News

Editor’s Note: The following information was received from UW-Whitewater, Roberta’s Art Gallery.

[Whitewater, Wis., March 31, 2022] – Consisting of breathtaking scenes crafted mainly from watercolor paint and ink pen, “Letting Go,” by artist Ann Thomas will be at Roberta’s Art Gallery from April 4-29. Thomas creates illustrations through attention to detail in the layering of pen and ink, colored pencil, watercolor, and pastels to create art tiles, children’s books illustrations, Christmas cards, home/architectural work, and prints. Her pieces in “Letting Go” feature calm scenes and landscapes from the outside, often featuring buildings and architectural scenes.

Thomas has had a passion for art since she was young, and attended Milwaukee Area Technical College for her associates degree in graphic arts. Since, Thomas has completed freelance graphic design work for clients, taught college courses, and facilitated multiple art workshops. Thomas expresses admiration in getting to see her student’s faces “light up as they explore the medium and are surprised at their own undiscovered abilities.” To read more about Thomas’ artistic journey, check out her website.

“Letting Go” consists mainly of paintings of different locations and renderings of buildings and architectural structures due to Thomas’ love for them. She explains that in the same way that each piece of the exhibit tends to consist of their own unique location, each image takes her back in time to the moments and feelings she experienced there. Some locations of pieces in “Letting Go” consist of architectural structures from Italy, Hungary, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

Roberta’s Art Gallery will be holding an exhibit reception featuring Thomas speaking on her work and her unique experiences as an artist on Wednesday, April 13, at 6 p.m. in person at the gallery. Any guests are strongly encouraged, and have the opportunity to meet the artist, chat, and enjoy light refreshments.

Roberta’s Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the James R. Connor University Center (UC) at UW- Whitewater. The gallery hosts multiple exhibits each semester by collaborating with the artists–both locally and regionally. Many of our events will be held in person this semester, with the option of a virtual exhibit. Our hours are Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Friday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Roberta’s Art Gallery prides itself on all their exhibits being free and open to the public. This means anyone: whether you’re a student, a Whitewater community member, or someone wanting to support the artist, please stop by. For questions or further information, contact Roberta’s Art Gallery at (262) 472-3193 or ucart@uww.edu or visit our website.

Whitewater Unified School District Calendar Committee – Monday @ 3:30 p.m.

Agenda: Review 2022-23 Student/Staff School Calendar
William D. Kyle Board Room
419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/sjp-xeri-uyz

City of Whitewater Equal Opportunities Commission – Monday @ 5:00 p.m.
This meeting was canceled on 4/4/22.

Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Tuesday @ 9:00 a.m.
School District Central Office
William D. Kyle Board Room
419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin

City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lake Front Room
312 Whitewater Street
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/415825453
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: 1 (312) 757-3121
Access Code: 415-825-453

City of Whitewater Common Council – THURSDAY @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Update on property assessments and explanation of the same, Update on an increase in the arrival of new community members, Request for approval of agreement with consultant to assist with integration of Fire
Department / EMS into a City Department, Update on Code Enforcement in the City, Consideration of a stipulation and order settling the lawsuit filed against the City concerning Public Construction bidding requirements for the Cravath and Trippe Lake dredging project and possible action authorizing the City Attorney and City
staff to enter into a settlement agreement, and Request for approval of Memorandum of Understanding with Whitewater Fire Department.
This will be an IN PERSON MEETING as well as a VIRTUAL MEETING
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us in person, or via computer, smart phone, or
telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83182359189?pwd=aldSU2JxOVZmYzBkbThWUWN3R2VkQT09
Passcode: 273108
Or Telephone:
US: 1 301 715 8592
Webinar ID: 831 8235 9189
Passcode: 273108
Please note that due to technical difficulties the meeting is not currently able to be broadcast live on Cable Channel 990. It will be shown there later.

Whitewater Fire Department, Inc. Business Meeting
Agenda
Date/Time Thursday April 7, 2022 @ 6:30 p.m.
Location: WFD Meeting Room
312 Whitewater Street

Chapter 1: “Just a Farmer” – Vinton Anderson

By Sherrie Benes
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

Acknowledgement: To my loving wife LaVerne and my parents, who taught me the value of hard work.

Introduction: As you read this story, told by Vinton Anderson, my wish is for you to feel the same compassion and humbleness I felt that day sitting around his kitchen table, listening to his story….enjoy!

“Well, I don’t know why you would want to interview me. I’m just a farmer.”

As Vinton spoke these words, you could feel how humble this man genuinely is, which made me want to learn more….

Vinton was born on January 3, 1926 and was the third of four children born to Harriett and Randolph Anderson of rural Whitewater, WI. The eldest being a sister Gwen (Vandiver), a brother Berwin, and a younger sister Lois (Benes).

The two brothers worked side by side on the farm starting off at an early age. Vinton told how they would have to get up at 4:00 in the morning to milk the cows by hand. Many times, this would make them late for school! “Ma would roll up some pancakes and we’d eat them while running to school,” he said.

While even eating their breakfast on the run, this still didn’t always get them to school on time! “When we got to school, the teacher would say, ‘you’re late!’ Well heck, we knew we were late. We had to milk the cows!” he exclaimed.

I think what might have also scared these boys, was the club Vinton described his teacher had, leaning against the wall in the front corner. Although he called it a club, we found out later that it was most likely a yardstick, but was probably referenced by the students as a club! “Boy, if you didn’t know your history, she would use it on your butt!” he exclaimed. Of course, I had to ask, “so did you get the club on your butt often?”

With a chuckle he replied, “oh no. But my brother Berwin did a lot!”

Another reason they may have been late for school was perhaps because of the gypsies, who would regularly camp along Island Road. I suppose if a child told their teacher this story today, the teacher would probably laugh! But for the Anderson children, who had to walk to this one room schoolhouse located on Hwy 89 and Island Road, from Anderson Road, it was a frightening experience! “If they were there, we would go on this side of the road or the other side around. Then we wouldn’t have to go through that way!” As he sat there reminiscing about the gypsies, he added “They’d have a fire, and they would be dancing…. they must’ve had a good life. But they didn’t have any money and they stole stuff. That wasn’t good.”

The other story he shared about school, was how it was so quiet in that one room schoolhouse, you could hear a pin drop! (He referenced this as the days when kids were seen and not heard!) One day Vinton heard something fall on the ground, which must’ve been something he had dropped. “As I bent down to pick it up, the teacher happened to be walking by at the same time. As I went to sit back up in my chair, my head got caught under her skirt!”

He chuckled when recalling this, but I’m sure he wasn’t chuckling back then as a young boy, knowing about that “club” which sat in the corner!

He also recalled how there were some mornings when he and his brother were milking, people would come down from the haymow. As I sat there in shock I asked, “weren’t you scared of them?”

“Oh no. They were just people that were hungry. So, we would send them to the house and Ma would make them a sandwich or give them an apple. Then we would see them leaving, walking down the laneway.” When I asked more about this, like did they continue to come back to sleep in their haymow, he reminded me that this was during the Great Depression, and these were “just people” who were hungry and passing through….

Vinton graduated 8^th grade and was in his 9^th year, when the news broke that the United States had entered WWII. Shortly after this, he came to realize that it would be the last days of his education.

This family knew all too well about war, since their father Randolph Anderson had served in WWI. “My dad served under General Pershing as his bodyguard,” he said. “I remember my dad telling me something that General Pershing had told him. He had said, ‘if we don’t go into Germany, we will be back in 20 years.’ We all hoped that there would never be another war.”

Twenty-one years later, after General Pershing had spoken these words to Officer Anderson, WWII had begun. As the war progressed, farmers were being asked to produce much more food with fewer workers without those who were drafted or enlisted. Without extra hired hands, this put much of the load around the farm on Vinton and his brother Berwin. As the family either heard news about the war from the Janesville Gazette or the radio, the news often hit close to home. One sad story he told was about a friend whom they knew. “He flew a B17 bomber. If you flew 25 raids, you were done so you could go home. He was on his 23^rd raid over Germany, when he was shot down. He became a German POW, which wasn’t good. They didn’t treat their POWs very good. If you didn’t eat the slop they fed you, you would be dead of starvation. It wasn’t good…” The friend did make it home, but what a trying time for all.

Shortly after the war, Vinton met his soon to be wife LaVerne Grandt. He said he had met her at a dance down at the armory and he would sometimes drive her home. But then he recalled that the first time he met this neighbor girl, he was picking up a wagon his dad had bought at an auction. “She was trying to get the radiator cap off the M tractor, so I went over and took it off for her.” If anyone knew Laverne, you would probably know that she really didn’t need his help! She was never the “damsel in distress” kind of lady!

When Vinton finally asked for her hand in marriage, it was not without a say from her mother. Her father said that she was 18, an adult, so he gave Vinton his blessings. But much to Vinton’s dismay, her mother said they would have to wait another year, because she was needed on the farm! Her family grew vegetables, which LaVerne’s brothers would then drive down to Chicago to sell. It was clear that in that fall of 1948 they would all be needed to pick the crops, before any wedding was going to take place!

When fall finally arrived, Vinton said he quickly finished his own crops and anxiously went to help LaVerne and her parents pick their crops! After the completion of the harvest and with her parents’ blessings, they celebrated their marriage on January 22, 1949 as husband and wife.

They remained a devoted team for the next 46 years while raising their family on the farm. But sadly, on December 9, 1995 his wife was called home. “My wife should’ve gotten old with me,” he said with a sadness in his voice. But if you ever want to witness the phrase, “Behind Every Great Man, is a Great Woman” then you will still see the presence of LaVerne, around her husband Vinton….

Vinton continues to farm to this day and is anxiously awaiting the 2022 spring planting season.

I gave him the choice of two pictures I took last year while he was in the field. For the first one I had climbed up into the tractor and took a close-up picture of him. The other photo was a more distant picture, showing the whole tractor and planter, with him in it. After looking at them both he said “I like that one of the John Deere with the International weights on the front. That’s the tractor I’m going to plant with again this year!

‘Just a Farmer’…..

Our thanks to Vinton Anderson for being the first to share his story for our new feature, Chapter Story. If you know of anyone that would like to share their story, or your own story, please contact me at: WhitewaterBanner@gmail.com – Subject line: Chapter Story
I would love to meet you!
Sherrie

Our thanks also to the following two sponsors of this Chapter Story:

Lowell C. Hagen Trucking Company For all your liquid food grade hauling needs Whitewater, WI

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.

The community is invited to the WUSD Art Walk on Saturday, April 9 to celebrate Whitewater’s talented students! Community members will start at the Art Alliance building where there will be food and door prizes.

Students will be performing musical pieces throughout the 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. time frame:

1:00 – Lincoln performs 

1:40 – Washington performs

2:00 – Lakeview performs

2:30 – High School performs 

3:00 – WUSD Intermediate String Students perform

People can take a stroll down Main St. to view WUSD students’ artwork displayed at The Hamilton House, First Citizens State Bank, The Book Teller, Dale’s Bootery, State Farm with Jennifer Visser, ARANDA-Be Unique, The Chamber of Commerce, Rosa’s Pizza, and Jessica’s Family Restaurant. WUSD is excited to display our students’ talents! Contact Molly Fuller at  mfuller@wwusd.org with any questions.  

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System Interim President Michael J. Falbo today announced that John Chenoweth will take over as interim chancellor of UW-Whitewater effective Tuesday, April 5. Chenoweth, the university’s provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, replaces Jim Henderson, who resigned as interim chancellor effective today.

“This is an unexpected situation, but I am confident that Provost Chenoweth will maintain continuity at UW-Whitewater,” Falbo said. “I thank Jim for his service.”

UW System Board of Regents President Edmund Manydeeds III is expected this week to provide an update on a search for a new permanent chancellor at UW-Whitewater.

Chenoweth began as UW-Whitewater provost on July 1, 2021. He previously was dean of the UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics, the largest AACSB-accredited business school in Wisconsin, where he led 184 faculty and staff in a college with more than 4,000 students enrolled in 15 bachelor’s degree programs, seven master’s degree programs, and a doctoral program.

A tenured faculty member in the Department of Information Technology and Supply Chain Management, Chenoweth arrived at UW-Whitewater in 2002. He received his Ed.D. in educational leadership and policy analysis from East Tennessee State University, a master’s degree in computer science from the University of South Dakota, and a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Augustana University.

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The following announcement was made at UW-Whitewater on April 4.

Message from Interim Chancellor Jim Henderson

Dear Colleagues:

One of my three goals for my time as interim chancellor has been to help this campus hire the best chancellor possible who will be here for the long term.  Over the past few days it has become clear to me that I cannot make progress on that goal.  Given that, I feel that it is in both the best interest of UW-Whitewater and me personally that I resign my position as interim chancellor, and I have submitted my resignation effective at the end of the day today. 

I have greatly enjoyed my time with you. I so admire all of you and what you are accomplishing for the students at both the Whitewater and Rock County campuses.  I wish you the best going forward and thank you all for the incredible support that you’ve given me over the past 9 months.

With deep appreciation,
Jim Henderson

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The following announcement was also posted on April 4:

Message from the Vice Chancellors

Dear university community,

We know today’s resignation of Interim Chancellor Jim Henderson was unexpected — and that you may have many questions. At this time, we do not have additional details, but please know we are in close contact with UW System and will share information on next steps as soon as we can.

It’s understandable to feel a sense of disappointment at this time, having gone through multiple leadership transitions over the past few years.

The vice chancellors are united in our passionate dedication to this university — to serving all of you, our students, faculty and staff members — and we are united in our fierce commitment in moving the Whitewater and Rock County campuses forward.

Please remember the outstanding work we have collectively accomplished. This past fall, we welcomed our largest freshman class in four years and our largest graduate class in the history of UW-Whitewater. We have addressed our budget deficit and our fiscal house is in much stronger shape for the future. Our entrepreneurial spirit, nimbleness and caring culture helped us successfully navigate a global pandemic, and campus life is thriving once again.

As we navigate this leadership transition, thank you for wholeheartedly supporting one another as we carry on our important work of providing a transformational university education and experience to our students. During a time of unprecedented challenges, our university family has shown strong resilience and achieved important successes. We deeply appreciate you. 

With gratitude,

John Chenoweth, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs
Artanya Wesley, vice chancellor for student affairs
Jeff Arnold, interim vice chancellor for administrative affairs
Katie Kuznacic, interim vice chancellor for university relations

Editor’s note: The following information and photos were provided by Tom Ganser.

What’s a great way to shake off the last of the winter blaahs?  Why, of course, taking in a performance of Whitewater Middle School’s production of “Shrek The Musical Jr.” April 7 and 8 at 7 p.m. and April 9 at 2 p.m. in the Whitewater High School Auditorium.

April 7 is “Pay what you can night” and general admission tickets for April 8 and April 9 are $5 for adults, $3 for students and senior citizens, and free for children 5 and under.  The Box Office will open 60 minutes before the performances.

Beginning about 30 minutes before the curtain opens some of Tom Ganser’s photos from the WMS productions of “Alice in Wonderland” (2017), “The Wizard of Oz” (2018), and “Guys & Dolls” (2019) will be shown.

“Shrek The Musical Jr.,” is based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and the popular Broadway musical.

Once upon a time, in a far away swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek.  One day, Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits who have been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wisecracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he’s handed a task — if he rescues feisty Princess Fiona, his swamp will be righted. Shrek tries to win Fiona’s love and vanquish Lord Farquaad, but a fairytale wouldn’t be complete without a few twists and turns along the way.

The cast of 35 is directed by Liz Elliott and assistant director Alyssa Orlowski.  Whitewater High School actors Madison Strickler and Anderson Waelchli serve as director assistants.

“It has been so incredible working with all these students, some returning, and many new to the theater,” Elliot said.

“We have seen so much excitement from these students and have seen so many of them growing and coming out of their shells through their hard work, motivation to work on their parts, learn the choreography, and understand their characters.”

The talented cast includes Kiani Aranda, Jade Baumeister, Deven Bawden, Isabella Cohen, Anna Coleman, Grace Coleman, Lucy Davis, Esteban Diaz-Gallegos, Alexa Downs, Danny Fuller, Charlotte Hajewski, Jalayne Hanson, Nina Heim, Miles Hutchison, Jimmy Kinson, Izzy Lawton, Pamela LeQuire, Ameera Lin, Maggie Maas, Genevieve Miranda, Kiana Moore, Virginia Nelson, Sophia Noonan, Teegan Patterson, Hailey Peterson, Hayleigh Pond, Lia Ramirez, Jaylynn Rappold, Marcus Roselle, Taryn Rothwell, Josie Selby, Letty Trautman, Ava Van Daele, Elora Wildermuth-Breitzman, and Zoe Zei.

In asking to share some of their thoughts about being part of the “Shrek” cast, eighth graders Grace Coleman, Isabella Cohen, and Lucy Davis often used “fun” to describe their experiences.

Cast as a Storyteller, Davis said, “It’s been very fun to be with people from your school and have the opportunity to have fun together for a good cause.”  She also said being in “Shrek” is different from other plays in which she has appeared, noting, “This one is different because I have more solo scenes, so it’s been very fun to express myself in that way.”

Cohen, also appearing as a Storyteller, said, “‘Shrek’ is a great way to learn and become a better actor and get more involved with your school,” adding, “This is new for me because it’s the first time I’m in a musical for the middle school.”

Coleman appears on stage for a first time in a leading role as Lord Farquaad.  She appreciates the opportunity “to open up and be more expressive.”  Coleman finds that as an actor “you don’t have to be yourself.  You can be a character.”  Coleman admits that being a lead is a little nerve racking, “but also not too much because I know what I’m doing.”

As Technical Director, Kat Dunham shepherds the skillful backstage crew that includes Ian Agen, Caitlin Alford, Henry Brockwell, Kora Davis, Maya Davis, Morgan Lahaie, Jacob McLaughlin, Josh Nygren, Payton Peacock, Kendra Serrano.

Thanks to Whitewater High School students Alejandra Diaz-Gallegos, Emerson Dunham, Abby Olson, Skylar Staebler, Haley Street, Claire Tourdot, Lucy Troxel, Sami Van Daele, Emma Weigel, and Matt Zingsheim for helping to create the magic of this production.

Drawing on their deep theatrical talents, Kerry Ramsden serves as Set Designer, Jim McCulloch as Lighting Designer, and Tony Hansen as Sound Technician.

Whitewater High School’s FIRST Robotics Team #6574 Ferradermis completed their third and final regional competition for the 2022 season at the Seven Rivers Regional in La Crosse from March 30 – April 2. Teams traveled to the event from four states including Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and all over Wisconsin. Ferradermis’ robot, Chief of the Jungle, performed very well on the field, with the drive team of Elijah Grall, Andrew O’Toole, Jazmin Cederberg, and Calvin Baker. Brolin Cliver once again served as the team’s Safety Captain. The team finished ranked 5^th out of 46 teams during qualifications, with an 8 – 3 match record. Rankings are based not only on the win-loss record, but also on tasks accomplished during matches.

The team ended qualifications with the 5^th highest Offensive Power Rating (OPR), contributing an estimated average of nearly 39 points per match to their alliance’s score. The average winning score for an alliance was 70 points, so Ferradermis provided a lot of offensive power to each alliance of three robots to which they were randomly assigned for the qualification schedule.

During alliance selections for the playoffs, Ferradermis moved up to become captain of the #3 seeded alliance and invited Team 7619 – illumiBOTi from Manitowoc and Team 8700 – W.I.R.E.D from Waupaca to join their alliance. The scouting team of Shane Kinson, Peter Portwine, Emerson Dunham, Zoe Olson, Maddi LaHaie, Cosette Wildermuth-Breitzman, Andrew Zimmermann, and Arson Webster-Barczak had worked tirelessly throughout the event to gather data about other teams that helped Ferradermis make their decisions about whom to invite to their playoff alliance.

The Ferradermis-led alliance fell in the quarterfinals to the alliance of Team 4009 – Denfeld DNA Robotics from Duluth, Team 1306 – BadgerBots from Middleton, and Team 2977 – Sir Lancer Bots from La Crescent, Minnesota, winning the first match 65-62, but coming up just short in the other two of the best of three series, 51-57 and 69-72, after experiencing some technical problems with field communication.

Ferradermis will now begin the off-season portion of their schedule by celebrating Robotics Week this week at the high school. With many presentations and demonstrations already scheduled for the Spring, including the Rock Valley Conference Student Councils, UW-Whitewater’s Tech Savvy, and a day at the public library, Ferradermis members will have the opportunity to share what they’ve learned with Whitewater and surrounding communities. Ferradermis will take to the field again this summer with one-day competitions at Kettle Moraine High School, Mukwonago High School, and potentially in Manitowoc that will give younger members an opportunity to take on new roles. Students wishing to join the team, including incoming freshmen, should watch for information on the team’s annual summer boot camp.

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

Editor’s note: The following was provided by WWUSD.

2022 Summer School Course catalogs are now available online.
In order to access the 2022 Course Catalog, go to:  
https://www.wwusd.org/page/3136
Hard copies of the 2022 WWUSD Summer School are also available at all WWUSD schools–contact your local school to get your copy!