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The Neenah Public Library will be showing the movie Avatar on Tuesday, August 3 at 6 p.m. This award-winning science fiction film written and directed by James Cameron is set in the year 2154, when humans are mining a precious mineral called unobtanium on the planet Pandora. The film's title refers to the genetically engineered human hybrid bodies used by a team of researchers to interact with the natives.

Avatar is rated PG-13. This event is free and open to the public, and free popcorn and soda will be provided.

For more information feel free to contact the Neenah Public Library Adult Information Desk at (920) 886-6315.

Nature’s Niche naturalist Dennis “Dino” Tlachac will answer the question, “Why doesn’t a tiger make a good pet?” and more in “Remnants of the Rain Forest,” a nature program at the Neenah Public Library on Thursday, July 29, at 2:00 p.m.

In this hands-on and interpretive program for ages five and up, children will learn about the special adaptations of plants and animals found in the rain forest, and humane ways that we can help protect that environment and the creatures who call it home.

This program is a continuation of the free educational and entertainment programs for children and families provided by the Neenah Public Library’s summer reading program, Make a Splash @ Your Library. No registration is necessary for this event, which is made possible by the Friends of the Neenah Public Library and the Neenah Library Trust Fund.

For more information, call (920) 886-6335, or email youthdesk@neenahlibrary.org.
More details about the summer reading program are available at the Neenah Library web site: www.neenahlibrary.org.

Musician Tom Pease will perform at the Neenah Public Library on Tuesday, July 27, at 6:30 p.m., with an audience participation-fueled show for all ages.

This program is a continuation of the free educational and entertainment programs for children and families provided by the Neenah Public Library’s summer reading program Make a Splash @ Your Library. No registration is necessary and funding is provided by the Friends of the Neenah Public Library and by the Neenah Library Trust Fund.

For more information, call (920) 886-6335 or email youthdesk@neenahlibrary.org.
More details about the summer reading program are available at the Neenah Library web site: www.neenahlibrary.org.

Fox Valley residents will be treated to the premiere of the major motion picture “Pearl” during Oshkosh’s aviation celebration AirVenture, from July 26 to August 1.

“Pearl” is the true story of a Chickasaw Native American teenager who becomes a barnstormer and aviator in the late 1920s and eventually became the youngest licensed pilot in the United States.

The film will show on Friday, July 30, at the open-air Fly In Theater at AirVenture. The viewing will start at 9 p.m. and be preceded with a short interview with Elijah DeJesus, the actress who portrays Pearl Carter Scott. DeJesus will also be guest at the Women In Aviation International breakfast in the EAA Nature Center on Friday morning, and on Saturday, she will visit Ford’s Autograph HQ to sign autographs for fans.

For more information on “Pearl” visit http://pearlthemovie.net. For questions about the movie premiere at AirVenture, please contact Armand Miale at amiale@mach2management.com, or (585) 703-2730.

Join Vickie Jurena in this leaf casting class offered at the Gardens of the Fox Cities July 20, 2010, from 6:15 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Vickie will lead participants in creating a concrete leaf sculpture to add to your garden. Leaves will be available if you cannot bring your favorite from home. Best leaves are heavy veined such as rhubarb, burdock and hosta. Leaves must fit on a 16" x 24" board. Finished projects can be picked up the next day between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Please register by calling the Gardens at (920) 993-1900 or online at www.gardensfoxcities.org. Cost is $36 for members; $44 for non-members. More information, as well as a calendar of events, can be found at www.gardensfoxcities.org.

Children ages 7–14 are invited to register a Children's Watercolor Summer Camp at Gardens of the Fox Cities July 26, 27, 28 and 29 from 1 p.m. to 4 pm. Vickie Jurena will introduce students to watercolors while exploring the gardens. Participants will learn the basics of watercolor technique.

Please register by calling the Gardens at (920) 993-1900 or online at www.gardensfoxcities.org. Cost is $42 for members; $51 for non-members. More information, as well as a calendar of events, can be found at www.gardensfoxcities.org.

The sequel to the popular musical comedy “Church Basement Ladies” will be at the Meyer Theatre in Green Bay on January 19 and 20.

“Church Basement Ladies 2: A Second Helping!” takes place in 1969 and follows the “Steel Magnolias of the Prairie” inspired by the “Growing Up Lutheran” books by Janet Letnes Martin and Suzann Nelson.

Shows are at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. both days. Tickets are $30 and are available starting Friday, July 16, at 11 a.m. at the Resch Center box office, online at www.meyertheatre.org, or by calling (920) 494-3401 or toll free at (800) 895-0071.

Group discounts for 10 or more are available by calling Rita at (920) 469-3130. For motor coach groups, call Sue at (920) 406-6083.

Mid-Day Business and Professional Women seeks nominees for its fifth annual Woman of Distinction Award, which recognizes a local woman for her contributions to her work, the lives of others and the community as a whole.

Nomination forms are available online at www.middaywomen.org or by contacting Tana Jerde by phone at (920) 960-1406 or by email at expressyourselfslp@hotmail.com. Nominations must be returned by noon September 15.

Women considered for nomination do not have to be members of Mid-Day Women's Alliance, nor do they have to be nominated by a current member. The award is open to all inspiring women living or working in the Fox Valley.

The 2010 Woman of Distinction will be honored during the October 20 Mid-Day Women's Alliance meeting, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton.

This year's winner will join previous recipients Sarah Schneider of Schenck (2009), Estella Caputo of AT&T (2008), Amy Pietsch of The Venture Center (2007) and Julie Fischer of Full Circle Counseling (2006).

Interested persons may contact Tana Jerde with any questions related to the nomination form or selection process.

The Neenah Public Library will host a Beach Party featuring Randy Peterson, in a musical performance for all ages July 20 at 6:30 p.m. The performance will include a lively sing-along show set to a beach party theme. Peterson, an audience favorite, plays guitar, banjo and mandolin and does a mix of original music and children classics. Put on your Hawaiian shirts and get ready for musical fun!

This program is one of a series of free educational and entertainment programs for children and families, part of Neenah Public Library's summer reading program, Make a Splash @ Your Library. No registration is necessary. Summer Library programming is made possible by the Friends of the Neenah Public Library and the Neenah Library Trust Fund. For more information, call (920) 886-6335, or email youthdesk@neenahlibrary.org. More details about the summer reading program are available at the Neenah Library website: www.neenahlibrary.org.

It's not every day you get to meet a thirteen-foot Burmese Python. You'll have that opportunity and much more at the Neenah Public Library July 22 at p.m. in “A-Lot-a-Squamata, a nature program featuring native and exotic reptiles and amphibians. The program will be presented by Dino, an educator and naturalist with Nature's Niche, who does wildlife rescue and education to promote understanding about these fascinating creatures.

This program is one of a series of free educational and entertainment programs for children and families, part of Neenah Public Library's summer reading program, Make a Splash @ Your Library. No registration is necessary. Summer Library programming is made possible by the Friends of the Neenah Public Library and the Neenah Library Trust Fund. For more information, call (920) 886-6335, or email youthdesk@neenahlibrary.org. More details about the summer reading program are available at the Neenah Library website: www.neenahlibrary.org.

The Green Bay Botanical Garden will appear in several scenes of the July 12 episode of ABC’s The Bachelorette.

Monday’s episode features a “hometown date” with contestant and Fox Valley native Kirk DeWindt and this season’s Bachelorette, Ali Fedotowsky making a visit to the Botanical Garden.

The Bachelorette airs at 7 p.m. CST on ABC. For more information on The Bachelorette, visit http://abc.go.com/shows/the-bachelor.

Kavarna Coffeehouse in Green Bay will host John Lefler of Dashboard Confessional and The Snowbirds on Friday, July 16.

Lefler is currently touring throughout the country to promote his solo album “Better by Design,” and will be open for Americana/Alt-Country act The Snowbirds.

Doors will open at 8 p.m. and the show will start at 9 p.m., with “early bird” tickets for $8 at Kavarna and tickets at the door for $10.

Kavarna will be serving espresso drinks, wine, beer and cocktails until 9 p.m., after which only ticketed guests will be allowed in Kavarna Coffeehouse.

For more information check out www.kavarna.com

The Neenah Public Library will offer a repeat performance of the program “Puppeteer & Pizza” on Thursday, July 15, at 5:00 p.m.

Teens ages 12 and up will practice a short play together, film their performance and then view their results over pizza. Library staff will provide puppets, props and pizza.

This program is part of the Neenah Public Library’s summer reading program Make a Splash @ Your Library. No registration is necessary and funding is provided by the Friends of the Neenah Public Library and by the Neenah Library Trust Fund.

For more information, call (920) 886-6335 or email youthdesk@neenahlibrary.org.

More details about the summer reading program can be found at the Neenah Library web site: www.neenahlibrary.org.

Laura Ingalls Wilder will pay a visit to the Neenah Public Library on Thursday, July 15 at 2:00 p.m.

Actress Pat Day will play pioneer author Wilder in a program recommended for children age seven and up, which features the life story of Wilder and her family as described in the Little House on the Prairie series of books.

This program is a continuation of the Neenah Public Library’s summer reading program Make a Splash @ Your Library. Registration is not required and funding is provided by the Friends of the Neenah Public Library and by the Neenah Library Trust Fund.

For more information call (920) 886-6335, or email youthdesk@neenahlibrary.org.

For information about more of the Library’s summer programs, check out www.neenahlibrary.org.

A support group called APOPS, Association for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Support, will be having their first meetings in October. APOPS is a global network of live, local, support groups for women with pelvic organ prolapse.

Currently, they have locations in Wisconsin, New York, Maryland and England, but are looking for strong, compassionate women to lead additional APOPS charters. APOPS support groups host monthly meetings for women with all stages and types of pelvic organ prolapse to exchange information, support and guidance for treatment.

If you don't have access to an APOPS support group in your area and would like to initiate a charter of your own, please contact Sherrie Palm at sjpalm@wi.rr.com or visit www.sherriepalm.com.

The Fond du Lac County Historical Society presents an opportunity to explore the Galloway House & Village, located at 336 Old Pioneer Road in Fond du Lac.

Costumed guides help guests discover local history in more than 25 historical buildings, including the 30 room mansion which was once home to the prominent Galloway family.

The Village is open on Monday and Tuesday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., and Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day as well as weekends in September.

Admission fees are $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for children (ages 5-17) and free for children 4 and under.

For more information call (920) 922-0991 or visit www.fdlhistory.com.

Gardens of the Fox Cities will offer more gardening tips for beginners with their “Gardening 102” class from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, July 12.

Jessica Wickland from Oberstadt Nursery will teach participants how to start a new garden or renovate an existing one by covering gardening basics such as growing requirements, soils, basic design, plant selection, tools and general maintenance.

The cost for this program is $8 for Garden Members and $14 for non-members. Registration is requested and can be done by calling the Gardens at (920) 993-1900 or going online at www.gardensfoxcities.org.

For more information, as well as a calendar of events, go to www.gardensfoxcities.org.

The Agnesian HealthCare Foundation, along with the Agnesian HealthCare Volunteers, will host the 2010 Garden Walk, Art Fair & Garden Party from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 11. New this year will be a Garden Party, located near the Agnesian HealthCare Angel of Hope Garden. Enjoy soft summer peach punch, special deserts and an Art Fair by talented artists. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 the day of the event. Tickets can be purchased at Agnesian HealthCare Information Desks, Haentze Floral and Wegner Office Supply. For more information, call 926-4959.