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

Recently, our family dined at Altoona Family Restaurant for Saturday breakfast. My kids love the waffles, and I am an Eggs Benedict fan. It got me thinking about great breakfasts/brunches. I wish we had time for a home-cooked breakfast every morning. Most school days, I hand my kids a piece of toast on their way out the door. When we do take the time for a breakfast or brunch, it’s traditional pancakes and bacon or one of my favorite recipes below. I like to buy local when possible—like Kim Ayres for eggs and Blueberry Ridge Orchard and Appledore Woods Berry …

WRITTEN BY GRACE THEISEN It’s spring break travel time! Sadly, the Theisens are stuck at home this year. However, we still recall some memorable past road trips. There is nothing like piling seven family members into one car! Last year, we drove to Alabama—think 22 driving hours with my four brothers. The trip started out pretty well. We played car games like “How long until the next big city?” and “When will the snow cover end?” Most importantly, we didn’t argue much. Oddly, as we drove farther south, the conditions worsened—heavy snowfall and very icy roads. By Springfield, Illinois, we …

WRITTEN BY GRACE THEISEN Every summer, my family vacations at Tiger Musky Resort near Hayward. We meet up with our extended family and long-time friends. We boat, fish, and swim; and we do our best to stay off of our electronic devices. Although we do not gather on a holiday, the get-together feels like a holiday gathering.   Sometimes it gets a bit crazy. We assemble in the main lodge for karaoke. No offense, but some people in my family should not sing with a karaoke mic. (Um, Dad!) Then there is this challenge event involving the consumption of a …

I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.  – Mother Teresa What the heck happened to summer? I am not sure how you ladies feel, but it seems like we got cheated. I am not ready to let go. Snow days causing a late summer start and then the polar vortex of July nearly pushed me over the edge. The Theisen crew has been running fast and furious to get in our summer activities. Shocking, I know. Memories will be made regardless, so we’re making the best of it. …

I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples. – Mother Teresa What the heck happened to summer? I am not sure how you ladies feel, but it seems like we got cheated. I am not ready to let go. Snow days causing a late summer start and then the polar vortex of July nearly pushed me over the edge. The Theisen crew has been running fast and furious to get in our summer activities. Shocking, I know. Memories will be made regardless, so we’re making the best of it. Our summer …