Green Bay. Mid-December. No turning back now. 👋🎁

Okay, quick poll: who else has a trunk full of bags they keep "meaning to bring inside"? Who's been to Target three times this week and still forgot the one thing they actually needed? Who just found out about a holiday party that's apparently tomorrow?

Same. We're all doing great.

But here's what I love about this city right now: everyone's operating on the same chaotic wavelength. You're not behind. You're not the only one winging it. That guy in line with four rolls of wrapping paper and a look of mild panic? He's your people.

This is the week when you start seeing the same cashier so often that you're basically friends. Where someone lets you merge in the parking lot, and you almost tear up a little. Where your group chat is 90% "what are you bringing" and 10% "wait, that's THIS weekend?"

It's a lot. It's loud. The calendar is screaming.

But the tree is up, too. The kids are buzzing. And there's something beautiful about a whole city scrambling together.

We've got this. Probably.

Let's get into it. 💚✨

The Green Bay Buzz Event Submission Form! 🐝

✨ Cool people. Cool stories. Cool city. 😎
Got something worth sharing? Drop it in our 📝 Event Submission Form- your story or event could land in next week’s edition! 🎉

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. 💛

💡 Got an idea? Let’s make it happen together.

📰💫 Positively Green Bay

📌 🌱 Green Bay Neighborhoods Awards $20K+ to Support 20 New Community Projects! 🏡✨

Big news for Green Bay’s neighborhoods!
Green Bay Neighborhoods (GBN), in partnership with the City of Green Bay, has officially awarded $20,033 in Mini-Grant funding to 14 neighborhood associations for 20 community-led projects launching throughout 2025.

These grants are all about strengthening neighborhood identity, fostering community connection, and improving shared public spaces. Expect to see projects focused on:

🌼 Beautifying streets & green spaces
🎶 Community concerts, festivals & pop-up events
🤝 Resource-sharing initiatives
🎨 Creative placemaking and neighborhood identity efforts
🏘️ Activities that bring neighbors closer and make communities feel more connected

GBN Chairman Tarl Knight shared the heart behind the program:

The grant program is just one part of GBN’s broader mission to support neighborhoods and give residents hands-on ways to shape their community.

📌City Unveils New Tool Showing How Your Tax Dollars Are Used 🏙️💰

Green Bay has introduced a new Property Tax Calculator designed to help residents see exactly how their city taxes are allocated across public services.

By entering basic property info, homeowners can view an estimated breakdown of how much supports public safety, street repairs, parks, and other vital city functions. The goal: more clarity, more transparency, and easier access to budget information for everyone.

The calculator is now live at greenbaywi.gov/taxcalculator.

📌📰 Tiny Home Village for Veterans Gets $204K Boost

A major step forward for veteran housing in Green Bay, the city’s Redevelopment Authority has approved $204,000 in additional funding for a new tiny home village designed to support homeless veterans. The project, led by Veterans 1st of Northeast Wisconsin, will include 21 tiny homes plus a community center on the former Brown County Mental Health Center site on St. Anthony Drive.

The newly approved funding will help pay for excavation and utility work needed to keep construction moving. As noted by city officials on page 2, the project fills an “unmet need” for wraparound services for local unhoused veterans.

Construction began this summer, with completion expected in two years. Veterans will be screened, with rent set at $900 and potential assistance available. The goal: helping residents transition to full independence within five years.

A meaningful investment in dignity, stability, and community for those who served.

📈 Somerville Architects & Engineers Opens Stunning New HQ on Riverside Drive ✨

Somerville Architects & Engineers just unveiled their brand-new 35,000 sq. ft. headquarters along Riverside Drive, a significant milestone for a company that’s been shaping Greater Green Bay for nearly 80 years.

The new space blends innovation + tradition, with an emphasis on:
💡 Collaboration
🎨 Creativity
🤝 Community connection
🌅 And gorgeous views of the Fox River

This investment signals Somerville’s long-term commitment to the region, bringing fresh energy to the area and adding another beautifully designed landmark to Green Bay’s landscape.

A win for local business, local jobs, and the ongoing evolution of our city.

🥤 BOGO Breakfast Buzz at Bona Fide Juicery!!

Bellevue folks, this week is your week.
Bona Fide Juicery is rolling out a BOGO FREE morning promo while they train new team members for their upcoming location 🎉

Monday–Friday | 8 am–12 pm
Choose your BOGO:
• Smoothies 🍓
• Coffee ☕
• Bone Broth 🥣

Buy one, get one free—same item, same good vibes.
A perfect excuse to double-fist smoothies or grab a free cup for a friend. 💚💚💚

Valid only at Bellevue, 12/8-12/12. Rewards members must scan the app to redeem.

🛒 A New Neighborhood Market Opens!

Green Bay, meet your new go-to spot for feel-good groceries! Healthy Way Market GB has officially opened its doors on S Webster Ave — and while they’re still filling shelves and settling in, they’re inviting the neighborhood to come say hi, shop around, and watch the store grow week by week. 🌿✨

🕒 Launch Hours
Mon–Sat: 8:30 am–7 pm
Sun: 9 am–5 pm

📍 3823 S Webster Ave

Think fresh finds, friendly faces, and that nostalgic neighborhood-market charm. Swing by, support local, and welcome them to the community! 💚🥕🍎

🎉 Event of the Week:

🦌🎄 Run Run Rudolph Fun Run

Green Bay is lacing up and jingling all the way downtown this Saturday, Dec. 13, at 11 a.m. for the Run Run Rudolph one-mile holiday fun run!

Your registration gets you: 🦌 Reindeer antlers, Jingle bells, ☕ Hot beverages, Cookies, PLUS immediate access to the Christkindlmarket fun right after you finish

This one’s: ✨ Family-friendly ✨ Non-competitive ✨ Open to all ages ✨ Supporting the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Christmas Campaign

Still time to sign up! 👉 Register or volunteer

A quick mile + cozy treats + Christmas market vibes? Peak December energy. 🎅💚

🎄 A CHRISTMAS CAROL- Evergreen’s Most Iconic Holiday Tradition Returns!

Evergreen Theater is bringing back the show that started it all — 40 years later!
Join Ebenezer Scrooge on his timeless journey with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future as this classic story of compassion and generosity lights up the stage once again. ✨

📅 Showtimes:
• Dec 10–13 at 7 pm
• Dec 13 & 14 at 2 pm

📍 Evergreen Theater

✨ De Pere’s Voyageur Park Holiday Lights Display 🌟⛄

Holiday magic has officially landed in De Pere, and it’s free, festive, and absolutely glowing. Voyageur Park just flipped the switch on its annual Holiday Lights Display, and it’s one of the brightest traditions of the season. 💡🎄

Here’s what’s going on this week:

🚗 Drive-Thru Nights:
Dec 12–14 & Dec 18–23, 5–9 PM

✨ WALKING TOUR (One Night Only!)
Thursday, Dec 11 — and it’s packed with extras:
👣 Walk through the lights: 5–9 PM
🎅 Snap a photo with Santa: 5:15–8 PM
🐴 Horse-drawn carriage rides: 5:30–7:30 PM
☕ Free hot cocoa + vote for your favorite decorated tree

🎄 First Annual Holiday Extravaganza at Let’s Run Around! 🏃‍♀️✨

Let’s Run Around is hosting its first-ever Holiday Extravaganza on December 13🎅💫

Here’s the holiday lineup:
🎅 Santa Visit: 10 AM–12 PM
🎨 Face Painting by Lori: 10 AM–2 PM
🩰 Nutcracker Ballet Cameo: 3 PM–4 PM
🎁 Giveaways + Surprise Treats
☕ Free Hot Cocoa (while it lasts!)
🥤 Plus: festive drinks from The Kompound Café, their holiday menu just hit!

🎉 Teen’s Night Out at the Building for Kids- FREE Event! 🧠🎭

Got teens? They’ve got plans.
On Thursday, December 11, from 6:30–8:30 PM, the Building for Kids Children’s Museum is hosting their very first Teen’s Night Out, and it’s totally free.

In partnership with This Is Improv, teens are invited to:

✨ Socialize
🎭 Try improv + playful workshops
🎮 Hang out in a fun, low-pressure space
🧃 Enjoy a night designed just for them

Registration is required but free.

🍪 14th Annual Cookie Walk — Build Your Perfect Box!

Grace Christian Academy is back with its beloved Cookie Walk, and this year’s lineup looks dangerously delicious. 😍

Here’s the scoop:
✨ Choose your own mix, cookies are laid out in trays so you can build the most elite cookie assortment known to mankind
💵 Pay-by-the-pound — $12/lb
☕ Complimentary coffee & cider to sip while you browse
🎄 Christmas sale + raffle baskets
🍬 Perfect timing for gifting… or "for the kids" (we won’t tell)

📅 Saturday, December 13
⏰ 9 AM – 1 PM
📍 1087 Kellogg Street, Green Bay
🌐 GraceChristianAcademy.School

🐧 Feed the Penguins!

Looking for a winter activity that’s actually unforgettable? Tweedle & Pip from the NEW Zoo want you to know that Penguin Feeding Experience this holiday season! 🎄✨

Toss fish (yes, really) to an adorable flock of African penguins inside their habitat, get a behind-the-scenes tour, and enjoy the most incredible VIP moment in town.

Quick info:

• 🕒 Daily at 11:00 AM

• 👥 One ticket per day, good for groups up to 6 (you don’t need a full group to book!)

• 💵 $60 per group

• 👶 Kids under two don’t count toward the group size

• ⚠️ Only ONE spot per day, they sell out fast

• 🐟 Not suitable for anyone with fish allergies

Reserve your penguin playdate!❄️🐧💙

❤️ YWCA’s Comunidades Program is Cooking Up Connection!

This week, the YWCA Greater Green Bay’s Comunidades program stepped out of the comfort zone and into the kitchen — cooking spring rolls together! 🥢✨
It’s all about trying new things, building confidence, and creating a space where creativity, culture, and community collide.

December Events:
🍽️ 12/13 – Potluck + Piñata Decorating: Bring a dish & help decorate!
🧘 12/22 – Semillas de Bienestar: Guided Meditation (your pre-holiday reset)

Explore more Comunidades offerings here.

💙 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Winter Warmth Drive

Got winter gear your kids have outgrown? The Children’s Museum of Green Bay is collecting new or gently used hats, mittens, coats, and cold-weather essentials to support local families this season. ❄️🧤🧣

All donations go directly to Paul’s Pantry, helping neighbors stay warm all winter long.
A drop-off box is located right inside the museum’s front door, making it quick and easy.

Small items, significant impact. 💙✨

🎁🐭✨ Disney Magic at the Children’s Museum! ✨🐭🎁

Looking for a gift that wins Christmas? The Children’s Museum of Green Bay is making it easy this year!
Purchase a Family or No-Frills Membership between Dec 1–24 and snag a FREE Disney On Ice ticket voucher 🧊❄️ , limited to the first 250 memberships!

Perfect for indoor fun all winter long + a sprinkle of Disney joy for the kiddos.
These go FAST, so if it’s on your list… jump on it early! 🎅💫

🔗 Purchase: https://www.gbchildrensmuseum.org/Membership

📣🧹 NOW HIRING — Custodian I (Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary)

The City of Green Bay is looking for a Custodian I to join the team at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, the 535-acre refuge that cares for 6,000+ orphaned and injured animals every year.

💵 Starting Pay: $21.78/hr
🎁 Benefits: Full health, dental, vision & life insurance
📅 Apply By: December 22, 2025
🔗 Apply Online

A great opportunity for anyone who loves hands-on work, nature, and being part of a mission that actually matters.

🍯 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. 

And hey,
📲 Don’t miss a thing. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for daily updates, news, and behind-the-scenes bites from around Green Bay.

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

MH.