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/