Elizabeth Snodgrass Chosen as New Wisconsin Union Theater Director

Contact Information: Shauna Breneman, Communications Director
Office: (608) 262-8862
Email: sbreneman@wisc.edu

ELIZABETH SNODGRASS CHOSEN AS NEW WISCONSIN UNION THEATER DIRECTOR

MADISON – Elizabeth Snodgrass will join the Wisconsin Union Theater team as the Theater’s director.

In this position, Snodgrass will lead the Wisconsin Union Theater in its efforts to present, promote and cultivate a lifelong appreciation of the performing arts, especially among University of Wisconsin-Madison students. She will also partner with the student-led Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee, UW-Madison departments and local arts organizations to present quality programming that provides diverse experiences for the community.

“We are thrilled to have Beth join the Wisconsin Union staff as director of the Wisconsin Union Theater,” Wisconsin Union Deputy Director Susan Dibbell said. “The Union Theater has a long history of presenting world-class artists, and Beth brings an ability to blend tradition with relevant and cutting-edge performances. She is thoughtful and inclusive, which will serve her well in this position.”

Snodgrass succeeds longtime Theater Director Ralph Russo, who served in this position for 15 years. She will begin serving in the director role Sept. 3.

Snodgrass brings more than 20 years of experience in designing, producing and programming concerts, creative projects, and cultural initiatives with a focus on social justice, music education, and community engagement.

She most recently held the position of Summer Music Clinic director at UW-Madison’s Division of Continuing Studies. Her past positions include director, family programs and manager, community programs at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute.

Snodgrass earned a bachelor’s degree in piano performance from the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music and a master’s degree in piano performance from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University.

“I am thrilled to join the committed leadership and programming team at this world-class arts institution. I am eager to work with the inspiring student-led Directorate to continue to bring diverse, exceptional voices to our storied Wisconsin Union Theater. Arts ground a community and give it shape and form. They also help to show us where we’ve been and where we’re going,” Snodgrass said. “I am honored to serve in this role that has been held by visionary leaders like Fan Taylor and Ralph Russo, and I can’t wait to get started.”

For more than 75 years, the Wisconsin Union Theater has served as a center for cultural activity on the UW-Madison campus. The Theater has multiple performance spaces in which the Theater team presents a season with more than three dozen events, including classical, jazz, world and other music, dance, theater and more. Wisconsin Union Theater audiences have enjoyed performances by thousands of renowned artists, including Louis Armstrong, Yo-Yo Ma, Ella Fitzgerald, and Lizzo.

The Theater is part of the Wisconsin Union, which was founded in 1907 and is one of the oldest college unions in the United States. More than 500 student leaders help produce thousands of events, such as the Theater’s performances, each year.

For more information about the Wisconsin Union Theater, visit union.wisc.edu/theater.

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About the Wisconsin Union Theater

For more than 75 years, the Wisconsin Union Theater has served as a center for cultural activity in the heart of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. The Theater hosts performances in multiple locations, including Memorial Union, and has an expansive history of remarkable performances. The Wisconsin Union Theater is part of the Wisconsin Union, a membership organization that blends study and leisure to create unique out-of-classroom opportunities. Learn more about the Theater: union.wisc.edu/wisconsin-union-theater.

[Note to the editor: Click here to download a photo of Wisconsin Union Theater Director Elizabeth Snodgrass.]

BACC Encourages Community Engagement in the EIS process

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 16, 2019

Contact: Chris “Desi” Arenz

Executive Director

(608) 287-6208

MADISON – The United States Air Force has posted the Draft of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Air National Guard F-35A Operational Beddown on its website http://www.angf35eis.com and will be hosting an Open House and public meeting on September 12^th at the Alliant Energy Center.  In an effort to ensure there is robust community engagement in this process and that the most impacted community members are aware of the process taking place, can engage in the process and make sure their voices are heard, the Badger Air Community Council (BACC) has sent a mailing to over 7,500 households in the areas surrounding the airport. A copy of the mailer is attached.

Executive Director of the BACC, and former pilot at the 115^th Fighter Wing, Chris “Desi” Arenz released the following statement:

“The purpose of the EIS is to identify the maximum potential for changes in impact because of the new mission. As these potential impacts are identified, work can begin between the Fighter Wing, our federal, state and local government partners and the community in addressing and mitigating those impacts, particularly as it relates to those residents near the airport who were identified in the Draft EIS as continuing to be most affected by airport operations.

We want to make sure everyone is engaged in the process and that their voices are heard, so we can move forward together, collaboratively, and continue to build on the rich 71-year history of the 115^th Fighter Wing being an active and outstanding community partner.”

We encourage all members of the public to stay engaged in the EIS process by visiting www.angf35eis.com and attending the Open House and public meeting on September 12^th at the Alliant Energy Center.

September 12, 2019
Open House – 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Formal Presentation – 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center 
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713

For additional information please visit the Together Truax website www.togethertruax.com to learn more about the community support for the mission. To learn more about the Badger Air Community Council please visit www.badgerair.org.

About the BACC:

The Badger Air Community Council (BACC) was formed in 2012 by former members of the 115^th Fighter Wing and business and civic leaders, to act as a liaison organization between the community and the Fighter Wing. The BACC supports the mission of the 115th Fighter Wing by educating the public on the economic and social benefits of having the unit based in Madison while highlighting the contributions made by the more than 1,200 Airmen who serve there.

DeWitt Announces Lawyers of the Year and Best Lawyers Named in Best Lawyers 2020 Edition

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Michelle M. Friedman / mmf@dewittllp.com / 262-754-2877

DEWITT ANNOUNCES LAWYERS OF THE YEAR AND BEST LAWYERS NAMED IN BEST LAWYERS 2020 EDITION

MADISON | MILWAUKEE | MINNEAPOLIS – DeWitt LLP announced today four of its attorneys were recognized as Lawyers of the Year in the Best Lawyers 2020 Edition.  Additionally, 35 attorneys in the firm were named to the 2020 Best Lawyers Edition.

Lawyers of the Year Awards – Best Lawyers 2020 Edition

Madison Office

• Brian L. Anderson – Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
• Jordan K. Lamb – Government
• Ronald R. Ragatz – Environmental Law

Metro-Milwaukee Office

• Brian R. Smigelski – Construction Law

Best Lawyers 2020 Edition   

Metro-Milwaukee Office

• Douglas H. Frazer (2007) – Litigation and Controversy – Tax Law
• Paul R. Hoefle (2017) – Litigation – Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
• Brian R. Smigelski (2013) – Construction Law
• John P. Yentz (2013) – Corporate Law

Madison Office

• Brian L. Anderson (2005) – Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Tax Law, Trusts and Estates
• Jon P. Axelrod (1995) – Commercial Litigation
• Donald Leo Bach (2007) – Water Law
• Denis P. Bartell (1989) – Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Commercial Litigation, Real Estate Law
• Frederic J. Brouner (2005) – Corporate Law, Real Estate Law, Tax Law
• Paul A. Croake (2006) – Corporate Law
• Michael R. Davis (2005) – Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
• Stephen A. DiTullio (2007) – Commercial Litigation, Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management
• Peter R. Dohr (2006) – Corporate Law
• Bryan C. Esch (2011) – Real Estate Law
• Eric A. Farnsworth (2005) – Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
• Bradley C. Fulton (2013) – Commercial Litigation
• Jeff A. Goldman (2016) – Trusts and Estates
• Henry J. Handzel, Jr. (1989) – Environmental Law
• Hugh J. Hayes (2011) – Family Law
• Stuart C. Herro (2005) – Real Estate Law, Trusts and Estates
• Christopher S. Krimmer (2014) – Family Law
• Ronald W. Kuehn (2009) – Government Relations Practice
• Jordan K. Lamb (2009) – Government Relations Practice
• Joseph T. Leone (2007) – Copyright Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Patent Law, Trademark Law
• Troy A. Mayne (2005) – Corporate Law, Real Estate Law
• William E. McCardell (2007) – Construction Law, Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management
• Ronald R. Ragatz (2006) – Commercial Litigation, Environmental Law
• Joseph A. Ranney III (2010) – Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent
• John Rashke (1987) – Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
• Gregory E. Scallon (2013) – Corporate Law
• Mark R. Sewell (2009) – Land Use and Zoning Law, Municipal Law
• Wrede H. Smith, Jr. (2005) – Commercial Litigation, Corporate Law, Real Estate Law, Trusts and Estates
• Timm P. Speerschneider (2006) – Environmental Law, Land Use and Zoning Law
• Michael W. Wilcox (1983) – Trusts and Estates

Minneapolis Office

• Robert W. Due (2014) – Family Law

About DeWitt

DeWitt LLP is one of the ten largest law firms based in Wisconsin, with an additional presence in Minnesota.  It has nearly 140 attorneys practicing in Madison and Metropolitan Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, in a variety of legal areas and has the experience to service clients of all scopes and sizes.  The firm is known for its work in several areas, including intellectual property, patents, trademarks and copyright law, civil rights litigation, construction litigation, corporate law, employment, environmental, employee benefits, estate planning, family law, government relations, litigation, real estate, and tax law.  More information is available at dewittllp.com.

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Momentum Growing Behind One City’s Innovative Model

Madison , WI – Three prominent community leaders and philanthropists, Diane Ballweg and Mary Ellyn and Joe Sensenbrenner, have donated $50,000 and $100,000 respectively to help fund One City’s year-round elementary school. One City operates the only public school in Wisconsin that has both a longer school day and year. 

“The focus, methods, leadership and initial results of One City are remarkable” said Joe Sensenbrenner. “If they can continue on this path, they may have the greatest civic impact of any organization working in Madison today, and on the future success of children coming of age in our city. Mary Ellyn and I are excited about the results we have seen from One City’s two-generation preschool so far.” 

Ms. Sensenbrenner added, “Children are learning. Parents are engaged. Families are benefiting. We were happy to step in to help fill a gap in needed state funding for One City’s year-round elementary school. What our city, state and the country will learn from One City made our extension of support an easy investment. ” 

Diane Ballweg shared similar reasons for her gift. “I have been a supporter of One City since they began renovating their current facility four years go. One thing that I am impressed by and supportive of is their high level of parental involvement and parental education. A child’s success depends on the effectiveness and dedication of their teachers, and on love, support and encouragement of their parents,” She said. “I believe that every child deserves the right to an education that prepares them to succeed and thrive in the future. However, with rights come responsibilities, for parents, school staff and children. All must work together and do their part to ensure children learn and move forward in school and life.”

Ballweg’s support was inspired by another unique aspect of One City’s mission as well. “The fact that One City has paired together its award-winning preschool with its new innovative elementary school, creating a well-planned continuum of education that will serve children from ages 1 through grade 6, gives  our youngest children a unique opportunity to get on track and stay on track educationally,” She said. “It will also give public education an important new model of education to learn from. For these reasons, I feel it is imperative that we support One City. I hope others will follow and do the same.”

One City’s year-round school program is just one of the many unique strategies it is deploying to help seed a new model of education that will help boost the academic achievement and attainment of all children, particularly Wisconsin’s most disadvantaged children. With two teachers in every classroom from preschool through first grade, significant student support services, longer instructional days through elementary school, a school food program that provides children a healthy breakfast, lunch and snack prepared on-site by a skilled chef each day, and a two-generation school program that includes and supports parents inside and outside of the school, One City is combining long-discussed educational innovations with strategies that educators know work for children.

“We are committed to our year-round model, but it is entirely unfunded by the state. Our longer school days aren’t funded either,” said Kaleem Caire, founder and CEO of One City Schools. “These gifts by Ms. Ballweg and the Sensenbrenners have come at the right time. Their generous support will help us fund our longer school day and our “third semester” this summer, which together, cost us $550,000 from June through August. Without this support, we could not operate two of the most important features of our school model and our school would shut down for the summer.” 

Caire also shared that, “We still have $150,000 to raise for this summer, but we believe others in our community will help us close this gap. Then, Caire added, “We will focus on achieving our fundraising goal for the upcoming 2019-20 school year that starts on September 3^rd.” 

Caire noted that One City’s mission is to seed a new model of public education that ensures young children are on track to succeed in a college or career preparatory program from birth through high school graduation. “We are making great progress with our children, but we need we need our community’s financial support until we can leverage adequate funding for our unique model from the state. We have already begun engaging key leaders at the state-level about supporting public schools with school schedules and calendars like ours,” he said. “But it will take us a few years, positive educational results, and an effective policy education agenda to achieve breakthrough.”

The Sensenbrenner’s and Ballweg’s most recent gifts follow a $50,000 donation from internationally-know photographer, Catherine Zdeblick, announced last week.

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About One City Schools

One City Schools, Incorporated is a nonprofit organization that operates two schools: a tuition-based independent preschool that serves children ages 1 through 3 and a tuition-free public charter school, authorized by the University of Wisconsin System, that will eventually enroll children from 4-year-old kindergarten through 6^thgrade.

• Read What Parents Say About One City
• Read What Teachers and Staff Say About One City
• Read One City’s Plan to Transformation Public Education

This fall, One City’s charter school will enroll 98 children in 4K, 5k and first grade. Children will attend school for 219 days compared to 180 days at other public schools in Wisconsin. They will also attend school for 8.75-hours per day Tuesday through Friday (from 8:15am – 5:00pm) with early release at 2pm on Mondays, compared to 6.5 hours of school-time typically offered by other public schools in our state. The extra time enables One City to extend the learning of its students and offer a pace and depth of learning that is appropriate and meaningful for each child.

Feel the Love Wisconsin

In 2018, Lennox, a leading provider of innovative home comfort solutions, launched a new corporate social responsibility program called, Feel The Love. The Feel The Love program, originally launched as Heat U.P. in 2009, engages Lennox dealers and employees to nominate deserving families in need with access to perfect indoor heating and air, at no cost including installation.

2019 Feel the Love Wisconsin Press Release