This collection of stories from people sharing their “Wisconsin Life” includes the story of Ike Kumrow, a Random Lake man has lived in his rural home in Scott township (near West Bend) for close to 60 years. And for almost that long, Kumrow has built purple martin homes, turning their five acres into the perfect bird habitat. Kumrow has succeeded in attracting more than 100 purple martins to his land.
Then Wisconsin Life travels to Madison to meet Peggy Choy, a UW-Madison dance professor who combines teaching with choreographing provocative pieces for her New York-based troupe, including works on the enslaved “comfort women” in Korea during World War II and a dance biography of Muhammad Ali.
Next, it’s over to Viroqua to meet Amy Arnold and Kelsey Sauber Olds, who are husband and wife as well as artists who collaborate on crafting a unique style of wooden doll. The couple’s easy-going, simple style of life extends to raising their family in their rural Viroqua area home.
Also on tap, a trip to learn more about the founders of Guitars for Vets. When it comes to helping veterans recover from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, something struck a chord with guitar teacher Patrick Nettesheim and Vietnam veteran Dan Van Buskirk. They founded Guitars for Vets based on the notion that music, comradery and teamwork can help veterans find some joy in their journey towards recovery.
Finally, Wisconsin Life heads to Waukesha to meet Kaiden Hunkins, a typical 13 year old boy until he gets a pool cue in his hands. Hunkins has been racking up victories at his local pool hall and in tournaments for years and is now headed to China for the world championships.
