(Whitewater Unites Lives Submission) Dean Fischer is at WUL Hometown Hero. He was nominated “For organizing the Panera bread donation pick-ups for the Whitewater Community Food Pantry, for driving to Kenosha every week of the year, and for his dedication to the Whitewater community.”
Dean Fischer with Pat and Barb from the Whitewater Food Pantry
Dean and his team of drivers take turns driving weekly to Kenosha to pick up bread for the patrons of the Whitewater Community Food Pantry.
WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.
Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com
By Lynn Binnie Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
On October 5, Toppers locations systemwide introduced the following new vegan offerings to their menu:
Buffalo Chicken-less Topper (with Buffalo sauce, vegan chicken and mozzarella, green onions and vegan ranch)
Korean BBQ Chicken-less Topper (with Korean barbecue sauce, vegan chicken and mozzarella, onions and peppers)
Tuscano Topper (with tomato sauce, vegan cheese, spinach, tomatoes and green olives).
The Banner recently spoke with Mac Malchow, the Director of Menu Innovation, about the move into the vegan menu. Although acknowledging that in the U.S. only about 2% of the population follows a vegan diet, Mr. Malchow indicated that he believes adherence to the diet is probably higher in many of the company’s locations, most of which are in medium to large sized cities, including a number of college towns. Vegans consume no food that comes from animals, including meat, eggs, and dairy products. Malchow indicated that the new pizzas, featuring dairy-free mozzarella, should also be attractive to people who are lactose intolerant, or to those who wish to occasionally reduce their meat consumption. “Being from the dairy state, we definitely embrace our cheese,” he quickly clarified, but over the years the company has heard from many would-be customers who are vegan, vegetarian or lactose intolerant who have very limited options to meet their dietary/lifestyle needs in the pickup and delivery restaurant space. The response on the introductory day of the new menu was “awesome,” with customers trying as early as 7 a.m. to place orders for later in the day.
Chef Melanie Manuel, owner of the vegan-friendly Celesta Restaurant in Milwaukee, helped create the menu that was tested in Madison this past July. Ms. Manuel earned a certification in plant-based nutrition from Cornell University, and she says that she believes “plant-based cuisine is the future.” Ms. Manuel’s restaurant is just down the street from a Toppers, and she’s a new customer now that the vegan options are available.
Two of the vegan pizzas are described as “chicken-less,” featuring a plant based “crispy chicken” product from Gardein, which Toppers figured out how to prep appropriately to use as a topping. The third offering, “Tuscano,” features garlic roasted tomatoes and spinach, but has no plant-based protein.
Malchow concluded, “We had to roll something out for people just looking for more fun options in pizza. For those who want dairy on their pizza, we have the perfect option: Wisconsin Curds ‘n Bacon, and, besides, we have a side of Leinie’s beer battered cheese curds.”
Toppers’ International Headquarters is located in Whitewater, alongside one of their 65 stores, about half of which are in WI. The company name is intended to convey its reputation for numerous and unusual pizza toppings. The brand is experiencing record-breaking year-over-year sales, over 25%, influenced by pandemic-era preference for delivery and curbside pickup. Do they have any locations outside the U.S.? Well, no, and actually they currently have no plans to expand internationally, but it sounds good.
When Dr. Richard James was hired by the College of Business & Economics in 1978, he brought with him his Kansas roots. He was thrilled to find the University’s prairie just a short distance from his Fremont Street home. The prairie provided him a place to exercise his Brittany spaniels, get up pheasants, and appreciate the flora and fauna.
Soon he involved his students in reclaiming the prairie. They would be invited to cut invading bushes and woody plants. James call the project “Give Something Back” and included the geography and biology departments on campus in his efforts.
In 1999, James’s efforts were reported in the Whitewater Register and Janesville Gazette. The project took off to reconstruct the prairie. A kiosk was built and funds were raised. Today, classes can enjoy what the prairie has to offer. And, given the pandemic, more and more people are walking the prairie where they can socially distance and get some exercise.
Wes Enterline, the Sustainability Coordinator for the University, organized a tree planting in James’s honor on October 8. A burr oak tree was planted; a plaque, designed by James’s wife Marcia, was affixed to large rock. Dr. David Graf, a 1964 UW-Whitewater graduate and donor to the prairie talked about the role of the trees. Pastor Jerry Wendt gave a tree blessing. Since the gathering was limited to 10 people, interested viewers can go to FaceBook and click on the videos tab: https://www.facebook.com/uwwnaturepreserve.
(Whitewater Public Library submission) The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library will offer “Spiritualism and the Morris Pratt Institute and how it led to the Witches of Whitewater” via Zoom on Wednesday, October 21st at 4:00 p.m.
“Join us on Facebook or YouTube for this local history program presented by Carol Cartwright of the Whitewater Historical Society. No need to register.”
City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m. Includes work session regarding rewrite of sign ordinance; click here for agenda Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/417612309 You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (872) 240-3311 Access Code: 417-612-309
City of Whitewater Finance Committee Meeting – Tuesday @ 4:30 p.m. Second of three scheduled review meetings for the 2021 budget proposal; click here for agenda. Please join meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/506781557 You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (571) 317-3112 Access Code: 506-781-557
City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m. Includes possible changes to intersection of Franklin & Janesville Streets; Request from John’s Disposal for 2021 recycling rates. Click here for agenda. Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/620602509https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/620602509 You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (872) 240-3412 Access Code: 620-602-509
City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Wednesday @ 4:30 p.m. Third of three scheduled review meetings for the 2021 budget proposal; click here for agenda. Please join meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/506781557 You can also dial in using your phone. (571) 317-3112 Access Code: 506-781-557
(Gamblers Anonymous submission) Men and women gamblers! Are you a constant loser because of your gambling? Are you losing your income, self-respect and loved ones? Compulsive gambling is an addictive, progressive disease. If you want help for you or someone you love, you are welcome to attend:
Gamblers Anonymous Whitewater First United Methodist Church—In the Library 145 S. Prairie St. Whitewater, WI 53190
Elizabeth Katzman, who raised $10,000 this spring through her Support Wisconsin Dairy yard sign campaign, recently donated 200 Baked Potato Bags – in celebration of National Potato Month – to The Community Space and the Whitewater Community Food Pantry. Each bag featured a five-pound bag of potatoes – generously donated by Alsum Farms & Produce (Friesland) – butter from Grassland Butter (Greenwood), sour cream from Weyauwega Star Dairy (Weyauwega) and shredded cheddar from Crystal Farms Cheese (Lake Mills). Thanks to all for their continued support of the Support Wisconsin Dairy campaign!
Elizabeth Katzman with Christine Lindner, marketing manager for Alsum Farms & Produce – fun fact – Christine served as the 63rd Alice in Dairyland
Elizabeth Katzman and Kay Robers of The Community Space
Barbara Quast, co-manager of the Whitewater Community Food Pantry, with volunteers Steve and Judy Malone, Elizabeth Katzman
(UW-W Press Release) Fall traditions at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater are adapting to prioritize the safety of the campus community during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Homecoming Week is scheduled to run Oct. 19-23. Almost all events will be held virtually — including a study night, trivia competition, scavenger hunt, talent show and spirit day. At 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, a drive-in movie, the Halloween classic “Hocus Pocus,” will be held in Lot. 24 (Perkins Stadium lot). Registration is required and all attendees must follow safety protocols. This year’s Homecoming theme — Warhawks Around the World — celebrates the diverse Warhawk family and the many contributions of our students, faculty, staff and more than 100,000 alumni. “As a team, we are really excited for this year’s theme. The Homecoming Steering Committee wanted to have a theme that could bring together not only our Warhawks in Whitewater, but all around the globe,” said John Dickinson, Homecoming chairperson. With the previously announced cancellation of WIAC conference competition in football, there will be no game day for Homecoming. For more information on Homecoming events, visit https://www.uww.edu/homecoming. —
Versiti is the primary blood supplier for Southeastern Wisconsin, as well as Lakeland and Fort Hospitals. Please consider making an appointment by clicking here today.
The City of Janesville is partnering with Rock County Emergency Management and the Wisconsin National Guard to offer free COVID-19 testing for the community.
Free COVID-19 testing will be available Monday, October 12, 2020 through Friday, October 16, 2020 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. each day at Dawson Softball Complex, 900 Beloit Avenue, Janesville, WI.
Testing is open to anyone age five and older, but especially encouraged for those experiencing symptoms. COVID-19 symptoms include:
Cough
Fatigue
Sudden Loss of Taste/Smell
Shortness of Breath
Sore Throat
Congestion or runny nose
Fever
Muscle Pain
Nausea or vomiting
Chills
Headache
Diarrhea
No appointment is necessary, though pre-registration is recommended. Please pre-register at register.covidconnect.wi.gov. Registrations will not be accepted until 72 hours in advance of testing. Preregistering not only may save time at the testing site; you also may get your results quicker.
This is a drive-thru testing site and anyone getting tested must stay in their vehicle. A nasal swab will be used to collect a sample by a uniformed member of the Wisconsin National Guard.
Due to limited testing supplies, up to 500 tests will be administered per day. The testing site will close for the day once 500 tests have been given.
A Spanish-language interpreter will be available for those who don’t speak English.
Please contact Assistant to the City Manager Maggie Darr at (608) 755-3103 with questions about the community testing. The City of Janesville continues to closely monitor the impacts of COVID-19 and provide information to assist residents and businesses to respond to the emergency as it evolves. Stay up to date by visiting www.ci.janesville.wi.us/covid19.
