Janesville Blackhawk Golden Kiwanis

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…

April Wright introduced the day’s speaker, Scott Skelly.  Over 35 years selling produce with wife Laura and children, Scott’s family has a history in agriculture spanning well over a century.  He has an agricultural business major, and spent part of his life moving around the country assisting other farmers in…

Jim Farrell introduced the day’s speaker, Michelle Laube.  Michelle is the Janesville City Assessor.  She presented upon many budgetary concepts, including how the value of homes is determined.  The process is complicated, and mandated.