Things to Do

Ben Franklin hosts annual Hoops Night

Menomonee Falls - Hoops Night, which started several years ago as a way to raise money for the students and staff at Ben Franklin Elementary is returning once again at 6:30 p.m. April 27 at Menomonee Falls High School.

The money raised has helped build a playground, update audio/visual equipment for the building, provided a brand-new climbing wall, SMART Board technology for almost every classroom and Peaceful Playground Stenciling. It also helps pay for field trips.

The special guest this year is Milwaukee's Bango and the Rim Rockets.

For information, call (262) 622-3112.

Cheery Cherry Fall Fair exhibitor applications due

Menomonee Falls - Applications for exhibitors to participate in the Froedtert Health Community Memorial Hospital Cheery Cherry Fall Fair are due to the hospital's volunteer services department April 27.

Call (262) 257-3300 to request an application or for information.

The 44th annual CCFF features more than 100 artists and crafters from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 23, at Menomonee Falls Village Park, N87 W16701 Garfield Drive. Exhibitors showcase handmade items for sale, including paintings, wood furniture, clothing, dried floral arrangements, handmade soaps, holiday and seasonal items and more. More than 4,000 fairgoers are expected to attend.

Admission fee is $4 for attendees. Proceeds benefit the Emergency Department at Community Memorial Hospital.

Registration opens for Relay for Life

Germantown - The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Germantown gives everyone in the community a chance to help the organization save lives and create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Register a team today by visiting RelayForLife.org or by calling (800) 227-2345.

Former and current cancer patients, those who have lost a loved one to cancer, families, businesses, faith-based and civic organizations, and anyone wanting to make a difference in the fight against cancer are invited to take part in Relay for Life, slated for 6 p.m. June 22 until 6 a.m. June 23 at Germantown High School.

Kennedy Middle School hosts variety show

Germantown - The 2012 Kennedy Middle School Variety Show is set for 6 p.m. April 27 at the school, W160 N11836 Crusader Court.

There will 56 middle school students performing their talents including Irish dancing, skits and tae kwon do. The cost to attend is $4 and children 5 and younger are free.

Memorial Hospital event raises funds for heart care

Milwaukee - The Community Hospital Memorial Foundation hosts Red Carpet Glitz, its 22nd annual Spring Splendor gala fundraiser, on April 28, at The Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, 333 W. Kilbourn Ave., in Milwaukee.

Presented by Ryan Companies US and co-chairs Michael and Gail Lauer, Hartland, the event includes an evening of dinner, hundreds of items in the silent and voice auctions, raffle prizes, entertainment and more. Reservations are $150 per person.

Guests have the opportunity to "walk the red carpet" like a Hollywood star, mingle with Joan Rivers impersonator Ellie Weingardt and take a chance at winning a prize playing "Plinko."

Proceeds benefit the Heart and Vascular Center of Froedtert Health Community Memorial Hospital, Menomonee Falls.

More information about the event and both raffles are available by calling Community Memorial Foundation at (262) 257-3761 or online at communitymemorial.com/spring_splendor/index.cfm.

Falls Library presents genealogy class

Menomonee Falls - Genealogist Sam Colon is hosting a Beginning Genealogy class at 7 p.m. May 1 in the community room at Menomonee Falls Public Library, W156 N8436 Pilgrim Road.

Colon is a Milwaukee Personal Ancestral File Users Group speaker and has researched his family tree for years. To make reservations, call (262) 532-8920. The program is in the community meeting room and is free to all.

Computer classes for seniors offered in May

Germantown - The Germantown Senior Center is offering a variety of computer classes for seniors throughout the month of May.

The classes run for four weeks from 10 to 11 a.m. May 1-22; from 7 to 8 p.m. May 1-22; and from 7 to 8 p.m. May 3-24. The cost is $30 for residents and school district residents.

Sign up at the Germantown Senior Center, W162N11960 Park Ave., or call (262) 253-7799.

Spring book sale set for falls library

Menomonee Falls - The Menomonee Falls Public Library holds its annual spring book sale May 3-5 in the library's community room, W156 N8436 Pilgrim Road.

Doors open at 9 a.m. each day and close at 8:30 p.m. May 3, and 3 p.m. May 4 and 5. Hardcover and paperback books, videos, DVDs and books on cassette for children and adults are offered for sale. Most items cost 25 cents each or five for $1. On May 5, a baker's dozen - 13 items - cost $1. For information, call (262) 532-8927.

Menomonee Falls High School presents spring musical

Menomonee Falls - The Menomonee Falls High School Theater Department presents "Working, the Musical."

Based on the book by Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Chicago hero Studs Terkel, "Working" is a musical exploration of 26 people from all walks of life. The strength of the show is the core truths that transcended specific professions, that people's relationships to their work ultimately revealed key aspects of their humanity, regardless of the trappings of the job itself.

Performance dates are at 7:30 p.m. May 3, 4 and 5 and 1:30 p.m. May 6 at the Menomonee Falls High School Auditorium, N8101 Merrimac Drive. Tickets are $8 for students and $10 for adults and are available at the door.

Meet Helen Keller at History Encampment Family Day

West Bend - From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 5, the Washington County Historical Society hosts the annual Living History Encampment Family Day at the old courthouse museum square, 320 S. Fifth Ave., in West Bend.

This year, Helen Keller, portrayed by Jessica Michna, makes an appearance. Helen will reminisce about her life and give an insight into her struggles and triumphs. Also, visit with a blacksmith, learn about the daily activities of women on the frontier and compare it with life today.

Entrance is free for society members and children 12 and younger. The nonmember adult fee is $5 per person. For information, contact Jessica Sawinski-Couch at (262) 335-4678.

Optimist Club plans Kids Fishing Derby

Menomonee Falls - The Optimist Club of Menomonee Falls is hosting Kids Fishing Derby from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 12 at the Mill Pond Shelter, located north of the Main Street bridge between Water Street and Grand Avenue.

This catch and release contest is free for all children ages 3-16 who reside or attend school in Menomonee Falls. Children younger than 9 must be accompanied by an adult. No fishing license is required for children younger than 16. Participants should bring their own fishing equipment.

Free registration is from 9 to10 a.m. at the Mill Pond Shelter, which includes free T-shirts for all entrants and a chance to win a door prize. The contest is from 10 a.m. to noon.

Kids Fishing Derby is sponsored in part by the Menomonee Falls Police Department, the village of Menomonee Falls, R.B. Enterprises, Pops Frozen Custard and Krueger's Recreation Center.

Woodland Wildflower Walk set at Lime Kiln Park

Menomonee Falls - The Friends of Lime Kiln Park Natural Area are presenting a free, guided walk through Lime Kiln Park in Menomonee Falls at 10 a.m. May 12.

The walk will be guided by Jan Koel, botanist and certified herbalist. Koel leads a walk through Lime Kiln Park to discover and identify the varied plant life in this unique park in the heart of Menomonee Falls.

The walk begins at the overlook area near the parking lot of the Mill Street park entrance. For information about the mission and activities of the group, visit limekilnpark.org.

The park is located south of Main Street and east of Appleton Avenue.

Christian Women's Club schedules brunch

Menomonee Falls - The Milwaukee West Suburban Christian Women's Club is hosting a brunch get-together from 9:30 to 11 a.m. May 21 at Davians Banquet and Conference Center, 16300 Silver Spring Drive.

Tami Conrad from the Little Pizzazz women's apparel shop in Cedarburg will show attendees upcoming trends in fashion accessories.

There is also be a speaker from Madison, Barb Hoffner, who talks about Walking This Marathon of Life.

The cost is $14, which includes tip. Call (262) 251-3841 no later than May 14 to make a reservation. Free child care will be provided if notified at the time of the reservation.

Parks association makes an early splash

Germantown - The Germantown Recreation Department, in cooperation with Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association, is offering discounted tickets for Country Springs Water Park and the Kalahari Indoor Theme Park.

Country Springs Water Park tickets are valid through May 15. Weekday passes can be purchased for $12 (savings of $3) and weekend passes can be purchased for $19 (savings of $6), children 23 months and younger are free of charge. Kalahari Indoor Theme Park ticket prices are $17 for adults (savings of $7.95) and $9 for children (savings of $0.95); these tickets are valid through May 25. Special note: If using MasterCard/VISA/Discover, add $1 per ticket for credit card transaction. All sales are final, there are no refunds or exchanges. Sales end on April 20.

Tickets can be purchased at the recreation department at Village Hall, N112 W17001 Mequon Road.

For information, call the Recreation Department at (262) 250-4710.

Library presents financial management program

Menomonee Falls - The Menomonee Falls Public Library presents four programs to help with finances during Money Smart Week from April 23 through 26 in the community room at the library, W156 N8436 Pilgrim Road.

At 7 p.m. April 23, the associate dean of Waukesha County Technical College Business School discusses household financial management. At 6:30 p.m. April 24, the topic focuses on coupon clipping. A fraud prevention presentation is at 7 p.m. April 25 and a lecture on getting out of debt is scheduled for 7 p.m. April 26.

For information, call (262) 532-8912 or visit home.mf.lib.wi.us.

Fire Department hosts open house

Germantown - The Fire Department is hosting a recruitment open house at 6:30 p.m. April 26 at the department, N115 W18752 Edison Drive.

Volunteers are paid per call and for training. All equipment and gear are supplied. Information will be supplied at the open house.

Volunteer firefighters must be 18 or older and a Germantown resident.

The open house will feature demonstrations, food and a chance to learn more about the Fire Department. Register by calling Lt. Hass at (262) 502-4701, Ext. 1710, or sending an email to thass@germantownfiredept.com by April 19. Walk-ins are welcome.

Day of baseball set for seniors

Germantown - The Germantown Senior Center is offering seniors the chance to see a Brewers game without having to worry about parking.

A coach bus leaves at 10:30 a.m. May 23 and returns at approximately 4:30 p.m. The cost is $43, which includes transportation and the ticket to the game.

Sign up at the senior center, W162N11960 Park Ave., by April 27.

Falls residents plan walk for multiple sclerosis

Menomonee Falls - Registration is now under way for Walk MS: Menomonee Falls.

Held on April 28 at Menomonee Falls High School, the event brings together Menomonee Falls residents committed to raising awareness about multiple sclerosis and to raising funds to support MS-related research and services. More than 10,000 people in Wisconsin have been diagnosed with MS, giving the state a one-in-500 incidence rate, one of the highest in the nation. Nearly 1,000 people are living with MS in Waukesha County.

Walk MS: Menomonee Falls participants can choose between a 1- or 3.1-mile route that starts and ends at Menomonee Falls High School. Sign-in begins at 9 a.m. with the walk starting at 10 a.m. Registration is available online at walkMSwisconsin.org or by calling (262) 369-4400 or toll-free at (800) 242-3358.

There is no registration fee, but Walk MS participants are encouraged to make a donation or to fundraise; money raised helps support research for treatments and a cure, and helps fund programs and services for those in Wisconsin affected by the disease. The average annual cost of living with MS is nearly $70,000, putting the annual financial impact in Waukesha County alone at more than $60 million.

Visit old haunts during West Bend ghost tours

West Bend - Do you believe in ghosts? Whether you're a believer or a skeptic, it's undeniable that stories of the paranormal represent modern day folklore. J. Nathan Couch, author of the upcoming book "Washington County Paranormal: A Wisconsin Legend Trip," blends historical facts, local legends, and alleged eyewitness accounts on this leisurely stroll past an assortment of alleged spooks, specters and spirits.

These stories come to life on the family-friendly ghost walks that run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on various dates in April through November, or by appointment, in front of the old sheriff's residence and jail, 340 S. Fifth Ave. in West Bend. Each walk is $10 per person. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are strongly suggested. Visit washingtoncountyparanormal.com for dates and reservation information.

Golf Super Scramble set for summer

Germantown - The sixth annual golf super scramble hosted by the Richfield Lions Club is June 8 at Blackstone Creek Golf Course. Coffee and doughnuts, as well as registration is scheduled for 8 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9:30 a.m. Dinner and prizes are at 4 p.m.

The event is a primary fundraiser for the Richfield Lions. Along with golf, it includes dinner, raffles and hole contests.

Registrations can be mailed to Michelle Danczyk, W158 N10315 Mohawk Drive, Germantown, WI 53022 or arrangements can be made to have the donations picked up by contacting Anita Hilleman at (262) 335-6886.

Quad/Graphics hosts children's summer camp

Lannon - Parents looking for summer care for their school-aged children need look no further than Quad/Graphics' long-running Jr. Camp/Quad program, held at Lannon Elementary School, 7145 N. Lannon Road, which is open to the community.

The camp runs Mondays through Fridays beginning June 11. Parents are welcome to pick the dates they want their child to attend; Jr. Camp/Quad asks for a minimum average attendance of two days a week. Camp/Quad can accommodate most schedules. The cost for community members is $47.30 for a 10-hour day, and discounts are available for each additional family member. Hourly and extended day rates also are available.

For a registration packet or for information, contact Camp Director Linda Johns by email at linda.johns@qg.com or by phone at (414) 566-2170.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Field Museum artifacts

Germantown - Go behind the scenes at the Field Museum during a guided tour May 2 sponsored by the Germantown Recreation Department.

The museum is home to nearly 25 million artifacts; however, less than 1 percent are on display. During the tour, participants can see the Anthropology Department's world-class collection and speak with a collections manager. Attendees also will view the Lod Mosaic Special Exhibit and the Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum. A deluxe motor coach will depart from the Germantown Center Mall at 6:30 a.m. and will return to the mall about 7 p.m.

The cost is $115.

To register, call the Germantown Senior Center at (262) 253-7799.

Big Band trip planned for Germantown seniors

Germantown - The Germantown Senior Center is hosting Celebration Belle Big Band Cruise on June 11.

Seniors can enjoy a four-hour cruise aboard a riverboat while listening to big band entertainment.

Register at the Senior Center, W162N11960 Park Ave., by June 6. Call (262) 253-7799 for information. A coach bus leaves from the Germantown Center Mall at 7 a.m. and returns at 7 p.m. The cost is $109 per person.

Teen volunteers needed for playground duty

Germantown - The recreation department needs volunteers to help with playground groups from June 11 to Aug. 3.

Volunteers make a commitment of working at least two days per week from 9 a.m. to noon. Playground groups go on field trips every Wednesday, so volunteers are not needed on Wednesdays.

Volunteers are encouraged to keep track of their time so the recreation department can write a letter of recommendation at the end of summer.

Application forms are available at www.village.germantown.wi.us.