The “Starvin’ Carvists”, a small town theater owner and a man who finds his meals growing in the wild are just some of the stories on tap in this episode.
This collection of stories from people sharing their “Wisconsin Life” includes the story of Cecilia Eslinger, who wasn’t even much of a movie buff when she bought a one-screen theater in the small town of Stanley in Chippewa County. But the Milwaukee transplant made a new home in northern Wisconsin, meeting her husband and raising six kids in the movie business. Now Eslinger is slowing down and the kids have taken over the business. No one gets paid. Everyone volunteers to keep the doors open and the popcorn popping for this small community.
Next up, Birchwood resident Sam Thayer says the woods have a lot more to offer than just shade. He is a forager, and delights in showing others how much delicious food is growing naturally all around them. Thayer says people need to realize there is more to foraging than the occasional berry patch. A whole new taste experience awaits if they know where to look.
Also featured is Madison-based spoken word artist Althea Miller. Miller’s empowering message for African American women to own their past and embrace their beauty and power is not simply artistic expression. As a graduate student in the UW-Madison School of Education, Miller also studies and speaks out on the threat of stereotype thinking by teachers that creates barriers to student success.
Next, Wisconsin Life heads to Middleton, to meet Fred Foster, the CEO of Electronic Theater Controls. From the world’s tallest building in Dubai, to Main Street Disney in Orlando, to the lights on Broadway in New York City, it’s Foster’s Wisconsin company that lights the way. Foster shares his story of how he left the University of Wisconsin before graduating – but went on to be considered one of the most powerful people in the entertainment technology industry. See how Fred’s employees display “creative disrespect” for their boss.
Finally, the Eau Claire Starvin’ Carvists put their artistic arctic talents to the test. Jason Anhorn, David Andrews and Steve Bateman are a team of professional artists who create intricate sculptures out of packed snow. While most of their works are done for exhibits in parks and public spaces, the three men also defend their title in the annual National Snow Carving Championships in Lake Geneva.
