Janesville Blackhawk Golden Kiwanis

Maury Frey introduced the day’s speaker, Charlotte Smith.  Charlotte is a Wisconsin native who now lives in Alaska.  She lives in a village named (Eleknikik).  The remote ‘bush’ village is not accessible by road, nearest to Dillingham on the Southwestern shore.  The presentation featured many elements of the elements of…

April Wright introduced the day’s speaker, Nikki Bennett.  Nikki with her husband John teach art and DIY designs with their event company Emunah Designs.  Nikki and John previously had a child with special needs that passed away.  Nikki started crafting, and is an advocate for the healing power of art.…

April Wright introduced the day’s speaker, Lieutenant Jason Rysdyk of the Salvation Army.  Lieutenant Jason has been married for 23 years.  He and his wife both spent two years to become ordained pastors.  They now run the Salvation Army in Rock County.  Salvation Army is a faith-based first organization.  The…

Jenny Turco introduced the day’s speaker, Jeff Kersten.  Jeff works at the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection for the State of Wisconsin.  He was previously a police officer in fraud mitigation.  Jeff now provides options for multiple presentations he can give about empowering the people of our great…

Jim Farrell introduced the day’s speaker, Justin Stubbendick.  Justin holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal psychology.  He is a police detective in Janesville.  Justin is the president and co-founder of the Isaac Strong Foundation, a charity supporting children with childhood cancer.  The Isaac Strong Foundation is currently serving nine children…

April Wright introduced the day’s speaker, Mitch Goth.  Mitch is a paranormal investigator.  He recently wrote a book, 30 Haunted Locations in Wisconsin.  Mitch presented upon various locations in Wisconsin and their paranormal properties. Mitch detailed many of the locations in his book.  He and his associate traveled to locations…

Tom Neumann introduced the day’s speaker, the Janesville Business Academy.  Five students from Craig High School, and two instructors, one from each Janesville high school, were present to share with Kiwanians what they do and how they do it.  President Elect Tom Neumann and other board members presented the teachers…

April Wright introduced the day’s speaker, Mary and Bill Eckert.  The Eckerts own and operate Fermenting Cellars Winery, Wedding and Event Venue in Janesville.  It is located in a beautiful rural setting of southern Wisconsin.  It offers a variety of dry and sweet, red and white wines and a single…

April Wright (via Jenny Turco who had to leave) introduced the day’s speaker, Dave Thompson.  Dave is a docent at the Lincoln Tallman House. After hearing of the unsettled lands of bounty with trees as far as the eye could see, William and Emeline Tallman sold their home in Rome,…

Jim Farrell introduced the day’s speaker, Melissa Wilbanks.  Melissa is the Community Engagement Coordinator at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison.  Originally from Kentucky, she earned her BBA in Marketing before moving to Waunakee in 2018 – a place she and her family now proudly call home.  She joined RMHC-Madison…