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[From myjewishlearning.com] In 2025, Passover begins on the evening of Saturday, April 12 and concludes at nightfall on Sunday, April 20 for most Jews in diaspora. Jews in the land of Israel and some Reform Jews in diaspora will end Passover on the evening of Monday, April 29th.
(From Wikipedia) Passover, also called Pesach or Pesakh (/ˈpɛsɑːx, ˈpeɪ-/;[2] Hebrew: פֶּסַח Pesaḥ) is a ritual meal, the Pesach seder, that occurs the night of the paschal full moon after the 14th of Nisan, eve of the 15th, telling the story of the exodus, and remembering how the angel of death “passed over” the houses of the Israelites during the tenth plague on Egypt. It begins Feast of Unleavened Bread that continues through the 22nd of Nisan, and is one of three pilgrimage festivals in which all Jewish males living in the land of Israel are obliged. On the 16th of Nisan, jews begin the counting of the omer, the memorial offering of the firstfruits of the barley harvest. The counting continues for seven weeks until the Feast of Shavuot, also known as Pentecost.
When the Temple in Jerusalem stood, the paschal lamb was offered and eaten on Passover eve, while the wave offering of barley was offered on the second day of the festival. Nowadays, in addition to the biblical prohibition of owning leavened foods for the duration of the holiday, the Passover seder is one of the most widely observed rituals in Judaism. In the Diaspora the unleavened bread is celebrated for 8 days, based on the concept of yom tov sheni shel galuyot.


Wisconsin Makers is adding more sessions of its popular “Copper Enameling” workshop. The “Mondays@Makers” activity will take place at the community makerspace, 200 E. Clay St., from 5 to 8 p.m. on both April 21 and 28 at the makerspace, located at 200 E. Clay St. in Whitewater.
The fee for the one-session workshop is $20 plus the price of copper used, likely $1-$10 depending on the size of the piece. Students may register by calling Chris Spangler at (920) 728-2960 or emailing her at editorspangler@gmail.com.
Payment may be made at the workshop, which is geared toward ages 10 and up.
Leading “Copper Enameling for Beginners and Beyond” is Leani Schoor of Madison. Copper enameling is a traditional technique that involves fusing powdered glass to a copper surface at high heat to create a permanent, colorful coating.
Students will be able to decorate a small dish and/or jewelry to take home that night. Schoor earned her bachelor of science degree in art education and master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She taught art at Jefferson High School for 38 years. The owner of Studio 2154 in Madison, Schoor teaches wet and needle felting, beadwork,
glass fusing, cement yard art, ceramics, copper enameling, metal work and quilting.
Mondays@Makers
Suggestions for “Mondays@Makers” classes are welcomed. “If there is a skill in the arts you are interested in learning, please let us know and we will see what we can do to help you on your journey,” Schoor said.
Located at the corner of East Clay and Wisconsin streets in Whitewater, Wisconsin Makers is a makerspace that creates an
affordable, collaborative and educational environment that inspires people of all ages to becoming innovators by unlocking their skills through continual training. It has members from Jefferson, Walworth, Rock, Dane and Waukesha counties and beyond, and all have access to the workshops around the clock.
The facility houses machine, welding/fabrication, electronics, automotive, 3-D printing, laser engraving and woodworking shops. It also offers pottery, ceramics, metal art, quilting, fabric arts, matting/framing and more. The building is accessible and has off-street parking, Wi-Fi, and many other amenities.
For more information about the makerspace or workshops, contact Chris Spangler at (920) 728-2960.
Seamless transfer opportunities for students pursuing fitness, recreation, and wellness careers
Madison College and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater have forged a new articulation agreement to enhance the success of students pursuing careers in the fitness, recreation, and wellness industry.
Madison College and UW-Whitewater leadership celebrated the agreement during an April 17 signing at the Madison College Truax Campus.
“As we navigate the evolving landscape of education, the future of health care and an increasing emphasis on physical health, it is essential that we support students aiming to make a lasting positive impact in the health and wellness sector,” said Madison College Provost Beth Giles. “This partnership embodies both institutions’ commitment to providing effective and efficient educational pathways in this vital field.”
This innovative agreement ensures a seamless transfer process between Madison College and UW-Whitewater, promoting a smooth transition for future professionals in the field.
“With the need for community health workers growing much faster than the average occupation, it’s no surprise that human performance is one of our most sought-after majors,” said UW-Whitewater Interim Provost Robin Fox. “Students who complete the program receive a well-rounded experience that prepares them to enter a variety of careers, including exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, community health, and spots and recreation.”
Students in the Associate of Applied Science in Fitness, Recreation, and Wellness Management at Madison College are guaranteed admission to UW-Whitewater’s Human Performance major and minors in Recreation and Leisure Studies, Strength and Conditioning, Sports Management, and Health Promotion, earning a minimum of 57 credits toward their degree.
To qualify, students must apply to UW-Whitewater, submit the required documents, and complete their applied associate degree in Fitness, Recreation & Wellness Management from Madison College with a GPA of 2.25 or higher.
The two institutions have a long-standing, successful history of transfer collaboration opportunities for students in early childhood education, human services, IT, paralegal studies, and liberal arts.
For more information, please visit the Madison College Transfer Partnership program page.
For more information about transferring to UW-Whitewater, visit https://www.uww.edu/admissions/transfer
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Madison College.
Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront Conference Room
312 W Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88373432757?pwd=R1vir9DUpF8JEItZd4zTzXiSm78ppl.1
Meeting ID: 883 7343 2757
Passcode: d3Fh5vwX
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action to amend ordinance 2.62.020 Whitewater Transparency
Enhancement Ordinance Posting requirements, Discussion and possible action to amend the city’s TIF Policy and recommend for approval by Common Council, Discussion and possible action to recommend approval of Brown Cab contract for 2026, and Discussion on the City Attorney Contract.
Whitewater Municipal Building City Manager’s Conference Room, 312 West Whitewater St.,
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar 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/83113931346
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 831 1393 1346
“Wicked: Part 1”
Tuesday, April 22, 1 pm
(Fantasy/Musical) Rated PG; 2 hours, 40 minutes (2024).
Oscar Winner: best costume design and best production design; nominated for Best Film, Best Actress and Supporting Actress.
In the land of Oz, at Shiz University, Elphaba and Galinda encounter the Wizard of Oz, setting them up to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. (Part 2 of this film will be released in November).
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/

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
The above emergency alert was received on cell phones in the Whitewater area at approximately 7:10 a.m. on Friday, April 18. Some car owners without a garage wondered where they could hurriedly drive to seek shelter for their vehicle. Three residents hung out in the self-service car wash on the west side; others likely decided that the canopy over the gas pumps at a convenience store was a good idea. It appears that much of the city didn’t get any hail, but Prairie Village on the north side did, per the report and photos below courtesy of Tom Ganser. The worst of the storm apparently veered north of the city.
Tom Ganser writes, “About five minutes of hail about 7:30 a.m. Friday, April 18. Largest pieces about the size of a quarter. Melted away quickly. Welcome to spring ?????”





It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
Like this early 20th century post card expresses, we wish you all a “Happy Easter.”
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(postcard collection, Whitewater Historical Society)
Obituaries
Marion Jauch Burrows (Feb. 2, 1930 – June 5, 2026) Her sparkling eyes, warm laugh, and generous ways were gifts Marion brought into this world, touching family members and friends alike over the ninety-six years of her life. She was born and raised in Lombard, IL, and in the course of her life lived with her husband and growing family in Abilene, TX, St. David’s, PA, Arkadelphia, AR, Ada, OK, and Colorado Springs, CO, before settling in Whitewater, WI, in 1965. Generosity of heart, compassion toward those in need in and beyond her community, and an unwavering commitment to fairness … Read more
Patricia “Pat” Lynn Bailey, age 70, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026 with her daughter by her side. Pat was born February 21, 1956 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to John and Ruth (Hudock) Prentice. After a brief time in Ann Arbor, the Prentice family moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin, where Pat grew up as part of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater community, where her father served as University Registrar. Pat attended the University School and later graduated from UW Whitewater with a degree in Elementary Education. Although she did not pursue teaching, she built a meaningful career in Human … Read more
Gemelino Paris Esperante, 83, long time resident of Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, June 4th, 2026. He was born on January 10, 1943, to his late father and mother, Evaristo and Carmen in Spain. In 1973 he moved to the United States as a sheep herder. On August 21, 1981, he was united in marriage to Cyndie Esperante in Colorado. Gemelino also worked in Mining and construction for many years. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, raising sheep and growing things in his garden, and flowers. He will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife … Read more
Mary Ann Warner died peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Crestridge Assisted Living in Dodgeville. Her physical heart failed, but her actual, loving heart never did. Ann was born June 28, 1939 to Mary and Charles Kearns in Iowa. She moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin and graduated with many dear friends in the class of 1957. Ann married John Warner on September 19, 1959. They lived in Whitewater, Sturgis Michigan, and finally settled in Janesville where they built a beautiful life and raised their family. Together, they ran a business, traveled, played cards, and enjoyed their lives. When they became … Read more
Patricia Ann Jacobson (Bureau), age 81, of Whitewater, WI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI. Born on September 2, 1944, in Marquette, MI, to the late Donald and Margaret Bureau, Pat grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She graduated from Graveraet High School, attended Michigan State University, and later earned her bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University. Pat dedicated her professional life to shaping young minds, working as an elementary and junior high school teacher in both Flint, MI, and Whitewater, WI. At the heart of Pat’s life was a beautiful, … Read more
In loving memory of Lois Lauritzen, age 92, who passed away on June 1, 2026 at Lakewood Memory Care in Brookfield. Lois led an active life full of devotion to family and friends. Born July 14th, 1933 in Silvis, IL, daughter of Harry and Elsie Wilson, she grew up in the Quad Cities with older brother Harry Wilson Jr. Lois graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL with a degree in physical education. She met her husband Paul Lauritzen on the college tennis team. Their marriage on June 12th, 1955 lasted 59 years until Paul’s death on September 26th, … Read more
Donald Walter Triebold passed on to his eternal home on May 21, 2026. Don was born on April 23, 1935, in Evanston, IL, to the late Frederick W. and Mildred (nee Stecher) Triebold. Through his teen years, Don lived and worked on the family’s dairy farm, where he developed a life-long work ethic. His first eight years of education were in a one-room country schoolhouse, in which all eight grades were taught by one teacher. He graduated from Whitewater City High School in 1953 and then graduated from UW Whitewater in 1958 with a degree in Business Education. He continued his education, and earned a Master’s … Read more
William Kincaid Davis, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, May 19 at Agrace Hospice Center in Fitchburg. He was born on November 1, 1941, in Madison, Indiana, the second son of Salvation Army Officers Agnes (Dixon) and William C. Davis. He attended several schools in Indiana and Illinois, including University of Illinois Experimental High School (Champaign), and graduated from Galesburg High School in 1958. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UW-Eau Claire in 1964 and his master’s degree from UW-Whitewater in 1972. He had an expansive career in education, beginning as an English teacher in Whitehall, Thornton Township (IL) and … Read more
Magdalene “Maggie” Stetter (nee Fritz), 79, of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed from this life onto the next on Monday, May 4, 2026. She was born on January 16, 1947, to the late John and Mary (Presser) Fritz in St. Stefan, Austria. Maggie immigrated from Austria with her parents and brother, became a US citizen, and grew up and attended school in West Allis, WI and then graduated with a teaching degree from University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Maggie served as a substitute, English, and German language teacher in the Whitewater, Elkhorn, Delavan, and Palmyra schools and at Divine Word Seminary. Maggie … Read more
Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, a proud Marine Veteran of the Vietnam War, and longtime resident of Fort Atkinson, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2026. Larry was born June 7th, 1949, to Levon and Charles Hartung in Chicago, IL. Larry enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1968 and served 3 consecutive tours in the Vietnam War. During this time, he became pen pals with his future wife, Candy, via a connection through his father. In 1970, he came home on leave to marry Candy. They celebrated 55 years of marriage on October 31st, 2025. During … Read more
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