JANESVILLE, WI – Natalie Thies has joined the Best Events team as a new event planner. Best Events is a division of KANDU Industries.

Thies is a native of Janesville who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History from UW-Whitewater. She also lived in Osby, Sweden as an International Rotary Exchange Student. She volunteers time to Wisconsin elementary schools speaking to students about Swedish culture, lifestyle, and cuisine. Thies has also organized a fundraiser for the Rock County Humane Society. She enjoys baking and painting in her spare time. Best Events will benefit from her experience in customer service.KANDU is a not-for-profit organization that creates, promotes and provides diverse opportunities within the community that offer persons with disabilities or disadvantages the opportunity to pursue greater independence and meet their full potential.

For more information, contact Jim McMullen at 755-4123 x304.

Mom will feel pampered when you begin your celebration at our luxurious brunch, which features fresh flower centerpieces, satin chair covers, stylish china, luxurious decor and of course, an incredible array of sumptuous foods. Best Events menu for this year includes: chef-carved prime rib, baked cod, chicken cordon bleu, three varieties of pork loin, brunch items, several soup, salad, and potato selections, assorted fruits and vegetable choices, and a dessert buffet with more than 20 selections.

Reservations are required by May 9, 2012. For more information or to make a reservation, call 608-755-4123.

JANESVILLE, WI – Brandon Cook has joined the KANDU Industries, Inc. team as a volunteer Development Intern.Cook is an Edgerton High School graduate studying journalism with a minor in English at UW-Whitewater. He brings previous experience in working with those with disabilities from Residence Life as a Student Staff Assistant to the Housing Director, working extensively with youth with disabilities and disadvantages. Cook also worked for IDS of Madison as a line therapist in charge of creating social exercises and experiences for children with autism. While at KANDU, he is working with a client from the AKTION Club with an interest in journalism, as well as other side projects with other client workers.

KANDU is a not-for-profit organization that creates, promotes and provides diverse opportunities within the community that offer persons with disabilities or disadvantages the opportunity to pursue greater independence and meet their full potential.

For more information, contact Jim McMullen at 755-4123 x304.

JANESVILLE, WI – Rock County Spring Bridal Expo donated $2 from each Spring 2012 admission fee to Janesville School District student programs. On Wednesday, March 14, 2012, representatives from the expo presented a check to The Craig Closet for $1,000.Craig High School’s Field House was the new location for this year’s Bridal Expo, which provided a great partnering opportunity for each organization.

The Craig Closet provides students with clothing, toiletries, and school supplies. With the success over the 2011-2012 school year, a food pantry was also added. Students can access the Craig Closet through one of the student services staff members, the AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer, or through a teacher referral. Dr. Alison Spiegel, Principle of Craig High School, notes, “One in three kids at CHS is now on free/reduced lunch, so we have lots of need.” The class presidents of each grade accepted the check on behalf of their fellow students.