Maureen McCollum

1 month ago | wisconsinlife.org | Nancy Jorgensen |Maureen McCollum

Some professions run in the family. For writer Nancy Jorgensen of Waukesha, she spent her career as a teacher — just like her aunt and her daughter. She explores their vocations in this essay, “Rebel Trio.” It’s in honor of National Teacher Appreciation Week, which runs May 5-9, 2025. ==“Rebel Trio: Elizabeth, Elizabeth and Me”It was a Sunday afternoon in the ‘60s, so I was with my parents, cross-legged on the carpet in my grandparents’ tiny two-story.

1 month ago | wisconsinlife.org | Ken Szymanski |Maureen McCollum

Athletes in youth sports are often told things like, “It’s not about winning, it’s about having fun!” Sure, but what if you haven’t won a single game all season? That’s something Eau Claire Writer in Residence Ken Szymanski dealt with as a soccer coach. He shared a story, “As the Sun Sets on Summer Soccer,” at a live storytelling event hosted by Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Wisconsin Life” and the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild. It was held on Nov. 14, 2024 in Eau Claire at The Lakely.

1 month ago | wisconsinlife.org | Tyler Ditter |Maureen McCollum

“Stop Making Sense” has been hailed as one of the greatest concert films of all time. Directed by Jonathan Demme, the 1983 film unfolds as members of Talking Heads take the stage one by one. With each song, elements of the stage are added, dramatic lighting continually shifts the mood and David Byrne’s big suit steals the show. The film’s energy builds minute by minute, culminating in an explosive dance party.

1 month ago | wisconsinlife.org | Ron Weber |Maureen McCollum

As winter fades and Wisconsin begins to thaw, the changing season brings renewal not only to the land but also to the human spirit. Writer Ron Weber explores how the arrival of spring awakens long-forgotten memories, and he invites us to rediscover the sense of wonder that often lies dormant within us. ==“A Spring Song”We look forward to it with the anticipation of a child waiting for a midnight visit from Santa.

1 month ago | wisconsinlife.org | Yia Lor |Maureen McCollum

We all grieve differently, often vacillating between these worlds of wanting to talk about our loved ones to wanting to be left alone in silence. Writer Yia Lor of Eau Claire gets this. She tells us about finding her place while grieving the loss of her sister, Jer Lor. ==When my little sister Jer was dying, I was not prepared for the amount of support my family would receive and the number of people who would come from all over the country to celebrate her life. My sister was loved by many.