Forward Janesville - TheReport - First Quarter 2020

Janesvillearise.com Campaign support can be made via pledge, credit card, paypal or stock transfers. One time contributions or up to a 5 year pledge are available. Email arisenow@forwardjanesville.com for information. JANESVILLE e x p e r i e n c e t h e p o w e r o f c o m m u n i t y 7. A culture of healthy living, collaboration, and creativity measured by a “very walkable” walking score of 86! 8. An affordable and attractive place to live measured by the number of market rate and affordable rental units/condos. 9. Recognition by others as to Janesville’s progress in revitalizing downtown measured by awards and citations from others. 2019: APWA Project of the Year Award for the Janesville West Side Town Square As we reflect on the past five years, it is hard to believe all that has been accomplished by so many. Now is the time to get involved… join a committee, attend an event, be a donor, visit a shop/restaurant, or share your excitement with others! Everyone can find a way to be in… ARE YOU IN? Are you in? www.janesvillearise.com/about/community-champions Why were you interested in joining the FJI Ambassadors? I was interested in joining the FJI Ambassadors because I like to be involved in the community in which I work and live. I feel it is important to give back and be involved. It also allows me to stay on top of all the happenings in the community, so when I am helping new buyers to the area I have answers readily available for them. What do you hope to accomplish in this role? (e.g., what is most important to you) As a FJI Ambassador I hope to have a relationship with my member businesses and keep them informed and in touch. I like to build relationships and offer assistance in any way I can. Best quality My willingness to step up and help out when needed. However, at times this is also a downfall as I can tend to spread myself thin at times. What I love about my work I have been a full-time Realtor for the past 26 years! Wow, time flies when you are having fun! As a Realtor I get to help people everyday. This career has been so rewarding. At the end of the day, I ideally get to leave clients with peace in their heart and smiles on their faces. The book on my bedside table I enjoy reading and am in a local book club, but Audible has become my source of "reading,” as I spend many hours in my car. Right now, I’m reading My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Frederick Backman. My can’t-miss show I am a football and hockey fan. I am a Wisconsin girl, and I love my Badgers and Packers. Favorite local haunt Most often, spring through fall, you will find me spending any free time out on Lake Koshkonong boating. I love to entertain friends both on the pontoon and at home. My foodie obsession One amazing accomplishment for me is that I have recently lost over 75 pounds by following a low carb keto diet and adding in a lot of pure stubbornness! Number-one item on my bucket list I have done a lot of traveling—to Ireland, Spain, Mexico, Italy, and Greece—but number one on my bucket list is an African safari. I would LOVE to sleep out on a platform tent in the middle of nature and check this one off the list. What one word best summarizes you? Persistent. I am not a quitter, which is evidenced in many ways but most proudly through my 38 years of marriage to my husband, Joe. We have two wonderful children and are blessed with four Grandchildren. My favorite place in the world is to be with my family wherever they may be. FIRST QUARTER 2020 • 15 A M B A S S A D O R P R O F I L E Verna Saladino Real Estate Agent and Realtor Briggs Realty Group