> FEEL LESS TIRED Tips, tricks + ideas for sweeter dreams
> GALENTINE'S, PALENTINE'S, VALENTINE'S DAY
Great gifts, delish eats, luxe lodgings + more
+ WOMEN SHAPING DOWNTOWN
OUT FRONT AND BEHIND THE SCENES, THEY MAKE THE CITY TICK.
Unfortunately, not everything they share is good
If you or other family members have had heart issues or heart disease, talk about it. By sharing what you know, you can help your family understand their risk for heart disease.
Heart disease is preventable and treatable.
UW Health’s Cardiac Arrest Prevention Program has experts who can help. Our team works with individuals and entire families to identify their risk factors and develop a plan to help lower their risk for heart disease.
If someone in your family has one of the following risk factors, we can help.
• Prior cardiac arrest
• Previous heart attack
• Heart attack in your family
• Abnormal heart rhythm leading to cardiac arrest
• Blockages in your heart’s blood vessels leading to heart attack or cardiac arrest
Visit uwhealth.org/CAPP or call (608) 890-7760 to learn more or self-refer to our Cardiac Arrest Prevention Program.
Your voice is a gift to yourself and the world. Don’t let insecurity and fear stop you from using it. Women, in particular, face challenges when it comes to how their voices are heard at the workplace, at home, and in public spaces. Join WPR radio host Veronica Rueckert to find out how to tap into the strength of your authentic voice, learn basic techniques to work with the breath and support the voice, and empower yourself to bring joy to the act of speaking.
Speaking While Female
Thursday, February 23, 6:15–7:30 pm
“ Your voice can change the world. Learn how to set it free.”
VERONICA RUECKERT
with Veronica Rueckert
Photo Credit: Althea Dotzour Photography
Our Infinite Love Story
Kara and Kyle Niedermeier and their daughter Hadley, born at SSM Health St. Mary’s HospitalMadison in May of 2015
When Kara and Kyle Niedermeier found out they were going to have a baby, many questions rushed through their heads.
When is the right time to tell our families?
When should we start buying furniture for the nursery?
Will it be a boy or a girl?… And what about names!?
But the one question they never had to ask is where their baby was going to be born – because they already knew the answer.
“We had heard so many great things about the SSM Health Family Birth Suites from friends who had delivered their babies under the care of the staff,” said Kara “From stories about the celebratory dinner, to the large comfortable beds, to the great nursing staff, St. Mary’s Hospital was the obvious choice for our family.”
As Kara and Kyle prepared for the arrival of their baby, the staff at St. Mary’s was preparing right along with them.
“St. Mary’s staff asked all the appropriate questions and made sure they understood our birth plan right away,” said Kyle.
Kara added, “The tour of the birth and family suites was so helpful. The staff showed me how I could turn down the lights in the suite and take advantage of soothing aromatherapy or relax in the jetted tub. It was comforting to have a feel for where I would be giving birth.”
When the big day finally arrived, the team at St. Mary’s was right by Kara’s side.
“The nurses were unbelievably helpful and encouraging. As my delivery progressed, I couldn’t feel my contractions, so I didn’t know when to push. The care team sensed my anxiety and had a nurse come to my side to assist me,” said Kara. “Our daughter Hadley arrived minutes later. As soon as she arrived, she was put on my chest and the nurses allowed us time to bond – just mother and daughter. It was a perfect experience!”
“I would absolutely recommend the SSM Health Family Birth Suites to a friend,” concluded Kara. “It was so nice to have enough space in the birthing suite to have both my and my husband’s family present, without feeling crowded. We loved it!”
After Hadley’s birth, the Niedermeiers were able to spend some quality time together in the comfortable family suites.
“The bed was large and comfortable enough for both of us to lay in and enjoy time with our new little baby, said Kyle. “It was nice to be able to have room for the three of us to bond and rest together.”
SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital - Madison is a Women’s Choice Award® winner for Obstetrics in Wisconsin.
Forget the Chocolates... Get What You Really Want!
A VALENTINE’S DAY EXPERIENCE YOU’RE SURE TO LOVE!
Join BRAVA Magazine and Carbon World Health for the perfect Valentine’s Day treatment!
Each $99 registration includes:
• Champagne with Strawberries
• Hors d’Oeuvres
• Cupid’s Anti-Aging Facial
• Cupid’s Freeze Therapy
• Vanquish & Exilis Demos
In addition to, each registrant is able to take advantage of the following specials:
Vanquish Package: Get 6 treatments for the price of 4 (Savings of $1500) FDA-approved body contouring procedure, using radiofrequency energy to heat and kill fat cells in a non-invasive way. Virtually painless and requires no downtime!
Exilis Package: Get 1 free additional session with the purchase of any Exilis package (Savings up to $750) World’s leading, most advanced non-invasive skin tightening machine. Along with cellulite reduction, collagen is stimulated and strengthened while loose skin is tightened and fat deposits are reduced, all with no downtime!
Thursday, February 9th from 4:30-8pm
Spaces are limited and this event will sell out quickly! Call Carbon World Health today to reserve your spot! (608) 709-8089 | 340 S. Whitney Way, Suite 100
CAN’T MAKE IT ON FEBRUARY 9TH, CALL TO REGISTER NOW AND SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT ON A DATE THAT WORKS FOR YOU.
CONNECT
Engage | 17
The latest news, hot events, discussions and special BRAVA promotions you can’t live without.
Perspective | 20
The many talents of productivity guru Katie Belanger.
THRIVE
Sweet Dreams | 25
Natural sleep aids that are beautiful and soothing
Style + Beauty | 26
Lacy and lovely underthings
Wellbeing | 28
Yoga to benefit sleep, seasonal affective disorder, menopause facts
Retail Therapy | 32
Luxily Boutique Box’s posh offerings
Dwell | 34
Sleep in beauty, trends in mattress design
Portrait of an Artist | 38
Tazia LeMay rediscovers her roots.
GO+DO
Surf’s Up | 63
Hawaiian-inspired bistro Miko Poké keeps it fresh.
Anatomy of a Dish | 64
What goes into a poké dish?
Entree | 66
Hankr app gives diners a visual preview of local fare
Eats + Drinks | 68 RED’s new space for lush sushi dining.
Jaunt | 72
Little Waunakee’s big offerings, romantic Madison boutique lodging
Spotlight | 75
February’s don’t-miss arts and entertainment events
Catalyst | 78
Threshold Singers offer musical comfort at life’s threshold.
Happenings | 79
See who you know in photos from BRAVA’s Madison Women’s Expo.
IN EVERY ISSUE
Relate | 12
Contributors | 10 Linger | 80
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS
Heath Care and Wellbeing
Professional Profiles | 22
Sponsored Content: Divorce Survival Guide | 40
Retirement Living Special Advertising Section | 56
BRAVA Kids | 70
Take the Weight off your Heart
The benefits of losing weight go far beyond smaller clothing sizes.
Losing or maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk of diabetes, heart disease, relieve joint and muscle pains, improve sleep patterns and increase your energy levels.
Our SSM Health professionals can help you achieve lasting weight loss with a Comprehensive Weight Management Program that will allow you to live a healthier and longer life.
» To learn more about how a healthy weight can change your life, download our Understanding Obesity Guide at stmarysmadison.com/weightoffyourheart or call 608-824-4457 Weight Management Services Heart and Vascular Care
Ultimate Tchaikovsky: The Last Symphony
FEB. 17, 18, 19 | Overture Hall
Tchaikovsky’s emotionally charged melodic masterpiece is perfectly complemented by the exotic beauty of Saint-Saëns’ magnificent concerto.
SAMUEL BARBER
Second Essay
CAMILLE SAINT-SAËNS
Piano Concerto No. 5 (The Egyptian)
PETER ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY
Symphony No. 6 (Pathétique)
John DeMain, Conductor
Stephen Hough, Piano
MAJOR FUNDING PROVIDED BY Irving and Dorothy Levy Family Foundation, Inc. Stephen Morton | BMO Wealth Management
ADDITIONAL FUNDING PROVIDED BY Boardman & Clark LLP Forte Research Systems & Nimblify James and Joan Johnston Wisconsin Arts Board
Organist Samuel Hutchison with Tenor Andrew Bidlack and Bass Kyle Ketelsen
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LEE ACKER lee@bravaenterprises.com
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT JENNIFER ROSEN-HEINZ jennifer@bravaenterprises.com
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT JODY WISZ jody@ntmediagroup.com
INTERNS Editorial | Helen Bush, Caroline Szachnowski
BRAVA Magazine is a publication of Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc. Gary E. Nei, Chairman; William Turner, President; Barbara Krause, Publisher. 951 Kimball Lane, Suite 104. Verona, WI, (608) 848-6700.
SUBSCRIBE AT BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM
Subscription Information: (877) 811-2639 or brava@pubdmgroup.com.
DISCOVERY CREATIVITY COMMUNITY INSPIRATION WORKSHOPS FAMILY FUN
WRITERS | Sujhey Beisser, Amy Carlson, Elle Duncombe-Mills, Jenie Gao
PHOTOGRAPHERS | Kaia Calhoun, Sunny Frantz, Lisa Wilcox
SHELBY DEERING | “SHAPING DOWNTOWN,” P. 48
Shelby Deering is a Verona-based lifestyle writer and the owner of writing biz Shelby Deering, LLC. She loves to create highly descriptive, authentic, soulful pieces for national publications like Midwest Living, Flea Market Decor and Vintage Celebrations, and for regional magazines such as Wisconsin People & Ideas and Experience Wisconsin. With a focus on profiles, home decor, shopping and travel, Shelby enjoys experiencing all that Madison has to offer, with her husband and corgi Ginger, at her side.
SARA FINGER | “POLICY CORNER,” P. 18
Sara Finger is the founder and executive director of the Wisconsin Alliance for Women’s Health. She lives in Fitchburg and takes great pride in raising her two young children to speak up and be heard. Among many recognitions, Sara was named a Champion of Change by the White House for her work on the Affordable Care Act in 2012. She also was a BRAVA 2012 Woman to Watch. Learn more about the policies she advocates for that impact women’s health, safety and economic security at supportwomenshealth.org
SUNNY FRANTZ | “POSH SWAG,” P. 32
Sunny is a former BRAVA gal now using her marketing, graphic design and styled photography experience to help small businesses connect with their ideal audience. She lives with her husband and two kids on Madison’s West Side. They are mid-century modern enthusiasts and are always dreaming up their next big DIY house project. You can follow her work on Instagram @sunny.frantz.
EMILY LEAS | “SLEEP, PRECIOUS SLEEP,” P. 43
Emily relishes the deep dive into a story, and has been a freelance writer for close to 15 years starting in Michigan, then Montana and now Madison for the last eight years. She also loves seeing new places with her husband, roaming the dog park with her puppy, Duncan, and paddleboarding!
MEG ROTHSTEIN | “LIFE IN THE KEY OF B,” P. 20
Meg is a Middleton-based certified professional life coach and owner of Larkspur Collaborative Coaching, LLC. Nectary Press, a community writing micropress initiative, is Larkspur’s most recent project, which allows her to meld several passions: community, books and support for the creative arts. In spring and summer, Meg lobs seed bombs from a lemon yellow bicycle she pedals around town.
HILLARY SCHAVE | “SHAPING DOWNTOWN,” P. 48
Hillary is the creative force behind the local business, Azena Photography. Her vast experience in documentary and editorial style wedding photography has helped to create some truly genuine and beautiful portraits of the local women featured here in BRAVA Magazine. She is “mama” and wife to two amazing fellas and loves that it only takes 20 minutes to get almost anywhere in Madison.
CANDICE WAGENER | “SHAPING DOWNTOWN,” P. 48
Candice Wagener is a freelance writer who regularly contributes to BRAVA and Isthmus A Chicagoland native (and still-smiling, lifelong Cubs fan), Candice came to study at UW-Madison in 1995 in what she considered a “small town.” Amazed by the transition to a full-blown city over the past 20-plus years, she admires every single woman she interviewed for this issue because they each play a valuable role in the incredible changes to Madison.
SHANNA WOLF | PHOTOS THROUGHOUT
Shanna is a freelance photographer with a background in advertising and communications, specializing in portrait, documentary and interior photography. Her photography aesthetic is modern with simplicity and balance. She loves the storytelling of still photography and being a contributor to publications with meaningful messages. Her personal work is focused on travel and wandering, using her camera as her sketchbook.
TO GOOD NIGHTS
JUST ONE—ONE DAMN NIGHT of good sleep. What I wouldn’t give!
I find myself repeating this at least a few times every week.
In fact, this week, I’ve woken up at exactly 4:44 a.m. for a couple days in a row now. How much do you want to bet I will wake up at 4:44 a.m. tomorrow, and the next day, until I am so tired I actually sleep to a more reasonable hour by week’s end.
My sleep is better than it has been. I’ve had days where I’ve been up at 3 a.m.— for the day, every day all week. I will say, it does wonders to get me to and from the gym before my work day has even started.
But Martha Stewart I am not. No, eight to nine hours—what a dream if it is uninterrupted!—really is what I’ve believed is my sweet spot. When I get that much sleep, I feel like a dynamo—my best, less klutzy and ravenous, most peaceful and productive self.
Sound like your life, too? There are 40 million others out there who regularly feel tired like us. What to do about this plague?
For starters, read Emily Leas’ excellent feature “Sleep, Precious Sleep,” on P. 43, for tips and strategies. A nightly sip of cherry juice is in my future, and I think I need to go cold turkey on the daytime caffeine.
From Leas’ story, I’m also taking the suggestion to turn off the light on my alarm clock, so that when I do wake up at 4:44 a.m., again, I simply won’t know the time and can avoid the flutter of anxiety about how early it is, how tired I’ll be and how it’ll impact my day.
Leas also explains I may not actually need as much sleep, with each passing year. And I’m trying something else I’ve just learned may go hand-in-hand: placebo sleep.
That is, next time I wake up knowingly shorted on sleep, I will tell myself I actually do feel rested and, indeed, got enough sleep. And I will repeat the mantra. Until I believe it. I am smiling through my yawns, and you know, even though I haven’t had a cup of coffee, I’m really not tired at all.
Kate Bast Editor-in-Chief
ON THE COVER
Sleep, precious sleep. Model: Writer, photographer, jewelry maker (see elleazul.com) and former BRAVA intern Elle DuncombeMills—read about her at BRAVAmagazine.com Styled and photographed by Shanna Wolf. Shot on location atThe Company Store.
DON’T MISS!
Become more productive in work and life with strategies from Katie Belanger at the THRIVE Career Workshop, Feb. 22. Details P. 19.
GET ENTERTAINED by the “All-Kid” performances on the Spotlight on Kids Stage all weekend.
MEET + LEARN about exotic animals at the Zoozort Live Animal Pavilion. Live shows daily!
BURN OFF STEAM in the huge inflatable bouncy zones for tiny tots (2 to 4 years old) and big kids (5 years and up).
CATCH A BREAK as your kids get entertained and have fun.
CATCH YOUR BREATH with exhibitors’ great ideas, resources and enrichment options for you and your kids the whole year round.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR and check MadisonKidsExpo.com for the detailed daily schedules of fun!
Zoozort Live Animal Programs
SATURDAY 11:30 AM 1:30 PM 2:30 PM SUNDAY 11:15 AM 2:00 PM
Exhibitors
Aldo Leopold Nature Center
American Family Insurance, DreamBank
Arbonne International
Auburn Reading Center - Read and Rest Pillows
Badger BOTS Robotics
Beginner’s Mind Mindfulness Kits
Black Belt America
Blooming Photography
Bluegreen Vacations Unlimited, Inc.
Boy Scouts of America
Camp Anokijig
Camping For The Fun of It/Smokey
Hollow Daycamp
Cave of the Mounds
Spectrum Communications
CI Pediatric Therapy Centers
Connections Education LLC
Edgewood Campus School
Face Paint Smiles
First Choice Dental
Ganser Company
Girl Scouts of Wisconsin, Badgerland Council, Inc.
Heartland Family Chiropractic
Heartland Farm Sanctuary
Home Depot
Hulafrog Madison
Infinity Martial Arts
Just Between Friends
K12, Inc
Kicks Unlimited
Knuckleheads Bowling and Indoor Amusement Park
LuLaRoe Dusty Rogers
Mad City Martial Arts
Madison Area Youth Bowling Association
Madison Parks
Metcalfe’s Market
MSCR
Nicolet Camps
Next Generation
Norwex
Outlets at the Dells
Overture Center For The Arts
Paik's Traditional Martial Arts
Post Adoption Resource Center of Southern Wisconsin
Puggle Bumps Productions
Rise Up Martial Arts Academy
Scentsy
Silver Linings Taekwon-do Studio
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
St. Johns Northwestern Military Academy
SwimWest Swim School
Synergy Dance Company
Taliesin Preservation
Tupperware
UnityPoint Health - Meriter
US Cellular
Usborne Books
Walbridge School
Wall Whimsy Mural Co.
Waunakee Remodeling
Wildtree Foods
Wisconsin Academy of Sciences
Arts & Letters
Wisconsin Tennis Association
Wisconsin Youth Company
YMCA Dane County
Young Living Essential Oils
Zerorez Madison
SPOTLIGHT ON KIDS STAGE PERFORMANCES
ZOOART LIVE ANIMAL PAVILION
FUNPLAY INFLATABLE ZONES
TOWN OF MADISON FIRE DEPARTMENT TRUCK
BOWLING
MARTIAL ARTS
SUMMER CAMPS AND SCHOOLS
BUCKY BADGER FROM 12 P.M. - 1 P.M. DAILY
FARM TRACTORS
AMBULANCE
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
TITLE SPONSOR
Meriter is now Unity Point Health — Meriter, visit our booth for fun activities to keep kids active, information about living a healthy lifestyle and a family photo booth. The point of everything we do is you.
GOLD STAR SPONSOR
What are you grateful for: energy, advice, friends or family? Connect those to moments of grace, helpful folks or random coincidences that have helped you pursue your dreams. DreamBank is your next muse–a place to be inspired, pursue passions and achieve dreams!
COMMUNITY TICKET SPONSOR
By providing comprehensive and compassionate care for the entire family, First Choice Dental supports children and their families in achieving healthy smiles. From general family dentistry to specialty care we are here for our patients!
SILVER STAR SPONSOR
U.S. Cellular is your local Wisconsin Wireless carrier, providing national network coverage and industryleading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. We offer a strong line-up of cutting edge devices that are all backed by our high-quality network in big and small cities and rural communities, giving you coverage when and where you need it most.
SILVER STAR SPONSOR
Spectrum is proud to be a part of the Madison community. Come visit our booth, meet some fun characters and find out why we are America’s fastest-growing TV, Internet and Voice provider.
BLUE STAR SPONSOR
Wisconsin Connections Academy (WCA) is a tuition-free K–12 public online school that students attend from home. WCA combines state-certified teachers, a fully accredited curriculum, technology tools and community experiences to create a successful online learning opportunity for families statewide.
TRANSPARENCY AND LIGHT | Enter the illuminated world of Korean-born sculptor and installation artist Do Ho Suh. His life-size constructs wrap up a four-city national tour with a three-month stint at Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, starting with an evening artist talk Feb. 10. Suh’s mesmerizing fusions of Pexiglass, fabric and steel deceive the eye—blurring the line between intimacy and illusion. MMoCA, Madison. mmoca.org.
POLICY CORNER BE HEARD
BY SARA FINGER, FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF WISCONSIN ALLIANCE FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH
POLICIES IN WORKPLACES, schools, communities or the state Capitol can help or hinder us in our daily lives. And, women can choose to be “in the kitchen” or “on the menu” when it comes to policy decisions. It’s important to be informed, if not involved and inspired to make a difference, at whatever level of engagement is most comfortable for you
A key policy area that calls for women to speak out and be heard is the future of health care access in our country. With very real prospects of the Affordable Care Act being repealed along with Medicaid and Medicare being changed, women are being called upon to dip their toes in the advocacy water now.
There’s no denying that as women, we have our own unique health care needs and we are often the coordinators of care for our families. Health care coverage, access, quality and affordability impact all of us. The conversations about the future of health care in our country are at a fever pitch and we need to ensure the voices of women are heard to inform the debate.
How do you feel about cancer survivors being denied coverage because their cancer is a pre-existing condition? Do you support making it easier to afford and access preventive care? Does it make sense to you to help new moms get supplies and support to breastfeed? Should young adults be able to get coverage through a parent’s insurance as they struggle to find employment with benefits?
Put aside politics and rhetoric and just reflect on what you think Wisconsin women need and deserve. Then share that vision with those elected to serve you. Visit whorepresentsme.info to find out who your state and local leaders are and how to connect with them. If you don’t speak out, you can’t be heard!
Learn more about policies impacting women’s health, safety and economic security at supportwomenshealth.org.
“THE MORE VIBRANT AND ACTIVE OUR DOWNTOWN IS, THE MORE VIBRANT AND ACTIVE OUR WHOLE CITY IS.” –ANNE NEUJAHR MORRISON, OF URBAN LAND INTERESTS
MEET NEUJAHR MORRISON AND OTHER WOMEN WHO MAKE DOWNTOWN MADISON THRIVE IN “SHAPING DOWNTOWN” P. 48.
OUT + ABOUT
BRAVA-SPONSORED EVENTS
THROUGH FEB. 12 | “OUTSIDE MULLINGAR” FORWARD THEATER COMPANY
Anthony and Rosemary are facing down middle age from neighboring farms in rural Ireland. Only a strip of land separates these eccentric souls, but with a feud simmering between their families, these introverted misfits will need to overcome a childhood grudge and years of stubborn pride to find happiness. Flinty humor and poetic passion highlight this charming and poignant Forward Theater Company play by John Patrick Shanley about how it’s never to o late to take a chance on love. Overture Center, Madison. Tickets: overture.org.
FEB. 2 | GO RED LIGHTING CEREMONY
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, and it’s time to fight back. Kick off American Heart Month with the American Heart Association’s lighting ceremony at Overture Center for the Performing Arts. Wear your favorite red outfit and join the night’s fun—sip red wine, indulge in heart-healthy bites, peruse local vendors and share your best Go Red selfies. And don’t forget to keep the effort going: National Wear Red Day is Friday, Feb. 3. Lighting and launch party: 5:30-7 p.m. Overture Center, Madison. overture.org.
FEB. 9 | CARBON WORLD HEALTH
BRAVA NIGHT OUT
Join BRAVA Magazine and Carbon World Health for the perfect Valentine’s Day treatment. Each registration includes champagne, strawberries, hors d’oeuvres, an anti-aging facial and freeze therapy session, plus Vanquish and Exilis treatment demos. 4:30-8:30 p.m. To register: Call Carbon World Health, (608) 709-8089
BRAVA EVENTS
Feb. 22 | THRIVE CAREER WORKSHOP
MAKING PRODUCTIVITY PRODUCTIVE WITH KATIE BELANGER
Join productivity guru and former gubernatorial scheduler Katie Belanger of Katie B. Strategies for a two-part workshop on two core elements of productivity: your workflow and your schedule. Expect training elements, activities and individual assessments. Bring your calendar, planner, mobile devices and anything you use to keep track of your work and life. 8:45-11:45 a.m. Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. Tickets: BRAVAmagazine.com. See P. 20 to learn more about Belanger.
April 28 | THRIVE CONFERENCE INSPIRING DAY, EMPOWERED LIFE
Get empowered, enriched, educated and entrepreneurial at BRAVA’s THRIVE Conference! Personal and professional development topics taught by some of Madison’s favorite speakers will inspire you to nurture yourself, cultivate your personal potential and thrive in all aspects of life. More than 18 individual sessions offered. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The Edgewater. Tickets and conference details: thrivewithBRAVA.com.
Friday, April 28, 2017 | The Edgewater, Madison | 8AM - 5PM
GET EMPOWERED, ENRICHED, EDUCATED AND ENTREPRENEURIAL!
PERSONAL ENRICHMENT AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT KEYNOTE AND BREAKOUT WORKSHOPS WILL INSPIRE WOMEN TO NURTURE THEMSELVES, CULTIVATE THEIR PERSONAL POTENTIAL AND THRIVE IN ALL ASPECTS OF LIFE. Details + Registration thrivewithbrava.com
TITLE SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
LIFE IN THE KEY OF B THE MANY TALENTS OF PRODUCTIVITY GURU KATIE BELANGER
BY MEG ROTHSTEIN
KATIE BELANGER’S FINGERS SOAR over the flute keys. She knows the notes by heart. She vividly remembers every chord of her song, “Purpose.” She first learned it at a young age in a band practice room in Wauwatosa.
The meaning behind the title resonated later in her life, and still does today.
“Years ago, I took a training program where I really dug into the question, What is my purpose? What brings me joy? The facilitators took me through an exercise in thinking about three very distinct points in life when I felt really happy,” Belanger says.
Memories of participation as a leader in her school and community’s music programs echoed in refrain. Bringing people together to play—whether it was in marching band, her flute and piccolo section or a small group playing before a children’s theater performance—brought young Katie authentic purpose.
To this day, the founder of Katie B. Strategies says, “My purpose continues to be bringing groups of people together and helping them work better together. That is
PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA WILCOX
where I find the most joy. That is where I find the most fulfillment. And it can look really different from day to day.”
Belanger’s service and leadership journey covers a diverse landscape. A change agent with activist roots, Belanger worked on numerous congressional and gubernatorial campaigns, led Fair Wisconsin in working toward statewide anti-discrimination measures and performed committed strategic planning with Roots Ethiopia, a nonprofit with a mission to support job creation and education in Ethiopian communities. She’s supported and led myriad nonprofits, for profits, boards and staff teams.
These experiences allow her to offer a rich menu of services through her business, Katie B. Strategies, including strategic planning, technology integration and team strengthening to help unify organizations. She also conducts training in diversity, advocacy, campaigns and organizing, among other areas.
A productivity guru who walks the walk, Belanger has earned the reputation of being unstoppable. Evidence? She runs her business in addition to serving full time as chief operations officer for Freedom for All Americans—the leading bipartisan campaign to secure full nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people nationwide.
As COO, Belanger oversees the organization’s strategic planning and internal operations. She also directs LGBT University—Freedom for All Americans’ groundbreaking and rigorous leadership training program built to develop the next wave of leaders in the Equality Movement.
“Katie squeezes more productivity out of one LGBT-U weekend than some of us see in a month at our day jobs,” remarks alum Hannah Willard, public policy director for Equality Florida.
Belanger’s been with LGBT University from the beginning. “One of the reasons I got involved in Freedom for All Americans was because they were building [LGBTU]. It was one of the only times I’ve seen an organization say, from the start, that one of their top priorities was to build a strong team of people who are doing this work.” The team asked Belanger how to make it happen. “I got to help create the program where we’re working with amazing advocates from all over the country. We’re bringing in LGBTQ folks and allies, more people of color, genderqueer and gender non-conforming and trans folks and
Continued on P. 31
HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING PROVIDERS
As an SSM Health Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB/GYN), Dr. Erika Mikulec has dedicated her professional life to providing specialized health care to women.
“The best part of my job is building relationships with patients, while working together to achieve a common goal of improving their health,” she says.
Dr. Mikulec offers three pieces of advice for women’s overall health.
• Prioritize your health. It’s easy to put off scheduling a medical appointment, but you owe it to yourself to be as healthy as possible.
• Do kind things for others. Studies have shown that acts of kindness lead to increased personal happiness.
• Manage your stress. Mental health is essential for your well-being, and finding activities to reduce stress such as meditation, journaling or exercise can provide new perspective and improve overall health.
Dean Medical Group – Fish Hatchery 1313 Fish Hatchery Rd. Madison, WI 53715 www.deancare.com/doctors
Lastly, Dr. Mikulec believes that finding a balance between family and work is essential to women leading healthy lives – and she takes that advice to heart.
“I find it helpful to prioritize the things that are important to me and make a conscious effort to keep those things in the forefront,” she says. “For instance, I enjoy exercising and cooking and will often try to do these activities with family or friends.”
ERIKA MIKULEC, MD FINDING BALANCE LEADS
HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING PROVIDERS
Sue’s goal when starting Sienna Crest 20 years ago with her business partner, Veralee Gregg, was to provide quality care that enhances every resident’s life, respects their individuality and encourages their independence in an environment that is supportive and homelike. Her idea for the company was also to be the choice for qualified, top-performing employees who demonstrate genuine fondness for older adults through compassion, humor and care.
Sue is a unique owner in that she makes it a point to know the names of staff, residents, and their family members. “Our goal when creating Sienna Crest was never to be the biggest, it was always to be the best,” -Sue White. When she is not running Sienna Crest, Sue enjoys the outdoors by golfing, boating, or riding her snowmobile. She also enjoys spending time with her friends, husband, daughter, and beautiful granddaughter Sienna.
Sienna Crest offers 9 conveniently located assisted living homes, memory care homes, and independent apartments throughout Southern Wisconsin. For a complete listing of locations, please visit: www.siennacrest.com.
HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING PROVIDERS
All mothers experience childbirth differently. At SSM Health Dean Medical Group, Maternal-Fetal Medicine providers dedicate their professional careers to supporting women and their families so they have the best opportunity for a healthy pregnancy. Susan Davidson, MD, Brian Stafeil, MD and Jennifer Krupp, MD lead a multi-disciplinary care team that combines expertise and compassion with innovation to achieve the healthiest outcomes for high-risk pregnant women and their babies.
“We enjoy working with patients with un-routine pregnancies and want to make a difference for patients whose pregnancies are considered high-risk,” said Dr. Krupp. “Whether that is helping them through a difficult time after we tell them their baby has an abnormality; or helping them manage a chronic medical condition to improve their pregnancy with minimal risk to their baby.”
For women who may have pre-existing conditions or experienced previous complications with pregnancy, the SSM Health care team offers support as they prepare for a healthy birth.
In some cases, it may be beneficial to have a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist involved in their obstetrical care. “Pregnancy can worsen existing health problems, such as hypertension, diabetes and kidney disorders,” explained Dr. Krupp. “Our specialists monitor un-routine pregnancies and offer expert guidance on managing mom’s medical problems with minimal risk to the baby,” she added.
Dr. Krupp recommends that women take a proactive approach to help ensure a healthy pregnancy. “If a patient has health problems, meeting with us prior to pregnancy allows us to optimize her condition and put in place a plan that will provide the best possible outcome for both mom and baby.”
SUSAN DAVIDSON, MD, BRIAN STAFEIL, MD AND JENNIFER KRUPP, MD
SWEET DREAMS WITH NATURAL SLEEP AIDS
When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, it’s OK to take a no holds barred approach. That includes healthful sleep aids to help you lasso some Zs, from tried and true remedies like lavender sprigs and chamomile tea, to newfangled trends like salt crystal lamps that pump out some positive ions.
Clockwise from top left: Ultrasonic ceramic diffuser by Now, $32; Willy Street Coop. Tranquility deer and air plant, $8; Whole Foods. Himalayan crystal salt lamp by Evolution, $26; Willy Street Coop; $26. Floral eye mask by Elizabeth W., $22; The Soap Opera. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood, $25; Whole Foods.
LACY + LOVELY
BEAUTIFUL YET FUNCTIONAL UNDERTHINGS should be every woman’s right.
Don’t miss La Lingerie’s annual lingerie and swimwear fashion show at 8:30 p.m. Feb. 8 at Lucille on the Capitol Square. The event benefits DAIS, raising funds for the domestic abuse intervention organization. Tickets: lalingerieshop.com.
Clockwise from top: Navy Wish bra by Simone Perele, $120; Embrace lace belt by Wacoal $24; Embrace lace bralette by Wacoal, $38; Navy Wish tanga by Simone Perele, $50; pleated two-piece cami set by Touche’, $120; La Lingerie.
And here’s a special tip: Turn in your gently used bras to La Lingerie, and they’ll be delivered to DAIS for women who have fled abusive situations without their personal items.
FASHION
DR. KEVIN DEGROOT, DR. DAVID DUCOMMUN, DR. BOB HOLSEN & DR. CAITLIN KUDLATA
QUESTIONS ABOUT SLEEP APNEA?
ASK MADISON NO FEAR DENTISTRY
Q
What are the signs and symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Snoring affects millions of people every night, but it could also be a sign of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. At certain levels of severity, complete blockage of the airway by the soft tissues and tongue can occur. If this period of asphyxiation lasts longer than 10 seconds, it is called Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a medical condition with serious long-term effects.
Madison No Fear Dentistry 344 S. Yellowstone Drive Madison, WI 53705 (608) 836.5700 www.madisonnofeardentistry.com
Other symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea may include: excessive daytime sleepiness (which may cause you to fall asleep at work or even while driving), morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, acid reflux, dry mouth, waking up throughout the night gasping for air (you may also have chest pain or shortness of breath), difficulty staying asleep, or high blood pressure. Many people also suffer from mood swings such as depression or irritability, anxiety, or even attention deficit disorder.
Q
What are the medical implications if it is not treated?
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, an estimated 18 million Americans have Obstructive Sleep Apnea and do not receive enough oxygen during the night endangering their health. With 80% - 90% of sufferers remaining undiagnosed and untreated, it may increase your risk of cardiovascular
disease including arrhythmias and heart failure, Hypertension (high blood pressure), Stroke, diabetes, car accidents, or even death.
Q
What are treatment options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
If you have been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, it is important that you are getting treatment every night and are regularly monitored to ensure it is working effectively. Traditionally, a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is a machine that provides a constant stream of air though a mask you wear while you sleep is prescribed.
If you are not wearing or are unable to wear a CPAP, we can provide a comfortable and effective alternative. A properly fit and custom made oral appliance keeps your airway open and allows you to breathe easily.
Q
What makes our appliance different from many others?
In order to treat your condition, we must first properly diagnose your sleep disorder. To differentiate between mild snoring, and the more serious Obstructive Sleep Apnea, we perform an at-home sleep study. This portable sleep monitor will export your sleep data and breathing patterns which a licensed physician will analyze and prescribe the proper treatment based on your individual results.
Our highly trained clinicians will fabricate a custom fit appliance that is made specifically for your needs based on the above reports. We use a patented “accufit” liner allowing the appliance to be customized for a much more personalized and comfortable fit while permitting small movements of the jaw (TMJ) and uninhibited oral breathing. This also means if you have future dental work, you will not need to have a new appliance made saving you future expense. Many people with Sleep Apnea also suffer from nighttime clenching or grinding of their teeth, and we are able to fabricate an appliance that is suitable to treat both disorders at once. However, every case is different and treatment depends on your individual needs; we are happy to discuss the best option for you.
Have more questions about sleep apnea? Madison No Fear Dentistry is here to help! Learn how we can alleviate those sleepless nights from your partner’s snoring as it may be (608) 836-5700 to schedule your complimentary consultation to discuss your treatment options, or visit madisonnofeardentistry.com for more information.
HEALTH
A MOVING NAP
Many different types of yoga leave practitioners feeling relaxed. But the slower practices of yin yoga and yoga nidra might be best for enhancing relaxation even more as a way to ensure a restful night’s sleep. Here’s what a couple of BRAVA Gals found in their on-the-mat research.
A Yen for Yin
In yin yoga, most poses are done sitting or lying down and the practice comes with a simple intention: to surrender, says instructor Valerie Hesslink.
“It’s almost like a moving nap,” says Hesslink, of Bliss Flow Yoga and Wellness on Madison’s West Side. That was just what I needed after a day of driving around to meetings on roads made treacherous by frozen rain.
Yin has three principles, Hesslink says. First: Find your edge. Set up your poses carefully and correctly to maximize their effect, whether or not you’re using props like blocks or straps. Second: Be still. “Make sure you can breathe fully,” Hesslink says.
Third: Stay awhile. Soak in and hold the poses, finding the way to that deep surrender in the muscles after a day of clenching them.
With those concepts in mind, I settled into my first yin practice with the night’s instructor, Ally Hrkac. That’s when I learned that there’s a very thin line between surrendering and giving up.
Many poses last from two to four minutes and, believe me, being in a low lunge (dragon pose, in parlance) for four minutes inspired all kinds of intentions to pop into my head. But it’s also a forgiving practice and the instructor will tell you that it’s OK to come out of the pose if you just can’t hack it. I did that a lot.
While many poses are similar to other types of yoga, there are far fewer in yin because of the length one holds each one. And many are renamed. The pigeon pose? It’s actually the sleeping swan. There’s that nap motif again.
It’s important to note, Hrkac says after my class, that yin is not a restorative practice for those, for example, with injuries or limita-
tions. I can verify that while the eventual result is indeed relaxing, it’s not always easy getting there.
“It’s a wonderful practice but it’s uncomfortable,” says Hrkac. –Marni McEntee
Mind Calmer
Yoga nidra is also a less physically active practice, focusing on mindfulness and rest. To make the experience even more restful, yoginis use bolsters and two blankets as they practice.
Instructors coax students to focus on the quality of their breathing and to be deeply aware of their body’s presence. The goal, instructor Marina Koyen of Perennial Yoga says, is for students to be in sync with their bodies, beginning with deep breathing, and then transitioning to focusing on particular regions of their bodies such as fingertips and legs.
Koyen also urged students to concentrate on the space and warmth of the room, facilitating feelings of comfort and tranquility.
Yoga nidra allows students to gain perspective and channel any negativity toward a healthy, balanced mentality that lasts through the night, Koyen says. It’s an anxiety-reliever and calms down the nervous system.
Koyen says a common benefit for yoga nidra students is an energy that is “a state of balance between feeling energized and relaxed.”
Koyen says that, for her, nidra is “a way to connect to a very deep part of myself that is usually not seen because of how busy the mind is.” – Caroline Szachnowski
MENTAL HEALTH
WINTER BLUES
FEELING DOWN AND OUT this winter?
There’s a name for your blahs: Seasonal Affective Disorder, aptly known as SAD.
SAD is a type of depression linked to serotonin working less efficiently in the colder, darker months of the year—eventually leading to a chemical imbalance in the brain. Nearly 10 percent of people suffering from depression report a seasonal variation in the severity of their illness.
Mary Carr-Ross, a nurse practitioner at SSM Health Dean Medical Group, encourages women to seek assistance as soon as the blues descend.
“Almost no one comes in saying ‘I have too much energy.’ Do not ignore the mental health aspects to changes in your sleeping patterns, work habits, moods and levels of aggravation. Who wants to feel crummy six months out of the year?”
SEXUAL HEALTH
Other SAD Signs and Symptoms: Fatigue
• Inability to concentrate
• Excessive cravings and/or binge eating Lethargy
• Weight gain
• Sadness
Possible Treatments:
• Counseling
Additional exposure to artificial light, such as using a light therapy box
• Improve diet and current exercise regimen
• Medication, under a doctor’s supervision. -Rachel Werner
MENOPAUSE: FACT VS. FICTION
DREADING THE ONSET OF MENOPAUSE? It’s best not to fear the worst, says UW Health OB-GYN and certified menopause practitioner Dr. Makeba Williams. Williams says each woman’s health history is unique and her needs and risks change over time. Williams works to help women maintain a healthy lifestyle during this transition as the supervising physician at UW Health’s new Menopause Clinic, open once a month at its South Park Street location.
Williams hopes to debunk a number of misconceptions about menopause, including that women will gain a lot of weight.
“The average weight gain during this time period is only five pounds,” she explains.
Other common misconceptions include:
All women will experience terrible symptoms in menopause.
While 75 to 80 percent of women will experience hot flashes and night sweats during the menopause years, only 10 percent get severe hot flashes. The highest occurrence of these symptoms is during the transitional phase and the first two years post-menopause.
Hormone therapy is dangerous.
Although hormone therapy often gets a bad rap, hormones can have many benefits “when prescribed and taken appropriately,” Williams stresses. Numerous studies demonstrate that estrogen hormone therapy is the most effective treatment for bothersome hot flashes, vaginal dryness, night sweats and preventing bone loss.
Natural supplements are effective for treating menopausal symptoms.
Use of nonprescription alternatives, such as black cohosh, kava kava, evening primrose oil, hypnosis, mindfulness-based therapy and yoga, have become popular in recent years to treat menopause symptoms. “While some women report symptom relief, often these prove not to be any more effective than a placebo,” she says.
Hot flashes and night sweats are the only symptoms to worry about.
Between 20 to 45 percent of women will experience changes to their vulva and vagina during the menopause years. “These changes, often in the form of vaginal thinning, decreased lubrication and elasticity, may result in sexual discomfort. First-line therapies such as water-based lubricants and vaginal moisturizers may help,” Williams says. “Regular sexual stimulation improves blood flow to the vagina and increases secretions, but vaginal estrogen is also a safe and effective treatment when other options fail.” – RW
Continued from P. 21 people from all political persuasions— people who can all agree that LGBT nondiscrimination is really important and who want to figure out how we can be leaders in our own communities in order to get the job done.” Belanger’s eyes dance as she describes the work.
Belanger loves the symphonic aspect of team building. She’s innately curious about each individual in a team—what they think, how they communicate, what they assume or don’t assume about themselves and each other— as well as how they ultimately work together.
“I firmly believe people have the answers to these questions within them,” she says. “It’s really about asking the right questions and creating a space for that. It’s not telling someone what their purpose is—or what their team’s purpose is—but it’s creating the path and the process for people to get from point A to point B.”
Belanger is also organized. “Katie has the unique ability to transform chaos into order,” says Teresa Vilmain, one of the nation’s top political organizers and a consultant based in Verona. “She’s able to do this almost instinctively and in such a supportive fashion that it promotes a sense of unity towards achieving common goals. She brings leadership to the table. And she brings it with empathy, direction and with no apologies.”
Belanger’s mentor and friend, Vilmain first met Belanger 15 years ago on Tammy Baldwin’s campaign. “I’ve witnessed the impact Katie’s made. Whether it was her dedication to Tammy Baldwin’s campaigns, her managerial direction at Fair Wisconsin or her planning expertise for Roots Ethiopia—everything she immerses herself in shines with the magic that is Katie Belanger.”
It comes from what remains essential to Belanger: Bringing groups of people together. “I make sure that I’m living my purpose in whatever work I’m doing,” Belanger says. “My work is a huge piece of who I am. It’s about living out my values. It’s about helping to create a world I want to live in.”
Monday-Friday 10am-7pm Saturday 10am-6pm • Sunday 11am-5pm 7404 Mineral Point Rd, Madison 608-833-8333
Don’t miss Katie Belanger’s lessons on “Making Productivity Productive” at BRAVA’s THRIVE Career Workshop Feb. 22. For tickets, visit bravamagazine.com.
POSH SWAG LUXILY BOUTIQUE BOX’S SWANKY SURPRISES
BY RACHEL WERNER
IF KATE SPADE EAR BUDS, organic hard candy and a deck of wine cards sound like a lovely combo on a snowy afternoon, a Luxily Boutique Box is only one click away from arriving at the door. The second business venture of Chauette Home owner Samantha Annen, Luxily is as fashionable as its Middleton-based big sister, but solely accessible online.
“The inspiration behind Luxily is to simplify the process of gift giving,” Annen explains. “And yes, our boxes definitely have a girly feel to them. But 90 percent of the time, it’s the wives, sisters, girlfriends and moms doing the gift giving.”
Annen started the online boutique a year ago with two purchase options. You can select one of the pre-curated boxes with funky titles such as “Hey There, Baby!” and “Bestie Box.” Or add a personalized, chic flair with the Build-Your-Own box option to include items like Gold Digger notepads, soy blended candles and rosewater mist.
Annen calls the process of simply picking out a special box and having it shipped “effortless, easy and exciting.” She adds, “Luxily in a sense is just like getting flowers delivered to your doorstep.”
luxilyboutiquebox.com
PHOTOGRAPHED
THRIVE WITH BRAVA IN 2017
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NIGHT SHADES
SLEEP IN BEAUTY WHILE NIXING NOISE AND LIGHT
by marni mcentee
THE LATEST RESEARCH ON GETTING a good night’s sleep often comes with the recommendation to limit light in the bedroom, from blue screen light to blue moonlight. But there’s nothing that says your blackout shades have to be… yawn…black.
Carla Mason, owner of Creative Energy Designs in Madison, says her customers are also asking for soundabsorbing products as Madison becomes ever denser, urban and full of emergency vehicle siren noise. The store, where much of the work is done on site, offers a plethora of ways to achieve both light and sound management and still maintain a chic aesthetic.
Insulated Roman shades, the company’s custom window warmers and made-to-order draperies—which can be matched with headboard covers, valances, duvet covers and upholstery— are among the solutions. And the palette is practically limitless.
Of note lately are some absolutely dreamy textures and patterns that bespeak 2017 Pantone shades and fairly beg you to touch them.
“Sometimes you don’t know quite what you want but you get here and we help you through the process,” Mason says.
Top to bottom: Beaten Path by Carole Fabrics, Blue Moon by Maxwell Fabrics, Lowell by FabricCut, Rotunda by Maxwell Fabrics, Vineyard by Maxwell Fabrics.
HAUTE SHOPPE
LOVE IS SWEET
Show your love with chocolates that inspire sweet passion. Gail's elegant Valentine box holds 12 delectable truffles: including a heart-shaped Caramel; Cinnamon/Cayenne wrapped in red foil; delicate Rose; sweetly tart Sour Cherry; a winged heart filled with Passion Fruit; and romantic Raspberry.
Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier 2086 Atwood Ave., Madison (608) 249-3500 gailambrosius.com
MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF ~
... your mind and body and will thank you for it. Face, body, and hair treats handmade with love in Cross Plains. Nationally awarded, cruelty free, eco chic, and downright lovely.
CUSTOM-MADE FURNITURE
From bedroom to dining furniture, Rubin's has it all! We specialize in modern, custom-made furnishings at every price point. Stop by today and work with one of our designers to create a room that is uniquely yours.
Rubin’s Contemporary Furniture
317 E. Wilson St., Madison (608) 255-8998
670 S. Whitney Way, Madison (608) 274-5575 rubinsfurniture.com
Qēt Botanicals
2018 Main St., Cross Plains, WI (608) 798-1Qet QetBotanicals.com
INSPIRE YOUR STYLE!
Brown & Beam Urban Decor is Dane County’s newest locally owned and operated home furniture store. Located in a warehouse district off the beaten path, our showroom is constantly changing and evolving.
This media sideboard offers versatility and represents our style. Visit us and see for yourself!
Brown & Beam 2118 Eagle Dr., Middleton, WI (608) 833-2118 brownandbeam.com
HOT RACKS TRENDS IN MATTRESS DESIGN
by marni mcentee
MATTRESS DESIGNS AND MATERIALS are evolving even as we speak. Adjustable bases to ease snoring or raise legs are in vogue. Gel memory foam promises less bounce than a traditional mattress. And smart beds read your sleep patterns and can even wake you at the best time for optimum rest, says Cory Cunningham, manager of Verlo Mattress in Madison. And, if you’re looking to sleep clean, a natural, organic latex mattress—and pillow—may make your sleep dreams come true, says Sue Brown, co-owner of Satara Home & Baby in Middleton.
Here are some general guidelines from Cunningham and Brown: Natural latex mattress: Satara’s are free of potentially toxic chemical flame retardants, which is a relief to many health-conscious consumers, Brown says. The latex comes from an actual rubber tree and covers typically are organic cotton and wool—which is a natural flame retardant.
Traditional firm: Usually made of inner springs and foam, these may work best for stomach sleepers, Cunningham says.
Traditional plush: These are medium/firm mattresses and may work best for back sleepers, though some may prefer an even firmer mattress.
Traditional pillow top: These mattresses have an extra layer of fiber/foam sewn on top of the mattress for additional pressure point relief. They may be best for side sleepers. Verlo offers a two-sided pillow top that can be flipped regularly to extend its life.
Gel memory foam: Touted for being the most cooling variety, Cunningham says these also don’t have the bounce of traditional mattresses, so couples may sleep better together. And they last longer.
Cornblooms
716 N. Midvale Blvd Hilldale - Madison (608) 238-9282
Ulla
702 N. Midvale Blvd
Hilldale - Madison (608) 231-3937 ullaeyewear.com
STAR STRUCK!
Lavender and blue Swarovski crystals twinkle like stars in the beautiful Halo collection from Brighton, with a pendant necklace, hoop earrings, and easy-on hinged bangle bracelet.
ROUND FRAMES ARE BACK!
Aviator? Yes. Round? Yes. Light weight? Yes. This fantastic LINDBERG frame highlights everything that is trending now! Only at Ulla Eyewear.
726 N. Midvale Blvd (608) 238-6640 hilldale.com
Anthropologie
Kate Spade New York
Sundance Cinemas
Lucky Brand
Sur La Table
Lululemon Athletica
Madewell
Michael Kors
The Paper Source
Free People
558 N. Midvale Blvd Hilldale - Madison (608) 441-0202 cafeportaalba.com
MEZZALUNA PIZZA
The mezzaluna, meaning “half-moon,” is a cross between a pizza and a calzone. The pizza side is our classic margherita with pepperoni , while the calzone is stuffed with ricotta, sausage, and eggplant.
Cafe Porta Alba
AN ARTIST’S REBIRTH TAZIA LEMAY REDISCOVERS HER ROOTS
BY JENIE GAO
TAZIA LEMAY LEARNED EARLY ON that creativity isn’t easy, but it can play a powerful role in life.
She grew up learning watercolor painting from her grandmother and sculpting clay from her grandfather. But LeMay admits the drive to forge ahead as an artist wasn’t easy to sustain. “I went through a hard time and didn’t make art or participate in shows for a few years.”
Still, her desire to create was alive, and things began to change when she joined the From Here to Her Collective, a group of Wisconsin women artists who partner with and dedicate artwork to women-led nonprofits. The collective helped LeMay redirect her professional goals toward artistic pursuits.
LeMay currently runs Gallery Marzen on Atwood Avenue with her aunt, Margaret LeMay. “I love installing exhibitions and making sure there’s a flow to the space. People shouldn’t worry about how the work is hung. All they should see is the art in a wellcurated show,” she says.
She also channels the idea of fluid connections into her two-dimensional work and flow arts practice, which she performs with Hula hoops and doing fire dances. “When you’re working on a painting you eventually get into a ‘flow state,’ but that’s hard to reach. I feel that way every time I pick up a Hula hoop or a fire prop.”
And her newfound failsafe to keeping her creative mojo is simple. “You gotta learn how to let things go,” she says. “You need to know and accept the part of a painting you love might not be so prominent as you add to the piece. That’s a great metaphor for life.” gallerymarzen.com.
Safetycanbebeautiful
Enjoy a comfortable, accessible bathing experience with one of American Standard’s Walk-In tubs. Featuring a large walk-in tub door, built in comfort seat, deep soaking dimensions, and optional Quick Drain™ fast water removal system. American Standard Walk-In tubs make bathing safe and relaxing.
The Rundle-Spence Showplace™ has this tub on display, in addition to a wide variety of other American Standard bath products. Make your appointment today, and we can help you design the bath of your dreams.
MADISON 2800 Industrial Dr Madison, 53713 (Ph) 608.222.0636
MILWAUKEE 2075 S Moorland Rd New Berlin, WI 53151 (Ph) 608.222.0636
rundle-spence.com
LUNCH FOR LIBRARIES
The men and women of the law firm of von Briesen & Roper care passionately about their profession, their clients and their community. Committed to unparalleled service, recognized expertise and to excellence, our people are invested in the success of their communities. Every year we support organizations that make a positive impact on the places we live, like the Madison Public Library Foundation.
Because we believe it is important to give back, we want to take a moment to let you know about this great organization in our community.
www.vonbriesen.com 10 East Doty Street, Suite 900 Madison, WI 53703 608.441.0300
showplace@rundle-spence.com
a fundraiser for Madison Public Library Foundation PRESENTED BY
TUESDAY, APRIL 18
Overture Center for the Arts
Each ticket includes lunch and a signed copy of Everybody’s Fool. Tickets on sale now at mplfoundation.org or by calling 608.266.6318
FEATURING
Richard Russo
WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE FOR FICTION ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Richard Russo is a masterful novelist whose previous works include eight novels, two collections of short stories, and a memoir. He will be speaking about his most recent novel, Everybody’s Fool
A FAMILY-FRIENDLY DIVORCE? IT’S POSSIBLE WITH PROPER
PLANNING
BY JEN BRADLEY
If the time comes to part ways with a spouse, legal and financial experts say it is possible to have an amicable separation. Such experts work with clients, and each other, during the settlement process to ensure that the best outcome is reached for all involved, especially if children are in the picture.
“Most clients fall into the divorce process with tremendous fear and the traditional belief that divorce is about winning or losing,” says attorney Diane Mader of Mader Law and member of the Collaborative Family Law Council of Wisconsin, Inc. “My message to clients is simple: There is a better divorce process,” Mader says. “Collaborative divorce rejects the notion of a winner and loser. No one in the family thrives unless every member of the family thrives.”
Attorney Janice Wexler, of J. Wexler Law s.c. and also a member of the Collaborative Family Law Council, says the divorce process can seem like a jungle to non-lawyers or even other professionals with divorce expertise. “It has poisonous plants, deadly snakes and other kinds of traps,” Wexler notes. “Can you get through the jungle on your own? You can, but you run a lot of risks in doing that. Unless you have a skilled guide, you may encounter some deep trouble.”
LOOKING AT DOLLARS AND SENSE
Colleen Johnson, senior vice president at Johnson Bank Wealth Management, agrees and says that while it’s typical to work with a lawyer during a divorce, women should also consider seeking guidance to understand their assets, liabilities and their overall financial situation. Then, together, a financial adviser, client and attorney can team up for the best outcome.
Also, a certified divorce financial analyst is recognized as an expert witness in a court of law, says Certified Divorce Financial Analyst Brett Topham, a, senior vice president and investment adviser at Johnson Bank.
Courtney Searles, vice president and private banking regional manager at Johnson Bank, offers one of several examples of why a financial adviser’s input is critical. She says if both parties are listed on the mortgage, removing one from the deed is not always the correct answer. “If the spouse staying in the home is not the income earner, they may not qualify on their own for the mortgage loan,” Searles says.
Another example involves child support, an issue for many divorcing couples and a hidden challenge they may face when trying to acquire new housing. “Many banks will not count child support as income for the application until they’ve [the former spouse] received it for six months,” explains Searles.
Johnson says just starting the conversation, identifying possible pitfalls and a step-by-step process for the next phase is so important for a family-friendly divorce. “It really takes a lot of the unknowns out of what is otherwise an extremely stressful and emotional time,” Johnson says. “We can help provide clarity.”
“BY WORKING AS A TEAM WITH BOTH INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL PARTNERS
OVER A BREADTH OF AREAS, WE ARE ABLE TO REDUCE THE UNKNOWNS.
THIS ALLOWS THE CLIENT TO BEGIN PROCESSING THE CHANGES MORE QUICKLY AND FOCUS ON THE FAMILY ASPECT RATHER THAN THE ANTICIPATED FINANCIAL BURDENS.”
—COURTNEY SEARLES, VICE PRESIDENT AND PRIVATE BANKING REGIONAL MANAGER AT JOHNSON BANK
Clarity is needed, too, when it comes to taxable assets, annuities, pensions, life insurance, beneficiary designations and so many other issues that may come with a couple’s finances. Having a second set of eyes on an income and expense worksheet is not a bad idea, and one these professionals strongly recommend, to protect both parties. “We don’t just go off a paycheck and the W2, we want more than that,” says Topham. One case, he explained, involved a number of hidden assets held by a spouse.
Johnson concurs. “Typically in a divorce, assets are outlined and split. Many times that’s OK. However, there are also instances that benefit from a closer look, whether it’s for taxes, surrender penalties, liquidity issues or retitling concerns.”
When the numbers are all calculated, however, this team understands that
Wisconsin Collaborative Divorce Community
Divorce is an ending – and a beginning. While divorce does end a marriage, it does not end a family. The collaborative divorce process focuses on helping individuals and families forge their next chapter.
The Wisconsin Collaborative Divorce Community is the first of its kind in Wisconsin. We are independent professionals – specially trained and experienced in collaborative divorce – who come together under one roof to provide an efficient, convenient workgroup approach to the divorce process.
Collaborative Divorce Community 6702 Stonefield Road, Suite 100 | Middleton, WI 53562
Attorney Diane L. Mader www.maderlaw.com (608) 836-7667
Attorney Janice K. Wexler www.jwexlerlaw.com (608) 203-6365
Marlin P. Kriss, LCSW, CADC www.krissandassociates.com (608) 836-5529 www.wi-cd.com
divorce can be an extremely emotional and stressful time. “By providing insight, advice and factual information, we are able to reduce the unknowns and provide clarity,” says Searles. “By working as a team with both internal and external partners over a breadth of areas, we are able to reduce the unknowns. This allows the client to begin processing the changes more quickly and focus on the family aspect rather than the anticipated financial burdens.”
COLLABORATING THROUGH LEGAL TO-DO’S
A family-friendly divorce is something Wexler and Mader have seen in their work, but, they add, it’s one that results from collaboration and dedication to a family’s transformation. Collaborative divorce is a team approach to this transformation. To better serve divorcing partners, Mader and Wexler joined with collaborative coaches, Marlin and Cathy Kriss, to create the Collaborative Divorce Community. The community offers an under-one-roof team of collaborative experts to guide families through the divorce process.
“TRY TO REACH SOME LEVEL OF ACCEPTANCE AND BE WILLING TO SERIOUSLY CONSIDER THE ADVICE YOU ARE GETTING,” SHE ADVISES. “DIVORCE IS A GRIEVING PROCESS AND YOU HAVE TO BE AWARE OF THE THINGS YOU ARE FEELING IN ORDER TO DO GOOD PROBLEM SOLVING.”
—DIANE MADER OF MADER LAW
each other, but they were committed to learning how to treat each other with compassion, love and dignity,” she says. “They could not stay married, but they worked very hard to remain a family. The parenting plan they created was much different than the decision a court would have made, in my opinion. Their decisions were wiser and the collaborative process with lawyers and their mental health team didn’t exacerbate this family’s deep wounds, instead it was part of the healing process.”
On the other hand, Wexler says the negative impact on those who don’t navigate divorce well can’t be understated, as she’s seen in cases in which adult children cease talking to one parent or another.
Mader says one of the most powerful examples she’s experienced was with a family grieving the loss of their youngest child. “The parents could have blamed
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To help with this oft thorny transition, Wexler and Mader suggest finding someone who specializes in divorce law, as well as talking with friends and family, your banker, accountant or even a mental health provider. “All of these people are on your team and what you’re really doing is finding another team member to take you to a place you thought you’d never have to go, maybe don’t want to go, but the reality is you are going,” says Wexler. “You can go unprepared or you can go prepared.”
Mader adds that being prepared and working with a trusted adviser truly helps a person develop what she calls a “North Star,” or the central piece of the divorce decision-making process. For most people, it’s what is best for the children, she says. That North Star provides a focus rather than the grief or anger people are feeling. “Try to reach some level of acceptance and be willing to seriously consider the advice you are getting,” she advises. “Divorce is a grieving process and you have to be aware of the things you are feeling in order to do good problem solving.”
Wexler concludes, “Successful collaboration rests on the parties’ ability to honor each other’s interests as well as the interest of the family. It also rests on the attorney’s knowledge, integrity, honesty and transparency and the ability of the entire team to successfully communicate.”
Sleep, Precious
Sleep Why are we so tired— and what can we do about it?
BY EMILY LEAS | PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANNA WOLF
When Valerie Gonsalves of Madison was in graduate school, sleep was optional. Just a few hours a night became routine. She adapted.
“I knew it wasn’t the healthiest pattern,” she admits. “But it worked.”
Gonsalves’ approach is one that many of us have adopted in our world of always-on technology and increasingly demanding work schedules. According to Stephanie Jones, Ph.D., associate scientist and assistant director at Wisconsin Institute for Sleep and Consciousness at UW-Madison, the average American adult has reduced sleep by an hour-and-a-half per night since the 1970s. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 50 to 70 million U.S. adults have sleep or wakefulness disorders. “People are horrible reporters of their own sleepiness,” says Jones. “We will psychologically adapt to sleep loss and think, ‘I feel OK, my reaction time is good, I’m thinking as well as I should be.’”
But it’s not true, she warns. When you get used to feeling tired throughout the day, you’re no longer aware of how significant the sleep loss is and how impairing on the mind and body it can be. So why is sleep so important, and should we worry if we don’t get “enough” sleep?
Jones admits that the function and reason all organisms sleep is still a bit of a mystery, but the fact is all organisms do sleep, from animals to insects to humans, and evolution has not dispensed with it.
“I think most scientists would agree, sleep is for the brain,” says Jones. “The body can probably do with just rest, but the brain cannot.”
She explains a theory that regular sleep, especially non-REM sleep when brain waves are slow and synchronized, allows our brain to downscale the synapses that have been working hard all day to learn and store memories. These synapses use up a lot of resources like glucose.
“It’s like a reset button,” she says of this deep sleep process. It prepares us for the next day to gather more information and feel alert and ready for the day.
Dr. Jacalyn Nelson, medical director of SSM St. Mary’s Sleep Medicine Department,
SLEEP AIDS
Seeing all those ads on TV and thinking you’d like a script or some over-the-counter help to sleep?
Our experts say you may want to think twice about these seemingly magic pills.
“Often times when people start to use medication, they are actually covering up symptoms that really need to be evaluated, so it’s important talk to your doctor about all aspects of your sleep issues before reaching for that over-the-counter medication,” says Dr. Jacalyn Nelson, medical director for Sleep Medicine at SSM St. Mary’s.
Stephanie Jones at the Wisconsin Center for Sleep and Consciousness agrees. “People often reach for sleep medications because it’s easy, but they are so quickly habit forming, and most people develop a tolerance quickly. There is very little research into whether the sleep you’re getting is the same quality as physiological sleep. So yes, you go to sleep, but is your brain doing the things it’s supposed to do?
Probably not, or not as well.”
says that sleep is also an active time for hormone release and balancing. And one of the most noticeable effects of not getting enough sleep is an imbalance of ghrelin, a hormone that makes us feel hungry, and leptin, a hormone that helps us feel full, or satiated.
“The ratio gets upset and reversed, and causes ghrelin to increase—making us feel hungry— especially for the things we shouldn’t eat like carbs and junk food,” Nelson says. This leads not only to weight gain, but also tiredness throughout the day.
Insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are just a few of the other physiological risks of not getting regular deep sleep. Add in the emotional and mental impacts, such as decreased performance on the job, irritability, anxiety, and drowsiness when driving, and the value of sleep becomes clear.
“Sleep is actually a very active time. We like to think of sleep in our culture as being a waste of time, but that’s absolutely not true,” says Nelson.
Sometimes though, sleep just doesn’t come, or tiredness plagues us throughout the day. One of the most commonly reported reasons among women is insomnia.
Jones explains that insomnia is difficult to treat because it can be caused by an array of issues from psychiatric disorders such as anxiety or bipolar, to menstrual cycles, to aging. But a good place to start if you think you have insomnia is evaluating your sleep hygiene. Are you drinking alcohol or caffeine before bed? Are you on your phone or tablet within an hour of going to bed? If the answer is yes, it may be keeping you up at night.
Menstrual cycles can also wreak havoc on our sleep, says Jones. “Estrogen is the energy hormone, and progesterone is the sleepy hormone,” she explains. “So women will report insomnia in the few days before their menstrual period because progesterone plummets causing a disruption in sleep patterns.”
Both experts agree that improving sleep hygiene, meditation, breathing techniques and relaxation exercises can typically improve mild insomnia, but Cognitive Behavior Therapy is the front line of treatment for more severe cases.
Nelson explains that Cognitive Behavior Therapy for insomnia involves a series of visits with a clinical psychologist to review sleep patterns and evaluate for mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
“[The psychologist] also reviews the person’s beliefs and thoughts about sleep, which may not be serving them well, then puts into place a strategy to change that behavior,” she explains.
As Gonsalves began her post-doctorate work, she realized that her grad school sleep habits weren’t working anymore, but she couldn’t get her brain to stay asleep all night. Her doctor recommended a sleep study through the Wisconsin Sleep Center at UW Health, where Gonsalves was evaluated overnight for irregular sleep patterns. Nothing conclusive came out of the study, so Gonsalves decided to make sleep a bigger priority in her life.
Create a sleep haven
Start improving your sleep by developing good sleep hygiene with these five tips: Set a technology curfew. The blue light from phones, tablets, TVs and laptops stimulate our senses and create an imbalance in sleep/wake patterns.
Meditate. “Relaxation techniques, and especially meditation can alleviate insomnia,” says Jones of UW Madison’s sleep center. “Sometimes people grind and worry about sleep…how much or how little they’re getting. Generally decreasing anxiety can lead to better sleep.”
Go to bed and wake up on a regular schedule , even on the weekend.
Avoid afternoon and evening caffeine.
Avoid alcohol before bed. Although you may fall asleep easier, the sedative effects typically wear off causing lighter or fragmented sleep.
She lists off the improvements to her sleep hygiene over the last few years, “My room is completely dark. I don’t have a television in my room, which I did before. I don’t drink any caffeine after 2 or 3 in the afternoon. I also keep a pretty regular sleep/wake schedule.”
But is it working? She says she still wakes up in the middle of the night, but now she doesn’t have a clock next to her bed, which used to make her anxious about how many more hours of sleep she has left. Regular exercise and avoiding carbohydrates at lunch are also tactics she focuses on when her sleep patterns are out of whack.
Often, women who complain of insomnia may also suffer from restless leg syndrome, which is an irresistible urge to move the limbs, especially the legs, and especially at night. Jones notes that the syndrome is commonly linked to low iron levels, yet another side effect of menstruation.
Fragmented sleep can be caused by other physical disorders as well, like obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the airway collapses or is obstructed during sleep. This restricts or stops breathing, preventing that delicious slow wave, non-REM sleep our brains crave.
Jones explains that although sleep apnea is often related to obesity—and men are twice as likely to have it as women—the rate of the disorder increases as women approach menopause, a time when sleep becomes more disrupted in general.
“It could be related to weight gain during menopause, or a decrease in estrogen,” says Jones. “Estrogen keeps our tissues rigid, so the decrease in hormones may just make our airways floppier, leading to sleep apnea.”
Typically, sleep apnea is diagnosed through a split-night sleep study in labs like those at UW Health and SSM St. Mary’s. Patients are evaluated through the first part of the night, and if diagnosed, a sleep technician fits them with a CPAP, a device that fits over the nose and blows the airway open during sleep. In milder cases, positional changes, like avoiding sleeping on the back, or an oral device fitted by a dentist can alleviate obstructive sleep apnea.
Jones is quick to note that the function and biology of sleep is still a bit of a mystery, but what is known is that sleep can vary naturally, due to genetics, age and brain chemistry. And the more we adapt to less sleep, the higher the risk of impacting our health. Listen to your body and treat it to regular sleep patterns in a quiet, nonelectrified space. And don’t be afraid to dig a little deeper into the reasons why sleep may be eluding you. Your brain and your body will thank you.
Natural Sleep Remedies
If you’ve identified the source of your sleeplessness, whether it’s mental, emotional or physical, Anna Beck, owner of Plant Based Goods in Madison, suggests looking to nature for allies in achieving deep sleep. Here are a few of Beck’s suggestions:
To calm and relax: Squeeze a sachet of lavender by your pillow nightly.
Spritz your pillow and sheets with an aromatherapy spray that contains calming plants like lavender, chamomile and lemon balm.
Bring flowers into your space, like rose and ylang-ylang.
Apply grounding oils like vetiver and frankincense to pressure points.
To ease ailments:
Valerian root is one powerful muscle relaxant. Beck suggests trying it in tea or tincture form.
Sipping an herbal tea like peppermint or a bitter blend after dinner can aid in digestion if food is biting back before bedtime.
To improve sleep:
Try a half teaspoon of honey with a sprinkle of salt to help sleep hormone production. wellnessmama.com
SSM St. Mary’s Nelson also suggests drinking an ounce of tart cherry juice before hitting the pillow. The juice can help increase melatonin production, the hormone that keeps our sleep rhythms in check.
How Sleep Changes
“It’s completely developmentally normal for your sleep quality to decline with age,” says UW Madison’s Jones. Here’s how she explains the brain changes that affect our sleep:
Kids and teens
The brain develops from back to front, and insufficient sleep (kids need about 9 to 10 hours per night) hinders that development and nerve refinement.
Adults
Men have a precipitous drop in slow wave sleep, the really important deep sleep, after 45 or 50. But women preserve slow wave activity much longer.* So while 7 to 8 hours is recommended per night, the actual sleep that is needed by women and men will vary throughout adulthood.
Seniors
In the brain, what goes up, must come down. It builds and develops from back to front, and it tears down from front to back. So as the cortex thins at the front of the brain, those great big slow waves just aren’t needed and the circadian rhythm changes. “We have 85-year-old men coming into the clinic worried that they’re not getting 8 hours of sleep, but they may not need 8 hours of sleep,” says Jones.
*Menopause
According to the National Sleep Foundation, as many as 61 percent of menopausal and postmenopausal women report insomnia symptoms, which are typically caused by hot flashes. And while total sleep time may not suffer, sleep quality does because sleep is interrupted, which causes next-day fatigue.
Since hot flashes are caused by the drop in estrogen that comes with menopause, both of our experts note that hormone replacement therapy is commonly prescribed, but research into the effectiveness and safety is mixed.
“You can always discuss hormone replacement therapy with your primary care [doctor] or gynecologist if sleep is being severely disrupted by perimenopause or menopause,” says SSM St. Mary’s Nelson. “And honestly, what I find in a lot of research and recommend to my patients is to just use a fan at night.”
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Products on P. 43: Deco Delight chemise by Freya, $69, La Lingerie. On cover and P. 45: Starlight shorty pajama set by Only Hearts, $132; La Lingerie. All bedding from The Company Store.
The Sleep Lab
An exam room doesn’t sound like the most conducive space for sleep, but sometimes an office visit isn’t enough to diagnose sleep issues like sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, and periodic limb movement syndrome. Jones shares the basics of a sleep study at UW Health.
You’ll be asked to arrive about two hours before bedtime. Bring your pajamas!
You’ll sleep in a comfortable, dark, private room.
A sleep technician sets you up for the study with electrodes on your head, an oximeter, a respiratory belt to monitor breathing effort and a nasal cannula to check breathing stoppage.
The technician and doctor will observe you through a window and monitor brain waves, eye movements, snoring and breathing patterns.
The technician may come in to adjust electrodes throughout the night. Jones says that although a full night of sleep is not needed for the study, often those with insomnia “sleep awesome” in the lab without the anxieties of home present.
When evaluating for obstructive sleep apnea, (the “bread and butter” of most sleep labs) a split-night study is performed. If you do have apnea, you would be diagnosed in the first half of the night, and then the tech would set you up with a CPAP machine to determine what kind of pressures you’re going to need at home to keep that airway open.
If you’re otherwise healthy and just having trouble sleeping, the sleep lab may set you up with an at-home sleep test. Advantages are that you sleep in your own bed and just wear the respiratory belt— no electrodes on the head. After sleeping with the belt, you would visit the lab to review the results with your doctor.
Meet some of the women who shape downtown:
Tiffany Kenney, Anne Neujahr Morrison, Susan Schmitz, Gloria Reyes, Claire Oleksiak
Shaping Downtown
Shaping Downtown
No finer place for sure
No finer place for sure
BY SHELBY DEERING AND CANDICE WAGENER PHOTOGRAPHED BY HILLARY SCHAVE
And that’s thanks to the many women who make up the backbone of downtown Madison. They are strong. Determined. Passionate. Innovative. Forward-thinking. Whether in the forefront or behind-the-scenes, they all share a common goal: making the city of Madison and the downtown area a thriving, bustling, smart and inclusive metropolis that commands respect. Above all, these women are working to make this a place where everyone can find something, and feel comfortable and connected. They strive to make Madison a place to call home, a place to have fun, a place to have basic needs met. We’ve seen dramatic change occur in our great city, especially over the past 20 years. But the heart of Madison will always remain the same, thanks to these women, and the many others, who are an integral part of what makes Madison tick.
Meet some of the women who shape downtown:
Stacy Nemeth, Ruth Rohlich, Heather Stouder and Rebecca Cnare.
Tiffany Kenney
Tiffany Kenney’s heart is firmly planted in Madison. As the executive director of Madison’s Central Business Improvement District, Kenney has taken on yet another role that enhances our fair city. Before accepting the district position one year ago, Kenney was the president and owner of Locavore ROAR (a specialty marketing firm for the food and beverage industry that has extended its reach beyond Madison), a marketing director for Madison Magazine and a communications director for the Madison Area Builders Association.
“I have a thing for Madison, so I jumped at the chance to work for downtown Madison,” she says. Kenney moved here to attend UW–Madison and never left.
Kenney’s work through the Business Improvement District markets downtown as a premier shopping, business and entertainment district. Larger cities like Milwaukee and Chicago can have upward of 50 such organizations—Madison only has one, but it’s making a big impact on locals and visitors alike.
Kenney says her organization strives to create a “welcoming environment,” implementing a planter décor program and free public programs, like concerts and kids’ crafting activities. In 2017, Kenney shares that the district will hold a Night Market series featuring local artisans, food and music.
Referring to downtown as “the pulse of the city,” Kenney says, “My previous professional positions have allowed me the opportunity to learn more about retail, more about restaurants and most importantly, a lot about Madison. This job is the chance to bring all this experience together and help shape a strong retail future for downtown.”
–Shelby Deering
Anne Neujahr Morrison
Downtown isn’t just for students anymore. “In the past five to 10 years, we have seen a surge of nonstudent households moving downtown,” says Anne Neujahr Morrison, Development Associate at Urban Land Interests, a real estate development firm specializing in commercial and residential properties.
It was co-founded by Tom Neujahr more than four decades ago, and is now one of the largest property owners downtown. Neujahr Morrison, Tom’s daughter, returned to her roots in 2012 after spending a decade working for lenders, architects and developers in New York City and Madison.
“I’ve had a front row seat nearly since the beginning. As I grew up downtown, I sometimes spent summers cleaning apartments and filling in for admin staff.”
That front row seat has paid off. Neujahr Morrison has a keen understanding of downtown Madison, conceptualizing projects and managing design and construction of new developments, including chic residential locations Nine Line at the Yards, SEVEN27, Lincoln School Apartments, and in 2017, Quarter Row.
“I’m passionate about my work because I see a real need and opportunity to increase access to great downtown resources.” —Heather stouder
“We’ve long felt that having quality residential developments is essential to a vibrant downtown,” she says.
Putting her passion for Madison into the development projects she tackles, Neujahr Morrison says, “I love that our downtown is multifaceted—it’s our central business district, a dining and shopping destination, a cultural attraction, an education center, our civic center and a residential community. I love its history and I love that it’s evolving. The more vibrant and active our downtown is, the more vibrant and active our whole city is.”
–Shelby Deering
Susan Schmitz
With a big personality and even bigger heart, Susan Schmitz is just the right person to be at the helm of Downtown Madison, Inc.,the behind-the-scenes organization making downtown click.
Starting as president during what she calls a “renaissance era,” when Jerry Frautschi was funding the revamp of Overture Center and the first beams of the Monona Terrace were being erected, forever changing Madison, Schmitz jumped at the opportunity to be a part of it all.
Her list of accomplishments over the past 18 years is dense, and many of them involve different projects to revitalize downtown: forming the first Business Improvement District to encompass State Street and the Capitol Square; re-branding Halloween into Freakfest in order to create a safer student celebration; making the gorgeous new Edgewater hotel a reality.
A fourth-generation Madison native, Schmitz is invested for the long term. In 2017, she plans to make some (more) noise about the city’s transportation issues, a pet project she started with former Gov. Jim Doyle.
“I will not stop until the greater Madison area has a sustainably funded Regional Transit Authority that can provide many modes of connected transportation options for all people in this community,” says Schmitz.
And she strives for a more inclusive downtown in 2017, believing varied entertainment venues are key. Citing the summertime Dane Dances event as a perfect example where “you see every age and color you can imagine,” Schmitz says “my dream is that the downtown looks like that all the time.” –Candice Wagener
“I like to remind people that it’s OK when things are controversial, because it means we’re having a community conversation about what our priorities are.”
—rebecca Cnare
Gloria Reyes
What falls under Gloria Reyes’ umbrella as deputy mayor encompasses so many elements of the city that she is undoubtedly making a mark on the way downtown feels. For the past two years, Reyes has had oversight of public safety, civil rights, public health, community services, education and art, yet she remains humble about her role.
“We have a lot of great employees who are actually doing the work. That’s where the changes are being made,” says Reyes.
Having 12 years of experience in the Madison Police Department has helped Reyes appreciate the sense of urgency in many areas of her job, coordinating downtown events like Freakfest to ensure they go off without a hitch.
In 2017, Reyes will use entertainment as a vehicle to bring more diversity downtown. She’s proud of the work being done by the Madison Children’s Museum in changing their programming to promote diverse communities. And she’s looking forward to working with the Business Improvement District in that respect as well. She believes strongly that music and entertainment venues can make an impact and has set up a task force of owners, artists and city representatives to hash out a successful entertainment plan.
Although humble, she recognizes the significance of her work.
“What I’ve been able to bring into this position is the ability to help our managers and our city employees navigate [both] internal city government [and] connect them with our communities of color, bringing the racial equity and diversity dialogue within the decision-making process in the city.” –Candice Wagener
Claire Oleksiak
As Claire Oleksiak, community services manager, celebrates her one-year anniversary with the Madison Parks Division, she has big plans for green spaces in the city.
Responsible for the “use experience” of 260 parks, Oleksiak views these as opportunities embedded throughout the whole city to facilitate partnerships. She’s involved in a federal grant called Connecting Children to Nature, a partnership with the public health department promoting equitable nature access to children and
families across the city. Madison is one of only seven cities in the country participating in such an undertaking.
The idea is to get youth more connected to the outdoors by including them in parks planning. This summer, Oleksiak placed interns at Centro Hispano to interview and observe kids and their outdoor experiences, which led to building a nature-based play area. Oleksiak is excited to continue the work with school districts and early childhood programs.
“We want to have kids telling us how we can make the spaces more agreeable,” says Oleksiak.
It’s all part of Oleksiak’s idea of “placemaking,” that strengthening the connection individuals and a community have to their park spaces will strengthen their connections to each other by their interactions that occur in the park space. She also wants to reduce barriers to accessing or enjoying park spaces, which will diversify the uses and users and increase the positive time people spend in Madison parks.
“Parks thrive because of the communities that support them and use them. I get to help strengthen those connections and expand those opportunities.”
–Candice Wagener
Stacy Nemeth
She calls herself a “behind-the-scenes person,” but Stacy Nemeth’s influence on the growth of downtown is vital, whether she admits it or not. Through her day job as chief operating officer of Fiore Companies, Inc., her volunteer work as chairperson of Downtown Madison, Inc. and treasurer of Madison’s Central Business Improvement District, she is making an impact by supporting those organizations with management, organizational and financial expertise to keep them running efficiently.
“Things like that aren’t necessarily glitzy or exciting,” says Nemeth, “but they’re instrumental in making sure that an organization like that continues into the future… so that we can have an impact on the community.”
What “felt like a fairly small city” when she moved here 20 years ago is now a much more “cosmopolitan city,” which comes with challenges such as adapting transportation needs. And addressing new disparities, such as the fact that all the new housing construction is high-end. Nemeth would love to see a wider variety of people living downtown, including families with children. That would also mean a need for more educational services like schools and child care.
“Folks aren’t going to move downtown if they then have to get in their car and drive out to the suburbs for quality child care,” says Nemeth. “Those are things that I think are really areas that we need to work on for the future. Once you bring more density of home ownership or renters into the downtown then that obviously supports all the other things that people want to see downtown.”
–Candice Wagener
Ruth Rohlich
Ruth Rohlich grew up in Sherman Park in Milwaukee, right off of North Avenue. She recalls, “North Avenue had beautiful old storefronts that were boarded up and empty. One year, a few folks got together and opened a small café and restaurant among the boarded-up buildings. This small business was a first step to some very positive changes in the neighborhood.”
Today, Rohlich is a champion for small businesses, working as a business development specialist for the City of Madison.
“I work with businesses from around the world that are looking to expand in Madison, businesses in Madison that are growing and entrepreneurs who are starting businesses,” she explains.
She has owned a small business—a floral shop called Studio Bloom. Rohlich has also worked as a project director at the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation.
“I deeply relate to the struggles of small businesses because I’ve lived them—it has been invaluable,” she says.
Rohlich has been coordinating the Retail Improvement Grant for the City of Madison, a $50,000 matching grant for retail businesses in the State Street, Capitol Square and King Street areas to improve their interiors. The grants will be administered throughout 2017.
Rohlich says, “Fortunately we are working with an embarrassment of riches—beautiful geography, a large university, a thriving downtown residential market and continued growth of our food scene. Small business owners are some of the most creative people I know. They make our city unique and fun.” –Shelby Deering
Heather Stouder
As Madisonians know, downtown is an area that’s constantly evolving, and Planning Division Director Heather Stouder has mastered how to roll with the changes.
Stouder oversees the Madison Planning and Economic Development department, a position she has held since July 2016. She heads projects ranging from transportation planning to development review to citywide long-range land use—basically, she aids in making downtown Madison a smoother, more accessible place.
“I’m passionate about my work because I see a real need and opportunity to increase access to great downtown resources,” she says.
Stouder says she has to “credit others” for directly impacting the vibrancy of downtown, women like Rebecca Cnare, the city’s Arts Program Administrator Karin Wolf and Preservation Planner Amy Scanlon.
“These three women have had a really significant impact on the downtown area specifically,” says Stouder.
That includes the Capitol East District, where partnerships have catalyzed development projects. In the past few years, the department has seen the approval of over 1,000 new housing units and more than 400,000 square feet of commercial space in the district.
In 2017, the Planning Division will kick off a Historic Preservation Plan with an emphasis on the greater downtown area, review exciting downtown development proposals and provide replacement parking in an aging ramp.
Stouder says, “I’m so thankful to be working in an environment where residents and others care so much about the places they live, work and play, and how they get from place to place. I’m eager to see Madison continue to embrace growth and change while protecting the things that make us unique.” –Shelby Deering
“We want to have kids telling us how we can make the spaces more agreeable.”
—claire Oleksiak
Rebecca Cnare
As urban design planner for the City of Madison Planning Division since 2004, Rebecca Cnare gets involved in all sorts of interesting and controversial happenings, but she likes it that way.
“I like to remind people that it’s OK when things are controversial, because it means we’re having a community conversation about what our priorities are,” says Cnare.
Cnare took responsibility for the Downtown Coordinating Committee three years ago, seeing an opportunity to accomplish amazing things in Madison, a city her family has inhabited for six generations. The committee’s current project is using a recent retail and market analysis report completed by over 1,600 respondents as an inspiration for change. Cnare, who prides herself on having made trusting relationships throughout the city, is eager to start working with community partners like Downtown Madison, Inc. and Central Madison’s Business Improvement District to transform the retail landscape much like food carts have transformed dining downtown.
“We need small entrepreneurial start-ups and we need some retail anchor chains that can provide a backbone and that can afford some rents and some things that make it easier for others to make it,” says Cnare.
Cnare also hopes the retail sector can mirror food carts in bringing more diversity to downtown, especially when it comes to business owners.
“There are a lot of things in motion being set up from the past few years that I think the next few years could be really crucial to shaping how we experience our downtown.” –Candice Wagener
meet more influencers Who Shape the Downtown Experience
“Local and independent businesses are key to the thriving atmosphere, and I am proud of the ways that Anthology brings its unique vision for creativity to the downtown area.” —Laura Komai
Sandi Torkildson
Sandi Torkildson, the much-celebrated co-owner of A Room of One’s Own, can’t believe that this year she is marking 42 years since opening the feminist bookstore. Part-activist and part-bibliophile, Torkildson has framed her store as an “important kind of hub,” serving as a place to notarize petitions, purchase yard signs and support the gay and lesbian community. “Sometimes you just need a place to do that,” she says. In recent years, the bookstore has undergone an evolution of sorts, adding history sections, a children’s section and more. But Torkildson hasn’t strayed from her original path of enriching downtown Madison, serving as the president of the Greater State Street Business Association and chairing the Downtown Coordinating Committee. In 2017, she’ll work to improve parking signage and encourage more retail in the State Street area. “We have a great downtown,” she says. “We can make it a place where everyone feels welcome.” –Shelby Deering
Laura & Sachi Komai
A few adjectives come to mind when describing downtown Madison. Exciting. Forward-thinking. Creative. And adding to that creativity are sisters Laura and Sachi Komai, one-time managers of gift store Little Luxuries who opened their beloved store, Anthology, in 2008.
The small yet inspiring retail space located on the 200 block of State Street houses handmade paper goods, apparel, artwork and more. Many of the products spotlight a love for all-things-Madison—cheese curds and political activism figure prominently. Crafting classes and parties invite participants to make decoupage mirrors and paper stars.
“We provide a realm of creative inspiration, both our
own and that of the many artists we work with. We think of our store as a gateway to creativity,” says Laura.
The two, who showcase their own handmade creations in the store, grew up in Madison. Sachi says, “We do our best to be ambassadors for the city we love,” welcoming travelers from all over the world in addition to the local devotees who come weekly to soak up the inspiration.
Sachi thinks of downtown Madison as “a giant water cooler” where “residents, visitors and workers gather around to learn the latest news.”
“I like to think we add creative energy,” she says.
Laura describes downtown as “an intertidal zone where different currents, tides, salt and freshwater people are all mixing and mingling.”
“Local and independent businesses are key to the thriving atmosphere, and I am proud of the ways that Anthology brings its unique vision for creativity to the downtown area.” –Shelby Deering
Erin Lambert
The extreme western end of State Street is an entry to the UW–Madison campus, home to Memorial Library, a view of Bascom Hill and the flagship University Book Store, where Erin Lambert works as marketing supervisor. Although she oversees the promotional efforts of all five store locations, her efforts seem to be most visible in downtown Madison, spreading the word about products, events and contests and keeping Bucky alive and well among students, parents and Madisonians. Lambert serves as a board member of the Greater State Street Business Association and loves that the downtown area is “lively and exciting.” She believes it’s important to support the community through sponsorships and events. “When businesses work together to bring people downtown, it’s beneficial to us all.” Lambert says that she enjoys promoting Wisconsin, the Badgers and the university, adding, “It’s great to be located in the heart of our city.” –Shelby Deering
Stacey Scannell
When Stacey Scannell and her husband Sean became the new owners of The Soap Opera in January 2016, they understood the heritage of the 45-year-old State Street shop. Stacey is proud to carry on the legacy of the muchloved previous owners, Chuck Beckwith and Chuck Bauer, continuing to offer high-quality soaps, scrubs and lotions to the Madison masses. The only difference? The Soap Opera has gone digital, thanks to Stacey’s efforts to implement a fresh website and a strong social media presence. “Everybody loves us, but sometimes they need a little reminder,” says the Business Improvement District board member. Stacey is honored to be a part of State Street’s storied retail history. “We have one of the best outdoor malls in the country, and in the world, I’d say. I want to spread the word about how fantastic downtown truly is.” –Shelby Deering
Erin Vranas
Going strong for 45 years, the Parthenon is a true State Street icon. Third-generation owners Erin and Dimitri Vranas have stuck with what’s working, including making all their own gyro meat and tzatziki sauce, and building on established relationships with customers.
This next year they plan to promote their rooftop garden as a gathering place and immerse themselves in downtown events more. Erin Vranas says they have “a lot of great things in the works.”
“People working downtown—office people, construction people, students…all people connect over food,” she says. “They find a respite from the everyday rigors of life in a good meal. I work with dedicated people who take personal pride in going out of their way to make every experience great for every person who walks through the doors. We want people’s perception of downtown to be positive. I believe every business has a responsibility to do that.” –Candice Wagener
Jessica Bird
There’s a new retail anchor on State Street. One of only 16 in the country, Under Armour Brand House opened in September 2016 and has received a positive response, says store manager Jessica Bird.
“[We hear] how beautiful the store is, that we’re elevating the game on State Street,” says Bird.
In addition to being the official provider for UW Badger athletic gear, the store provides internships to students
interested in becoming part of a young, growing company and Bird herself has spoken at the university.
Under Armour wants to continue to support the local Madison community by being more present at local events like the Madison Marathon and Ironman, and making game days an even bigger event on State Street.
“It is important to us to give back to the community that has welcomed us,” says Bird. –Candice Wagener
“We have one of the best outdoor malls in the country, and in the world, I’d say. I want to spread the word about how fantastic downtown truly is.” —stacey scannell
Jessica Sosoka
For Jessica Sosoka, Madison Police Officer in the Capitol Square/State Street neighborhood for almost five years, homelessness is an issue—but not in the way you think. Sosoka says 90 percent of problem-causers in the downtown area have permanent residences and, among them, are numerous drug dealers. Sosoka worries about the homeless getting both erroneously grouped into the crime issue and preyed on by those dealers.
Many of the homeless want to be involved in their community, pitching in with set up and clean up during events like the Farmer’s Market. Sosoka has built strong relationships within her neighborhood beat.
“As always, we want to decrease the amount of visible crime and the disorderly environment that makes people uncomfortable,” says Sosoka. “I would like for our community to understand that a lot of the people that they see are members of our community. The fact that they look different and live different doesn’t mean they aren’t part of our community. It would be better for our community if we would band together and see these people are just like us.”
–Candice Wagener
Stay Safe and Healthy at Home
BY TIM WELLENS
Mary had not only been a mother and a working professional for most her life, she also successfully planned for her retirement. At age 56, Mary’s life changed when she suffered a stroke. She had not planned to need the help of others for her everyday needs at such an early age. She needed help getting out of bed, assistance with showering, getting dressed and making meals. Her husband then became her primary caregiver for the next 15 years.
When Mary’s husband passed away in early 2016, she reached out to Community Living Alliance to help her find caregivers to assist with her everyday needs. Now, Mary has the supports she needs to remain in her own home and to not worry about who will be there each day to help her. Mary’s caregiver not only helps keep Mary healthy and safe, but also makes a positive impact in her life. If you or a family member need assistance from others due to aging or a disability, it’s important to come to the realization that you can accept help from others. Talk to your family members and ask if they have planned for the help they may need in their future. What kind of help would they be willing to accept from others?
In recent years, the State of Wisconsin has been experiencing a shortage of caregivers, while the aging population continues to increase. If you would like to help others like Mary, or someone in your own family, consider becoming a caregiver. Community Living Alliance hires family members to be paid caregivers with their loved ones, and is always looking for caregivers to assist individuals who need help in order to safely remain in their homes and communities.
Tim Wellens, Operations Manager Community Living Alliance
Magic Happens
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EATS
SURF’S UP
Experience a tasty transport to Oahu at Miko Poké, Monroe Street’s new Hawaiian-inspired bistro dishing up raw seafood combination bowls and shaved ice.
For a delish breakdown of Miko Poke’s signature spin on an island classic, see ANATOMY OF A DISH P. 64.
Cucumbers and edamame offer a delightful crunch in contrast to the tender greens.
House poke ' sauce, garlic chile oil and spicy aioli add a flourish of flavor, unifying the other ingredients.
Scallions and sesame seeds are traditional Hawaiian poke ' garnishes.
Ahi tuna is wild caught from a fishery dedicated to being "ARTS" in the trade: accountable, responsible, traceable and sustainable.
ISLAND NOSH
BY RACHEL WERNER
THE HAWAIIAN DISH POKÉ (pronounced POH-kay) is a colorful stack of raw seafood and crisp veggies—built from the base up, starting with white or brown rice or fresh greens. For diners who prefer cooked items, sautéed rock shrimp, roasted chicken or additional vegetables can be swapped in. A bonus: The entire menu at Madison-based Miko Poké is also gluten- and dairy-free! mikopoke.com.
Go carb-less by opting for baby greens instead of rice or choose half-n' half in a custom bowl.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANNA WOLF
EATS
PIZZERIA, RISTORANTE & WINE LOUNGE
PIZZERIA, RISTORANTE
WINE LOUNGE
2017 SUMMER STAGE
FOOD FETISH HANKR TEASES THE TASTE BUDS
BY SUJHEY BEISSER
HANKERING FOR SOMETHING you can’t put into words? That is exactly what inspired John Kuehl and his co-creators to design Hankr, a smart phone app ideal for anyone passionate about the local food scene who believes a picture is worth a thousand words.
Product Passion Philosophy
Hankr helps users decide where to eat based on their cravings, connecting them visually to mouthwatering dishes from local restaurants. The free app guides users in dining foodforward. Dishes are listed as nutty, spicy, fruity or comforting with stunning, true-to-life photos directly synced to the restaurant that serves them. First piloted in Milwaukee in January 2015, Hankr went live in Madison last June—and is currently the largest online index of individual dishes at local restaurants.
A Madison native and a UW graduate in advertising, Kuehl and his partners are focused on restaurants and cafes—trying to connect people with food they’ll love through an unusual visual concept. He’s also glad to be helping businesses thrive by bringing “new customers that otherwise wouldn’t know what not to miss in the current culinary scene.” He considers the app to be “an x-ray vision into a restaurant’s menu.”
Kuehl goes to each location, orders a dish and photographs it just as it is served—providing an accurate representation for restaurants and diners alike. And Hankr developers say it’s the only mobile-based food guide in the Midwest operated as a visually driven dining atlas. With more than 800 dishes featured from 75 restaurants, in Madison and Milwaukee, this growing concept is a seductive sneak peek for foodies looking to sample the latest local flavors. hankr.info.
ELEGANT EVOLUTION RED’S CHIC EXPANSION
BY RACHEL WERNER
BEGINNING AS A NOVEL ADDITION TO KING STREET, RED’s first permutation became a runaway success—despite cramped quarters and, often, hours-long queue. Funky cocktails and avantgarde rolls solidified the sushi lounge’s reputation as one of the most stellar dining establishments in downtown Madison. And in 2016, owners Jack Yip and Tanya Zhykharevich decided to expand the restaurant and its menu. “We didn’t just grow out; we grew up,” reflects Zhykharevich.
Staying true to the name’s original root meaning—refined, elegant, delicious—RED’s new digs on West Washington give the illusion of a restaurant within a restaurant thanks to a doubled seating capacity, private dining room and robust additions to the menu
PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANNA WOLF
fusing French technique with Asian flavors. Co-executive Chef Jed Spink’s rendition of beef short rib is heaven on a plate with every morsel of the tender cuts cuddled in a hoisin demi glace and misoparmesan risotto. “A lot of chefs hold back on seasoning, but I play it bold,” he states.
The sushi offerings have also multiplied by staggering proportions under Yip’s expert tutelage. Customer faves like Volcano and Firecracker provide a complimentary balance to adventurous, seasonal selections such as the Polar Bear and Snow White, which appeal to seafood and meat-lovers alike. Though the intention is to stay true to their roots by keeping the menu 70 percent sushi and seafood offerings, Yip says the new items are executed with equal
precision. He explains, “We have to keep pushing ourselves to stay on top and to give our customers an exclusive experience.”
High-end is the name of game behind the bar as well. Sake connoisseurs can explore an extensive list meant to tempt a wide range of palettes—whether drawn to a subtle honjozo like Devil’s Wagging Tongue or a playful fusion of rice wine, sage and Riesling in the cocktail Bountiful Harvest.
Still intimate with a touch of glam, RED’s makeover is a voyage of pure pleasure. “The location, ambiance and the food have been revamped to catch the eye,” says General Manager Amy PearceHayden. “We don’t follow the trends. We set them.” That is bold. Madison. red-madison.com.
HILARITY FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY! For the best seats availabl e
COMPLETE DE T AILS AT: FEBRUARY 25–MARCH 12, 2017 The Playhouse at Overture Center
Summer Camp at the YMCA of Dane County has:
• Fun and educational camps built around imagination, sports, arts, outdoor exploration, science and more.
• Weekly field trips and LOTS of healthy activity.
• Convenient locations across Dane County.
• State-licensed sites and a trained, professional staff.
• Financial assistance available to those in need.
Find out more at ymcadanecounty.org/summer-camp Registration opens March 1!
This project is supported by Dane Arts with additional funds from the Endres Mfg. Company Foundation, The Evjue Foundation, Inc., charitable arm of The Capital Times, the W. Jerome Frautschi Foundation, and the Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation. This project is also supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.
DAY TRIPPING CHECK OUT WAUNAKEE—YOU’LL BE SURPRISED
BY ELLE DUNCOMBE-MILLS
WAUNAKEE, JUST NORTH OF MADISON, has a new and evolving sparkle. With its tight-knit community, great schools and close proximity to nature preserves, Waunakee has always been the “it” spot to settle down. A recent downtown redesign and influx of creative shop owners—most of whom are women— have transformed this small sleepy town into a great day-trip destination as well.
“I definitely think it’s moving in a really cool direction,” says Jen Rudis, owner of Jenerate Wellness. Her wellness center is part of this trendy transformation; stop by to unwind with infrared sauna therapy, or opt for a light therapy session to boost your winter mood. Or, try a salt therapy session at The Salt Room,
where the simulated salt cave microclimate purportedly leaves you feeling invigorated and refreshed.
You’ll find the shopping in Waunakee is trending more toward big city than small town. Red Barn Company offers a chic mix of rustic Wisconsin décor and elegant gifts and jewelry. Nearby, Simply Unique Home Décor and Millies on 2nd offer local Wisconsin artisans a place to share their one-of-a-kind wares.
If you have a taste for antique finds, Hero Vintage is a go-to spot for funky clothes and trinkets. Nearby Rustic Revival Décor offers vintage décor with a twist: Stop by to rent items for events, order custom furniture or find raw materials for your own DIY projects. Also keep an eye out for ReLove Market, a pop-up shop
Continued on P. 74
known for fabulous repurposed décor, as well as other new and reused goodies.
For a more contemporary furniturefocused stop, peek into Waunakee Furniture, a 20-year-old veteran business that serves as a one-stop shop for elegant home furnishings. If you’ve already got a piece and want to add some new flair, Wild Dandelion offers custom painting, as well as craft parties where you can do it yourself.
Precious gifts and goodies aren’t the only way to indulge on a weekend getaway in Waunakee. Start a tasting tour at Lone Girl Brewing Company, where you’ll find local craft beers on tap, delicious comfort foods and a stylishly industrial space to boot. If you’re craving a wider range of beverages, try swanky Brix 340 Wine Bar to savor a glass of rare Cognac or Italian wine. Also worth a visit are the hip Octopi Brewing and Waunakee’s longtime supper club standby Rex’s Innkeeper, serving up local craft brews and classic Midwestern comfort food, respectively.
Waunakee also boasts some fantastic nature stops where you can catch some fresh air. If you’re a history buff, stop by Schumacher Farm Park to learn about Wisconsin’s rural heritage and enjoy stunning countryside views. Familyfriendly Governor Nelson State Park, just south of Waunakee on Lake Mendota, offers snowshoeing, cross-country ski trails and breathtaking sunset views.
Turn your daytrip into an overnight with a stay at Gather Guest House, a cozy inn right on Main street. Just like the town itself, this guesthouse is a hidden gem, offering more than meets the eye; the space doubles as a creative studio where guests can unleash their inner artist.
FALL IN LOVE AT THESE ROMANTIC DOWNTOWN RETREATS
BY HELEN BUSH
LOOKING FOR A LITTLE ROMANCE this Valentine’s Day? Look no further than Madison’s lush B&Bs and hotels, where a night or two in town can make you feel as properly pampered as if you’ve gone away for the weekend.
Just blocks from downtown, The Livingston Inn is a historic landmark with all the modern updates you’ll love.
The limestone house was the home of Madison’s first mayor, William T. Leitch, in 1854 and remained a chic residence of city elites for many years, according to owner Peggy Furlan. Today, guests can experience classic elegance in the drawing room, or chat in the yellow dining room over a buffet of homemade granola, Greek yogurt and fruit. Each of the five bedrooms has a private bath, and a view of Lake Mendota or the front garden. The inn’s nine gas fireplaces add flickers of ambiance to every room.
Get cozy on the near West Side at The Buckingham Inn The B&B’s prairie style creates a homespun mood in which to rest from obligations. Guests have choice of three suites, the Varsity, Mendota and University, each with a king or queen bed and a lovely tiled bathroom with an air jet bath. Hospitality doesn’t stop there: Guests can enjoy breakfast made with local ingredients and drinks served in red china cups. The inn also offers free off-street parking and BCycle passes for the bike-sharing network.
If B&Bs aren’t your thing, Mansion Hill Inn offers an intimate boutique hotel experience. The Romanesque building was built in 1857 to be, in the words of original owner Alexander McDonnell, “the best house money could buy.”
Its 10 bedrooms offer a variety of luxury, each with a marble fireplace and optional mood lighting. The so-called Splendid Rooms are tucked away on the ground floor by the Victorian garden, charming even in winter. Classic Suites have wrought iron balconies and tall windows. Grand Rooms are furnished in the Craftsman style. Guests are treated to valet parking, continental breakfast and an assortment of coffee, tea, beer and wine.
If you’re looking for the full-service hotel experience, check out the newly renovated Park Hotel , the only hotel on Capitol Square. The hotel features a complete fitness center, and The Post, a full-service restaurant and bar, so you don’t even have to leave the grounds if you don’t want to. Guests can choose from a number of rooms one with personal access to the heated pool. For a little extra treat this Valentine’s day, book the romantic getaway package, which includes a dozen long-stemmed roses, a chilled bottle of sparkling wine (or cider) and gourmet chocolates
FEBRUARY
EVENTS
PERFORMING ARTS
1-5 I TIMES VARY
“THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA”
Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic rock opera love story. Overture Hall, Madison. overture.org.
1-12 I TIMES VARY
“OUTSIDE MULLINGAR”
Two introverted, middle-aged misfits must overcome a childhood grudge to learn it’s never too late to take a chance on love in this charming play. The Playhouse, Madison. forwardtheater.org.
3-4 I TIMES VARY
“BARE’
Always challenging and never conventional, this Madison Ballet performance is pure movement, sensual and intimate. Bartell Theatre, Madison. madisonballet.org.
10-12 I TIMES VARY
“CHARLIE PARKER’S YARDBIRD”
In this Madison Opera performance saxophone great Charlie Parker returns in spirit to the jazz club Birdland, determined to compose a final masterpiece. Capitol Theater, Madison. madisonopera.org.
11 I 8 P.M.
GABRIELLA MONTERO
An award-winning and best-selling recording artist, Montero is celebrated for her ability to brilliantly improvise, compose and play new works in real time. Frederic March Play Circle, Madison. union.wisc.edu.
12 I 7 P.M.
BOYS II MEN
This Grammy Award-winning and bestselling R&B group of all time continues to create timeless hits that appeal to all generations. Overture Hall, Madison. overture.org.
24 I 8 P.M.
LES BALLETS TROCKADERO DE MONTE CARLO
The world’s foremost all-male comic ballet company celebrates its 42 nd season at Overture. Overture Hall, Madison. overture.org.
24-28 I TIMES VARY
“A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED”
An announcement in the local paper states the time and place where a murder will occur in this classic Agatha Christie puzzle. Edgewood College, Madison. theatre. edgewood.edu
ENTERTAINMENT
THROUGH 4 | 11 A.M.
BRIDGE WORK: NEW ART FROM THE MIDWEST
Experience the multidisciplinary work of rising Midwestern visual artists. This exhibition marks the one-year anniversary of Art + Literature Laboratory. Art + Literature Laboratory, Madison. artlitlab.org.
9 | 7 P.M.
WRIGHT DESIGN SERIES: JAMES SHIELDS
Discover the work of award-winning architect James Shields, designer of the Discovery World Museum and the Museum of Wisconsin Art. Monona Terrace Convention Center, Madison. mononaterrace.com.
18 I TIMES VARY DUCK SOUP: “SAFETY LAST”
When a publicity stunt goes wrong, Harold Lloyd is at his best in this classic 1923 silent comedy film. Capitol Theater, Madison. overturecenter.org.
24 I 7:30 P.M. WISCONSIN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA: “MASTERWORKS III”
Guest artist, the young violinist Julian Rhee, joins the orchestra as a featured soloist for narrated chamber work “L’histoire du Soldat.” Overture Center for the Arts, Madison. wcoconcerts.org.
25 | TIMES VARY INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
More than 30 free performances by artists who call Dane County home will celebrate the rich cultural heritage within our community. Overture Center for the Arts, Madison. overture.org.
28 I 7:30 P.M. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE: “SPINOSAURUS”
With spike-shaped teeth and a body over 50 feet long, learn the story about the “Spinosaurus,” one of the largest predatory dinosaurs discovered. Capitol Theater, Madison. overture.org.
FROZEN ASSETS FESTIVAL
Celebrate all things chilly at the Clean Lakes Alliance’s sixth annual Frozen Assets Festival, set on Lake Mendota. Participate in a variety of recreational and competitive winter activities such as snowshoeing, pond hockey, ice skating, ice fishing and a fat-tire bike race on the ice. Event proceeds help the organization continue its mission to protect and improve water quality in our local lakes, rivers and wetlands of the Yahara River watershed Feb. 3-5. The Edgewater Hotel, Madison. cleanlakesalliance.com
FAMILY
2 | 6 P.M. KIDS CODE MADISON
Middle school students are invited to Kids Code Madison where youth can program their own interactive stories. Hawthorne Library, Madison. madisonpubliclibrary.org/events.
13 | 2:30 P.M. AFTERSCHOOL EXPEDITIONS
Let your child engage and explore science through hands-on learning from UWMadison and the Morgridge Institute for Research. Discovery Building, Madison. discovery.wis.edu.
18 | 9:30 A.M.
STORYBOOK MAGIC WITH CTM
Join Children’s Theater of Madison for Storybook Magic and bring the tale of Love Monster to life through interactive storytelling . DreamBank, Madison. dreamfearlessly.com/dreambank/events.
18 | 1 P.M.
OWL YOU NEED IS LOVE…AND BIRDS!
Learn how to recognize owl calls, and head outside to see and identify other Wisconsin winter bird residents. It’s sure to be a real hoot! Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Monona. aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org.
19 I 3 P.M.
“ELEPHANT & PIGGIE’S WE ARE IN A PLAY”
Straight from the pages of Mo Willems and his award-winning books, this vaudevillian romp will have the little ones dancing in their seats. Capitol Theater, Madison. overture.org.
25-28 I TIMES VARY
“SEUSSICAL THE MUSCIAL”
Dr. Seuss’ zany characters (including everyone’s favorite Cat in the Hat) come together in this delightful musical caper. The Playhouse, Madison. ctm.org.
JAUNT
11 | 5 P.M.
ROMANTIC CAVE OF THE MOUNDS
Stroll through the candlelit cave and enjoy sweet treats and live music along the way. Cave of the Mounds, Madison. caveofthemounds.com.
18-19 | TIMES VARY
MARDI THAW!
Shake off the cold at Cedarburg’s 2017 winter festival featuring ice sculptures, live music and New Orleans-style singer Marcell Gutyon. Cedarburg. cedarcreeksettlement.com.
23-25 | TIMES VARY
MOSES ORGANIC FARMING CONFERENCE
Take part in the country’s leading educational event for organic farmers and foodies. Keynote speakers include Stanford University sustainability lecturer Liz Carlisle. La Crosse Center, La Crosse. mosesorganic.org.
25 I 7:30 P.M.
VIENNA BOYS CHOIR
The quintessential performers have undertaken approximately 1,000 tours in 97 countries, singing in more than 27,000 concerts. Edgerton Performing Arts Center, Edgerton. edgertonchamber.com.
SAVOR
8 | 6 P.M.
MAD MEN THROWBACK DINNER
Enjoy a sumptuous five-course cocktail dinner featuring vintage American cuisine, while Chef Kyle Cherek regales you with the history of iconic dishes. Avenue Club and The Bubble Up Bar, Madison. avenueclubmadison.com.
14 | TIMES VARY
VALENTINE’S DAY WITH L’ETOILE
Enjoy a romantic five-course gourmet menu created by Chef Tory Miller. L’Etoile Restaurant, Madison. letoile-restaurant.com.
17 | 6 P.M.
WINTER INDUGENCE
Sample unique local spirits and artisan chocolate. Yahara Bay Distillery, Madison. yaharabay.com.
18 | 6 P.M.
ESSEN HAUS ANNUAL CHILI COOKOFF
Enjoy up to 15 different kinds of chili in this cash competition for chili enthusiasts. Essen Haus German Restaurant, Madison. essen-haus.com.
11 | 10 A.M.
POURIN’ YER HEART OUT
Participants create their own heart molds to be cast with local recycled iron. All donations benefit arts center and entrepreneurial space Sector67. Sector67, Madison. felionstudios.com.
11 | 5:30 P.M.
BRAINIAC BOWL
Compete in a lively science, history and pop culture trivia contest to raise funds for children’s environmental education programs. The Brink Lounge, Madison. aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org.
11 | 6:30 P.M.
UW-MADISON ABORETUM NIGHT WALKS: THE SNOW MOON
Stargaze and listen for other creatures active on a winter night while the moon rises as this walk begins. Arboretum Visitor Center, Madison. arboretum.wisc.edu.
16 | 6:15 P.M.
HIKE OUT THAT FUNK WITH CHARITI GENT
Vivacious coach Chariti Gent explains how it’s completely human, natural and necessary to feel listless and lackluster every now and then—and offers creative, right-brained ways to hike out of the funk so you can move on and, more importantly, dream bigger DreamBank, Madison. dreamfearlessly. com/dreambank/events.
20 | 12 P.M.
NOONTIME MEDITATIONS
Take 30 minutes to let go of stress and experience inner stillness. Kadampa Mediation Center, Madison. meditationinmadison.org.
22 | 6 P.M.
“THE EDUCATION OF WILL”
Local author Patricia McConnell shares excerpts from her new book “The Education of Will: A Mutual Memoir of a Woman and a Dog” about her journey with dog Willie to turn a life of fear into one of confidence and compassion. A Room of One’s Own, Madison. roomofonesown.com.
23 | 6:15 P.M.
SPEAKING WHILE FEMALE WITH VERONICA RUECKERT
Join WPR radio host Veronica Rueckert to learn to tap into the strength of your authentic voice and empower yourself to enjoy speaking. DreamBank, Madison. dreamfearlessly.com/dreambank/events.
Academy Talk in Madison: Growing Creative Kids
Join the Wisconsin Academy for a panel discussion on cultivating creativity in the next generation, featuring State Superintendent Tony Evers and Milwaukee Public Schools Chief Academic Officer Ruth Maegli. Free and open to the public with advance online registration, this panel is part of the Wisconsin Academy’s ongoing exploration of how the power of creativity can improve our economy, educational systems, and quality of life.
Tuesday, February 28 | 7-8:30 p.m. Wisconsin Studio at Overture Center for the Arts Register at wisconsinacademy.org/creativekids
THRESHOLD SINGERS SINGING FOR THOSE AT THE THRESHOLDS OF LIFE
BY AMY CARLSON NBC-15
IT
“IT FEEDS OUR SOULS AND HEARTS. IT FILLS US UP MORE THAN WHAT WE OFFER,” GROMAN SAYS.
—VIDA GROMAN, CHOIR MEMBER
IS SAID THAT HEARING is the last sense to go when someone is dying. Threshold Singers of Madison act on that belief by offering musical comfort through song for the seriously ill, the dying and their families and caregivers.
The Madison chapter of Threshold Singers began in 2009 when Casper Sunn had a profound experience singing at her mother’s hospice bedside. She was amazed at the healing power of music. Since then, the group has grown to 30 women who rehearse together, then sing a cappella in groups of three to four at the bedside of patients.
“We’re not a performance group. We’re a service group,” says Vida Groman, a member since 2010. But, she adds,“It’s important to be able to blend your voice with the others and mix harmonies.”
After each visit, the singers meet and talk about the experience. “It feeds our souls and hearts. It fills us up more than what we offer,” Groman says.
It isn’t easy to become a member. Potential members are interviewed about their motivation, experience and comfort in dealing with different environments. Prospective members attend six rehearsals, practice the songs and get acquainted with the other members. Groman says, “Relationships are just as important as being able to carry a tune.” They also each experience the profound effect of being sung to by the choir.
The group operates as a “leaderful choir.” Each member takes on a different responsibility. Some of the jobs include leading practice, welcoming new members, creating song sheets, scheduling visits or serving as a “song mother.” The song mother is the designated leader of each small group who picks the songs and makes the arrangements for the visit.
WEEKEND MORNING SHOW
ANCHOR
Members sit at the same level as the patient (at heart level) and quietly sing for about 20 minutes. The repertoire comes from the international organization. The group has a core list of songs, but also takes requests ahead of the visit.
The patients respond to the music in a variety of ways. Some sing along, some fall asleep, they all relax. Groman remembers singing to a former music teacher who started to conduct them, locking eyes with each member and humming along.
FEBRUARY NONPROFIT EVENTS
11 | 6 p.m.
MADISON HEART BALL
Help build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke at American Heart Association’s annual gala. Monona Terrace, Madison. ahamadison.ejoinme.org.
6 | 6 p.m.
COMEDY NIGHT
Support local families in need at Pregnancy Helpline’s lively event featuring four of Madison’s funniest comedians. The Brink Lounge, Madison. pregnancyhelpline.net.
Their service is a gift to the client, but the group does accept donations to cover ongoing expenses.
To request a sing or inquire about becoming a singer, visit madisonthresholdsingers.org
17 | 6 p.m.
BLACK LOVE
Join the first fundraiser for Sankofa Behavioral & Community Health, which provides mental health services to lowincome individuals and people of color. Turner Hall, Madison. sankofabch.org.
MADISON WOMEN’S EXPO
NOV. 19-20 | ALLIANT ENERGY CENTER
Thousands of women enjoyed the 2016 Madison Women’s Expo. Attendees perused 135 different exhibitors offering a wide array of clothing, accessories, services and culinary delights—all in the interest of enriching and bringing more fun to women’s lives. Four stages provided engaging interactive experiences thanks to inspirational speakers and entertainment on the DreamBank Stage; crafty make-and-takes at the Creativity Station; yoga, healthy eating and meditation on the Wellness Stage and fashion trends and skin health on the Beauty and Style Stage. Mark your calendars for this year’s Madison Women’s Expo, Nov. 18-19!
DONATE items to your favorite nonprofit, based on its wish list. • Bring a cup of hot cocoa or coffee to your local crossing guard. • Say hello to and smile at everyone you meet. • Write a loving note to your significant other, then hide it in their coat pocket. • Contribute to an emergency fund for food, shelter, family needs or whatever is important to you. • When in line at the grocery store, let a person with fewer items go first. • Surprise someone with lunch or treats. • Send a letter to an old friend. • Compliment someone on their outfit or style. • When at a restaurant, buy drinks for the neighboring table. • Babysit for a busy mom. • Give the gift of time: Volunteer. • Publicly acknowledge someone for the work that they do. • Pick up trash left in a public place. • Thank those who work in customer service. • Give a server twice the expected tip. • Let a mentor know they’ve made a difference in your child’s life.
BE OF GOOD HEART | Feb. 17 marks National Random Acts of Kindness Day—so go out and commit some! Join Madison Community Discourse for artistic events celebrating local kindness and connection all month. Buy a cuppa Joe for the person behind you in line Feb. 2 in the Pay It Forward Coffee Chain. On Feb. 18 join Wisconsin artists to write love letters and compliment poems and create bouquets and positive parking tickets to leave about town. Keep tabs on the group’s other kindness opportunities and secret missions on Facebook and at madisoncommunitydiscourse.com. -Helen Bush
Gain immediate skills and outcome strategies that will create more fulfillment, effectiveness and success in your career—and your life.
FEBRUARY 22, 2017
MAKING PRODUCTIVITY PRODUCTIVE
Are you or your team striving to maximize your efficiency? Join productivity guru and former gubernatorial scheduler Katie Belanger for a productivity overhaul. This workshop, focused on workflow and scheduling, will mix training elements, activities and individual assessments to set you up for a more productive professional and personal life. Bring your calendar, planner, mobile devices, and anything you use to keep track of your work and life to leave with a solid productivity plan in place.
KATIE BELANGER, KATIE B. STRATEGIES
Katie is an expert in technology and productivity and helps professionals incorporate systems to help maximize their effectiveness and thrive as individuals and teams.
Registration & Networking | 8-8:45 am • Workshop | 8:45-11:45 am Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
SPONSORED BY:
JUNE 28, 2017
THOUGHTFULLY FIT: Leading From the Inside Out
Darcy Luoma, Darcy Luoma Coaching and Consulting
SEPTEMBER 27, 2017
INTRAPRENEURSHIP: Power Entrepreneurial Thinking Within Your Organization Megan Boswell and Corinne Neil, THE JILLS OF ALL TRADES
NOVEMBER 8, 2017
THOUGHTFULLY FIT: Leading Within Your Relationships