to pay for his own soccer shoes, clothing etc. His many jobs included working at a restaurant, a financial company as well as translating for the owner of a landscaping company.
His goal as a teen was to be the first in his family to graduate from high school. After graduation in 2000, he went to work at an asbestos-removal business in the Milwaukee area. He realized how physically difficult the job was, and decided he wanted to go to school.
Tony has many wonderful memories of Whitewater community members. Roni Telfer spent time with him and planted a seed – she offered to help him secure a scholarship to attend UW-Whitewater at Rock County and then UW-Whitewater.
“I love Whitewater. I’ve been to Florida, California and visited many other states but there is something special about Whitewater. It’s a small town that is also a big city,” said Tony.
Tony attended UW-Rock and then UW-Whitewater for about two and a half years, and then had to determine how to handle work, school and then having a newborn. He made the tough decision to stop attending school but was grateful for the experience. He now works for the Water Department at the City of Whitewater and co-owns ARANDA, a clothing store at 177 West Main Street that also specializes in custom-made clothing and personalized jerseys. He also manages family-owned rental properties in the Whitewater community.
Tony’s dad came to the United States when he was 16 and worked in many states as a seasonal worker. He applied for the amnesty offered during the Reagan administration, became a resident, and then began applying to bring his family. Tony lived with his grandmother in Mexico for two years until his father was able to bring him to the U.S. He remembers that his mom left to come to the U.S. before he did, and when she called him to talk he was so happy. He said, “I was excited about what I heard – that being in the states allowed many opportunities.” Tony became a United States Citizen at age 18. He took the test and thought it was very simple, because he had learned most of it at school.
He said, “I remember Whitewater having a very supportive community.” One of those supporters was Jim Winship. “I remember him helping our families. He would try to bring the Hispanic community together and help with food and toys. I remember people like this and it makes me want to continue giving back,” said Tony.
His family first lived in Twin Oaks. He didn’t speak English when he arrived, but he remembers learning so much from his ESL teachers at Lakeview Elementary School and then at Washington Elementary School.
It wasn’t until Middle School that he realized not everyone liked him because of where he was from. “This is not the America I thought it was at 10 years old.” So he decided, instead of sticking with people that looked like him he would reach out and step out of his comfort zone. He said, “We should reach out to people too. We don’t have to wait for them to reach out.”
Now as a soccer coach, he encourages young people to reach out to other students.
Tony is a board member and coach for Whitewater United FC, the local Whitewater youth soccer club. The club has more than 50 players under age 8. “When it comes to helping the community I’m not only focused on kids whose lives were like mine, I want to help coach everyone,” he said.
Whitewater United FC is a volunteer parent-run organization in Whitewater, Wisconsin that provides select and recreational soccer opportunities for kids aged 4-17. For the recreational soccer program, there are no tryouts or “cuts.” All properly registered players will play. The teams are organized by age group and play either locally (non-traveling), or in a county-wide traveling league called the Stateline District and the Select teams play in SECL. Other members of this league include Big Foot, Burlington, Delavan, East Troy, Elkhorn, Lake Geneva, and Williams Bay. The Whitewater teams play games on Saturdays and generally practice no more than two nights per week.
Tony invites other adults to volunteer for Whitewater Youth Soccer or other groups. He said, “Adults need to shape the community by shaping young ones. We should never give up on our youth. Adults need to plant a seed, and some harvest takes longer, but we need to plant – especially for those in need.”
More information about Whitewater United FC can be found at whitewatersoccer.com
Connie Jean Sukowski embarked on her next big adventure on the evening of Friday, November 8, 2024.
Connie enjoyed decades of adventures with friends and family. She spent 36 years teaching 2nd and 3rd grade students in the Palmyra Eagle School District, working alongside many cherished colleagues and friends.
Connie and her husband, Patrick Theodore Sukowski, shared 55 and a half years of marriage. Together they raised four children: Peter, Allan, Ann and Kevin Sukowski. She took great joy in watching her five grandchildren grow into amazing adults: Sonora Sukowski, Brianne Hebbe, Jared Gundrum-Sukowski, Nolan Causey, and Lore Lai Schimmel. She was privileged to be a great-grandparent to Noah and Maddie Hebbe, as well as twins Kailey and Jacob Drews.
Connie remained active throughout her life, playing in the Palmyra Community Band and serving on the Library Board. Connie and Pat were both heavily involved in the American Legion and 40 & 8. She contributed to the community through book sales at the library, blood drives, pancake breakfasts, and many other activities.
Connie follows her parents, Marge and Walt Whetlow, her grandparents, Nana and Baba and countless others on the next adventure.
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 5:00 pm at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St. Whitewater, WI with a time for visiting starting at 4:00 pm. Rev. Stephen Blyth will be officiating.
A special farewell from her husband: “Good night Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are” (Jimmy Durante Show 1959)
City of Whitewater Police and Fire Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m. Agenda includes Fire Chief report, Police Chief report to include a review of the Fitch & Associates staffing study, COPS Hiring Program (CHP) grant award and the consideration of a Public Safety referendum. Also executive session, to reconvene in open session: Probationary EMT/Firefighter Employment Update and Presentation of EMT/Firefighter Paid on Call Candidates for Certification. 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 the webinar: Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/871025725 You can also dial in using your phone. Access Code: 871-025-725 United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Irvin L. Young Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m. Agenda includes Discussion and possible action for hiring a woodworker and mobile mill and setting a limit on the expense of the project [presumably related to making a bench(es?) from the removed oak tree.] Cravath Lakefront Conference Room 312 W 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 the webinar: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87584294638?pwd=I1JYihaoTz3OCbXgmlNMJVcSrU5MyW.1 Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US Meeting ID: 875 8429 4638 Passcode: qT2AAhXV
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m. Agenda includes Public Hearing regarding 2025 City of Whitewater Budget, Update on Absentee Ballot numbering process, Discussion and Possible Action regarding the Starin Park Water Tower Referendum Results, Discussion and Possible Action regarding the Approval of Proposed Scope of Services for Phase Two of the Comprehensive Lake Management Plan for Cravath and Trippe Lakes with Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, and Discussion and Possible Action regarding Selection of Communications Consultant. 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/86490332854?pwd=g9UPZLBOEWx3xBFLgmFxrnYDhvpjYo.1 Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US Webinar ID: 864 9033 2854 Passcode: 650398
City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m. Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on amending Whitewater Municipal Code 19.12 Subsection 19.12.010 to add exemption for dogs on a leash while in the Whitewater Bark Park, Discussion and Possible Action on Capital Campaign implementation for WAFC upgrades, Discussion and Possible action on recommendation to contract Southport Engineered Systems to make upgrades to the HVAC system at the WAFC in the amount of $276,100 for work to be completed in 2025. 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. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83183855655?pwd=8rCtMOhf0iba96DXxEBNd8cbTRx1Sm.1 Meeting ID: 831 8385 5655 Passcode: 603923 One tap mobile +13126266799,,83183855655#,,,,*603923# US (Chicago)
City of Whitewater Joint Review Board – Thursday @ 11:00 a.m. Agenda The meeting will be held at the Whitewater City Hall, located at 312 W. Whitewater Street Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/626359165 You can also dial in using your phone. Access Code: 626-359-165 United States: +1 (224) 501-3412 Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m. Agenda includes closed session, to reconvene: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Development Agreement With Tanis Properties, LLC and Update regarding status of Ideawake/Inventalator Loan. 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 the webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86898444845?pwd=HaeR_EA__X9LSKF-6xvSGw474nN0kA.LjGroTDLCXK7hsn3 Or Telephone: Dial +1 312 626 6799 US Webinar ID: 868 9844 4845 Passcode: 009557
UW-Whitewater poses with the WIAC Tournament trophy and banner (Steve Frommell)
By Angela Kelm Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Oshkosh, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater volleyball team took down top-seeded UW-Oshkosh in a five-set thriller to claim the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament title for the third straight season. The Warhawks secured the league’s automatic bid into the NCAA Division III Championship with the win setting blocking records along the way. The 3-2 victory featured set scores of 20-25, 25-14, 20-25, 25-18 and 15-12 for the program’s 19th league tournament title.
It was a purple block party in Oshkosh Saturday night — UWW registered 21.0 total blocks as a team breaking the program record for blocks in a single match. That mark is also the most by any Division III team this season. Both middle hitters, Hannah Proctor and Abbie Dix, registered double digit blocks in the match with 10 and 11 respectively.
The Titans used a 6-1 midset run to open up a 19-12 advantage leading to the first set win.
The Warhawks responded in a big way. The offense hit .500 in set two while the defense held UWO to a .000 attack efficiency. An 8-1 run in the middle of the set gave UWW a 13-7 lead. The Warhawks capped the set scoring seven of the last eight points. The final point came on a huge Jenna Weinfurt and Proctor block.
Set three went the Titans’ way but, once again, UWW had the response. The Warhawks held UWO to a hitting percentage of .041 in the fourth while the offense limited errors. A huge 8-0 run opened up a 19-8 lead for UW-Whitewater. Weinfurt and Dix teamed up for a block while Dix joined Aubrie Krzus on another in the run. All three added a kill in the series. Proctor put the finishing touches on the set with a kill to force the decisive fifth set.
The fifth was a nail-biter with the Titans pushing a lead to 10-7 on a four-point spurt. Like they had been doing the whole match, the Warhawks used a big block to sway momentum in UWW’s favor. Dix teamed with Chloe Werner to spark a run. Following a Titan point, UW-Whitewater ran off the next six to force match point, 14-11. The run featured three consecutive blocks — Alayna Jansky and Dix on the first followed by a solo from Dix and finally a Krzus and Dix double that made it 12-11. A Titan miscue made it 13-11 and a Jansky kill gave UWW match point.
UWO pushed a second match point but Dix pounded down a kill for the final point of the match.
Jansky led UWW with 18 kills while Weinfurt added 17. Dix added 10 kills in the contest. Krzus tallied 49 assists and added six blocks.
Jaedynn Evans bolstered the defense with a match-high 24 digs while Jansky posted 14 and Ally Longden had 10.
The Warhawks automatically qualify for the NCAA Division III Championship and will find out where they are headed, or if they are staying in Whitewater, during the NCAA Selection Show set for noon Monday.
Makayla Bazeley capped off her high school swim career at the WIAA State Meet in Waukesha on Friday, November 15, with two medals! Makayla swam to a 2nd place finish and new school record in the 200 Freestyle in a time of 1:54.44 and a 3rd place finish in the 100 Backstroke in a time of 57.72. Congratulations, Makayla, on an amazing season and swim career!
Article and Photos Courtesy of Sarah Reynolds Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
Jeanine Fassl writes, “Taking advantage of the wonderful Fall weather we’ve been having allowed us to dig up the cannas we planted at the Cravath Lakefront Park, this spring. We were both amazed at how productive they were. We are showing only some of the bounty that cannas create each season. Should any readers care to try planting these, in the spring of ’25, please call Rick to pick some up.”
Our thanks to Jeanine and Rick Fassl for sharing their bountiful photos.
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