Last year, I had the pleasure of hosting an event at Foundry 45 in Kewaskum for the St. Lucas School PTO as they raised funds for a new security system. And let me tell you—they absolutely crushed it, raising more than enough to get the job done.

This year, they’re back at it! Liz Dreher from the St. Lucas Lutheran School PTO joins me this week to chat about their upcoming Boots & Blue Jeans Ball, returning to Foundry 45. This time, they’re raising funds for a brand-new playground for the school.

Mark your calendars! The Boots & Blue Jeans Ball happens on Thursday, March 13, 2025, featuring:

• Food from Carnevor Craig and The Antidote
• Epic raffle prizes
• Live music from FM Rodeo

Get your tickets by March 8th at stlucaspto.com, and come out for a great cause!

On this episode, I sit down with Lisa Kitzke, the director of Roots and Branches, to talk about the organization’s dedication to making West Bend a more beautiful place to live. We dive into the mission of Roots and Branches—not just about planting flowers and keeping things looking nice, but also about environmental stewardship and building a stronger sense of community. Lisa shares the history of the organization, which started back in 1990, and how it has grown over the past 35 years, including initiatives like the Adopt a Plot program. We also talk about the importance of green spaces and how they contribute to a thriving community. Plus, Lisa shares ways people can get involved and make a real impact right here in our own backyard.

• https://rootsbranches.org

Steve Kenitz, the quality manager at Milwaukee Tool, joins me to discuss the company's commitment to community engagement and its expansion into West Bend. With a rich history dating back to 1924, Milwaukee Tool has evolved from a power tool manufacturer to a solutions-oriented company focused on meeting the needs of professional tradespeople. Steve shares insights about the company's culture, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, open communication, and employee empowerment. The conversation also highlights Milwaukee Tool's community impact initiatives, including partnerships with local organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and efforts to support veterans.

• https://www.milwaukeetool.com/

Carissa Barnes, Communications Director for the City of West Bend, joins me to discuss the upcoming 2nd annual Bockfest, set to take place on March 1, 2025, at Regner Park in West Bend. This event celebrates the transition from winter to spring with traditional German festivities, focusing on bock beer and unique experiences like fire-poking the beer to enhance its flavor. Carissa shares insights on last year's successful Bockfest, which drew attendees from seven states and generated significant tourism for the area. Listeners will learn about new enhancements for this year's festival, including improved layout and a token system for quicker transactions. With live music, local business participation, and the promise of a fun-filled day, Bockfest is shaping up to be an event not to be missed!

Takeaways:

• The second annual Bockfest will take place at Regner Park on March 1, 2025.
• The event features traditional German festivities, focusing on bock beer and fire poking.
• Bockfest was created to drive tourism and support local businesses in West Bend.
• Attendees will receive five 'bock bucks' to use at participating downtown businesses.
• This year, Bockfest will implement token systems for faster transactions and improved experience.
• Live music will be featured throughout the event, with various local artists performing.

Links referenced in this episode:

• bockfestwb.com

We’re off to the races! This week, I’m joined by Anna Cain and Bekki Scheel of Kewaskum Friends of Parks to talk about their exciting inaugural event, A Night at the Races. Taking place on Friday, January 31, 2025, at Foundry 45 in Kewaskum, this Derby-themed fundraiser will support the group’s mission to enhance the village’s parks system.

Anna and Bekki share details about the event, including what to expect (spoiler: there’s video horse betting, prizes, and Kentucky Derby-inspired food and drinks), as well as their ambitious plans to improve Kewaskum parks with projects like:

• A beer garden with a community room at Kiwanis Park

• A kayak launch at River Hill Park

• An all-abilities playground at Kiwanis

If you’re looking for a fun way to support your community, grab your Derby hat, buy your tickets, and join in the fun!

Episode Highlights:

• Meet Anna Cain and Bekki Scheel and learn about Kewaskum Friends of Parks.

• Details about A Night at the Races event.

• A sneak peek at the park improvement projects in the works.

• How you can get involved and make a difference.

Event Details:

A Night at the Races

Friday, January 31, 2025

5–11 PM

Foundry 45, Kewaskum, WI

Tickets available on Eventbrite.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Kewaskum Friends of Parks on Facebook: Facebook

• Tickets for A Night at the Races: Eventbrite

Connect with Fifteen Minutes with Fuzz:

• Website: fuzzmartin.com

Thank you for supporting Kewaskum Friends of Parks and for tuning in to another episode of Fifteen Minutes with Fuzz! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it really helps!

Merry Christmas everyone. I thought it would be fun to record Twas the Night Before Christmas as a special bonus episode. Hope you have a safe and wonderful holiday with your family and friends. Thanks for listening! ~Fuzz

Noelle Brown joins Fuzz Martin to discuss the exciting and festive events happening in Downtown West Bend, particularly during the holiday season. As the executive director of the Downtown West Bend Association, Noelle highlights the importance of supporting local businesses through various events, including the Downtown Polar Express, which offers winter-themed cocktails while benefiting the Full Shelf Food Pantry. She also shares details about the upcoming Winter Warmup event, featuring stunning ice sculptures and activities designed to draw the community out during the cold winter months. Noelle emphasizes the community's charm during the holidays, with beautifully decorated areas that evoke the spirit of a Hallmark Christmas movie. Listeners will gain insights into how they can participate in these events and support local initiatives while enjoying the vibrant downtown atmosphere.

Links referenced in this episode:

• downtownwestbend.com
• fuzzmartin.com

Leona Knobloch and Shaun Tanner from The Bend Theater in downtown West Bend, Wisconsin, join me to discuss their exciting holiday programming. The episode highlights the theater's diverse lineup of holiday events, including classic movie screenings, live performances, and special activities for families. Listeners will learn about the nostalgic holiday movie lineup featuring favorites like "Elf," "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," and a special screening of "Polar Express" with a visit from Santa. The conversation also covers the theater's community impact, with an emphasis on supporting local businesses during the holiday season. Tune in to discover how The Bend Theater is creating a festive atmosphere in downtown West Bend and making it a must-visit destination this holiday season.

Links referenced in this episode:

• thebendwi.org

Laura Roenitz, the new CEO of Elevate, Inc., joins me to discuss the organization's vital mission to support individuals and families facing substance use and mental health challenges in Washington County and surrounding areas. Elevate provides a range of services, including prevention, education, counseling, and crisis stabilization, all aimed at fostering healthier communities. Laura shares her passion for creating supportive environments and reducing the stigma surrounding these issues, emphasizing the importance of open conversations.

Takeaways:

• Elevate, Inc. provides critical support for substance use and mental health challenges in multiple counties.
• Laura Roenitz's leadership aims to reduce stigma surrounding mental health and substance use issues.
• Community partnerships are essential for Elevate to effectively serve individuals and families in need.
• Harm prevention is a key focus for Elevate in addressing mental health and substance use disorders.
• Elevate offers various services, including crisis stabilization, counseling, and supportive living options.
• The organization encourages community involvement through volunteer opportunities and fundraising initiatives.

Each year since 1999, the Washington County Humane Society celebrates the holidays with their annual Festival of Trees celebration. In the program's 25 years, it has raised nearly $1 million to help support the Humane Society and the medical needs of its pets. The beautiful trees and wreaths featured at the event are decorated by local community members and area businesses, and then raffled off through the weekend to help support the Humane Society. They're then delivered just in time for the holidays.

This year's event takes place Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 10am – 7pm and Sunday, December 8, 2024 from 10am – 4pm.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $6 for kids aged 4-12.

Takeaways:

• The Festival of Trees celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, showcasing local creativity and community spirit.
• Attendees can expect a winter wonderland filled with decorated trees, live music, and bakery treats.
• Funds raised at the Festival of Trees directly support the medical needs of shelter animals.
• The event provides an opportunity for the community to learn about various animal services offered.
• Volunteers are essential for the festival, helping with setup, decorations, and event activities.
• The Washington County Humane Society relies heavily on fundraising events to enhance their shelter services.

Links referenced in this episode:

• wchspets.org