Friend of 4-H Award
The Friend of 4-H Award recognizes a citizen or organization from the community for their contribution to the 4-H Program.
2023 Friend of 4-H Award: Judy Ford
Volunteers are hard to find, especially those who have been doing it for many, many years and enjoy what they are doing. Judy has been volunteering in the rain, snow, cold and questionable weather at The Haunt. She helps direct cars where to park and makes sure attendees get safely across the grounds. You might not recognize Judy as you enter the fair park because she adds to the fun by dressing up in costume and has her make-up done! She does this for the entire run of The Haunt.
Not only does Judy tirelessly support parking at The Haunt, she also makes and brings a very, very large pan of dessert that kids of all ages find to be delicious – Dirt Cake! Judy makes and brings this each night of The Haunt for all to enjoy. It wouldn’t be a Haunt night without Judy’s dirt cake for dessert! Ask the 4-H youth what their favorite dessert is at The Haunt, and they will unanimously declare it is the Dirt Cake—as they are spooning out every last bit from the pan!
Thank you Judy, for your tireless support of Ozaukee County 4-H!
Every year the Cedarburg Lion’s Club makes a $200 donation to the Ozaukee County 4-H Program. The funds come from part of their bingo tent proceeds at the fair and they turn it right back around to give to the 4-H youth. The Cedarburg Lion’s Club volunteers walk around the fair and talk to 4-H youth about their projects and love being a friendly face in the community. We thank them for being such supportive and positive members in our community!
The Fox Brothers have owned and operated Piggly Wiggly stores since 1988. In 2011, they bought the Saukville store; and in 2014 they bought the Port Washington store and have been graciously serving folks in the Ozaukee County area since. Fox Brothers Piggly Wiggly has been a strong community supporter since 1988 and have donated more than $1,000,000 in cash and merchandize to various community groups and organizations. Each month Fox Brothers Piggly Wiggly feature a different organization through their “Charity of the Month” program. They expect to give more than $250,000 to local charities this year alone! Ozaukee County Leaders Association was the recipient of a nearly $6000 award this year. Let’s thank Fox Brothers Piggly Wiggly for helping Ozaukee County 4-H with such a generous donation!
If there was ever a good example of a person or business providing community service, Luann Burmesch, the manager at Casey’s in Fredonia would be it. She is always ready to help out area organizations and 4-H is no exception. While putting together “The Haunt at the Village”, Luann frequently provided breakfast and lunch during the build. Casey’s was the closest place to the Pioneer Village, where the Haunt was held in October 2021. For breakfast, we would order donuts and she would add in juice. For lunch, we would order pizzas and we would get ‘extra’ pizzas, beverages, and she would throw in the Casey’s famous brownies. Everything was either a deal or free because Luann believes in 4-H, what it represents, and was a 4-H’er herself! Early in December, the Waubeka 4-H Club has a tradition of ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. Luann asked if we would do it by the entrance of her store. It was a cold Saturday and she said we could come in anytime to warm up and help ourselves to free hot chocolate. What a treat! When the Waubeka 4-H Club had their Spring Brat Fry, Luann provided the group with catsup and mustard packets and desserts Waubeka could sell or ask for a free will offering. Luann would walk over a box of donuts for the youth and adult workers to snack on. She was always full of surprises. Luann is the person that should be recognized for her efforts and contribution to the community and it’s organizations. 4-H is just one of the programs she supports and we are very appreciative of that!
2021 Friend of 4-H Award – Bernie’s Fine Meats (Steve and Sandy Bennett)
Small businesses in Ozaukee County are often asked to support non-profit organizations and events. Bernie’s Fine Meats has always answered that call for Ozaukee County 4-H, and surely countless other organizations. They have supported the 4-H program by allowing us to store our equipment at their facility year-over-year for our summertime brat fry fundraisers at the Port Washington Farmer’s Market. They have also provided discounted pricing for product used at the brat fry events and at the Clover Café fundraiser at the county fair. Through their business, Steve and Sandy Bennett have donated certificates for the annual IFYE raffle, have provided product for the Variety Show judges appreciation, and have purchased advertising in our Plat Book fundraiser. Steve and Sandy are always willing to help when asked. We wish them continued success in their business and are delighted to honor them with a 2021 Friend of 4-H award.
2021 Friend of 4-H Award – Kevin and Sue Richison
Sue and Kevin Richison were long-time leaders in the Sheep Project, mentoring countless youth in selecting, raising, training, and showing sheep. To this day, if it’s the first Saturday in May, or the Wednesday before fair, we know where Kevin and Sue will be – assisting with sheep weigh-in at the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds. With their 4-H leadership days behind them, they have continued their support by sponsoring various 4-H initiatives. Through their business, Dawgs in Motion, they have sponsored the Parade of Champions at the fair and have also purchased advertising in our Plat Book fundraiser. Many people don’t know that Kevin and Sue were instrumental in starting the 4-H Small Animal Auction, benefiting youth county-wide. They continue as ardent supporters of the program, and we are very pleased to present this Friend of 4-H Award to them.
2020 Friend of 4-H Award – Larry Budiac (Budiac Plumbing), video recognition: Video link (select CC to view closed captioning/subtitles)
Mr. Larry Budiac’s desire to help support the Ozaukee County 4-H program has not gone unnoticed. In 2018 Mr. Budiac approached the leader of our parking fundraiser at the fair. He noticed the “lot full” sign, and decided to offer his property for parking cars with the same $10.00 parking fee. This enabled more people to conveniently access the fair. Parking at the Ozaukee County Fair gets a little crazy and can fill up fast, and Mr. Budiac’s offer was met with much enthusiasm. The proceeds from parking fees are used in support of 4-H educational programs for youth. Instead of keeping the money for himself, Larry wanted to support the 4-H program and said that he would like all of the funds to be directed to 4-H. That same year, 4-H parking attendants parked 100 vehicles over 3 days on Mr. Budiac’s property, which led to an additional $1,000 return to the 4-H program. The following year, Mr. Budiac and his wife decided to repeat the same plan, which led to an increase of 145 vehicles parked that year. This resulted in an additional $1,450 above the previous year. Mr. Budiac’s selflessness and support for the 4-H program is truly amazing and we can’t thank him enough for his continued patronage. Mr. Budiac, the Ozaukee County 4-H program continues to grow stronger because of people like you. Thank you again for all you do for Ozaukee County 4-H!
2020 Friend of 4-H Award – Clay Hill, video recognition: Video link (select CC to view closed captioning/subtitles)
Clay Hill, a resident of Cedarburg, has contributed his photography skills at the Ozaukee County Fair for the last several years. Clay takes many photos of 4-H members as they exhibit their projects. He loves to get action shots during livestock and horse shows. Clay always catches youth at their best, especially with animals. He volunteers his time and talents and shares the photos with 4-H’ers and the fair board. Clay’s photos have been seen on the Fair website and social media pages, as well as on his Flickr site. Many 4-H families have enjoyed viewing Clay’s work over the years, and his shots are featured in many youth 4-H record books. In 2020, Clay took individual photos of each and every 4-H and open class exhibit, with the ribbons and awards they received. Sharing those photos on social media made it possible for anyone interested in the fair to see the projects and accomplishments of the 4-H youth of Ozaukee County. We also thank Clay for being a U.S. Navy Veteran, with well over 20 years in submarine service. Clay and his wife Jan are very active in their church. They have raised 4 children, two of whom were youth members of Elm Tree 4-H over 30 years ago. They also have 3 grandchildren. Clay, on behalf of the Ozaukee County 4- H program, thank you for your time and dedication capturing the amazing moments Ozaukee County 4-H members experience at the County fair!
2019 Friend of 4-H Award – Mike Krummey
It is with great pleasure to award Mike Krummey the 2019 Friend of 4-H Award. The largest Ozaukee County 4-H Fundraiser, The Haunt, would not be possible without Mike’s continued dedication and commitment. He is The Haunt’s master of lights, sounds, video security, special effects and assists with the design build.
Mike has been an instrumental part of The Haunt from its inception 12 years ago. The continued improvements and guidance Mike provides definitely helps us to “Make the Best Better” in our Ozaukee County 4-H program. Mike’s dedication to this project is reflected in his monthly attendance at The Haunt meetings and year round work to establish new ideas and new special effects to implement the next year. In the process of providing a great community entertainment event, Mike’s passion to provide 4-H youth with opportunities to learn life skills through the production of The Haunt is his driving force. Mike works tirelessly on an almost nightly basis and gives up almost every weekend from late August through the run of the Haunt in October to ensure things are in place and ready to freak out the customers.
Mike does not have any of his own children in the 4-H program, but continues to support The Haunt through his volunteer spirit, amazing knowledge, and many donations – both financial and material items. When establishing the layout of The Haunt, Mike takes the time to input the information into layout design software he owns so we can be sure to keep the floorplans within specifications needed to be as safe as possible. All of this done to support Ozaukee County 4-H youth.
Mike is a behind the scenes kind of guy, so even though you may not know him personally, if you have ever had anything to do with The Haunt, you have encountered Mike! Congratulations Mike and thank you for all you do for the 4-H youth through your dedicated work with The Haunt and Ozaukee County 4-H!
2019 Friend of 4-H Award – Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office
The Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office supports and partners with Ozaukee County 4-H in many impactful ways. Two years ago, the Sheriff’s office started the now annual Cops and Kids Field Day event. As part of the planning process, the Office approached 4-H to collaborate and partner with them in putting this event on. A new successful partnership and outreach program was formed. We look forward to working together again next year on this fun, free, community wide youth event!
The Sheriff, deputies, and other members of the Sheriff’s office have attended many 4-H events over the years. Riding the barrel train at Jack-o-Lantern Jamboree, partaking in a cream puff eating contest where the puffs are made by the Clover Café, or horseback riding, the Sheriff’s Office is always game. This support widens the potential audience and increases awareness of the 4-H program. The friendly and helpful demeanor of the Sheriff’s office personnel at these events makes them approachable to the youth in 4-H and the greater community alike.
Undersheriff Knowles and her fellow department colleagues have visited 4-H families prior to county fair for the past several years. This fun social media campaign has highlighted the many project options youth have to choose from in 4-H. It also has helped promote the 4-H program to a wider audience, highlight the hard work and passion 4-H youth put into their projects, as well as showcase all things 4-H – everything from goats, and other farm animals to go-carts, quilts, and woodworking. We like to think Undersheriff Knowles has become an honorary 4-H member!
We are happy to award the 2019 Friend of 4-H Award to the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office. Congratulations and thank you for supporting the program, the youth, and recognizing what the 4-H represents in our communities! We look forward to many more years of impactful collaboration!
Friends of 4-H
1953 Dr. Moats, Sr.
1960 Waubeka Mill
1961 County Homemakers
1963 Port Savings & Loan
1964 W.G.L.B.
1965 Wasaukee Horseman’s Club
1966 Cedarburg Fire Department
1967 Dr. Bailey & Vern Arendt
1968 Mrs. Helen Weyker
1970 Gordon Griffiths & Roman Hoffman
1971 Art Kelm
1972 Erwin Riemer
1974 Lutz Rathke
1975 Mr./Mrs. Emil Paulus & Mr. Russell T. Gilman
1976 Al Raetl & Warren Wickesburg
1977 Ray Blank
1980 John Blank
1982 Fred Scherf / Clarence (Otto) Neumann
1983 Mr. /Mrs. Arnold Groth
1984 Randy Rieve / Dr. Moats, Sr.
1986 Milton Krumhus & George / Ellen Binsfeld-Lavista
1987 Ray Maas
1988 Earl/Loraine Boehlke
1989 Bill Ames
1989 Mark Paulus
1990 Roland Kison
1991 Richard Hauser
1992 Jack Janik / Ruth Mengsol
1993 Rhea Yovanovich
1994 Ellen Stocks
1995 Alice Sedgwick / Ambruster Jewelers
1996 Harold C. Dobberpuhl
1997 Kewaskum Frozen Foods
1998 Ozaukee County Dairy Promotion Committee
1999 LeRoy Haeuser
2000 Phyllis Linden
2001 Olsen’s Piggly Wiggly — Cedarburg
2002 Wayne Houpt/Suburban Harley-Davidson
2003 The Family of S. Duane Stroebel Sr.- Christine Stroebel-Scimeca, Robin Stroebel Cruz and Duey Stroebel, Jr.
2004 Beacon Health
2005 Roman Weninger/Five Corners Dodge
2006 Saukville Feeds
2007 Farm Bureau Breakfast Committee
2007 Karrels Dairy Equipment
2008 Boehlke Hardware/Boehlke Bottled Gas
2009 Deb Kranitz/News Graphic
2010 Sager Happy Holsteins/John & Caryn Sager
2011 Melichar Broad Acres
2012 Kenneth Riemer
2013 Fred Buechler
2014 Richard Rathke
2014 Saukville Rifle and Pistol Club
2015 Kohl’s Associates in Action Program
2015 Ozaukee County Agricultural Society (Fair Board)
2016 The Roden Family and Echo Valley Farm
2017 Frenz Market
2017 Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation
2018 Mark Klas, Circle B Recreation Center
2018 Pamela Mueller
2019 Mike Krummey
2019 Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office
2020 Larry Budiac (Budiac Plumbing)
2020 Clay Hill
2021 Bernie’s Fine Meats (Steve & Sandy Bennett)
2021 Kevin and Sue Richison
