News

Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed a new member business, StevO’s Flip Flops & Tank Tops, to the business community in Whitewater.

Steve Fairchild, the owner, purchased what was previously Denny K’s this past summer. He has spent the fall
and early winter making the space his and bringing his own flair to the Whitewater pub and bar scene.
He brings a casual, fun, and friendly vibe and hopes to be a local favorite for residents and college
students alike. He has already hosted numerous football celebrations for our local favorites, the UWW
Warhawks. He is also committed to being a big part of the community, evidenced by the free
Thanksgiving meal he offered to community members in need this past November.

The Chamber and its ambassadors welcomed owner Steven Fairchild with an official ribbon cutting on
January 14th. While the business has officially been operating since late last summer, they just recently
became a Chamber member and Steve has expressed that he “is excited to be part of Whitewater’s
business community and providing a place locals can feel at home.” We are excited to have his
enthusiasm and positive vibes as part of Whitewater and look forward to partnering with him.
StevO’s is located in the heart of downtown Whitewater at 156 W. Whitewater St. They are open every
day by 11 a.m. for lunch and have lots of televisions to watch all your favorite sports! For additional
information about the newest Chamber member and learn what they are all about, contact owner, Steve
Fairchild at steveofairchild@hotmail.com or stop by to say hi, have a drink, and get to know him
yourself!

Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by Roberta’s Art Gallery at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Roberta’s Art Gallery welcomes artist D.K. Palecek and her exhibit “Inevitable Juxtapositions” to kick off the Spring 2022 semester. The exhibit will run through February 24.

“Inevitable Juxtapositions” features oil paintings of cityscapes of Chicago, New York and San Francisco created over the last three years. It was inspired by the artist’s fascination with the extreme opposites captured in each scene.  “The illusion of tiny matchbox vehicles jetting in an out of the shadows of solid, looming skyscrapers confuses me at first glance, until my mind can catch up and find logic in these inevitable juxtapositions: tall buildings versus relatively toy cars; fast zipping motion versus immovable structures,” Palecek explains. Along with cityscapes, Palecek also paints figures, portraits, landscapes, and architecture, some of which are included in the exhibit. Her painting method includes brushwork, palette knives, squeegees, sandpaper, rollers and anything else she can find to make an interesting mark.

Palecek never intended to become a full-time artist, having earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin, and her Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University of California – Berkeley. Palecek says, “I started pursuing art late, after my career in finance. Art will take you so far inside yourself. You start seeing things that you never saw before; your awareness is so heightened.” You can read more about Palecek and her experience, art, and perspective here. 

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 viewing 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 of 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. 

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by Whitewater High School.

The first WHS Career Fair, held on January 19, was organized by Molly Fuller, Family/Community Engagement Coordinator. The event was held in the High School Library from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The event attracted over 80 students, 40 parents and 13 companies. Local companies discussed potential youth apprenticeship opportunities with interested students.

The companies participating were: Generac, Fairhaven, Makerspace, Provisur Technologies, Whitewater Police Department, Whitewater Fire Department, Fairfield Inn & Suites, City of Whitewater, Director of UW-Whitewater Grounds/Custodial, Culver’s, First Citizens State Bank, UW-Whitewater Dining Services, and Southern Lakes Plumbing & Heating.

Molly Fuller reported, “The excitement from the students, families and companies was phenomenal. It was wonderful to see students interacting with companies, asking them questions and getting excited about their future. Every one of the companies approached me separately at the end of the night to say how impressed they were with our students.” Fuller concluded, ”Letting every student realize their full potential has been a goal of mine from the beginning. I believe that with the Career Fair on Wednesday and the upcoming Job Fair on March 16th we are on our way!”

The following are pictures taken by two WHS alumni. Hogan Alexander and Luca Amos both are passionate about photography so we wanted to be able to showcase their talents.

Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Arts and Communication, Greenhill Center of the Arts.

The College of Arts and Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is pleased to announce the full lineup of over 100 events for Spring 2022. Events range from music concerts featuring faculty and guest artist performers to theatre productions built and run by students, dance concerts, public lectures and visual art exhibits. Some events are ticketed, but the majority of event offerings are free and open to the public. For the most up to date information on all events happening in the Greenhill Center of the Arts, please visit www.uww.edu/coac/events. Masks are still required for any individual entering a campus building regardless of vaccination status. Do not come to campus if you are ill. For the most up to date campus safety information, visit the Warhawks are Back webpage at the link below. uww.edu/warhawks-are-back.

Music Mosaics Concert Series

UW-Whitewater Piano Trio

Sunday, February 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the Light Recital Hall

What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with the beautiful music of the UW-Whitewater Piano Trio performing two distinctive masterpieces from the Romantic period: Felix Mendelssohn’s second piano trio and the Gabriel Faure piano trio.

The Vent Faculty Woodwind Trio

Thursday, March 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the Light Recital Hall

The Vent Faculty Woodwind Trio (flute, clarinet, and saxophone) will perform a wide variety of music from J.S. Bach to Chinese-born American composer, Lei Liang. The program will include a premiere of a new work by Christian Ellenwood as well as MyungHee Chung, piano.

Whitewater Brass Quintet

Sunday, April 10 at 3:00 p.m. in the Light Recital Hall

Closing out the Mosaics concert series for the 21/22 season, this concert includes music of Crespo, Koetsier, and more. Faculty performers, Dafydd Bevil, horn, Mike Dugan, trombone, Chris Ramaekers, trumpet, and John Tuinstra, tuba welcome Dr. Matthew Onstad, assistant professor of trumpet at UW-Whitewater.

Theatre and Dance Season 

“The Harpies” & “Signor Deluso” one-act operas

directed by Bruce Cohen and musical director Robert Gehrenbeck

February 20 and 26 at 2:00 p.m. & February 22 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. in Barnett Theatre

Two one-act operas for one evening of musical enjoyment. “The Harpies” focuses on Phineus, a sightless oracle, whose attempts to enjoy his dinner are thwarted by the Harpies. An operatic spoof of Greek mythology, this opera will leave you laughing and wondering who will win the battle of wills. “Signor Deluso” is a comedy of layered misunderstandings. Signor Deluso rushes to revive Célie after she faints in the town square, leading his wife to think they are lovers. Célie is being forced to marry wealthy Valère, but she is in love with another. Just when everything appears to be hopelessly embroiled, the maid enters in the nick of time and saves the day.

“DanceScapes ‘22”

Artistic Director: Barbara Grubel

March 12 – 13 at 2:00 p.m. & March 14 – 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Barnett Theatre

tickets.uww.edu

DanceScapes ’22 returns to live audiences in Barnett Theatre. An annual audience favorite, this concert features works from UW-Whitewater faculty members, award-winning guest artist Li Chiao Ping, student choreographers Kayley Stoner and Teresa Krogmann, and for the very first time, a piece choreographed and performed by alumni. A showcase of unique talent nurtured in our studios, we hope you’ll join us as we celebrate the shared experience of live performance.

“The Busybody”

by Susanna Centlivre, directed by Sara J. Griffin

April 26 – 29 at 7:30 p.m., April 30 at 2:00 p.m. **, and May 1 at 2:00 p.m. in Barnett Theatre

Parents just don’t understand! In a time when arranged marriages were the social expectation, a renegade couple and their friends plot to escape the lousy marriages their controlling caretakers have set up. Will a nosey nobleman ruin their plans or save the day? Join us for this hilarious Restoration comedy full of adventure, love and wit.

**The performance on April 30 at 2:00 pm will take place at the outdoor city of Whitewater Amphitheatre. Tickets are not required for the outdoor performance, but donations are suggested in a ‘Pay What You Can’ format. All proceeds will benefit the student theatre organization, Theta Alpha Phi and the Department of Theatre and Dance.

Free events

Crossman Gallery: Student Juried Exhibition

Tuesday, February 1 – Friday, February 25

Crossman Gallery

Delta Omicron Recital

Thursday, February 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the Light Recital Hall

University/Community Band

Monday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the Light Recital Hall

Opera Workshop

Tuesday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m. in the Light Recital Hall

Saxophone Studio

Sunday, April 3 at 3:00 p.m. in the Light Recital Hall

BFA Entry and Junior Review 

Monday, April 18 – Friday, April 22 in Crossman Gallery

Guest Artist David Caplan, piano & In-Ae Ha, piano

Friday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. in the Light Recital Hall

Cellist David Caplan and pianist In-Ae Ha, known for their expressive musicianship and flawless technique, will be performing masterpieces by Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms in this FREE concert!

BFA Senior Exhibition
Monday, May 2 – Friday, May 6 in Crossman Gallery

University/Community Band

Monday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the Light Recital Hall

Editor’s Note: This information was provided by the Rock River Community Clinic.

Rock River Community Clinic is pleased to welcome Dr. Le’erin Voss, DDS, MPH to our Dental Clinic in Fort Atkinson. She is available to see patients in need of emergency and routine dental procedures.

Dr. Voss earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and her Master’s in Public Health from the Medical College of Wisconsin. She has experience in general dentistry, working with both adults and children, including children with special needs.

Before joining Rock River Community Clinic, Dr. Voss worked in private practice and volunteered with community clinics in the Minneapolis and Milwaukee areas. She continues to work with oral health programs, such as Healthy Smiles for Mom and Baby and Seal-a-Smile programs, at the state and national levels.

“I am thrilled to continue practicing dentistry at Rock River Community Clinic and look forward to fulfilling the mission of serving our community,” said Dr. Voss. “I am a strong believer in quality dentistry and oral health for all individuals. I view dentists as health practitioners who can not only influence oral health, but overall health and positive lifestyles. I want all individuals to be able to access dental care and have a welcoming dental home at RRCC.”

The Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC), which now offers medical and dental services, wants to help all community members who have difficulty in affording health care services.  For medical appointments, all are welcome to seek services at RRCC including those with health insurance and those who have none.  Discounts are available based on household financial income.  Our goal is to make needed medical care affordable and based on ability to pay.  For dental appointments, due to the large demand and limited staff, RRCC only accepts patients who have Medicaid and those without insurance.  In time, our goal is to expand our capacity so that more community members can receive dental care at RRCC. To schedule an appointment for dental services at Rock River Community Clinic, call (920) 563-4372.

About Rock River Community Clinic: The RRCC was formed in January 2020 merging the former Community Dental Clinic (founded in 2007), the Rock River Free Medical Clinic (founded in 2003), the Watertown Area Cares Clinic (founded in 2008) and including a new medical clinic site in Whitewater.  RRCC is dedicated to providing quality medical and dental care and serves those in our community who have decreased access to this care due to financial limitations.  In addition, RRCC assists patients in finding affordable community resources and helps them navigate the local health care system.

“UNIVERSITY FREE LUNCH” UPDATE
(TGIFLT Thank God It’s Free Lunch Tuesday)

This spring, University Free Lunch will continue to be part of FUMC’s “Whitewater Responds.”
“Lunch” will be replaced with free, homemade, microwavable, take-home dinners distributed on Tuesday evenings, 5:00-7:00 pm, starting January 25, 2022.

WHO: UWW students, community members, anyone who would like a free, homemade, take-out meal

WHAT: FREE, homemade, take-out, microwavable dinners; no-strings-attached

WHERE: First United Methodist Church, 145 South Prairie Street, Whitewater, WI. Pull in the church parking lot on Prairie Street and watch for the signs. We will be serving our no-contact meals from a window on the side of the building.

WHEN: Tuesdays, 5:00-7:00 pm, starting January 25, 2022

You are welcome to pick up a meal for yourself, a friend in need, or a family.
We hope these changes in University Free Lunch will make your experience safer and less stressful.
Our freezers are stocked, and we look forward to serving you and all your friends!

Questions? Please call 262 473-2131 for additional information.

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by Whitewater High School.

Kayla Mikos has been chosen to attend the Wisconsin Leadership Seminar at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin June 10-12, 2022! The Wisconsin Leadership Seminar is designed to encourage leadership development through emphasis on personal responsibility, service, inclusiveness, and decision-making. Congratulations Kayla!

Editor’s note: The following information is from the Wisconsin Leadership Seminars website.

Our Mission:To identify outstanding high school sophomores throughout Wisconsin for being responsible citizens in their community and/or school and provide them with the opportunity and encouragement to recognize their leadership potential.

We fulfill this mission through an annual 3-day leadership seminar that is provided at no cost to the students or schools. WILS encourages leadership development through emphasis on our four pillars:

• Responsibility – Instill self-confidence and personal responsibility in leaders by guiding them to explore their personal values and develop a sense of purpose.

• Service – Encourage leaders to volunteer their time to bring about positive change in their communities and schools.

• Inclusiveness – Provide leaders with opportunities to engage with individuals who have diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences in order to explore ideas and build skills that are essential for success in our communities and in a globally-connected world.

• Decision Making – Foster a positive, unbiased setting where leaders can practice forming opinions, making decisions, and engaging in open-minded analysis and discussion of the issues and challenges facing today’s world.

Upon completion of the three-day seminar, participants are invited to join the WILS Alumni Association. Through the Alumni Association, they are able to continue on a path that fosters the growth and development of their leadership skills, volunteerism, and community involvement to become successful, responsible contributors to society. Our alumni participate in leadership retreats throughout the year, perform volunteer service, interact with community leaders, and develop relationships with other ambitious individuals. As an organization WILS volunteers over 1,300 hours in our communities each year.

City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes “Burns at Walton Oaks or Effigy Mounds?”
Community Room – 1st Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.

Whitewater Unified School District Board – Monday @ 6:15 p.m. (Closed session) Open session @ 7:00 p.m.
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
6:15 p.m.
———————————————–
6:15 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83874159599?pwd=djBKRjBVcFVuZGhBaW8vSFlMNEFEdz09
– Password: 367047
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 838 7415 9599
– Passcode: 367047
———————————————-
Closed Session: Agenda: “…. to discuss disciplinary data of a previous District employee.”
———————————————-
Open Session: Agenda: (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner) – Includes Multilingual/English Language Learner Program, Response to Student Needs; Second Friday of January Student Count
7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86526305681?pwd=YkVwWnkxVW54RU1EY0kweU8yTUtoUT09
– Passcode: 106535
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 865 2630 5681
– Passcode: 106535

Downtown Whitewater Board of Directors Meeting – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda
Downtown Whitewater is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82123775570?pwd=RllpV0FDVStOcTNKejczWVpYV3l
kdz09
Or dial 1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 821 2377 5570
Passcode: 300835

City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes 2022 General Obligation Bond Issuance
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
Cravath Lakefront Meeting Room- 2nd Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/222773469
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: 1 (669) 224-3412
Access Code: 222-773-469

City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
NOTE: Meeting was canceled on Jan. 26.

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors Meeting – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda
Location: Innovation Center
1221 Innovation Drive in Room #202 or #205
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.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82730477436
Webinar ID: 827 3047 7436
Or Telephone: US: 1 301 715 8592 or 1 312 626 6799 or 1 929 205 6099 or 1 253 215 8782
Webinar ID: 827 3047 7436

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.

This week we have another winter image from an Andrew Scholl glass plate negative. This image is from around 1900 and is the original wooden foot bridge constructed over the railroad tracks to the Washington School. The foot bridge was built around 1890 to make a safer crossing for students going to what was then the East Side School.

By 1920, the bridge was unsafe and in 1922 the City of Whitewater finally convinced the railroad line (Milwaukee Road) to fund half of the cost to replace it. Once again, it was replaced in 1965. It has been a well-used east side landmark for 130 years. It may have been replaced again since 1965. Does anyone know the year?

Join us next week for another Scholl winter scene.

(#2967GP Whitewater Historical Society)