Fifteen Minutes with Fuzz

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 AntidoteEpic raffle prizesLive music from FM RodeoGet 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 KiwanisIf 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 RacesFriday, January 31, 20255–11 PMFoundry 45, Kewaskum, WITickets available on Eventbrite.Resources Mentioned in This Episode: • Kewaskum Friends of Parks on Facebook: Facebook • Tickets for A Night at the Races: EventbriteConnect with Fifteen Minutes with Fuzz: • Website: fuzzmartin.comThank 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!

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.comfuzzmartin.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

The holidays are here. This week, Limor Hendricks and Christina McGinn of the Youth & Family Project join me to talk about their annual Gingerbread House program. The program has been serving Washington County Families for more than 20 years and provides essential holiday gifts to help make every recipient's holiday feel special. Last year, the program assisted more than 550 families in Washington County. Learn more: https://youthandfamilyproject.org/gingerbreadhouse/

This week's episode features an exciting partnership between the United Way of Washington County and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Program, aimed at promoting early childhood literacy. Join Fuzz Martin as he talks with Kristen Brandner, Bridget David, and Joe Pickler about how this initiative will provide free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five in Washington County. The program not only fosters a love for reading but also supports the developmental needs of young children, making a significant impact on their future educational success. With over 1,300 families already signed up just a month after the launch, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Tune in to learn more about how this program works and how it can benefit families in the community.Takeaways: Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program provides free, high-quality books for children up to five years old. The United Way of Washington County aims to improve community conditions through effective local partnerships. Research shows that children who participate in early reading programs improve literacy significantly over time. Engaging children in reading before age five is crucial for their lifelong learning and success. The Imagination Library program has already enrolled over 1,300 families within its first month of launch. Community involvement is essential to support initiatives like the Imagination Library for all children. Links referenced in this episode:unitedwayofwashingtoncounty.org

This week, I'm joined by Cassandra Erato, the CEO of Spaulding Clinical. Cassie joins to talk about the vital role clinical research plays in advancing medicine. Spaulding Clinical specializes in phase one testing of new drug products before they move on to later stages of testing. Cassie talks about the impact of their research, including a significant study related to the opioid epidemic. We also touch on Spaulding Clinical's commitment to community involvement and supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals.Links referenced in this episode:spauldingclinical.comspauldingpays.com

The West Bend School District is holding a crucial referendum on November 5, 2024, seeking approval for $106.25 million in funding to address urgent facility needs across the district. Superintendent Jennifer Wimmer joins me to discuss the details of this referendum, including significant upgrades to school safety, infrastructure improvements, and the closure of several aging schools. The proposed plan aims to enhance security measures, such as secure entrances and updated fire alarm systems, while also addressing classroom sizes and outdated facilities. Jen explains the financial implications for taxpayers, highlighting that the projected mill rate will remain lower than in previous years, making this a timely opportunity for taxpayers in the district. Join Jen and I as we dive into the specifics of the referendum and explore how it will impact students, families, and the broader West Bend community.Links referenced in this episode:wbsdreferendum2024.orgfuzzmartin.com

Emily Green, Executive Director of the Youth and Family Project, joins Fuzz Martin to discuss the upcoming Nightmares Around Elm Street fundraiser, a spooky walking tour that combines local history with haunted tales. Set to take place on Friday, October 25, this event aims to raise funds to support the organization's mission of providing essential services to youth and families in need. Emily shares insights about the various activities planned for the evening, including a haunted tour, spooky stories, and delicious treats like s'mores and cake pops. The conversation also touches on the importance of creating a fun yet respectful atmosphere, balancing lighter stories with more serious themes. Join us to learn how you can participate in this unique event while supporting a great cause in the West Bend community.Links referenced in this episode:https://youthandfamilyproject.org/event/nightmaresaroundelmstreet/ youthandfamilyproject.orgfuzzmartin.comfuzzmartin.com/guest

The West Bend Power hockey team is the focus of an engaging discussion featuring Kris Marion, the team's Business Operations Manager, and three of its players: Jake Sherry, Oliver Schroeder, and Monte Gould. Kris shares insights into the team's transition from being the Milwaukee Power to the West Bend Power, highlighting the positive impact of local ownership and community support. This episode dives into the structure of junior hockey leagues, explaining how these young athletes, aged 17 to 20, are preparing for potential collegiate careers and beyond. The conversation also covers the rigorous demands of junior hockey, from daily practices and games to balancing personal lives and community involvement. Each player shares personal motivations and aspirations, providing a window into the dedication required to pursue hockey at this level. Kris discusses the importance of community engagement and the role of billet families in supporting out-of-town players, emphasizing the strong bonds formed between players and their host families.Takeaways: The West Bend Power hockey team is a junior league team based in Wisconsin that provides young players an opportunity to advance to collegiate hockey. The team, formerly known as the Milwaukee Power, moved to West Bend and is now owned by local proprietors, emphasizing community involvement. Junior hockey serves as a crucial stepping stone for players aged 17 to 20 who aspire to play at the collegiate level and potentially beyond. The team fosters a strong sense of community and engagement, with players actively participating in local events and volunteer activities. Billet families play a vital role in supporting the players by providing them with a home away from home during the hockey season. The West Bend Power's games are a significant local event, bringing a minor league atmosphere to the community with a dedicated fan base. Links referenced in this episode:westbendhockey.com

The Washington County Humane Society puts on great fundraising events each year. From their Mega Rummage Sale to their Festival of Trees, every event is fun and engaging. Coming up in October, you can join them for their Oktoberfest fundraiser. It's going on Saturday, October 12th, 2024 at the Washington County Humane Society. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.wchspets.org/oktoberfest/.

Childcare is a big need in our area right now. This week, Rob Johnson of the Kettle Moraine YMCA and the West Bend Community Foundation, and Heidi Luft of the Supporting Families Together Association, join me to discuss some concerted efforts within our community to increase the number of childcare providers and help reduce the barriers to families seeking childcare in Washington County. One of the biggest drivers of this initiative is a $400,000 investment from the West Bend Community Foundation, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, and Washington County. Mentioned in this episode:West Bend Community Fund announces $400,000 investment in early childhood education | Washington Co. News | gmtoday.com

For 10 years, Alex Kain of A1 Health and Fitness (previously A1 CrossFit) has been helping people in Washington County get fit and stay health. This week, he and his sister Liz Dreher join me to talk about his background in fitness, how the gym got started, the journey over the past 10 years, and how you can have a great time at their 10 year celebration on Sunday, September 15th. A1 Health & Fitness's 10th anniversary celebration

Exciting things are happening at Casa Guadalupe in West Bend. Not only are they expanding and opening a satellite location in Hartford, Wis. They are also expanding their Fiesta Latina celebration to be two days instead of one! This week, Maria Gutierrez Gurrola & Jessie Plahmer join me to talk about their newly expanded celebration, which takes place on Friday, September 20th, and Saturday, September 21st, 2024 at Regner Park in West Bend! https://casaguadalupeonline.org/events/fiesta-latina/

The West Bend Music Academy is deeply ingrained in our community. This week, the academy's co-owner, Jay Tamez, joins me to talk about how they got started, the challenges they encountered as they grew, and their education programs such as the Summer Rock Band Program and the innovative Technology Enhanced Music Program (TEMPO), as well the importance of music education for both children and adults. https://westbendmusicacademy.com/