News & Events

Ferradermis spent part of their Spring Break in Chicago, enjoying some strong competition at the Midwest Regional, which featured 50 teams from 6 countries and 10 states. Teams traveled from Panama, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Canada, and Mexico, to join American teams from Hawaii, California, Florida, Arkansas, New York, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, and Minnesota at Credit Union 1 Arena on the campus of the University of Illinois Chicago from March 27 – 30. Among the participants were four FIRST Hall of Fame teams – Team 359 Hawaiian Kids, Team 111 Wildstang, Team 16 Bomb Squad, and Team 191 the X-Cats – as well as a member of last year’s world championship alliance, Team 4096 Ctrl-Z.

Ferradermis more than held its own in this elite field on day one of qualification matches, going 5-2 and ending the day ranked 11th. The team returned to action on Saturday morning for 3 additional qualification matches, going 1-2, with a final ranking of 18th out of 50 at the end of the morning. The robot’s performance has steadily improved at each of the team’s three regional events, scoring more and more points in each aspect of the game (autonomous, tele-op, and the endgame).

During the 15-second autonomous period at the beginning of each match, the robot runs pre-programmed code to pick up and shoot notes (orange foam rings) from various pre-determined positions on the field. The Ferradermis Programming Team, led by Ace Hudec, has been logging extra hours between and during competitions to improve the autonomous routines. The biggest challenge of autonomous is coordinating with your alliance partners to make sure your pre-programmed paths are complementary and will not interfere with each other. Bumping another robot during autonomous will force both robots off of their planned paths, and neither will be successful. Ferradermis has prepared a variety of different autonomous routines in order to coordinate with their other alliance robots.

The Ferradermis robot, Chief Lee the Tangerine, has become an expert at scoring notes in the amp (a shorter field element) during the tele-op period when the robot is controlled by Driver Andrew O’Toole and Operator Kay Mikos. When one note has been placed in the amp for each alliance, there is an opportunity for the human players for the two alliances to push a button and activate a “coopertition bonus” which lowers the threshold that both alliances need to meet to earn a ranking point for note scoring. During the Chicago event, only two teams – Ferradermis and Mukwonago – had a perfect 1.0 Coopertition score. This score is also used as a tie-breaker in the rankings if multiple teams have the same average number of rank points.

In addition to managing the coopertition bonus, Human Player Erison Dreksler also controls amplification. Notes scored in the larger field element (the speaker) count as 2 points each during tele-op, unless the speaker is amplified, and then they count as 5 points. The speaker can be amplified for 10 seconds at a time each time two new notes have been placed in the amp, and the human player has pressed the amplification button. Timing is everything in this operation, as you want all 3 alliance robots prepared to shoot notes into the speaker within that 10-second timeframe after the button is pushed, potentially also having other notes on the ground nearby to try and get off additional shots.

During the endgame (the final 20 seconds of a match), robots try and climb onto chains on the stage (a third field element). Chief Lee the Tangerine is an excellent climber, and can be counted on by its alliance partners to climb when needed as part of match strategy.

Only 24 teams make the playoffs (not necessarily the top 24 ranked teams), and by midday Saturday, the team anxiously awaited alliance selections. During alliance selections, the top 8 ranked teams get to choose their alliance partners for the playoffs. Decisions are based on scouting data gathered during the event as well as sometimes, prior relationships. Teams attempt to build well-rounded alliances with 3 robots that will complement each other in all aspects of the game on the field. Ferradermis Game Strategy Subteam Lead Emerson Dunham graciously accepted an invitation from Team #5847 Ironclad from Bradley, Illinois, who was ranked #5 in qualifications, and Team #930 from Mukwonago, who was ranked #30 in qualifications, to join the #4 seeded playoff alliance. Ferradermis then agreed to mount a shield onto Chief Lee for the playoffs that would help them play defense on behalf of their alliance, and this added an interesting twist to the remaining matches. The alliance was eliminated after only two playoff matches, when both Chief Lee and the Ironclad robot experienced mechanism failures.

Throughout the week, the team was supported by students serving in many additional roles including Technician Nina Heim, Safety Captain Elora Wildermuth-Breitzman, Head Scouts Andrew Zimmermann and Cyrus Hudec, Videographer Margaret Brown, Judging Spokespeople Maddison LaHaie and Cosette Wildermuth-Breitzman, Scouts Chacha Binagi, Zoe Olson, Toby Kapfer, and Belle Cohen, and Pit Crew Member Luc Pomazak.

Ferradermis had never participated in the Midwest Regional before, and it was a fantastic experience. The team spent time at the WNDR (wonder) Museum upon arrival in Chicago on day one, and enjoyed several meals together as well. The competition itself was a really great warm-up for what the team will see in Houston at the FIRST World Championships in two weeks, both in the high level of competition and in the global nature of the teams in attendance. For the 2023 Championships, Houston hosted around 50,000 people representing 974 student robotics teams from 59 countries across the FLL, FTC, and FRC levels. The FRC competition this year (the level in which Ferradermis competes) expects to host 600 teams from approximately 30 countries divided into 8 fields/divisions. Each division will crown a champion alliance, and then the division champions will play off against each other for the title of world champion.

Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor
lmasbruch@wwusd.org

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from UW Madison Extension. There is a Zoom webinar on Wednesday, April 3, and an in-person presentation on Saturday, April 6 at the UW-W Community Engagement Center. In June, 2022 the City of Whitewater Common Council considered adoption of the No Mow May program. After considerable discussion the members voted 4-3 not to adopt the program. Among the concerns that were expressed were that long grass would not present a favorable impression of the city on visitors, and an understanding that most of the vegetation to which pollinators are attracted actually does not exceed the 7″ height that is allowed before grass must be mowed per the city ordinance. It was also suggested that residents could plant bushes that might be equally effective in providing for pollinators.

“No Mow May” has become a catchy phrase in Wisconsin, encouraging homeowners to allow their lawns to grow during May. But does this practice actually support pollinators? Join Julie Hill, Horticulture Educator for Walworth, Rock and Jefferson counties to learn about how an unmowed lawn impacts (or may impact) pollinators and how you can support pollinators all year long.

April 3, 12:00 p.m. *via Zoom Webinar

• Registration required: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/free-online-programs/?utm_source=Flyer&utm_medium=Flyer&utm_campaign=Mini+Webinars

April 3, 3:00 p.m.
Jefferson Public Library
321 S. Main Street, Jefferson

April 6, 10:00 a.m.
UW-Whitewater Community Engagement Center
1260 West Main Street, Whitewater

April 6, 12:30 p.m.
Community Room, Dwight Foster Public Library
209 Merchants Avenue, Fort Atkinson

April 11, 12:30 p.m.
Matheson Memorial Library
101 N. Wisconsin Street, Elkhorn

April 16, 6:00 p.m.
Hedberg Public Library
316 South Main Street, Janesville

For more information or questions, please contact Julie Hill, Email: julie.hill@wisc.edu ,
Office: 262-741-4958 or Cell/Text: 262-374-4191. Events can also be found at UW-Madison Extension Event Calendar: extension.wisc.edu/events/

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

As often seems to be the case, this year the Democratic and Republican Presidential nominees have been all but officially decided before Wisconsin voters get a chance to weigh in. There are still some important contested elections, however, on the county and local level, not to mention two constitutional amendments.

In the city there’s only one contested race, for the at-large seat on the Common Council. The two district council positions have only one candidate. There will be three names on the ballot for two seats on the School Board; however, Larry Kachel has indicated he that would be unable to serve.

There will be only one polling place for the city in this election, the Downtown Armory at 146 W. North Street. As always, the polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters will notice two significant changes from all the previous elections. Instead of there being the usual four check-in tables, there will be only two divisions, one for Jefferson County residents and the other for Walworth County. Once a voter arrives at their county section, they may approach any poll worker (officially called an election inspector) who is sitting at a Badger Book. These electronic devices are replacing the paper poll books. The voter is still required by law to state their name and address and provide their driver license or other photo ID. Rather than signing in ink, the signature will be provided on the electronic screen. This may be done either by using the provided stylus or with a finger. The signature must be written entirely within a box on the screen. Never fear, the signature need not bear great resemblance to one’s usual signature. From there, the process will be essentially the same as before, except that the voter will be provided a receipt that indicates the style of paper ballot which they are to be issued at the next table. The ballots will be marked by the voter in the same fashion as previously.

Here is a link to a brief video from the City of De Pere which provides an excellent introduction to the Badger Books. As is shown in the video, the Badger Books will also be used to register new voters or to enter changes of address. Our voters will, however, be directed to a separate station for this purpose. After the voter is registered or their address is changed, the same poll worker will provide the receipt that they need in order to obtain their ballot.

By entering your address at this site you may see what will be on your ballot.

The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area has published its local online Voter Guide on the VOTE411.org platform. The League sent a questionnaire to a total of 119 local candidates running in 45 contested races in many villages, towns and cities in Walworth and Jefferson counties. Questions were provided in English and Spanish and candidates were encouraged to reply in both languages. Communities with contested races included in the Voter Guide are: in JEFFERSON CO. cities of Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Waterloo, Watertown, Town of Ixonia, Villages of Johnson Creek and Palmyra; and, in WALWORTH CO. cities of Delavan, Elkhorn, Lake Geneva, Whitewater, Towns of Richmond and East Troy, and Villages of Fontana, Mukwonago and Sharon. Ten local municipal and school board referendums will also appear in the Voter Guide.

The League’s Voter Guide on VOTE411.org is a source of nonpartisan candidate information where voters can go to read candidates’ responses to the League’s questionnaires. By visiting the site (click on “Find What’s On Your Ballot”), you will be able to compare their answers, which are posted verbatim. The League encourages voters to start their candidate research before they cast their ballot so they are informed voters on Election Day.

The Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs (WFWC) is pleased to announce that it has initiated a new cultural event for the Whitewater community: the Bassett House Spring Concert Series. The concerts will be held on Sunday, April 7 and Sunday, May 26, both at 1:00 p.m., at the Bassett House, 708 W. Main Street, Whitewater. This series promises to become a wonderful new spring tradition that you won’t want to miss.

Performing at the April 7 concert will be UW-Whitewater student vocalists from the voice studio of faculty member Rachel Wood. The concert will consist of a delightful blend of pop songs, Broadway hits, and classical pieces. On May 26, Robert Gehrenbeck and Sarah Read Gehrenbeck will perform a Memorial Day-themed concert of popular and art songs.

Ticket prices for adults are $30 per concert or $50 for the complete series. Student tickets are $15 per concert, and child tickets are $10 per concert. Make checks out to the WFWC and mail them to Linda Robinson at 957 W. Highland Street/Whitewater, WI 53190. Alternatively, you may pay via Venmo: Whitewater Federation. In either case, please indicate the concerts you will be attending and the number of adults, students, or children attending. Space is limited, so buy your tickets soon.

All proceeds will go to the Bassett House Preservation Fund, which the WFWC will use to ensure the preservation of the Bassett House, one of Whitewater’s oldest historic homes. The Bassett House is located at 708 W. Main Street in Whitewater.

For more information, contact Linda Robinson at linrob73@gmail.com

Families are invited to attend “Money Smart Kids” at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library on Thursday, April 4 at 3:30 p.m. In partnership with PremierBank, join us for a free financial literacy story time and activity. It’s never too early to learn how to be smart with money! Best for ages 4-10 but all ages are welcome.

This is a free event and no registration is required. The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Contact Sarah French with questions at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-458-2782.

The Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) will offer Walk With Ease starting April 9 at Walworth County Health and Human Services. Walk With Ease– a program from the Arthritis Foundation—is a structured walking program that teaches participants how to safely make physical activity part of their everyday lives. The program is designed to help people living with arthritis better manage their pain and is also ideal for people without arthritis who want to make walking a daily habit. 

Walk With Ease offers support, information, and tools to help participants develop successful exercise routines. The six-week group series is led by certified instructors Chetney Blaszczyk RDN, CD, and Rebecca Way MSW, APSW. During the program, participants learn proper stretching and pain management techniques; they also build stamina and walking pace. The program can be modified to meet the needs of individual participants so that each person can develop an exercise routine that fits their unique goals.

“Research shows that walking is not only good for joints, but also helps improve the health of the heart, lungs, and bones,” said Blaszczyk. “Walking can also help with weight management, which can reduce one’s risk for arthritis in the knee, heart disease, and diabetes. If you can be on your feet for 10 minutes without increased pain, you will most likely have success with Walk With Ease.” 

The information and strategies taught in the program are based on research and tested programs in exercise science, behavior change, and arthritis management. Updated and evaluated by the Thurston Arthritis Research Center and the Institute on Aging of the University of North Carolina, Walk With Ease is shown to increase balance, strength, and walking pace, as well as reduce the pain and discomfort of arthritis. The program is also shown to build participant confidence to be physically active and improve overall health.

Walk WithEase will be held every Tuesday, April 9 to May 14, from 10 to 11 a.m., at Walworth County Health and Human Services, 1910 County Rd NN Elkhorn. Pre-registration is required. This workshop has a suggested contribution of $10. For more information, contact Chetney Blaszczyk at (262) 741-3309. Before starting any exercise program, always check with your physician.

About the ADRC of Walworth County: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers, and the public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and providing options available to meet the needs of your situation. Learn more at www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center.

Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.

Whitewater High School held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of their Certified Nursing Assistant Lab on March 20th.

WHS is the 9th high school that has opened a Nursing Assistant lab in partnership with Gateway Technical College. Other high schools include: Burlington, East Troy, Brookfield, KUSD-Indian Trail, Muskego, Oak Creek, South Milwaukee, and Wilmot.

Whitewater High School’s first ten student cohort is scheduled to begin Gateway’s two credit Nursing Assistant program on April 17th. Upon successful completion of the program, the students are eligible to take the Wisconsin Nursing Assistant competency evaluation for inclusion on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry and employment in nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, hospices, assisted living centers and homes for the developmentally disabled.

WHS now offers 19 different Gateway transcripted credit courses that are taught by Whitewater High school teachers, which will result in hundreds of thousands of dollars saved for our students. This is in addition to the Start College Now courses, Vanguard Distant Learning, and HS Academy courses that WHS students can take at Gateway Technical College.

A special thank you goes out to Fairhaven Senior Services. We are profoundly grateful for their partnership and dedication to helping to make this lab a reality. The beds, overbed tables, and linens were all a donation from Fairhaven. Simply stated, without their generous donation, we would not have been able to make this lab a reality. Thank you!