Blackhawk Golden ‘K’ General Meeting
Minutes
June 18th, 2025
Roger Willeford presiding, called the meeting to order with a ring of the bell at 9:30AM.
38 members were in attendance today.
The meeting was led with the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of America, the National Anthem.
Invocation: Bob Knudson, mentioning good rain (which started when he said it), food and drink, and the children.
Raffle: John Janes oversaw the ticket sales and drawing this week.
The weekly pot was $11 and the big (Joker) pot was $259.
Jim Farrell drew a ticket from the bucket, ticket number 6163. Congratulations to the winner, Bob Knudson.
The deck of cards has 32/53 cards remaining. Bob Knudson drew the 10♥.
Roger Willeford thanks greeters Dave Figi and Don Anderson, invocator Bob Knudson, rafflemaster John Janes, and server Glenn Disrude.
Happy Box: Bob Knudson announced he is happy because he won the raffle. He is donating the proceeds to Project 16:49.
Roger Willeford announced that several members brought guests today:
Dan Heerey brought his girlfriend, Caren Larsen.
Ray Cummings bought his wife, Barb.
Dale Henning brought his wife, Doris.
Jokes: Today some had a package of joke cards. A few were lain on each table. Several were told, including this fine groaner by Ryan, “What is the least spoken language in the world? Sign language.”
Member Health: Linda Bontly had a status update on Jerry Burhans, who is having trouble getting started in the AM.
Announcements: Dave Thill spoke upon the Mid-year Appeal. “To date, $1,800 has been collected. Last year, the total was $4,600. Hopefully, more will come in over the next two weeks.”
John Janes spoke upon the Janesville Grand Prix bike race. It is tomorrow! You may be able to park across from the tent, in the church’s lot.
John Janes mentioned upcoming Blood Drives.
Tom Neumann spoke upon the Farmer’s Market, Saturday. Several shifts are filled from 8am-1pm. Join us!
Steve Skelly spoke upon the Buddy Benches. They are nearly complete! A process change occurred.
A member brought a sizable cactus today, which was immediately accepted by another. More are available.
Jim Farrell introduced the day’s speaker, Kris Koch. Kris is the Janesville Farmer’s Market ‘Market Manager.’ She previously held the position of Rotary Education Director from 2011 to 2016. Kris has a Master’s in Adult Education. She presented upon the successes and future goal of the Janesville Farmer’s Market.
Members asked many questions, including:
John Janes asks, “What is the impact on local businesses?” The overall effect is positive. Some businesses are closing before the market closes at 1pm, which is to their detriment.
Jim Farrell asks, “For the ever-growing market, what are the future parking plans?” Kris detailed some ideas moving forward.
Greg Turco asks, “Children’s activities?” Kris responded, Kids’ Day is the first Saturday in August. The fire truck is popular! In the future, the Childrens’ Museum will be an avenue for partnership. Hand painting and other activities are being discussed.
Jim Farrell asks, “Are dogs welcome?” Kris detailed that Town Square is not a park, where dogs are not permitted. The JFM is one of the few areas dogs are allowed. Kris has an ear for animals that are problematic. Generally, they are appreciated.
Ray Szczepaniak asks, “Do you run the Winter Market?” Kris responded, she does indeed. It works well.
Tom Neumann asks, “Does the JFM continue plans for live music?” Kris explained the JFM has a reliable DJ. Often, oldies are played, because they are universally accepted. People can often be found dancing.
John Sarnow asks, “Budget?” Kris responded the budget is low, and few items are necessary. The JFM covers port-a-potties, marketing, minimal salaries and insurance. The goal is to stay in the black.
Maury Frey asks, “Security?” “We work with the fire and police. Concrete barriers are added and updated in strategic areas. Other planning is ongoing.
John Janes commented, “There is always great ice cream!” Kris mentioned that one of her sons purchased an ice cream truck. He and his brothers sell it at the market and other local events. John Janes recently saw it at a graduation party.
Jim Farrell thanked Kris Koch for speaking and presented her with a Kiwanis Parker pen.
Roger Willeford adjourned the meeting with a ring of the bell at 10:45AM.
Reminders: There is an executive board meeting next week.
Minutes by Ryan Lewis.
Credit: Dave Figi, and Ryan Lewis, photographs.
Note: Kiwanis and its members are not responsible for errors or omissions. We are open to discussion if you would like to request an alteration.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.