For many people, dogs are family members. Whether small, large, old, or young, these dogs are like children—holding a special place in our hearts. Fortunately, many loving homes exist in our area with people willing to adopt dogs and get them to their forever homes. Three dogs hold the hearts of Brittany Bergeman and her fiancé, Matt Murphy, of Eau Claire. Diesel and Dante are Miniature Pinschers, and Dre is a Doberman. Both Dante and Dre were adopted from unpleasant situations. “I love adopting dogs in need because I feel they deserve their happily-ever-after with a loving family who will …
Read More »Taking 5ive with Meghan Kulig
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 …
Read More »Keeping Up Fashion When Temperatures Fall
When the cold months blow in, Wisconsinites dig out their dormant wardrobes: large winter jackets, bulky sweaters, and layers-upon-layers in black and brown tones. Fashion can get lost with the balmy days. However, local style professionals offer fantastic advice—promoting fashion-forward looks practical enough to vanquish Jack Frost, Mother Nature, and Old Man Winter. Comfort stylist Judy Foust fell in love with Jockey Person to Person®’s clothing and concept after attending her first in-home event, The motto of “Where Comfort Meets Style” was truly evident in every item I tried on and purchased. As a Comfort Stylist, I’ve been with the …
Read More »Taking 5ive with Sylvia Hedberg-Thomas
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 …
Read More »The Courage to Build: Making an Impact One Family at a Time
Having a safe, livable, and warm home is something that most people take for granted. When was the last time you worried about being evicted or having enough money to pay next month’s rent? Unfortunately, there are families throughout the nation and in the Chippewa Valley that worry about these things each day. However, the local Habitat for Humanity organization strives to help families achieve their dream of home ownership. Through volunteerism, hard work, and community support, the organization makes a significant impact—one home at a time. Josh Rizzo serves as Chippewa Valley Habitat for Humanity’s development coordinator, and he …
Read More »Taking 5ive with Jane Cooper
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 …
Read More »Taking 5ive with Beth Salonek
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 …
Read More »Taking 5ive with Katie Hartsough
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 …
Read More »Taking 5ive with Lisa Stelter Graf
WRITTEN BY HEATHER ROTHBAUER-WANISH Lisa Stelter Graf has a strong base for all of the 5ive. As a busy wife, mother, business owner, and home mortgage professional with RCU, she has learned to hone in on what is most important in life. And, by doing so, she hopes to gain that balance that every woman strives to achieve on a daily basis. FAITH For Lisa, faith means more than going to church every Sunday. “I believe in God and everything He represents. And, I believe in living my life as a generous person.” Most of us know that actions speak …
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