Son of CIA U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers, focus of Steven Spielberg film ‘Bridge of Spies,’ to speak in Oshkosh

Oshkosh Public Museum, 106 Washington Ave.

The library description states that for more than three decades Powers has lectured worldwide on the Cold War, its veterans, espionage and his father, CIA U-2 pilot Gary Powers. Shot down over the Soviet Union on May 1, 1960, Gary Powers’ story became a pivotal moment in history. Referred to as the U-2 Incident, this event was immortalized in Steven Spielberg’s 2015 Cold War thriller "Bridge of Spies," depicting the exchange of the pilot for Soviet KGB Spy Rudolph Able in 1962.

During his talk, Powers discusses consulting on the 2015 Spielberg film, growing up in the shadow of a famous Cold War figure, and how his research led to the USAF and CIA posthumously awarding his father the POW Medal/Directors Medal and Silver Star in 2000 and 2012 respectively.

For more information about library programs, visit oshkoshpubliclibrary.org.

Four authors come together for 'Spirit Takes Flight' program

The Caramel Crisp Bookstore will host four authors July 26 during “Spirit Takes Flight; Stories of Hardship, Courage and Hope.” The program will run 5 to 6:30 p.m. at 200 City Center.

Although these four authors come from diverse backgrounds, they are united in writing about the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, danger and grief. The event also coincides with EAA AirVenture, taking place July 22-28 in Oshkosh.

Jim Purtell grew up in rural Wisconsin with 11 siblings. He tells of the chaos and trauma of war in his book, “Vietnam, There and Back; A Combat Medic’s Chronicle.”

Retired Continental Flight Attendant and Oshkosh Native BJ Elliot Prior, recounts the stories of Veterans she knew during her years in the air.

Author Neil Hanson began his aviation career for Teamster boss Jimmy Hoffa. He spent more than a decade in Southeast Asia as a captain for Air America, an airline that operated for the CIA during the Vietnam era. Hanson tells his story in “Flight, An Air America Pilot’s Story of Adventure, Descent and Redemption.”

Author Susan Stark Christianson is an award-winning former journalist, author of “Flying With Wings: A True Story of an Alaska Aircraft Accident.” Her story follows the 1994 DeHavilland Otter floatplane disaster in Alaska’s Taku River.

For more information, visit caramelcrispcorner.com/book-store.

Cemetery Walk set for July 25 in Neenah

The 39th annual Cemetery Walk, hosted by Neenah Historical Society, will begin at 6:30 p.m. July 25 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Neenah. Presentations will begin at the newly renovated chapel.

Learn about some of Neenah’s early settlers, prominent citizens and notable figures from costumed actors. This year’s walk will feature the stories of four individuals directly impacted by the marriage of Isabel Bacon and C.R. Smith. The stories portrayed will be Isabel Johnson, Orrin Johnson, Ronald Rogers and Sylvia Shepard.

Also of note, the Isabel and Orrin Johnson house was named to the National Register of Historic Places as of June 26. The house was designed in the Arts and Crafts style, a style that is not commonly found in Neenah or Winnebago County. The interior is done in Georgian Revival. It is in the East Forest Avenue National Register Historic District, established in 2005.

Light refreshments will be provided. Admission is a suggested donation of $5 per person or $10 per car.

Atlas Preservation will be at Oak Hill Cemetery July 29 as part of the “Saving America’s Graveyards” event. It is free and open to the public and registration is not required.

The event aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving and maintaining historic graveyards across the United States. Atlas Preservation will share its restoration products and techniques, offering hands-on demonstrations and educational sessions.

Guest speakers, including local historians and preservation experts, will share insights into the history of Oak Hill Cemetery and the importance of cemetery conservation efforts.

The day begins with introductions and a tour from 9 to 10 a.m.; gravestone cleaning from 10 a.m. to noon; and monument repair work from noon to 3 p.m. A lunch break will be held around noon. Take a lunch and chairs if you wish. Light refreshments will be available.

For more about the Atlas Preservation tour, visit 48statetour.com.

Author group releases new book, 'Unmapped: An Anthology'

The book launch of “Unmapped: An Anthology” will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. July 24 at Community First Credit Union, 201 Main St., Menasha. The free event is hosted by SmithWorks Writing group and the public is welcome.

The book features 20 stories by 13 local authors. A reading and a talk about the creation of the book will be held. Copies will be available for purchase, and authors will sign the books.

The SmithWorks Writing Group is a program of Menasha’s Elisha D. Smith Public Library. According to a news release, the group was founded in 2022 as a way for local writers to enhance their writing craft, learn about the publishing industry and connect with other writers. The group is facilitated by Rebecca M. Zornow, a founding book coach with Conquer Books.

This is the group’s second collection of stories and covers many genres. Contributing authors include Don Brittnacher, Sylvia Coopman, Danna Dietz, Max DeMay, Don Fahrenkrug, S.J. Heinz, K.L. Mielke, Eric Reuter, Lori O’Brien Smith, Ryan Surprise, Elizabeth Westenberger, Cynthia Seidl Witt and Rebecca M. Zornow.

For more information, contact Rebecca M. Zornow at smithworkswriters@gmail.com, call the library at 920-967-3690, or visit the library’s temporary location at UWO-Fox Cities Student Union, 1478 Midway Road, Menasha.

BEAMING hosts new Christmas in July fundraising event

BEAMING Inc. will host its first-ever Christmas in July Carnival and Craft Fair July 27. It will run noon to 4 p.m. at the BEAMING Ranch, 2692 County GG, Neenah. Attendees must wear closed-toed shoes.

BEAMING and other local nonprofits will be available to talk with visitors about their groups and resources available. Proceeds will support Special Spaces, a nonprofit that creates dream bedrooms for children with cancer.

The event will feature interaction with horses, kids’ carnival games, face painting, balloon art, food trucks, raffle baskets, and local crafters. Also attending the event will be the Vinland Fire Department Truck and Equipment, the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department emotional support dog, and Santa, who will be available for photos.

Admission is $10 per car, and tickets can be purchased in advance at givebutter.com/7HLs1N or at the door.

Participating nonprofits include Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services, Family Services Counseling Clinic, J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue, NAMI – Oshkosh, Oshkosh Area Community Pantry, SOAR, Rawhide Youth Services, Wild & Free Animal Rescue, and 4-H Youth and Development.

Contact Mara Wegner at mwegner@gannett.com or 920-996-7241.