While Appleton has been recognized as one of the safest and most wholesome communities in the United States, the community is currently dealing with the tragedy of two murders in one week. One of the victims was a young man I have known for several years, Ben Graves. See the Post-Crescent story. He was shot in a scuffle with a couple of drug dealers, it appears, over an argument about half an ounce of marijuana. What a terrible waste of life for something so senseless. In a story I am less familiar with, another victim was shot on Olson Avenue. I've heard it may have been a man shooting his girlfriend, but am not sure.

Two murders in one week. What tragedy for the families involved and for the whole community. Small town America is not nearly so calm and peaceful as we once imagined.

Labels: Appleton, crime, Fox Valley, violence

Since we have a wedding coming up, we've been thinking about places in the Fox Valley that would be ideal for a reception. At the top of our list the charming Franklin Street Inn, and after a phone call today with the very gracious and helpful owner, I wanted to share our extreme satisfaction with that facility based on a previous wedding reception for one of our sons there. In spite of extensive remodeling and updating, this beautiful home still preserves the charm from yesteryear in the heart of downtown Appleton. The wedding couple enjoyed the reception and the chance to stay at the Inn, and our guests were also delighted with the charm and beauty of the place.

I understand it may be on the market, if you are looking for a high-quality home with classic charm. It's the kind of place that I think I'd enjoy living in.

Labels: Appleton, facilities, Fox Valley, historic buildings, homes, receptions, rentals, weddings

For the significant Paper Industry International Hall of Fame annual awards ceremony this week, two representatives from China are coming to Appleton to receive a significant award on behalf of China, as I mentioned in my last post. What I failed to mention is the selection of the place where they will be greeted by some members of the Chinese community and the business community for a special luncheon. Working with the local Chinese community, I asked for a recommendation for a good place to provide some great Chinese food. My initial though was Confucius Chinese, where we did something similar several years ago, but it has closed recently. Sigh. But the Fox Valley is blessed with a lot of good Chinese and broader Asian restaurants. So which one to choose for an event of international significance?

The final choice, aided by input from a key figure in the Valley's Chinese community, was GingeRootz Asian Grille. On my page of dining recommendations for Appleton and the Fox Valley, I have awarded it with "Webmaster's Choice: Best Asian" (a tie).

GingeRootz is a classy place with outstanding Asian food. Its menu has influences from China, Thailand, Korea and Japan. Brilliant flavors, excellent service, pleasant setting. Among Asian restaurants in our region of Wisconsin, GingeRootz has a great reputation and really great food.  A favorite among many people I know. They also have one of the nicest and most useful websites I've seen for a restaurant.

They are open daily from 11:00 AM to 9:30 (10:00 on Fridays and Saturdays). 2920 N Ballard Road, Appleton, WI 54911. Phone. 920-738-9688. Email. info at gingerootz.com. Tell them Jeff sent you!

Labels: Appleton, Asian, Chinese, dining, Fox Valley, wisconsin

A major Chinese cultural event is coming to the Fox Valley. Shen Yun, a highly acclaimed dance troupe offering "5,000 years of Chinese culture in one night," will perform at Appleton's Performing Arts Center on March 3rd and 4th. I'm disappointed that I'll be back in China soon and won't be here for that event. I've seen a lot of great Chinese cultural events in China, I'll admit, but the Shen Yun event looks really interesting with some classical Chinese elements and terrific talent.

Labels: China, Chinese, cultural, Fox Valley, multicultural, PAC, performances

Labels: Appleton, Appleton homes, Fox Valley, homes, housing, neighborhoods, photos