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Week 8: City report

We begin by checking in with Becky Weber-Johnson of Spotlight on Kids, about the "School House Rock" production, happening this weekend at Janesville Performing Arts Center.

Next, Discover Janesville City Correspondent Dan Hartung aka "Janesvillean", updates listeners on all things Janesville. We look at January home sales and reminisce about the days of easy mortgages.

We examine where the I-90 expansion project is headed and try to figure out if the casino undertaking in Beloit will ever become a reality. Consolidation of fire departments could become a big issue, and we examine it carefully, laying out potential scenarios where this theoretical discussion could become a reality.

Blackhawk Technical College expanding to Milton is a big deal, at least in part because it takes up existing available commercial real estate, but also because it bypasses downtown Janesville. Finally, the good thing about all this snow is that our drought conditions could be coming to an end.

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Week 8: Political & Education report

On this episode of Discover Janesville, we talk state budget and school vouchers with Janesville's freshman Assembly Representative Deb Kolste, and our political correspondent and candidate for Janesville School Board, Cathy Myers.

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Week 7: Yarn & fiber tasting, and fire update

On this podcast, Yuri goes to Midwinter Fiber & Yarn tasting, and leaves feeling like the Alpacas are taking over. Also, update on the fire in Janesville that displaced 12 families. A bit of good news: the cat, thought he lost, survived! This and report from Basics on their 2nd International Food Tasting.

Want to know more about knitting and stitching in Janesville?

Janesville Area Stitch n' Bitch stitchers gather every Monday - 1-3 pm at the Italian House, corner of Racine and Randall Sts., Janesville OR every Thursday - 6-8pm., Basics Natural Foods Co-op, 1711 Lodge Drive, Janesville. The stitchers of mass discussion welcome needle-crafty people of all genders and ages. FREE lessons in spinning, knitting and crochet, advise and trouble-shooting. Never any membership fees nor requirements. For more information visit Janesville Area Stitch 'n Bitch on Facebook, www.stitchingcreationsandcommunity.blogspot.com, e-mail proartist@aol.com, or call 608-752-9248.

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Week 7: Entertainment Report

On this podcast of Discover Janesville we check in with Janesville Performing Arts Center Executive Director Elizabeth Horvath to see what is happening at JPAC this weekend (hint: go see Janesville Little Theater production of "Death of a Salesman") and talk to our entertainment reporter Eric Kuznacic about upcoming concerts.

We start the program by checking in with a Janesville resident whose apartment complex was damaged in a fire, yesterday. Learn about how a community came together, and what you can do to help those displaced.

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Week 7: City Council forum

On this podcast, Discover Janesville presents exclusive audio of Janesville City Council candidate forum, which took place on February 19th at Janesville Noon Lions meeting. Candidates featured on this podcast: Sam Liebert, Doug Marklein, Bryan Fitzgerald, Jerry Smythe.

Also, we check in with our political correspondent, Cathy Myers, the top vote getter in the February 19th Janesville School Board primary.

Finally, music by JAC award nominees Teresa Nguyen and Chandler Cook.

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DJ in JM: JAC awards celebrate creativity in Janesville

Here is the next Discover Janesville column.  Find it in Janesville Messenger this Sunday, February 24.

Did you know that there is an abundance of creativity in Janesville? It may seem hard to notice sometimes as we live our everyday lives, driving from a hair appointment (those who have hair) to a restaurant for dinner, or go see a band play at a bar, or send our child to school. Yet the creative spirit is alive and well in Janesville, and it comes in all shapes and sizes.

We have individuals who show their creativity by taking stunning photographs, and we have others who express themselves with delicious food. Those who will reach great heights and those who already have. As consumers, we enjoy all of it, yet as residents, we frequently overlook its presence all around us. May be it is the tourism phenomenon, in reverse: visiting new place, we may go to more places in a few days than locals will visit in a lifetime. When it comes to art, we seem to frequently value most that which comes from elsewhere. As if traveling a long distance makes something more worth our while. It only makes it a more rare commodity but not necessarily better than productions, musicians or art we can enjoy right here in Janesville and Rock County.

It is that spirit that United Arts Alliance, a local non-profit organization, supported by art-minded individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the county, aims to bring together to celebrate our community. For those who may not know, the organization was launched originally to convert Marshall school into Janesville Performing Arts Center and currently works to achieve the following goals:

1. To recognize and promote Rock county arts and artists with events throughout the year, such as Arts Hall of Fame, ArtsFest and Janesville Area Creativity awards.

2. To give those interested in arts of all sorts in Rock county, opportunity to network during our monthly meetings.

3. To help those looking to further their education in arts – be they young adults or not so young – finance their education through the UAA Scholarship fund.

Those who went to the 3rd annual JAC Awards at JPAC on Saturday night, were exposed to a wide range of creativity, where artistic accomplishments were celebrated at a light-hearted ceremony featuring performances by nominees, who included singers, dancers, treats from culinary artists, films and more.

The awards are broken into two categories: judged and people's choice, and since the whole event is a fundraiser, proceeds go to UAA Scholarship fund. In fact, we were able to raise over $5,000, which will be a huge help to the organization as it looks to continue to provide scholarships and to look for more opportunities to promote arts in Rock County.

Every year some of the awards change. For example in the beginning there was a one-minute film award, but now UAA simply honors an outstanding local film produced in the prior year. Other categories don’t survive due to shortage of nominees. And that is where your help is so needed. As you go to local productions, check out local bands, or if your child has an amazing arts or music educator, nominate them for 2014 JAC awards! 

You can find the complete list of categories at www.RockCountyArts.com. You can also decide to check out the organization for yourself, and get involved with helping to organize the 4th annual JAC awards, which will take place at Janesville Performing Arts Center on February 8th. I guarantee you that you will leave the event feeling better about where you live.

Week 6: Russian Meteor, One Billion Rising & JAC awards

We begin the show by talking with former resident of Chelyabinsk, Russia, where a meteor exploded knocking out windows in three counties. Now resident of Wisconsin, Yulia Mielke wil share how her friends and family reacted to this potentially apocaliptic event.

Vivian Creekmore shares the 2 things you need to know about violence against women.

Cathy Myers joins the program to update listeners on her campaign to win a seat on Janesville School Board.

This week we feature winners and nominees from 2013 Janesville Area Creativity (JAC) awards. On this podcast: Craig High School Jazz Band, Chris Kohn, and Jacob Schmidt with Jasmine Bianes of Parker High School.

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State of the Unions: Wisconsin 2 years later.

Exactly two years ago, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker "dropped the bomb" and unveiled Act 10 aka "Budget Repair Bill", which effectively ended collective bargaining in Wisconsin. On this anniversary, Discover Janesville brings you a panel discussion about the effects of Act 10 on the union movement and its ability to influence political process. Participating in discussion are Assembly Minority Leader Rep. Peter Barca (D) Kenosha, WEAC Vice-President Betsy Kippers and Martha Merrill, Lead Research Analyst for AFSCME Wisconsin Council 40. Special thanks to Walworth County Democratic Party for organizing this discussion.

Part 1

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Part 2

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Week 5 podcasts

Welcome to Week 5 podcasts of Discover Janesville 2013!

We begin this week with Education Report.  Featuring interview with Janesville School Board Commissioner Peter Severson on issues ranging from Act 10 and teacher handbook, to preserving the China program, and much more.

Following Commissioner Severson, Yuri was joined by Janesville citizen activist Julie Backenkeller, who put together a survey as a way to gather feedback, and to share her concerns with Janesville School Board.  In our interview, Julie, who has moved her children to a different school district, previewed some of the information she has gathered so far, and what her hopes are for the future of Janesville school district.

Week 5: Education Report

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It's time to catch up on what is going on in Janesville with our City Correspondent Dan Hartung. From roundabouts to school district, from successful local business featured on Superbowl pregame show to Rock County's most wanted, catch it all on the next Discover Janesville. Also, featuring new musical performances by Cameron Pickering and Teresa Nguyen.

Week 5: City Report

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On this podcast, check out conversation with Jan Hoopes of Janesville Art League. Jan talks about the history of the organization and shares tales from the Art League's past, including the $14 robbery. Tune in!

Week 5: Janesville Art League

Week 4 podcasts

Starting this week, you will be able to hear new Discover Janesville podcasts more frequently than once a week, and at the same time, each podcast will have a specific topic and will be shorter in length.

The week started with a podcast that centered on local economy, as we discussed many of the latest developments with our City Correspondent Dan Hartung.  Check out the podcast to learn about the latest City Council and business news.

Week 4: Economic Report

Next podcast centered on Politics and Women's Issues and it featured a live conversation with Vivian Creekmore, a local blogger, author of "Vivian's Love Letters".  Vivian just wrote a new blog post about violence against women, and we discussed whether the society cares about violence against women, or whether it only cares about violence against men.

Next, we spoke with our Political Correspondent Cathy Myers about all things political in Janesville, Wisconsin and beyond.

Week 4: Political Report

Final podcast of the week was the Entertainment Report where our Entertainment Correspondent Eric Kuznacic checked in with upcoming concerts.  Also featured our upcoming cultural events in the Janesville area.

Week 4: Entertainment Report

Thanks for listening!

Discover Janesville 2013 podcast #3

LISTEN RIGHT HERE

Featuring:

Conversation with Rock County Humane Society Executive Director Angela Rhodes about the latest developments involving the society, including greater involvement in our local animal control from Dane County and Rock County municipalities.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 28 minute mark

Ever thought about joining a service club?  Check out this extremely informative presentation by representatives of various service clubs in Janesville, explaining what their clubs do and why you should get involved.   36 minute mark

Get to know the new theater professor at UW Rock County - Zac Curtis.  Originally from Colorado, Zac's been Janesville resident for just a few months.  72 minute mark

Entertainment correspondent Eric Kuznacic previews upcoming comedy concerts featuring Nick Offerman of "Parks & Rec", Amy Schumer of the upcoming "Inside Amy", and Tracy Morgan of "SNL" & "30 Rock" and more.  88 minute mark

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 103 MINUTE MARK

Also, check out music featuring nominees for the 3rd annual Janesville Area Creativity (JAC) awards Outstanding Band category:

Jazzguise 68 minute markLou Dog 111 minute markKind of a Big Deal 116 minute mark
Winners will be announced on February 16 at Janesville Performing Arts Center (JPAC) ceremony.

More Announcements:

Thank you for listening and sharing the program - now heard over 18,000 times!

Don't forget to check out Discover Janesville column now in the Janesville Messenger!

The next membership meeting of Discover Janesville with Yuri Rashkin will take place on January 29, Sunday, from ;6 til 8 pm at 515 St.Lawrence Ave in Janesville.  Hope to see you there!

Interested in becoming a sponsor of a fast growing, popular podcast for and about Janesville, Wisconsin?  Email DiscoverJanesville@gmail.com

DJ in JM: Roundabouts save time and lives

Here is the latest Discover Janesville in the Janesville Messenger column.

I admit: I like roundabouts.  Not when you see one for the first time and not at every intersection, and certainly not three in a row, but they do save time and lives.  Roundabouts are also admittedly safer than the alternatives such as stop lights and stop signs.  

Roundabouts are no longer just a nuisance; they are the way of the future.  Wisconsin Department of Transportation states that "Wisconsin has over 200 roundabouts installed and operating at this time.  Roundabouts move traffic safely through an intersection because of: slower speeds, fewer conflict points, easier decision-making.  The safety studies by the UW TOPS lab shows that roundabouts provide 52 percent reduction in fatal and injury crashes and 9 percent reduction for all crashes.  Roundabouts are also bringing about a significant decrease in severe crashes.”  Besides being a safer option, roundabouts are also a less expensive alternative:  according to WisDot, a roundabout can cost between $750,000 and $1.5 million, which is about the same as an intersection with lights or four-way stop signs but the federal government usually pays 80% of the cost of a roundabout, with state funds paying the other 20%, so yes, it’s also about the money. 

Now, I do not think that every roundabout at every intersection is what we need.  When on City Council, I voted against roundabout at the intersection of East Milwaukee and Wuthering Hills drive.  As a resident of that area, I think that the city public works department solved the existing traffic problem by narrowing East Milwaukee to one lane each way with a wider median, and a bike lane on each side.  I am, however, a strong proponent of examining possibility of a roundabout at the other "5 point" intersection in Janesville: where North Wright road and East Milwaukee meet, and is joined by Mt. Zion.  Just the other day, I witnessed another accident in that area involving two pickup trucks.

There are other places where an odd or a quirky intersection might be improved by a roundabout, such as off of Centerway street by Milton Avenue, and I'm sure there are others.  You may also want to prepare yourself for two new roundabouts on Racine street once the 90/39 ramp is redone and changes its shape from a clover leaf to a diamond.    

In fact, getting people used to the idea of roundabouts is probably the biggest challenge facing traffic engineers in getting the roundabouts accepted by the public and I found it interesting when I learned that the roundabout in front of the new Menard’s was put there by the city for that very reason.   Still, it’s the opponents of this form of traffic control whose voices are usually heard the loudest.  To them, I suggest that the city, if it so strongly believes in advantages of roundabouts, should erect one in front of the City Hall.  The intersection of Wall and Jackson seems like a great intersection to benefit from this kind of traffic management device.  What’s good for the goose is good for the gander, right?

Going forward, rather than fighting about whether roundabouts are a good thing or not, why not just agree that they are safer, and find some good locations where they will help us navigate our city better and easier.  Besides, requiring drivers to navigate around a large unmovable object requires a certain amount of attention and concentration, which most would agree is in short supply on today’s roads.  You may have heard the joke about a person who failed their driving test - when the question was asked "what do you do when you stop at an intersection?" the student replied "I check my email, update my Facebook status, and text".  If this is going to be our new reality, roundabouts make all the more sense.

Discover Janesville 2013 podcast #2

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Featuring:

Conversation about the proposed referendum to raise property taxes, new roundabouts and businesses coming to town and more, with our city correspondent Dan Hartung.

Music correspondent Eric Kuznacic checks in with upcoming concerts featuring Reel Big Fish, Stone Sour and Murder by Death. 26 minute mark

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 44 minute mark

Dennis Vindedahl talks about his new business Water Wellness Store providing customers with Kangen water machines by Enagic.  49 minute mark

We talk school board and Madison politics with our political correspondent Cathy Myers.  64 minute mark

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 88 minute mark

State Senator Kathleen Vinehout speaks about the mining and healthcare reform in Wisconsin.  93 minute mark

This and music by the nominees for Janesville Area Creativity (JAC) Outstanding Original Song award: 

• Mitch Kopnick 49 minute mark,
• Evan Riley 83 minute mark and
• Greg Winkler 138 minute mark ,

on the next Discover Janesville with Yuri Rashkin!

More Announcements:

Thanks to all of you for listening and sharing the program: Discover Janesville has now been heard over 17,000 times!

Don't forget to check out Discover Janesville column now in the Janesville Messenger!

Next membership meeting of Discover Janesville with Yuri Rashkin will take place on January 29 from 6 til 8 pm at 515 St.Lawrence Ave in Janesville.  Hope to see you there!

Interested in becoming a sponsor of a fast growing, popular podcast for and about Janesville, Wisconsin?  Email DiscoverJanesville@gmail.com

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Discover Janesville on YouTube!

Starting this year, each episode of Discover Janesville is also available on YouTube.  Featuring photography by David Abb, the entire show, clearly labeled, is there for you to enjoy!  Here are the first two episodes:

Discover Janesville 2013 / podcast 1



Discover Janesville 2013 / podcast 2

Discover Janesville 2013 podcast #1

LISTEN RIGHT HERE

Featuring:

* In-Depth conversation with Janesville Superintendent Karen Schulte. Dr. Schulte answers the questions you asked on Facebook, as we discuss everything from dress code for teachers and students, to tragedy in Newtown, to whether guns have place in schools and everything in between.

* Newest Assembly Representative to represent Janesville, Deb Kolste checks in. 36 minute mark

ANNOUNCEMENTS 46 minute mark

* State Representative Janis Ringhand who was just re-elected to her second term shares her thoughts on what she would like to see get done in the Assembly this year, and both women share their thoughts on what Wisconsin can do about moving up from being ranked 42nd in a recent rating by Forbes magazine. 52 minute mark

* Conversation with Rock County Economic Development Director James Otterstein about the state of the local and regional economy. Mr. Otterstein grades economic performance of 2012 and gives his forecast for 2013. What is the role financial incentives play in getting businesses to move to an area, and when is it a good idea to walk away from an economic development project? Listen in as these and other questions are covered in this long-ranging discussion. 69 minute mark

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 107 minute mark

*Part 2 of conversation with James Otterstein 113 minute mark

MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA 137 minute mark

Interested in becoming a sponsor of a fast growing, popular podcast for and about Janesville, Wisconsin? Email DiscoverJanesville@gmail.com

Check out our website at www.DiscoverJanesville.com and "like" the show on Facebook!

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Snow storm and Christmas specials are here!

Listen to the SNOW STORM Special RIGHT HERE and

Listen to the CHRISTMAS special RIGHT HERE

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Snow storm special featured conversations with our regular correspondents, Cathy Myers and Eric Kuznacic, and music involving end of the world, storms and holidays (what a mix, right?)We were also joined by our newest correspondent, Teresa Nguyen who updated the listeners on the cultural and community highlights of the weekend.

Of particular interest, is the interview with Dave Warren, owner of Dave's Ace Hardware store in Milton, Wisconsin. Dave shared several great tips for business owners (and others) on how to effectively use Facebook to help your business or project grow and reach more people. 95 minute mark

Christmas special features piano music by yours truly, throughout, and performances from Stage One Town Hall Christmas, which took place on December 22 at Janesville Performing Arts Center.

Day Lillies: 5 minute mark


Pastor Bruce Gray: 9 minute mark

The Peyer Choir: 29 minute mark

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 36 minute mark

Winds of Kislev, read by Yuri Rashkin & Edie Baran: 50 minute mark


Ray Jewell: 60 minute mark

Anna Schuette-Reid: 66 minute mark

Why the Evergreen, told by Edie Baran: 72 minute mark

'Twas Night Before Christmas, read by David Graham, 82 minute mark

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 89 minute mark

Heavenly Harp and Hammers with Anna Schuette-Red, Joan Heinze, and Nancy Hasse: 97 minute mark

I hope this season finds you well and in good company. Though it is not about the gifts, I hope you have received that which you were hoping for. As Discover Janesville is now done until January, I want to thank everyone who has supported me throughout this year in many different ways, and in the many different projects and endeavors I undertook. I look forward to more adventures that 2013 will bring and thanks for being along for the ride!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukkah, and Happy New Year!

Yuri

DJ in JM: Moscovites in Janesville

Here is my latest Janesville Messenger column:

This November, around Thanksgiving, something very unusual happened: my cousin from Moscow, Sergei, who I haven’t seen in nearly 25 years, came over with his wife Lala, to visit.  Every night we stayed up catching up, but the cool part was that it felt like we never parted.  We picked up right where we left off, and he called me “old man”, once again, just like when I was 13. 

Since my cousin and his wife live in Moscow, and we live in Janesville, I wasn’t sure about what to show the visitors.  So what I decided to do, was to show them the America we live in, the best I could. 

We went to an American courthouse where I work as an interpreter, and sat in on different hearings.  On Sunday morning, we went to an American church where I work.  We went to an American nursing home where I play music and we went to my daughter’s parent teacher conference at an American school. 

My Muscovites were fascinated by all of it, but seldom for reasons I expected.  After exiting the school building, for instance, my cousin remarked how amazed he was that the money budgeted to build the school, was actually used to construct a quality building and not to line someone’s pockets. 

Still, most of our time was spent at department stores. Prices, selection and quality of products we get in Janesville are way better then in Moscow, and customer service here is infinitely friendlier.  Overwhelmed, visitors from distant lands wondered through the aisles at Kohl’s in some sort of a happy daze.  Then, after trying on different outfits and finding just the right size and color, they discovered the second joy of shopping: returning the merchandise.

 

Being able to return that which you purchased but for whatever personal decision decided not to keep, is a luxury that evidently was not familiar to Russian travelers. Speaking of which, the fact that in the middle of a cold spell, young women could be seen walking around, particularly on State Street in Madison, in mini-skirts, was simply astonishing to visitors from the north who are raised to dress warm! 

After he left, my cousin told me he started missing Janesville already in Chicago.  You see, he said, going to a supermarket and getting whatever you need at a reasonable price at any time, or enjoying a justice system that respects its own laws, or living in a society not rotten by corruption, is very nice and enviable.  I guess living in a fast paced urban jungle, even with its great variety of experiences and opportunities, can be tiring.

Why am I telling you all this?  Because in this season of celebration, shopping, travel, family and whatever other stress we have in our lives, having someone take a look at it from the outside, was surprisingly reassuring. And not even because of the selection of sausages in our stores, but by the extent to which store clerks are generally happy to help a customer, by the extent to which the justice system respects the process, and government cares about accountability.

No system in the world is perfect, but what we have in America is so much better then where many other people exist, it deserves a certain degree if not of gratitude, at least appreciation.  No roses grow in winter, unless you go to your neighborhood florist or grocery store.  They are always there, nice and fresh.  Stop and smell the roses, sometimes.

Happy Holidays!   

Discover Janesville #14

LISTEN HERE

Featuring:

Conversation with City Correspondent Dan Hartung about the new union contracts, possible referendum on increasing property taxes, and sidewalks.

State Representatives Andy Jorgensen (D) 23 minute mark
and Amy Loudenbeck (R) 59 minute mark,

check in to update listeners on the latest developments in the State Legislature, their opinions on redistricting, right to work legislation, and Forbes magazine ranking Wisconsin #42 on its list of states good for business.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 49 minute mark

Madison-based journalist Rebecca Kemble speaks about her article in Progressive magazine, highlighting the State Senate committee led by Senator Tim Cullen, looking to reform mining laws in Wisconsin. 89 minute mark

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 109 minute mark

Cathy Myers announces her campaign for Janesville School Board.  118 minute mark

All that and music by Craig High School acapella, on the next Discover Janesville!

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Discover Janesville #13

LISTEN HERE

Featuring:

Conversation with the new director of Rock County Historical Society Mike Reuter about his transition from Milwaukee to Janesville and what lies in the future for the Tallman house.

City correspondent Dan Hartung gets to the bottom of the water rate increase, fire department overtime, and the new business incubator.  18 minute mark

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 42 minute mark

Political correspondent Cathy Myers talks “fiscal cliff”,  updates listeners on the efforts to end same-day voter registration in Wisconsin, and shares with us the results of Rock County Democratic party elections.  50 minute mark

Music correspondent Eric Kuznacic previews upcoming concerts featuring music by High on Fire, Astronautilis and BoDeans.  70 minute mark

In “City Sounds”, highlights of the Diversity Action Team holiday celebration, where representatives of various cultures, shared their holiday traditions.  Learn about Uganda, Norway, China and Iran.  92 minute mark

Music performance by Al Hulick 120 minute mark

An encore presentation of “Farmer Fawns Over Fine China” by Jim Lyke and directed by Edie Baran, from the 24 hour Theater Festival at U Rock.  Starring: Pat Hall, David Graham, Yuri Rashkin and Paul Rubio.  127 minute mark

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