Good morning, Appleton.

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin marked 10 years of fighting hunger for families in Fox Valley and northeast Wisconsin when it held a private celebration Thursday evening at its Appleton campus—highlighting volunteer work and donations.

The Mary Beth Nienhaus Activity Center in downtown Appleton is offering a temporary food share table—located near the main entrance—to provide non-perishable items like canned goods, pasta, and rice during the government shutdown.

Donations are accepted during business hours to support local families in need.

United Way Fox Cities reported a 42% jump in calls to 211 since mid-October as families reached out for food help — calls for local food pantries jumped from 14 to over 100 in one week.

Officials said the increase brought over 360 referrals and raised concerns that unmet food needs may stretch other household budgets — urging more community support.

The Oshkosh Area Community Pantry is meeting rising demand as about 260 guests use its 99% volunteer-run services following a federal judge ordering full SNAP funding amid a government shutdown.

The pantry teamed with local farmers and raised $70,000 to keep supplies available for residents in Winnebago and surrounding counties—no one is turned away.

Streu’s Pharmacy in Green Bay announced it will close its retail side at the end of the month because pharmacy benefit managers set low reimbursements that make it hard for local pharmacies to stay in business—Smith Pharmacy in Little Chute is also changing services as pharmacists urge lawmakers to support fair pricing.

Wisconsin Public Service and law enforcement have warned that scammers are targeting residents and businesses with fake calls that demand immediate payment and threaten disconnection, with some victims losing over $10,000 this week.

Customers are urged to hang up and call WPS at (800-450-7260) if they receive suspicious calls.

The Outagamie County Executive published a book titled 'Wrecked: The Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy' that offers a fresh view on the shipwreck as Monday marks the 50th anniversary of the event—highlighting the freighter's ties to Sturgeon Bay and its lasting local impact.

Appleton Public Library returned to its pre-COVID visitor level with 253,078 visits nearly nine months after its renovation, and study room use increased notably.

Menasha Library saw its visitors rise by 60% and program attendance hit a record high (55% increase) after reopening from a $9 million upgrade funded by public and private money.

Lawrence University accepted a 56,000 square foot donation for space at City Center East — and said it will work with city officials and community partners to decide on its future use to support student opportunities in downtown Appleton.

Outagamie County will invest $20 million to finish upgrades at Plamann Park by building a new multipurpose building near the park’s lake — the project will replace an outdated office and add changing rooms and community space, with construction expected to begin in late summer.

At Appleton and Green Bay airports, support is underway for TSA workers who work without pay during the government shutdown—Appleton International Airport has set up a TSA Appreciation Wall and food pantry, while Green Bay offers free lunches and a drive for supplies.

Cora Anderson and Madison DeCleene started their track and field careers at St. Norbert College and now study at Bellin College while staying on the team thanks to an NCAA pilot program (only three athletes nationwide have been accepted) that lets them compete for a school they no longer attend. The program requires a formal academic agreement and will be reviewed over the next year as a test for future participation.

Fox Valley Symphony Concert

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Fox Cities Performing Arts Center — Ticket information required — Experience an afternoon of musical collaboration and expressive arts.

Ronan Donovan: A Journey Through Exploration

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Fox Cities Performing Arts Center — Tickets required — Explore unique perspectives through the stories of modern-day adventurers.

Weekend Jam Camp

5:30-8 p.m. — Heid Music — $225 tuition — Learn to jam in a hands-on bluegrass camp under expert instruction.

Grateful Groove Holiday Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Fox Cities Performing Arts Center — Ticket required — Celebrate the season with a festive holiday concert featuring local performers.

Foxy Writer's Club

5-7 p.m. — The Tardigrade's Bookshelf — Free entry — A lively writing group for local authors to share ideas and gain feedback across all genres.

The Unteachables Comedy Show

4:00–5:30 p.m. — Skyline Comedy Club — Tickets available — Experience the uproarious antics of a unique group of educators turned comedians.

Sisters Christmas Catechism: CSI - Bethlehem

7-8:30 p.m. — Fox Cities Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Solve the holiday mystery that has intrigued historians in this festive performance by Sister.

Timber Rattlers Holiday Lights

5-8 p.m. — Neuroscience Group Field — $13 General Admission — Experience over a million dazzling lights synchronized to your favorite Christmas tunes amidst family-friendly activities.

Fox Valley Symphony - Hearts In Harmony

4-5:30 p.m. — Fox Cities Performing Arts Center — Tickets available — Enjoy holiday classics with local choirs and the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra Brass and Percussion.