News & Events

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Editor’s Note:  The following interview was done by Marjorie Stoneman on behalf of Whitewater Unites Lives.

Tony Aranda is well-known in Whitewater for his dedication, passion and leadership of the Whitewater Youth Soccer Club (Whitewater United FC), a local parent-driven organization that welcomes soccer players from ages 4 to 17. 

Soccer is his passion.  He said, “I feel that is where I really help the community.  It’s something I’ve been doing since 2008.”

Tony Aranda came to the United States from Guanajuato, Mexico at age 10, and has made Whitewater his home ever since.  In Mexico, baseball was his sport.  In fact, he tried to set up baseball games at Twin Oaks as a youngster.  He never played soccer in Mexico, but learned at recess in America.  One of the local coaches (Pedro Duran) needed players so he asked him to play.  Thus, Tony’s soccer passion began at about age 13.

As a youngster, he participated in the soccer club he now coaches.  He was inspired by all of his coaches who really helped students.   One of his coaches was Richard Telfer, who to him was a coach and dad to one of the players (Gavin) – he didn’t find out until later that he was the chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at that time.  Dr. Telfer and other coaches drove him to and from soccer, and Tony remembers that was key to his participation – both of his parents worked so the rides were crucial.   Now he pays it forward by driving his soccer players to games.

Since age 14 Tony has always played soccer and worked.  He is the sixth of 11 children, and wanted to make sure to help his parents.  At age 14 he had one newspaper route (The Janesville Gazette) that he later expanded into four routes.  At age 16 he worked at an egg farm in Cold Spring.  He cleaned buildings and worked the weekends to relieve the regular full-time staff.  He worked to pay for his own soccer shoes, clothing etc.  His many jobs included working at a restaurant, a financial company as well as translating for the owner of a landscaping company.

His goal as a teen was to be the first in his family to graduate from high school.  After graduation in 2000, he went to work at an asbestos-removal business in the Milwaukee area.  He realized how physically difficult the job was, and decided he wanted to go to school.

Tony has many wonderful memories of Whitewater community members.   Roni Telfer spent time with him and planted a seed – she offered to help him secure a scholarship to attend UW-Whitewater at Rock County and then UW-Whitewater.

“I love Whitewater.  I’ve been to Florida, California and visited many other states but there is something special about Whitewater.  It’s a small town that is also a big city,” said Tony.

Tony attended UW-Rock and then UW-Whitewater for about two and a half years, and then had to determine how to handle work, school and then having a newborn.  He made the tough decision to stop attending school but was grateful for the experience.  He now works for the Water Department at the City of Whitewater and co-owns ARANDA, a clothing store at 177 West Main Street that also specializes in custom-made clothing and personalized jerseys. He also manages family-owned rental properties in the Whitewater community.

Tony’s dad came to the United States when he was 16 and worked in many states as a seasonal worker.  He applied for the amnesty offered during the Reagan administration, became a resident, and then began applying to bring his family.  Tony lived with his grandmother in Mexico for two years until his father was able to bring him to the U.S.  He remembers that his mom left to come to the U.S. before he did, and when she called him to talk he was so happy.  He said, “I was excited about what I heard – that being in the states allowed many opportunities.”  Tony became a United States Citizen at age 18.  He took the test and thought it was very simple, because he had learned most of it at school. 

He said, “I remember Whitewater having a very supportive community.”   One of those supporters was Jim Winship. “I remember him helping our families.  He would try to bring the Hispanic community together and help with food and toys. I remember people like this and it makes me want to continue giving back,” said Tony.

His family first lived in Twin Oaks.  He didn’t speak English when he arrived, but he remembers learning so much from his ESL teachers at Lakeview Elementary School and then at Washington Elementary School.

It wasn’t until Middle School that he realized not everyone liked him because of where he was from.  “This is not the America I thought it was at 10 years old.”  So he decided, instead of sticking with people that looked like him he would reach out and step out of his comfort zone.  He said, “We should reach out to people too.  We don’t have to wait for them to reach out.”

Now as a soccer coach, he encourages young people to reach out to other students. 

Tony is a board member and coach for Whitewater United FC, the local Whitewater youth soccer club.  The club has more than 50 players under age 8.  “When it comes to helping the community I’m not only focused on kids whose lives were like mine, I want to help coach everyone,” he said.

Whitewater United FC is a volunteer parent-run organization in Whitewater, Wisconsin that provides select and recreational soccer opportunities for kids aged 4-17. For the recreational soccer program, there are no tryouts or “cuts.” All properly registered players will play. The teams are organized by age group and play either locally (non-traveling), or in a county-wide traveling league called the Stateline District and the Select teams play in SECL. Other members of this league include Big Foot, Burlington, Delavan, East Troy, Elkhorn, Lake Geneva, and Williams Bay. The Whitewater teams play games on Saturdays and generally practice no more than two nights per week.  

Tony invites other adults to volunteer for Whitewater Youth Soccer or other groups.  He said, “Adults need to shape the community by shaping young ones. We should never give up on our youth.  Adults need to plant a seed, and some harvest takes longer, but we need to plant – especially for those in need.”

 More information about Whitewater United FC can be found at whitewatersoccer.com

Update 11/18 @ 10:30 p.m. to add CDA Agenda

City of Whitewater Police and Fire Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Fire Chief report, Police Chief report to include a review of the Fitch & Associates staffing study, COPS Hiring Program (CHP) grant award and the consideration of a Public Safety referendum. Also executive session, to reconvene in open session: Probationary EMT/Firefighter Employment Update and Presentation of EMT/Firefighter Paid on Call Candidates for Certification.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community 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:
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/871025725
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 871-025-725
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122

Irvin L. Young Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action for hiring a woodworker and mobile mill and setting a limit on the expense of the project [presumably related to making a bench(es?) from the removed oak tree.]
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/87584294638?pwd=I1JYihaoTz3OCbXgmlNMJVcSrU5MyW.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Meeting ID: 875 8429 4638
Passcode: qT2AAhXV

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Public Hearing regarding 2025 City of Whitewater Budget, Update on Absentee Ballot numbering process, Discussion and Possible Action regarding the Starin Park Water Tower Referendum Results, Discussion and Possible Action regarding the Approval of Proposed Scope of Services for Phase Two of the Comprehensive Lake Management Plan for Cravath and Trippe Lakes with Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, and Discussion and Possible Action regarding Selection of Communications Consultant.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community 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:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86490332854?pwd=g9UPZLBOEWx3xBFLgmFxrnYDhvpjYo.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 864 9033 2854
Passcode: 650398

City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on amending Whitewater Municipal Code 19.12 Subsection 19.12.010 to add exemption for dogs on a leash while in the Whitewater Bark
Park, Discussion and Possible Action on Capital Campaign implementation for WAFC upgrades, Discussion and Possible action on recommendation to contract Southport Engineered Systems to make upgrades to the HVAC system at the WAFC in the amount of $276,100 for work to be completed in 2025.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 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.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83183855655?pwd=8rCtMOhf0iba96DXxEBNd8cbTRx1Sm.1
Meeting ID: 831 8385 5655
Passcode: 603923
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,83183855655#,,,,*603923# US (Chicago)

City of Whitewater Joint Review Board – Thursday @ 11:00 a.m.
Agenda
The meeting will be held at the Whitewater City Hall, located at 312 W. Whitewater Street
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/626359165
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 626-359-165
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes closed session, to reconvene: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Development Agreement With Tanis Properties, LLC and Update regarding status of Ideawake/Inventalator Loan.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community 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/86898444845?pwd=HaeR_EA__X9LSKF-6xvSGw474nN0kA.LjGroTDLCXK7hsn3
Or Telephone:
Dial +1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 868 9844 4845
Passcode: 009557

Jeanine Fassl writes, “Taking advantage of the wonderful Fall weather we’ve been having allowed us to dig up the cannas we planted at the Cravath Lakefront Park, this spring.  We were both amazed at how productive they were.  We are showing only some of the bounty that cannas create each season.  Should any readers care to try planting these, in the spring of ’25, please call Rick to pick some up.”

Our thanks to Jeanine and Rick Fassl for sharing their bountiful photos. 

— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share.  Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!

Editor’s note: As a result of last year’s redistricting, the entire Whitewater area, with the exception of the town of LaGrange, will be in Senate District 15, which will be served by Mark Spreitzer beginning on January 6, 2025. Spreitzer was sworn in as a senator in 2023, having been in the Assembly since 2015, where he was Democratic Caucus Chair from 2016-22. In a previous article, The Whitewater Banner erroneously indicated that Steve Nass would continue to represent Whitewater until January, 2027. It turns out, however, that the new districts are becoming effective now, even though some senators are in the middle of their terms. Nass will continue to represent the town of LaGrange.

Sen. Mark Spreitzer Elected Senate Democratic Caucus Chair

State Senator Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit) was elected on November 12 by his Democratic colleagues in the Wisconsin State Senate to serve as the Senate Democratic Caucus Chair in the 2025-2026 legislative session. Following the election, Sen. Spreitzer released the following statement:

“I am honored to be elected to serve as the Senate Democratic Caucus Chair. The 2025-2026 legislative session represents a tremendous opportunity to continue to move Wisconsin forward, and I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on behalf of the people of our state.

“I look forward to working with our leadership team to build on the successes of last week – where Senate Democrats flipped all four competitive seats in the State Senate, despite national headwinds – and put ourselves on a clear and direct path to winning an 18-seat majority in 2026. With additional Democratic legislators elected in both the State Senate and State Assembly, it is clear from the results of this fall’s elections that the people of Wisconsin are supportive of our shared priorities for the state. I am excited to see the collective impact that our caucus will have with more members and a stronger voice in the State Capitol.

“I also want to take a moment to thank Senator Chris Larson for his service to our caucus as Caucus Chair over the past two years. He is a passionate leader who has always been a strong advocate for his community, our shared values, and our state. I look forward to continuing to serve together in the State Senate.

“I thank my colleagues for their support. I am excited to get back to work to advance the values that we share as Wisconsinites.”

Senator Mark Spreitzer was elected to represent the 15th Senate District in the State Senate in 2022, and served as the Senate Democratic Caucus Vice-Chair from December 2023-November 2024. Senator Spreitzer previously served as the State Representative for the 45th Assembly District from 2015-2023, and served as the Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair from 2016-2022.

DISCOVER THE VIBRANCY OF NATURE THROUGH BOLD COLORS WITH “PUSHING PAINT” AT ROBERTA’S ART GALLERY

“Pushing Paint,” by Australian native artist Derek Hambly, captures the powerful and brilliant motion of the natural world through expressionist landscapes and still life on canvas. This bright exhibit features a collection of Hambly’s work showcasing dynamic expressions of movement through thickly applied oil paint on canvas. Hambly’s exhibit is open from Nov. 11 to Dec. 11 with a meet-the-artist reception on Nov. 19, free and open to the public.

Using oil paint, Hambly captivates his audience’s senses and transports them into a 2-D world to highlight the ever-changing forms of nature. He has been painting for over 50 years. “After studying the masters, I let go of them and began studying myself,” says Hambly. “I realized for an artist to develop himself, he needs to get down to what he’s about and his own journey as a creator.”

Derek Hambly, a local Jefferson resident, earned his Master of Fine Arts from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, in 1967. Throughout his career, Hambly has documented the construction of the National Gallery of Victoria and studied abstract painting. “I now feel that I am a master of my own creative forces. I don’t just paint the canvas. I am the painter within the painting. My work is my signature,” says Hambly.

The exhibit reception will be held on Nov. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m., with an artist talk and an audience Q&A from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by an open house with refreshments from 7 to 8 p.m.

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 to coordinate and sponsor exhibits. Our hours are Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The gallery is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. [Parking information is available here.]

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 www.uww.edu/rag for any questions or inquiries, and follow our Instagram @uww_rag. For more information about Hambly’s work, please visit https://derekhamblystudios.com/.