We've Got News!! Roots and Branches Launches “Roots and Branches Musical Menagerie Garden” Project Interactive garden to honor beloved music educator Karen Wysocky

Roots and Branches is excited to announce a collaborative project with the West Bend Library, “Roots and Branches Musical Menagerie Garden”. This interactive space will feature giant sized musical instruments in a garden setting located at Patron’s Park. The space will combine sound, nature and creativity in a setting that is both welcoming and inspiring.

The Musical Garden will feature thoughtfully designed flower gardens alongside accessible, hands-on musical instruments, encouraging curiosity, play, and creative expression. Designed as both a place of discovery and reflection, the garden will support Roots and Branches’ mission to enhance community spaces and inspire residents to connect with nature and one another. Recognizing the joy that flower gardening brings to people of all abilities.

The project is being created in honor of project donor and area music teacher Karen Wysocky, whose lifelong dedication to music education has left a lasting impact on students and families throughout the community. This tribute celebrates her and her family’s legacy and love of music and gardening. Additional support for this project has generously been provided by West Bend Insurance Charitable Fund and an anonymous donor from the community

“This garden reflects everything Karen stands for—creativity, learning, and community,” said Lisa Kitzke, Director of Roots and Branches. “We are honored to recognize her contributions in a way that will be enjoyed for generations.”

Roots and Branches is currently seeking volunteers to assist with installation, planting, and special events as the Musical Menagerie Garden comes to life. Community members interested in volunteering or learning more about the project are encouraged to get involved.

Roots and Branches is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the beautification and environmental stewardship of West Bend, Wisconsin. Through community partnerships, public plantings, and educational programs, Roots and Branches works to grow pride in our natural spaces and ensure a more vibrant, green future.

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Roots and Branches has a new Director!

Roots and Branches is happy to announce the addition of Lisa Kitzke as Director of our organization.  Roots and Branches is a local non-profit positively impacting the natural environment of greater West Bend, WI.  Our mission is “to grow a more beautiful community today and plant seeds of pride and stewardship to improve the natural environment of West Bend tomorrow.”
Lisa brings a wealth of experience in fundraising and working with Volunteers. She most recently was the Executive Assistant of the West Bend Senior Citizens Activities Inc. Lisa is also a 1st Violinist with the Kettle Moraine Symphony and has 35 years teaching violin and viola.

Welcome Lisa as our newest Team member…….

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PRESS RELEASE: The City of West Bend Tourism Commission awarded six nonprofit organizations with event promotion grants totaling $10,000.

PRESS RELEASE: The City of West Bend Tourism Commission awarded six nonprofit organizations with event promotion grants totaling $10,000. These grants are intended to support promotional efforts to attract tourism and enhance economic impact on the City of West Bend for events taking place from May 1-September 30, 2023.

2023 Spring/Summer Event Promotion Grants include:

$4,000 to the Museum of Wisconsin Art for Art & Chalk Fest 2023on August 19-20

$4,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Washington and Dodge Counties for West Bend Germanfest on August 24-27

$1,250 to Casa Guadalupe Education Center for Fiesta Latina on May 20

$250 to Roots and Branches for the Gardens of West Bend event on July 16-17

$250 to The Bend Theater for Hotel California – Tribute to the Eagles on May 31-June 1

$250 to West Bend Friends of Parks and Recreation for Regner Summer Concert Series, June 16-July 19

"The Tourism Commission is proud to continue the event promotion grant for local organizations in 2023,” said Chairman Jay Shambeau. “There are many great events happening in West Bend throughout the summer, and we’re excited to assist in marketing and promotion to make each event a success.”

One of the primary purposes of these funds is to attract overnight leisure visitors to stay in West Bend hotels. Priority is given to marketing directed outside of Washington County and the creation of new events. Entities awarded the largest dollar amounts best demonstrated the likeliness of attracting overnight visitors and high numbers of leisure travelers from outside of the local community.

Members of the Tourism Commission include Chairman Jay Shambeau, District 2 Alderman Mark Allen, District 6 Alderman Tracy Ahrens, and business representative Maximillian Sallinen. The Tourism Commission met on the evening of Tuesday, January 17 to review each grant application and award available funding. Applicants in attendance had an opportunity to provide an overview of their event.

In addition to the Spring/Summer Event Promotion Grant, the Tourism Commission will offer a Fall/Winter Tourism Promotion Grant totaling up to $10,000. Funds may be requested for tourism marketing held between October 1, 2023-March 31, 2024. The online application opens March 1, 2023 at www.ci.west-bend.wi.us.

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