Blackhawk Golden ‘K’ General Meeting
Minutes
June 25th, 2025
Roger Willeford presiding, called the meeting to order with a ring of the bell at 9:30AM.
An Executive Board meeting occurred today.
38 members were in attendance today.
Richard Johnson led with the singing of America, the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Invocation: Carl Cramer, mentioning food and drink, and the children.
Raffle: Bob Wilcox oversaw the ticket sales and drawing this week.
The weekly pot was $15 and the big (Joker) pot was $274.
Ron Shuler drew a ticket from the bucket, ticket number 6102. Congratulations to the winner, Jenny Turco.
The deck of cards has 31/53 cards remaining. Jenny Turco drew the 9♥.
Roger Willeford thanks greeters John Janes and Jim Farrell, invocator Carl Cramer, rafflemaster Bob Wilcox, and server Glenn Disrude.
Happy Box: Luci Cramer announced she is happy because the Cramers are back from visiting family in Seattle.
Jokes: Steve Skelly had a good joke about a man with an incurable disease at the doctor. He asked the doctor if there were any recommendations. The doctor responded he should try a daily mud bath. “Will it help?” “No, but it’ll help you get used to the dirt.”
Other Announcements: John Janes spoke upon the recent blood drives at Cargill Methodist, that went well. There were 51 units Thursday and another 40 pints on Friday.
Steve Skelly spoke upon the Aldo Leopold ‘Buddy’ Benches. They are ready for delivery!
Committee Reports: John Janes announced the 4th of July brings the Milton parade. We will set up at 11am. Helpers are needed.
Roger Willeford announced on Tom Neumann’s behalf that the Farmer’s Market Saturday went well. It was hot!
Roger Willeford announced an email arrived from Lillian, thanking Kiwanis for the scholarship. The letter covered her plans to go into early childhood education.
Jim Farrell introduced the day’s speaker, Shelley Slapak. Shelly is the City of Janesville Recreation Director. She has been a city employee since 2003, was the Recreation Coordinator in 2007, and took the Director role in 2012. Shelley has a Master’s degree in Recreation, and is a graduate of the Janesville Leadership Academy.
Shelley shared some information about Janesville’s many opportunities for entertainment and expansion:
The Recreation Division has seven full time staff. It boasts 100-125 seasonal staff. The office is located on the first floor of City Hall.
The The City Council has a goal via policy to recover 50% of the costs associated with recreation, yearly.
Member Gregg Dickinson asked, “What is the goal for the current Janesville Ice Arena?” Shelley stated it is undecided. It will not be an ice arena. The building has been in service since 1979. It closes in September.
Dawson Field will soon be updated to LED lighting.
The Egg Hunt, previously in Town Square, was moved to Dawson Field. It had a high attendance.
There are maybe 17 organizations in the Janesville Jolly Jingle. It boasts over 30 activities, including one of the biggest holiday parades in Wisconsin, featuring 80+ entries.
Janesville has several Early Literacy programs.
For youth, Janesville offers Kids Count Camp, a Day Camp, outside, at Palmer Park. It has 80+ children.
Tennis Lessons are offered for children. After struggles with coaching, it is now possible with a partnership.
The Kids’ Triathlon is an event with appropriate distances for children ages 7-12.
Kids’ Noontime has an entertainer every Thursday.
The Rockport Pool has been open since around 1979.
The Palmer Pool opened in 1937. It was renovated in 1989 and 2009. It now has lights. Evening Swim is being trialed, from 6-8:30pm.
Member John Janes asks, “Has the city evaluated hosting something like, ‘American Ninja Warrior,’ and, has the city evaluated having an indoor aquatics center?” Shelley responded ANW would be great. An indoor aquatics center is a large budget item.
Jim Farrell thanked Shelley Slapak for speaking and presented her with a Kiwanis Parker pen.
Roger Willeford adjourned the meeting with a ring of the bell at 10:50AM.
Reminders: There is an Programs Committee 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.
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