Subscribe | Get featured

Happy weekend, Fox Cities! In today’s edition: A Grammy win, Vintage Shop Hop, ThedaCARES Clothing Closet, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Curated secondhand gems await: Appleton’s AbleLight Thrift Shop turns bargain hunting into community support, funding programs for people with developmental disabilities. Explore racks of clothing and housewares that feel like a time capsule — read the full story.

Plans for former furniture site: Neenah is pursuing a 50‑unit workforce housing project with Eminent Development on South Commercial Street. The $18 million plan hinges on state tax credits and a proposed $1 land sale — get all the details.

Compassionate care in action: ThedaCare launched the ThedaCARES Clothing Closet to preserve patient dignity, offering clean clothing when garments are damaged during treatment, supported by a $25,000 grant and available at all 10 hospitals — learn how the program works.

Local musicians earn national honor: Appleton’s Michael Clayville and Erin Lesser won a Grammy in Los Angeles with Alarm Will Sound for Land of Winter, and Lawrence University teachers are celebrating in the Fox Cities — read the full story.

Deeper roots in Northeast Wisconsin: Stevens Construction Corp. is expanding in Fox Cities with a 3,000-square-foot Appleton office at Park Place, set to open in April 2026 after recent projects in Oshkosh and Green Bay — get all the details.

Founders’ vision and tuition: A new non-denominational Christian K-12 school is planned in the Appleton area, with Comenius Academy aiming to open in Fall 2028 and offering scholarships plus a part-time hybrid option — get all the details.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Got debt? See if you qualify to pay up to 45% less
• This is the best home warranty (and it’s $150 off right now)
• This free tool makes it easy to find a financial advisor
• Over 62? Learn how to turn home equity into tax-free cash
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• Open a GoldCo account & get up to 10% in free gold/silver

📆 Sneak peek at next week

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🧠 Spark! Memory Workshop Art Series @ Trout Museum of Art | Wednesday (3/4) at 1:00 PM – If you’ve been craving connection without the small talk loop, Trout on College Ave hosts SPARK!, a free monthly workshop for adults living with memory loss and their care partners, led by artist Michelle Sharp. Friendly faces, present-moment art, and conversation; first Wednesdays, registration required.

🧶 Fiber Art Happy Hour @ The Velvet Fox | Thursday (3/5) at 6:00 PM – Whether you’ve been purling since Reagan or just met a crochet hook, this cozy stitch circle keeps it chatty. Bring that project, or start something ambitious. No cover, just grab a drink from either side, Italian sodas, craft cocktails, coffee, or espresso.

🧀 The Artisan Cheeses of Union Star @ The Cheese Table | Thursday (3/5) at 6:30 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to call cheese a personality trait, here it is. Settle in for an informative tasting of Union Star’s artisan cheeses with thoughtful pairings, smart conversation, and zero pretense. Grab tickets, bring curiosity, and leave lactose regrets at home.

🧵 Free-motion Basics @ The Quilting Connection | Friday (3/6) at 9:00 AM – If your quilt tops are silently judging you from the closet, this small-group, hands-on free-motion class in Appleton will set them straight. Wendy Fuller covers designs, minimal marking, and echo magic, with longarm time, lunch, and you leaving with a plan, a project, and confidence.

📖 Storybook Walk @ 1000 Islands Environmental Center | Friday (3/6) at 9:00 AM – Whether you still recite bedtime stories from memory, or your current reading is mostly menus, this Storybook Walk at 1000 Islands is an easy win. Stroll the boardwalk, read a tale page by page, listen for herons, and call it quality time and cardio.

🛍 Vintage Shop Hop @ Neenah Vintage Mall | Friday (3/6) at 10:00 AM – Clear a little trunk space and head to Neenah Vintage Mall for the Vintage Shop Hop. Free goodie at the door, Jenny’s Bake Goods, vendor discounts, and door prizes while you treasure hunt. It’s retail therapy with history, crumbs, and bragging rights.

🎉 Integrated Sensory Grand Opening @ Integrated Sensory | Friday (3/6) at 1:00 PM – Neenah’s getting a new wellness spot, and we’re invited to poke around. Tour the Sensory Training Center and private rooms, learn how sensory work and genetics personalize your routine, peek at the infrared sauna, and score founding member deals, plus a free tee with purchase.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Fox Cities report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 24°F – Low: 10°F – Precip: 79%

Snow after 10am. Mostly cloudy. High near 24, with temperatures falling to around 22 in the afternoon. North northwest wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible. Later: A chance of snow before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 10. North northeast wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

—

Tomorrow – High: 24°F – Low: 12°F – Precip: 2%

Sunny, with a high near 24. North northwest wind 2 to 6 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 12.

Most popular house this week

New construction by RE Developers pairs elevated finishes with modern comfort in a bright, open layout. Vaulted ceilings, expansive windows, and a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace define the great room. The chef’s kitchen features custom cabinetry, quartz counters, and premium appliances. Spa-inspired baths and generous bedrooms impress. A ready-to-finish lower level invites future media, guest, or recreation space.

Take a peek inside →