You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, “I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.” You must do the thing you think you cannot do. Eleanor Roosevelt Fall is here! Only yesterday it was a sunny 80 degrees. Today, I sit with a fresh cup of coffee as the wind whips and temperatures plunge. The chill in the air reminds me just how quickly seasons can change, in nature and life. Often, the change …

Nominated by Anneliese Fish (fan, baby sister, cookie dough) I once read a quote, “In the cookies of life, sisters are the chocolate chips.” How true this statement is! I love my sisters as much as I love my children, as much as I love red wine, as much as I love chocolate cake, all the things which I cannot live without. In all seriousness, I look up to my sisters more than anyone else in this world. They are both smart and beautiful, levelheaded and compassionate. They have helped guide me through life, and I know they will be …

Nominated by Teresa Jolivette I would like to nominate my friend and coworker, Tracey, for The Courage is Contagious Award. Tracey is a beautiful, busy mother of two girls, ages 10 and 7, and wife of Tim. She is an RN, a PTO leader-extraordinaire at a local elementary school, and an active member of her church. Tracey is also a cancer survivor. She was diagnosed one year ago with breast cancer. She has undergone treatment for the last year, including multiple surgeries, chemo, and radiation. She has been an example of strength, courage, and grace through it all. Tracey is …

By Vicki Larkowski The Great Depression triggered a wave of co-op organizing across our nation. One leading co-op launched during this period was the Consumers Cooperative Association of Eau Claire—“the Co-op.” The Co-op’s first purchase for its members was a carload of coal in 1935. Subsequent ventures included a gas station and, by 1953, a grocery store. From there, the Co-op Shopping Center continued to flourish on South Hastings Way. It became the only place in the region that “had it all”—from groceries to clothing, jewelry, and more. In 1962, a married mom with two children and no car needed …

Perspectives from a Mother and College-Bound Son Download this article and more in our August/September issue (VOL 3 – NO 4) HERE! By Tina Frank My son will launch off to college in a year; I cannot begin to describe what a difficult transition this is for our family. I am secretly jealous of those parents of confident high school seniors regarding their post high school plans. It pains me to watch my son—who has had little difficulty with school decisions in the past—hit this “college decision wall.” Bringing up the college topic with my son has been quite humbling for me. It …

WRITTEN BY HEATHER ROTHBAUER-WANISH   Like many women, Dr. Beth Salonek is a busy wife, mother, and caregiver. Add to that a thriving dental practice, and you have a hectic schedule that involves juggling many different people and activities. Through all her endeavors, Beth strives to remain in the moment while building meaningful relationships with family members and patients. And she is enjoying every minute of it. Faith Because of her faith, Beth knows she always has somewhere to turn—especially during times of struggle. This foundation has helped Beth become a strong, independent, and professional woman. Beth’s faith intersects—directly and …

WRITTEN BY HEATHER ROTHBAUER-WANISH For over 31 years, Mary Shoenknecht has been a familiar face at Trinity Lutheran Church in Eau Claire. While she raised her children, supported her husband in his endeavors, and built a family, she has consistently given back to her church community. Now, as she embarks on a new chapter in her life—retirement—Mary looks back fondly through memories and looks forward to new adventures. Faith. Faith plays an integral role in every aspect of Mary’s life. Mary joined Trinity Lutheran Church in 1955, was confirmed and married there; and her children grew up in the same …

WRITTEN BY HEATHER ROTHBAUER-WANISH Katie Hartsough, a kindergarten teacher at St. Charles Borromeo Primary School in Chippewa Falls, has kept the five Fs at the top of her priorities; and they have taken her places she never expected. As a teacher, mother, friend, and runner, Katie understands the importance of making time for what matters most. It’s been a long and exciting journey, where Katie has learned that, sometimes, right back where you started is right where you belong. Faith When Katie was a child, her mother made sure the family attended weekly mass. And Katie did the same when …

These two recipes are perfect for this Community of Women issue. My recipe box and many cookbooks are brimming with recipes from friends, family, and coworkers from the three time zones we have lived in over the years. What a great way to remember special people. The first recipe is so fitting for this time of year. Tomatoes and basil are at their peak. More importantly, this recipe is from my sister, who would have been celebrating her 53rd birthday this September. She notably influenced my foodie journey. I received the second recipe last year (thanks Susan via Sherri) after blueberry …

Summer is here, and that means time to enjoy the outdoors. These two recipes are easily portable. The chicken recipe works well for picnics, sack lunches, or dinner on the patio. Please share your favorite chicken recipes on our Facebook page. Bon Appetit, Lanette How to make Finger Chicken and Greek Lemon Pasta Salad by: Lanette Hesse