Janesville; Press Release: Weekly: June 19, 2008

Weekly Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Thursday, June 19, 2008
Contact: Peter Riggs, Administrative Analyst
Phone: 608-755-3102
Fax: 608-755-3196
E-mail: riggsp@ci.janesville.wi.us
Website: www.ci.janesville.wi.us



Flood Information on the City Website
The city website (www.ci.janesville.wi.us) is being continuously updated with information regarding the flood, including anticipated water elevations, street & facility closures, JTS bus route changes and street detours. The media is encouraged to the check the website frequently to obtain the most updated information.

City, Forward Janesville to Host Community Brainstorming Session on June 26
Janesville City Council President Amy Loasching and Rich Gruber, the Chairman of Forward Janesville’s (FJI) Board of Directors, announced that the City of Janesville and FJI will co-host a Community Brainstorming Session on Thursday, June 26 from 12:30-5PM.

For the past several weeks, a group of dedicated citizens has been hard at work planning this meeting, which will help community leaders chart a new long-range economic development strategy for Janesville and the greater Rock County community.

This meeting, which will take place at the Holiday Inn Express and Convention Center, will begin with presentations about Janesville’s current economic condition and what City leaders are doing to promote economic development in our community. These presentations will be followed by breakout sessions, where members of the community can share their thoughts in a small group setting. All interested parties are encouraged to attend the meeting.

“The Janesville City Council has embraced this idea wholeheartedly,” said Loasching. “We want to hear what people think about our economy, and what it should look like in five, ten, and twenty years.”

“The feedback gathered at this meeting will be used to help chart Janesville’s course on economic development for the next decade and beyond,” added Gruber. “I hope that all the citizens of Janesville will participate in this important process by being there next week.”

There is no charge to attend the meeting, and reservations are not required. Light snacks and refreshments will be available. For more information, please contact Dan Cunningham at (608) 757-3160.

Movie in the Park Event Rescheduled for July 26 The movie night in the park event, planned for June 20, has been cancelled due to flooding. The event is rescheduled to coincide with the Coin Carnival event on July 26. For questions, call 755-3052.

Teen Bonfire and Games in Palmer Park Cancelled
The teen bonfire and games scheduled for June 20 at the Hilltop Pavilion in Palmer Park has been cancelled. For more information please call Leisure Services at 755-3030.

Discover SCUBA Classes Planned for June 21 and 28
During the summer, swimmers age 10 and older can take part in a one-day class introducing the sport of SCUBA diving at Rockport Pool. The class includes a presentation on proper diving techniques, equipment for most sizes and an in-pool session. This is a great opportunity for beginners to learn about SCUBA diving without needing to purchase equipment. The instructor for this class is Bruce DeGarmo from Down Under SCUBA, LLC, a certified PADI instructor and diver with 30 years of diving experience.

Classes are scheduled for June 21 and June 28. The June 21 class is for youth divers (ages 10-17) and the June 28 class is for adult divers (ages 18 and up). Classes will last from 9 – 11:30AM. The cost for this class is $30 per person and registration is required. To register, please visit Leisure Services, located in the Municipal Building at 18 N. Jackson Street. For questions, please call Shelley Hansel at 755-3032.

3rd Annual Father/Child Golf Outing Scheduled for June 22
The 3rd annual Father/Child Golf Outing will be held at Riverside Golf Course on Sunday, June 22 from 1:30-5PM. This nine-hole FUN tournament will include food and contest prizes at each hole. This tournament is stroke play, so the participants with the lowest number of strokes will win. Foursomes will be grouped upon arrival. The cost of the event is $10 per player and pre-registration is required. Space is limited, so register early! To register, please visit Leisure Services, located in the Municipal Building at 18 N. Jackson Street. For questions call Leisure Services at 755-3030.

Adult Softball Leagues Cancelled
Adult softball leagues at Dawson Field have been cancelled indefinitely due to flooding at the facility. For questions or more information contact Leisure Services at 755-3030.

Removal of Downtown Traffic Signals to be Consider at Monday, June 23 Council Meeting
At its regular meeting of June 10, 2008, the Transportation Committee recommended to approve a request to remove traffic signals at South Franklin Street and West Racine Street.

Interested parties are welcome to comment at the Resolution Public Hearing, which will be held during the June 23, 2008 City Council meeting. The Council Meeting will be held in Council Chambers on the 4th floor of the Municipal Building (18 North Jackson Street) at 7PM. For more information, contact Senior Engineer Dennis Ryan at 755-3171.

The Jefferson County Bluegrass Band Set to Perform Tuesday, June 24
As part of the 2008 Main Street Entertainment Series, the Jefferson County Bluegrass Band will perform on Tuesday, June 24 from 7 – 8:30PM. The concert has been relocated to the C.A.M.D.E.N. stage in Palmer Park (2500 Palmer Dr.). This concert is free to the public and is sponsored by Blackhawk Community Credit Union, Chad J. Karl Retirement Planning Specialist, 1st American Credit Union, Elmer’s Kettle Corn and the Senior Center Advisory Board.

The Jefferson County Bluegrass Band formed in 2003 and is known as one of the top bluegrass bands in the upper Midwest. Solid musicianship and tight harmonies have been the source for the band’s success. They have a great sense of devotion to bluegrass music. They respect its history and are trying to promote a solid place for it in the future. Check them out on the web at www.jeffersoncountybluegrass.5u.com. For questions, please contact Janet McLean at 755-3040.

Totally Talented Tuesday Performance Scheduled for June 24
A Totally Talented Tuesday performance is planned for June 24. During this performance, individuals ages 18 and younger are encouraged to show off their special talents, such as singing, dancing, magic tricks or other unique abilities. The performance will take place from 6:30-7PM before the Main Street Evening Entertainment Series concert. This event has been relocated to the C.A.M.D.E.N. stage in Palmer Park (2500 Palmer Dr.). The event is designed to be non-competitive. Ten finalists will be selected to perform at the Rock County Fair! All performers must complete an application by visiting Leisure Services (18 N Jackson Street) or calling 755-3030.

Ken Lonnquist Scheduled for Thursday, June 26
As part of the 2008 Kids Noontime Entertainment, Ken Lonnquist will perform on Thursday, June 26 from noon to 1PM. The concert will take place at the C.A.M.D.E.N. Stage at Palmer Park. This performance is free to the public. In case of inclement weather, the performance will be moved to the Palmer Park West Pavilion.

Ken is a popular and award-winning family songwriter. For 25 years he’s delighted audiences of all ages with fun, imaginative and meaningful songs kids love. Topical and humorous, adults hail him as the “anti-Barney!” Come and enjoy this WAMI, Parent’s Choice and American Library Association award-winner. For questions, please contact Janet McLean at 755-3040.

Wee Rec Nite Planned for June 28
A Wee Rec Nite for children ages 3-10 is planned for June 28 from 6-9PM. This event will take place at CSA Kids Sports and Arts Campus (4113 Whitney Street) and will include a snack, gym time, indoor swimming and crafts & games for a cost of only $18 per child. During Wee Rec Nite boys and girls will be able to socialize with friends and have fun while parents enjoy some alone time. Pre-registration is required by June 25. Other upcoming Wee Rec Nites are:
July 19; and
August 16.

For questions, call Shelley Hansel at 755-3030.

Holiday Hours
In observance of Independence Day, most City facilities, including the Municipal Building, Police & Fire Administration, Water & Wastewater Utility offices, the Senior Center, the City Services Center and Hedberg Public Library will be closed on Friday, July 4. JTS regular routes will not operate.

Holiday Trash & Recycling Collection
If your collection day falls on Friday, July 4, please put your trash and recycling out for pick-up the following business day, Monday, July 7.

SCUBA Diving Certification Course Available
The City of Janesville Leisure Services Department will offer a 4 session SCUBA diving certification course for those ages 12 to adult. PADI Certified instructor, Bruce DeGarmo, of Down Under SCUBA, LLC will hold class sessions July 19 & 26 and August 2 & 3. Participants must be able to swim 200 yards and tread water for 10 minutes. A written exam will be given at the first session and participants will need to have read a text book and watched a video prior to the session. The cost for all four sessions is $200 and the registration deadline is July 3. For questions, please contact Leisure Services at 755-3030.

S.A.F.E Training Scheduled for July 30
On July 30 from 5:30 – 7:30PM the Janesville Police Department will conduct safety training for women who are interested in learning more about personal protection. This event will take place at the Mercy Center at Mercy Hospital (1000 Mineral Point) in Janesville. If you are unable to attend this session, feel free to contact the Police Department to inquire about future training sessions.

What is “S.A.F.E.” Training? S.A.F.E stands for Self defense, Awareness, Familiarization and Exchange. The program is taught by police officers and is designed to educate women on how to protect themselves from crime by introducing them to physical training methods. To register for the class, please contact Mercy Health Systems at 756-6100. For additional information, call Sergeant Donohoue at 755-3133. Register early because classes fill quickly!