Appleton Monthly Magazine

12/08/2025

Here’s a look at five of the most prolific public lighting displays in our area. All of them feature more lights and colorful displays than even Clark Griswold could imagine.

In honor of his expertise in "exterior illumination", drop your favorite Clark W. Griswold quote in the comments!

Christmas Light Shows Add Glow to Christmas by Tim Froberg Christmas lights have a way of brightening the holiday season. We celebrate this special time of year by stringing lights on our houses, but the most extravagant displays are the public lighting shows. They are typically dazzling, affordable...

12/04/2025

Celebrate the Christmas season with these local performances and events! From choral and band performances to theater productions and museums dressed in their holiday best, December is the perfect time to celebrate all the hard work and talent our Fox Cities community has to offer.

Celebrate the Christmas Season with Local Performances and Events by Jim Collar As temperatures chill, our hearts naturally grasp for the comfortable feelings of home. It’s a time of joyous memories, rich traditions, and it becomes so much easier to appreciate the many things we would otherwise ta...

12/01/2025

This December/January issue of Appleton Monthly is truly a gift — a cozy collection of nostalgic stories that capture the warmth and spirit we hope for.

We've got tips for winter wellness, a line-up of all the traditional music, theater, and museum events happening right here in our hometown, and festive recipes, wine pairings, and reflections over coffee. Plus, there are light festivals, Christmas movies, Great Reads for winter, and the chance to give a dog a home for the howl-idays.

Whether you’re curled up by the fire or gathered around the table with loved ones, we hope to spark fond memories and inspire new traditions. Find our December/January issue at over 250 vendor locations in the Fox Valley and surrounding communities or check it out online at www.appletonmonthly.com.

11/29/2025

Celebrate our community and support the places you love today, Small Business Saturday! Because when small businesses succeed, we all succeed.

11/27/2025

In this season of gratitude and on this day of giving thanks, we are thankful for all of you, our readers and supporters. This magazine thrives because of you. THANK YOU.

11/27/2025

Healing can take many forms. Emily Schueffner did it as a nurse and now she’s accomplishing it in the mental health field. A nationally certified counselor, the Sheboygan native helps clients with a wide range of issues, from relationship and marital problems to career counseling, life transitions, and mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, anger management, and phobias.

“Mental health issues are definitely on the rise,” Schueffner said. “Part of it is that mental health issues used to be more stigmatized. We’re making strides in terms of getting help and decreasing the stigmatization that comes along with seeking help.”

Working with a skilled counselor like Schueffner can be an enormous benefit to those dealing with emotional and mental health issues. Research indicates that about 75% of people who participate in some type of talk therapy benefit in terms of well-being.

11/25/2025

The holidays are upon us! No matter who gathers around your holiday table, one thing is for sure, everyone has different tastes in food. Some have special diets due to medical conditions, others have restrictions due to allergies or weight loss goals, and kiddos might be picky or prefer snack-sized bites instead of a large meal. As a result, we've curated a quick collection of appetizer ideas that are sure to satisfy everyone’s tastes.

by Phyllis Collar The holidays are upon us, again. Relatives and friends are congregating at one another’s homes for all-day eating, often followed by getting drowsy in front of a football game… at least for many of you. But no matter who gathers around your holiday table, one thing is for sure,...

11/21/2025

As we head into decorating for Thanksgiving and Christmas, there are always a plethora of expensive items one can purchase, and time-consuming DIY projects that can be overwhelming to complete. Instead, we have gathered some understated, yet elegant decorating ideas for this holiday season that even the most unseasoned DIYer can accomplish without breaking the bank.

by Phyllis Collar When I was assigned an article on holiday décor, I’ll admit I was a bit intimidated. I have friends who can make an item picked up off the curb look expensive, and another who puts up a tree for every holiday. I’ve always appreciated this sort of thing, but it has never […]

11/18/2025

It’s pie season, and we are here for it! We're happy to share with you five recipes for unbelievably delicious pies this month. From a simple classic to more technical obscurities, there’s a pie in here for everyone.

by Carly Cerniglia It’s pie season, and I’m here for it. I’m happy to share with you five recipes for unbelievably delicious pies this month. From a simple classic to more technical obscurities, there’s a pie in here for everyone.  On the more traditional end, I’ve included a shoo fly pie...

11/14/2025

As the days grow shorter and colder, our bodies naturally face more immune challenges. By incorporating a few new daily habits, you can fortify your defenses and head into winter feeling resilient.

Here are the first five habits in our 10-part winter wellness checklist.

As the days grow shorter and colder, our bodies naturally face more immune challenges. By incorporating a few new daily habits, you can fortify your defenses and head into winter feeling resilient.

11/11/2025

This season, share the gift of a holiday performance — or even a few — with loved ones. The schedule is as packed as Santa’s sleigh. Take a walk through the highlights in what we’ll call the Twelve Days of Christmas Concerts.

Hint: the first one on our list debuts this Thursday, November 13th so don't wait until December to start soaking in some of the songs of the season!

by Jim Collar We often think of gifts as boxes wrapped in colorful paper. Yet many of our most treasured gifts arrive in the special moments we share together. It’s why music is so vital to the holidays. Joyful songs are tied to our traditions and provide the soundtrack to our warmest memories.  ...

11/07/2025

Due to many factors, the cost of veterinary care has risen sharply in recent years. While many of these increases are justified, they have also created a growing gap between the number of pet owners who can afford care and those who cannot.

The Fox Valley Humane Association (FVHA) is unique among local shelters in that it has a medical department staffed by two veterinarians, two certified veterinary technicians, and several veterinary assistants, providing affordable, essential care to animals who might not otherwise receive it.

by Dr. Jim Ziegler A common scenario is that someone acquires a new pet without fully realizing the financial investment involved in its care. The pet needs vaccines, spaying or neutering, and perhaps other basic care. The owner starts to price these services at local veterinary clinics but discover...