Whitewater resident Tom Stanley has had such an interesting life that his next book is going to be a a biography. Tom and his wife, Sue, both taught for the Department of Defense in countries such as Japan, the Philippines, Germany, and on Okinawa, but his first book focused on a football coach from his hometown of Ashland, Wisconsin. The Mythmaker was co-authored by this coach’s son Tim McGuire.

Former Whitewater resident Marcia James hosted her book club – the Book Babes – at her Whitewater Lake rental this week. Tom joined nine ladies who have been meeting since 2002 and have often had authors join them. Tom not only discussed his book, but previewed the book that he is working on now about his and Sue‘s life. Then seven of the ladies and Tom got on a pontoon boat in triple digit heat and toured Whitewater Lake. Cold bottles of water and squirt guns were prolific!

Whitewater residents Jane Johns, Barb Pennington, and Dee Simon; Janesville residents Nancy Johnson, Donna Reinardy, and Jean Schollmeier; Pardeeville resident Lila Waldman; and Johnson Creek resident Ann Riall enjoyed lunch and custard before boarding the boat. The group has met in Baraboo, at a park in Janesville, and restaurants. The pandemic introduced Zoom as their frequent medium.

Linda Godfrey, Suzanne Popke, Marshall Cook, John Durand, and Richard Haney are other authors who have joined the group. Former Whitewater resident, Carrie Simon, who co-authored the Pudgie Pie cookbook, made pies for the group in Marcia’s backyard. The group meets once a month and have a teaching background in common.

Editor’s note: The above article and photos were provided by Marcia James.