It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. In memory of the fire that destroyed most of Old Main on the UW-Whitewater campus 52 years ago, February’s posts will represent the growth of Old Main over four periods.
This view is of the original building opened for what was then the Whitewater Normal School in the fall of 1868. It was one of nine state-authorized normal schools founded in Wisconsin. It remained within the large complex Old Main became just prior to the fire of February 7, 1970.
Join us again for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
LA CROSSE, WI (02/10/2022)– Jenna Lee, of Whitewater, graduated from Western Technical College from the Emergency Medical Technician-Basic program. Lee is one of 205 graduates to receive an associate’s degree or technical diploma in the 2021 Fall Term.
Editor’s note: The following information was provided by Tom Ganser.
Got a bad case of the mid-winter blahs? For the perfect cure, plan on seeing a performance of the Whitewater High School Players production of “Cinderella” Feb. 18 (7 p.m.) Feb. 19 (1 p.m. and 7 p.m.) and Feb. 20 (1 p.m.) in the WHS auditorium.
General admission seats are $8 and can be ordered in advance by calling the Box Office at 262-472-8178. Tickets can also be purchased one hour before the performances.
Adding to the fun, an awesome Cinderella Tea Party will be held on Sat, Feb. 19, at 5:30 p.m. Come dressed as a fairytale character to share a cup of tea or juice, and sweets and treats, AND take home a goodie bag. There will also be a special photo opportunity with the Cinderella cast. Advance reservations $5 per person are required and can be made by calling 262-472-8178.
Led by Director Jim McCulloch and Stage Manager Kat Dunham, and assisted by student directors Marco Wence and Matt Zingheim, the cast includes Payton Bunger, Caleb Clapper, Ayden Clark, Alex Clarksen, Anders Clarksen, Josh Kirley, Brooke Mason, Audrey Mayer, Ben McCulloch, Chloe Prince, A’Lani Rogers, Lauren Rolette, Lucas Scherer, Skylar Staebler, Haley Street, Madison Strickler, Alex Sullivan, Evie Troxel, Anderson Waelchli, and Xavier Zei.
To offset the possible impact of Covid on the cast, Jim McCulloch opted for a dual cast production.
The talented members of the technical crews are Alejandra Diaz-Gallegos, Emerson Dunham, Kara Long, Miles Nicklesberg, Ava Nygren, Abigail Olson, Cole Schlicher, Claire Tourdot, Lucy Troxel, Sami VanDaele, and Emma Weigel.
With thousands of variants throughout the world, the origin of “Cinderella,” or “The Little Glass Slipper,” dates back to the first century in the Greek geographer Strabo’s story about a Greek slave girl who married the king of Egypt.
It is interesting to note that “Cinderella” was the only Rodgers and Hammerstein musical written for television. It was originally broadcast live in color on CBS on March 31, 1957, with Julie Andrews in the title role at the same time she was playing Eliza Doolittle in “My Fair Lady” on Broadway.
The WHS Players are performing William Glennon’s adaptation of the Brothers’ Grimm folk tale published in 1812. Glennon’s “Cinderella” is the funniest and most enchanting version of the beloved story available. It has comedy, poignancy, charm, and enchantment in just the right amounts.
Cast in his first major role, 9th grader Xavier Zei, said, “I found it challenging at first to find a way I wanted to portray the Prince on stage,” adding, “The Prince is a very bold and loud person, unlike me. I tend to be more calm and to myself.”
“I was worried at first there would be pressure to be better than the other cast,” Zei shared, “but after a few weeks into rehearsal I found it’s super fun to be working with as many people as possible. I enjoy that I’m able to work on a show that I love and with people I like.”
Brooke Mason, a sophomore, plays Cinderella. “Acting is a very large part of my life,” she said. “I love being able to go to rehearsal surrounded by my friends and people who support each other. Being Cinderella has been an amazing opportunity for me. I’m beyond excited for the show and I can’t wait for opening night.”
The Whitewater Unified School District Summer School Playhouse will be performing “Willy Wonka Jr.” July 7-9, 2022.
Congratulations to Whitewater High School junior Brooke Bazeley and senior Guin Yeager, who have been selected as 2022 NCWIT-Wisconsin Affiliate Honorable Mention Awardees of the NCWIT Awards for Aspirations in Computing for their outstanding leadership, exceptional academic history, and forward-thinking ability.
Brooke Bazeley
Guin Yeager
NCWIT is the National Center for Women and Information Technology which operates the Aspirations in Computer Award program to create a community of young women with a common passion for technology, providing scholarship and networking opportunities.
Brooke is currently studying Android App Programming in Java and Web Page Design and is a member of the Ferradermis FIRST Robotics Programming Team.
Guin is currently studying Game Design using Unity as well as Digital Electronics and has previously taken AP Computer Science. She also serves as captain of the Aerospace Jam Drone Team, which is preparing to compete at Fiserv Forum in April.
Brooke and Guin will be honored at the Aspirations Award Ceremony to be held at the Milwaukee School of Engineering on Sunday, May 1, 2022.
Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch Whitewater High School Computer Science Teacher and Banner Volunteer lmasbruch@wwusd.org
Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by Kaia Fowler of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Announcing a free online group for women! Come together with other women and practicum counselor Kaia Fowler to share experiences, knowledge, and encouragement.
Eight online group sessions MONDAYS 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. February 21 to April 18 No session March 18 due to Spring Break
Learn about concepts related to flourishing as we age Participate in conversations about those concepts and our personal experiences with aging
Each week, group facilitator Kaia Fowler will introduce knowledge from the bestselling book WOMEN ROWING NORTH: NAVIGATING LIFE’S CURRENTS & FLOURISHING AS WE AGE! by Mary Pipher. Then, a group conversation will explore group member experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Share as much or as little as you want to. Participate at your comfort level!
The Flourishing Together group will meet online Monday mornings from 9 to 9:45 am starting February 21 and ending April 18, with no session March 18 due to Spring Break.
Registration is required. Please contact group facilitator Kaia Fowler, a University of Wisconsin-Whitewater graduate student and practicum counselor at fowlerk@uww.edu for more information.
Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by the Walworth County Department of Health & Human Services’ Aging and Disability Resource Center.
The Walworth County Department of Health & Human Services’ (WCDHHS) Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) has released its 2022 “Welcome to Medicare” workshop schedule. These popular educational sessions are designed for individuals who will become eligible for Medicare in coming months. Individuals turning 65 years of age or those over 65 and planning to retire should attend one of the available workshops.
Attendees will receive information about Medicare and Medicaid options. “It is vitally important that individuals eligible to receive Medicare are aware of the different parts of Medicare, including Part A and Part B, as well as the prescription drug coverage,” says Elder Benefit Specialist Julie Juranek. “Being knowledgeable about premiums and penalties for not having creditable prescription drug coverage will help people make sound choices when exploring available plans.”
The “Welcome to Medicare” workshops will be offered at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Health and Human Services building (1910 County Road NN, Elkhorn) on the following dates:
February 17, 2022
April 21, 2022
June 16, 2022
August 18, 2022
October 20, 2022
December 1, 2022
RSVPs are highly recommended by calling (262) 741-3366.
About the Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers and the public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and providing options available to meet the needs of your personal situation.
On February 13, The Whitewater Lion Club will be celebrating their 46th Annual Fish-A-Ree on Whitewater Lake and Rice Lake. The event kicks off with a Freewill Drive-Thru Pancake Breakfast from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM The Lions will be serving their famous light and fluffy pancakes, home-cooked scrambled eggs, and yummy sausages. Milk and juice are available also. The Best of Fish in six species competition is from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM with winners to be announced at 3:00 PM. The winner of the 50/50 raffle and the bonus winner will also be drawn at 3:00 PM.
Also starting on the 13th is their second annual Online Auction. Check out the wide variety of items. There is something there that will be attractive to everyone. Check them out at BiddingOwl.com. Bidding starts Feb.13 thru Feb. 20th.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.
The Whitewater Unified School District has teamed up with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Early Childhood Education Program to create free family/child enrichment sessions. These sessions will be offered on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00- 9:45 a.m. for 0-2 year olds and Tuesday and Thursday from 10:15- 11:15 a.m. for 3-5 year olds. There will be three, three-week sessions.
The sessions will be: Session 1: January 25 – February 10 Session 2: February 22 – March 10 Session 3: March 29 – April 14
Sessions will be available for sign up two weeks prior to their start date. All sessions will be offered in English and Spanish.
You can sign up by going to wwusd.org and clicking on the Partners in Play link at the top of the page. Children from surrounding towns are welcome to join! Contact WUSD Family/Community Engagement Coordinator, Molly Fuller at mfuller@wwusd.org if you have any questions.
Spots are limited so sign up today!!
*parents/guardians must stay with children for the duration of the session
The following information was provided by the City of Whitewater.
February 7, 2022 – Dredging began Wednesday, February 2 on Cravath and Trippe Lakes as part of the Lakes Drawdown Project. After many weeks of preparation with a controlled burn, skinning snow and vegetation from the top and laying wood matting, Stout Construction was able to begin removing dredged material from both lakes last week.
The controlled burn helped to stop vegetation in the planned dredged areas. The skinning of snow and vegetation cleared the ground for direct access to cold temperatures. The areas to be dredged need 18 inches of frozen ground to allow for excavating equipment to drive on and remove materials.
Due to the warmer temperatures we have experienced, not all areas to be dredged had enough frost to begin the process. Wood matting was placed in many locations that did not freeze to allow for the equipment to drive over without sinking.
Because of warmer temperatures, crews are forced to alter their planned dredging times. When temperatures rise along with the sun warming the ground, crews must stop the process to keep equipment from sinking. In the past week, crews have been dredging when temperatures drop and skies are cloudy, including working through the evening and early morning hours. This process will continue in the upcoming weeks.
Crews were able to dredge over 20 hours on Trippe Lake and 10 hours on Cravath Lake this past weekend due to colder temperatures. When the sun began to warm the ground and temperatures rose, crews had to stop. They will resume evening dredging on Wednesday, February 9.
To learn more about the Lakes Drawdown Project and receive weekly updates, visit https://www.whitewaterwi.gov/520/Lakes-Drawdown-Updates or contact Parks and Recreation Director, Eric Boettcher at (262) 473-0122 or EBoettcher@whitewater-wi.gov.
Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension-Walworth County
UW-Madison Division of Extension Horticulture Program is offering FREE educational mini webinars to help you be more successful in your own yards, gardens, containers – anywhere you grow plants!
The first in our FREE mini-webinar series kicks off this winter with Planning for a Fruitful Season. These engaging mini-webinars are 20 minutes each followed by Q&A. Registration is required for each mini webinar. Participants can attend only one or all three! This series is open to the public. All webinars will be recorded and made available on the Extension Horticulture website.
Pruning Apple Trees to Maximize Healthy Fruit Production
Late winter is an excellent time to prune your backyard apple trees and proper pruning helps your trees to produce high-quality apples! Join us and learn about proper pruning techniques and how the structure of your apple tree supports healthy fruit production.
Identification, Management, and Control of Major Apple Pests
Be prepared to combat common pests on your backyard apple trees! Join us to learn about the major insect and fungal pests that can cause damage to your apples and the timing of different management strategies to help you be successful this season!
Presented by: Diana Alfuth, Horticulture Outreach Specialist, UW-Madison Division of Extension Date/Time: Wednesday, March 2, 12:00 p.m.
Growing Strawberries in Containers
Did you know that you can grow your own fresh strawberries in containers? Join us to learn how! We will talk about what you need to know to successfully grow strawberries in containers, including selecting the right variety, soil, watering, and fertilizer, and how to overwinter them.
Presented by: Darrin Kimbler, Agriculture Educator, UW-Madison Division of Extension Iron County Date/Time: Wednesday, March 9, 12:00 p.m.
These mini webinars are hosted by UW-Madison, Division of Extension, Horticulture. For upcoming events and learning opportunities, see https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/events/
