Editor’s Note: The following press release was provided by Whitewater Art Alliance.
The City of Whitewater and the Whitewater Arts Alliance will present two free workshops in tandem with the concert series Savory Sounds at the Cultural Arts Center, 402 West Main Street from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on June 23 and July 21. Led by music therapist Noelle Larson, young children, parents, and caregivers can learn adaptive coping strategies for home and school by using music, movement, and art.
Participants must register for the events to attend, and can do so through the City webpage www.wwparks.org. Registration deadlines are June 21 and July 19.
After the workshop, participants are invited to stay for the Savory Sounds musical performances and lunches. On June 23, The Brothers Quinn will be playing celtic, rock, country, and bluegrass with food vendor La Preferida on location. On July 21, Ken Lonnquist and Friends will be playing family friendly music with food vendor Rocky Rococo on location.
After enjoying the music and lunch, participants are also invited to explore the exhibits at the Cultural Arts Center. For June’s exhibit, “Explorations: Photographs by Jeff McDonald” and “Around and Around” by Mary Nevicosi will be coming to a close. July features photography by the community to honor the late Fran Achen with the 13th Annual Fran Achen Photography Competition.
The Cultural Arts Center is located on 402 West Main Street in the historic White building near the Birge Fountain. Parking is behind the building. An elevator is available for access from the parking lot entrance.
Big thanks to our sponsors!
And to all sponsors who wish to remain anonymous!
The mission of the Whitewater Arts Alliance is to promote the visual and performing arts through an alliance of artists, individuals, educational resources, and organizations to promote creativity and diversity that will serve to educate and enrich the lives of the residents of the Whitewater community and surrounding areas.
Steve Watson writes, “On my Saturday (June 4) morning walk, I watched this young bald eagle watching a family of ducks swimming by on Cravath Lake. No ducks were harmed during this photo event.”
Our thanks to Steve Watson for sharing another observation made with his “eagle eye.”You may be interested in the information on this link that describes the progression of a bald eagle’s coloring, with its head and neck gradually turning to pure white over a period as long as eight years.
— 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!
Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by March for Our Lives.
In light of the tragedy at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, TX, supermarket mass shooting in Buffalo, NY, and so many others, March For Our Lives is demanding action by returning to our roots — it’s time for another March For Our Lives. Since we last marched for gun violence prevention in 2018, we passed lifesaving legislation in states across the country. It’s time to hit the streets once again.
We are calling for a March For Our Lives on Saturday, June 11, demanding that President Biden and lawmakers take action immediately to stop the gun violence epidemic. Organizers from across the nation will be putting on local marches and the national organization will produce a high-impact, high-volume March in DC.
The local march with speakers will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2:00 p.m. at the Elkhorn Town Square on sidewalks around the war memorials. This local rally is one of more than 300 taking place simultaneously across the United States, organized by the March For Our Lives and Everytown organizations.
Front Row Left to Right: Joanie McGowan, Sue Halbach, Mary Braun, Jerre Sveum Back Row Left to Right: Pam Bakken, Renee Barr, Stephani Hoffmann (De Anda Levine and Michael Wintz were unable to attend)
The following Whitewater Unified School District staff members were congratulated on their retirement and thanked for their years of service at a celebration hosted by the district at Willow Brook Golf Course on Thursday, June 2.
Pamela Bakken – Lincoln 2nd Grade Teacher Renee Barr – Washington Special Education Teacher Mary Braun – District Wide Speech/Language Pathologist Susan Halbach – Lincoln 3rd Grade Teacher Stephani Hoffmann – Washington 1st Grade Teacher De Anda Levine – High School Registrar/Student Services Secretary Joanie McGowan – Middle School 8th Grade Teacher Jerelene Svem – Lakeview Library Paraprofessional Michael Wintz – High School Technology Education Teacher
Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Whitewater Dementia Friendly Community Initiative (DFCI)
by Jean Caucutt A diagnosis of any devastating disease is difficult. When the disease has no cure or any hope of a cure, it can leave one without hope. For Ted and me that diagnosis came over three years ago. It is my hope that my words will provide ways to deal with a dementia diagnosis and ways to be sensitive to the needs of those who care for loved ones who suffer.
The main goal and objective for me was to preserve Ted’s dignity as the disease progressed. I retired from full-time work to care for him and made sure he was safe not only from bodily harm but from many who did not understand the disease. Ted looked like Ted. People would say, Ted seems fine to me. (Oh, that hurt.)
The support provided by the Alzheimer’s Association as well as the Aging and Disability Resource Center was welcome and appreciated. Family and friends, our church and former colleagues as well as neighbors all stepped up to support us in several ways. Visits, calls, meals, notes, gift cards — even a walk and talk– helped us with the journey. Friends and family would go for a walk with Ted or take him for a ride or for a meal at a fast food restaurant. This allowed me a time to breathe and to relax before the task of constant watchcare would again take over. One friend in particular made a commitment to me that he would support in any way by coming to be with Ted. Many times I would call him in a pinch, and he would be there. “Rockin’ Respite” day care in Whitewater and All-Day Adult Care in Delavan provided great care for Ted.
Libraries in our area became “Purple Angels” (certified dementia-friendly sites) to take refuge for an outing. Summer concerts in the park were a favorite place to spend time. Memory Cafes allowed good social activities and relationships with others facing the same challenges. Support groups — both in-person and online — helped along the journey. I read books and joined online chats with Teepa Snow & Dr. Natali Edmonds (Dementia Careblazers). The advice and support gave me the courage needed to get up every day and move forward. Social workers from hospice care, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the ADRC provided much needed support.
When the time came that Ted needed 24-hour care, he was moved into Glenwood at Mulberry. What a blessing this family of caregivers were to Ted and to his family. As we spent the last week with him before he passed into eternity, the kind care and genuine love for Ted and his family touched all of us in a special way. A new type of grief began after Ted passed away. We mourn him but rejoice that he is at peace with his Lord.
By Lynn Binnie Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
At the May 24 meeting of the Whitewater Unified School District School Board, President Thayer Coburn prefaced the public comment section with an approximate seven minute statement from the board, stating, “The school board is concerned about the recent staff and administrative resignations in the Whitewater Unified School District. Research shows that long term educators boost student achievement. Nothing can replace the years of experience not to mention the personal connections and institutional knowledge that is leaving our district. We understand the long term impact this could have and are committed to doing what we can to reverse the trend.”
Coburn indicated that the board is conducting exit interviews with departing employees to get the full picture as to why they are leaving. Though the board recognizes that some factors are beyond their control, the board is committed to addressing those factors that are within their control. These include “unmanageable workloads. Educating Whitewater’s high needs population which is uniquely large for a district of our size and growing by the day is putting a great deal of stress on many of our staff members. The demands of the pandemic and recent turnover have created imbalances. Our superintendent is addressing those imbalances with the board’s support.” Coburn indicated that a second concern is about “direction. Some see the challenges we are dealing with and have concluded that our superintendent is leading the district in the wrong direction.”
The board evaluates the superintendent twice per year. Coburn indicated that in the most recent winter evaluation the board “was satisfied that our superintendent was working in accordance with its wishes. Sensing a recent change, however, we sped up the summer evaluation and enhanced the 360 degree upstream component of the review by holding in person interviews with all 13 District Leadership Team members…The board concluded that our superintendent has many strengths, among them a clear vision, energy to execute that vision for the district, the willingness to make necessary but unpopular decisions, an approachable and compassionate demeanor, and the fortitude to stand before her staff and the public no matter what. These strengths were exemplified in the administrative actions prior to the resignation of a former high school tech ed teacher. Knowing that mishandling the situation could have cost the district hundreds of thousands of dollars or more in legal costs our superintendent worked closely with the district’s long term legal counsel to protect both the district and the employee all while supporting an injured student and their family and rebuilding the district’s tech ed program into one the district can be proud of. Due process dictated that the superintendent withhold certain details of the case from the board at the beginning of the investigation, which created the misperception that she was hiding something for her own benefit. In fact she shared the details of the case with the board precisely when the legal counsel advised that it was appropriate.” Coburn stated that the board also identified areas of improvement for the superintendent, which would not be discussed publicly but have been acknowledged by Dr. Pate-Hefty, who is working on them with the board’s support and input. He stressed the importance of constructive communication versus some disruptive communication that has been occurring, including failure to use the chain of command and the spreading of unsubstantiated rumors. “We are committed to constructive communication, and the board will not tolerate retaliation against anyone who expresses concerns in good faith,” Coburn concluded.
Following Coburn’s comments, three community members and two district staff members spoke. Geoff Hale spoke of the importance of a strong culture in a place of employment, and how many teachers and coaches have changed the lives of students. Expressing concern over the loss of two high school tech ed teachers, he also referenced the recently announced departure of Lincoln’s principal for Fort Atkinson. Molly Fuller, district Community Engagement Coordinator, described the district as a family. Indicating that many staff feel that they are not being heard, she urged the board to take seriously the concerns that have been expressed. Nick Meinel, Washington 4th grade teacher, expressed concern about the amount of teachers and administrators who are leaving, “people who are well rooted, who care passionately about the district and the community.” Lexi Maas, a former district employee, said, “We are family and we are in crisis…We have to be better, do better.” Crystal Benes, parent of a high school student, said that the students can feel the tension that teachers are feeling.
As is always the case, the video of the meeting has been posted. Thayer Coburn’s comments begin at 14:20, and the public comments, at 21:40.
At the school board’s meeting on May 24, nine staff resignations were approved. The agenda for the board’s special meeting on Tuesday, June 7 includes the approval of seven staff resignations.
The tables below depict the number of district resignations and retirements over the past six years.
Editor’s note: [June 7, 6:15 a.m.]This article was revised to add additional details to the third paragraph after it was published. [June 7, 8:23 a.m.] The tables shown below were provided by Michael Maas, not Mark Maas as was previously stated. The Banner regrets this error. [June 8, 9:45 a.m.] A second table was deleted, as it has been superseded by the updated table.
This table was provided by Michael Maas using data that has been confirmed by the district.
Editor’s note: The following was received from Irvin L. Young Memorial Library
‘Tis the season for summer readin’ at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library in Whitewater. Join us between June 15 and July 31 for free events, crafts, and activities. Play Book Bingo to earn free books and visit the library every week to receive a bit of treasure or passes for more adventures. There are opportunities for all ages to participate.
The Summer Reading Program kickoff event is on June 15 between 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. in the library’s Community Room. Ages 0-3 can register for the Little Explorers program, where they receive a stamp in their passport for every hour they are read to. Collect seven stamps to win a free book and a small stuffy. For youth ages 4-18, visit the library each week to collect brag tags (buttons for teens), spin the prize wheel, and play book bingo to earn free books. For adults, visit the library each week to collect a button and play book bingo to earn free books.
Many events are happening during summer reading.
Summer Storytime is every Wednesday morning June 8 through July 27.
Maker Club, featuring a new project each week for kids ages 5-12, is every Thursday at 4:00 p.m. starting June 16 through July 21.
Teen programs are each Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. starting June 22 through July 13.
For adults, there will be a Crafternoon every Friday at 1:00 p.m. starting June 17 through July 22, featuring a different project each week and ending with a craft supply swap.
Other events during the Summer Reading Program include Nature’s Niche, Matthew Teague Magic Show, Ferradermis Robotics Team, Hoop Elation, and All Things Space.
All events are free and open to the public. Visit the library’s website at www.whitewaterlibrary.org and click on “events” for dates, times, and more information about each program.
By Al Stanek Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Last week’s Whitewater Register report of Walworth County Court activity includes a reference to several Whitewater related gun incidents and several Walworth County gun related charges.
An initial court appearance was set for June 6 for a 39 year-old Whitewater man who is accused as a repeat offender as a felon in possession of a firearm and disorderly conduct after police responded to a July 2021 early morning report of a man “threatening to shoot up” a popular downtown tavern according to the Register report. The report also included a June 9 scheduled initial appearance for another Whitewater man allegedly found with guns and a knife during a traffic stop.
A July initial appearance was also set for a 38 year-old Lake Geneva man who reportedly pointed a gun at his estranged wife and threatened to kill her if the incident was reported to police. A fourth Delavan man was reportedly found in possession of a gun after overdosing. He reportedly was under bond conditions on charges of possession of a firearm by a felon, carrying a concealed weapon and resisting an officer.
Those incidents follow reports that multiple guns were recovered by police during the recent unofficial “Spring Splash” event. According to Deputy Police Chief Dan Meyer, there were approximately 50 citations issued this year versus previous years when over 100 were issued. He acknowledged, however, that, “We did recover multiple semi-automatic handguns, one of which was paired with a high-capacity drum-style magazine that holds approximately 50 rounds.”
This news comes as the nation mourns the death of 19 grade school children and two schoolteachers in Uvalde, Texas. ABC news reports a total of seventeen “mass shootings” around the country in the period between May 24 and May 31. A “mass shooting” is generally defined as an incident where four or more people are shot (injured or killed.)
Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by the Overture Center for the Arts.
The 2021/22 Jerry Awards program will culminate in a show honoring student and school achievements, including performances by the Outstanding Award recipients, in Overture Hall on Sunday, June 12, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. Two outstanding performers will be selected to represent the program at The National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (Jimmy Awards®) competition in New York City.
Alex Sullivan (L) and Brooke Mason (R)
The following Whitewater High School students will be honored: – Alex Sullivan (Urleen) – Outstanding Supporting Performer, Footloose – Brooke Mason (Wendy Jo) – Outstanding Supporting Performer, Footloose – Madison Strickler – Spirit Award alternate, Footloose (Kayla Mikos, Spirit winner for Footloose, is unable to participate in the ceremony)
48 schools are represented in the 81 Outstanding Lead Performance Award recipients
23 counties
40 reviewers (three reviewers attended each production)
450+ students performing in annual awards shows in Overture Hall
8,500 people involved in the Jerry Awards through engagement with their local high school musical
The complete list of recipients may be found here.
The Jerry Awards is a high school musical awards program that encourages, recognizes and honors excellence in high school musical theater. The program began in the 2009/10 school year with 23 productions within 45 miles of Madison and has since expanded across the state through partnerships with Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, The Grand Theater and Viterbo Fine Arts Center. Educators and industry professionals review productions at Wisconsin high schools and/or community theater organizations and provide valuable feedback to students. In its first decade, the Jerry Awards engaged more than 700,000 students, teachers, theater professionals and community members.
To be eligible for the Jerry Awards, high schools apply in the fall or spring to have their musical reviewed by the program. Three adjudicators (industry professionals and educators) are assigned to see the show and write a critique evaluating it in various categories such as performance, design and direction. Critiques are compiled and sent to each school with nominations. In addition to the critique and being recognized at the awards show, participating students are eligible to audition for the Jerry Ensemble, become a student critic and receive special ticket offers to performances at Overture Center, Marcus Performing Arts Center, The Grand Theater and Viterbo University Fine Arts Center.
Overture’s Jerry Awards are sponsored by Old National Bank with additional funding provided by American Girl’s Fund for Children, Katie Dowling-Marcus and Ben Marcus and contributions to Overture Center.
The Jimmy Awards®/The National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (NHSMTA®) program impacts more than 140,000 students who participate in 46 regional high school musical theatre competitions sponsored by presenters of touring Broadway productions throughout the United States. Named for Broadway impresario James M. Nederlander, the program has been the catalyst for more than $5,000,000 in educational scholarships. Presented by The Broadway League Foundation, the NHSMTA invites one Best Actress and one Best Actor nominee from each local regional ceremony to New York City for a week-long theatre intensive that includes coaching, training, and rehearsing led by some of Broadway’s most accomplished professionals. Nominees will spend one week in New York City from Monday, June 20, 2022, through Tuesday, June 28, 2022, and their combined efforts throughout the week will lead to one extraordinary talent showcase performed live in front of an audience on a Broadway stage. The thirteenth annual Jimmy Awards will take place on Monday, June 27, 2022, at the Minskoff Theatre. For more information, please visit www.JimmyAwards.com.
