Mercyhealth Foundation Opens Applications for Autism Support Fund Grants

Families in Janesville will soon have a new option for high-quality child care as YWCA Rock County prepares to open its Early Learning Center for 2- and 3-year-olds on June 30, 2025. Located at 1735 S. Washington Street, the center is designed to meet a growing need for affordable, full-day care for working families with toddlers.This new program reflects YWCA Rock County’s broader mission to empower families, support early childhood development, and foster equity in access to education. The center will be open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., offering a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for young children to learn and thrive.“We know child care is one of the biggest challenges facing working families,” said Heidi Deininger, Executive Director of YWCA Rock County. “This center gives parents peace of mind knowing their children are in a caring, enriching space that supports their early development.”With a play-based curriculum, literacy-focused activities, and attention to children’s social and emotional growth, the center promises to give kids a strong start during their most formative years. The program will launch with a weekly rate of $200, and is staffed by experienced early childhood educators.Families and community members are invited to tour the new facility during an open house and ribbon-cutting celebration on Tuesday, June 17, from 5:00 – 6:30 PM. It’s a great opportunity to meet the teaching staff, explore the newly designed classrooms, and learn more about enrollment.Enrollment is now open, but spots are limited. Interested families are encouraged to visit ywcarockcounty.org/2-and-3-year-old-child-care or call 608-752-5445 to schedule a tour.Licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, the Early Learning Center is another step forward in YWCA Rock County’s commitment to eliminating racism and empowering women—starting with support for our youngest learners and their families.Whether you're a parent looking for care, a neighbor eager to celebrate this exciting new resource, or a community partner seeking to support local children, this is a moment worth marking. Join the ribbon cutting on June 17, and help welcome a new era of opportunity for Rock County’s littlest residents!

Exciting changes are underway for the Boys & Girls Club of Janesville as construction on its long-awaited new facility officially begins. With the first stages of building already in progress, the Club is looking ahead to a grand opening in September 2026—a milestone that will mark a major leap forward for local youth programming.The groundbreaking ceremony, held recently at 925 South Jackson Street, drew an enthusiastic crowd of about 200 community members, donors, and leaders. The celebration was highlighted by remarks from Wisconsin Department of Administration Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld, Club CEO Rebecca Veium, Board President, and even a current Club member—each sharing how this project represents far more than a new building. This isn’t just about bricks and beams—it’s about building opportunity, hope, and a brighter future for young people in Rock County.Once complete, the new facility will triple the number of youth ages 6–18 that the Club can serve each year. That means expanded access to academic support, enrichment programs, mentorship, and safe spaces for kids and teens who need it most.The project is ambitious, and fundraising efforts are still underway. As of now, $10.2 million has been raised toward the Club’s $12 million goal, and the team continues to work tirelessly to close the gap.A recent feature by the Janesville Gazette offers a deeper look into the vision for the space and what it will mean for the community. You can read that full article here.As construction progresses over the next 12 to 14 months, the Club will be sharing regular updates and continuing to invite support from the community.For those interested in being a part of this transformative project—whether through donations, volunteerism, or partnership—there’s still time to get involved. This new chapter is being built by many hands, and every contribution helps shape a better future for the youth of Janesville.Pictures by KARYN SAEMANN/KARYN.SAEMANN@APG-SW.COM

Celebrate Father’s Day at the Rock County Historical Society’s 4th Annual Car ShowIf you’re looking for the perfect way to spend Father’s Day this year, look no further than the 4th Annual Father’s Day Car Show hosted by the Rock County Historical Society (RCHS). On Sunday, June 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the historic RCHS campus at 440 N. Jackson Street in Janesville will come alive with chrome, horsepower, and hometown pride.This popular annual event brings together car enthusiasts, families, and history lovers to admire vehicles of all makes and models while celebrating Janesville’s deep automotive roots. The car show is more than just a gathering of classic rides—it’s a tribute to the city’s long-standing connection to General Motors, and a chance for the community to reflect on its industrial legacy.A Historic Lineup You Don’t Want to MissGuests will have access to the acclaimed Rock County Legacies Exhibit: The Heartbeat of Janesville’s GM, which features artifacts, memorabilia, and two stunning vintage vehicles that were built at the Janesville Assembly Plant:A 1967 Chevrolet Caprice Custom Coupe, which holds the distinction of being the 100 millionth vehicle manufactured by GM in the U.S.A 1927 Series AA Chevrolet Capitol, showcasing early 20th-century craftsmanship.In addition to the GM exhibit, this year’s show will also include a fun automotive-themed scavenger hunt, perfect for visitors of all ages looking to explore the grounds in an interactive way.Food, Fun, and Father’s Day No festival is complete without great food. Steve’s Deli Dog House will be serving up delicious eats, and beverages will be available for purchase on-site. It’s a casual, family-friendly setting that’s ideal for spending quality time with the dad—or car lover—in your life.“We want to celebrate the history of General Motors in Janesville,” said Kathe Crowley Conn, RCHS Executive Director. “This car show, which includes the GM Exhibit in our Museum Center, is a fun way for people to do just that.”Want to Show Off Your Car?Car owners interested in participating in the show can still register their vehicle. Advance registration is $10, or $15 on the day of the event. Space fills up fast, so early sign-ups are encouraged. Registration details can be found at rchs.us/car-show.Event Details:When: Sunday, June 15, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.Where: Rock County Historical Society, 440 N. Jackson St., JanesvilleAdmission: $15 for adults, free for ages 15 and underWhether you’re a lifelong gearhead or just looking for a unique way to celebrate Father’s Day, this event promises something special for everyone. Don’t miss your chance to experience a beloved Janesville tradition, right in the heart of the city.

Kicking off the summer with our June poll - we want to know where your favorite locally owned spot is to grab a frozen treat 🍦Let us know if we missed any!

Children’s Museum of Rock County Gives Green Light to JP Cullen to Begin ConstructionIt’s official: construction is about to begin on one of the most anticipated community projects in Rock County. The Children’s Museum of Rock County (CMRC) announced today that it has given the green light to JP Cullen to begin construction on its future home in downtown Janesville.The CMRC Board of Directors has voted to move forward with the building phase, instructing JP Cullen to begin work shortly after June 23, 2025. This milestone marks a significant leap forward for the museum’s vision, just days after hiring new executive director Kent Anderson and launching a $500,000 Transform Tomorrow matching campaign.Executive Director Kent Anderson“We know this is the news everyone has been waiting for,” said John Westphal, President of the CMRC Board. “Our board recognized we had a fiscal responsibility to our donors and we have been waiting until we felt we had met those obligations before giving Cullen the okay. When the numbers came in last week, we had the confidence that now is the time.”$14.5 Million Vision Becoming RealityWith the most recent bids now finalized, the Board felt confident the timing was right to start the next chapter. If the current matching campaign is successful, the organization expects to reach a remarkable $14.5 million in funds raised—enough to complete construction and purchase interactive, high-quality exhibits for children of all ages.“It is a privilege to be able to step into this role and see this amazing project start to come to life,” added Kent Anderson, CMRC’s new Executive Director. “The Board has put in so much work to get the project where it is today and we are all excited to make this project a reality.”Groundbreaking Coming SoonA formal groundbreaking ceremony is in the works, with an official date expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Community members, partners, and donors will be invited to help kick off construction on a space that promises to transform play, learning, and family time in Rock County.The museum has been a long-term passion project for the board, and the commitment shown by donors, community members, and regional partners has helped push the dream closer to reality.Want to Support the Vision?Donations are still being accepted to support the museum’s capital campaign. To learn more or contribute to the Transform Tomorrow effort, visit: kidsatplayrc.com/campaign

Inside Innovator Summit Brings National Business Leader to Janesville for Intrapreneurship WorkshopA new professional development experience is coming to Janesville this summer, and it’s designed to spark innovation from the inside out. Contour Consulting, in collaboration with Forward Janesville and Cambian Solutions, will host the first-ever Inside Innovator Summit on Tuesday, June 17, at the Janesville Performing Arts Center.The full-day event, running from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., will feature Louis Gump, best-selling author of The Inside Innovator and a seasoned leader with executive experience at companies like CNN, Cox Media, and The Weather Channel. Gump will lead a powerful, hands-on workshop around intrapreneurship—the concept of empowering employees to think and act like entrepreneurs within their current roles.“Hosting Louis Gump, with his extensive leadership experience, represents our belief that Janesville businesses deserve the same caliber of training found in major metropolitan areas,” said Kelsey Paasch, founder of Contour Consulting and Forward Janesville’s 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year.A Local Platform for National-Scale ThinkingThe Inside Innovator Summit aims to energize teams, leaders, and forward-thinking professionals across the region. Participants will gain actionable insights into fostering innovation, building internal leadership, and unlocking new growth—without having to leave Rock County.Joining Gump on stage will be Paasch and Nathan Burkart, a local intrapreneur and business coach, who will bring regional context and practical tools to the conversation.Quint and Rishy Studer, long-time supporters of community innovation, are the event’s presenting sponsors, with Forward Janesville helping extend the opportunity to a wide network of local organizations and business leaders.Don’t Miss This Rare OpportunityTickets are now available through the Contour Consulting website, and space is limited. Bulk ticket packages and sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses looking to send teams or show community support.Whether you’re a business owner, team leader, or employee with bold ideas, this event is a rare chance to learn how to champion innovation from within.Event Details 📍 Janesville Performing Arts Center 📅 Tuesday, June 17, 2025 🕗 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.🎟 Register now at: Inside Innovator Summit – Contour Consulting 📩 For bulk or sponsorship info: events@contourconsulting.com

Propel Forward’s First-Ever STEAM/Career Day Takes Off at Southern Wisconsin Regional AirportApril 29th marked an exciting milestone for STEAM education in southern Wisconsin as Propel Forward hosted its first-ever Pistons and Props: STEAM/Career Day at the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport. Designed to introduce students to careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, the inaugural event brought together education, industry, and aviation in a hands-on, interactive setting that inspired the next generation of innovators.Partnering with 18 local and national organizations, Propel Forward welcomed 7th and 8th-grade students from Aldrich Middle School, Fruzen Middle School in Beloit, and St. John Vianney School in Janesville for a day filled with exploration and discovery.A Day of Discovery and EngagementThe event was split into morning and afternoon sessions, with students rotating between two major activity areas. Inside Revv Aviation, students explored a variety of free-choice STEAM stations, while the airport terminal hosted a career speaker series that featured professionals from aviation, healthcare, engineering, public service, and more.Hands-on learning was at the heart of the experience, and students were given the chance to interact directly with pilots, engineers, technicians, and other experts. Exhibits ranged from aviation simulators and mechanical demos to medical flight operations and drone technology.Community Partners Take Center StageThe success of STEAM/Career Day was made possible by a collaborative effort between Propel Forward and a powerhouse lineup of community-minded organizations, including:Corporate Contractors Inc. (CCI) – Title SponsorBlackhawk Technical CollegeCommemorative Air ForceUW Med FlightCivil Air PatrolWomen in Aviation / NASAHelicopter SpecialtiesSuperior Jets...and many more.Each partner offered meaningful experiences designed to ignite curiosity and open students’ eyes to real-world career paths.More Than an Event — A Movement in MotionThe April 29 STEAM/Career Day built on the momentum of Propel Forward’s past outreach efforts, including the 2024 Pistons and Props Family Day, which drew over 500 young learners. With plans already underway for this year’s Family Day on July 19, organizers are committed to continuing the mission of educational engagement, aviation appreciation, and community empowerment.“This was a launchpad for so many students,” said a Propel Forward spokesperson. “We’re proud to create a space where learning comes to life and where kids can see themselves in careers they may have never imagined.”For more about Propel Forward’s upcoming events and educational programs, visit propelforwardwi.org.

Janesville’s most cherished summer art tradition is back—and it’s calling on artists near and far to be a part of it. The 67th Annual Tallman Arts Festival returns August 2–3, 2025, and artist registration is officially open!Hosted on the beautiful grounds of the Rock County Historical Society (RCHS) and the historic Lincoln-Tallman House at 440 N. Jackson Street, this juried arts festival invites artists of all mediums to apply and share their work with an audience of over 1,000 attendees.https://rchs.us/tallman-arts-festival/A Celebration of Creativity in Every FormWhether you're a ceramicist, photographer, jewelry maker, painter, or mixed media artist, this is your chance to showcase your work in a vibrant, community-driven setting. With decades of history and a dedicated following, the Tallman Arts Festival offers artists exposure, connections, and the opportunity to sell directly to art lovers.Dates & Hours:Saturday, August 2: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.Sunday, August 3: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.Location:Rock County Historical Society Campus, 440 N. Jackson Street, JanesvilleAdmission:Free for attendees (donations welcome!)More Than Just ArtThe weekend isn't just about beautiful creations—it’s a full community experience! Visitors can enjoy:Food trucks serving local flavorsChildren’s activities to inspire young artistsA beverage area for relaxing in the summer sunNonprofit exhibitors sharing resources and causesAll proceeds from the event help fund preservation efforts and support the ongoing operations of RCHS’s historic campus.Artists: Apply Today!Spots are limited, and the event’s long-standing reputation means they fill up quickly. Interested artists can view the application details and submit their work for consideration at: rchs.us/taf-artist-applicationDon’t miss your opportunity to be a part of one of Janesville’s signature summer events. Whether you’re exhibiting or attending, the Tallman Arts Festival is a weekend full of color, creativity, and community spirit.

Spring in Janesville is about to get a whole lot cozier—and more colorful! The Rock County Historical Society (RCHS) is inviting the community to experience the artistry and tradition of quilting at its beloved Airing of the Quilts event, happening Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the scenic RCHS campus at 450 N. Jackson Street.Whether you're a long-time quilting enthusiast or just love admiring beautiful handiwork, this two-day showcase is not to be missed. With nearly 100 handcrafted quilts displayed both indoors and outdoors, the entire campus will be transformed into a stunning, colorful landscape of fabric, creativity, and local talent.A Mother’s Day Weekend to RememberPerfectly timed for Mother’s Day weekend, Airing of the Quilts is more than just an art show—it’s an experience. Stroll the historic grounds while enjoying an ice cream social, watch live quilting demonstrations, and take the little ones on a delightful StoryBook Walk featuring The Quilt that Grandma Made by Kristin Caulkins.“This event offers a perfect weekend of fun,” said RCHS Board Member Kathy Boguszewski. “People love seeing the wide variety of quilts on display—especially in such a beautiful setting. With the combination of quilts, ice cream, and our StoryBook Walk, it’s an especially great outing for Mother’s Day!”Live Demos & Local TalentThroughout the weekend, skilled local quilters will be sharing their talents through live demonstrations. Visitors will see techniques like:Quilt embellishmentPaper piecingFree-motion quiltingUsing vintage machinesBuilding a barn quiltWith quilts of all shapes, sizes, colors, and themes, every display tells a story—woven with the passion of the creators who made them.StoryBook Walk: Read & RoamFamilies can take part in the StoryBook Walk, a gentle path through the RCHS grounds that features pages of The Quilt that Grandma Made mounted on signposts. It’s a creative way to promote early literacy, outdoor time, and family connection.Event InfoDates: May 10 & 11, 2025Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. each dayLocation: RCHS Campus, 450 N. Jackson St., JanesvilleAdmission: $5 per day (Free for children 12 and under)More info: rchs.us/eventsIt's thanks to sponsors like the Rock County Dairy Promotion Council, Festival Foods, and Candace and Dave Thompson this event is possible!So grab your walking shoes and your favorite people—this year’s Airing of the Quilts is shaping up to be a heartwarming celebration of creativity, community, and craftsmanship.

What's your favorite locally owned spot to listen to live music?? Vote for your favorite and let us know if we missed any venues!