Janesville Weekly News--------

Weekly Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Thursday, May 22, 2008
Contact: Rebecca Smith, Management Assistant
Phone: 608-755-3104
Fax: 608-755-3196
E-mail: smithr@ci.janesville.wi.us
Website: www.ci.janesville.wi.us

Rock River in Janesville and Janesville Township Remains Slow No –Wake Speed
With the approaching holiday weekend, the City of Janesville would like to remind residents and boaters that the Slow No-Wake speed restrictions for the Rock River in the City of Janesville and Town of Janesville (which extends well north of Highway 14) remain in effect. These restrictions have been in place since the end of March. While the river levels continue to drop, some private property, such as docks and shoreline, remain under water. River levels continue to be monitored to determine when the current speed restrictions may be lifted.

The City of Janesville has granted permission for the Rock Aqua Jays Water Ski Show Team to begin show ski practices on the river beginning Tuesday, May 27, 2008 in the river area directly in front of Traxler Park. The City owns both shorelines and private property won’t be affected in this area. Traditionally, the Aqua Jays begin practice in April, with their first show taking place on Memorial Day. For 2008, the Memorial Day show has been cancelled. For more information contact the Parks Division at 755-3026.

Parkhill Drive in Riverside Park Opens May 23
As directed by the Janesville City Council, the hilltop road at Riverside Park, known as Parkhill Drive, will open to the public at 5PM on Friday, May 23, 2008, in time for the holiday weekend. The road entrance is located at the north end of Riverside Park and will be opened with a one-way north to south traffic flow. New regulatory street signage has been installed as well as a split rail fence to separate the road from Riverside Golf Course. The City of Janesville would like to thank the Friends of Riverside Park for their efforts with city crews to make the reopening of the formerly closed park road possible. For more information contact the Parks Division at 755-3026.

Council Meeting Public Comment Periods Modified
At their May 12 meeting, the City Council modified the placement and time limit for the public comment periods that take place during Council meetings. Council meetings take place the second and fourth Monday of each month on the fourth floor of the Municipal Building (18 N. Jackson Street) at 7PM.

The first item under Old Business is Requests and comments from the public regarding the Agenda not requiring a public hearing. Individuals who wish to address items on that night's agenda can speak at this time for up to three minutes. If there is a public hearing scheduled for an item, individuals will have a separate time for comments later in the meeting.

The second item under Old Business is Requests and comments from the public on matters which can be affected by Council action. Persons may speak at this time for up to three minutes if they would like to share something that involves the City Council, but is about a topic that is not on that evening's agenda.

Except for public hearings, all individuals wishing to speak during a Council meeting must sign in with their name and address before the beginning of the meeting. For questions or more information, please contact Deputy Clerk Treasurer Dave Godek at 755-3072.

Travel Previews Scheduled at the Senior Center
The Janesville Senior Center (69 S. Water Street) is hosting travel previews for an extended trip taking place in 2009. There will be two travel previews on Thursday, May 22 at 3 & 6PM featuring a romantic Rhine River Cruise. This 7-night cruise will depart April 25 and return May 3, 2009. The cruise begins in Amsterdam and continues to Cologne, Coblenz, Rudesheim, Heidelberg, Strasbourg and Breisach. All meals are included with superb dining on board including a cocktail reception, welcome dinner and Captain's dinner. There will be quality wines from Europe's most famous wine regions with every dinner. The price for this trip is $3,277 per person plus tax and is based on double occupancy of a lower level cabin. There is a $200 early booking discount if your deposit is made before July 1. These trips are open to the public of all ages. Please call the Senior Center at 755-3040 to register for any of the previews or if you would like more information or a brochure with complete itineraries for both trips.

Discounted Attraction Tickets Available Through Leisure Services Starting May 23
Leisure Services has a variety of discounted attraction tickets available for purchase, including “any-day” Great America tickets, Chula Vista Lost Rios Water Park, Milwaukee County Zoo, Mt. Olympus, Noah’s Ark, Original Wisconsin Ducks, Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf, and Riverview Park & Waterworld.

Special Great America tickets for Wisconsin Park & Recreation Week are also available for purchase through Leisure Services. Each one-day ticket costs $29, a savings of over $27 in comparison to the gate admission price. These tickets are only valid for admission during Wisconsin Park & Recreation Week, July 4-13.

Tickets may be purchased during regular office hours, 7:30AM-4:30PM, Monday through Friday from May 23 to August 29. Leisure Services is located on the first floor (Wall Street entrance) of the Municipal Building (18 N. Jackson Street). All tickets are non-refundable. Contact Leisure Services at 755-3030 with any questions.

Season Openings Announced for Palmer Wading Pool and Lions Beach
On Saturday, May 24 the Palmer Park Wading Pool will open for the season. The wading pool has filtered water and various water features. Admission is free. All children must be supervised by an adult and no children over eight years old are allowed. The wading pool is open daily from 11AM to 8PM beginning Saturday, May 24 and ending Monday, September 1. The wading pool is located at 2400 Palmer Drive in Palmer Park.

Lions Beach, 1400 Palmer Drive, will open for the season on Saturday, May 24 and close Monday, September 1. Lions Beach is a 5 acre spring fed lake with a sandy beach, grassy picnic area, and bathrooms. Admission is free. The swimming area is clearly marked. There are no lifeguards on duty. The beach is open from 11AM to 6PM daily.

For questions, please call Leisure Services at 755-3030.

City of Janesville Holiday Hours for May 26
In observance of Memorial Day, most City facilities, including the Municipal Building, Police & Fire Administration, Water & Wastewater Utility offices, City Services Center, Sanitary Landfill, Demolition Landfill, Compost Site, Senior Center and the Janesville Transit System will be closed on Monday, May 26. The Hedberg Public Library will be closed on May 25 and 26. The Ice Skating Center will be closed to the public from May 18 – June 8 for routine mechanical maintenance. The Center will re-open for public use on June 9.

Holiday Trash & Recycling Collection
In observance of Memorial Day, trash and recycling collection with not occur on Monday, May 26. If your collection day falls on Monday, May 26, please put your trash and recycling out for pick-up the following day, Tuesday, May 27.





Attn: Media: It would be very helpful if you shared this information with the public. Our ideal publication date would be Tuesday, May 27; however, May 25 or 26 would also be helpful. Thanks for considering this request.

2008 Janesville Assessment Notices to be Distributed
The City of Janesville Assessor’s Office anticipates mailing 2008 assessment change notices on or about Tuesday, May 27. Property owners should allow as much as a week for notices to arrive in the mail. In the interim, property owners can view their assessment on the city website (www.ci.janesville.wi.us). Property owners may also call the Assessor’s Office at 608-755-3045 to check property values.

State Statutes on property assessing require that notices be mailed to owners of property when there is a change in assessed value from the previous year. Thus, Notices of Assessment Change will only be mailed to property owners for those parcels that have a change in their property assessment. The Assessor’s Office anticipates that for 2008 approximately 10% of the City’s 24,000 real estate parcels will have a value change. All Personal Property accounts will also be mailed a notice as those values change every year.

Property owners receiving a Change Notice will also receive two information sheets which should be helpful in understanding the property assessment process. Property owners are strongly encouraged to read the information included with their notice. The notice will also contain information on the dates and times of the Assessor’s Open Book sessions and Board of Review hearings. Both activities occur by appointment.

Although not all property owners will receive a change notice that does not prohibit anyone from meeting with assessment staff to discuss their assessment during Open Book nor appealing their assessment to the Board of Review. Open Book appointments run from June 5 - 18. Questions on assessments and scheduling of appointments can be addressed by calling the Assessor’s Office at 608-755-3045.

Next Round of Street Sweeping Scheduled for May
The City of Janesville performs street sweeping several times each year. City crews sweep residential streets five times per year. The next round of residential street sweeping is scheduled to begin on May 28. Street sweeping in residential areas begins in the northwest portion of the City and moves through the City in a counter-clockwise direction, generally finishing in the northeast portion of the City.

Downtown and main arterial streets are swept six times per year. The next round of downtown and arterial street sweeping is scheduled to begin on or about May 22 and be completed the following day. On the first day, City crews sweep downtown parking lots and several arterial streets. The remaining arterial streets are swept on the second day.

Street sweeping dates are subject to change. The City of Janesville encourages off-street parking of vehicles during street sweeping events. For more information, please visit the City’s website or call the City Services Center at 755-3110.

Volunteers Sought for May 31 Paw Print Park Clean Up
On May 31, the Paw Print Park Friends Group will hold a park clean up from 9AM – noon. During this event, volunteers will clean the park, fill holes, spread bark and plant trees. Volunteers are needed and are asked to bring gloves, shovels, rakes and wheelbarrows. Supplies will also be available through the City of Janesville. For questions or to volunteer, call Leisure Services at 755-3030.

All-City Outdoor Rec Nite Scheduled for May 31
Janesville’s All-City Outdoor Rec Nite will take place on May 31 at the north end of Riverside Park from 7-9:30PM. This event is for 6-8th graders (City of Janesville residents only) and includes public school, home-schooled and parochial students. This night will feature concessions, a DJ, fireside dancing, sporting events and outdoor contests (glow games, relay races and carnival challenges). Popsicles, hot dogs, pizza, chips and candy will be available for purchase. A tye-dye station will be available, so bring an article of clothing. Participants will receive a free glow necklace upon arrival. The cost to participate in the Rec Nite is $7 per student. Volunteer parent chaperones are also needed. For questions or to volunteer, please contact Shelley Hansel in Leisure Services at 755-3030.

Mark Your Calendar for Janesville’s 6th Annual Bike Rodeo!
The 6th Annual Bike Rodeo, organized by the Janesville Police Department, is scheduled for Saturday, May 31 at the Wilson Elementary School playground from 10:30AM – Noon. A bike rodeo is a safety event designed to engage and entertain children while demonstrating key safety skills. During this event, participants will have the opportunity to ride through an obstacle course that promotes bike safety. This event is free and open to all children and families in Janesville and will feature a prize giveaway and free food for participants. For questions or more information, please call Officer Sullivan at 755-3077.

JTS Bus Operator Lori Snyder Retires
Janesville Transit System Bus Driver Lori Snyder will retire on May 31, 2008 having driven an estimated 500,000 miles during 18 years of service to the citizens of Janesville.

For most of her tenure with JTS, Lori was the regular driver on the Kellogg Avenue and West Court Street routes on the south and west sides of the City in the late mornings and afternoons. She was known for her friendly and outgoing personality to her customers, particularly senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Lori was the recipient of the National Safety Council’s Safe Driver Award, with 16 years of accident-free driving. In addition, she was honored for her outstanding service by her fellow employees as the JTS Employee of the year in 2000.

In addition to her driving duties, Ms. Snyder also gave her time on various City committees. Lori was a member of the JTS Accident Review Committee for more that 10 years. In 2005-2006, she served as a representative on the Transit Development Plan study committee which helped develop the current JTS service plan. Also, Lori served on the Employee of the Year committee for the entire City of Janesville organization.

“Working for the City of Janesville has been a great experience,” Lori says. “The best part of the job has been the opportunity to meet lots of people from various backgrounds. Getting to know so many people throughout the years has made me a better person and enriched my work experience.”

Lori graduated from Craig High School in 1971. She and her husband Gary have four children: Cari, Matthew, Eric, and Laurie, and two Granddaughters: Celia and Abigail. Upon retirement, Lori looks forward to completing construction of a log home on Castle Rock Lake with her husband and spending time with her family.

JTS Director Dave Mumma commented, “Lori is truly representative of the caring, customer-service oriented drivers we have at JTS. She dedicated her career to providing safe, efficient transit service to our citizens in a pleasant and courteous manner, all while maintaining a schedule and maneuvering a large vehicle through city traffic in all kinds of weather. In particular, Lori excelled at customer service. She was known and appreciated by her customers for her outgoing, caring attitude and friendly demeanor. She will be missed, not only by the citizens that she served so well for many years, but by the rest of us who were her co-workers.”

For more information, please contact Transit Director Dave Mumma at 755-3150.
Please find attached a digital photo of Lori Snyder.

Triathlon Clinics Planned for June
Leisure Services and Mercy Health Systems are sponsoring several upcoming triathlon clinics. The clinics are free and are for adults ages 18 and older. Participants are encouraged to attend all clinics; however, individuals are welcome to attend just one. Two clinics were held in May. The remaining two clinics are:

Running Clinic - Learn about different running training programs. This event is scheduled for June 2 at 7-8:30PM at the Palmer Park East Pavilion.

A Final Clinic – This clinic is designed to put all of the new information together. This clinic is planned for June 9 from 7-9PM at Rockport Pool.

For questions, please call Leisure Services at 755-3030 or Kitty Cole at Mercy Community Education at 741-2426.

Neighborhood Listening Session Scheduled for North-East Janesville on June 4 at 6PM
On Wednesday, June 4, 2008 the City of Janesville will hold a neighborhood listening session at Kennedy Elementary School, located at 3901 Randolph Road. 5,062 invitations were sent to residents of north-east Janesville on or about May 21. This event will take place from 6–8PM and is free and open to the public. Members of the Janesville City Council and representatives from City Administration will be present to hear comments and answer questions. For further information or to provide comments before the meeting, please contact Dave Grzelak, Administrative Intern, at 755-3103.

Home Buyer’s Workshop Offered in June
The Home Buyer’s Workshop is a series of classes geared toward those who have never owned a home and may be wondering what it takes to become a homeowner. Whether you are thinking about buying a home in the near or distant future, these classes will give you the information you need to make a wise purchase decision. Topics discussed include: the benefits of homeownership, household budgeting and credit, the benefits of a home inspection, writing an offer to purchase, the mortgage application process, property taxes, and local down payment and closing cost assistance programs.

The next series of the Home Buyer’s workshop is scheduled for Thursdays, June 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 6:30 – 8:30PM. The classes are held at the City of Janesville Municipal Building, located at 18 N. Jackson Street. Participants must attend all classes to earn a certificate of completion.

The workshop is sponsored by Anchor Bank, Associated Bank, Blackhawk Community Credit Union, Commercial Bank, Johnson Bank, M&I Bank, Rock County Planning & Development, and classes are taught by Community Action, Inc. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, please call Neighborhood Services at 755-3065.

A Reminder of Janesville’s New Skateboarding Regulations
With the arrival of warmer weather and the end of the school year approaching, the City would like to remind Janesville’s skateboarders about ordinances relating to skateboard riding. On January 28, 2008 Janesville’s City Council passed ordinances restricting the use of skateboards. The ordinances uphold the Wisconsin ban on riding skateboards on public streets and roads. Skateboarding is not allowed in the following areas:
· Public streets and roads.
· All public property and structures, including City owned parking lots.
· Private property, unless permission is given.
· Certain downtown areas, as depicted in the map.

Attached is a map depicting the downtown, restricted area. The area where skateboarding is mostly prohibited is roughly bounded by Centerway and Prospect Avenue to the north, N. Academy Street to the west, Dodge Street and St. Lawrence Avenue to the south, and N. Parker Drive and Wisconsin Street to the east. Skateboarding within this area is limited to the bike trail. Skateboard riding on all other publicly-owned structures within the downtown area is strictly prohibited.

Skateboards may be used on sidewalks that are outside of the downtown area. Also, skateboarders who use the bike trails are expected to share them courteously with pedestrians and cyclists. Skateboarders are expected to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians on permitted sidewalks and the bike trails. For questions or to report problems, call the Police Department at 755-3100.

Janesville Transit System School Schedule
With the school year for Janesville Public Schools winding down, the last day for JTS “Extra Service Routes” will be Friday, June 6. These routes will resume service with the re-opening of school for the fall semester on Tuesday, September 2, 2008. Please note that while Extra Service Routes do not operate in the summer months, students attending summer classes at Janesville Public Schools, UW-Rock County or Blackhawk Technical College can take advantage of JTS’ convenient regular routes and the “Beloit-Janesville Express” intercity route to attend classes at these institutions. Additional information on summer school transportation is available from the JTS office at 755-3150.

Summer News from the Janesville Transit System
The Janesville Transit System (JTS) offers a convenient, reliable and economical way to get around Janesville this summer without worrying about high gas prices. For less than the price of a gallon of gas, JTS can get you wherever you need to go in the city, and home again! JTS buses serve all of the major shopping and commercial areas of Janesville, as well as schools, colleges, medical clinics and just about anywhere your summer travels take you!

JTS will again work with the City’s Leisure Services Department to provide transportation on its regularly scheduled routes for campers participating in Kids Count Camp or KCC Half Day at Palmer Park. Call 755-3030 for more information about camp pick up points.

Students attending summer school at Janesville Public Schools, UW-Rock County or Blackhawk Technical College can take advantage of JTS Regular Routes to travel to and from school. Please note, however, that JTS “Extra Service” routes to schools do not operate during the summer.

JTS can help you to cool off in the water this summer! The West State Street Route provides hourly service Monday – Saturday from June 7 – August 24 starting at 12:45PM to Rockport Pool. The last pick up at Rockport Pool will be at 6PM. To visit the Palmer Park Wading Pool, ride the Wright Road Route, which provides hourly departures from the Transfer Center at 15 minutes after the hour. The last pick up at the wading pool will be at 5:20PM. To reach Lions Beach, take the East Milwaukee Street bus from the Transfer Center at 15 minutes after each hour and hop off at the Ice Skating Center. Walk behind the Center and follow the road to the beach. The last pick-up going back to the Transfer Center is at 6:05PM.

Summer shoppers making multiple stops can benefit from the JTS “All Around Town” one-day pass. Get on and off any JTS in-city route as many times as your travels require between the hours of 8:45AM and 6:15PM for one low fare. JTS makes it easy to get around Janesville all day long. For more information, call 755-3150, or visit the City of Janesville website (www.ci.janesville.wi.us).

Rock County Prescription Drug Disposal Event Scheduled June 7
The Rock County Health Department has scheduled a free and confidential prescription drug disposal event or “Rx Round-Up” for Saturday, June 7, 2008. The event will run from 9AM-1PM at the Janesville Water Utility, 123 Delavan Drive, and at the Beloit Department of Public Works, 2351 Springbrook Court, Beloit. Please note, the date for this event was listed incorrectly in the May 2008 Park Place News.

The Rx Round-Up is open to all Rock County residents, but businesses are excluded. Rock County residents are encouraged to bring their expired or unused medications to the event in their original containers.

The Rx Round-Up provides a safe alternative to disposing of old medications by flushing or landfill. Wastewater treatment plants do not fully remove pharmaceuticals from the environment, disposing of drugs in the trash risks interception by other people, children and pets. Disposing of old medications at the event will ensure that old medications are not found by pets or children, and do not contaminate municipal water supplies.

The event will feature a drive up service, so participants do not have to leave their cars! The Rx Round-Up is free, and most prescriptions will be accepted in their original containers. Chemotherapy drugs, radioactive materials, and needles will not be accepted. For questions, please call the Rock County Health Department at 757-5441 or 364-2010.

GuardStart & Lifeguard in Training Programs to be held at Rockport Pool
Young adults who are interested in becoming lifeguards are encouraged to complete the Red Cross GuardStart training program. This program provides an overview of life guarding fundamentals and includes a mentorship program. There are specific swimming and fitness prerequisites that must be met in order to participate in the GuardStart program. Once the GuardStart program is completed, individuals may choose to apply to be a lifeguard in training. The GuardStart program is held from 10AM-Noon on June 9-13 at Rockport Pool. The cost is $26 and a participant must be 13-15 years old. Registration forms are available at Leisure Services (18 N. Jackson Street). Space is limited. Please call 755-3030 to learn more about the GuardStart and lifeguard in training programs.

Rockport Pool Opening and Events Announced
Rockport Pool, 2801 Rockport Road, will open for the season on Saturday, June 7 and close on Sunday, August 24. Rockport Pool is an Olympic size pool, complete with diving well, wading pool, bath house, showers and concession stand. Admission is $1.50 for adults, $1 for youth and seniors, and children under 3 years old get in free. A variety of programs are held at Rockport Pool and are listed below. For questions, please call Leisure Services at 755-3030.

Open Public Swim is offered from 12:30-7PM on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, from 12:30-5PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 12:30-7PM on Saturdays and Sundays.

Hydro-Aerobics are offered for those ages 16 and older Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-6:30PM. The cost is $3 per class at the door and includes pool admission.

Adult Lap Swim is offered to anyone ages 16 and older on Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 8-10AM, Monday - Friday from 11:30AM-12:30PM and everyday from 5-6PM. The cost is $1 per session. A punch card may be purchased for $20.

Facility Rental is available from 9AM-noon on select Saturdays and Sundays.

Birthday Packages are available and include pool admission, pizza & pop, a designated party area, prize bags for each child, one pool game led by staff and a t-shirt for the birthday child. The cost is $90 for up to 10 children. Each additional child is $5. Adults pay daily admission fee.

Season Passes are available. A 10% discount is offered on Season Passes purchased from May 30-June 6 at Leisure Services and from June 7-15 at Rockport Pool: $18 for youth/seniors, $27 for adult and $54 for up to 4 family members.

Take A Kid Fishing Day Scheduled for June 7
The 27th annual Take a Kid Fishing Day will be held on Saturday, June 7 at the Traxler Park Lagoon from 9AM to 1PM. This fun filled, family event is for children ages 3 to 12 and is offered free of charge. There will be a kid’s casting contest, biggest fish contest, and plenty of other surprises. Prizes will be awarded and concessions will be available. Please bring your own rod/reel and bait. Pre-register at Leisure Services, Gander Mountain, Shopko, K-Mart, Pizza Hut or Watersedge Bait & Tackle from May 1-30. This is a special day to promote youth fishing, so no license is required. Leisure Services and the Blackhawk Musky Club co-sponsor this event. For questions, call Leisure Services at 755-3030.

Property Maintenance & Spring Cleaning Tips
Spring is a perfect time to take a look at your home’s curb appeal and take steps to maintain the value of your property. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to make sure that the outside of your home and yard is well maintained. According to Janesville’s nuisance ordinances, residential property must be maintained and in good condition at all times. The property should be free of trash, debris, abandoned or unlicensed vehicles, litter, weeds, and overgrown vegetation.

In addition to yard maintenance, City ordinances also require property owners to keep their buildings in good condition as well. Buildings and structures must be free of graffiti, junk, and debris. Roofing shingles that are broken, rotted, split, or buckled should be replaced.

With a minimal amount of effort, homeowners can keep the interior of their homes looking as great as the exterior. Following these simple steps can help residents enjoy the benefits of a clean home this spring.

Participate in this year’s 6th Annual Good Neighbor Day on June 14. Good Neighbor Day is a city-sponsored event designed to encourage neighbors to help each other beautify their community.
Check for mold, mildew, or other signs of water damage in bathrooms and kitchens. Clean and dry any mold or mildew stains to prevent them from spreading. Keep bathrooms and kitchens well-ventilated.
Clean out all cabinets, cupboards, and drawers. Wipe shelves thoroughly. Toss out any food items that have reached their expiration date.
Using soap and water, clean the inside and outside of all major appliances such as the refrigerator, stove, and microwave.
Clean the crevices between, behind, and beneath kitchen appliances. Regular cleaning can help prevent insects from being attracted to your home.
Repair any damages that attract insects, such as holes in walls or leaks under sinks.
Remove all garbage and trash each week.
Inspect all smoke detectors and replace the batteries annually. A good way to remember this is to change your batteries when you change your clocks for daylight savings time.

If you have any questions concerning property upkeep and maintenance, are looking to make more extensive improvements to your home, or want to learn more about our housing rehabilitation services call Neighborhood Services at 755-3065.

Reminder Regarding Janesville’s Curfew for Youth
As summer approaches and the school year ends, the Janesville Police Department would like to remind the community of the curfew for youth. The curfew went into effect in February 2004 and is enforced by the Janesville Police Department. Sunday-Thursday nights youth under the age of seventeen may not be in public from 11:00PM – 5:00AM. On Friday and Saturday nights, the curfew is from 11:59PM (midnight) – 5:00AM. These times apply to youth under the age of seventeen unless otherwise excepted by ordinance. For more information about the curfew, please contact the Janesville Police Department at 755-3100.

Library News
For questions or more information about any of the library items below, please call the library at 758-6607.

Final Exam Cram @ Your Library
Need a place to study for finals? Wish you had some help? Come to Hedberg Public Library, 316 S. Main St., on Monday, June 2 from 4-8 p.m. for Teen Central’s Final Exam Cram. High school students will enjoy popcorn and refreshments while getting help from peer tutors. No registration is needed for this free program. For more information on Teen Central programs, visit www.hedbergpubliclibrary.org.

June Art Exhibit @ Your Library
Drawings and paintings by Sherry Thurner of Janesville will be shown during June at the Hedberg Public Library, 316 S. Main St., Janesville.

The Elkhorn native chose secondary education for her professional career--she retired in 2005 after teaching English for 33 years with the Janesville School District--but art has been a lifelong interest. She has been active in drawing and painting since 1998. Since then, she has taken classes from UW-Whitewater, UW-Extension, The Peninsula Art School, Dillman’s Creative Arts Foundation and L’Atelier studio in Janesville. Her studies have focused on watercolors, colored pencil and monoprinting.

Thurner has exhibited her drawings and paintings in group shows at UW-Whitewater, Beloit Fine Arts Incubator, UW-Madison, Janesville Performing Arts Center, Rotary Gardens, and Middleton Public Library. This is her first solo show. She is a member of the Wisconsin Regional Artists Association, Janesville Art League, and Colored Pencil Society of America. She also regularly contributes drawings to Everyday Matters, an online drawing group and writes a blog at her web site (http://sherry-latebloomer.blogspot.com/).

Thurner carries a sketchbook everywhere and tries to use odd moments to add something new every day. Having fun with her art and trying new things are important to her. Some of her sketchbooks will be displayed in a large case near her artwork, along with books that she has found helpful in developing her art. Thurner's work may be viewed June 1-30 during all library hours. For more information, call the library at (608) 758-6600 or visit www.hedbergpubliclibrary.org.

Photo Opportunities Available
There are several City of Janesville events that would make excellent photo opportunities and story ideas. Please mark your calendar for these upcoming events and look for more information in future press releases.

Date
Event
Time & Location
Contact
May 31
6th Annual Bike Rodeo
10:30AM – Noon, Wilson Elementary School playground
Officer Sullivan at 755-3077
June 17
S.A.F.E. Training
5:30-7:30PM, Mercy Center at Mercy Hospital (1000 Mineral Point)
Sergeant Donohoue, 755-3133.