Things to Do

Exchange organization seeks host families for this summer

International Friendship and Learning seeks host families in the southeastern Wisconsin area for four weeks in July.

Students from Spain need housing this summer.

For information, email krissa@internationalfriendship.es, or call U.S. (608) 212-5275, Spain 011 34 699 668 700. Visit internationalfriendship.es for additional information.

Senior community hosts band, ice cream social

Mequon - Newcastle Place, 12600 N. Port Washing Road, hosts the Tri-County New Horizons Band and an ice cream social at 2 p.m. May 24.

For information, call (877) 822-5935.

Gallery celebrates, announce next exhibit

Thiensville - River Edge Gallery, 184 S. Main St., celebrates its anniversary from 5 to 7 p.m. May 24.

The event features Ben Grant's exhibit, "Standard Deviation," and celebrates other local artists.

The gallery hosts its next exhibit, "Recollection," by Cassie Marie Edwards, starting June 15, with an opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m.

Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday.

For information, call (414) 207-7444.

Explore the outdoors with activities at SANC

Bayside - The Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, 1111 E. Brown Deer Road, has activities for all ages.

Audubon Babies: Exploring Nature with the Very Young: 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. May 24 and June 21; $5 for members, $6 for nonmembers per session

Enjoy a hike on the trails and some good fellowship. Participants, children 6 months to 2 years old with an adult, meet inside and venture out for a hike.

Spiritual World: Mindfulness: 1 to 2:30 p.m. May 24; $10 for adult members, $12 for nonmember adults

Heidi Lukinac, an avid Mindfulness practitioner and yoga teacher, explores why ancient practices are still vital today. She will lead the group through some simple breathing and meditation exercises.

Door County Getaway: 8 a.m. May 29 to 8 p.m. June 1; $528 for adult members, $607 for nonmember adults (add $111 for a single room)

This year, participants go to Three Springs Natural Area's new upland trail, Sven's Bluff trail in Peninsula State Park, North Bay, Mud Lake and White Cliff Fen and Forest. Participants stay at Lawrence University's Bjorklunden campus. For information, call (414) 352-2880, Ext. 239.

Annual Gala: 6 p.m. June 1

Participants will enjoy cocktails, dinner and an auction at the center. All proceeds support nature education at the center. For information, call (414) 352-2880, Ext. 152.

Raptor Saturday: 1 to 2 p.m. June 2; free with center admission

The program focuses on the birds of summer.

Repamphibiantile Sunday: noon to 1 p.m. June 3; free with center admission

Jim Hyatt presents snakes, salamanders and frogs.

Sweet Water Organics Tour: 9 a.m. to noon June 5; $35 for adult members, $40 for nonmember adults

Come tour Milwaukee's Sweet Water Organics urban farm. Participants learn about aquaponics and about honey production and composting. Dress for the weather; part of the tour will be outside.

Boomers and Beyond: 9 to 11 a.m. June 7; $15 for adult members, $17 for nonmember adults

In June, participants study animal territories and witness how the different kinds of animals advertise and defend them.

Monday Night Magic: 6 to 7:30 p.m. June 11; $5 for child and $7 for adult members, $7 for child and $9 for adult nonmembers per program

Enjoy a series of spring and summer evening hikes with Tom Finley. Nets are provided.

Hockey tournament benefits American Cancer Society

Milwaukee - The Pettit National Ice Center, 500 S. 84th St., hosts an individual registry coed adult hockey tournament to raise money for the American Cancer Society, Hockey for Life Milwaukee, from June 1 to 3.

Participants register individually and will be placed on one of 12 teams based on experience and skill. The $80 entrance fee covers the cost of ice, referees and includes a donation to the American Cancer Society.

All teams will play a minimum of four games with the chance to play in a championship game June 3.

Registration is limited to 144 registrants, including 12 goalies and 132 players.

For information, to sponsor the event or donate, call (414) 935-4780. To register, visit hockeyforlifemke.org.

St. Robert Parish holding annual two-day fair

Shorewood - St. Robert Parish, 2214 E. Capitol Drive, is holding its annual fair from noon to 10 p.m. June 2 and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 3.

The fair features family fun including games, food and refreshments. A barbecue dinner is June 2, a roast chicken dinner June 3. Other activities include the Holy Moly Money Raffle and rummage sale. Music is provided by 5 Card Studs.

For information, email strobertfairchair@gmail.com.

Foundation recognizes Sommer family

Mequon - The Mequon Community Foundation holds its Pillars of the Community award luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 5 at the North Shore Country Club, 3100 W. Country Club Drive. For this inaugural luncheon, the foundation elected to recognize the Sommer family for its outstanding contributions to the Mequon area.

Tickets to the luncheon are $35 per person. Individual reservations and table sponsorships are available. Reservations must be mailed no later than May 25. Make checks payable to Mequon Community Foundation and send to: MCF, P.O. Box 52, Mequon, WI 53092. For information about sponsoring a luncheon table, call (262) 240-2234.

Master Gardeners holding herb fair, plant sale

Mequon - The Ozaukee Master Gardeners is holding an herb fair and heirloom plant sale from 9 a.m. to noon May 26 in the field house at Concordia University Wisconsin, 12800 N. Lake Shore Drive.

More than 10,000 herbs and heirloom plants are available.

Parking and admission are free.

For information, call (262) 284-8288.

Chudnow hosts musical performances, events

Mequon - The Sarah Chudnow Community, 10995 N. Market St., hosts a variety of events in May.

All musical performances begin at 2 p.m.:

May 27: Terry Morgenroth, singer

Lynden Sculpture Garden hosts variety of activities

River Hills - The Lynden Sculpture Garden, 2145 W. Brown Deer Road, offers a variety of programs.

General admission is $9 and $7 for students and seniors. Members and children younger than 6 are free. Admission is free to all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day, May 28, through Labor Day, Sept. 3. Admission includes access to the sculpture garden and house.

All events are free with admission unless otherwise indicated.

The garden is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Wednesday and Friday, and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Beginning May 16, the museum is open until 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays.

For information, visit lyndensculpturegarden.org or call (414) 446-8794.

Yoga: Seventh Chakra: Crown: 1 to 2:30 p.m. May 27; drop-in fee: $15, $13 for students and seniors, $6 for members; fee includes admission to the sculpture garden

Heather Eiden, ceramic artist, art educator and yoga instructor, leads the monthly workshop, focusing on the crown chakra. Participants make focal point sculptures to create a space for contemplation

Get Out and Paint: noon to 5 p.m. June 3; free to members or with admission to the sculpture garden

Celebrate the museum's second anniversary with plein-air painting, music, a tree walk, limited edition T-shirts, a film and more. The current schedule calls for music by the Painted Caves from 1 to 3 p.m., an outdoor yoga class from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and a tree walk with Sharon Morrisey of the University of Wisconsin-Extension at 3 p.m. The garden is open for plein-air painting from noon to 5 p.m.; the museum provides plein-air backup and lend painting kits throughout the afternoon. A limited edition anniversary T-shirt by artists Santiago Cucullu and Ester Partegàs will be released, and "Something New for the Rose Garden," a film made at Lynden in 1982 by Dennis Darmek and Patsy Tully, will be shown.

Mind Can Change: Chance Encounters with Writing and Art with Rod Smith: June 3 to 8; $275, $250 for members of Lynden or Woodland Pattern (one discount only); to register, call (414) 263-5001 or email woodlandpattern@sbcglobal.net

This workshop explores a number of writing strategies of the historical and contemporary avant-garde. At the end of the week, participants celebrate the work produced together with a public reading and reception.

Summer Art Camps: June 13 to Aug. 17

Two-, three- and five-day camps for children ages 4 to 12 feature environmental programs, visiting artists and the opportunity to explore a wide variety of art media. Each camp concludes with an informal showing for family and friends. In addition to Garden Animals, Art Elements, Earthworks and Sally Duback's Puppets, new offerings include opportunities to build a miniature tree house or explore the color orange.

Fresh Starts: June 16

A workshop designed to ease participants out of creative hibernation and into activity.

Direct Response: Aug. 3-5

An outdoor painting workshop with Eric Aho, who shares his approach to painting en plein-air.

Dimensional Papermaking: Aug. 18

Sally Duback offers the second installment of her Dimensional Papermaking workshop. This is an opportunity to take paper pulp into the third dimension.

St. Eugene Congregation hosts blood drive

Fox Point - BloodCenter of Wisconsin is holding a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 26 at St. Eugene Congregation, 7600 N. Port Washington Road.

The drive is held on the BloodCenter bus.

Anyone 16 or older who is in general good health and meets eligibility requirements is encouraged to donate blood. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Donors should bring a photo ID. The entire process takes about an hour.

Donors can schedule an appointment by visiting www.bcw.edu or by calling (877) 232-4376.

Theater group presents 'Fiddler on the Roof'

Brown Deer - Imagination Theatre of Germantown presents "Fiddler on the Roof" at 7 p.m. Aug. 3, 4, 10 and 11 and 3 p.m. Aug. 5 and 12 at Brown Deer High School, 8060 N. 60th St.

Orchestra auditions are being held at 7 p.m. May 30 at CrossWay Church. Musicians who play viola, violin, cello, flute, clarinet, accordion, piccolo and bass should prepare 16 to 32 bars to perform.

Rehearsals will begin June 10 and will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday evenings.

For information, call (262) 271-6893 or visit itogonline.org.

Nature preserve hosts first ever run/walk

Mequon - The Mequon Nature Preserve, 8200 W. County Line Road, hosts its first ever 5K run/walk at 8:30 a.m. June 2.

Participants have the option of a 5K run through the woods or a 2-mile walk across a prairie. A quarter-mile dash for children is available.

Proceeds benefit the preserve's wildlife education programs, which allow adults and children to learn the importance and benefits of the species that make the preserve their home.

Register online at mequonnaturepreserve.org.

Library presents summer reading program

Glendale - The North Shore Library, 6800 N. Port Washington Road, presents its summer program, Dream Big, Read!

Participants who register after 10 a.m. June 4 can win prizes for being read to or reading. Younger children have the opportunity to create crafts and join a toddler dance party.

New this year is a bilingual story time for children to learn Spanish and/or French. Performers are scheduled throughout the summer. Book clubs are available for school-age children. Movies are shown Friday nights. Reading programs for teens are available.

For information, call (414) 351-3461 or visit www.mcfls.org/northshorelibrary.

Jewish Community Center hosting 'Wandering' exhibit

Whitefish Bay - The Milwaukee Jewish Artists' Laboratory presents a grand opening for an exhibit around the theme of "Wandering" from 6 to 9 p.m. June 6 at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd.

The exhibit continues through June 20 and features 14 local professional artists, whose work covers a wide range of artistic mediums, including sculpture, painting, photography and poetry.

For information, email jhirsh@jccmilwaukee.org or call (414) 967-8199.

Church hosts author, book-signing event

Mequon - Imran Ahmad, author of the award-winning memoir "The Perfect Gentleman: A Muslim Boy Meets the West," speaks and signs books from 7 to 9 p.m. June 8 at Unitarian Church North, 13800 N. Port Washington Road.

The event is open to the public; a $5 donation is suggested.

Time is allotted for questions. A limited number of books are available for Ahmad to sign after the program. To reserve a copy, call (262) 375-3890 or email info@ucnorth.org.

Stritch hosting sculpture exhibit

Glendale - Cardinal Stritch University, 6801 N. Yates Road, hosts a Contemporary Sculpture Exhibition from June 8 to 24 in the Northwestern Mutual Art Gallery

An opening reception is from 5 to 8 p.m. June 8.

Regular gallery hours are noon to 4 p.m. Sunday through Friday.

For information, call (414) 410-4105.

Humor therapy available for cancer survivors, families

Whitefish Bay - Gilda's Club of Southeastern Wisconsin presents Humor, Health & Hope, a free, family-friendly comedy event for cancer survivors and their families, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. June 9 at the Jewish Community Center, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd.

The event begins with the Laughter Club workshop, led by mind-body therapist Meagan Brown of Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Brown shares the concept of mind-body medicine and the different ways people can help themselves during difficult, stressful and emotional situations. Workshops for children include kid-friendly activities, games and giggles. Following a light hors d'oeuvres reception, Scott Burton presents his brand of "humor therapy." The show continues with actor/comedian/impressionist Dave Coulier, who is best known for his role as Joey Gladstone on the ABC television series "Full House."

Reservations can be made online at gildasclubsewi.org or by calling (414) 962-8201, Ext. 103.

American Red Cross holding blood drive

Brown Deer - The American Red Cross will enter donors who give blood through Sept. 5 into the Live Live, Give Life summer promotion to win prize packages to giftcertificates.com.

A local blood drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 15 at Guaranty Bank Brown Deer, 4000 W. Brown Deer Road.

A blood donor card, driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

Individuals who are 17 (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

To donate, call (800) 733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment.

Festa Italiana seeks nonnas to cook with chef Rago

Milwaukee - Festa Italiana is seeking grandmothers to cook with celebrity chef Rossella Rago, host of "Cooking with Nonna," at the Piggly Wiggly Cucina Showcase on July 21.

Grandmothers with a passion for family, food and their Italian heritage are invited to write about why they would like the opportunity to show off their culinary skills alongside Rago at Festa this summer. The selected grandmother will cook with Rago and receive a personalized "Cooking with Nonna" apron as a keepsake.

Festa Italiana is accepting entries until June 15. All interested applicants are invited to send a short, typewritten paragraph describing their love for family, food and being an Italian grandmother. Applicants should include their name, address and telephone number. Completed applications should be submitted to Festa Italiana Showcase, Marie Andaloro-Lieber, 9140 N. Goldendale Drive, Brown Deer, WI 53223.

For information, (414) 223-2808.

Bayshore hosts beer, tasting festival

Glendale - The third annual Wisconsin Beer Lovers Festival is from 1 to 5 p.m. June 16 at Bayshore Town Center, 5800 N. Bayshore Drive.

The festival features selections from more than 31 craft breweries throughout the state. Each of the participating breweries will be paired with local chefs to create a unique tasting portion designed to complement a variety of unique beers available for sampling.

Tickets and festival travel packages, starting at $40, are available at WisconsinBeerLoversFest.com. Tickets include admission, a souvenir beer glass and unlimited sampling of beers and food pairings. Patrons must be 21 or older to attend the event.

Photo identification is required at the admission entrance. Designated drivers and patrons younger than 21 can purchase a Food Lovers Ticket for $20.

Nicolet hosts Relay For Life

Glendale - The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Milwaukee is from 6 p.m. June 22 to 8 a.m. June 23 at Nicolet High School, 6701 N. Jean Nicolet Road.

For information, call (262) 523-5534.

Jewish Community Center sponsoring Madison trip

Madison - The Jewish Community Center is sponsoring a trip, including a cruise on Lake Monona, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 26.

The cruise includes lunch from the Mariner's Inn, which will be served aboard. Before boarding the ship, the day begins with guided tours of the Frank Lloyd Wright architectural masterpiece, Monona Terrace. Following the cruise, there is a tour of the Chazen Museum of Art.

The cost is $59 and includes bus transportation to and from Madison, cruise on Lake Monona, lunch and docent-led tours. Participants meet at the Brown Deer Park and Ride at Brown Deer and Green Bay roads.

For information, email dsobel@jccmilwaukee.org or call (414) 967-8258.

Concordia hosts variety of activities

Mequon - Concordia University Wisconsin, 12800 N. Lake Shore Drive, hosts a variety of activities.

fourth annual CUW STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) Camp: July 16 to 20; cuw.edu/steam

This hands-on week of day camp is designed for students entering grades three to eight.

Concordia University Wisconsin 2012 Shoreline Duathlon (Run-Bike-Run): 7:30 a.m. Aug. 18

The 2-mile run/20-mile bike ride/2-mile run benefits Racers Against Childhood Cancer. The run course is flat on blacktop and grass. The bike course is scenic with some Lake Michigan views; mostly flat with some rolling hills. Relays consist of one runner running both sections and one cyclist. Relay categories are male, female, and coed. Before June 26, the fee is $45, and $55 June 26 to Aug. 17. Race-day registration is $85. To register, visit cuw.edu/go/duathlon or call (262) 243-4323.

Anaba hosts new art exhibit

Shorewood - The Anaba Tea Room, 2107 E. Capitol Drive, hosts Sandra Peterson's art exhibit, "Paintings: Oil on Tea Bag & Oil on Canvas" through July 1.

The gallery is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

For information, call (414) 963-9510.

Acacia presents 'Anne of Green Gables'

Mequon - Acacia Theater Company will present "Anne of Green Gables" at 8 p.m. July 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21 and 3 p.m. July 15 and 22 at Concordia University Wisconsin's Todd Wehr Auditorium, 12800 N. Lake Shore Drive.

Follow the adventures of a wildly independent orphan with fiery red hair and a temper to match. Anne Shirley is mistakenly sent to live with a plain-spoken farmer and his spinster sister, who thought they were adopting a boy. She wins them and all of Prince Edward Island over with her irrepressible spirit and imagination.

Tickets are $15, students, $5. For information, call (414) 744-5995.

JCC offers summer camp in Eagle River

Whitefish Bay - The Steve & Shari Sadek Family Camp Interlaken Jewish Community Center, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd., offers Family Camp on Aug. 14 to 19 the overnight camp in Eagle River.

Family Camp offers a Jewish camping experience for families from Wisconsin and across the U.S. This camping experience provides an opportunity for families to meet other Jewish families from other communities, and serves as a setting for a family reunion.

Camp activities include swimming, sailing, water skiing, nature walks, tennis, arts and crafts, and a ropes course. Families are housed in their own cabin. The fee for Family Camp is $995 for a family of four, with an additional $100 per family member, and includes all meals, activities, events and snacks.

For information, email interlaken@jccmilwaukee.org or call (414) 967-8240.

Foundation presents four fine arts programs

Mequon - The Weyenberg Public Library Foundation presents four programs in its 2012 Fine Arts Series at the Frank L. Weyenberg Public Library, 11345 N. Cedarburg Road.

At 6:30 p.m. Sept. 20, Wisconsin native and famed storyteller Tom Pease will use movement, sign language, humor and joy to create an interactive concert.

Finally, the Milwaukee Handbell Ensemble performs its original and unique assortment of timeless seasonal classics at 7 p.m. Nov. 26.

Regular library services are suspended half an hour before the start time on the day of the event. No registration is required for these free programs, and all are welcome to attend.

For information, call (262) 242-2593, or email community@flwlib.org.

Explore the outdoors with activities at SANC

Bayside - The Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, 1111 E. Brown Deer Road, has activities for all ages.

Native American Spirituality: Nature as a Door to the Spiritual World with Dennis Hawk: 1:30 to 3 p.m. June 12; $10 for adult members, $12 for nonmember adults

Dennis Hawk, a Cherokee/Mesquaki descendant, shares how Native American spirituality has opened that door of nature.

Nature Yoga with Dennis Hawk: 7 to 8:30 p.m. June 12; $10 for adult members, $12 for nonmember adults

Dennis Hawk explains and demonstrates the powerful nature metaphors used in yoga practices in this participatory workshop.

Summer Matinee: Ponding Fever: 10 to 11:30 a.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m. June 13; $5 for child and Participants take nets and scoopers to see what kinds of critters dwell in these habitats.

Schlitz Audubon Bird Club: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 13; free to members and volunteers

Bring binoculars.

Family Hikes: 1 to 2:30 p.m. June 22 or July 13; $10 per member pair, $14 per nonmember pair

This program is geared for parents with children from 2 to 5 years old. Each session includes a hike with games, activities, stories and lots of play. Children must be accompanied by at least one parent or guardian.

10th Annual Froggin' Festival: 6 to 8 p.m. June 26; $5 for child and $7 for adult members, $7 for child and $10 for adult nonmembers

Jim Hyatt leads this celebration with live animals, contests for kids and adults, and critter catching. Bring muddin' shoes and a camera.

Especially for Educators - Exploring Nature with Young Children (Adult): 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. June 28; $20 per session or $35 for both sessions for members, $25 per session or $40 for both sessions for nonmembers

Enjoy a hike designed especially for teachers to learn some strategies and tips. Come for one session or both. Bring a lunch.

Hangin' with Hyatt: Campin' and Canoein': 6 p.m. June 29 to 10 a.m. June 30; $75 per tent for members, $85 per tent for nonmembers

Check-in and tent pitching starts at 6 p.m. At 7 p.m., participants go to Mystery Lake. Grab a net, hop into a canoe and catch critters. Participants head to the beach for a campfire and s'mores. Wake up between 7 and 9 a.m. for a continental breakfast. Bring a tent, flashlight and camping gear.