It’s Movie Awards Season and Seniors in the Park will be presenting many nominated and winning films over the coming months!
“Maestro”
Tuesday, February 27, 1 p.m.
(Biography/Drama/History/Music/Romance)
2 hours, 9 minutes (2023)
A love story chronicling the lifelong relationship of conductor-composer Leonard Bernstein and his wife/actress Felicia Cohn. Written, directed, and starring Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan.
Many Golden Globe nominations and much Oscar buzz for this film.
Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes our of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
For the last of our “Gone but not Forgotten” series of images, we present the Territorial Oak, just recently lost to disease. At the foot of the photo is Ruth Engebretsen Dorr, who spearheaded a drive to place a marker for the tree in 1962.
The territorial oak was mentioned specifically in 1836 surveyor’s notes when the Whitewater area was surveyed prior to it being opened for sale from the U. S. Government. A large burr oak tree at the time, it was recognized as a local landmark as early as the 1930s.
Disease and age took its toll on the tree in recent years and it had to be cut down. But, the city will memorialize the tree in Starin Park and it will be truly “Gone but not Forgotten.”
Join us next week for more historic images from the Whitewater Historical Society.
The Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) and the BCSP Foundation proudly announce the annual awarding of scholarships to deserving students enrolled in collegiate programs aligned with the Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) designation. These scholarships, known as Qualified Academic Program (QAP) Scholarships, support students pursuing degrees in the Safety, Health, and Environmental fields at the bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate levels. QAPs undergo rigorous evaluation by BCSP, ensuring alignment with the Associate Safety Professional (ASP) examination blueprint. Graduates of QAPs are eligible to pursue the Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) credential, a vital step towards obtaining the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) certification. Notably, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health program holds dual accreditation from both QAP and ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology), underscoring its commitment to excellence in safety education.
This year, two students from UW-Whitewater have won the BCSP QAP Scholarship! Christopher Gomez and James Groehler were 2 out of 40 students nationwide selected for this honor. Safety professor Alvaro Taveira (Ph.D., CSP, CPE) was delighted to hear this news and optimistic for their future. He said, “I am very proud of Chris and James for winning this prestigious scholarship. I have enjoyed working with them in class and know their work ethic and passion for the profession. These jobs are in high demand, and our program has an excellent placement rate, so I see a bright future ahead.”
The UW-Whitewater Occupational Environmental Safety and Health Department is housed in the College of Business and Economics (CoBE). Based on data from 2021, graduates from this program have a 97% job placement rate within six months post-graduation and a median starting salary of $70,000.
Christopher Gomez is extremely grateful for his education at UW-Whitewater and the opportunities CoBE and OESH have granted him. “One of my favorite resources is career services. I am learning to be a good interviewer, how to “sell myself,” and how to write a stellar resume. This has helped me become more confident in my professional abilities. The quality of my education in this program is unmatched. I particularly enjoy going into the field and being out in the safety world, experiencing things and learning hands-on.”
Professor Taveira has been part of the UW-Whitewater OESH faculty for almost 25 years. During this time, he has seen many program graduates enjoy bright careers. He attributes much of this success to the internship opportunities available to the safety students. “CoBE allows students to find internships during their time, even multiple for some, to give the students real-world experience and to help them narrow down the industry they like the most before committing to a full-time position.”
This holds true for scholarship winner James Groehler. He said, “My post-graduate plan is to continue working as a Site Safety Manager for Blattner Energy. Getting to travel across the United States and manage safety for our renewable energy construction projects has been a goal of mine since my first internship in renewable energy in the summer of my sophomore year.”
Congratulations to Christopher and James on the BCSP QAP Scholarship! We can’t wait to see you continue to shine in your future endeavors!
Read more about the scholarship and recipients here.
More about the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics (CoBE):
Wisconsin’s largest business college, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics, is home to the #1 ranked online Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program in the State of single schools and is the only college in Wisconsin that offers an AACSB-accredited Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) degree program. The Department of Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health offers a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety (both face-to-face and online), a Master of Science in Environmental Safety and Health (100% online), and an MBA with an emphasis in environmental safety and health. These programs are also ABET-accredited and recognized as Qualified Academic Programs by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). CoBE is in the top 2% of the world’s business schools, earning both AACSB and AACSB Accounting Accreditation. For more information on the College of Business and Economics, visit uww.edu/cobe or email cobe@uww.edu.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the League of Women Voters Whitewater Area.
The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area will hold a training session on voter registration education and assistance on Saturday, March 2, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m., in the Starin Park Senior Center in Whitewater, 504 West Starin Road. The training is open to League members and anyone in the general public interested in helping staff League voter registration assistance and information tables during the 2024 election cycle. You do not have to be a League member to help us with this important civic work!
The League’s former voter services chair, Julia Ross, who has years of voter registration experience, will provide the training and a brief introduction to Badger Books, which are electronic poll books to be used for the first time in Whitewater in the Spring Election on April 2nd.
If you have never assisted others with voter registration information or would just like to brush up on your skills, please attend! League voter service activities are fun and rewarding experiences. This year, the League will also have a presence in local high schools.
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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from Roberta’s Art Gallery.
EXHIBIT BASED ON BLACK EXCELLENCE, CULTURE, AND NOSTALGIA TO BE DISPLAYED AT ROBERTA’S ART GALLERY
Celebrate Black History Month at Roberta’s Art Gallery with “Embodiment of Ebony: A Fusion of Art & Expression,” by UW-Whitewater’s Leaders Igniting Transformation (LIT) student organization. This exhibit, expressing Black nostalgia and important art influences in music, hair, art, and literature, opens Feb. 15 and will be on display until March 20.
LIT is a Black and Brown-led independent nonprofit organization that aims to strengthen young minds by developing independent leadership skills to address social, racial, and economic justice. LIT engages in values-based issues, leadership development, public policy advocacy, electoral organizing, and direct action. Their exhibit, “Embodiment of Ebony: A Fusion of Art & Expression,” is a comprehensive exploration of a curated selection of influential Black artists, musicians, poets, and writers whose profound contributions have significantly shaped Black and mainstream culture. “We hope that each visitor can fully immerse themselves in this enriching and thought-provoking experience and marvel at the diverse facets of Black culture presented before them,” says LIT President Honey Cawthorn. “We want viewers to understand the strength of the African American community.” Beyond art, “Embodiment of Ebony: A Fusion of Art & Expression” will also feature a special presentation on Black hair experiences, incorporating a dedicated Black hair salon.
The reception will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. where UW-Whitewater alumnus DeLon Blanks and current UW-Whitewater student and Barber Lee Barnes Jr. will join the audience in a panel discussion and Q&A surrounding Black culture and experience. The open house will begin at 7 p.m. and will include samples of Black inspired soul food.
Roberta’s Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the James R. Connor University Center at 190 Hamilton Green Way, Whitewater, Wis. The gallery collaborates with campus departments, student organizations, and community artists in coordinating and sponsoring exhibits. Roberta’s Art Gallery is open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday. Roberta’s Art Gallery is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
At Roberta’s Art Gallery, we pride ourselves in providing free and open exhibits to the public, and attending certain events can earn students class credit. If you are interested in being featured in the gallery, please contact us for a proposal request. Reach us at ucart@uww.edu or 262-472-3193. Visit our website for any questions or inquiries, and follow our Instagram @uww_rag.
Everyone is welcome to celebrate at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater as Corey A. King is sworn in as the institution’s 18th chancellor.
The inauguration, which is free to attend and open to the public, is Friday, Feb. 23. The festivities begin with a ceremony at 2 p.m. in Young Auditorium, followed by a reception at 3 p.m. in the University Center. A livestream will also be provided; the link may be found here on Friday.
The ceremony will feature music performances from three of the university’s ensembles, and guest speakers from the Universities of Wisconsin, the city of Whitewater, and more.
“The inauguration is meant to be a celebration of the entire Warhawk family. Everyone — students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members and friends of the university — is invited to share in this historic event,” King said. “To say I’m honored to lead UW-Whitewater is an understatement. We transform lives here. And we are boldly moving forward in that mission. We’re committed to student success, academic excellence and access to higher education, as well as our role as an economic engine for the region.”
A celebrated leader with three decades of higher education experience, King has held leadership roles in student affairs, student services, and enrollment management.
Before joining UW-Whitewater, he served as vice chancellor for inclusivity and student affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Prior, he was vice president for student affairs and enrollment management at Florida Atlantic University and led the Council for Student Affairs of the State University System of Florida. King also held leadership positions at East Carolina University, Wheeling Jesuit University, and the University of Florida.
King earned a bachelor’s degree in curriculum and instruction and a master’s degree in higher education administration/student affairs from Florida State University. He earned a doctorate in educational administration and leadership from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Landmark Trek has started the new year with a new episode covering the White Memorial Library. This also coincides with the new interior face-lift that the Arts Alliance has done inside the Gallery. Delve into the history, and then discover the present interior improvements to one of Whitewater’s treasured landmarks. Watch the new segment at this link.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Continuing Education.
For the first time in program history, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team will host Mega Camp, designed for high school athletes seeking elite-level coaching and certified testing results. Athletes will have the unique opportunity to showcase their talent in front of college coaches from the University of Wisconsin, University of Minnesota, University of North Dakota, South Dakota State University, and many others.
“My staff and I are excited to combine our rich football tradition and great facilities to offer a tremendous opportunity for student-athletes,” Warhawk football coach Jace Rindahl said. “Athletes will be able to gain exposure to some of the best scholarship football programs in the country.”
Warhawk Football Mega Camp is scheduled for Thursday, June 13, from 8 a.m. to noon, and will be held at the Berezowitz Student Athletic Complex. The emphasis for the camp will be on improving each athlete’s football skill set. This padded event is limited to the first 400 registrants. [Clinic Fee: $85 -The event fee includes instruction, a t-shirt, and insurance. Additionally, if a participant registers for the camp by Thursday, May 23, 2024, they are guaranteed a t-shirt in their preferred size.]
Warhawk football is “Powered by Tradition” with six national championships and 39 conference titles. Student athletes are an important part of this winning tradition. Additional Warhawk Football summer programs include Youth Camp on June 16, Perimeter Camp on June 19, Lineman Camp on June 23, and Passing Jamborees throughout July.
About Warhawk Camps
Since 1973, Continuing Education Services has hosted summer camps and clinics on the Whitewater and Rock County campuses. In 2023, more than 6,700 people experienced summer programming, breaking past participation records. Athletic, academic, arts, and enrichment programs are offered every summer for lifelong learners of all ages, in state-of-the-art facilities, with inclusivity, belonging, and safety as core priorities.
The Whitewater High School Forensics Team had a great showing at Tuesday night’s Sub District competition hosted by Fort Atkinson High School. This is part of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Speech and Dramatic Arts Association (WISDAA) State Series.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Whitewater Police Department on February 21.
On Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 9:06 p.m., Whitewater Police received a report of an armed robbery at the BP Gas Station at 1138 W. Main St. in the City of Whitewater. The suspect, a 19 year old male, entered the gas station and displayed a facsimile (replica) firearm. The male demanded a pack of cigars, left the gas station, and fled in a vehicle. Officers located the suspect at Knilans Hall on the UW-Whitewater campus, and he was taken into custody without incident at 10:13 p.m.
The suspect was subsequently confined at the Walworth County Jail. Charges for Armed Robbery (Wis. Stat. 943.32(2)), Disorderly Conduct (Wis. Stat. 947.01(1)), and additional related charges will be forwarded to the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office.
The Whitewater Police Department would like to thank the UW-Whitewater Police Department and the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this incident. It is noted that this case has not been concluded. Unless a judgment of conviction is entered, the defendant is presumed innocent of all charges.
Nota del editor: el siguiente comunicado de prensa se recibió del Departamento de Policía de Whitewater el 21 de febrero.
La policía de Whitewater realiza un arresto en el robo de la gasolinera BP
Whitewater, WI – 21 de febrero de 2024 – El martes, 20 del febrero de 2024, a las 21:06 horas, la Policía de Whitewater recibió un informe de un robo a mano armada en la gasolinera BP en 1138 W. Main St. en la ciudad de Whitewater. El sospechoso, un hombre de 19 años, entró en la gasolinera y exhibió una réplica de arma de fuego. El hombre exigió un paquete de cigarros, salió de la gasolinera y huyó en un vehículo. Los agentes localizaron al sospechoso en Knilans Hall, en el campus de UW-Whitewater, y fue detenido sin incidentes a las 22:13 horas.
Posteriormente, el sospechoso fue recluido en la cárcel del condado de Walworth. Los cargos por robo a mano armada (Wis. Stat. 943.32(2)), conducta desordenada (Wis. Stat. 947.01(1)) y otros cargos relacionados se remitirán a la Fiscalía del Condado de Walworth.
El Departamento de la Policía de Whitewater desea agradecer al Departamento de la Policía de UW-Whitewater y a la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Walworth por su ayuda en este incidente. Cabe señalar que este caso no ha concluido. A menos que se dicte una sentencia condenatoria, se presume que el acusado es inocente de todos los cargos.
