Author: Amy Hanson

First 51 acts announced for Mile 4

Posted on Apr. 15, 2016 by Amy Hanson

Cruising into its fourth year this summer, the first 51 artists slated to appear at Mile 4 Aug. 4-7 were announced today at the OuterEdge Stage in Appleton. The lineup includes 31 new and 20 returning acts. Newcomers slated to perform are Appleton’s own Tenement, LOLO who has ties to the area and cosmic rock READ MORE

Legislation makes way for new visitor center

Posted on Apr. 15, 2016 by Amy Hanson

Gov. Scott Walker visited Appleton’s Lock No. 3 Thursday and signed a bill that broadens the scope of authority and responsibilities of the Fox River Navigational System Authority. “The legislation amends state statute Chapter 237, the law that establishes and outlines the duties of the FRNSA,” according to a press release. Under the new legislation, READ MORE

Fox Cities P.A.C. gives students a path to the arts

Posted on Apr. 11, 2016 by Amy Hanson

Everyone wants a place to belong. This year marks the 10th anniversary of a program at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center in Appleton, which has engaged hundreds of students facing extra challenges by providing them the opportunity to experience hands-on arts workshops, world-class performances and life-changing moments. The Frank C. Shattuck P.A.T.H.S., an acronym READ MORE

Football coach takes his message beyond the field

Posted on Mar. 29, 2016 by Amy Hanson

Mark Speckman doesn’t let barriers block him. Instead, after being born without hands, he learned to adapt to the world that surrounded him. “I think people like a good story. … We haven’t really come that far from kindergarden. People like sitting on the rug and hearing a good story,” says Speckman who is the READ MORE

Fox Cities P.A.C. presents ‘Beautiful’ lineup

Posted on Mar. 2, 2016 by Amy Hanson

It was a “Beautiful” announcement tonight of the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center’s 2016-17 Season with new hits and returning favorites slated to take the stage as part of a lineup including 16 titles in the Fox Cities P.A.C. Presents Season Ticket Package and eight Broadway shows in the Kimberly-Clark Broadway Across America — Fox READ MORE

Catered Cuisine

Posted on May. 1, 2016 by Amy Hanson

Planning a gathering can lead to a checklist of to-do items. Whether it’s a corporate meeting for 50 or a wedding with 250 guests, food is a necessity that rises to the top of the list. Fortunately, the Fox Cities hosts a variety of restaurants offering catering options. “I think it’s just the accessibility factor. READ MORE

Firing Up

Posted on May. 1, 2016 by Amy Hanson

Bringing the inside out has become a popular concept when it comes to outdoor kitchen spaces. While Wisconsin may present seasonal challenges, for those who appreciate the taste and experience of cooking on the grill, the possibilities of what can be brought to patios are endless. “Lately, we’ve seen a surge in the bells and READ MORE

Bringing technology to teeth

Posted on Apr. 1, 2016 by Amy Hanson

Going to the dentist doesn’t have to be scary. While it may not be a person’s favorite appointment to make, technology has made the experience effective, efficient and enjoyable while allowing patients the access they need to dental services. “The standard of care in dentistry keeps changing,” admits Dr. Elissa Edwards with Elite Smiles Dental READ MORE

Food for Thought 2016

Posted on Apr. 1, 2016 by Amy Hanson

New restaurants and cafés brought their expertise to the table this year as they welcomed patrons to explore a variety of flavors. Others changed hands as new owners took over spaces vacated by previous establishments and still others recognized the need to expand. Here is a taste of what happened and what lies ahead for READ MORE

Movers and Shakers: A developing future

Posted on Mar. 1, 2016 by Amy Hanson

What’s old is new again. So seems the case with many of the developments happening in the Fox Cities. Whether it’s new buildings receiving a second life or the vision to create a new building to replace outgrown facilities, the area’s cities and villages are taking a closer look at real estate and how to READ MORE

Cooking up a restoration

Posted on Mar. 1, 2016 by Amy Hanson

Period furnishings, the hope for a display space, a need for a meeting area and a desire for a modern kitchen, mixed in with some hard work, determination and funding are the necessary ingredients for creating a Victorian kitchen at the Hearthstone Historic House Museum in Appleton. A restored kitchen would serve as a complement READ MORE

Exhibit speaks to creation of talking dolls

Posted on Mar. 1, 2016 by Amy Hanson

Long before dolls were saying phrases like “Mommy,” they were reciting the likes of nursery rhymes such as, “Mary Had a Little Lamb” thanks to the invention of the phonograph from Thomas Edison in 1887. The phonograph, which Edison decided to market in toys, was able to record voices. “Back then, he really questioned how READ MORE

Unique unions

Posted on Feb. 1, 2016 by Amy Hanson

Once the ring has been selected and the question of marriage has been popped, then comes the task of planning the big day. For many couples, the first place to start with their wedding is selecting a date, which goes hand in hand with finding a memorable venue. “I think it’s a little girl’s dream READ MORE

A Date with Books

Posted on Feb. 1, 2016 by Amy Hanson

Getting lost with an intriguing character, enveloped in a scene set through remarkable prose or simply filling your mind with the accounts of days gone by can be an inviting way to pass the time for many. These adventures and more await in a number of books and area libraries are capitalizing on the interest READ MORE

Cup of Comfort

Posted on Feb. 1, 2016 by Amy Hanson

As the weather turns colder, it’s not uncommon for people to grab their favorite mugs and curl up with a spoonful of steamy soup. While chicken noodle is a time-honored mainstay, there are plenty of other recipes outside the norm that are ready to bowl you over at Fox Cities restaurants. “Certainly in winter we READ MORE