Taking 5ive

WRITTEN BY HEATHER ROTHBAUER-WANISH Sometimes life turns out differently than we planned. Megan MacLaughlin-Barck’s current reality bears little resemblance to her original plans. After graduating from Chippewa Falls Senior High School, Megan vowed never to come back to the area. She earned her undergraduate degree from UW-Madison, followed by a law degree from Pace Law School. Today, Megan is the sole owner of Larson Construction Co., Inc. (a Chippewa Falls company her grandparents founded). She admits she never envisioned herself in this role—but she has eaten a lot of “nevers” along the way. Nevertheless, while balancing motherhood, a thriving business, …

WRITTEN BY HEATHER ROTHBAUER-WANISH Edie McDonald is a busy woman. As co-owner of McDonald Company, she manages Goldsmith Coffee Bar and Five Star Catering, using both to give students hands-on business experience. She is also a wife and a mother. In all of her endeavors, Edie understands the importance of a strong value system. And she juggles her multiple responsibilities maintaining focus on her family and her faith. Faith Edie’s grandparents played formative roles in making faith an important part of her life from a young age. “When I was young, I looked forward to going to church in the …

WRITTEN BY HEATHER ROTHBAUER-WANISH The past year has been challenging, exciting, and full of changes for Meghan Kulig. With a new baby, a career transition, and a positive outlook on life, Meghan is excited to see what the future holds for her and her family. And, as with many women in the Chippewa Valley, she is busy balancing the five Fs: faith, family, friends, fitness, and finance. Faith After more than eight years as a news anchor and reporter for WEAU 13 News in Eau Claire, Meghan now works for Regis Catholic Schools as the Communications Director. She describes, “Because …

WRITTEN BY HEATHER ROTHBAUER-WANISH For Sylvia Hedberg-Thomas, each day is a new day of opportunity, hope, and desire to build a better future. In addition to assisting her husband, Jeff (who is blind), Sylvia works at the Eau Claire YMCA, is a mother to two daughters, and is a three-time cancer survivor. Through resolute faith, family dedication, and a focus on tomorrow, Sylvia is moving forward with an optimistic outlook that defies the odds. Faith Faith defines Sylvia’s life. She professes, “Without Jesus, I feel like I would have nothing. My faith is the most important thing in the world …

WRITTEN BY HEATHER ROTHBAUER-WANISH Jane Cooper is a woman on a mission to lead a happy, whole, and satisfying life. In addition to caring for her special needs son, she takes time for family, tries to find time to center herself, and works diligently to focus on the positive aspects of everyday living. Through both challenging and fulfilling times, Cooper knows that it is important to take a moment and appreciate everything the world has to offer. Faith “It is not that faith has shaped my life. It is that life has shaped my faith,” says Jane. Her faith is …

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 …