Congressman Mark Pocan outside Beloit City Hall

Congressman Mark Pocan represents the Southern part of Rock County, as well as Dane County.  In the United States Congress he replaced Congresswoman and now United States Senator Tammy Baldwin.  Like her predecessor, Congressman Pocan stands strong for Progressive values, in stark contrast with his neighbor in the 1^st Congressional District, Congressman Paul Ryan.

During his recent visit to Beloit where he was holding office hours, I took the opportunity to sit down with Congressman Pocan to talk about the differences and similarities between him and Congressman Ryan, get Congressman Pocan’s reaction to Paul Ryan’s reversal in his position on gay adoption, and more.

Following our interview, Discover Janesville is pleased to share with you excerpts from the keynote address Congressman Mark Pocan gave at the Democratic Party of Rock County Spring Fling, on April 28, 2013.  Be in the know.  Discover Janesville.  

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New Executive Director of the Beloit Janesville Symphony repairs string instruments in his spare time

Michael Krueger is the new Executive Director of the Beloit Janesville Symphony.  A recovering banker as he describes himself, Michael spent 27 years at Johnson Bank, eventually running a team of 400 people, before trading it in to run a symphony orchestra.  A double bass player, a painter and a poet who repairs string instruments in his spare time, Michael has an appreciation for the symphony and vision for the regional significance of the orchestra.  We sat down at his office to talk about building community, creativity, what kind of music symphony orchestra out to play, and what’s next for the Beloit Janesville Symphony.  Be in the know.  Discover Janesville.

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Donn Fisher has been around agriculture his whole life.  He sold to farmers, managed farm coops and currently runs Fisher Management Services where he focuses on risk management, sells crop insurance and markets grain for several clients throughout Wisconsin and northern Illinois.  Donn joined Discover Janesville to talk about the rain, present and future of agriculture in Rock County and the difference between the GMO and organic farming.  Be in the know.  Discover Janesville.  

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Dan Hartung aka Janesvillean, is a city wonk.  That means that on regular basis, Dan checks in to let the listeners know exactly what is going on in Janesville when it comes to city government as well as community and economic development.  Due to the amount of news that needed to be covered, a 2 minute per item approach was adopted.  Subjects discussed included everything from hiring of the new city manager and whether the city should consider switching to a Mayoral form of government, to the coming 60 foot cross, the flood, changes to Gazette’s website, economic development changes in the city, the latest on General Motors, GOEX and of course the sidewalks.  All that and an exciting announcement.  Be in the know.  Discover Janesville.

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Janesville resident LaKeta Cruz is spearheading an event this Saturday at Speakeasy Lounge, benefitting Autism Support Fund.  The effort alone that LaKeta has put forward to organize this fundraiser is impressive.  Learn about who is involved and how you can help.  Be in the know.  Discover Janesville.

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Our correspondent and Janesville School Board Commissioner-elect, Cathy Myers shares her thoughts on the state budget and how it is likely to affect public education in Janesville.  Cathy speaks about bringing her perspective and experience in the classroom to the school board, as well as about the upcoming listening session on the state budget, where she plans to speak but mostly listen.  Be in the know.  Discover Janesville.

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Every spring for the last 12 years, United Arts Alliance inducts individuals who made a lasting mark on arts in Rock County into Rock County Arts Hall of Fame.  The list of inductees is long and can be seen on the wall at Janesville Performance Arts Center.  On April 7, Beloit artist David Lundahl, UW Rock County Associate Professor Dr. Jeff Suarez, and Janesville artist, teacher and humanitarian, Barb Matthews.  Keynote address was delivered by Thelma Wilcox, who was the very first person inducted into the Arts Hall of Fame in 2001.  It was my privilege, as the President of United Arts Alliance, to serve as the Master of Ceremony.  Be in the know.  Discover Janesville.

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Allegrea Rosenberg is a 4^th generation Janesville artist.  Having worked in many different mediums, Allegrea was most recently recognized for completing a massive mural – over 1500 square feet – going all the way around community room at Basics Cooperative.  During our conversation we spoke about her art, developing creativity and much more.  Be in the know.  Discover Janesville.

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Paul Ryan’s budget has been subject of much discussion, and it continues to bring attention to the 1st Congressional District and its representative in the United States Congress.  Recently, a protest was held in front of Paul Ryan’s Janesville office, featuring a pastor from a Janesville Lutheran church, David Andert.  Father David and others, brought loaves and fishes to the door of Congressman Ryan’s office, to highlight the fact that his budget hurts those who have the least.  Protest against Paul Ryan’s budget in Janesville.  Be in the know.  Discover Janesville.

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Dyslexia: a burden or a gift?  Learning disability or an ability to learn differently?  Marla Verdone runs a business in Janesville, specifically designed to help those with dyslexia, overcome the challenges and reach their potential.  Be in the know.  Discover Janesville.

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