Ferradermis Finishes as Part of Third Place Alliance at Wisconsin Regional

UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena played host to fifty-four high school FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Teams from Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota from March 14 – 17, 2024. Wisconsin currently has sixty-six active FRC teams, and forty-four of them were playing in this tournament. Whitewater High School’s team, Ferradermis, is the only FRC team in the Rock Valley Conference.

The Ferradermis robot, Chief Lee the Tangerine, performed very well, going 7-3 in its ten qualification matches under Driver Andrew O’Toole, Operator Kay Mikos, Human Player Erison Dreksler, and Technician Nina Heim. The robot had undergone a major change in its shooting mechanism in the ten days between the Northern Lights Regional in Duluth and the team’s trip to Milwaukee, greatly improving the accuracy of the mechanism and making the robot a force to contend with on the field.

During qualification matches, the randomly assigned alliances of three robots are awarded ranking points – two for a win, one for a tie, one for scoring a minimum number of notes (orange rings), and one for achieving enough points in the end game, which is based on climbing on the stage (a structure with 3 chains). The #1 ranked robot, Team 6223 Arsenal of Engineering from Menomonee Falls High School earned a total of 28 ranking points during qualifications. Ferradermis earned a total of 19, placing them 16th in the overall rankings.

Emerson Dunham, the Game Strategy Subteam Lead for Ferradermis gratefully accepted a gracious invitation from Team 9535 The Knack from Lake Country School to join the #6 seeded playoff alliance along with Team 2194 Fondy Fire from Fond du Lac High School. The alliance played extremely well together, going 3-2 in the double-elimination tournament. Before losing to the alliance led by Team 1714 MORE Robotics from St Thomas More High School (the team that had been the #1 seed at the Northern Lights Regional in Duluth), the Ferradermis alliance managed to knock out the #1 seeded alliance along with the #5 seed and the #7 seed.

Working together throughout the weekend to support the team were Safety Captain Elora Wildermuth-Breitzman, Head Scouts Andrew Zimmermann, Zoe Olson, and Cyrus Hudec, Head Programmer Ace Hudec, pit crew member Luc Pomazak, videographer Margaret Brown, Ambassadors Cosette Wildermuth-Breitzman and Maddi LaHaie, and Scouts Belle Cohen, Rae Breisath, Chacha Binagi, Georgia Esch, Preston Miller, Carson Miller, and Toby Kapfer.  Ferradermis worked with an eight-team scouting alliance at this event including teams from Mukwonago, Muskego, Sheboygan, MSOE, New Berlin, Waukesha, and St. Thomas More. This was the largest scouting alliance we have ever formed, and it allowed us to use two sets of data gathering tablets for the first time, providing redundant data to help minimize the impact of any errors in data collection.

In addition to the work with the robot, students had many other opportunities to engage with others at the event. On the way into Milwaukee, the team stopped at Tailored Label Products in Menomonee Falls for a tour. This is where the team’s Head Coach Jacob Lee works as an engineer, and it was great for the students to gain a better understanding of his career path. Two of our students chose to sing in the team choir and performed the national anthem at opening ceremonies. Since our team had won the Impact Award in Duluth, Ferradermis was not allowed to compete for that award again in Milwaukee. However, our Impact Presentation Team organized an “Impact Exchange” where teams could come together to share ideas and help each other with their presentations. Ferradermis was honored to be one of two teams selected to do a live interview with WISN Channel 12 News in Milwaukee, so five of our team members put on a show with the robot in the pit and shared information about the Impact Award. Also at this event, the team got to see two more of its alumni, Reilly Aschenbrener and Daniel (Peter) Portwine giving back to the program by volunteering as robot inspectors.

Ferradermis could not do what it does without the many sponsorships it receives from businesses, individuals, and service organizations in and around Whitewater. The team was excited to be able to host two representatives from one of our Platinum-Iron Sponsors, MacLean Fogg Component Solutions, at this event.

The next stop for the team is the Midwest Regional at Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago, which will take place over Spring Break. Plans are also coming along nicely for the team’s trip to the FIRST Championships in Houston from April 16-21.  Thank you to the many individuals, businesses, and service organizations (56 at last count) who have come together to help the team fund this incredible experience! There are still many opportunities to help the team with their fundraising:

Attend the Ferradermis Bionic Bingo Night at The Real MacCoys on March 26 at 6 p.m. This event is hosted by the United Way of Jefferson and N Walworth Counties.

Dine at Rocky Rococo’s on April 9.

If you already shop at Kwik Trip, you can purchase Kwik Trip cards through the team at face value, and the team gets to keep a portion of the sale.

The WUSD Robotics Booster Club is running an online flower bulb sale.

Direct donations to the team can be made on the team’s website.

Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor
lmasbruch@wwusd.org

Vigil in Honor of Nex Benedict Tonight – Wednesday 8 p.m.

Editor’s Note: The following was shared by Whitewater Unites Lives.

According to an article on NPR, “Last month, nonbinary teenager Nex Benedict was found dead at home the day after an altercation at school, where they were attacked by a group of their classmates in a restroom.

Benedict, a 16-year-old Indigenous person who used both he/him and they/them pronouns according to friends and family, had been targeted by bullies at their Oklahoma high school because of their gender identity, according to Sue Benedict, who has been identified in various media reports as either Nex Benedict’s mother or their grandmother and guardian.”

Grundahl Receives ’24 Jostens Trophy – Top Award for Division III Women’s Basketball

Salem, Va. – University of Wisconsin-Whitewater senior forward Aleah Grundahl has been selected as the 2024 recipient of the Jostens Trophy – awarded to the top player in Division III. 

The Jostens Trophy
This marks the 26th edition of the Jostens Trophy, presented annually by the Rotary Club of Salem, Virginia. The Jostens Trophy is designed to recognize the most outstanding men’s and women’s Division III basketball players of the year. The awards focus on three major criteria: basketball ability, academic prowess, and service to one’s surrounding communities. The Jostens Trophy models the Rotary International motto of “Service Above Self” by recognizing those who truly fit the ideal of a well-rounded Division III student-athlete. 

In addition to the Trophy, the Woolridge Scholarship, a $1,000 donation, will be presented in the names of the winners to their institutions. The scholarship is named after Dan Woolridge, a Salem Rotarian and the retired commissioner that founded the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, for his long-time dedication to Division III athletics. 

The winners were chosen by a 29-person national selection committee composed of current and former athletic administrators and head coaches, past Jostens Trophy recipients, and select members of the Division III media. 

Aleah Grundahl
Grundahl, a native of DeForest, Wisconsin and product of DeForest High School, is the most-decorated basketball player in UW-Whitewater history. She has been a force since she first stepped foot onto the floor in a Warhawk uniform – starting in every game she was available for during her five-year career. Grundahl’s list of accolades and the heights she has led the UWW program to is nothing short of extraordinary. 

“Aleah does it all – it’s not just basketball – she is the total package,” said Head Coach Keri Carollo. “Aleah is not only a phenomenal player, she is a great teammate, a fantastic leader and an amazing person.”

Grundahl, a two-time captain for UWW, has focused on team success throughout her career. She led the Warhawks to three Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles (2020, 2022, 2023), a league tournament title (2023) and five NCAA Division III Basketball Tournament appearances (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024). Those five appearances include runs to the national title game (2022), the Elite 8 (2024) and the Sweet 16 (2023). 

Individually, Grundahl has accomplished a number of “firsts” and broken several records along the way. She is the first to be named the WIAC Player of the Year three times (2022-24) in league history, the first UWW basketball player to garner six All-America honors, and the first in UW-W history to receive the Jostens Trophy. Grundahl became the all-time leading scorer for UW-Whitewater and the WIAC during the 2023-24 campaign with a career total of 1,952 points. In addition to scoring records, Grundahl holds numerous top 20 marks in the program and WIAC record books.  

The list of individual accolades continued to grow throughout her career despite her humble personality and team-centric mindset. Grundahl was selected as the league’s Newcomer of the Year in 2020 and has been selected to the All-WIAC squads all five seasons. She has earned Region 9 Player of the Year honors twice from D3hoops.com, was the 2022-23 UW-Whitewater Student-Athlete of the Year and was honored as the Athlete of the Year by the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association. On the national stage, Grundahl is a six-time All-American earning honors from the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association and D3hoops.com three times each. A two-time WBCA All-Star, Grundahl’s jersey has been hung at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Ring of Honor for the last year. 

Equally as impressive is Grundahl’s list of academic accomplishments. She was named the WIAC Judy Kruckman Scholar-Athlete of the Year for women’s basketball – an award that also focuses on athletics, academics and community service. Grundahl is a five-time Chancellor’s Scholar, five-year honoree on the WIAC’s Scholastic Honor Roll and has been recognized on the Dean’s List her entire collegiate career. 

In service to the university and surrounding community, Grundahl is a four-year member of the UW-Whitewater Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, a volunteer at Fairhaven Senior Services and has been student and substitute teaching this academic year. 

Grundahl will graduate with a degree in Elementary Education with a certification in Adaptive Education in May. 

“Aleah is the epitome of a Division III student-athlete,” noted Athletic Director Ryan Callahan. “Her career accomplishments in basketball – especially while student and substitute teaching this season – along with her success in the classroom, strong leadership qualities and community involvement put her in a class of her own.”

UW-W Men’s Wheelchair Basketball Wins National Championship


By Chris Lindeke, UW-W Communications Manager / Photos courtesy of Southwest Minnesota State University

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s wheelchair basketball team earned its 14th national title in program history by winning the National Wheelchair Basketball Association Men’s College Championship on March 14-16, 2024, at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, Minnesota.

The Warhawks punctuated a perfect 3-0 record through the tournament with a 74-67 victory against top-seeded Arizona in the final game to pick up the program’s first national championship since 2016.

“We have all worked so hard over the past two years for this moment – the staff and the players,” coach Jake Williams said. “When you reach your goal and actually achieve it, that feels like the most satisfying part.

“We knew the whole Warhawk family was behind us – some of them were actually waiting for us at our practice facility when we got back. It was amazing to have that welcome home.”

Evan Oberst and Thomas Oberst, general business majors from Hartland, combined for 52 points in the championship game. Evan scored 23 points and added five rebounds and five assists, while Thomas finished with 29 points and team highs of 16 rebounds and nine assists.

Thomas Oberst receives the championship game Most Valuable player award from NWBA leadership.

Thomas Oberst was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.

UW-Whitewater started its run March 14 with an 81-59 win against Southwest Minnesota State and punched its ticket to the title contest March 15 with a 74-58 triumph against Alabama in the semifinals.

“We really played our best basketball toward the end of the season, which is exactly what we wanted – we peaked at the right time,” Williams said. “We also knew we had great support from our alumni. We know winning means a lot to them, so that helps drive us to give everything.”

AJ Fitzpatrick and his UW-Whitewater teammates celebrate following the Warhawks’ win against Arizona in the NWBA national championship game on March 16, 2024.

The team’s regular season journey – which began with a home tournament on Dec. 1-2, 2023, at Kachel Fieldhouse in Whitewater – helped prepare the team for the tournament.

“We made some big improvements over this past season,” Williams said. “I noticed how well we grew together as a team, formed strong bonds, and learned to play for each other. We also developed mental toughness, which helps in the big games like the ones this past weekend.”

Williams now sets his sights on the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, which are set for Aug. 28-Sept. 8. 

Five Warhawks competed along with Williams for the gold medal-winning Team USA last summer at the 2023 Parapan American Games in Santiago, Chile. AJ Fitzpatrick, a human performance major from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Talen Jourdan, a general business major from Deerfield, and Warhawk alums John Boie and Jeromie Meyer were part of that team.

All five hope to be selected for the Paris 2024 roster, which will be announced in early April.

Chamber of Commerce Seeks Awards Nominations & Announces Annual Awards Dinner

Whitewater Chamber of Commerce Seeks 2023 Chamber Awards Nominations & Announces 2024 Annual Awards Dinner: A Celebration of Collaboration and Community Building

The Whitewater Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce its much-anticipated Annual Awards Dinner, scheduled for April 19, 2024. Held at Chamber partner, Country Inn & Suites in Fort Atkinson, WI, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., this event promises an evening of celebration, camaraderie, and recognition of outstanding contributions to the local business community.

To embrace the spirit of collaboration and community building, the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce seeks nominations from the Whitewater community for our annual Chamber Awards. Your input is invaluable! We want to honor the many individuals, businesses, and organizations that help Whitewater thrive. This year’s awards are: Good Neighbor, Service Excellence, Lifetime Impact, Discover Whitewater Tourism, and Community Spirit. Nominate your favorites HERE. Please fill out the form by Thursday, March 28th. If you have any questions, contact the Chamber at (262) 473-4005.

“We are thrilled to host the Annual Awards Dinner once again, celebrating the resilience, innovation, and dedication of our local business community,” said Lisa Dawsey Smith, Board President of the Whitewater Chamber of Commerce. “This event is not only a celebration of the individuals, businesses, and organizations that make Whitewater unique, but also serves as an opportunity to connect and inspire collaboration for the continued growth and prosperity of Whitewater.”

The Whitewater Chamber of Commerce extends a warm invitation to all members, partners, and community stakeholders to join the 2024 Annual Awards Dinner. The evening promises fun, connection, and celebration.

Click here for more information and to reserve your seat.

About Whitewater Chamber of Commerce:

The Whitewater Chamber of Commerce serves the area’s local businesses through business education, referrals, advocacy, and networking opportunities. The Chamber also strives to bring business owners and the community together through events and promotions. Our membership of businesses and individuals is dedicated to showcasing Whitewater as the perfect place to live, learn, work, play, and dream.

For questions about the Annual Dinner, contact: Karin Silvius, Director of Membership & Operations at info@whitewaterchamber.com

For questions about the Chamber Awards, contact: Katy Wimer, Director of Content & Communications at tourism@discoverwhitewater.org262-473-4005

Youth Baseball and Softball Registration Deadline Nears


With the registration deadline fast approaching, Whitewater Parks and Recreation is urging families to sign up for its recreational youth baseball and softball programs, conducted in partnership with the Quad County League.

The Quad County League, consisting of teams from neighboring communities, offers an exceptional platform for young athletes to partake in friendly competition while teaching essential values such as teamwork, sportsmanship, and skill development. The program, designed to nurture both athletic skills and player character, is ideal for children in grades 2 through 8.

As the deadline of April 5, 2024, draws near, interested families are encouraged to register their children promptly to secure their spots in the league. This is an invaluable opportunity for youth to engage in structured physical activity, foster friendships, and learn crucial life skills through the joy of sport.

The league, organized at different grade levels, ensures fair play by assigning each team a dedicated volunteer head coach and evenly splitting teams based on talent, in accordance with league rules. Participants will enjoy a schedule of games on weekday evenings, with makeup games scheduled for Fridays.

Moreover, an end-of-season league tournament in mid-July promises excitement and a chance for players to showcase their skills and teamwork.

To participate, families can visit www.wwparks.org for registration and additional information. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enrich your child’s life through the thrill of baseball and softball. Register now before the April 5 deadline!

About Whitewater Parks and Recreation:
Whitewater Parks and Recreation is committed to providing diverse recreational opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities in the Whitewater community. Through innovative programming and collaborative partnerships, we strive to promote physical activity, social interaction, and overall well-being.

TMJ4: UW-W athletes bring joy and laughter to Fairhaven Senior Services with bingo games

Nancy Cooper enjoying bingo with a football player [Submitted photos]

Only a small representation of the Fairhaven participants is shown in this photo taken after a bingo game with the football players.

TMJ4 broadcast this story on March 1. Please click this link to view the video.

With spring ball on the horizon for UW-Whitewater, the Warhawks football team has been ramping up the competition this offseason.

However, it’s not by getting in extra lifts or field work at Perkins Stadium.

The program spent an afternoon at Fairhaven Senior Services playing bingo with its residents.

“We’ve been doing this since I’ve been a freshman,” senior fullback Drake Martin smiled. “It’s a whole lot of fun. Just, you know, the conversations you have and the people you meet.”

UW-Whitewater’s relationship with Fairhaven’s residents spans more than a decade.

“It’s good to connect with the community because they always come out and support us,” senior defensive end Cole Yocum expressed. “Usually in the fall, they always come out to practice, come watch us practice and they love it. It gives them something to do.”

Over the years, the two groups have participated in a variety of activities together including dog treat making, and various arts and crafts.

“Sitting back and being able to see the interactions between the residents, that’s what it’s all about,” Fairhaven Director of Marketing and Leisure Services Brian Robinson shared. “Whether they’re a student athlete, a student, just being able to see and hear these engagements, it’s what I come to work for, what coach allows them to come here for. It just warms [the heart].”

While the Warhawks Football team has built their program on serving others, bingo is just a small token for the residents who have given them so much in return.

“It just gives you something to play for,” Yocum added. “(It’s a) little extra motivation to have their support and everything.”

Fairhaven’s relationship with UW-Whitewater stretches even farther than just with the Warhawks’ Football team.

More than a dozen different groups stretching from athletic teams to even academic departments engage with Fairhaven’s residents on a regular basis.

For more information on how to volunteer at Fairhaven Senior Services, contact Brian Robinson at robinsonb@fairhaven.org.

Preschool Process Art Classes at the Library

The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library has two sessions of Little Makers, a process art program for children ages 2-6, coming up. The class allows children to explore and experiment with different art materials, tools, and techniques which help develop their fine motor skills, critical thinking, social/emotional development, and more. 

The classes will be held on Thursday, March 21 and Thursday, April 4 at 9:30-10:30 a.m. and are free and open to the public. The class does get messy, so dress accordingly.

The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Contact Sarah French with questions at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-458-2782. For a full listing of the library’s events, visit whitewaterlibrary.org.

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Landmark Trek Visits the Curious House on the Corner

This month, Landmark Trek visits the Bassett House on the corner of Main Street and North Prairie. Have you ever wondered who lives there or who owns it? What does it looks like on the inside? Why is its architecture so classic? Take a look at the new Landmark Trek – Episode 8 – The Bassett House to find out.

Please click here to view the video, or scroll down and click on the arrow.



This Week’s City & School Board Meetings (Updated with CDA)

Updated 3/18/24 at 11:45 p.m. to add Community Development Authority meeting information.

City of Whitewater Ethics Committee – Monday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes CLOSED SESSION (possibly followed by open session) Findings of the Preliminary Investigation- Attorney Mark Kapocius
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 click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84704938572?pwd=eB6OvfSfHUUxTgN5kokNfb8I9kePog.rU3lE9SZPaa-5Oxv
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 847 0493 8572
Passcode: 566004

Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Monday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda: District Leadership Team
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street

Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.CLOSED SESSION to discuss the conduct of a specific certified staff member.
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6:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89382637471?pwd=bDdhSFlZbFBaVUttV0x2bjgydVNqZz09
– Passcode: 001181
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 893 8263 7471
– Passcode: 001181
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Closed Session
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7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online — OPEN SESSION
Agenda includes possible action on closed session discussion,  Moment of Silence for Juliette Horner
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83679735869?pwd=Y0MwV2NFUDlialZ2WStNc1N0QzhOZz09
– Passcode: 454470
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 836 7973 5869
– Passcode: 454470

Irvin L. Young Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Library Building Project update: Presentation by Studio GC, Action regarding the Capital Campaign Funds held by the Whitewater Community Foundation, and Review of the 2023 Annual Report.
Library Community Room 431 West Center
*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 meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81996977532?pwd=ZzVUMTNKZCszdXI5VkVYREVNZUVHdz09
Telephone: +1 312 626 6700
Meeting ID: 819 9697 7532
Passcode: qY3DPqr2

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes CLOSED SESSION Regarding City Manager’s employment performance, followed by open session which includes Discuss and possible action regarding City Manager’s employment performance, Lakes advisory committee update, TDS city fees, Update on the Strategic Plan and Goals, First reading of Ordinance 2024-O01 an ordinance regarding Mobile Home Community Special Assessments, Second Reading of Ordinance 2079 an ordinance regarding revisions to Chapter 12.22 Construction Standards Adopted, in particular special assessment costs assessed to property owners for sidewalk repair/replacement, and Discussion and possible action of installing a Safe Haven Baby Box at the Fire Department.
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/88466723171?pwd=wrI_Sb4PeHYlPhSlnAZagy-dUaNkdQ.HBti9PD42ZY_ByLt
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799
Webinar ID: 884 6672 3171
Passcode: 417817

City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Lakes Advisory Committee Update and various proposed improvements at WAFC.
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/82751359324?pwd=cmFPMzY5RGdCMWxWeS9zTkduUmVFUT09
Meeting ID: 827 5135 9324
Passcode: 449183
Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action regarding Request for Proposals (RFP) for the redevelopment of property acquired by the City located at 216 East Main Street, Update regarding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Whitewater University Technology Park, Inc. and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with respect to operation and use of the City of Whitewater Innovation Center and Technology Park, and Update regarding potential development of residential housing on vacant land owned by Pearson Hale Farm LLC located on Warner Road (Kristen Fish-Peterson)
(In-Person & Virtual)
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St.
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/83030596771?pwd=ir1ReFk1Y15e_rxnM0unkOZ9b5atxw.2V7SLtb6p6ZxmW5l
Passcode: 286627
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 830 3059 6771
Passcode: 286627

Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda has not been posted as of 3/17.