Katherine Bolton has a knack for asking and getting results

By MARCIA NELESEN - Tuesday, March 27, 2012

JANESVILLE -- Behind every successful fundraiser is someone who, well, raises the money. Katherine Bolton is one of those behind-the-scenes people.
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Marci Cullen does the little things

By JIM LEUTE - Tuesday, March 27, 2012

JANESVILLE -- In Marci Cullen's world, small often means big. A meal here, a ride there. A few minutes here, some sewing there.
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Kevin Porter and Travis Gorman build basketball players and young ladies

By BRENT ENGH - Tuesday, March 27, 2012

JANESVILLE -- Kevin Porter and Travis Gorman have spent countless hours together the past five years as co-coaches of the Janesville J-Hawks girls basketball team.
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For Betty and Don Felten, volunteering is part of life

By CATHERINE IDZERDA - Tuesday, March 27, 2012

ELKHORN -- Betty and Don Felten are the kind of people who have done more in the past five minutes than most of us have done in our whole lives.
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Mike Eggleston waves the flag for community service

By JIM LEUTE - Tuesday, March 27, 2012

ORFORDVILLE -- Mike Eggleston won't easily forget the quiet apprehension that enveloped the passengers on the bus leaving Beloit's Eclipse Center last May.
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The work of Dr. Michael Kellum is crucial to improving and simplifying CPR

By STAN MILAM - Tuesday, March 27, 2012

JANESVILLE -- Forget about traditional CPR. Forget about breathing into the patient's mouth. That's the advice of Dr. Michael Kellum, the EMS medical director for Mercy Health System.
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Dee Dee Golberg lassoes her passion by working with rescued horses

By SHELLY BIRKELO - Tuesday, March 27, 2012

JANESVILLE -- Three life-changing incidents paved the path that led Dee Dee Golberg to where she is today.
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Dan and Laurie Schreiber are a bright light for Beloit Township

By ANNA MARIE LUX - Tuesday, March 27, 2012

BELOIT TOWNSHIP -- If someone gave an annual award for most reliable volunteer, Dan and Laurie Schreiber might tie for first place.
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Mike Czerwonka works behind the scenes to help kids succeed

By GINA DUWE - Tuesday, March 27, 2012

EVANSVILLE -- Mike Czerwonka is the man behind the scenes helping kids succeed in the classroom. He gives up Saturday mornings to attend municipal court on behalf of his students.
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The Milton Area Youth Center is just one way Jon Cruzan has helped Milton

By NEIL JOHNSON - Tuesday, March 27, 2012

MILTON -- When Jon Cruzan moved to Milton from New England at age 16, his life changed. He became more confident, more studious, more outgoing.
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Sheryl Inman practices respect and responsibility—indoors and out

By MARCIA NELESEN - Monday, March 26, 2012

JANESVILLE -- Sheryl Inman was brought up to respect other people, be responsible and take care of what belongs to her.
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Marge Johnson has nearly made her church her home

By NEIL JOHNSON - Monday, March 26, 2012

EDGERTON -- Edgerton resident Marge Johnson has a major tip for anyone who's new to being a church volunteer: "When somebody needs something done, what you don't do is open your mouth."
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Dave Bendlin teaches children, adults about nature

By ANNA MARIE LUX - Monday, March 26, 2012

MILTON -- Anyone who has taken a nature walk at night with Dave Bendlin knows he can talk like an owl. When he belts out loud rhythmic hoots, barred owls are known to answer.
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Dan Reilly plays sweet music for those in need

By MARCIA NELESEN - Monday, March 26, 2012

FULTON TOWNSHIP -- Dan Reilly was born after his time. Like Henry David Thoreau, Reilly relishes his solitary time. He lives off his land and his wits.
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Students say they owe their success to Cherie Farrell

By FRANK SCHULTZ - Monday, March 26, 2012

JANESVILLE -- Cherie Farrell is all about family, which may explain why she's a favorite of students and fellow workers at Craig High School.
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Jim Purviance eats up the chance to boost Janesville's West Side

By KEN VELOSKEY - Monday, March 26, 2012

JANESVILLE -- Do you know Jim Purviance? Here is a hint: Purviance's car license plate is "Mr. DQ." How many people in Janesville wouldn't want to know a guy who sells lip-smacking-good Dilly Bars, Blizzards and ice cream cakes.
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Julie and Steve Servantez put focus on rescued pets

By ANNA MARIE LUX - Monday, March 26, 2012

FULTON TOWNSHIP -- Rescue animals get their 15 minutes of fame monthly with Julie and Steve Servantez.
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Charles Sweetman tends to the spiritual and emotional sides of law enforcement

By CATHERINE IDZERDA - Monday, March 26, 2012

DELAVAN -- Only a police officer understands what it's like to be a police officer, and that's why Walworth County's police, deputies and firefighters feel blessed to have the Rev. Charles Sweetman.
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Butch Beedle gives Evansville middle schoolers a new view of the world

By GINA DUWE - Monday, March 26, 2012

EVANSVILLE -- Evansville sixth-grade social studies teacher Butch Beedle is a "fire soul" in Evansville, Mayor Sandy Decker said.
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Tony Farrell Sr. could lead a plush life, but volunteerism calls

By ANN MARIE AMES - Sunday, March 25, 2012

JANESVILLE -- There's no end to the places where you'll run into Tony Farrell Sr.: Rock County Board meetings, Janesville School Board meetings, Freedom Fest, Janesville Performing Arts Center ... sometimes it seems he's everywhere.
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Janesville's Brigette and Bruce Thoms combine to help cancer patients

By SHELLY BIRKELO - Sunday, March 25, 2012

JANESVILLE -- Along with other members of the Rock County Cancer Coalition, Brigette and Bruce Thoms raise and distribute money that directly benefits cancer patients in Rock County.
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Ann Forbeck is a dynamo for families

By FRANK SCHULTZ - Sunday, March 25, 2012

For Ann Forbeck, it's all about family. Her job is helping families in crisis. Her own family is just as challenging. She's the mother of five, four of whom arrived at the same time. That's right, quadruplets.
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Even in retirement, David Kemp swings a hammer for others in need

By FRANK SCHULTZ - Sunday, March 25, 2012

JANESVILLE -- David Kemp worked his way up from swinging a hammer to managing construction projects for Janesville's J.P. Cullen & Sons. Now retired, he hasn't stopped working or inspiring others with skillful leadership.
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Marc Perry is a beacon of hope for at-risk youth, the homeless

By ANN MARIE AMES - Sunday, March 25, 2012

JANESVILLE -- Just when he thought he knew a thing or two about life, Marc Perry spent a week as a counselor at a camp for HIV-positive children.
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The Slabacks' faith and time help church and students grow

By GINA DUWE - Sunday, March 25, 2012

ORFORDVILLE -- Since moving to Orfordville almost seven years ago, Ryan and the Rev. Wendy Slaback have helped grow and sustain their church and have helped shape young minds.
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When it comes to volunteering, Barbra Cisler can't walk away

By SHELLY BIRKELO - Sunday, March 25, 2012

JANESVILLE -- Barbara Cisler finds joy in working with people and doing things for others. That's why the Janesville woman has devoted her life to volunteerism since becoming involved with the Mortar Board American national honor society in college.
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Michelle Turner creates a positive learning environment in her Delavan classroom

By CATHERINE IDZERDA - Sunday, March 25, 2012

Relevancy, rigor, relationships. That's Michelle Turner's formula for classroom success. The first two parts make her sound like a tough old bird, a teacher with a sharp tongue and eyes in the back of her head.
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Laurie Valley is a vanguard of generosity

JANESVILLE -- If Laurie Valley was any more generous, she would have to get a bigger van. Since early 2010, Valley has been the coordinator, driver and muscle behind a donation collection and distribution service.
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Dave Johnson uses his connections to help Janesville

By JIM LEUTE - Sunday, March 25, 2012

JANESVILLE -- Whenever Ron Ochs has needed community service help, he's found it with Dave Johnson. Johnson, retired general manager of The Gazette, has an extensive history of serving the community.
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