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20 Years of BRAVA
Food for Thought
MONEY SMARTS
BY KIM SPONEM
As a mother and sole breadwinner in my family, I am looking for ideas on how to balance expenses now that I have longerterm goals, like retirement and setting a good example for my kids, too. Any ideas?
As parents, we want to provide both security and a good example for our kids. Katie, the winner of Summit’s season 13 annual Project Money challenge, is a single mother of four. Along with three other Project Money participants in 2021, Katie worked with a Summit financial coach to lower debt, increase savings, strengthen her financial well-being and compete for $10,000, while sharing her experience in a blog and online so others could learn too.
Like you, Katie felt the pressure of balancing urgent monthly bills with long-term goals like building retirement and college funds. After completing the Project Money program, she’s proud to have established a budget that allows her to comfortably achieve both. Over the seven-month season, Katie increased her savings by $19,180 and decreased her debt by $3,955! That’s quite a bit of success – let’s look at a few points from Katie’s blog that might help. Feeling overwhelmed by constantly putting out financial fires, hustling to make ends meet, crunching numbers and keeping tabs on due dates, Katie said she had done this so long that it seemed “like a normal approach to managing money.” But she found a better way. With her Summit coach, she established more check-ins with her money and used a tool and guidance to stay on track:
I’ve often stumbled when it comes to establishing monthly amounts to spend on variable categories like groceries, toiletries and clothing. Summit is helping me stay on my feet! I’ve committed time each week to look back at the previous week’s spending and track my money in Summit’s Climbr® tool. I’ve coined the term “Financial Fitness Fridays” and it’s been a huge improvement from the quarterly reviews of my finances in the past.
Part of Katie’s progress involved both a refinance of her mortgage that saved $350 monthly and an appointment with a Summit Financial Advisor to help determine what financial suggestions might fit her own financial picture, including retirement saving:
I’m currently contributing the amount needed to maximize the employer match to my 401(k), but not much more. Within the plan, changes to that percentage can be done twice a year. My financial advisor proposed an increase of only 1-2% at a time, working towards the 15% goal. Gradually increasing the contributions allows me to adjust to the change in my budget.
And Katie is sharing lessons with her children, too.
Passing along financial knowledge to my children was a main goal of my participation in Summit’s Project Money program. When I review my finances on Financial Fitness Fridays, my son, Jude, can sit right next to me and examine his own. While his budget has far fewer expenses than mine, the core concepts remain the same and will transfer nicely as his financial picture comes into focus over the years.
Openly discussing retirement savings with my children at a young age is important to me. I neglected to start my retirement planning right away and I’m now struggling to make up for lost time. My financial advisor supported the option of opening a custodial Roth IRA account, with Jude as the benefactor. Rules allow contributions up to the amount a youth earns in a calendar year. I told Jude that if he contributes at least 20% of his earnings to the account, I will attempt to match 100% of his contributions.
Conversations lead to actions which lead to financial confidence and a richer life. For more ideas, including the new season of Project Money, visit the Money Smarts page of SummitCreditUnion.com!
Kim Sponem is CEO & President, since 2002, of Summit Credit Union, a $5 billion, member-owned financial cooperative with more than 229,000 members. Kim has a passion for empowering people to improve their financial well-being for a richer life.
Ask Kim your money questions at MoneySmarts@SummitCreditUnion.com.
LET’S CELEBRATE
When I first started putting together a feature on BRAVA’s 20th anniversary, the task seemed a bit overwhelming to capture 20 years of content in one feature. I spent hours perusing BRAVA’s archives, getting lost in the chronicles of just how much things have changed — not only in the magazine’s design — but in the Madison area. Ads for bygone businesses, fashions that have trended in and out of style, and various magazine redesigns all made their mark in past issues.
HELLO, MIRA
However, what remained consistent in my research is that women are amazing, and our past stories prove it. We’re grandmothers, mothers, daughters, granddaughters, aunts and nieces. We’re in all stages of life: kids, teens, business owners, workers, stay-athome moms and retired. Although BRAVA can’t be everything to everybody, we’re steadfast in the belief that any woman can gain something from reading us. Whether you’re interested in furthering your career, where to shop or reading about the pressing issues in our area — BRAVA has always delivered this type of informative content to our readers.
I had the privilege of reaching out to past BRAVA employees for this feature to get their take on what being part of the magazine has meant to them. Overwhelmingly, the responses fell in the same general camp: BRAVA staffers, past and present, enjoy bringing the stories of inspiring women to light. A secondary nod was given to our Women to Watch feature — another resounding favorite of BRAVA’s employees. I loved contributor Emily McCluhan’s comment about meaningful stories she’s worked on: “I had a conversation recently with coworkers about celebrities we’ve met. The first names that came to mind [to me] weren’t movie stars or corporate bigwigs. It was the 20-plus Women to Watch I’ve written about over the years … these Women to Watch educated and inspired me. Contributing to BRAVA allows me to connect more deeply to the Madison community and the amazing women doing amazing things within it.”
Did you love our 20th anniversary cover illustration? It was whipped up by illustrator Mira Kim of Hello Madison (@hello_madison. jpg). I had long admired Kim’s whimsical work on Instagram. Her lighthearted illustrations have captured Monona Terrace, Hilldale Shopping Center, Bucky Badger, Terrace chairs, the Orpheum sign and more. We worked with Kim on various iterations of our cover until we got it just right . The goal was to capture the essence of Madison (hello, Capitol building) along with all different types of women. (And, did you see our Women to Watch logo in there?) Happy anniversary, BRAVA!
I’ve always thought of myself as a steward of BRAVA — someone who carries forth the mission of the publication and leaves it better than she found it. Although my face appears on this page in every issue, it’s not about me. I consider myself, our staff and contributors the connectors of all of the wonderful things we get to write about, that then make it into the pages and on our website.
But make no mistake: You, and the women we write about, are really the stars of the show here. We couldn’t do what we do without all of you. And so, we thank you for being a reader and supporter of BRAVA. We’ll continue to bring you meaningful stories and inspiration for the next 20 years.
Shayna Mace Editorial Director @shaynamace
THANK YOU TO OUR DIGITAL SPONSORS
BRAVA staffers Kristen Rouse, Shayna Mace, Melissa Moody, Dena Frisch, Kristin Dvorak, Becky Peck, Amy Jacobs and Barb Krause pose for a 20th anniversary portrait.
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BRAVA (ISSN 1934-4317) July/August 2022, Volume 23, Number 04, is published bimonthly (six times a year) by Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc. Periodicals postage paid at 3902 Milwaukee St., Madison WI 53714 and additional offices.
Subscriptions are $12/year. Postmaster send address changes to: BRAVA Magazine, 951 Kimball Ln., Ste. 104, Verona WI 53593-1786.
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HEARTBREAK INTO HOPE
After a personal tragedy, Michelle Kullmann is on a quest to educate parents about the fentanyl epidemic.
BY SHAYNA MACE PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE
In the fall of 2021, life was good for Michelle Kullmann. The owner of Play It Again Sports Madison (and former owner/publisher of BRAVA) was engaged to her fiancé, Peter, and her boys seemed settled. Her younger son, Cade, was a freshman at UW-Milwaukee and was enjoying his time there. Her older son, Ross, was in an internship program in Washington, D.C.
But on November 4, 2021, Kullmann’s world turned upside down when she received an early morning text, then phone call, from her brother, Craig. Cade had passed away a little after midnight in his dorm suite. Fentanyl poisoning was the cause.
“I thought, ‘This makes no sense. Cade doesn’t even do drugs. Like, he knows better.’ I was screaming. I said, ‘No, no, there’s no way.’ I just remember walking around saying, ‘No, no, no,’” Kullmann explains of that fateful morning, shaking her head, tears shining in her eyes.
Kullmann, like any parent, wanted to find out what happened. After piecing together Cade’s evening based off of conversations with his friends, bar security footage and talking to campus police, she learned that Cade had purchased one Percocet pill and took it in a bar’s bathroom. He was then asked to leave the bar and headed back to his dorm. When he reached the dorm, he told a friend he took a Percocet and felt “yucky,” then laid down in a beanbag chair in the dorm suite’s common room. In less than two hours, he passed away. Cade’s dormmate discovered him and alerted emergency personnel who attempted to revive him, but it was too late.
Kullmann suspects Cade took an M30 pill, which is a counterfeit oxycodone pill, laced with a lethal dose of fentanyl. (Cade’s autopsy
Michelle Kullmann
confirmed he died from fentanyl poisoning.) The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies M30 pills as a type of counterfeit pill that is made to look exactly like an oxycodone tablet, but may contain “no active ingredient, the wrong active ingredient … Counterfeit pills may contain lethal amounts of fentanyl or methamphetamine and are extremely dangerous because they often appear identical to their legitimate prescription pills, and the user is likely unaware of how lethal they can be,” cites a DEA fact sheet..
It’s scary to think about — that something as innocuous as one pain pill can kill. Kullmann is incredulous when she thinks about it, too.
“We start kids off taking Advil and Tylenol. And so many people are on medications for anxiety and depression. So, how normal is it to take a Xanax or a Percocet? I mean, they prescribe opioids to kids after they get their wisdom teeth out. It’s so normalized. If you don’t have [this] on your radar and don’t know anything about fake pills and that they can be laced with fentanyl … it doesn’t seem scary.”
Kullmann readily admits that Cade had battled substance abuse in high school — and likely was taking pain pills recreationally that were not prescribed to him when he was at UW-Milwaukee — which she learned about after his death.
The problem is the fentanyl, she says. It’s 50 times more potent than heroin. It’s being added as a cheap filler by drug cartels to produce massive quantities of pills to sell. And each pill can vary in the amount of fentanyl it may (or may not) contain — up to a lethal amount.
“Right now, the way the drug supply is in our country, anything that is not from a pharmacy [that you take] is playing Russian roulette,” she says about the risks of taking anything that’s not prescribed.
After Cade’s passing, Kullmann, who is well-known as a community connector,
After Cade's passing, Michelle Kullmann had T-shirts and stickers made for his friends with a favorite saying of his: "Guys, life is short, but be happy, work hard and make your people happy." Kullmann also has a pledge form for teens that she hands out at speaking events about not taking illicit drugs.
educated herself on the fentanyl epidemic — it helped her deal with her trauma. She wanted to figure out why this was happening — and why it happened to her goofy, energetic boy who was beloved by his friends, loved to skateboard and do backflips.
“This is happening all over the country with kids that are using prescription pills for the first time that turn out to be fake, and the pills are laced with fentanyl, and they’re dying. It wasn’t Cade’s first time — but this happens.”
In 2020, nearly 75% of drug overdoses involved an opioid, reports the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In 2021, deaths from drug overdoses hit record-breaking levels at nearly 108,000, which the CDC says is the result of an ever-worsening fentanyl crisis.
Kullmann admits she’s not a fentanyl expert and doesn’t have all of the answers. She doesn’t have a “set” plan of action of what she’s going to do next. But she’s already done an awful lot to raise awareness of the fentanyl epidemic locally since that crushing November morning.
Through a personal connection, she was able to meet with then-Interim UW System president Tommy Thompson to discuss urging
all UW System campuses to install Narcan rescue kits in UW residence halls and launch an awareness campaign. (UW-Oshkosh already had them installed last fall.) So far, she says that UW-La Crosse, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Eau Claire and UW-Parkside all have plans to put in the kits. She also testified at a state Senate hearing about decriminalizing fentanyl test strips (which passed). And she’s spoken at public events at Waunakee High School and Horizon High School about Cade’s story and the dangers of illicit drugs and fentanyl.
Next, the self-proclaimed “warrior mama” is helping to launch a public health campaign on the topic for the Dane County area in collaboration with Safe Communities, an area nonprofit focused on saving lives, injury prevention and safety.
“I’m grateful I have something to pour my grief into, and to advocate and try to save other lives. If we call this a drug overdose, kids think, ‘Well, I’m smarter than that.’ But if we start changing the narrative to saying you’re getting something you didn’t intend to take, you’re being poisoned. ... You don’t think you’re going to die from taking one pill.”
TREATING THE THYROID
This crucial gland keeps us healthy and feeling good.
BY EMMY BAWDEN
The thyroid regulates almost every action of every cell in your body, as well as your metabolism, heart rate and energy level. About 13% of women will develop a disorder of this butterfly-shaped gland, and the most common one is called hypothyroidism. Unfortunately, many patients aren’t receiving thorough nutrition and lifestyle guidance when they are diagnosed, which is why hypothyroidism is one of the most frequent health concerns I see in my clinical nutrition practice.
WHAT IS HYPOTHYROIDISM?
Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, is when this gland doesn’t generate enough thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine, or T3, and thyroxine, or T4) to meet your needs. This decreases your metabolism (by a whopping 15-40%!) and cell activity and regeneration, which often results in:
• Hair loss, dry skin and brittle nails
• Enlarged neck
• Cold intolerance
• Infertility
• Weight gain
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Depression Risk factors for hypothyroidism include being female and/or over 60 years old, pregnancy, having thyroid nodules, autoimmune conditions like type 1 diabetes and a family history.
HOW IS HYPOTHYROIDISM DIAGNOSED AND TREATED?
Diagnosis involves assessing thyroid hormone levels; specifically free T4 (which is typically low in someone with hypothyroidism) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH, which is typically high). Your provider may also feel your neck to screen for thyroid dysfunction. Hashimoto’s disease, or autoimmune thyroiditis, causes more than 50% of hypothyroidism cases in the U.S. This is diagnosed by measuring certain thyroid antibodies and sometimes performing a thyroid ultrasound. If you’re diagnosed with hypothyroidism, the standard treatment is daily thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
HOW CAN YOU EAT TO SUPPORT YOUR THYROID?
A diet emphasizing whole, minimally processed foods, fiber-rich carbs (vegetables, beans, fruit and whole grains), lean proteins like poultry and fish, and heart-healthy fats while minimizing added sugars, saturated fat and fast food is key for managing hypothyroidism. This eating style helps reduce inflammation and complications like high cholesterol, optimizes digestion and nutrient levels (especially commonly deficient nutrients like vitamins D and B12), and maintains healthy blood sugar levels. However, balance is important, as restrictive weight loss diets will further reduce thyroid hormone activity.
Certain foods called goitrogens hinder thyroid hormone production by decreasing the thyroid’s uptake of iodine and shouldn’t be eaten excessively. These include cruciferous
vegetables, leafy greens, soy, and coffee, among others. (Pro tip: Cooking these veggies decreases some of their effect.)
Certain nutrients are especially important for thyroid function. These include:
Iodine: Absorbed by the thyroid to produce thyroid hormones. Find this in iodized salt, fish, dairy, grains and sea vegetables.
Selenium: Involved in thyroid hormone activation, but excess intake may harm thyroid metabolism. Sources include Brazil nuts (two to three per day meets your needs!), tuna, sardines, mushrooms and barley.
Zinc and tyrosine: Helps control thyroid hormone activation and release. Zinc foods include shellfish, meat and pepitas. Foods with tyrosine include spirulina (a type of algae, which is considered a superfood), soy, egg whites, cottage cheese and salmon.
Copper: Required for transport, production and activation of thyroid hormones, and found in meat, eggs, nuts, seeds, legumes and grains.
Vitamin A: Required for thyroid health, but those with hypothyroidism may not generate the active form of vitamin A (retinol) from beta carotene. Sources include turkey, orange fruits and veggies, and spinach. Vitamin A-rich foods include cod liver and egg yolks.
SEX TRAFFICKING IS HAPPENING IN MADISON, WHAT ARE RED FLAGS TO PREVENT?
Sex trafficking is happening right here in the Madison area. Many wonder how, or if, it can be prevented. It’s complex. Often you do not realize what’s happening until you are really stuck and are not allowed out. It typically starts with someone who showers you with attention and they may seem like the “answer to all of your dreams”… until they are not. Red flags may include:
• They want to “take care of you” and impress you with their “success” & shower you with gifts or money
• They’re moving fast toward a romantic relationship
• They start isolating you from friends and family
• They may want to “take you away” on a trip
• They are vague about how they make their money and “work/take calls” at odd hours
• You may notice a lot of young people hanging around that includes drug use
Then they start making you feel like you owe them something in return and don’t give you a choice. Learn more at unitedmadison.com/trafficking
Iron: Research shows a link between iron status and hypothyroidism. Include red meat, chicken, leafy greens and legumes regularly.
If you have hypothyroidism, you may be tempted to buy new supplements after reading this — but nutrient deficiency and excess have risks with hypothyroidism, so taking supplements could be damaging. It’s also generally best to skip thyroid support supplements as some have high iodine doses (which is not recommended for Hashimoto’s) and unregulated thyroid hormones. Always check with your provider before starting supplements for hypothyroidism.
Emmy Bawden, MS, RDN, CD and LDN, is a registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of the Madison-based nutrition therapy practice Real Good Nutrition.
LAND YOUR DREAM JOB
How to take advantage of the current job-seeker’s market.
BY KATY MACEK
Twoyears ago, as childcare centers shut down and people lost a record number of jobs due to the pandemic, women’s careers were more likely than men’s to take a backseat, and data backs this up. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, 1.1 million women left the labor force between February 2020 and January 2022, accounting for 63% of all jobs lost. While women gained 188,000 jobs in January 2022, they are still short by more than 1.8 million jobs lost since February 2020.
Sarita Field, a student support advisor at Madison College’s Career and Employment Services, says she’s seeing those effects.
“The pandemic really took a toll and set us back,” Field says.
Fortunately, there’s good news for women looking to return to work: Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek says a current worker shortage across the country means there are roughly two job openings for every person applying.
“All of that means really good news if you’re a job seeker, because you’re sort of in the driver’s seat,” Pechacek says. And, she expects the trend to stick around. So instead of settling for your next job, take advantage of the current job market to kickstart the career of your dreams.
MARKET YOUR TALENT
If you were unemployed, took time off or are changing careers, that in-between time isn’t useless.
Field says one thing she coaches her students on is how to highlight the strengths of any job, what she calls transferable skills, that are applicable to other careers.
“Even if someone is entering health care, their 10 years managing a Kwik Trip are incredibly valuable and applicable to the work they’re doing,” she says. “That’s important to communicate.”
BE CONFIDENT
Not having every single qualification shouldn’t stop you from applying for a job you’re passionate about.
“What I’m seeing, that I think is a challenge women have faced for a long time, is self-selecting out of opportunities,” Field says.
When scrolling through job postings, women are less likely to apply for a job unless they meet most, if not all, of the posted job requirements — while men are more likely to take a chance and apply for positions they may not be fully qualified for.
“Start practicing with how to advocate for yourself and speak to your worth in a confident and truthful way,” she says. “If you’re great at something, don’t say you’re good.”
BRUSH UP ON YOUR TECH SKILLS
Technology is a large part of the job search, starting with your resume.
Pechacek says many companies now use AI (artificial intelligence) to pull applications and resumes that match their job postings, so it’s important to review job descriptions and use keywords that match to ensure your application isn’t eliminated from the get-go.
Zoom interviews have replaced an initial phone call and sometimes the entire interview process, and Field says that requires different preparation.
When setting up your camera, be sure to think about the background and ambient noises that may not get picked up on a phone call. Also, note how your mannerisms change.
“A lot is lost through the screen,” she says.
EMPLOYERS ARE RETHINKING HIRING
An employment gap used to be a red flag for employers, but with an unprecedented amount of layoffs due to the pandemic, it’s not
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FALL IS ALL ABOUT DETAILS
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uncommon to see periods of unemployment. Field says employers are less likely to ask interviewees about a gap these days.
The pandemic and the social unrest that followed in summer 2020 also caused employers to take another look at job descriptors and what qualifications are truly “required.”
“The way that we’re writing our job descriptions, who are we writing out?” Field says. “It’s bending certainly much more toward fairness.”
Because employees are in such high demand, employers may adjust what they see as “required” (i.e., years of experience, degree type or specific software knowledge) if training can be provided on the job.
ASK FOR MORE
MCFEE ON MAIN
400 E. Main St.
Mount Horeb, WI 53572 mcfeeonmain.com
OUR FREE GIFT FOR YOU
Simply visit bravamagazine.com to sign up for a complimentary subscription — it’s that easy! BRAVA Magazine covers the issues Dane County-women care about, including health and wellness, money, career, style and profiles of notable women.
bravamagazine.com
Always negotiate, even if you get a good job offer, Field says. Additionally, with the increased popularity of remote work, employers are also likely to be more flexible about other policies. Field also encourages people to ask for nontraditional negotiables such as work-from-home days, more PTO or flex hours.
“Salary is not the only thing that is up for negotiation,” Field says. “Different organizations have different policies, but now, more than ever, employers are recognizing their need for flexibility.“
SEEK OUT RESOURCES
The Department of Workforce Development has 54 job centers statewide (wisconsinjobcenter.org/directory/default.htm). People can come in and practice using technology, talk through basic interview skills and do mock interviews.
On-site career counselors can also help with salary negotiation and provide salary information, so you know what to ask for.
“Supporting your salary request with data shows you’ve done your homework,” Pechacek says.
People who don’t have reliable internet can also do virtual interviews at one of the job centers.
DWD’s Jobs Center of Wisconsin (dwd.wisconsin.gov/det/ jobseeker.htm) can help with searching for jobs, finding training and apprenticeship programs, providing career exploration counseling, resources and more.
Field also recommends LinkedIn Learning, which allows access to on-demand, expert-led courses in thousands of subjects. It’s provided for free to Madison College students and alum, and available for a fee to anyone.
Field led a salary negotiation workshop last April and is offering that information for free to those interested in learning more. Visit this story on bravamagazine.com for the link.
Katy Macek is a journalist passionate about women, business and art.
FREE YOUR MIND
Whether you have a moment of time or a full hour to meditate, these apps make mindfulness easy.
BY ANNIE ROSEMURGY
Aconsistent meditation practice has tremendous benefits for our physical and mental health. People who regularly meditate experience less stress, sleep better and bring stronger focus to their work. The recent influx of meditation app-based programs puts the power of this practice in your pocket, allowing you to engage your mindfulness training whenever and wherever life allows. Here are some apps worth checking into that make meditation easy and approachable — even if you haven’t tried it.
HEADSPACE
This uber-popular app was launched in 2012 with a bold ambition: to democratize meditation, improving the health and happiness of the world. Supporting a huge library, Headspace is great for the seasoned practitioner and newbie alike. With such a broad catalog available, users can individualize their session, deciding exactly how much time they’d like to devote to a mindfulness session. If having a wide range of choices is an important part of your meditation practice, Headspace may be a winner for you. Free trial available; annual subscription $69.99; monthly subscriptions start at $12.99/month.
IBREATHE
Designed with simplicity in mind, this app focuses on guided breathwork. Users are prompted to engage their breath in intentional ways. When confronted with an anxiety-provoking life situation, users can re-engage these breath patterns to restore mental harmony. If you are looking for an actionable tool to combat daily stress, this breathwork app is a good choice. Free; premium paid versions available.
CALM
Geared toward easing anxiety and ushering you into restful sleep, Calm is another app that boasts bountiful content. Everything about the Calm app is oriented toward achieving a state of relaxation, from its, well, calming interface to its collection of soothing music and lullabies. Users can choose
from a range of experiences aimed to bring on tranquility, from guided, full-body meditations to having a lulling sleep story read to them. Free seven-day trial; monthly subscriptions $14.99/month.
MINDFUL POWERS
Kids experience stress and anxiety, just like adults. Luckily, meditation works just as powerfully for them. Mindful Powers is a simple and fun way for kids to learn to use mindfulness to release negative feelings and bring focus to their academic tasks. Free; premium paid versions available.
SMILING MIND
While Smiling Mind does offer structured programs and longer, traditional meditations, what sets this app apart is its collection of “bite-sized meditations” — ultra-short, focused mindfulness meditations that can be incorporated into even the busiest lifestyle. This app is perfect for people on the go, turning even a sliver of time into a moment of zen. Free.
HEALTHY MINDS PROGRAM
The Center for Healthy Minds at UW-Madison was created in 2014 by founder and director Dr. Richard Davidson. Healthy Minds Innovations, a nonprofit offshoot of the center, was started as a way to translate the center’s scientific discoveries into tools that support wellness. Part of that includes the Healthy Minds Program App, which draws on insights from emerging neuroscience with teachings from contemplative traditions and skill-based learning. With a combination of podcast-style lessons, and both seated and active meditations, you’ll learn what science says about the brain while developing skills to tap into these learnings for a healthier, happier you. Free.
Annie Rosemurgy is a Madison-based writer, mom of two active kids and a sunshine-loving endurance sports enthusiast who never turns down an adventure.
Finding Balance
Health Series
Aswe age, changes in balance and problems with the vestibular system are common. The vestibular system consists of two complex structures within our inner ear that help us be aware of our own motion, and sense our head position and changes in our environment.
According to Amy Brown, DPT, physical therapist at Stoughton Health, about 35% of people over 40 deal with dizziness and the likelihood of suffering from dizziness increases with age. By age 70, 69% of individuals are struggling with balance issues. Some common symptoms of vestibular disorders may be vertigo (spinning sensation), dizziness, motion sensitivity, difficulty focusing your eyes and decreased balance.
“Symptoms of vestibular disorders should be addressed and not ignored,” Brown says. “Although the vestibular symptoms may not get worse, the consequences of the symptoms should not be ignored.”
One major complication is increased fall risk. As Carin Johns, DPT, physical therapist at Stoughton
Stoughton Health’s physical therapists explain the importance of the vestibular system for our quality of life.
Health explains, according to the Centers for Disease Control, more than one-third of adults over 65 fall each year due to dizziness and balance problems.
“Complications from falls include fractures, dislocations and head injuries. Falls are the number-one injury-related cause of death in people over 75 years old and the sixth leading cause of death overall,” Johns says. “Beyond the physical concerns, dizziness and balance problems can lead to social isolation, fear, depression and overall functional decline.”
Brown and Johns encourage those dealing with these issues to seek out help from a physical therapist. Vestibular rehabilitation is individualized and based on the patient’s needs after a personalized assessment.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a common condition causing dizziness/vertigo. Evaluations include the assessment of strength and flexibility, balance and coordination, as well as vision and gaze stabilization. The assessment may include video
goggles or computerized testing.
“BPPV symptoms can be quite intense, with the sensation of the room spinning, causing people to seek medical attention,” Brown says. A physical therapist can perform a repositioning maneuver, allowing any dislodged particles in the inner ear to return to correct position. As Brown explains, this treatment is very successful in improving vertigo that occurs with head movements as well as changes in body positioning. If you would like an assessment for your symptoms, consult with a physical therapist who is certified in vestibular rehabilitation. If you have Medicare as your primary insurance, you will need to contact your physician for a referral for physical therapy. With some private insurances, a referral is not needed, and you may contact the physical therapy department directly to schedule an assessment.
For further information, call Stoughton Health Rehab and Sports Medicine in Oregon at 608-835-5373 or in Stoughton at 608-873-2292.
sets are all
and
$142 &
A THRILLING TRIO
BY SHAYNA MACE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA WOLF
When you’re downtown on State Street this summer, be sure to stop in a trio of shops, all owned by longtime retailer Paul Strong.
Strong opened Jazzman, a men’s clothing store, in 1980 — and it’s a stalwart of the downtown district.
This past fall, Strong decided to add women’s clothing to the mix by opening Duet by Jazzman across the street, at 307 State St. Duet’s next-door neighbor (which adjoins the shop) took over the Jazzman moniker, and sells men's clothing. Strong renamed Jazzman’s “original” location (340 State St.) to Soli by Jazzman.
The new shops occupy the former Karen & Co. and Sassafras storefronts, whose owners announced they were permanently closing in 2020.
The boutiques’ names all play off of Strong’s love of music and jazz, which he says is timeless, and that classic feel carries over into the clothing.
Find plenty of staple pieces (jeans, leather moto jackets, tanks) and, well, jazzed-up skirts, dresses and shoes with prints and special touches.
“We thought this would be a ... good thing for State Street to have a store for both men and women, so they can shop and have an experience together,” says Strong.
307 State St., jazzmanmadison.com
SHOP THE LOOK
This moody floral prairie dress by Fifteen Twenty can easily transition into fall. $319
Jessie Liu’s gorgeous dress can be worn for a number of occasions. $295
How fun is the print on this Scotch & Soda tank top? $68
Dolce Vita’s Paily braided heels will go with any summer ensemble. $125
Two-piece
the rage,
this Fifteen Twenty camisole and midi skirt can be worn together, or separate.
$165
Step up a night out in this Niro top with lacy cap sleeves. $98
Illusion and Reality in Hair Restoration
Hair frames the face, and its shape, density and color can affect how youthful or healthy one appears. Thinning or loss of this framework leads to reduction of youthful appearance and often diminished self-confidence.
As we age, the possibility of rejuvenating or jump-starting hair growth also becomes smaller, secondary to cumulative damage to hair follicles by circulating hormones, compromised blood flow and cellular aging. Thus, at any age, the restoration of hair involves a combined approach, using both real replacement of hair as well as the creation of the illusion of more hair.
At The Rawal Institute for Hair Restoration and Aesthetic Medicine, Shamila Gupta Rawal, MD, examines your hair loss through a comprehensive and long-range lens, allowing her to develop a customized, natural-looking and longlasting hair restoration plan.
What are some of the factors that determine candidacy for increasing hair growth without surgery?
Hair follicles require adequate blood flow, sufficient and robust nutrient delivery, and intact scaffolding to grow healthy hair. Blood flow and nutrient delivery can be compromised by the actions of stress and several circulating hormones, by smoking and poor diet, and by inflammatory conditions in the scalp.
Integrity of the scalp collagen matrix can be affected by natural aging and genetics, trauma to the scalp from high tension hairstyles, over-processing and styling, and replacement by scar tissue from inflammation. Therefore, the goals of many hair restoration treatments are to improve oxygen and nutrient delivery through enhanced blood flow to the follicles and to reduce scalp inflammation. Whether that involves use of oral or topical medications, low-level laser light therapy or regenerative medicine technologies, the aim is to optimize the growth environment for the hair follicles and promote a healthy cellular metabolism, leading to thicker, longer, more lustrous hair.
When hair follicles have sustained cumulative damage from the above issues for too long, it may be difficult to reverse the miniaturization process, and the goal of therapy is to maintain the live hair follicle for as long as possible, knowing that it is continually dying. If the population of follicles able to be resuscitated non-surgically is too low, the plan must lean more on adding hair transplant surgery and other camouflage techniques to provide comprehensive hair restoration.
Who is the ideal candidate for hair transplant surgery?
Hair transplant surgery can usually be performed in male and female patients who meet the following criteria:
•Adequate supply of stable donor follicles (as determined by microscopic exam by Dr. Rawal)
•Absence of auto-immune and scarring alopecias, or other medical contraindications
•Commitment to ongoing maintenance with medical therapies
•Appropriate and reasonable expectations of short- and long-term restoration outcomes
“ ”
At any age, restoration involves a combined approach, using both real replacement of hair as well as the creation of the illusion of more hair.
What happens if the area of thinning is too advanced or is larger than the supply of surgical donor hair?
When the recipient area has advanced miniaturization and exceeds the donor supply, Dr. Rawal will offer a hybrid restoration consisting of medical therapies to maintain the existing hair for as long as possible, surgical approaches to maximize the yield from the patient’s donor supply and semi-permanent camouflage through scalp micropigmentation.
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) involves the deposition of thousands of tiny dots of medical-grade, charcoal-based pigment with a fine needle, that gives the illusion of many more hair roots and reduces the reflection of light from bare areas on the scalp. While loft and real hair density are not enhanced with SMP, the increase in perceived density can drastically reduce the embarrassment of thinning in windy or wet hair situations. Styling time can also be significantly reduced with this increased coverage. SMP can be performed as a standalone treatment, or as part of a hybrid program, and can be expected to last five to seven years with proper care.
Interested in a customized and comprehensive hair restoration plan? Call Dr. Rawal’s office to set up your consultation now. Exclusive to our BRAVA readers: be one of the first ten patients to schedule your hair restoration consultation and receive 10% off your procedural hair restoration package (PRP, low-level laser light therapy, transplant) booked within 30 days of your consult — which is a potential savings of up to $2,000.
DR. SHAMILA RAWAL
Before and After Hair Transplant with Scalp Micropigmentation
WOME N’S
Preventing Summertime Injuries in Kids
FINANCIAL
It’s finally summer! With longer days and warmer weather, many of us engage in more active pursuits, like swimming at the pool, kayaking or paddleboarding on one of Madison’s lakes, hiking and biking, and plenty of sports. We love to make the most of summer.
But summer can also present an increased risk of injury for kids. According to the Centers for Disease Control, injury is a major cause of morbidity and mortality for children.
Some of the most common causes are motor vehicle collisions/accidents, suffocation, drowning, poisoning, fires and falls. Many of these are addressed in well child visits and public health campaigns.
Less serious, but more common, is the fact that pediatric injuries can increase in the summer, due to kids being outdoors more often, out of school and more active. Here are a few ways to prevent injuries this summer.
Shannon Reed, DO and family medicine physician at UnityPoint Health – Meriter, offers some tips.
During Sports
• Stay hydrated!
• Use well-fitting and appropriate equipment. With how quickly kids grow, keeping them in the right size pads, helmets and shoes/cleats can be a struggle, but this is one of the best ways to help avoid injury. Be sure to check your child’s gear for a proper fit. Because the protective gear is specific to the sport, work with your coach on what they should be wearing.
• Make sure your kids warm up and stretch. Muscles behave a little bit like rubber bands. If they are cold, they don’t stretch well. If they get warmed up, they move much more easily.
While Outdoors
Sunburn prevention : The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, at least SPF 15, and applying every two hours. Additionally, sun-protective clothing and hats can be helpful in preventing sunburns.
Insect bites : For activities in heavily wooded areas, wear long sleeves and pants, with shoes. The AAP recommends using insect repellent containing DEET at a concentration no higher than 30%, but to wash it off with soap and water once outdoor activities are finished.
Water safety : Keep a close eye on kids while they swim or play in water. If you are able, have your kids take swim lessons so they can be strong swimmers. For young kids, swim with them and avoid areas with tides. While boating, all children should wear personal floatation devices (life jackets).
Finally, parents and caregivers should all learn and get certified in CPR. For more information on CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) training courses in the Madison and Dane County area, visit unitypoint.org/madison/cprtraining-classes.aspx.
PRETTY PASTELS
Soft shades are en vogue in home goods right now.
BY SHAYNA MACE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE
Clockwise from top left:. Dried flower bouquet, $24, Good Day Shop; Frank Lloyd Wright Collection March Balloons tea towel, $14.95, Orange Tree Imports; Magic Linen striped napkins (set of two), $24, Good Day Shop; orange napkin, $4, World Market; Estelle Colored Glass wineglass, $85, Hawkins New York cocktail napkins (set of four), $20, and Wildflower Caramel dark chocolate sea salt caramels, $24, all from Good Day Shop; flower plate, $7.99, double ring ceramic pot, $14.99, and Kolor Me Koby plate, $9.99, all from World Market; Hawkins New York spice bowls, $9 each, and M/R/F pitcher, $113, both from Good Day Shop; Totally Bamboo Wisconsin cutting board, $29.98, and Island Bamboo spoon, $9.98, both from Orange Tree Imports; and Yes Cocktail Co. Ginger Citrus cocktail mixer, $19, Good Day Shop
A
HOME IMPROVEMENTS THAT ARE WORTH THE MONEY
polished and timely renovation can raise the value of your home.
BY HANNAH WENTE
If you’ve undertaken a home improvement or renovation project, you’ve likely considered the return on your investment — and if the project will boost the value of your home. It’s an important question to consider, and some makeovers are worth more than others.
According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2021 home remodeling survey, in Madison, the best home improvement projects to take on for the best return on investment (ROI) at resale are:
• Replacing a garage door (recoups 98% of a $4,000 door)
• Adding a stone veneer to the exterior of a house (makes up 90% of a $10,000 stone veneer install)
• Doing a minor kitchen remodel (74% of the cost of a $25,000 remodel can be made up)
• Replacing entry doors (a $2,000 door can generate 70% ROI)
• Adding a bathroom (a $50,000 addition can make back 65% ROI, which is higher than the Midwest average of 50% ROI).
These projects are closely followed by replacing your windows, a bathroom remodel, major kitchen remodels and adding a deck. All of these put about 60% of the value back in the homeowner’s pocket at resale. (In case you’re interested, the worst projects in terms of ROI are installing a swimming pool and adding a home office — although the latter has become much more desirable in the past two years.)
There are many reasons why a homeowner may decide to renovate: to prep the home to sell, to create a more
efficient space or to fix a fundamental problem with the house.
Kitchens and bathrooms are the most common renovation projects people undertake with the goal of resale.
“It all comes down to kitchens and bathrooms — those are the most important factors for sellers or buyers,” says realtor Asher Masino of Lauer Realty Group. “You can always get value out of updating your kitchens or bathrooms.”
When looking for a new home, buyers tend to gravitate towards the kitchen. They ask themselves questions such as, is this functional? Is it big enough for one or two cooks? Can I imagine having friends and family in this space while entertaining?
The first question Waunakee Remodeling design manager Jenny Larson and her team ask homeowners is why the client is
tackling a renovation. It helps to identify their goals and keep the project on track.
For people looking to stay in their home for more than several years, a full kitchen remodel could be warranted if the space is outdated or has a non-functional layout.
For those interested in selling, however, simple upgrades can suffice. Larson says that future homeowners may want to change the kitchen cabinets once they own the house — so it’s probably not worth replacing those (not to mention, it’s expensive). But updating the counters and backsplash is less pricey and easier for a new homeowner to change if they want to.
“You can do a simple countertop swap and backsplash upgrade,” says Larson. “Quartz materials are the best, maintenance-wise.”
Masino also stages homes for sale. She says, “There are a lot of little things you can do to get a home ready to sell, such as swapping out light fixtures, handles and plumbing fixtures.”
In the bathroom, that could mean switching out the vanity and countertops to refresh the space. You may even reframe a mirror to match the vanity.
“Bathrooms are a space for relaxation,” says Larson. “Consider how you start and
PRO POINTERS
If you’re doing improvements, use these tips to get the best bang for your buck when you sell your home.
COLOR CUES
Use neutral tones to make the space appealing to buyers. Lauer Realty Group owner Liz Lauer recommends staying away from wallpaper and instead hanging statement artwork, as everyone’s taste can vary.
MATCH THE EXISTING STYLE
end your day. Updating those spaces is important so [the homeowners] have that zen feeling of relaxation.”
Whether you do a small, medium or large upgrade to a bathroom or kitchen — the current housing market in Madison should allow you to recoup most, if not all, of the cost (which beats the statistics above). Even a small renovation could go a long way.
“People are seeing a huge return on investment right now,” says Masino. “Even people who bought a year or two ago are seeing huge gains without putting any work in.”
The majority of Madison-area buyers are looking for move-in ready and updated houses, says Masino. That’s true especially for older homes in walkable neighborhoods.
“We’re completely flipped on new home values in Madison,” says Lauer Realty Group owner Liz Lauer. “It’s location, location, location — older homes are in the most coveted neighborhoods. It’s a scarcity.”
Hannah Wente is a freelance writer who builds community through her writing and nonprofit work.
Consider the home holistically, and make sure to match the renovated space with it. Similarly, stay in the ballpark of your neighborhood’s home values to ensure you recoup your money.
DO A LIGHT KITCHEN UPGRADE.
Selecting new countertops, buying new appliances, replacing the faucet or light fixtures, and swapping out old cabinet hardware are all ways to update this space.
DO A DEEP CLEAN AND DECLUTTER.
Once everything is clean, stage your home for sale by bringing in side tables, lamps and artwork that will let it shine.
LANDSCAPE OUTDOOR SPACES.
Make sure the outside of the house looks as good as the inside. It will show buyers that you care for your home — inside and out.
CREATING INSPIRED INTERIORS
Area interior designers share their insider knowledge on style and design.
SANDY TAYLOR
Waunakee Furniture ETC
(608) 849-7574
waunakeefurniture@tds.net
waunakeefurniture.com
In the heart of downtown Waunakee is Waunakee Furniture ETC, a furniture store that offers a wealth of interior design experience among its team of six, including owner Sandy Taylor. With a combined 125 years of experience working in the furniture industry in the capacities of professional interior designer, furniture store manager, store owner, merchandiser, consultant and home stager, the business has the overall
expertise to provide customers with a one-stop furniture shopping experience.
Tell us what design aesthetic is trending now, and what home décor trends are around the corner?
Clean, simple lines and midcentury modern — less is more.
Another big trend is all about relaxation and comfort. After the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a big push to improve all areas of the home. People were not traveling as much, and a lot of that discretionary income was spent at home. As a result, a lot of attention is being paid to sprucing up outdoor gathering spaces. Backyard escapes are big, with patio improvements and fire pits.
Colors that are trending now would be variations of green being the new gray, and using warmer colors. Green has calming qualities and relates to nature. Our go-to paint color has been Agreeable Grey by SherwinWilliams (which is a warm gray) in many cases — but clients are all different.
Where do you look for inspiration?
I find inspiration by going to furniture and accessory markets in Las Vegas and High
Point. I also attend seminars and conferences by key professionals in the industry. Hilary Farr [of HGTV’s “Love It or List It”] is an inspiration, and interior designer Nate Berkus is another.
DEB CORNING
DC Interiors & Renovations
(608) 444-0571
info@dcinteriorsllc.com
dcinteriorsllc.com
Deb Corning, interior designer and general contractor with DC Interiors & Renovations, founded the company in April 2001, initially only offering interior design services. Fast-forward a couple of years, and Corning obtained her contractor’s license, which allowed her to add renovations to the company’s menu of services. Three years ago, in September 2019, she expanded her repertoire once again by opening her retail store, Décor, in Fitchburg.The shop features home accessories and accents for “the welldressed home.”
LAURIE LODHOLZ
Laurie Driscoll Interiors
(608) 277-9767
laurie@ldinteriors.net ldinteriors.net
Laurie Driscoll and her creative team at Laurie Driscoll Interiors in Fitchburg are visionaries who gather their clients’ ideas and make magic in their homes, utilizing style, pattern, draperies, furnishings and accessories that will work with the architecture of a space. Because of our
With more than 21 years of experience within the interior design and renovation industry, Corning understands all facets of what it takes to make a house, a home.
What colors are trending right now, and what colors aren’t as popular?
Warm earth tones are coming back, and cool grays are starting to disappear. I love Benjamin Moore’s colors — their historical [paint] colors in particular — but we also use Sherwin-Williams. A couple of warmer tones we like from Benjamin Moore are Dragon’s Breath and Silver Fox. From SherwinWilliams’ deck, we like Urbane Bronze and Repose Grey.
What should people keep an eye on for future home trends?
The minimalist look is trending now and will remain in favor for the future, which corresponds well with our aesthetic. We specialize in unique, timeless and elegant items that add modern focal points to your home. Larger statement pieces are in demand, while knickknacks are something of the past.
fast-paced lives, people are looking to their homes and work environments as a source of comfort or rejuvenation — and that’s where an interior designer can help.
Since 1988, Laurie Driscoll Interiors has specialized in partnering with clients through the building and remodeling process — often starting with plan critiques, selection and specification of interior materials and details, and finishing with furniture, window treatments and accessories. Driscoll looks everywhere for inspiration, including continuing education programs and trade journals, as well as seeing the latest and greatest from sales representatives showcasing the latest in paint colors, furniture styles and overall décor.
What are the key reasons to hire an interior designer?
A good designer will take the thousands of options you have available to you and narrow these down to a few very good options. It is their job to know the industry, the market, keep up with trends and know an array of vendors to help you make the perfect selection, within your budget.
The second reason is that an interior design curriculum emphasizes the elements of
design scales, balance, proportion and color theory. Anyone can search the internet for characteristics or details of a certain design style, but a good, trained designer can see how to use those characteristics, with proper scale, balance, proportion, etc., to create a unique and functional space.
PREPARING YOUR FINANCES FOR THE WORST-CASE SCENARIO
No one wants to think about the possibility of a divorce, but not thinking about it adds fuel to an already stressful, emotional situation. Northwestern Mutual’s Joanna Burish says talking to a holistic financial planner and understanding your household’s financial situation at the beginning and throughout your relationship are keys to a smooth conversation, should the worst happen.
It can also help make sure women are empowered to take control of their own finances and, in doing so, their futures.
How do you have these tough conversations with a partner?
Start early, if you can. They’re hard conversations … but that discussion is going to make a really difficult event in your life less challenging down the line.
Often, couples rely too heavily on the breadwinner to make financial decisions. The other partner needs to negotiate some control over their contributions. These things are helpful to understand going into the marriage.
How do you even start planning for a divorce?
The best thing you can do is find a holistic financial planner who can get you on need right path and give you the tools you need
to understand how to protect and strengthen your finances before, during and after a divorce.
I cannot recommend enough finding a divorce coach to help advocate for you, and building a team of support. Having a divorce coach and holistic financial advisor before you even get to the negotiation table can help you understand what the assets are and also what you’re going to need to live.
What are some basic factors to consider?
Things such as the length of the marriage, splitting income and assets, as well as custody of any children.
The splitting of assets and the division of custody are the two biggest factors that will hold back the agreement if you’re not on the same page.
What are some common costs of divorce?
The more complex your divorce is, the more costly it’ll be. Common costs include real estate appraisals, tax experts, hiring a guardian ad litem if you have children and forensic accountants.
The average cost of an attorney in the state of Wisconsin is anywhere from $200-300 an hour. If you’re not on the same page and you start these negotiations, that money will disappear quickly.
How does holistic financial planning soften this blow?
We are really going to look at more than just your retirement and investment accounts. We look at the big picture: Planning and growth, as well as your life goals and really understanding those to get you on a path to where you need to be, or where you could be.
Also, most financial planners will have relationships with different types of resources you need, like a banker or an accountant or even business owners to potentially help you find your next job.
What about preparing for after the divorce?
Whether you were the breadwinner or not, your finances will shift on a single income. For example, the full cost of rent or mortgage is going to be on you. Understanding a budget is the first key to building the foundation of your new chapter, and working with a financial advisor to understand what you need to live on is critical.
The more you understand your budget and lifestyle needs, the more realistic and possible it is to start building a plan that will take care of you today and grow with you in the future.
What advice do you give to your clients in these situations?
There is a light at the end of the tunnel. While this chapter is going to be hard, in the next chapter you’ll have the opportunity to reconfigure how you want to live your life, personally and professionally.
If you’d like an introduction to a divorce coach, reach out to me. With a divorce coach and a holistic financial planner, you can paint a better picture. It’s just going to take some time.
Contact Joanna Burish directly at 608-658-3482 or Joanna.burish@nm.com
Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) (life and disability Insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries, including Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), a registered investment adviser, broker dealer, and member of FINRA and SIPC. NM and its subsidiaries are in Milwaukee, WI. Joanna Burish is an Insurance Agent of NM. The testimonial presented may not be representative of the experience of other clients and are not a guarantee of future performance or success.
Years of BRAVA
As we celebrate our 20-year anniversary, we take a look back at influential and significant milestones and stories from our archives.
BY SHAYNA MACE
n our constantly-changing media landscape, it’s a feat to be around for 20 years.
From the beginning, BRAVA
Magazine has been a steadfast champion of women in the Madison area, and its legions of readers, contributors, supporters and staff can all attest to the impact the publication has made in their lives.
From covering tough issues such as domestic abuse, sexual violence and opioid addiction, to the lighter side of life, including fashion, dating and food, BRAVA has always featured a mix of relevant topics — all localized to our community.
So stroll down memory lane with us as we dig into some of our most impactful memories and stories from the last 20 years.
MAY 2002
The first issue of Anew magazine is published. The publication was an offshoot of the annual Women’s Expo that founder, publisher and editorial director Kristin Erickson had launched and was already operating in the Madison area. Erickson wrote in her inaugural editor’s column that clients and readers would often ask if her staff would be starting a publication for women.
As Erickson wrote: “Like all good ideas, it refused to stay put. … I thought about the magazines I enjoy — InStyle, O, The Oprah Magazine, Vogue, People. They’re fun to read, but the local information is missing. Didn’t we deserve a high-quality magazine just for the community Ladies’ Home Journal recently named the best midsized city for women? Yes.”
Erickson owned the publication from 2002-2009.
SEPTEMBER 2004
The magazine commemorates the opening of the $205 million Overture Center in downtown Madison. Stories profile Carol Toussaint, then-chair of the Madison Cultural Arts District Board; articles on Overture’s staff; and a style spread dedicated to formal fashions.
NOVEMBER 2006
Due to legal pressure from Avon, an international cosmetics and skincare company, Erickson changes the magazine’s name from Anew to brava. (At the time, “brava” was lower-case.) BRAVA staff solicited new name ideas from readers, with the promise of a deluxe weekend getaway in the Wisconsin Dells area. Suggested names included: Renew, Vitality, Refresh, Panache, Soar, A-Plus, Reflections and more.
However, Erickson reveals in her editor’s column that nine days(!) before publication, she came up with the name brava herself.
What Has BRAVA Meant to You?
“Every January, I look forward to reading about our new class of Women to Watch. I am always amazed at how the women in the Madison community are making a difference in so many different areas, serving so many different populations and meeting so many needs.”
Barb Krause, publisher
JANUARY 2012
BRAVA publishes its inaugural Women to Watch list, comprised of 23 standout women in the Madison community. Editor-inchief Sarah DeRoo and publisher Michelle Reddington wrote, “If you’re looking for women who are making their mark in Madison, there is no shortage at all. … They’re leading research and running nonprofits, growing businesses and broadening education opportunities, challenging the status quo and shaking things up wherever they go.”
As of 2022, BRAVA has featured 208 Women to Watch (with Reddington, now Kullmann, as one of them in 2022!). Today, the benchmark for women to be considered includes concrete, actionable plans the woman intends to accomplish in the coming year.
SPRING 2009
Local business owner Brad Zaugg purchases BRAVA from Erickson, and brings on co-owners Laura Houlihan and Michelle Reddington (now Kullmann). Houlihan left, and Kullmann and Zaugg own the magazine until 2016, when it was purchased by current owners Nei-Turner Media Group.
JUNE 2012
“A Fresh Start” focuses on Rick and JoMay Lacrosse, out of Oxford, Wis., who have fostered 15 teenage boys over a four-year span. The couple share their experiences on what it’s like to care for
“I am reminded when we are out in the community, supporting local events and meeting new people, that BRAVA has touched hundreds of people who connect with the stories, know someone who was featured or has ideas as to what we can cover next.”
— Dena Frisch, sales manager
these children, shuttling them to school, appointments and jobs. “I want to show these kids that there can be a better life out there,” explains JoMay on why she fosters kids.
The article reports that at the time, there are 8,000 children in need of foster care on any given day in Wisconsin, and a number of agencies discuss the need for qualified foster parents.
SEPTEMBER 2012
The feature “Not Safe for Children” feels especially poignant today, 10 years later. Writer Jacob Bielanski talks to Jennifer Price, commander of the Crimes Against Children Task Force; June Groehler, detective lieutenant with the Madison Police Department; and Wisconsin assistant district attorneys Meredith Duchemin and Julie Pfluger about their work in investigating and prosecuting internet predators.
“We teach kids to look both ways when crossing the street, to put on bicycle helmets when riding a bike, but who is teaching them about internet safety?” states Groehler.
With the advent of many more social platforms since 2012 (hello, TikTok and others) that predators can utilize, internet safety continues to be a timely topic.
AUGUST 2014 & MAY 2017
In a pair of stories that still resonate today, “When the Pills Run Out” and “The Faces of Opioid Addiction” reports on several Madison women who dealt with addiction to prescription opioids and heroin. The women detail how their addiction took over their lives and how they decided to seek help.
Today, The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that deaths from opioids, including fentanyl, has increased nearly every year since 1999.
OCTOBER 2013
In “Deciding Factors,” three women detail their decision to undergo a BRCA test, which screens for a mutated form of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. These mutated genes can predict risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and women with the mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene are five times more likely to develop breast cancer than women with nonmutated forms of the genes. (The story’s timing coincided with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.)
Dawna McMillan, Mary Grundahl and Christy Lee Ward also explain their breast cancer surgery journeys and what life is like post-treatment. All three women continue to work and live in the Madison area today.
“I have always loved the Women to Watch feature every year. I think it is so inspiring to see the extraordinary work that these women are doing in Madison (and beyond). It definitely makes you stop and think, ‘How can I make a difference?’”
— Kristen Rouse, digital director
Fiore writes, “Having no family history
the fact that her cancer is random. Neither
penned a book for her four-year-old daughter, Bri, titled “Cards for Brianna: A Mom’s Messages of Living, Laughing, and Loving as Time Is Running Out.”
In December 2015, McManamy passed away, and her story went viral globally after her husband, Jeff, posted an open letter on Facebook written by McManamy that was a wry, humorous take on her life and love for her family. (Google her name and you’ll find it.)
McManamy shared at the time, “You just see this clear realization of what’s important and what’s not, and it’s just really awesome. Just being so grateful and so appreciative of everything — of how wonderful life really is.”
JUNE 2015
Christy, whose name was changed in the story for her privacy, details her story of verbal and domestic abuse by her husband in “Voices Carry.”
“If I did or said something he didn’t
“I was most passionate about our covers. I have two favorites, and both were related to breast cancer … I contacted Everlast to send me their pink boxing gloves and we hung them from the “V” in BRAVA and it screamed tough to me. The other [featured] Michele Wilkinson … naked, covering her breasts (removed due to a mastectomy) with her arm. It still moves me.” — Michelle Bauer, marketing & events director, 2008-2013
like, he wouldn’t talk to me for a couple of days. He’d say that was my punishment. I would think, ‘What did I do wrong?’ I always tried to smooth things over and move on past his bad mood,” Christy shares.
Shannon Barry, executive director of Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, and Jennifer Parker, psychotherapist at Harmonia, also share insights about abuse victims and what they, or loved ones, can do to encourage victims to seek help.
SEPTEMBER 2018
In “Empowering mothers and saving babies” assistant editor Julia Richards writes about Black women who are working to lower infant mortality rates in the Madison area.
“… Wisconsin’s disturbingly high rate of Black infant mortality — over three times the rate of white infant mortality here — returned by the late2000s and has remained elevated,” writes Richards.
A number of programs were highlighted, including Harambee Village, which provides communitybased doula services, breastfeeding support and other services to lower-income women and marginalized populations. Dr. Jasmine Zapata and Lisa Peyton-Caire (both former Women to Watch) are also interviewed.
“Interviewing Ms. Milele [Chikasa Anana] and writing about her retirement as publisher of UMOJA was special. It was a full-circle moment for me. When I first moved to Madison, Ms. Milele interviewed me as part of a story on Black journalists in Madison.” Hywania Thompson, contributor
WALKING THE WALK
MAY 2019
Darcy Luoma, a longtime BRAVA contributor and speaker at various BRAVA events from 2013-2019, shares her own story of personal heartbreak and how she emerged from her experience
stronger than ever in “Walking the Walk.” Editor-in-chief Marni McEntee details how Luoma’s husband was arrested in March 2016 and eventually convicted on federal charges of possessing child pornography. He is serving a 10-year sentence in prison. Luoma was cleared of any connection to the case and was considered a victim. She filed for divorce within days of his arrest.
The story exploded on bravamagazine. com, and is the magazine’s most-viewed story to date.
Luoma shares: “In May 2019, I decided to share my story in a very public way in BRAVA. Choosing not to hide any longer felt like a huge risk. While I trusted BRAVA wholeheartedly to share my story, I had no idea what the reaction from others might be. It turned out to be a turning point for me, personally and professionally. We all have hurdles to overcome, some are more expected than others, but that article created conversations with others who want to share their stories, and continues to do so today.”
JULY/AUGUST 2020
In “Solidarity in the City,” BRAVA talks to five community members about their experiences during the social unrest in the spring and summer of 2020. Local artist Lilada Gee, Short Stack Eatery owner Alex Lindenmeyer, Madison police officer Alex Nieves Reyes, community rights activist Brandi Grayson and the Boone family share perspectives on race and life in Madison.
“It’s been really disheartening to see how many people are shocked by the violence against Black bodies when the Black community has been shouting, and we haven’t been listening. Time has run out and we have to get our act together. Black people have been tired, so this is our work to do, and it’s endless,” says Lindenmeyer.
“… Every single woman whose story I was fortunate to tell has fought for or overcome so much: Jean Feraca, Kit Saunders Nordeen, Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Patience Roggensack and Kathleen Falk were told they couldn’t make it in a man’s world … I’m so glad BRAVA continues to celebrate and honor these stories each month.”
— Sarah DeRoo Deering, various positions, including editor-in-chief, 2006-2012
FASHION FIX
Since its inception, BRAVA has showcased local fashion, modeled by local kids and women.
“Moms and Daughters…Share Wear” May 2005
Your World” January 2011
“Life in Technicolor” April 2012
“True Blue” May 2014
“BRAVA means being part of an amazing community of women who are there to support each other during the toughest of times and celebrate the amazing ones as well.
I’m always excited to read about our Women to Watch honorees each January. Knowing that there are amazing women, right here in our community, using their skills, talent and knowledge to make this a better place to live, inspires me to do good as well.”
— Becky Peck, vice president of publications
How Darcy Luoma faced the unimaginable and emerged
“Color
JULY/AUGUST 2021
It’s Olympics season! BRAVA talks to a number of past and present Madison-area Olympic athletes about their experiences and hopes for the 2021 Tokyo Games. The games were delayed one year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Former UW-Madison swimmer and Olympic hopeful Beata Nelson shares: “I’m just excited to have an opportunity at a shot to represent the United States. I’ve been putting in the work every single day to make my dream become a reality.”
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 & NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020
BRAVA interviews several local business owners and female restaurateurs in a pair of stories titled “Back to Business?”
Back to Business?
and “Head of the Table,” focused on life during the pandemic. In “Back to Business?” women share the struggle of keeping their businesses’ doors open and the worry they face making ends meet and staying healthy.
Marcia Casto, co-owner of
The Old
Fashioned, muses about the pandemic’s effect on restaurants: “What does our country look like if we don’t have our restaurants to celebrate in? It’s about anniversaries, birthdays, graduations and all of the memories created.”
MAY/JUNE 2021
Although we read a lot about mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety, it’s not often you read about women sharing their experience with having a “serious mental illness,” which is termed as “a mental, behavioral or emotional disorder resulting in serious functional impairment, which substantially interferes with or limits one or major life activities.”
In “A Mental Health Shift,” BRAVA talked to four women who shared first-person accounts of what it like to live with paranoid schizophrenia, PTSD and more. It’s an eye-opening account of life with a serious mental health struggle.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
When we decided to tackle the topic of infant and child loss in “Portraits of Loss,” we knew it would be a difficult one to write about. We spoke to four area women who lost babies and teenagers, and what the aftermath of that experience was like for them.
Two of the women, Kristin Erickson and Michelle Bauer, were former BRAVA staffers. Both were gracious enough to share their heartfelt memories of their sons, Sean and Jesse. After the story, BRAVA received many comments of appreciation on social media and via email, thanking us for writing about the tough topic.
As Bauer shared about her experience, “The grief never changes; it’s always there. It just hurts less often.”
PORTRAITS of loss
MARCH/APRIL 2022
Coverage of people with disabilities is still lacking in our media landscape. In “Truly Accessible,” we talk to three Madison-area women with a range of disabilities about their experience navigating the city and their daily routines. Disability advocates also share what it takes for buildings to be accessible to differently-abled people.
“People don’t realize sometimes what’s accessible until they’re in a situation themselves … or they’re helping me … and they realize what I can and cannot do,” explains Jennifer Diedrich, who has Spina Bifida and uses a wheelchair.
As a result of this story, the ARCDane County, a nonprofit serving adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, honored BRAVA a 2022 Support in the Media Award.
“BRAVA has been a fulfilling — and crazy-fun — opportunity to put my passions out into the world ... It always feels great to be part of something — especially a publication focused on women and their journeys. It has meant the world to connect with so many inspiring, intelligent and remarkable women who make a difference and get things done. Girl power, for sure.”
— Kate Bast, editor-in-chief, 2013-2018
“We featured Jennifer Engel, The Go Red for Women National Spokeswoman [in an issue], who happened to live right here in Madison! Her story hit me hard, given that heart disease runs in my family … It prompted me to get my annual physical and I had my cholesterol checked — and to my surprise, it was very, very high. I don’t think I would have thought about looking into my heart health if it wasn’t for that article … I’ve been taking better care of myself ever since, and owe it to that story.”
— Laura Houlihan,
owner/publisher, 2009-2011
Living Your Healthiest Life
BY SUE SVEUM
Most women know their bodies well enough to know when something isn’t right. But they don’t always seek help right away; some are embarrassed or think they’re too busy. Either way, many women put their health concerns on the back burner until they simply can’t ignore them anymore.
Four women’s health providers at SSM Health, along with their patients, discuss several women’s health issues — and the importance of turning to a trusted provider for advice and assistance.
Baby, Baby, Oh Babies!
Every pregnancy is a little different — even for the same woman. That’s why it’s important to work with your doctor to share how you’re feeling and address any questions you may have during this momentous time.
Dr. Marisa Sturza, an OBGYN at SSM Health, says she wants all her patients to feel comfortable asking questions — any time.
She believes the best experience comes from working hand-in-hand with your provider. Common pregnancy issues include diet, exercise and mental health concerns, but Sturza treats every patient and pregnancy as unique. “I get to know each of my moms so I can help her get what she needs — and give advice that’s most helpful to her,” explains Sturza.
Most women have some expectations for their pregnancy and childbirth, but Sturza says that keeping an open mind is important. “I think my patient, Laura, said it best when she talked about the importance of flexibility,” she says.
That’s an understatement. Expecting to sail right through her second pregnancy, like her first, Laura learned firsthand how important flexibility and open communication can be.
“This time I had one issue after another — from severe morning sickness to gestational diabetes, and even an uncommon — and extremely itchy — rash,” she says.
“Luckily, talking to Dr. Sturza really felt like a safe place to express my emotions.” And fortunately, all of those conditions could be managed. Laura says the two things she’d tell her pregnant friends is that it’s your body, and if something doesn’t feel right, talk to your doctor.
I see pregnancy and labor as shared decision-making between me and my patients. “ ”
— Dr. Marisa Sturza
Sturza agrees. “I want my patients to feel comfortable being honest and sharing how they’re really doing,” stresses Sturza. “I see pregnancy and labor as shared decision-making between me and my patients.” That communication was important to Laura. “I feel strongly about going into the whole process with an open mind,” she says, adding that she had a general idea of a birth and pregnancy plan, but soon realized that some things are out of the patient’s control. “Don’t let that take away from your experience,” she stresses. Once she was in labor, Laura credits the doctors, nurses and other staff at SSM Health St. Mary’s – Madison for making her hospital experience a smooth one.
“I like to highlight my patients’ strengths — and all of the joyful parts of pregnancy,” says Sturza.
“And just take time,” Laura adds, “to realize how amazing this whole process is.”
Don’t Let Pelvic Health Slide
While most people freely discuss their knee replacement or even cancer surgeries, pelvic health issues are often kept under wraps. Why? Most often the reluctance is due to embarrassment — or the assumption that there’s nothing that can be done.
According to Dr. Temitope Rude, a urogynecologist with SSM Health, neither of those should be a factor. The most common pelvic issues women experience are urinary symptoms such as leaking or urgency, or a prolapse, which often feels like a bulge pushing out from the vagina.
“These concerns can definitely be very sensitive to discuss,” she agrees. “So, finding a provider that you feel comfortable speaking to is key.”
That’s why Rude works to create a space where her patients feel comfortable raising issues like: Who will watch my kids if I need surgery? What about intercourse? What if I can’t go back to my job?
If this isn’t wrapped up at our first visit,” she explains, “we’ll meet again — as often as needed — to make sure she feels confident in our treatment plan.”
The right doctor was definitely the key for Holly. Her previous doctor told her that surgery to address her prolapse was not the answer — and instead, gave her a pessary, a device inserted in the vagina to help support her bladder. But as a physical education teacher with an active lifestyle, this option wasn’t working well for her. So, she turned to Rude for a second opinion — and ultimately had a hysterectomy with a sling to support her bladder.
“After meeting with Dr. Rude, I realized I’d been living with a prolapse that I didn’t have to deal with,” stresses Holly. “She’s amazing — what she did for me was lifechanging!”
But surgery isn’t always the answer. “I believe it’s my job to empower women with information, both about their own anatomy, and about the range of options available to them,” explains Rude. “This ranges from monitoring symptoms to surgical interventions. I impress upon them that they’re in control of what happens next.”
I believe it’s my job to empower women with information, both about their own anatomy, and about the range of options available to them. “ ”
— Dr. Temitope Rude
She says many women find ways to manage pelvic floor symptoms without seeing a doctor — maybe with pelvic strengthening exercises, or simply wearing pads. “That’s great!” says Rude. “But when symptoms become bothersome — and you’re changing how you go about your day, giving up activities you love, or noticing pain or discomfort, it’s time to see your provider.”
That was the case for Holly. “I’d been very active — and was ready to be that person again,” she says. “I want women to know that if someone tells you that you don’t have options — you do! It could be life-changing.”
Opening Up About Menopause
As a local hairstylist, Barbie chats with clients all week. Like a therapist (or bartender), it’s simply part of her job. But when the topic veers to women’s health issues like menopause, she takes her role especially seriously. “It’s a tough topic for women to talk about,” she explains. “So, I’m happy to listen — even to those ‘embarrassing’ women’s issues.”
According to Mary Ross Carr, an advanced practice nurse practitioner at SSM Health, the average age of menopause is 50 — and many people experience perimenopause up to 10 years before that. True menopause is defined by the lack of menstruation for one year.
During perimenopause you may experience mood swings, sleep issues, weight gain, fatigue, anxiety and depression, and even a decrease in libido. You may also have hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness — which is also associated with menopause. You may have heavy or irregular bleeding, or your period may simply become lighter and less frequent.
“The transition can be fairly smooth — or a little bumpy,” says Ross Carr. “In general, the symptoms indicate what, if any, treatment is recommended.”
So, when Barbie started experiencing symptoms of menopause, she turned to Ross Carr for help.
“I went in for a vaginal issue and ended up talking about treatments for menopause,” Barbie says. After addressing her initial concern, Ross Carr asked if there was anything else she wanted to talk about. “I was interested in hormone therapy but if she hadn’t asked, I’m not sure I would’ve brought it up,” Barbie confides. “But once I did, I was glad. Mary took me seriously — and now I’ve started low-dose hormone therapy.”
Ross Carr says although some women worry about using hormones due to a study linking hormone therapy to breast cancer, the research is ongoing, and the risks appear to be small. And for women who don’t need, or choose not to take hormone replacement, there are many other alternatives.“Not all women experience ‘the change’ in the same way,” stresses Ross Carr. “Many women approach menopause with dread. Some foresee an end to their sex life, miserable hot flashes, saggy breasts and other horrors. I’m here to tell you that this need not be your future!”
Barbie agrees. “If you’re having any issues about menopause please talk to your provider,” she urges. “People are living longer these days — so you should feel good!”
Should You See a Gynecologist?
Gynecologists serve an important function for all women. They monitor overall health, answer questions about birth control, assist in pelvic health concerns and work with expectant mothers.
“My patients range [in age] from 12 to 80-plus years old,” says Dr. Meghan Ogden, an SSM Health physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. “We see such a variety that no day and no patient is ever the same.” Some women see Ogden for routine wellness exams while others have a specific concern.
Younger women may experience issues such as heavy or painful periods. “That can really interfere with their life,” explains Ogden, “but we can evaluate and provide treatment options to improve their quality of life.”
Currently, Pap smears for cervical cancer screening are recommended starting at age 21. Ogden also recommends that women who are sexually active come in for STI (sexually transmitted infection) testing annually or more, since infections are often asymptomatic and can interfere with fertility if left untreated.
According to Ogden, many women wait until their yearly exams to bring up health concerns. Maybe they’re too embarrassed to talk about it or assume it’s “normal.” “But that doesn’t mean that you can’t do something about it,” stresses Ogden. “If something is bothering you, make an appointment to see if something is going on — or can be treated. Never feel like you have to wait.”
Whether you’re young or old(er), if you experience any of these issues see your gynecologist:
∙ Heavy or irregular bleeding
• Painful periods
• Pelvic pressure
• Vaginal discharge or itching
• Pain with intercourse
•Prolapse (bladder, rectum, uterus)
• Incontinence
• Fibroids
• Menopause or perimenopause concerns
• Preconception counseling
• Prenatal visits
• Having trouble getting pregnant (if you’re under age 35 and haven’t gotten pregnant within a year of trying; or, if you’re over age 35, after six months of trying)
Michelle Orge, CEO of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, in the nonprofit’s Dairy Drive headquarters
Food for Thought
A focus on food insecurity in our local landscape.
BY ANNIE ROSEMURGY PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE
Food is fundamental. Good nutrition is not only the backbone of a healthy lifestyle, but food is also an expression of family, community and cultural traditions. During the height of the pandemic, images of long lines outside of food pantries highlighted the fact that not everyone in our community has equal access to high-quality food and the peace of mind that food abundance provides.
According to Feeding America, a nationwide network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, one in eight people deal with food insecurity in the U.S. In Dane County, 7.8% of our population faces hunger, reported Feeding America in 2019, the latest figure available. Food insecurity is defined as a “lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life,” according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
“When households are food insecure, people worry about food running out without having money to buy more. Often, they cut back on the size of meals or skip meals due to lack of money,” cites a Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC) 2016 report titled “Hunger & Food Security in Wisconsin and Dane County.”
With the COVID-19 pandemic and current inflation issues top of mind, a number of local experts provided insight on the topic of food insecurity, what resources exist to help struggling community members and innovative programs that have launched in our area to help people put food on their table.
What is Food Security?
The USDA defines food security as the opposite of food insecurity, meaning that an individual has access to food at all times for an active and healthy life.
“I’d really like to see this definition broaden to include the notion that not all food is created equal,” says Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin
CEO Michelle Orge. She prefers an “aspirational” goal of nutrition security, which she explains as a step beyond simply providing enough food, and focuses on the quality, cultural relevance and nutrition for an individual or community.
“It doesn’t take poverty to create a food insecure scenario. One missed paycheck or an unlucky accident can trigger a food crisis.”
– RHONDA ADAMS
“Hunger is the physiological sensation of needing food, and that is the first rung on the ladder of food security needs. People need enough to eat every day; it’s non-negotiable,” says UW-Madison
Division of Extension Healthy Community coordinator Claire Mance. “The goal with nutritional security is one step higher; ensuring that a community can thrive and not just survive.”
Food security has a psychological component as well. “True food security exists when I not only have enough to eat today, but I am at ease that I will have enough tomorrow and next month as well. Food security means not bearing the stress of not knowing where your next good meal will come from,” says Jess Guffey Culkins, Community Food Systems educator at UW-Madison’s Division of Extension.
A Vicious Cycle
“Hunger makes everything harder,” says Rhonda Adams, executive director at The River Food Pantry, located on the city’s north side. “We can’t work to our potential, live to our potential, parent to our potential if we are living under the threat of food insecurity daily. What I think readers may not realize is that so many people in our communities are living right at the margins of food insecurity. It doesn’t take poverty to create a food insecure scenario. One missed paycheck or an unlucky accident can
trigger a food crisis,” says Adams. Food security is often a moving target. Nicholas Heckman, food security policy analyst at Public Health Madison & Dane County, says, “... People may move in and out of food insecurity over time; sometimes more than once. Food insecurity can touch the lives of a lot of people and it’s important to create solutions that support both short- and long-term food crises.”
Our Food Security Safety Net
Federally, there’s a robust, multi-level food security system in place to support vulnerable people. Programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) and The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) form a strong base of support that local initiatives then build upon. (In Wisconsin, the SNAP program is called FoodShare.)
Food banks and pantries are the next foundational element of communitybased food security. Food from food banks such as Second Harvest and Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin (CAC) provide our many direct-to-consumer partner food pantries with food support. Pantries are located throughout Dane County (see p. 47) as stand-alone buildings and warehouses, or embedded in other significant places such as schools and faith-based organizations.
Beyond the food pantry system, local organizations are working on innovative strategies to strengthen our food system. For instance, the CAC’s Double Dollars program is a collaboration of local agencies that allows recipients of SNAP benefits to extend their purchasing power for fresh, local produce and goods at the area farmers’ markets and Willy Street Co-op. The CAC’s Gleaners, a network of volunteers and donors that safely recover food from grocers, restaurants, bakeries,
caterers and restaurants, distributes this food to shelters, food pantries and soup kitchens. The CAC reports that approximately 800,000 pounds of food is collected per year for shelters, community centers, food pantries, senior centers, soup kitchens and low-income apartment complexes. And Second Harvest’s HungerCare Coalition is a tool for healthcare providers to screen for food insecurity as part of routine patient checkups.
Root Causes of Food Insecurity
While emergency food aid will always have a role to support people in a time of crisis, long-term food security can only be achieved by working on the foundational issues that drive it. Structural racism and the inequities it generates are directly reflected in the food system, placing disproportionate impacts on communities of color.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, poverty is the single biggest predictor of food insecurity. “Food insecurity is an income issue,” says Heckman, who authored the PHMDC 2016 report on food insecurity. “There is a strong correlation between food insecurity and poverty, and the widespread availability of jobs that pay sustainable and living wages is one of the best ways to bolster community food security.”
Affordable access to transportation, childcare, housing and healthcare are also strong predictors of local food security. "When people are deciding whether to pay their utilities or car payment or feed their
Little John’s Kitchen
Another inspiring example of meeting community needs and tackling food insecurity is Little John’s Kitchen. The nonprofit partners with grocery stores to take their excess food — usually nutritious fruits and vegetables that can’t be sold due to minor cosmetic issues — and turns them into healthy, chef-quality meals available to anyone, regardless of means. Chef Dave Heide, owner of Liliana’s (which is currently undergoing a change of name and concept, as well as the now-closed Charlie’s on Main) conceived the idea that his third venture would have a philanthropic twist. Here, military veterans are hired for a paid, six-month culinary training contract, readying them for future food-service careers. littlejohnskitchens.org
Nicholas Heckman
Dave Heide
family, these are impossible choices,” says Maggie Gleason, former executive director at Badger Prairie Needs Network, a food pantry in Verona. (Gleason left BPNN in June 2022.)
Geographic areas underserved by retailers that carry fresh, wholesome food have been termed “food deserts” and also contribute to overall food security. Living close to a supermarket or grocery store (and not just a convenience store) reduces risk of overall food insecurity and improves health outcomes. Low-income
neighborhoods, rural and inner-city areas are all more likely to lack a grocery store, cites a 2012 USDA report titled “Characteristics and Influential Factors of Food Deserts.”
Dueling Woes: The Pandemic and Inflation
In March 2020, the local food security landscape was turned on its head due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “It would be hard to overstate what COVID did to food insecurity in South Central
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By the Numbers
• 1 in 8: Number of people facing hunger in the U.S., according to Feeding America.
• 7.8%: Number of people in Dane County that deal with food insecurity.*
Some households are at greater risk for food insecurity, including:
• Households with a disabled person (37.7%)
• Hispanic households (34.5%)
• African American households (34.6%)
• Single-parent households (34.9%)
34%: Prior to the pandemic, this percentage of students in Dane County were eligible for free or reduced-cost lunch. In the Madison Metropolitan School District, that number jumps to 55%.
*It is important to note these are prepandemic numbers. The data isn’t in yet for recent statistics, but experts believe these numbers may be greatly underestimating current levels of food insecurity locally.
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Maggie Gleason at the Badger Prairie Needs Network Food Pantry
Wisconsin,” says Orge. “We went from supporting a robust emergency food infrastructure to operating within an overwhelmed system — literally overnight.”
In effect, the pandemic produced a double whammy on the food system locally and nationally. The sheer number of people requiring emergency food assistance rose dramatically, as the pandemic took hold. “Early in the pandemic we saw a lot of job loss and unemployed people who had never before been forced to question where their next meal would come from,” says Heckman.
“We had double the number of new customers in the spring and summer of 2020,” says Adams.
Orge says Second Harvest and its partners felt the same squeeze. “We had such a rush of people who were in an emergency and overwhelmed, but had no prior experience of how to access emergency food services.”
Not only did food banks and pantries have to respond to the tsunami of local need, they also needed to maintain strict social distancing protocols, something that posed a challenge as these sites are often more than a place to get groceries but also places to gather and socialize closely.
“Our pantry is so much more than food. We have customers who depend on the positive interactions and kindness they receive when they come to the pantry. They look forward to seeing the friendly, familiar faces of the volunteers,” says Gleason.
Luckily, these organizations rose to
the challenge. Food banks and pantries came together to brainstorm and collaborate innovative, creative ways to respond. Through hard work and determination they found ways to secure more food, distribute it to those in need and communicate the food insecurity message even more deeply into the community to let vulnerable folks know they were open with food on their shelves.
“Those early days were hectic and overwhelming,” says Adams. But she goes on to say that The River Food Pantry learned lessons from that particularly stressful time that they continue to use today. “Our customers love the convenience of the drive-up model and we plan to stick with it,” she says.
Customers can select foods from a menu, which are then brought directly to their vehicles by volunteers. They also drive through a section where they can pick fresh produce and desserts, too.
“They get what they need and want from a food perspective and we make sure that we affirm that they are welcome to use this resource and we are happy [they’re] here; this is what we are here for,” says Adams.
While the surge in demand for emergency food aid has come down from its peak, recent economic pressures keep community needs high. “Inflation and costs of food and fuel affect us and our network in the same ways that households are affected,” says Orge.
In addition to high costs at the gas pump and in the grocery store, people are experiencing a reduction in some of the pandemic-inspired economic aid
Cultural Centering
Beyond meeting bodily nutrition needs, the food insecurity experts we spoke with highlight that food is a central feature of people’s cultural experience.
“Food nourishes our bodies and also our souls,” says Maggie Gleason, former executive director of the Badger Prairie Needs Network. “It’s important to meet people’s nutritional needs, but also to provide foods that are culturally relevant.”
Important moments — holidays and holy days, birthdays and life events — are all marked by sharing food across cultures. “The highest goal of food security is not only to have good food, but food that is familiar to you, that you know how to prepare, that keeps cultural traditions and foodways alive,” says Claire Mance of UW-Madison's Division of Extension.
federal programs established during the pandemic, such as the child tax credit.
“Advocates are calling this a ‘hunger cliff,’” explains Heckman, in which relief efforts are dialed back, and more folks cross the margin into food insecurity.
“We are still in the fight for certain,” says Orge. “We are still learning and evolving. We will keep turning all the interconnected gears to work to get this right for people.”
The Youngest Victims
Food insecurity hits kids especially hard. Adequate nutrition impacts all aspects of children’s developing brains and bodies. According to the PHMDC 2016 report, kids from food-insecure homes score lower on standardized tests, repeat grades more often and are referred to school psychologists
at higher rates. Food insecure teens are more likely to be suspended from school and to have difficulty in relationships.
When school is in session, this provides a critical stopgap for food insecurity. Area schools provide free and reduced-cost breakfast and lunch, and often provide additional aid such
Rebecca Galván
as backpacks filled with nutritious, non-perishable goods to see families through weekends and holiday breaks. The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) partners with Second Harvest to offer a variety of ways families can get food when school is out of session, such as the Summer Food Program. Kids from low-income households qualify for two free meals per day, Monday through Friday, at a number of sites over summer break. Other area school districts, such as Middleton and Verona (among others), offer similar programs.
Back in 2020, Midvale Elementary School principal Rebecca Galván quickly realized the impact that school closures would have on her students, and her team of school social workers, teachers, school psychologists and PTO got to work. Through the West High Area Collaborative (a group of parent-teacher organizations), they were able to raise money to provide 320 families with weekly food boxes that were delivered directly to their homes during the spring of 2020 up until MMSD schools returned to live instruction in 2021, keeping families both fed and safe. Boxes included healthy, fresh produce and food from Second Harvest. (The Collaborative also raised money for rent/bill relief for families, and hygiene kits.) Although the box program isn’t running any more, a food pantry continues to operate for Midvale Elementary families at Lincoln Elementary School.
“We connected with families in ways that we never have,” says Galván. “For me, a silver lining is that we’ve all had exposure to how much of an issue this is in our community, how many people are on the margins of security. There is much more visibility.”
“For me, a silver lining is that we’ve all had exposure to how much of an issue this is in our community, how many people are on the margins of security. There is much more visibility.”
– REBECCA GALVÁN
Silver Linings
The pandemic and recent inflation have created challenges in our local food system, to be certain. But they’ve also unearthed opportunities to strengthen our system going forward. “The pandemic put urgency behind creating an even more robust food system in Dane County. It exposed gaps and weaknesses. The food system has so many moving parts and we need to make sure each of these parts works,” says Guffey Culkins.
Food Banks and Pantries
Badger Prairie Needs Network
The Badger Prairie Needs Network is a Verona-based food pantry serving all of Dane County with an all-volunteer staff. Clients can visit twice per month and they offer curbside pickup. bpnn.org
Extended Hands Pantry
Extended Hands Food Pantry is open twice per week outside of Lighthouse Church & School on the West Side and operates a curbside food pantry out of a refrigerated truck. extendedhandspantry. org
Middleton Outreach Ministry
Middleton Outreach Ministry serves West Madison, Middleton and Cross Plains. Their food pantry is open three days per week, and clients can visit as often as they’d like. momhelps.org
The River Food Pantry
As the busiest food pantry in South Central Wisconsin, The River Food Pantry serves the area by providing free groceries and meals for pickup or delivery. Established in 2006, the pantry serves over 2,000 people weekly. riverfoodpantry.org
School District Summer Food Programs
Dane County-area school districts offer free summer food programs that offer two meals per day, at various sites within their districts. Various websites; contact your school district or search online
Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin
Located in Madison, Second Harvest Foodbank not only operates a food distribution center but also makes food accessible to partner agencies. The food bank distributes more than 20 million pounds of food throughout 16 Wisconsin counties annually. secondharvestmadison.org
Sunshine Place
Located in Sun Prairie, Sunshine Place prepares Monday evening meals to-go, and operates a food pantry that’s open six days a week. sunshineplace.org/services/ food-services
The Waunakee Food Pantry
This pantry is open to families in the Waunakee School District as well as residents of the village of Dane. waunakeeweb.org/ food-pantry
Sex trafficking is happening right here in the Madison area – a significant challenge is that there is little support for those who have been victimized once they are out.
Imagine being in a situation where you’ve been trafficked and you finally escape or get out only to find there is nowhere safe for you to go. There are so many barriers to overcome. You still need a place to live, food to eat and a new beginning.
There are programs in place but they cannot move forward or ensure support for survivors without the financial means to continue. While commercial sexual exploitation is an increasingly booming industry, support for those who have been victimized is almost non-existent.
Help for survivors once they get out is critical.
Please help by donating to local organizations who work directly with supporting survivors.
Learn more at unitedmadison.com/trafficking
For one, the pandemic did reveal that federal food assistance programs are invaluable. “The pandemic has given us proof of concept that broad expansions to federal nutrition assistance and child nutrition programs can not only work well, but can make a huge impact in reducing hunger and food insecurity,” says Heckman.
COVID also brought about a spirit of collaboration and growth between
Benefits and Resources
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or FoodShare in Wisconsin): Benefits that help low-income families and individuals buy nutritious food. (Formerly called Food Stamps.) dhs.wisconsin.gov/ foodshare/index.htm
• The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC): Benefits for women, infants and children that include food and formula but also include education, support, referrals to healthcare providers and access to vaccines. access.wisconsin.gov/access
“When people are deciding whether to pay their utilities or car payment or feed their family, these are impossible choices.”
– MAGGIE GLEASON
agencies to face a collective challenge. “We’ve come together [as food pantries] more than ever before. We are in direct conversation with other cohort pantries to learn and grow from all of our experiences to define best practices,” says Gleason.
And, COVID struggles have highlighted the interconnectedness of the food system, unearthing “the value of procuring locally-sourced products for the emergency food system, which
• Madison Food Policy Council: City agency granted with driving policy, programs and collaborations toward a sustainable local and regional food system that supports equitable access to healthy, culturally-appropriate food and opportunities. cityofmadison. com/mayor/programs/food/ madison-food-policy-council
• The Community Action Coalition of South Central Wisconsin: Local nonprofit focusing on ending poverty in Dane, Jefferson and Waukesha counties. Maintains a list of food pantries. cacscw.org
both supports our agricultural community and those in need of food,” says Heckman. For those on the margins, food insecurity can happen in the blink of an eye. When the global pandemic hit, even more people were pulled into food insecurity — including those that never
Innovative Programs
These food insecurity initiatives tackle the issue in unique ways.
• The Community Action Coalition of Southern Wisconsin’s (CAC) Double Dollars Program is a collaboration of local agencies that allows recipients of SNAP benefits to extend their purchasing power for fresh, local produce and goods at the area farmers’ markets and Willy Street Co-op. According to their website, “The Double Dollars program provides FoodShare shoppers with a dollar-for-dollar match up to $25 per market day at participating farmers’ markets. The extra money spent by shoppers goes straight into the pockets of the vendors, who get reimbursed for the full value of every Double Dollar redeemed.” cacscw.org/ services/food-security/double-dollars
thought they would be in that situation. But as the pandemic recedes from the headlines and our new normal emerges, it’s worth keeping the spotlight on this fundamental human need — to keep food on all of our tables.
Annie Rosemurgy is a Madison-based writer.
What Can I Do?
Direct monetary donations are a powerful tool, so consider pledging a gift to an area food pantry. Pantry leadership knows exactly what is needed most, and this ensures your money is being spent on exactly those items. Here are other ways to get involved:
• Donate food or supplies. Foods that are non-perishable and pack a significant nutritional punch are always welcome, including:
• Peanut butter and other nut butters
• Canned tuna and chicken
• Nutritious breakfast cereals
• Nutrition/energy bars
• Nuts and seeds
• Dried fruit
• Pasta sauces In addition, personal care, hygiene items and household cleaning products are great donations.
• The CAC’s Gleaners, a network of volunteers and donors that safely recover food from grocers, restaurants, bakeries, caterers and restaurants, and distributes this food to shelters, food pantries and soup kitchens. The CAC reports that approximately 800,000 pounds of food is collected per year for shelters, community centers, food pantries, senior centers, soup kitchens and low-income apartment complexes. Volunteers are welcome. cacscw.org/ services/food-security/gleaners
• Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin’s HungerCare Coalition is a tool for healthcare providers to screen for food insecurity as part of routine patient checkups. hungercare.org
• Volunteer at a food pantry. Local pantries provide on-site training for new volunteers.
• Call your local public schools. Find out what school meal programs they offer and how you can contribute.
• Work on reducing the stigma around food insecurity in your community. Talk to friends and neighbors about it, and be a strong ally against poverty.
3 EVERYDAY BENEFITS OF A STRONG CORE
WHAT MAKES UP YOUR CORE?
The core is the powerhouse of your body — the sturdy center needed for nearly every movement you do. The six-pack abdominal muscles are just the surface of your core. The core also includes the muscles that wrap around your torso, are in your chest, are below your lungs to support breathing, line both sides of your spine, are deep within your lower back and glutes, and are in your lower abdomen and pelvic floor.
1. GOOD POSTURE
The strength of your core muscles and your mindfulness in engaging them determines your posture. Your posture can be an excellent clue into weak and strong areas of your core, and where to begin to improve it. For example, if your pelvis tilts forward, your lower spine may be over-arching, indicating weaker glutes and abdominal muscles. Check out these kettlebell swings from trainer Trevor to improve your posture.
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2. PREVENTS AND REDUCES BACK PAIN
Have you ever had back pain? Balanced back and abdominal core muscles are key to protecting your spine and avoiding sprains or strains. Back pain is annoying and downright disruptive, keeping you from doing the things that you love. These simple exercises from trainer Wyatt can keep that back pain at bay.
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3. DELIGHT IN LIFE’S SIMPLE AND ADVENTUROUS CALLINGS
Working out is about so much more than that 60 minutes at the gym — it’s about investing in your physical and mental health so you can fully engage in life in the hours outside of the gym! Twisting, reaching, carrying, bending, swinging, lifting, pushing, pulling — all of these
movements involve your core. So if you’re playing catch with your child, kayaking on Lake Monona, making repairs to your home, running with your dog or simply sitting up to get out of bed, a strong core brings ease to every activity. Renegade rows, demonstrated by trainer Maja, can improve your balance and stability.
This is just the tip of the iceberg for how a strong core can improve your life. Start strengthening your core and creating your better tomorrow at Princeton Club TODAY!
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PRINCETON CLUB
Eight locations throughout the Madison area princetonclub.net
Trainer Trevor Little, Princeton Club Xpress
Trainer Maja Peterson, Princeton Club Fitchburg
Trainer Wyatt Nuss, Princeton Club West
Amberleigh Czech, Marketing Director 100 Mile Ride to End Alzheimer's
Brian Christ, member Climbed Mount Kilimanjaro
Uchenna Jones, member Madison Gospel 5K Founder
Princeton Club Fitchburg members Ladies' Night Workout
THE IMPORTANCE OF MEMORY CARE
Does a loved one in your life need memory care? If so, here’s what to consider.
BY MAURA KELLER
According to the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living, there are 918,700 adults residing in assisted living communities. In Wisconsin, 38% of residents in assisted living have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, which underscores the importance of proper facilites and care for this group. Professionals from two Madison-area facilities share their advice on seeking a memory care facility.
Is It Time for Memory Care?
Perhaps your elderly father can’t remember if or when he took his medication. Or maybe your mother is repeating herself when talking with others. When it comes time for a family to consider a memory care facility for their loved one, there are some key things to look for.
According to Kelsey Bakken, director of marketing at Noel Manor Retirement Living, it is important to look for caring staff — employees that know the residents’ names and go out of their way to help and support residents and their families. It’s important that staff members are always willing to go the extra mile, and are there for the residents physically, mentally and emotionally.
“[Families] also need to look at resident social activities and [happenings] on a daily basis. It’s important to keep your mind and body active as you continue to go through life, and that shouldn’t stop at a memory care facility,” Bakken says. “Look for mentallystimulating activities that include games, crafts, trivia, music, etc. Also look at the other amenities that the facility has, including meals, [if they have a] salon or podiatrist, outdoor patios and locked doors to keep the resident safe.”
Not all memory care facilities are the same, so some key indicators that your loved one isn’t in the best
facility for their needs may be that their health care needs are not being met; the activities at the facility are not mentally, physically or emotionally as stimulating as they need to be; the food that is served is not meeting their dietary needs; the resident is continuously trying to escape or leave the facility; or the loved one is exhibiting aggressive behavior.
“The staff members at a memory care facility should love what they do and care for the residents as if they were their own grandparents,” Bakken says. “The staff members should be familiar with each resident and their needs, and go out of their way to support them.”
A memory care facility should also have 24-hour staff that manages the residents’ medications and offer personal care. There should be housekeeping and laundry services, as well as supervised events and activities each and every day.
“And, there should be a great culinary team that takes responsibility for feeding the residents,” Bakken says. “Also, they should have transportation to [get residents to] their medical appointments. We offer … caring and attentive staff, a stimulating activities calendar, three meals per day, housekeeping, laundry, free transportation, podiatry [services], a salon on-site and 24-hour staff,” explains Bakken.
Signs That a Loved One May Need Memory Care
Be on the lookout for:
• Wandering or getting lost on routes that they frequently take
• Being unable to recognize family members and friends
• Needing help with everyday tasks
• Forgetting to eat or drink Forgetting to take medications Struggling to bathe regularly or they find it challenging to get dressed or change clothes
• Leaving burners or appliances on after cooking
• Repeating the same stories over and over
“Families can determine this in a few ways by going to their primary care physician, setting up an appointment with a memory care facility such as ourselves, or doing research online,” says Kelsey Bakken, director of marketing at Noel Manor Retirement Living. “There are many resources available to determine if memory care is appropriate for their loved one, but the one I suggest is going into a few facilities, learning about what they offer and deciding if it looks like a place your loved one would thrive in.”
Assisted Living or Memory Care?
As families begin to navigate the various types of senior living options available, it’s important to note the difference between assisted living and memory care facilities. As Kim Kay, executive director of Renaissance Senior Living of Hilldale in Madison, explains, a memory care facility or unit is tailored specifically to those who have Alzheimer’s or any other form of dementia. Memory care should always provide a secure environment due to the tendency of those with more advanced dementia to wander.
“At Renaissance Senior Living of Hilldale, our memory care is not only secure, but The Harbor is designed to provide a refuge from the storms associated with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia,” Kay says. “Every aspect of our Harbor community has been researched and intentionally designed to provide residents and families with peace of mind, including Dutch doors, NASCAR Shop-painted toilet seats and circadian rhythm lighting. The concept was developed after years of research and planning with experts in the field of dementia.”
As a premier assisted living and memory care facility in Madison, Renaissance Senior Living boasts a 10-story facility, featuring 28 firstfloor units for Harbor memory care and 64 well-appointed assisted living units in the tower.
The ratio of caregivers to residents is higher in memory care than assisted living in order to serve residents who often have greater needs and require more oversight. Within The Harbor, the doors are secured, and activities are geared towards those with dementia — such as reminiscent therapy, which
uses the five senses to remember people, places and significant events in their lives to help keep memories alive.
“Activities are the main difference — SimpleCTM and the Purposeful DaySM Program are just part of what we provide for our residents,” Kay says. “We’ve incorporated circadian rhythm lighting in memory care, which aims to keep the body’s internal clock aligned with the 24-hour day and night cycle. There is also a secured outdoor area where residents are free to go and enjoy the sun.”
SimpleCTM uses technology to deliver established non-medication therapies. And through the Purposeful DaySM Program, Renaissance offers engaging activities throughout the day to bring residents a sense of purpose, since research shows that can effectively stimulate memory.
Assisted living is a great option for anyone that could benefit from the socialization and watchful oversight. Whether you want to leave the hassles of home ownership behind or a loved one could use around-the-clock care, assisted living provides peace of mind to the resident as well as their family.
“We handle all the cooking, cleaning, laundry, medication management, transportation to and from local appointments, assistance with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, etc.) and we offer a lively social calendar to go along with it,” Kay says. “In assisted living, we promote independence while assisting residents where needed. Whether in assisted living or The Harbor memory care, peace of mind is the greatest offering we provide to residents and their families.”
Five Ways to Connect With a Loved One in Memory Care
Bonding with a loved one in memory care can be challenging sometimes — whether that involves an in-person visit or via video chat. Kim Kay executive director of Renaissance Senior Living of Hilldale, has some suggestions for connecting with them.
1) Reminisce about things from the past.
2) Be present as much as possible. Your physical presence goes a long way and residents enjoy seeing the familiar faces of friends and family. Spend quality, focused time, whether during a meal or joining your loved one for an activity or an outing.
3) Furnish their room with items that are familiar to them — including photos of family old and new
4) Go on an adventure! A trip to Dairy Queen for a soft-serve cone and a ride through the country or familiar neighborhoods is a great treat.
5) Be willing to meet them right where they are — not to your current timeframe — but theirs. That may mean where they are in their mind, 20 years ago.
Ready, Set, Summer! Summer!
Explore, eat and enjoy all the city — and surrounding areas — has to offer right now.
BY KEVIN REVOLINSKI, JESSICA STEINHOFF, CANDICE WAGENER AND HANNAH WENTE
Get the Scoop
Where to get the best ice cream locally.
BY HANNAH WENTE
Good News Ice Cream
A rich 14% butterfat base (ice cream typically contains between 10 and 18% butterfat) makes Good News’ classic flavors like strawberry and vanilla swoonand spoon-worthy. The butter pecan is made using local Nutkrack candied pecans and the strawberry is made with strawberries from local farmers’ markets. With a brand-new shop on King Street, it’s worth a visit for a scoop, as well as a grab-and-go sandwich or beverage.
Ice Cream Social
Katrina Ervin started this small-batch ice cream business on Instagram during the pandemic (“social” in the name is a play on social distancing guidance). Many of her unique, gluten-free flavors have witty names like They See Me Rollin,’* cinnamon nutmeg ice cream with cinnamon roll dough and cream cheese frosting. Ten percent of the brand’s proceeds go to different nonprofits in the community that are chosen quarterly. *Ervin notes her flavors change weekly, so it’s likely the flavor mentioned may not be available.
Fifth Scoop
Ellen Coatney often heard about how difficult it was for her vegan friends to find good, dairy-free ice cream. What started as making homemade treats for friends turned into a full-fledged ice cream business. Her most popular flavor is Buckeye — a melt-in-your-mouth
chocolate coconut ice cream with crumbles of peanut butter sprinkled in. Find it at Pasture & Plenty or the Monroe Street Farmers’ Market.
Calliope
Originally started in the basement of a downtown Madison restaurant, Calliope now has a scoop shop at Garver Feed Mill. Find unique, small-batch ice creams such as Strawberry Balsamic (trust us, it’s good), State Line Coffee Liqueur and Rhubarb Pie, made with local rhubarb.
“My first choice is always to use local produce when I’m making an ice cream that has a seasonal, fresh component such as strawberries, sweet corn, tomatoes, cranberries, peaches, etc.,” says owner Staci Fritz. Their classic pints including Brandy Old Fashioned, Chocolate Crispy Rice Treat, Hearty Breakfast, Graham Cracker, Hot Peanut Butter, Lemon Lavender and Mexican Hot Chocolate, are available at select grocery stores in the area.
Chocolate Shoppe
Kylie Reuter says her grandparents’ Chuck Sr. and Nancy Deadman’s founding vision of the business back in 1962 is still true today: “to provide a bit of happiness by serving homemade ice cream to the community.” This familyowned business, now run by Reuter’s uncles, Chuck Jr. and Dave Deadman, has eight area shops and 16 signature
flavors made using Sassy Cow Creamery milk. Find them at events throughout the summer to try their oh-so-tasty flavors (Blue Moon, anyone?).
Creekside Scoop
Follow the rainbow signage to your new favorite Cross Plains patio hang. You’ve probably had Columbus-based Sassy Cow Creamery ice cream — but when it’s scooped into a mason jar rimmed with chocolate sprinkles and candy bar crumbles and topped with a Miggy’s Bakes brownie and a shot of Just Coffee espresso, it’s truly magic.
“I want to support other female entrepreneurs,” says co-owner Katy Ripp of her support of local businesses like Miggy’s. “There’s enough to go around for everyone, and we like to showcase other women.”
Good News Ice Cream
A Gorgeous (Local) Getaway
Just a short drive away, The Mill Paoli is worth the trip.
BY CANDICE WAGENER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE
Located in the heart of Paoli — which has one of the most charming downtown scenes you’ll encounter in Dane County — is The Mill Paoli. About 20 minutes from central Madison, this historic 1864 stone mill houses a handful of small businesses in a picturesque setting along the banks of the Sugar River.
Owner Lori McGowan acquired the
property in December 2019 — “just in time for COVID” — but the space has continued to thrive despite the pandemic. “It worked out just fine,” says McGowan. “People are so happy to be out there … it’s like a family gathering.”
Indeed, an ongoing calendar of entertaining events offered at the Mill lead to steady gatherings of happy people. The week begins with a farmers’ market on Sunday mornings, hosting 20-plus vendors and serving Bloody Marys, breakfast gin ‘n’ tonics and quesadillas.
Wednesday nights alternate between music, drag queen bingo and trivia. Beyond Wednesdays, the musical lineup is bursting with performances from a variety of local talent every Thursday to Sunday through the end of October. The dreamy greenspace between the building and the river provides the perfect venue, with ample room for kids to explore, well-behaved dogs on leashes and BYO lawn chairs.
Within the Mill building, shopping enthusiasts will enjoy Secret Garden, featuring handmade outdoor baby swings and hammocks, seedlings and air plants
nesting in adorable containers. Fans of The Purple Goose will find their fab and fashionable women’s clothing in the standalone shop in front of the Mill.
If you’re not shopped out, but ready to put your feet up, My Tipsy Gypsy liquor boutique is your go-to spot. Choose from cocktails, “elixers” or restoratives to sip on while you peruse their unique selection of retail items like specialty local liquor, Mill merchandise and thoughtful gifts. “It’s definitely not like any place else — and that’s on purpose,” says McGowan. Nibble on locally-made Driftless Chocolates, artisan chocolate made onsite. For brew enthusiasts, the downstairs taproom at The Hop Garden serves a rotating selection of small-batch, seasonal and craft beer made with hops grown in nearby Belleville. Farmtastic is a favorite
brew, which is a light and tasty pale ale with less hops and more malt flavor. Jam Fest uses blackberry hops to highlight its IPA. Soon, visitors will also be able to sip a glass of vino at the forthcoming Lazy Squirrel wine bar, named after the squirrels on property.
The Hop Farm also grows produce for Molino Taqueria, a small building
adjacent to the Mill, where you’ll wind up eventually because it’s hard to pass up great tacos. Chicken tinga, simmered in a tomato-rich, chili-infused broth, is always a good choice. If you know, you know — which means come out on a Friday for their shrimp tacos (and arrive before they’re sold out).
Looking to make a weekend adventure
out of your excursion to Paoli? Book a room at the upstairs Mill House Retreat bed and breakfast, which sleeps eight guests. And you can get your recreation fix at Sugar River Outfitters, a canoe and kayak rental service located on-site.
Sounds like the makings of a fun staycation for a summer weekend. themillpaoli.com
Dining Worth the Drive
Escape the ordinary for a few hours at these special restaurants and sights, all within an hour’s drive.
BY CANDICE WAGENER
The spirit of summer invokes the spirit of getting out and exploring. Why not have your next mini-excursion revolve around food?
Lark, Janesville
Just a short, easy drive from Madison, Janesville’s bustling Main Street runs alongside the Rock River. Make your way into Lark, a fine dining spot with a prix-fixe menu that changes monthly.
You won’t be disappointed with the dressed-up mac ‘n’ cheese and fried chicken: a bowl of cavatappi pasta bathed in a creamy gouda sauce with fried chicken nestled in it, topped with bacon onion jam and crispy pork rind crumble.
In celebration of their five-year anniversary, co-owner Joan Neeno says they’re offering free champagne pours and amuse bouche the week of July 17, as well as a late-night happy hour with burgers (which aren’t normally on the menu) and a special
reserve dinner on July 21. There’s also live music every Tuesday evening through August.
If you’re looking for a more fast casual vibe, visit their almost-next-door sister restaurant, Sandwich Bar. Enjoy creatively-named sandwiches while admiring the Anthony Bourdain mural adorning their wall. larkjanesville.com, sandwichbarjanesville.com
Sunshine Brewing Company, Lake Mills
How often do we travel between Madison and Milwaukee? Next time, stop in Lake Mills and head to Sunshine Brewing Company, which opened their taproom in October 2018. Brewmaster and owner Lane Smith says they have a wide selection of beer on tap, but they’re known for their Belgian-style ales.
“Our Belgian Tripels, Golden Strong and Saison are fan favorites, with Diablo’s Sun being so sought after we can never keep it on tap for more than a week,” says Smith.
While You’re There: Speaking of murals, there are over 20 throughout Janesville, mostly concentrated downtown. One is even on the side of Lark’s building. There’s also more public art, the river walk and a splash pad to keep you busy. downtownjanesville.com
Patrons come for the beers, but stay for the sheet pan nachos, loaded with melted cheese, black beans, jalapenos, house-made pico de gallo, lime crema and cotija cheese. They’re topped with your choice of protein: pork carnitas, chicken tinga, carne asada or jackfruit. Growing up in Southern California, Smith’s parents owned a Mexican restaurant. Now he enjoys bringing SoCal-style Mexican food to the area. Smith’s daughter Gracelyn manages the
HILLARY SCHAVE
Lark
kitchen, and two of his sons are involved in aspects of the business as well. Located in downtown Lake Mills, their outdoor biergarten faces west towards Rock Lake on Mill Pond, so it’s an atmosphere worth making the stop for. sunshinebrewco.com
While You’re There: The Glacial Drumlin Trail is just a mile away from Sunshine Brewing Company and offers a lovely spot to hike, bike and take in nature. If water sports are more your thing, Rock Lake offers it all: boating, skiing, fishing and swimming.
Broadway Diner, Baraboo
Food history buffs will geek out at Broadway Diner in Baraboo. One of the 1,500-plus original Silk City diners built in Paterson, NJ, between the 1920s-1960s, Jeff and Vonnie Castree had the structure relocated to Baraboo where it has been serving up diner fare since 2012.
“Broadway Diner is unique in so many ways, from the moment you walk through the doors you are filled with nostalgia as if you were walking into a time capsule or a living museum,” says Jeff. Their menu is full of diner favorites and a whopping five Benedict offerings. The Southwest Benedict Scramble features homemade potato cakes, house-smoked pulled pork (Broadway roasts and smokes most of their meats in-house), scrambled eggs and pepper jack cheese, topped with chili verde hollandaise and sliced avocado. Or go meatless with the Farmers Market Benedict: grilled Portuguese cornbread topped with mushrooms, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, scrambled eggs, melted havarti cheese and
sundried tomato hollandaise. There’s also a wide selection of salads, soups, sandwiches and smash burgers, as well as traditional dinner platters like chicken fried steak and hand-breaded shrimp. broadwaydinereats.com
While You’re There: When in Baraboo, head to Circus World Museum. Experience an outdoor thrill show or a performance under the big top, learn about the animals that make the circus special or hop on a circus wagon tour. circusworldbaraboo.org
Lark
Sunshine Brewing Co.
Homecoming, Spring Green
A scenic drive west out of Madison will bring you through the rolling hills and green valleys of Spring Green.
Tucked into a bend of the Wisconsin River, there are ample reasons why the area has drawn so many artists and creatives to its majestic landscape.
Homecoming is housed in an historic white school house downtown. Owners Leah Spicer and Kyle Beach wanted to build upon the ever-popular White School Pizza Night, a weekly community tradition another local businessowner began and they are carrying on.
Brunch, lunch and dinner are available. Who wouldn’t want to feast on shrimp and grits, made with wild-caught Gulf shrimp and local favorite Meadowlark grits, or green Shakshuka, a Mediterranean dish of eggs poached in a spicy tomato and harissa-seasoned sauce, topped with feta, spinach and herbs?
Dinner is a long list of rotating, seasonal delectables, but pizza is always on the menu. Try the chicken pie with foraged oyster mushrooms, Cedar Grove mozzarella, and pesto and red sauce.
Special events and guest-chef pop ups also happen regularly and have included an Indian night, Piedmont wine dinner, and a whole hog barbecue. homecomingspringgreen.com
While You’re There: Walk a few blocks down to Arcadia Books, Spring Green’s wonderful, locally-owned bookstore. And a visit to Spring Green is not complete without a stop at Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright’s former home, to appreciate Wright’s talent in earnest. readinutopia.com, taliesinpreservation.org
An Artful Summer
Explore the sights, sounds and flavors of Madison with these itineraries focused on local arts and culture.
BY JESSICA STEINHOFF
A Musical Odyssey
Greet the day with a hot cortado and a pesto-laced Treehugger sandwich at Crescendo Espresso Bar on Monroe Street. Co-owned by local musician Cait Sirianni, it’s also a fun place to catch an acoustic show. After your meal, zip across the street for crate-digging at Strictly Discs, whose selection of vinyl is a bona fide treasure trove.
For afternoon sustenance, visit the Surco food cart on Library Mall, which serves a host of Peruvian delights. Try the aji de gallina, pulled chicken in aji amarillo pepper sauce with jasmine rice, boiled potatoes, hard boiled eggs and passion fruit dressing. Then imbibe the brilliance of Lin-Manuel Miranda at “Hamilton,” which will turn Overture Hall’s stage into a living history lesson about beating the odds and questioning the hierarchies that shape our society (Aug. 9-21).
Afterward, check out The Bur Oak on Winnebago Street, which offers live music nearly every night of the week. Highlights
from the summer concert calendar include innovative synth-jazz duo Anteloper (July 13) and singer-songwriter Michael McDermott (July 15). If you’re eager to catch a particular show, be sure to get your tickets in advance. Feeling peckish? Order a platter of Lao snacks from Ahan, the venue’s excellent in-house restaurant.
An Art Adventure
Start your morning on State Street with a Cool Jamaican, a refreshing iced coffee with a hint of maple syrup. MOKA serves them at its University Book Store location. Then stroll to “Suspended Landscapes: Thread Drawings by Amanda McCavour” at the Chazen Museum of Art (through Sept.11).
Large-scale depictions of Wisconsin plants embroider the walls of the Elvehjem building’s Paige Court in this site-specific installation the museum commissioned for its 50th anniversary.
Next head to Overture Center to admire the new Community Photo Mosaic in the hallway near the Rotunda
Lobby. Photos converge to create large pictures illustrating the range of arts attractions the venue offers. Then visit Overture’s Gallery I to view “Iridescent Windows,” an exhibition featuring two artists’ journeys inward (through Sept.4). Lelia Byron’s paintings explore the fascinating world of dream fragments, while Luisa Fernanda García-Gómez’s colliding patterned prints reflect conflicting expectations for herself and society.
Swing by Milwaukee Street’s Communication for the group art show “Communication: Meaningful Connections,” which examines the ways we forge bonds with others (through Aug. 21), and then build beautiful tacos at Enrique’s Market on Northport Drive. Next stop is Lakeview Library for “Painting Is for Everyone,” a free class helmed by local mural artist Mike Lroy (select Thursdays, see madisonpubliclibrary.org/events).
Finish your day at Dark Horse, a bar and gallery offering Sal’s tomato pies, craft beers and sometimes performance art.
A Date with Creative Movement
Kick off your morning with a yoga class on the outdoor deck at Monona’s Grand Crossing Park (Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m.).
It’s part of the city’s new Wellness on the Water series, which runs through September. After yoga, make a beeline for Crema Cafe, which serves brunch every day from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The blueberry oatcakes with vanilla butter, almonds and maple syrup are a sweet and satisfying start to the day.
Next venture to the Capitol Square to take in the Wisconsin Historical Museum’s “Native Nations and Tribes” exhibit. It’s an engaging look at the dance, art, music and storytelling traditions of Wisconsin’s Native Americans, especially those of the Ho-Chunk people. Then stop at Barriques on West Washington for some wine-browsing and an iced SPORTea, an energizing elixir infused with Siberian ginseng, ginger, potassium and vitamin C.
As you sip your beverage, decide how you’d like to conclude your day. Your first choice is to shimmy ’til the sun sets at Dane Dances! on the Monona Terrace rooftop (Fridays in August, 6-9:30 p.m.). This free, family-friendly series features local bands and DJs. Want to take your moves to new heights? Choose the Intro to Aerial Arts class at Madison Circus Space (Sundays, 10 a.m.; Thursdays, 5 p.m.; Fridays, 5:30 p.m.). Learn to use a dance trapeze, aerial silks or an aerial sling, each of which enables different types of creative movement in the air. The class is open to
all fitness levels and body types, and it’s geared toward beginners.
A Culinary Excursion
Celebrate the transformative power of a great meal, starting with a trip to Marigold Kitchen on the Capitol Square. Give your breakfast a Latin spin by ordering the savory braised-chicken chilaquiles and a sweet Cafe Cubano. After breakfast, search for the perfect kitchen accouterments at Orange Tree Imports on Monroe Street, which carries Wisconsin-shaped cheese boards, coasters that feature Madison’s lakes and lots of other goodies. Then find the perfect oil and vinegar for your next salad
It’s not too early to start thinking about getting those drafty windows covered with insulating cellular shades! Stop in to see our huge selection.
at Vom Fass on University Avenue. Choices include rosemary extra virgin olive oil and pomegranate balsamic vinegar.
Next up is a cooking class at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church with chef Joel Olson of Hemmachef. This summer he’s offering classes on international noodles (Aug. 4, 5:30 p.m.), French vegetarian cuisine (Aug. 9, 5:30 p.m.) and more (see hemmachef.com to register). Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a complete novice, this is a terrific opportunity to hone your culinary skills, try some unfamiliar ingredients and connect with people you could invite to a dinner party.
Put a cherry on your day with dinner at Mint Mark — if you can get a reservation. Helmed by veterans of Robin Room and Johnson Public House, this Winnebago Street restaurant is known for inspired dishes that showcase seasonal Wisconsin ingredients. Bold palates are rewarded with fare such as the gnocchi with rapini, black garlic, preserved lemon and cocoa. Another stellar establishment is A Pig in a Fur Coat on Willy Street, where James Beard Award nominee Dan Bonanno channels his love of Mediterranean cuisine into a fine-dining menu that’s both accessible and adventurous. A recent menu included risotto flavored with asparagus, ramps, mushrooms and rebel miel cheese, as well as pheasant confit with cannellini beans, cabbage, cotechino and tomatoes. Bon appétit!
Bark for a Beer
The Boneyard, a beer garden and dog park located on Madison’s East Side, has been a hit since it opened in September 2021.
“Sometimes we’re away from our pets all day and we want to have a happy hour or meet a friend for a beer,” says Jeff Kuhl, co-owner of The Boneyard. “And this is a nice opportunity where you can come home, get your pet, go meet your friends, have a beer and let your dog have some exercise and fresh air.”
Initially, Kuhl wasn’t sure they’d stay open for winter, but when staff put out fire pits and warming areas, people kept coming. Now fully into their first summer, The Boneyard has expanded hours for this time of year.
The two-acre property includes a main building with a spacious bar and three utility doors that open up to fresh air. The adjoining beer garden/picnic area has picnic tables on crushed granite. Leashed dogs are allowed in both areas, but a gate also opens into an expansive grassy area (also with seating) where dogs can run off-leash. On arrival, patrons with pups check in and sign a waiver (viewable online) clearly outlining responsibilities and rules of behavior.
With the dogs allowed indoors, a kitchen isn’t permitted, so food is limited to soft pretzels and snacks. But food trucks such as El Alegre Taco Truck, Quick Chef and Jason’s Jerk often set up in the parking lot.
The Boneyard’s capacity is 150 humans, and not all of them are bringing dogs. “We are starting to see more people coming for our well-cultivated beer list,” says Kuhl, and the food carts are a growing draw. The on-leash areas mean you can still avoid contact if you aren’t a dog person.
The bar has 12 beers on draft with an emphasis on local breweries. One Barrel, Karben4, Young Blood and Delta are some of the main fixtures. Also on offer are tap lines for four wines and pre-mixed cocktails as well as canned beers, ciders, NA beers, sodas, coffee and tea. madisonboneyard.com – Kevin Revolinski
Mint Mark
Welcome to the Water
Enjoy the city’s waterways from on the shore or in the swim.
BY KEVIN REVOLINSKI
Whether you’re looking to swim, float, paddle or just take in a beautiful summer view, the city offers plentiful places on the water to do just that.
Beaches
With three lakes inside the city proper and a couple more down the chain, Madison has a surprising number of modest beaches. Each of those listed here has swim ropes and, with the exception of the state park, lifeguards on duty.
Tenney Park is where the Yahara River flows out of Lake Mendota. The sandy beach here is shallow and backed by a sand volleyball pit and playground. Parking is quite close and the park’s lagoon is photogenic and popular for fishing.
Vilas Park’s beach is right outside Henry Vilas Zoo on Lake Wingra facing the Arboretum across the water. Restrooms are available when the lifeguard is on duty and parking is just steps from the sand.
Warner Park Beach is a small stretch of sand on a cove near the park’s boat landing on Lake Mendota, with views out toward Governor’s Island. It has drinking water and restrooms but is separated from
the larger park area by a railroad corridor and Woodward Drive.
B.B. Clarke Beach is a sweet little spot on Lake Monona, located in the Marquette neighborhood. A floating weed barrier keeps the swimming area clear and a diving float and playground provide extra fun. Restrooms only open when the lifeguard is on duty, and parking is on the street.
Governor Nelson State Park has a very wide stretch of sandy beach next to its picnic area, offering good facilities and a separate, pet-friendly area. The park also has miles of hiking trails and a boat launch.
Sun Worshippers
James Madison Park, located downtown, has a lakeside walkway and a small swimming beach plus basketball and volleyball courts. But the park’s wide stretch of shadeless grass is most popular for picnics, frisbees and sunbathing. Madison sunsets are phenomenal. Tenney Park is a great place to watch them, as is the oft-overlooked Burrows Park just down the street. The Memorial Union Terrace is the most popular sweet spot, with the benefit of refreshments and
entertainment. Also serving up good food and drink for sunsets — and accessible by boat — is The Edgewater hotel’s waterside Boathouse Bar & Grill. Early risers should head to Olin Park for the sunrise over Lake Monona.
Paddlers
Lake Wingra is a small, shallow, no-wake lake, surrounded by the Arboretum and Vilas Park, making it ideal for paddling. It’s a great spot for full-moon evening paddles as well.
Picnic Point is a famous hiking destination with a view back toward the Capitol, and you can also paddle here from the launch at University Bay. Continue around the point for more forested shoreline and some sandstone cliffs. Be careful of boat wakes.
Wingra Creek, from where Lake Wingra empties over the spillway, is flat-water the entire two miles to where it flows into Lake Monona near Olin Park’s boat landing. You’ll see abundant birdlife through this green corridor.
The Yahara River crosses the isthmus and you can put in below the dam/ lock at Tenney Park and pass under 10 bridges to get to Lake Monona. You will have mild current to paddle against to return to the put-in. A longer trip would be continuing east a mile along Lake Monona to get to Olbrich Park, where you can paddle up Starkweather Creek a bit into Olbrich Gardens to see the Thai pavilion from the water.
Picnic Point
Cherokee Marsh South has a small boat launch where you can get out on the widened Yahara River above Lake Mendota for lots of waterfowl and a cattail marsh. It’s flat-water here and you can paddle farther upstream where it gets narrower.
Easy daily rentals are available at Wingra, Brittingham and Olbrich parks as well as Outdoor UW at the Memorial Union and Marshall Park at Mendota’s western end near Middleton.
Rutabaga
Paddlesports is your best bet if you’re buying.
Cruisin’ the Lakes
Betty Lou Cruises, moored on the north side of Lake Mendota near Mariner’s Inn, offers a schedule of public cruises, including special trips such as a beer and pizza cruise, but also does private events.
Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) offers cheap dropin pontoon boat tours for both Lakes Monona and Mendota, departing from the Tenney Park Boat House on the Yahara River, Olbrich Park Pier, Warner Park Pier and Goodspeed Pier near the Memorial Union. Mendota tours from Tenney Park even pass through the lock.
We’ve seen the pedal version, but Paddle Pub Madison offers two-hour cruises on Lake Monona aboard a 16-person, pedal-powered pontoon boat, both for private groups and scheduled public “mixers.” It’s BYOB and you can even bring your own tunes for the onboard Bluetooth sound system.
UPGRADE YOUR SUMMER
These arts and culture events will help you level up your July and August.
BY JESSICA STEINHOFF
FESTIVALS
LA FÊTE DE MARQUETTE
July 14-17, McPike Park
Celebrate Bastille Day with music, crafts and cuisine from many parts of the French-speaking world, especially Louisiana’s Cajun corners. Don’t miss house-music trailblazer Kenny Dope (July 15), the accordion-fueled fun of Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers (July 15), slide-guitar sensation Sonny Landreth (July 16) and the Jimmys with special guest Marcia Ball, queen of blues piano (July 17). wil-mar.org/fete
AFRICA FEST
Aug. 20, McPike Park
African food and culture take center stage at this festival, which kicks off with a run/ walk to raise funds for clean-water projects. Explore the continent’s many musical traditions
at performances by Tani Diakite & the Afrofunkstars, Atimevu, Limanya, the Nigerian Masquerade and Sista Sensi & the Buds. africanassociationofmadison.org
FUN MARKETS
MADISON NIGHT MARKET
Aug. 11, State Street
Enjoy live music performances, shopping, food carts and pop-up restaurant experiences in downtown Madison. Held on the entirety of State Street, there's a lot to see! visitdowntownmadison.com
AGORA ART FAIR
Aug. 20, 5500 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg Yearning for another Art Fair on the Square (July 9-10, Capitol Square)? Head to Fitchburg for paintings, jewelry, ceramics and more by 100-plus local exhibitors. Also find food-cart fare and live samba music by Grupo Balança. agoraartfair.com
THEATER
"A RAISIN IN THE SUN"
Aug. 5-Oct. 7, American Players Theatre, Spring Green
This exquisite play by Lorraine Hansberry debuted on Broadway less than a decade after she traded UW-Madison for New York City. The story follows the Younger family through a series of struggles on Chicago’s South Side, where they grapple with racism and thorny questions about assimilating into white culture. It should be a standout in American Players Theatre’s 2022 season, which also includes “Hamlet” (through Oct. 8), “Love’s Labours Lost” (Aug. 12-Oct. 2) and “Sense and Sensibility” (through Oct. 9).
americanplayers.org
OPERA AT OLBRICH
Aug. 10, Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Opera isn’t contained to a stage at this Fresco Opera Theatre event, where singers roam through the roses and rhododendrons in Olbrich’s award-winning gardens. A presentation of Bizet’s “Pearl Fishers’ Duet” by tenor George Abbott and baritone Anthony Cao should be one of the evening’s gems. frescoopera.com
LIVE MUSIC CHRIS ISAAK
July 19, Overture Center
Elevate your Tuesday night. and get goosebumps at this performance by the singer of “Wicked Game,” an unforgettably haunting hit from the David Lynch film “Wild at Heart.” overture.org
LIVE ON KING STREET
CONCERTS ON THE SQUARE: THE PLANETS & HO-CHUNK
July 20, Capitol Square
Cosmic and cultural wonders converge at this free outdoor event featuring Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, Ojibwe flutist Darren Thompson and the Wisconsin Dells Singers & Dancer Troupe. The program includes selections from Holst’s mighty “Planets” suite, Thompson’s take on “Amazing Grace” and several selections by Elliott Funmaker, a Ho-Chunk performer who has helmed the Wisconsin Dells Singers for more than 20 years. wcoconcerts.org/cos
THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS WITH X
July 27, The Sylvee
Time-travel back to the ’80s with two bands that shaped the decade’s sound. X will bring punk to the party, wrapped up in
Select Fridays, Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Exene Cervenka’s poetic lyrics, while the Psychedelic Furs will make you feel like you’re on the set of “Pretty in Pink” with their signature brand of post-punk and New Wave. If the Furs perform that movie’s title song, the concert might just morph into a retro prom. thesylvee.com
STEVE EARLE & THE DUKES
Aug. 6, Barrymore Theatre
Earle’s masterful blends of country, folk and rock help him tell stories that cut straight to the heart. Hear selections from his new album, “Jerry Jeff,” at this show. barrymorelive.com
TAYLOR TOMLINSON: NEW IDEAS SUMMER TOUR
Aug. 18-21, Comedy Club on State Though Tomlinson is just 28 years old, her mordant wit reflects wisdom that takes most of us decades to develop. This is both a blessing and a curse, a topic she explores in “Quarter-Life Crisis,” the 2020 Netflix special that helped catapult her onto the Forbes “30 Under 30” list last year. Prepare to crack up as she unveils her latest material. madisoncomedy.com
The Majestic Theatre’s free outdoor concert series returns from its pandemic hiatus bigger and bolder than ever. The stage has moved from King Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, where you can glimpse Lake Monona while reveling in tunes that celebrate music’s power to unite, inspire and entertain. Highlights include New Orleans trendsetters Tank and the Bangas (July 15), whose blend of jazz, hip-hop, soul and funk won NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest in 2017, and Austin-based psych-rockers White Denim (July 29), who an enthusiastic Time Out reviewer dubbed “one of the best live bands you will ever see if you live to be a million.”
Make a day of it by exploring the Capitol Square’s arts and culinary scene. Indulge in Colectivo’s creamy cold-brew shake while admiring the new Art on the Rooftop sculptures at Monona Terrace, browse modern home accents and gifts at Madison Modern Market, and then visit Lucille for a Weekender pizza and craft cocktails. Want more culture-centric itineraries? See page 65. majesticmadison.com
OVER THE YEARS | In 20 years of publishing, BRAVA has featured a variety of people and subjects on its covers. From social justice advocates to founders of nonprofits to local business owners, each woman that’s been profiled has had a unique story to tell. As we celebrate the publication’s anniversary, BRAVA’s mission has never wavered from the beginning: To enhance and enrich the lives of women in the Madison area with stories of inspiration and informative topics — with a dash of lifestyle thrown in.
