📅 Mark Your Calendars, Green Bay!

Hey there,

Welcome back, neighbors! We are officially deep into the winter stretch, aren't we? I was thinking this morning about how lucky we are to live in a place that stays so vibrant and connected, even when the temperatures drop. This edition focuses on the little things that keep our community moving forward and the small wins happening right on our doorsteps.

Grab a seat, stay warm, and catch up on the local news you might have missed.

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A big thank you to everyone who has trusted us with their updates for this week’s edition.
You’re the heartbeat of this newsletter, and we love getting to spotlight what makes Green Bay shine. 💛 

🚒 Huge Win for Public Safety: $5 Million Secured!

Some major "positive vibes" news just dropped for our first responders! Mayor Eric Genrich announced that Green Bay has officially secured $5 million in federal funding to help build a brand-new, modern fire station and administrative headquarters on South Broadway.

The Project: This state-of-the-art facility will replace the now-closed Station 1 and the outdated Station 3.

The Impact: The grant covers roughly a quarter of the $19 million project cost, making it much easier for the city to build a top-tier facility without cutting essential safety features.

Bonus Benefit: The development (often called "Fire Station Flats") will also include 85 units of affordable housing and ground-floor retail space, helping to revitalize the South Broadway corridor.

♻️ Help De Pere Win a Free Bench!

Ever wonder what happens to those plastic grocery bags that get tangled in our blue recycling carts? Not only do they jam the machinery at the recycling center, but they also miss out on a second life as community furniture!

The De Pere Sustainability Initiative is calling on residents to drop off plastic bags and wraps at designated collection points through the Trex program. For every 500 pounds collected, our city is eligible for a free community bench every six months!

• Where to Drop Off: * City Hall: Inside at 335 S. Broadway.

  • Municipal Center: Outside at 925 S. Sixth St.

• Alternative Spots: Many local grocery stores also have independent drop-off boxes. You can find a full list of local spots here.

• Pro Tip: Only clean and dry plastic film is accepted, no food residue, please!

  

🌱 Packers Foundation Grant Update

The Green Bay Packers Foundation has launched a major new phase for its community investment efforts. Here is the latest "growth and progress" news from their charitable arm:

New Four-Year Cycle: The Foundation is officially shifting to a new four-year grant cycle (2026–2029) to better manage increasing demand and provide steady community suppor

2026 Focus Areas: This year’s annual grants are specifically earmarked for programs focusing on animal welfare, homelessness, and human services.

Application Window: Organizations can submit their applications now through April 1, 2026.

Financial Impact: Individual grants will range from $3,000 to $8,000, contributing to a massive charitable footprint that exceeded $13 million in total impact last year alone.

Process Transparency: Applications will be reviewed by the Foundation Trustees in July, with the official public announcement of recipients expected in August or September.

🚀 Growth & Development: De Pere Moves Forward

It was a landmark week for downtown De Pere as the community took a major step toward future expansion and accessibility!

Groundbreaking News: The City of De Pere officially broke ground on a brand-new, 240-stall public parking ramp located at the former Shopko site.

Supporting Local: This project is a key part of ongoing downtown development, designed to improve access for residents and visitors while providing a significant boost to local businesses.

Community Vision: Local leaders and partners gathered on-site to celebrate moving this vision forward, signaling a new chapter for the downtown corridor.

☕️ Café Crawl 2026: Get Your Early Bird Tickets!

The wait is over! Registration for the 8th annual Café Crawl officially opened yesterday, Monday, February 2nd. This is your chance to explore downtown and Olde Main Street districts while sampling the best local caffeine and treats.

• When: Saturday, February 21st.

• Time: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM.

• The Experience: Enjoy coffee, tea, and pastry samples from 10 unique local businesses. A trolley provided by Lamers Bus Lines will be available every 15 minutes to escort you through the districts.

• The Perks: Every ticket holder receives an exclusive Café Crawl Card for a sample at each stop and a chance to win local prizes.

• Tickets: * $12 Early Bird: Available now through February 2nd (check for late-bird availability!).

  • $15 Standard: February 3rd through February 20th.

  • $20 Day-Of: Cash or card at check-in (if still available).

• Check-In: Start your adventure at Grounded Café or Hotel Northland to pick up your crawl card.

 💥$5 Day Pass Special – Friday, February 6 💥

The Green Bay Kroc Center is offering a $5 Day Pass for one full day of fun, fitness, and connection.

• Take a dip in the pool

• Shoot some hoops

• Try a fitness class

• Check out their newly updated spaces

👯 Bring a friend, make a day of it, and see why the Kroc is a favorite place to be in Green Bay.

📅 Friday, February 6
💲 $5 Day Pass

❄️ 20th Annual Frosty Family Fun Night

Bundle up for a magical night at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary! Proceeds benefit the R-PAWS wildlife rehab program.

• When: Saturday, Feb. 7, from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

• Cost: $10 per carload (free for FOWLS members).

• The Fun: Candlelit walks, horse wagon rides, live music, food trucks, and s'mores by the bonfire.

• Note: The Sanctuary will close at noon that day to prepare for the event.

🎲 Game Day Group: Seniors & Caregivers

Looking for connection, conversation, and a little fun? Head to the YWCA Greater Green Bay for their welcoming Community Circle.

• When: Thursday, February 12th.

• Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM.

• The Fun: Enjoy card games, puzzles, and meaningful social time in a warm, supportive space.

• Cost: Free and open to the community.

❄️ TechGYRLS Winter Adventure

Since there is no school for the Green Bay and Howard-Suamico districts, it’s the perfect time for a winter escape at the Green Bay Botanical Garden!

• When: Friday, February 6.

• Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Check-in at YWCA at 8:20 AM).

• Who: Youth ages 8–13.

• The Fun: Explore the greenhouse behind the scenes, meet a horticulture expert, and learn about winter survival and snowshoeing.

• Cost: $5 program fee (waivable if needed).

• Register: Details here or call the front desk at 920-432-5581.

⛽ Rapid Refuel: The Great Sign Hunt!

Forget standing in the freezing cold at the pump! Rapid Refuel, the local service that delivers gas straight to your car, is holding its biggest giveaway yet. You could win a FREE VIP month membership (though you'll still have to pay for the actual gas!).

• The Goal: Find one of the 30+ Rapid Refuel yard signs hidden around Green Bay, Howard, Ledgeview, Suamico, and beyond.

• How to Enter:

  1. Comment on their social media post with the location where you found a sign.

  2. Snap a photo with the sign and DM it to them.

  3. Follow them and the local businesses that host the signs, such as The Kompound, Ren Rejuvenation Bar, and Mobius De Pere.

• Deadline: The hunt is on from now through Sunday, February 8th.

🎀 Galentine’s Party – Get to Know Girl Scouts 🎀
📍 Baird Elementary | Green Bay

Hosted by Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes, this free, one-hour Galentine’s celebration is all about kindness, connection, and girls lifting each other up.

💬 While the girls have fun, adults can connect with current volunteers and staff to learn more about local Girl Scout opportunities.

⏱️ Duration: 1 hour
📍 Baird Elementary
📍 539 Laverne Dr, Green Bay, WI 54311
🌍 Public event – open to anyone on or off Facebook

🤠🎶 Saddle up, it’s time for a laugh-out-loud, country-fueled musical comedy! 🎶🤠

Let Me Be Frank Productions is kicking off 2026 with Manawa Rodeo, a high-energy production packed with country hits🎵, bold personalities💥, and the classic humor fans know and love.

👑 The big question remains: who will be crowned the Rodeo Queen?

📅 Opening Night: Thursday, February 5
❤️ Special Benefit Performance: Supporting Curative Connections, with $5 from every ticket donated
🎟️ Show Run: February 5 – February 22

🔗 For more information

🎉 Field Trips at STARZ Gymnastics Academy 🎉
📍 Green Bay

STARZ Gymnastics Academy has officially launched Field Trips at STARZ, offering an active, fun-filled experience for kids and groups in the Green Bay area.

⭐ Perfect For:

• Schools

• Child care centers

• Clubs and organizations

• Church and youth groups

• Homeschool groups

• Sports teams

🧠 What to Expect:

Each visit begins with a safety walk-through and guided warm-up led by STARZ instructors. Students then rotate through engaging gymnastics stations, including climbing, swinging, jumping, tumbling, and more.
Designed to build confidence and burn energy in a safe, supportive environment.

💲 Field Trip Pricing (per child):

• 1 Hour: $10

• 1.5 Hours: $13

• 2 Hours: $15

📞 Book Your Field Trip:

• Phone: (920) 983-0903

• Website: www.starzgb.com

• Email: [email protected]
  📍 807 Parkview Road, Green Bay, WI 54304

😊 Everyone leaves STARZ with a smile!

🌳 Free Terrace Trees for De Pere

Give your curb a makeover for free! The City of De Pere is offering terrace trees (the space between the sidewalk and the street) through a special grant.

• When: Planting takes place in late April/early May.

• The Catch: First-come, first-served (only ~50 available!). Limit one per property.

• Deadline: Apply by Friday, February 13.

• Action: Fill out the online form here or call the City Forester at (920) 339-4065.

☀️ De Pere Summer Camp: Registration is LIVE!

Did you set your alarms? Registration for the popular De Pere Summer Day Camp officially opened yesterday, Wednesday, February 4, at midnight. These spots are famous for filling up fast, so if you haven't signed up yet, now is the time!

• What: A 10-week summer program for kids ages 7–12, featuring weekly themes, swimming, field trips, and sports.

• Where: Choose between the West Side (De Pere Community Center) or the East Side (Dickinson Elementary).

• When: The camp runs from June through August.

• Cost: A $143 initial payment is required at registration, which covers the $43 registration fee and a $100 deposit.

• How to Register: Log in to your account on the City's Registration Portal and look under the "Camps & Specialty Programs" banner.

⚾ Batter Up! Adult Summer Softball Registration

Dust off your glove, it’s almost time for the crack of the bat! The Green Bay Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department is officially gearing up for the 2026 Adult Summer Softball season.

• Leagues Available: Choose from Co-ed (Slow or Fast Pitch), Men’s (Slow or Fast Pitch), Men’s 55+ Slow Pitch, or Women’s Modified Fast Pitch.

• When: Games typically run from May through July on various weekday evenings.

• Cost: Team fees range from $147.70 for non-umpired leagues to $269.03 for umpired leagues.

• Player Fees: There is a $33.76 fee for each non-resident player on your roster.

• Eligibility: Players must be 18 or older (graduating high school seniors are also eligible).

• How to Join: Pick up a registration packet at City Hall (Room 510) or download it online. Completed rosters and full payment must be submitted together.

🏥 Mental Health First Aid Training: Adult Course

Looking to gain the skills to help someone in crisis? St. Norbert College and other local organizations are offering evidence-based training to help you identify and respond to signs of mental health or substance use challenges.

• When: Tuesday, May 5th.

• Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Full-day session).

• Format: A blended learning model. You’ll complete a 2-hour, self-paced online course before attending the live instructor-led session.

• What You’ll Learn: A 5-step action plan to support someone developing a mental health problem or experiencing a crisis, including depression, anxiety, and psychosis.

• Cost: $50.00 for certain foundational sessions (some community programs may offer waived fees or underwritten costs—check during registration!).

• Who: Open to students, staff, and the general community (ages 18+).

• Action: Register online here to secure one of the limited seats.

🔍 Business Spotlight: Get Your Business Featured!

Do you own a local business or have a favorite neighborhood spot that deserves the limelight? The Wisconsin Explorer is looking for its next De Pere business spotlight!

• The Opportunity: A chance to have your business featured in a first-person story shared with a community of travel and local leisure enthusiasts.

• What They Look For: Features often include unique "hidden gems," historic architecture, and local favorites like boutique shops, contemporary restaurants, and experience-based businesses.

• How to Apply: If you're a business owner in the downtown area, you can connect through Definitely De Pere or contact the Wisconsin Explorers Guild directly.

• Contact: Reach out via their online contact form to suggest a destination or share your business story.

🍯 Thanks for letting us drop into your inbox and your life. Whether it’s weekend plans, backyard builds, or brunch with the fam, we’re honored to be part of your week.

📩 Got something Green Bay should know? A new business, event, or shoutout? Just hit reply, we’re all ears, or click the link here. 

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Stay local. Stay buzzing. Stay warm, and maybe see you at one of the events. Don’t forget to say Hiiiii!

MH.