KENOSHA, Wis. — For nearly six years, Ktown Connects Podcast has connected Kenosha through conversation.

Now, its founders are inviting the community to connect through action.

Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman, co-founders of the Ktown Connects Podcast, have partnered with Chelsea Sallese, owner of Sallese & Co. and an active Board Member of the Lakeshore Business Improvement District (BID), to launch Ktown Cleanups, a new community initiative dedicated to bringing people together while making Kenosha cleaner, stronger, and more connected.

Built around the motto “Stronger Together. Cleaner Together.”, Ktown Cleanups is more than a series of cleanup events. It is a community movement rooted in volunteerism, civic pride, and the belief that the strongest communities are built when neighbors work side by side.

The inaugural Ktown Cleanup will take place on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Simmons Island Beach, with future cleanups already planned throughout Kenosha, including an Uptown cleanup this October.

Although each founder serves Kenosha in a different way, they all share one common belief: communities become stronger when people show up for one another. That shared belief became the foundation for Ktown Cleanups.

Since launching in August 2020, Ktown Connects Podcast has produced nearly 200 episodes celebrating the people, businesses, nonprofits, artists, educators, entrepreneurs, civic leaders, and organizations that make Kenosha unique. Beyond the podcast, Stancato and Hedman have organized fundraisers, promoted local businesses, hosted civic conversations, volunteered throughout the community, and worked alongside countless organizations dedicated to making Kenosha a better place to live, work, and visit.

Stancato serves as Partnership Development & Engagement Manager for Visit Kenosha and has served on the Boards of Directors for Lemon Street Gallery & Artspace and Kenosha Community Media. He is also a passionate advocate for autism awareness and inclusion, believing every person deserves to feel welcomed, valued, and connected within their community.

Hedman serves as Editorial Manager for Happenings Magazine and is the artist behind Jason Hedman Art, combining creativity, storytelling, and community engagement to celebrate the people, places, and history that make Kenosha special.

“For nearly six years we’ve had the privilege of sharing the stories of people who make Kenosha such an incredible community,” said Stancato. “Those conversations taught us something important: the people who make the biggest difference are the ones who simply show up. Ktown Cleanups is our opportunity to bring those people together in a new way and create something that leaves Kenosha better than we found it.”

For Hedman, the initiative reflects the same creativity and collaboration that have shaped his career. “Whether it’s through writing, art, podcasting, or volunteering, I’ve always believed that bringing people together creates something meaningful,” Hedman said. “Ktown Cleanups gives everyone an opportunity to be part of that. You don’t need any special experience—just a willingness to care about your community.”

For Chelsea Sallese, community has always been at the heart of everything she does. As owner of Sallese & Co., Chelsea has built a business centered on wellness, kindness, ethical beauty, and collaboration while continually supporting local nonprofits, artists, and community initiatives. In addition to leading her business, she serves as an active Board Member of the Lakeshore Business Improvement District (BID), working alongside fellow business leaders to strengthen Downtown Kenosha and encourage community engagement.

“Ktown Cleanups is about much more than cleaning up parks and beaches,” Sallese said. “It’s about creating opportunities for people to meet one another, build relationships, volunteer together, and take pride in the place we all call home. We want everyone to feel welcome, whether they’re coming with their family, coworkers, or simply by themselves.”

Organizers have intentionally designed every Ktown Cleanup to be welcoming, family-friendly, and fun. Participation is completely free.

All cleanup supplies—including gloves, trash bags, and litter grabbers—will be provided by the partnership between Ktown Connects Podcast and Sallese & Co. Volunteers will also enjoy complimentary coffee, bottled water, light snacks, community giveaways, and the opportunity to connect with fellow volunteers while making a visible difference throughout Kenosha.

Families are encouraged to volunteer together. Businesses are invited to bring employees for a community service outing. Students seeking volunteer or community service hours are welcome, along with churches, civic organizations, scout troops, sports teams, neighborhood associations, nonprofits, and anyone looking to make a positive impact.

Inaugural Ktown Cleanup

Saturday, August 1, 2026

Simmons Island Beach House

9:30 a.m. — Volunteer Check-In

10:00 a.m. — Cleanup Begins

The cleanup is expected to last approximately one hour.

No registration is required.

Simply show up ready to make a difference.

While August 1 marks the official launch of Ktown Cleanups, the founders see it as only the beginning.

Future cleanups are already planned throughout Kenosha, with the next event scheduled for the Lincoln Park area on Saturday, October 24th at 11:30 a.m. (Meet in Lincoln Park at disc golf hole 1)

Their vision is simple. To create a tradition that brings neighbors together. Encourages businesses to give back. Inspires students to serve. Strengthens neighborhoods. Builds lifelong friendships. And reminds everyone that even one hour of volunteer service can leave a lasting impact. Because community isn’t something someone else builds. Community is something we build together.

One cleanup. One neighborhood. One act of kindness at a time.

Stronger Together. Cleaner Together.