A multimedia presentation in the first half featuring American Players Theatre actors, with the entire work performed after intermission.
Beyond the Score®
Mahler: Symphony No. 4 – Heaven or Earth?
Beyond the Score®, again conducted by our wonderfully talented Kyle Knox and supported by three star actors from American Players Theatre plunges into the depths of this deeply romantic work. Emily Secor, who has the voice of an angel, and who delighted us on our streamed Christmas concert of 2020, returns to sing the angelic last movement. — John DeMain
This performance by the violinist [ Blake Pouliot ] was one of the best I’ve ever seen here. He was terrific. — MSO subscriber
dazzling violin & spring
Canadian virtuoso Blake Pouliot, who dazzled our audience with the Mendelssohn violin concerto, turns his musical acumen to Saint-Saëns’ third violin concerto. Britten’s mesmerizing sea interludes from his operatic masterpiece Peter Grimes opens the program, and another personal favorite of mine, and I hope yours, the second symphony of Brahms, will help usher in the spring. — John DeMain
John DeMain, Conducting Blake Pouliot, Violin PROGRAM
Benjamin Britten, Four Sea Interludes Camille Saint-Saëns, Violin Concerto No. 3 in B minor
Johannes Brahms, Symphony No. 2 in D major
MAJOR SPONSORS
Scott and Janet Cabot
Capitol Lakes
Kay Schwichtenberg and Herman Baumann
Fred Wileman
ADDITIONAL SPONSORS
The Burish Group at UBS
Rodney Schreiner and Mark Blank
Wisconsin Arts Board
Tickets $20–$98: madisonsymphony.org/pouliot
Beyond the Score® is a production of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Gerard McBurney, Creative Director for Beyond the Score®
Kyle Knox James Ridge
Colleen Madden Gavin Lawrence
Dan Lyons Emily Secor
You
With
To
Every Season is special in Southern Minnesota
Ramsey Park, Redwood Falls
The Future of #MeToo
How a local youth group and area nonprofits are encouraging advocacy about sexual violence.
Portraits of Creativity
Let the artistic journeys of four Madison-area women inspire your own.
Making Your Money Work for You
Now is the perfect time to check in on your finances.
MONEY SMARTS
BY KIM SPONEM
What are some things I can do to protect myself from identity fraud?
The National Council on Identity Theft Protection notes that “Nearly half of U.S. citizens became a victim of identity theft in 2020,” and the problem is growing. Thieves with the right information could open accounts, lines of credit or credit cards in your name and run up bills, impacting your credit score.
What can you do?
Block identity theft attempts
It has never been more important to be cautious of links to protect your identity. Phishing attempts — emails purporting to be from reputable companies to get you to reveal personal information, and smishing attempts — the same through texts, are more common and fraudsters are getting better at it. The most successful phishing attempts offer free stuff, claim you won something or try to scare you into action (for example, claiming to be the IRS and saying you must act now).
They may ask you to “verify” information and request you call a number back. Even if your caller ID, email or text sender appears to be from a company you know, they are likely NOT that company if you are asked for your debit or credit card numbers (card number, expiration date AND CVV code), your PIN or your username/ password. Never give out that information. If you have ANY questions, contact the company itself to verify the communication.
Freeze your credit reports
Even if a fraudster does get your personal information, they can’t access your credit if you set up a credit freeze with the three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. While a freeze is in place, lenders do not have access to your credit report, and only you can
unfreeze it. When YOU want to apply for credit, you can unfreeze it temporarily.
Here is how it works:
1. Go to each website of the three major credit bureaus listed below and follow their instructions to apply a credit freeze. Make sure you note all the security you set up, as these sites are not easy to reset if you forget a PIN or an access number. If you write down this information so you do not forget, break it into pieces and store each piece in a different spot. I also code my passwords. For example, if my password was Keepsecure5489$, I would store that as K///s/////5///$.
Equifax
Equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services 866-478-0027 for Security Freeze questions
Experian
Experian.com/help 888-397-3742
TransUnion
TransUnion.com/credit-help 888-909-8872
2. Once you apply the credit freezes, if anyone, including you, applies for a loan or credit card in your name, the lender will not be allowed access to the credit report. The lender will then reach out to you to “unfreeze” it. If you get such a call from a lender and you did NOT apply, it’s a signal of fraud and the fraudster will not have access to your credit.
When YOU are applying, you can quickly unfreeze your report temporarily at the credit bureaus’ websites. I ask the lender when they will pull the credit bureau report and which company they will pull from. I unfreeze my credit report for that credit bureau for a few days and enter a date to automatically re-freeze. If you are applying for a mortgage, typically you will need to unfreeze your report at all three credit bureaus. Freezing and unfreezing is easy and free on the credit bureaus’ websites.
While freezing your credit report is most secure, another option is to place a “fraud alert” on your credit report. An alert prompts the lender to ask for additional verification that it is actually you applying for new credit. Fraud alerts expire in one year and can be renewed.
Enjoy peace of mind by taking this empowering step in protecting your identity!
Kim Sponem is CEO & President, since 2002, of Summit Credit Union, a $6.2 billion, member-owned financial cooperative with more than 236,000 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.
ON FLOURISHING IN LIFE AND FINANCES
On a recent frigid winter morning, I met up with a writer to discuss an upcoming feature. They suggested we meet at Northstreet, a newly-opened spot that houses second locations of Bloom Bake Shop, Cafe Domestique and Young Blood Beer Co. The brilliant repurposing of what was once a plain cinderblock building surrounded by a chain-link fence to a vibrant, sunny spot with loads of outdoor seating and colorful exterior murals was inspiring to see.
It got me thinking about how a chance meeting with a person or visiting a new place can spark an idea. In the case of my encounter at Northstreet, it inspired our Eats + Drinks article on exciting food concepts in Madison (P. 73). This business reflects a trend of one location housing several eateries and food businesses — Garver Feed Mill and Robinia Courtyard are other examples that you’ll find around town. But tapping into your creative side more thoughtfully can do wonders for you in work and life, as the women in our “Portraits of Creativity” feature can attest (P. 34). For cover woman Maria Amalia, art has allowed her to share her experience as an immigrant as well as cultivate meaningful connections with other Latinas in the community on collaborative projects. Artist Sharon L. Bjyrd found that despite not having a formal art degree, painting portraits of Black women that celebrate the beauty
Money Matters
I love this money tip from Beth Norman of RBC Wealth Management. When she files her taxes annually, she also checks her credit score at that time. And when health insurance enrollment time pops up annually, she also checks that her beneficiaries are up to date in her accounts. “If you tie checking your credit score and beneficiaries to something you’re already doing every year, you won’t forget to do it!” she notes.
of the Black experience proves that everyone has a creative side they can engage.
On the flip side, April is also U.S. National Financial Literacy Awareness Month — something that should be very important to women, and our Money Issue delves into the topic of your finances. In “Making Your Money Work For You,” three local financial experts share their wealth of wisdom on investing, the male-female money divide and being smart with your money in each decade of your life.
The experts were all approachable and realistic in their guidance. One thing that can feel unattainable for a lot of people is the age-old advice of having funds for three to six month’s worth of expenses in savings. Jennifer Ridley Hanson of SlateStone Wealth LLC explains that’s not doable for a lot of people, so try to work toward one month, and build from there. I appreciated her candor! Read more about steps that you can take to feel more confident with your money, starting on P. 43.
Happy (almost) spring!
Shayna Mace Editorial Director @shaynamace
Party for a Cause
The Monroe Street Arts Center is hosting their Arty Party: Paint the Town fundraiser on April 21. This year’s party will support the center’s Financial Assistance program, which helps to increase the number of kids they serve. MSAC’s inclusive programming is geared toward students with varying needs. Money raised will also go toward launching the brand-new (free!) Family Art Making Studio for kids and families, among other initiatives. monroestreetarts. org/arty-party-2023
Go Green
Recently I ventured to Olbrich Botanical Gardens to write this month’s Retail Therapy column and visit the Bolz Conservatory. It was mood lifting to stroll in 70-plus degree weather, surrounded by flourishing greenery and chirping birds. Bonus: admission is free to the Conservatory from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays. (Otherwise it’s $6.) olbrich.org
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CONTRIBUTORS
Julie Nor Barber, Shelby Deering, Nicole C.W. Gruter, Maura Keller, Katy Macek, Kevin Revolinski, Hillary Schave, Jessica Steinhoff, Sue Sveum, Katie Vaughn, Amanda N. Wegner, Hannah Wente, Shanna Wolf
BRAVA Magazine is a publication of NeiTurner Media Group, Inc. Gary E. Nei, Chairman, William Turner, President.
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BRAVA (ISSN 1934-4317) MARCH/APRIL 2023, Volume 24, Number 02, 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. Postmaster send address changes to: BRAVA Magazine, 951 Kimball Ln., Ste. 122, Verona WI 53593-1786.
NICOLE C.W. GRUTER
Through performance, writing and travel, Nicole blends creativity with her fascination about how we own “stuff.” As the owner of organizing business Positive Space, she used her expertise to write a Dwell article on decluttering in this issue on P. 29. Gruter is also an event producer, music venue bartender and voice-over volunteer for local radio stations WVMO and WORT. Exploring Wisconsin, snowshoeing and concerts with friends help recharge her batteries and provide her with inspiration.
KATIE VAUGHN
Katie is a Madison-area writer specializing in art, travel, family and features topics. Profiling four local creatives for this issue (P. 34) was particularly inspiring, as Katie has recently recommitted to her own art practice. Katie earned degrees in journalism and art history from UW–Madison and a master’s in journalism from Stanford University and spent much of her career as a magazine editor. These days, in addition to writing and painting, Katie loves traveling, running and spending time with her family. @katiemv
HANNAH WENTE
Hannah is a freelance writer and communications professional. She covers food, health and lifestyle topics. In this issue, she interviewed nonprofit leaders and teens about the future of the #MeToo movement (P. 55). In her free time, she loves traveling and frequenting farmers’ markets. @TheHannahWente
PET PERFECT
These adorable local (and Wisconsin made!) finds for your furry friend are one-of-a-kind — just like them.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND STYLING BY SHANNA WOLF
Meet Little Lambert, adopted from theBlind Dog Rescue Alliance!
Clockwise from top left: Quad-uple-dog treat bundle, $62, Petphoria; Doggie Doodles Coloring Book for a Cause, $10, albertsdoglounge.org; Mod Essentials leash, $24, The Crazy Dog Mom; Auburn Leathercrafts Sun Valley At the Beach Maui collar, $32-up, and moon and stars interactive toy, $17, both from Bad Dog Frida; Carolina Pet Company Pendleton all-season indoor/outdoor Kuddler dog bed, $154, landsend.com; Pawstruck fanny pack with waste bag dispenser, $36, The Crazy Dog Mom; Yellow Dog Deli fresh food, $8-up, available through yellowdogdeli.com or Pasture and Plenty; and canvas print dog tote carrier, $62.95, landsend.com.
Getting Your Best Rest Struggling
to sleep? UnityPoint Health — Meriter shares some pointers on how to optimize your nightly ritual for a better tomorrow.
Weall know how important sleep is for our health, and we’ve all experienced the effects of a poor night’s sleep on our health, mental wellbeing and even productivity. Ensuring that everyone in your family is getting enough sleep and getting the best sleep possible can be tricky.
Getting great sleep is good for your health. Not getting the right kind of sleep, or enough sleep, isn’t great for your health. Consistent low-quality sleep can contribute to poor health and many chronic conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, depression, anxiety, diabetes, obesity and an overall decreased quality of life. Sleep can also affect our productivity at work and at home, because poor sleep can affect our memory and our thinking power.
How Much Sleep Should We Get?
The amount of sleep you need changes as you age.
• Infants 4-12 months need between 12-16 hours of sleep per 24 hours.
• Toddlers 1-2 years old need 11-14 hours of sleep, including naps.
• Preschool-aged children who are 2-5 years old need 10-13 hours of sleep per
day, which includes naps.
• School aged children between 6-12 years old need about 9-12 hours of sleep per night.
• Teenagers 13-18 years old require 8-10 hours of sleep.
• Adults 18-60 years old need at least seven or more hours of sleep per night.
Getting good, quality sleep is just as important as getting enough sleep. Here are some tips to build an optimal sleep routine that can help you get the best rest possible.
• Wear socks. During colder weather, try wearing socks to bed, which has been shown to speed up how quickly you fall asleep.
• Shut the curtains. Keep your bedroom as dark as possible to help boost your melatonin levels.
• Turn off electronics. Keep electronic devices away from your head and pillow. Research shows that electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from even the smallest electronic devices can disrupt REM and non-REM sleep, as well as inhibit melatonin secretion by the pineal gland.
• Turn on the fan. White noise from a fan or air purifier can create a soothing atmosphere and block out disruptive noises.
• Turn down the temperature. Keep the room cooler (not too warm or cold!).
• Get outdoors. Pack in sunlight as early in your day as possible to help stimulate serotonin levels for increased wakefulness and alertness.
• Limit Sleep Aids. Avoid taking sleep aids every night — especially benzodiazepine medications — which are now known to block deep stages of sleep over time, and have an association with dementia if used daily for years.
If you have tried these tips and you or someone in your family is still struggling to get the sleep they need, it could be time to visit your doctor. You can talk with your primary care doctor about other methods to get good sleep or possibly pursuing doing a sleep study to find out what could be interrupting your sleep. To find a primary care physician or schedule an appointment, visit unitypoint.org/ madison/primary-care.aspx.
Place this little SERRV planter on your desk for a dose of green. $14
GREEN SCENE
BY SHAYNA MACE
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
SHANNA WOLF
Although its lush environs are known as a popular tourist destination for Madisonians and out-of-towners, Olbrich Botanical Gardens also has another wowworthy stop — its gift shop.
“We bring our gardens into the gift shop through the products — and visitors can take home a piece of the gardens with them too,” explains store manager Sarah Wilcox.
Wilcox says the merchandise for the most part fits three themes: fair trade, locally produced and garden accessories. Wisconsinbased artist Kim Russell’s prints and cards showcase Midwestern wildlife. Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier’s offerings tempt shoppers with sweet delights. Gorgeous resin and wood jewelry by artist Nhi Nguyen (who lives near Olbrich) adds a fun punctuation to any look. An array of Olbrich-themed items (T-shirts, glasses) also line the shelves. Small planters and gardening supplies are aplenty, as are adorable kids’ toys and games.
“The people that shop here love to support the gardens however they can,” says Wilcox. “It’s a joyful space.” 3330 Atwood Ave., olbrich.org/visit/giftshop.cfm
DZI’s Wild Woolies felt birdhouses come in a variety of designs. $42-$48
Kim Russell’s prints and cards feature Midwest wildlife, such as cranes and hummingbirds. $5.95-$42
SHOP THE LOOK
Quilling Cards are meticulously handcrafted using a traditional Vietnamese technique. $12
Envision Positive’s resin dragonfruit earrings will brighten any day. $24
These felt finger puppets (or pencil toppers) are fair trade and produced in Nepal. $12
8 MONEY HABITS TO ADOPT NOW
Make sure you’re checking off these to-dos regularly.
BY MAURA KELLER
There was a time when women were rarely involved in the financial matters of their family. In fact, it’s wild to think that before 1974, women couldn’t even open a credit card in their own name — they had to have a male spouse or a man in their life cosign for an account. Today, however, things are different — women have taken the proverbial reins of their financial health seriously, and for good reason.
“When you get involved in your finances with conscious daily decisions about saving, spending and giving, you are owning your financial life,” says Rachel Slesarik, senior lending advisor and financial coach at Summit Credit Union. “You need to understand your finances, especially if you lose your partner. Relying on someone else could leave you feeling fearful about the future.”
PAY YOURSELF FIRST
“When you get involved in your finances with conscious daily decisions about saving, spending and giving, you are owning your financial life.”
— Rachel Slesarik
Make savings an automatic plan. While many financial professionals advise saving 5% of your income, no amount of savings is too small and it’s never too late to begin. Having a savings plan also prevents lifestyle creep. As Slesarik explains, as your standard of living increases and your discretionary income rises, you could view luxuries as necessities.
“Let’s be honest, can you live without a $6 coffee in the morning? If you switched from buying a $6 coffee three times a week to making coffee at home, you could save over $900 a year,” Slesarik says. “What would you do with $900?”
WORK WITH YOUR PARTNER
Christine B. Whelan, Ph.D and director of MORE: Money, Relationships and Equality at UW-Madison, says financial issues are the leading identified cause of divorce and in cohabitating couples, these conflicts can predict a split. Fights about money are fights about values, time and other core issues within a relationship. It’s about how we decide to use our limited resources, and whose priorities get funded.
“When you and your partner got together, financial circumstances may have been different,” Whelan says. “It’s important to come together at regular intervals to check in and make sure both of you know what’s going on financially.”
Write down your three top financial goals and discuss. “Together you can create a spending plan. This includes an allowance for the adults (fun money), money for bills, and short-term and long-term savings,” Slesarik says.
CREATE AN EMERGENCY FUND
Try to build an emergency fund with at least three month’s worth of income. If that's not possible, work toward one month, and build from there.
“Life can take you into an unexpected financial detour of uncertainty and anxiety,” Whelan says. “But that doesn’t mean you can’t plan ahead and create an emergency fund so you are financially empowered for whatever comes your way.”
If putting aside money for emergencies isn’t a reality for you, Whelan says that clear communication is just as important.
“Not everyone can always have a three-month emergency fund,” she says. “It’s a great goal to have, but when life happens, the most important thing is to have clear communication about finances and values.”
KEEP YOUR CREDIT HISTORY HEALTHY
Your credit score, which is a rating that determines your credit worthiness and the likelihood of loan repayment, can affect loans and even what you pay for insurance premiums.
SHOP LOCAL
DESIGN YOUR COMFORT
Rubin’s proudly carries the Comfort Sleeper by American Leather. The collection has endless design possibilities ranging from cot to king-size sofa sleepers and sectionals. Stop by one of our area showrooms to see the most diverse and comfortable line of sleepers.
RUBIN’S CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE
2300 Badger Ln., Madison
608.255.8998
670 S. Whitney Way, Madison
608.274.5575
rubinsfurniture.com
SHOP DECOR!
Spring is here and so are the fresh looks! Shop Décor for all of your home accessories. Join us on Friday, March 31 from 4-8 p.m. for our Spring Open House!
DÉCOR FOR THE WELL-DRESSED HOME
3000 Cahill Main, Suite 215 Fitchburg, WI 53711
608.444.0571
decormadison.com
GORGEOUS GARDEN GIFTS
Pick up the perfect home accent piece at Olbrich’s Gift Shop! Browse a wide selection of unique, sociallyresponsible gifts such as ceramic vases from Art Floral Trading (pictured) and many locally-made products. Open daily!
OLBRICH BOTANICAL GARDENS
3330 Atwood Ave. Madison, WI 53704
608.246.4550 olbrich.org
MCFEE ON MAIN
400 E. Main St. Mount Horeb, WI 53572
mcfeeonmain.com
TEXTURE & NEUTRALS FOR SPRING 23
Crochet tops, bottoms of all styles — wide leg, narrow leg, short, cropped, blue jeans or patterned all work. Not to mention accessories in all colors and textures! Be true to you with your own style this season. We’re here to help you look and feel your best for spring!
CIAO BELLA BOUTIQUE AND MORE
305 E. Main St. Waunakee, WI 53597
608.849.2426
ciaobellaboutiqueandmore.com
SPRING IS IN THE AIR…
But if you can’t wait for spring, we have all of your vacation needs! Beach bags, fun insulated Swig coolies, summer shoes, sundresses, shorts, skorts, capris and more!
Don’t forget we have new men’s shirts for summer too!!
Credit scores usually range from 300 to 850, with the average around 700. Every year, check your credit report (for free!) through Experian or Equifax.
HAVE REGULAR INSURANCE CHECKUPS
Determine your needs for property and casualty insurance, disability insurance, life insurance and longterm care insurance. This is one method for managing unexpected risks. Every two years, contact different insurance companies to get quotes on your insurance portfolio. This can be accomplished online quickly, and potentially save you hundreds of dollars.
C iao Bella Boutique AND MORE
SHOP SMALL THIS SPRING!
The Blumenladen Collective is the perfect destination. Our three shops provide a getaway for you to celebrate your style, home, family and garden.
The boutique offers uptown looks while remaining rooted in our small-town values. We host 20-plus brands that provide inclusive sizes and an array of accessories. We value your decision to shop small, and look forward to seeing you in New Glarus!
CALCULATE YOUR NET WORTH
Regularly check your financial pulse by calculating your net worth each year. A strong pulse is that your assets exceed your liabilities. Regardless of your income level or age, have a goal to increase your net worth each year.
“Not knowing about money or being aware of your financial situation is an error I see often,” Slesarik says. How much are you making? How much are you spending? How much are you saving? Do you know what is coming in and going out each month?”
EVALUATE YOUR RETIREMENT PLANS
Ideally, you and your partner should be saving some percentage of your annual income for retirement. Take advantage of tax-deferred savings plans — contribute the maximum to your 401K plan or retirement plan. And even if you aren’t contributing “financially” to the family as a stay-at-home mom, you can establish a spousal IRA, which is a type of individual retirement account that allows a working spouse to contribute to a nonworking spouse’s retirement savings.
ORGANIZE YOUR PASSWORDS
THE BLUMENLADEN COLLECTIVE
18 7th Ave.
New Glarus, WI 53574
608.636.2008 railroadstboutique.com
Having online access to your banking, investments, insurance, mortgage and retirement accounts means you have passwords aplenty. Know all passwords and keep them recorded in a secure location.
Maura Keller is a Midwest-based freelance writer and editor.
EXERCISE REBOOT
Options to amp up your fitness.
BY AMANDA N. WEGNER
While we might not like it, change is good, especially with fitness routines. In fact, well-vetted research shows that varying your fitness routine stimulates your body, mind and muscles in new ways, helping you to progress and decreasing the risk of injury.
While you could try new classes at your gym, a change of format might do your body good, and here are five outsidethe-box options to consider.
BOXING
If you have a competitive streak and like combat-type sports, consider boxing, and one local option is Canvas Club Boxing (CCB), located inside Middleton Fire Station 1 on University Avenue. Guaranteeing a “full-body burn,” CCB offers intro classes and classes for youth and teens, but its signature offering is Sweat Box, a no-contact workout combining cardio, core, speed, agility and strength training. CCB is open to all levels, so try this option if you want to punch up your fitness routine.
In addition, several other gyms around Madison, like Ford’s Gym on the east side, offer boxing for those interested in boxing fundamentals or pursuing the sport competitively.
ATHLETIC TRAINING
If you have athletic aspirations, you must train like an athlete. D1 Training Madison West offers a sports sciencebacked approach to training that has been used successfully by collegiate and professional athletes. D1’s 5-Star Training program ensures an athletic workout for the entire body, and is a 54-minute workout that progresses through dynamic warm-ups, performance, strength training, core and conditioning, and a cool-down.
Billed as a non-traditional sports training facility and utilizing equipment not found in other fitness centers, D1’s group classes are best for someone with fitness experience. Personal training and family training is also available.
BARRE
Hit the barre if you like yoga, Pilates and a good ol’ booty burn. This functional class helps improve posture, balance and coordination, build strength and muscular endurance, and fire up your core. While the moves might look easy,
barre classes are challenging — but they can also be ramped up or down, depending on your needs. It’s a good choice for those with joint or back issues, as the movements are low impact and work the muscles that need some love to support your body better.
The Madison area has several barre studios, including barre3, Barre District and The Barre Code. In addition, some yoga studios also offer barre classes.
CROSSFIT
If lifting heavy things is your thing, check into CrossFit. As home to the CrossFit Games since 2017, the greater Madison community is familiar with this style of training that focuses on constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity. CrossFit gyms are typically called “boxes,” and workouts may include heavy lifting, box jumps, pullups and pushups, and handstands, among other things. If you’re new to CrossFit, most boxes require you first to complete a fundamentals program or work with a trainer to ensure your safe start with the program. With numerous CrossFit boxes in the Madison area, it’s easy to find one close to you.
NINJA/OBSTACLE COURSE FITNESS
If you’re into big jumps, flying through the air, testing your grip strength and generally being hard core, you might want to consider ninja fitness (sometimes called obstacle fitness). Inspired by the TV show “American Ninja Warrior” and similar offerings that demonstrate the limits of human strength through crazy obstacles and challenges, ninja fitness brings something new with each training session and pushes your whole body to its limits. This is not for the faint of heart or those brand new to fitness.
Located on Madison’s north side, ORTHDX Natural Fitness specifically offers ninja warrior training programs, has its own ninja warrior team and hosts competitions.
Amanda Wegner is a local freelance writer, and communications and marketing professional.
Your Guide to Health Screenings
BY SUE SVEUM
Weall want to live a happy, healthy life — and being present for life’s important moments is what matters the most. Staying on top of vital health screenings, such as getting a mammogram or colonoscopy, is a crucial part of preventive care for women. Learn about why screenings are important, when to schedule them and why it’s never too late to set up a screening.
“It’s never too late to get back into screening protocols,” says Dr. Michelle Mackay, radiation oncologist with SSM Health Dean Medical Group.
SCAN THIS CODE to schedule a mammogram today
Early Detection Saves Lives
There are many reasons to have regular cancer screenings. Chief among them, according to Dr. Alissa Weber, oncologist with SSM Health Dean Medical Group, is that most cancers are more curable when detected early — and in some cases may require less intensive or aggressive treatments.
“Melanoma, squamous cell skin cancers, breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, and head and neck cancers are good examples,” she says. “In fact, early detection of melanoma and lung cancer can often be cured by surgery alone.”
Another benefit of screenings is that in some cases, such as colon cancer, symptoms aren’t present until it’s advanced — but early detection can help find cancer in curable stages. “Cervical cancer is another one that’s important to catch early, because more advanced tumors require aggressive treatment that can affect fertility for younger women,” Dr. Weber explains. “But it’s easier to treat in early or precancerous stages.”
It may be appropriate to begin screenings at a younger age if there’s a family history putting you at higher risk for certain cancers. “ ”
— Dr. Alissa Weber
The recommended age to start a particular screening varies by cancer type and family history. Here are the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) current screening guidelines:
• Colorectal cancers – age 45
• Cervical cancer – ages 21-65
• Breast cancer – women ages 50-74; sometimes recommended at age 40, especially with family history of breast cancer
• Lung cancer – adults ages 50-80 with at least a 20-year smoking history and currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years
• Prostate cancer – no longer recommended except for men with high risk
“Unfortunately, there are some cancers such as ovarian and pancreatic that don’t have effective or efficient screening procedures for the general population,” says Dr. Weber, “so they’re often diagnosed at an advanced stage.”
Ask your doctor about what age you should start screenings for various cancers and when to stop screenings — which will depend on your own health history.
“It may be appropriate to begin screenings at a younger age if there’s a family history putting you at higher risk for certain cancers,” says Dr. Weber. “These may occur at earlier ages and at a much higher incidence — so screening recommendations may differ.”
No family history? No matter, cautions Dr. Weber. You still need routine screenings. “The vast majority of cancers are sporadic, meaning they occur in patients with no family history of cancer,” she says. “I strongly recommend talking to your doctor about what cancer screenings might be appropriate for you, based on your age and health history.”
It’s Never too Late for a Screening
Ifyou missed your mammogram or other routine medical screening during the height of the pandemic, you’re not alone. But if you’re still behind on your screening or wellness check, Dr. Michelle Mackay, radiation oncologist with SSM Health Dean Medical Group, recommends that you make an appointment with your primary care provider to get back on track. There’s no need to wait until your next annual physical.
“It’s never too late to get back into the screening protocols,” she says. “And it’s our best chance to catch cancer early.” Your PCP can recommend appropriate screenings for you based on a variety of health and lifestyle factors, including the following:
• Your age
• Your biological sex
• Personal health history
• Family history
• Tobacco use
• Diet
• Exercise
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle — with proper nutrition and hydration, staying active and getting adequate rest — is so important in preventing cancer. “ ”
— Dr. Michelle Mackay
Beginning with appropriate screenings, here are the steps Dr. Mackay recommends to keep you on track to achieve and maintain your best health.
1. Screening. Why is this so important? According to Dr. Mackay, keeping on top of recommended screenings is the
Robin’s Story
It had been a while since Robin’s last physical, so when her provider suggested that she also schedule a mammogram, Robin willingly agreed. Like most of us, she expected her routine mammogram to be just that — routine. So, she was a bit surprised when it came back “abnormal.”
An ultrasound-guided aspiration confirmed the presence of abnormal cells. The next step was meeting with a surgeon, where she learned that cells can be normal, abnormal, pre-cancerous or cancer. A lumpectomy and removal of tissue equivalent in size to a plum showed atypical ductal hyperplasia — or precancerous cells.
As a precaution, Dr. Alissa Weber, Robin’s oncologist, put her on a five-year regimen of Tamoxifen. During that time, Robin took her medicine, and had regular screenings and oncology appointments. “When Dr. Weber took me off Tamoxifen, I panicked!” she remembers. “That was my crutch.” She was worried about stopping it — until Dr. Weber assured her that five years was enough to kill all of those cells.
“Building that trust between patient and doctor is huge,” says Robin. “I’m just so grateful to everyone from the nurse practitioner who first told me to get a mammogram to the radiology tech and all of my doctors. They were amazing.”
It’s been almost nine years since Robin’s journey began, and she’s understandably 100% in support of screenings for any type of cancer. “That early diagnosis may have saved my life,” she says. Her advice to friends, family — and everyone else — is simple: See your doctor and get your screenings on time.
And to her health care providers, she says, “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Robin with Dr. Alissa Weber
best way to detect cancer early. “Early detection leads to a better prognosis and outcome,” she explains, adding that earlier stage disease can generally be treated with less toxic options, resulting in better tolerance of the treatment.
2. Talk to your doctor. In addition to scheduling recommended screenings, Dr. Mackay stresses the importance of bringing up any body changes to your physician when you notice them. Maria, one of Dr. Mackay’s patients, can attest to the importance of both. After discovering a lump in her right breast, she mentioned it to her PA, was referred for imaging, and found to have two separate, early-stage cancers — one in each breast.
3. Follow up. According to Dr. Mackay, following through with further testing is equally important for staging the disease correctly and providing optimal treatment recommendations. In Maria’s case, she had multiple images, breast biopsies and an MRI to determine her best course of treatment.
4. Prevention. And finally, along with routine screenings, Dr. Mackay stresses the importance of preventative measures. “Maintaining a healthy lifestyle — with proper nutrition and hydration, staying active and getting adequate rest — is so important in preventing cancer,” she says. “It decreases your risk of developing multiple diseases — and if you are diagnosed with a condition, a healthy lifestyle will help keep you stronger and set [you] up for better success during treatment.”
SSM Health Cancer Survivors and Thrivers Ice Cream Social
Join SSM Health on Sunday, June 4, from 1-3 p.m. at Turville Bay Radiation Oncology Center (1104 John Nolen Dr.) as they celebrate National Cancer Survivor’s Day. Gather with cancer survivors, caregivers, providers and staff at this uplifting event. They’ll be scooping up 10 flavors of Chocolate Shoppe ice cream while enjoying music by the Go Deans. Come celebrate with us!
ssmhealth.com/survivors
Maria’s Story
Like many women, Maria has an active life. Part of the sandwich generation, she’s a busy mom, wife and daughter. Oh, and she’s also a nursing professor — who knows the importance of routine mammograms.
But between those screenings, she was surprised to discover a lump in her right breast. “At the time, I thought it was probably just a fibroid,” she says. “I’m very fortunate that I discovered it — and so grateful that my husband pushed me to get it checked out.”
Maria’s situation was complicated by not having a primary care provider at the time. “My doctor had moved away, so I made an appointment with a physician’s assistant,” she says. She knew she should mention the lump, but felt a little uncomfortable sharing with someone she’d never met before. But it’s lucky that she did.
She was referred for a mammogram, followed by an ultrasound and bilateral biopsies — all on the same day. “As a nurse, I knew these were normal steps,” she says, “but in those moments when they were out of the room, I realized, ‘Oh no, this is not good.’”
The tests revealed two separate early-stage cancers — invasive ductal carcinoma — in both breasts. Maria underwent successful bilateral lumpectomies and radiation and will follow up with an antiestrogen drug such as Tamoxifen.
“I’ll always wonder if I didn’t say something and have that mammogram, would I be in a different situation now?” she says. “If my experience helps anyone else, I’ll be happy. It’s easy not to make time for yourself. But take the time — you’re worth it!”
Maria with Dr. Michelle Mackay
QUEEN OF THE SLIPSTREAM
Sandra Henry brings an engineer’s mind and an advocate’s heart to a clean-energy nonprofit.
BY JESSICA STEINHOFF
WhenSandra Henry shook Rahm Emanuel’s hand in 2018, she thought it was the start of a job interview. It turned out to be a job offer.
“He described his vision for the city’s chief sustainability officer and then said, ‘Do you want the job?’” she recalls, describing her chat with Chicago’s then-mayor.
When Henry tossed her hat into the ring initially for the job, the engineer turned project manager considered herself a long shot. She figured the experience might open some doors.
But when she went from managing an energy-efficiency program for an electric utility to guiding the mayor’s climate policy, doors burst open at every turn. Armed with a new level of influence, Henry seized the opportunity to be a changemaker. This meant fostering dialogues with Chicago’s most polluted neighborhoods — many of which are primarily communities of color — and have few financial resources.
A recruiter asked if she’d consider leading Slipstream, a nonprofit headquartered in Madison that aims to boost energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and ease the nation’s transition to renewable energy by increasing racial equity. It was a full-circle moment, as Henry had been a senior project manager for the nonprofit from 2015 to 2018. In 2022, Henry became the new president and CEO of Slipstream.
This position is especially meaningful for Henry, who, as a female engineer of color, has faced more barriers than most on her path to leadership.
“There weren’t many women of color in the energy efficiency industry when I started as an engineer. Even though I had the same qualifications and experiences, people doubted my abilities and didn’t take my suggestions or input seriously. …I built strong connections [and] relationships with
the colleagues who didn’t look like me. I found the chance to demonstrate my skill sets, knowledge and abilities to help them become advocates and supporters,” she explains.
Through research, Slipstream finds ways to make existing buildings emit less carbon and prevent future structures from producing it. It also partners with utilities and governments to deliver programs that meet community needs, as well as to design inclusive financing opportunities so people and businesses can scale electrification equitably.
Leading Chicago’s efforts to bring equity to climate solutions prepared Henry to chase similar goals at Slipstream. Listening to people’s needs — and generating solutions — is a key part of her work.
“Our job is to connect the dots,” says Henry. “We have to listen to the communities who experience the first and worst of climate change. What are their visions for climate resilience? How can we help make sure they have the tools they need?”
The next step is to do research and design programs that help communities achieve their needs.
“The good news is we know solutions that will reduce carbon emissions in both new and old buildings. We can lower greenhouse gas emissions, improve health and save people money,” she says. “The challenge of our generation is to bring those solutions to scale.”
Slipstream’s work in educational efforts address that challenge. One aspect of their mission is to make sure builders, designers, architects and contractors have the tools and resources they need to advocate for clean, energy-efficient solutions in their buildings.
“Education is just one piece of the clean-energy transition puzzle,” says Henry. “Our overarching goal is to listen to the community and share climate solutions that address their needs.”
Jessica Steinhoff is a Madison-area mom, writer and mental health professional.
Health Series THRIVE AFTER 55
Breathing Easier
Stoughton Health’s Melanie Pavolonis talks about managing chronic lung disease with pulmonary rehabilitation.
Anyone living with chronic lung disease or is a caregiver for someone who has this disease knows how difficult some days can be. Fortunately, there are ways to optimize daily care and ease the symptoms associated with lung conditions.
The Stoughton Health Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program provides a safe and comfortable environment for those who suffer from chronic lung diseases or other conditions affecting their breathing. The program helps individuals learn how to breathe easier, improve energy levels, decrease hospitalizations and enjoy a better quality of life overall.
“At our pulmonary rehab program, we provide both exercise and education to help them work towards those goals,” states Melanie Pavolonis, clinical exercise physiologist at Stoughton Health.
Who is the Best Fit for the Rehab Program?
The rehab program encompasses people with a wide variety of lung conditions. Most common are chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis,
as well as other breathing conditions like pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis and now those with long COVID symptoms.
Some individuals are given supplemental oxygen in conjunction with various breathing techniques to increase airflow and reduce shortness of breath. The rehab program also involves education surrounding nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, medication, smoking cessation and energy conservation.
“A lot of people with pulmonary disease have fatigue and have greater difficulty doing tasks like cleaning. So, we help them learn to conserve their energy,” adds Pavolonis. “Stress management is key. When they’re feeling stressed, that’s going to elevate blood pressure and heart rate and increase their rate of breathing as well.”
Getting Started
Most insurance companies cover pulmonary rehab for those with respiratory diseases. It typically requires a doctor’s referral to get started.
“We have the patient come in for an initial appointment, so we can review their medical history and have
them perform a walk test so we can watch their blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels. That helps us to develop a plan for them,” notes Pavolonis. “Everybody is going to be different as far as their level and capabilities. So, we want to make sure we’re paying attention to each individual and basing their program on their abilities and needs.”
Relief Is Within Reach
For some patients, a simple task like retrieving the mail is difficult. So, attending pulmonary rehab each week might seem like a frightening endeavor. Pavolonis assures the program is designed to meet each individual’s personalized needs.
“The education and exercise — at the levels they can achieve and are capable of doing — will help them in their daily tasks. We help those things become less challenging. We help them manage and control their breathing, which will allow them to have a better quality of life. What most people want is just to be able to do activities without having to worry about if they’re going to be able to get through that without getting really short of breath.”
To learn more, please call Stoughton Health’s Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation at 608- 873-2314.
TRADING PLACES
Although skilled trades are still male-dominated, area women are making inroads in the field.
BY KATY MACEK
The trades are no longer a boys’ club, and Sandy Thistle, a construction and remodeling instructor at Madison College, is working to bring more women and people of color into the industry.
Thistle, who also runs the college’s CampBUILD program, a week-long camp where girls from kindergarten to high school learn carpentry, says she got into the industry because she enjoys the physical challenge and the goodpaying wages, as well as a sense of legacy. “You can say, ‘I had a part in building that infrastructure,’” explains Thistle.
“The industry benefits by the qualities women bring,” she says. “Generally, women pay a lot of attention to detail and, generally, we’re decent communicators. The industry needs better communication.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, women made up just 4% of construction and extraction occupations, and 10% of construction and building inspectors.
Thistle says on average, 20% of the students in her program are women at any given time, but in some years she’s seen more than that.
“Last year we had a cohort that started with half women, which was kind of mind-bogglingly awesome,” she says.
“The industry benefits by the qualities women bring. Generally, women pay a lot of attention to detail and, generally, we’re decent communicators."
—
Sandy Thistle
HOW TO TRAIN FOR THE TRADES
Stephanie Moreno is a South Central Region Lead Coordinator for Madison’s Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership and The Building Industry Group Skilled Trade Employment Program (WRTP | BIG STEP), an organization that aims to introduce more women, minorities and young workers to careers in the trades through outreach, training and providing resources.
There are about 17 different trades, Moreno says, ranging from laborers, boiler makers, carpenters and plumbers to masonry workers, tile installers, electricians, operator engineers and more.
Thistle says there isn’t one set path into the industry, but typically people have three options.
The traditional route is to go in from the “ground floor”: Work alongside an expert who is willing to hire and train you. Or, obtain formal training through a track like Madison College’s, which is generally taken as a year-long, full-time program.
Another option is a commercial apprenticeship, which also allows you to learn while on the job and attend school.
Moreno says apprenticeships range from three to five years, depending on the trade. The salary increases each year of the apprenticeship.
Once you complete your apprenticeship and pass the necessary exams, you become a journey worker. With that, Moreno says you can go anywhere in the U.S., and the union you belong to or your trade can help you find a job.
FIND A SUPPORT SYSTEM
Despite more diversity in the industry, there are still challenges and stereotypes. That’s why Thistle says finding a support system can be crucial.
Dawn McIntosh is CEO and owner of CLE Consulting, a construction company. Her three employees are also women, and they’re all managers. McIntosh says it can still feel as though women have to “earn” the respect and credibility of trade partners.
“Guys do not have as much of a hurdle as women do, because [it still feels like] women have to prove themselves,” she says.
McIntosh helped form Women in the Construction Industry Group of Wisconsin, a group that helps women network and offers resources. It just held its second annual Build X Conference on March 9, 2023, to bring like-minded women together.
“There weren’t any groups like that for me, which is part of the reason I helped form it,” she says.
Leah Stargardter owns their own residential construction company in Madison called Sawdust and Love. Being gender queer was an additional pressure in the industry, according to Stargardter, and says starting their own company helped them. It’s also allowed them to be intentional about the people they work with.
“Almost all the people who help me are female or queer, so my job site has very different conventions these days, and it’s nice,” says Stargardter.
Katy Macek is a journalist passionate about women, business and art.
Girls Can Do Anything
CampBUILD is a partnership between Madison College and the Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Badgerland. Sandy Thistle says the goal of the camp is to introduce young girls to the trades and build their confidence in using tools, breaking stereotypes and encouraging problem-solving skills that are required to work in the trades. She says about 150 girls participate each year. The 2023 program will offer day camps over the course of one to three days, depending on age and skill level. This summer’s camps focus on carpentry, design and building. Contact sthistle@madisoncollege.edu for more information.
For over a century, we have worked side by side with our clients to navigate the complex legal issues affecting their lives. We invite you to get to know Boardman Clark. Together, we can chart the best path forward.
EMPOWER YOUR CAREER AND YOUR WALLET
Sandy Botcher, Managing Partner of Northwestern Mutual
Southern Wisconsin
Withwomen representing more than 50% of the college-educated workforce, there is no shortage of highlyqualified candidates to work in any career field — including financial advising. But attracting women to a career in financial services is not just a diversity and inclusion strategy, it is a growth strategy.
Women Are Expected to Inherit $30 Trillion in Financial Assets
The financial industry is at a crossroads. With an enormous wealth transfer on the horizon, American women are expected to inherit and control much of the $30 trillion in financial assets held by baby boomers by 2030.
Currently, women are the largest underserved group in the financial services industry, which amounts to a $700 billion missed opportunity every year. This represents a major opportunity for the financial industry to attract and retain talented women.
Women Want Advisors Who Display Patience and Clarity in Explaining Financial Options
One key reason to consider a career in financial advising is the growing demand for female advisors. A recent survey found that 70% of women seeking financial advice prefer to work with a woman. However, women make up just 15-20% of financial advisors, and increasing this percentage could help the industry better meet the needs of its clients and tap into a growing market. Financial planning and implementing solutions require the disclosure of deeply personal information and vulnerability. Women want advisors who display patience and clarity in explaining financial options. For these reasons female advisors are increasingly in demand, because they are uniquely good at building strong, trusting relationships.
You Don’t Need a Degree in Finance to Join This Career Field
Many women do not seek opportunities
in financial services because they mistakenly believe that they must have a degree in finance or math to be qualified. Nothing could be further from the truth. This industry is filled with career changers from different educational and professional backgrounds. What matters is the ability to connect with others, build trusted relationships and communicate with confidence and empathy.
Northwestern Mutual offers in-depth training programs for female financial advisors so they can feel confident in learning about the industry and building their own business.
It’s An Impactful Career That Gives You Flexibility
The financial industry touches the lives of everyone, and it also creates great opportunity for female advisors. This career can be incredibly financially lucrative. It gives you the opportunity to build a career that offers independence in how you build your business, and this kind of flexibility is key to what many women are looking for in a career. Very few careers offer income, impact and independence at that same time.
Scan this QR code to hear from other women at Northwestern Mutual who work in the financial advisor field.
Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI and its subsidiaries. Sandy Botcher is associated with the local office at the above address and is not a licensed insurance agent, registered representative of a broker-dealer, investment adviser representative of a registered investment adviser, or representative of a federal savings bank. While links to other websites are provided for convenience and information, please be advised that except for information related to Northwestern Mutual (NM), the inclusion of, or linking to, other websites does not imply NM endorsement of, nor responsibility for, those websites.
THAT NATURAL FEELING
Warm neutrals add a sophisticated touch to home décor.
PRODUCT SELECTION BY SANDY TAYLOR
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA WOLF
Sandy Taylor, owner of Waunakee Furniture ETC, has seen a marked shift from cool tones to warm, welcoming hues in interiors. This mood board captures one of her current favorite aesthetics. Clockwise from top left: Simply Amish wood samples in mocha and saddle, Capel Abingdon beige rug (available in multiple sizes), Charleston Forge metal pieces in oil-rubbed bronze and harvest (available finishes for the Beaufort drink table, available at Waunakee Furniture ETC), Elk Home decorative ball and gold tray, and Smith Brothers leather swatch for chaise sofa, patterned pillow sample and faux fur swatch.
GIRLS GOLF DAY
SUNDAY, MAY 7TH, 4 - 6:30 PM
GOLF
GET THE LOOK
Sandy Taylor of Waunakee Furniture ETC loves these timeless pieces for their neutral, classic looks and mix of textures and materials.
Charleston Forge Beaufort drink table in hand-forged iron and maple, Poul crackled table lamp and Smith Brothers leather chaise sofa with ultra down cushions, all from Waunakee Furniture ETC.
WHAT’S NEXT
Taylor provides insight on the latest home décor trends.
WARMING UP
“Sherwin-Williams announced their colors of the year, and they’re all neutrals — the colors are very calming. Instead of monochromatic white [in the home], we’re weaving in oranges and browns again. Cinnamon, rust and gold are also popular, and items in sunset shades and natural colors add in warmth to the home. Earthy greens are also at the forefront. Natural woods and leathers are very in.”
ECLECTICISM IS WHERE IT’S AT
“Matching is not ‘in’ anymore, so an eclectic mix of new and old items is huge. Blending in retro pieces in the home is [what we’re seeing]. And younger people are looking for traditional and transitional pieces instead of modern [looks].”
MIX IT UP
“Nowadays, everybody has a lot of wood in their kitchen, including wood or luxury vinyl plank floors, and furnishings. So, I think people should mix metals in rooms anywhere they can to break things up. Bring in metals in barstools, a tray or lights.
A good tip is if you’re mixing woods, metals or fabrics, make sure there is contrast — at least two shades — so it doesn’t look like you tried to match, but missed.”
PERFECTING PAINT
“I say choose tans and browns [for wall colors] versus grays and whites. You’ll never go wrong when you select tan, wheat or a neutral [shade], because you can introduce any color to go along with it.”
2023 Brava
5 KEY ORGANIZING TIPS
Clutter, be gone!
BY NICOLE C.W. GRUTER
Need to streamline and declutter your home? (Don't we all?) Read on for pointers on how to do it thoughtfully and effectively.
1. DEFINE YOUR “WHY”
What is your goal? Ask yourself why you want to clean out your garage, for instance. Is it to look nice and house your car? Or is it to protect an investment that acknowledges your hard work? For others, clutter equals stress, and being able to see your desk again would bring a little zen to your workday. In other words, your motivation is usually deeper than just decluttering. Revealing a meaningful goal provides motivation and helps bring focus when you’re feeling overwhelmed or frustrated.
2. SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
It took more than a few hours to acquire your belongings — it will take longer than that to purge and organize them. Set an overall goal (I want to park my car in the garage), a daily goal (today I will organize for three hours) and accept that it may not be accomplished in one afternoon. Plan on repeated time slots rather than attempting to declutter a particular space in one fell swoop.
Set aside long enough to achieve momentum, but determine an end time to avoid burnout. A good rule of thumb is between two to four hours in a day. If you do less than that, you might not feel like you’ve made a significant dent; more, and you may get turned off from continuing the work. Set a timer for your session’s halfway mark; take 10 minutes to hydrate, grab a quick snack or simply rest a bit. At the end of your set time, be sure to include up to 30 minutes to bag up donations (ideally getting them out of the house to avoid second-guessing decisions), pitch garbage and recycling, and tidy up loose ends.
3. PREPARE YOUR SUPPLIES
You’ll make many decisions while organizing, and this takes energy and focus. Have boxes and bags at the ready for recycling, garbage and donations. Label them so you’re not repeatedly wondering which is what.
4. CONSIDER ACCOUNTABILITY
Ask a friend or partner to help keep you on track. If you stumble across an old yearbook or box of mementos, you may spend hours going down memory lane. Before you know it, your focus has waned, and you’re left feeling frustrated. A few scheduled texts or check-ins can refocus you back to the task at hand.
You can also ask a friend to help you, but be selective. Sometimes if you’re ready to let go of an item, a buddy might convince you to begrudgingly keep it. (“You can’t get rid of that — your mom gave it to you!”) On the other hand, having someone hold you accountable during a clean-out session can be a boon — they can push you to be realistic on the last time you used an item, or if you really need all of those plastic containers.
Continue to keep your “why” in mind and limit distractions. Respect the time you’ve gifted yourself whether you’re working on a “someday” project, such as repurposing a space (turning a catch-all room into an actual guest bedroom), or simply achieving a less cluttered space.
5. NOW, JUST START
Start at one corner of the room, working left to right, beginning with clearing items on the floor. Graduate to clearing surfaces. It’s challenging, but try to finish one area before moving on. Once you get the ball rolling, momentum kicks in and solutions will present themselves (it’s kind of magical), and progress becomes apparent. Lastly, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are organizing professionals that can help with streamlining the process, staying accountable, motivation and solutions. When you’ve reached your goal, be sure to reward yourself for a job well done!
Nicole C.W. Gruter, MFA, is a professional organizer, social artist, performer and freelance writer living in Madison.
VINTAGE VANTAGE
Four tips for decorating with vintage décor.
BY SHELBY DEERING
Interior designer Albert Hadley once famously said, “A room should feel collected, not decorated.” If you gravitate toward spaces that are filled with collected special treasures (that also lend plenty of visual appeal), then it’s time for you to stock up on vintage pieces. Many designers say that vintage, consignment and secondhand items give a home “soul,” and there are other benefits, too. Not only is vintage shopping an eco-friendly venture, but Jennifer Richardson, owner of Atomic Antiques, also loves vintage for its ability to transport people to another era.
“When people see something vintage, very often they can identify with the time period,” she says. “If they were around for the period, it often brings back nostalgic memories.”
Ryan Hackstock, owner of Madison’s Retro Revolution, says that vintage pieces tend to be higher quality than today’s big-box finds. He says, “I’m always amazed when I find something in great condition. They were made to last.”
If you’d like to start collecting some bygone treasures of your own, here are some tips from our local experts.
1. LOOK FOR PIECES THAT “SPEAK” TO YOU.
When first shopping for vintage décor, start by searching for items that call out to you. Look around antique and secondhand stores and see what you’re drawn to before purchasing a lot of items that just don’t feel right when you get them home.
“When working with people, we try and find out what appeals to them,” Richardson says. “Everyone has different tastes when it comes to design, and people should pick things that appeal to their sense of style.”
Hackstock agrees that an old-school piece “has to speak to [somebody] in some way.” He says that it could be the design, something a relative owned or an object that “brings back good memories.”
2. GET INSPIRED BY BOOTHS AND DISPLAYS.
Part of the fun of vintage shopping is seeing how seasoned sellers style their wares. A flea market booth, shelves at a consignment store or an entire decorated room at an antique shop can all serve as inspiration for decorating your home.
“One of the things we frequently hear is how much people appreciate the dealers being set up with vignettes,” Richardson remarks. “Visualizing how an item might look is much easier when placed into a similar setting as it would be in a home.”
Snap some pictures with your phone, and you’ll pick up some great vintage decor ideas from the pros.
3. CHECK THINGS OUT.
While a vase or wall art might be straightforward vintage purchases, others can be trickier and deserve a careful once-over.
For example, Hackstock always checks the wiring of electronics before purchasing, since, as he says, people used to turn to dangerous methods to fix wires, from masking tape to glue. If you see either, put the item down or have it rewired.
4. TRY AN UNEXPECTED LOOK.
Richardson says that just because someone lives in a home built 100 years ago doesn’t mean they can’t decorate with mid-century pieces. In fact, that surprising juxtaposition will likely complement the spaces. Experiment with décor from one era even if your home was built during a different time.
Shelby Deering is a freelance lifestyle writer living in Madison.
WHERE TO SHOP
Madison has many options for antique and vintage shopping.
Antiques Mall of Madison antiquesmadison.com
Atomic Antiques atomicofmadison.com
The Cozy Home thecozyhomemadison.com
Iconi Interiors iconiinteriors.com
Janet’s Antiques janetsantiques.com
Maple Bluff Antique Mall maplebluffantiquemall.com
For so many women, landing in a successful career is a top goal — and a tough one. Danessa Bishop, vice president market manager at Park Bank, still remembers the day when she arrived in the U.S. with $300 in her pocket and a suitcase full of dreams.
“My goal was to learn English in one year and go back to Panama to work in the Trade Center or the Panama Canal. I had already graduated from the University of Panama with a bachelor’s degree in banking and finance,” Bishop says.
After spending some time in Madison, Bishop soon fell in love with the people and the community, and decided to stay.
“For me, finding success has been important, so I strive to be an asset at what I do,” Bishop says.
Having graduated with a degree in the banking field, Bishop understands finance topics, and the ability to uncover benefits and recommend solutions for clients in a more effective manner.
“It is fair to say that in every position I held, I focused on my own development and doing my best to support my peers, our clients and company goals,” Bishop says. “I invested time to learn new skills and deepen my knowledge in certain areas and grow my connections in a way that served both myself and my employer.”
Bishop has several tips for women seeking a successful career, including tips specific to women in banking.
“It is important that you understand what motivates you, your life goals and a plan to achieve them,” Bishop says. “Banking is a very rewarding career where you can positively impact the lives of so many individuals and achieve professional accomplishments.”
As a woman, mother and professional, I feel that prioritizing and being present and productive wherever I am and whom I am with is what really matters. “ ”
Of course, not everyone that works in banking has a finance background, but Bishop shares some secrets of her success:
• Be true to yourself, value your worth and your abilities, as well as your opportunities
• Set goals and create an action plan that outlines how to achieve them
• Prioritize what is important to you
• Find an organization that aligns with your personal and professional goals
• Have a positive mindset
• Surround yourself with individuals that will mentor you
• Seek feedback often with intention
• Stay committed to your personal growth
• Have a pulse on the community
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help
“I have high expectations of myself as a person as well as a professional. In searching for a healthy work/life balance, I do try to focus on quality over quantity,” Bishop says. “As a woman, mother and professional, I feel that prioritizing and being present and productive wherever I am and whom I am with is what really matters.”
Danessa Bishop Vice President, Market Manager
Portraits in Creativity
Let the artistic journeys of four Madison-area women inspire your own.
BY KATIE VAUGHN PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE
When you hear of a “creative person,” does an image of a painter toiling over a canvas or a sculptor shaping clay on a potter’s wheel come to mind? Yet leading an artistic life is so much broader than that — and it’s not just for some people or certain types of work, say four local creatives who have paved their own unique paths in art.
Maria Amalia: Stitching Connections
“For me, there’s a difference between a skill and a talent, and creativity is neither. Creativity is a way of thinking, a way of exploring a solution to a problem.”
Years ago when her son was very young, Maria Amalia would drive the streets of Madison until he fell asleep in his car seat. She spent hours looking into horizons, noticing the colors of sunsets and the patterns of birds. It got her thinking about migrations and connections, sparking ideas for a new collaborative project and nudging her to dig deeper into her own story.
Amalia was born and raised in Honduras, with time spent in Madison, where she took her first art class. After studying art at Judson University in Illinois, she returned to Madison and worked for fair-trade nonprofit SERRV International, which sent her to Latin America to visit with artisans. Eventually, she earned her MFA in textile art and design from UW–Madison.
Along the way, she cultivated passions for working with women, sharing stories and experimenting with papermaking and fiber. And while she has showcased her art in exhibitions, Amalia prefers to bring others into the creative process. She has collaborated with children such as at Lighthouse Christian School, where she teaches art — and created an incredible community with Latina immigrants.
One special project was the piece “Viajes del Horizonte,” inspired by those evening drives and carried out in a residency stint at the Madison Public Library’s Pinney branch. Children made paper by hand, Amalia collaged the pieces into a dynamic 5-foot work and then she invited 10 Latina immigrants to join her in embroidering it while sharing their life stories.
“They stitched their own journeys creating a textured surface where all paths of life were welcomed,” Amalia explains on her website.
This year, in addition to having her work featured in “Hand Papermaking’s” annual portfolio, Amalia is leading “Bordando Memorias,” or “Embroidering Memories,” in a community art residency at Synergy Coworking. She sets up tables with embroidery hoops and invites Latina immigrants to sit, share stories and embroider flowers native to their countries as well as Wisconsin. Later, she’ll open up conversations to the broader community, with the goal of fostering connection and understanding.
“I’m hoping that sharing stories is what breaks down the walls, those invisible borders that create division,” she says. “That’s what art can do; it can facilitate those conversations.”
mariaamalia.com, @mariaamaliawood
“Creativity is a part of life. It’s how we ascend as humans.”
Sharon L. Bjyrd: Painting a Bigger Picture
Art had always held a place in Sharon L. Bjyrd’s life, but it wasn’t until she was diagnosed with a chronic illness in 2012 that there was space for it to take on a more prominent role.
Since moving from Chicago to Madison, Bjyrd has been working toward degrees in social work and Afro American studies from UW–Madison and worked as an advocate for women at the YWCA of Madison and the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence. But learning how to live with lupus, in addition to sickle cell disease, forced her to pause.
“I was in a weird, quiet, isolated space trying to reevaluate what my life could be,” she says. “I had some paints and picked them up, and I just kept painting and painting and painting.”
While Bjyrd had taken art classes over the years, now she got to choose her subject matter.
“I started painting Black women’s portraits,” she says. “What I found myself with was a room of Black women.”
And she’s continued to paint them. Sometimes she features women with vibrant African print headwraps, and other times she deconstructs those patterns and uses them
as backdrops. Or she lets the woman’s natural hair hold the spotlight.
“I want to introduce a new iconography — the African woman as her true self,” she says. “It’s about living in a society where you’re told your natural state is unappealing — and the amount of strength it takes to embrace it anyway.”
Through her portraits, Bjyrd seeks to celebrate the beauty and the diversity of the Black experience.
“Black art is sometimes accepted more when it’s about pain,” she says. “I want to give some humanity and dignity, and show that whatever we go through, we’re going to do it beautifully.”
Following her show, “Heavy is the Crown,” held last year at the Arts + Literature Laboratory, Bjyrd plans to continue exhibiting. She also has a contract with the brand Ashro to print her art onto clothing, and hopes to paint a mural.
As she reflects on her path, she feels gratitude for having to change directions years ago.
“I believe life leads you to where you need to be,” she says. “My art career has been a series of serendipitous moments, and I’m grateful for every single one of them.”
bohemianblackart.com, @bohemianblackart
2023 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors
Beth Norman, CFP®, AWM
Managing Director – Financial Advisor
Senior Portfolio Manager – Portfolio Focus
The Norman Fletchall Team 10 East Doty Street, Suite 1000 Madison, WI 53703 (608) 252-7525
RBC Wealth Management is pleased to announce that Beth was named to the Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State list in the U.S.
Beth and her team provide approachable, creative and personalized advice to assist clients in optimizing their lives now, while planning for their financial future. They are passionate about helping their clients thrive and community prosper.
Please join us in congratulating Beth on this noteworthy honor.
Investment and insurance products offered through RBC Wealth Management are not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency, are not deposits or other obligations of, or guaranteed by, a bank or any bank affiliate, and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.
The 2023 Forbes “Top Women Wealth Advisors” and “Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State” award was announced February 2023. Data as of 9/30/2022. The award was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes: client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. The financial advisor does not pay a fee to be considered for or to receive this award. This award does not evaluate the quality of services provided to clients. This is not indicative of this financial advisor’s future performance. For more information: www.SHOOKresearch.com.
“There’s an artist in everybody, you just may not have discovered it yet.”
Angela Johnson: Finding Meaning in Memory
Years ago while she was a graduate student, Angela Johnson helped her aunt organize family photos. Seeing images of her dad as a child, greatgrandparents she never met and relatives who looked like her struck a chord — one that would carry through her work as an artist, educator and creativity coach.
Johnson grew up in Madison, leaving the city to attend Coe College and work as an art teacher in Houston, before returning to earn a master’s degree in art education and an MFA with a focus on photography at UW–Madison.
In a job at the Madison’s Children’s Museum, the concept of memory grew in significance, especially when Johnson led SPARK!, an innovative program that provides art workshops for adults with memory loss and their care partners. And it continued with “Inherent Legacy,” her MFA exhibition at the Madison Public Library’s Central branch. Featuring family photographs and artifacts alongside her own photography, the show explored “what we carry with us through the objects we inherit from previous generations, including genetic, physical and emotional traits.”
highly personal objects she helps others create to honor loved ones and experiences.
And the pandemic years offered opportunity for further growth. Johnson held a residency at the Peninsula School of Art in Door County, served as an artist-in-residence at the Madison Public Library’s Pinney Branch and created “Nature is Healing” at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, with 75 cyanotype panels allowing viewers to contemplate life cycles and impermanence.
More recently, Johnson’s work has included gratitude journal kits for the library, as well as legacy boxes and memory books,
Johnson also became a certified creativity coach, and now works with individuals and organizations to help them access their artistic sides and get unstuck. “I’m working with a forward focus to assist and enable others to find creativity in themselves,” she says.
She’s excited to continue this work, along with teaching courses in the UW-Madison Art Department and Edgewood College, hosting workshops at the Madison Public Library (including a book club on creativity at the Central branch) and leading workshops at the Peninsula School of Art this summer. She has her own projects in the works too, and it all adds up to a creative mix she enjoys.
“I 1,000% feel like I’ve carved my own space,” she says. “It’s taken years of thoughtful practice — and also the pandemic.” angelajohnsonartist.com, @angelajohnsonartist
Sarah Krajewski: Empowering Expression
“I can’t tell you how many times I tell people I’m an art teacher and they say they can’t even draw a stick figure … Own who you are! You are a human who can create something. Lean into who you are and what you’re drawn to.”
At the beginning of each art class she teaches at Cambridge Elementary School, Sarah Krajewski leads her students in reciting a mantra: “I am positive. I am creative. I am mindful. I am amazing. I am an artist.”
Those simple but powerful words set the tone both for the day’s lesson and for students’ lives outside the classroom.
“I really try to encourage weirdness and fun and acceptance of who I am so they can be their most authentic selves,” says Krajewski, who often dons a tiara and glittery wings.
Krajewski’s colorful approach earned her the Wisconsin Art Education Association’s Teacher of the Year in 2019 and more than 37,000 followers on her Instagram account, @artroomglitterfairy.
While Krajewski dreamed of being an art teacher when she was a second grader, the quiet yet creative girl she was back then couldn’t have known the confident leader she would become. Today, she teaches 430 students, runs the school’s art club and organizes its annual Creativity Expo.
The UW–Eau Claire alum is also a regular keynote speaker at arts education conferences, hosts weekly Instagram Live art-making sessions through the Art of Education University, and in 2020 published a children’s book. “Exactly You: The Shape of Your Feelings” helps explore and normalize big feelings and topics like self-esteem, anxiety and depression.
And Krajewski maintains her own art practice, using paints, inks and more to create abstract works.
“I just love colors and seeing how they interact with each other,” she says. “I like playing and experimenting and overlapping materials.”
But the teaching component remains essential, whether it’s leading kids in a classroom or adults on social media to try a new technique, express themselves or appreciate the art all around them.
“My brain just sees things in a way that’s artful and creative,” she says. “And I get an immense amount of joy in seeing others get excited about getting to create.”
artroomglitterfairy.com, @artroomglitterfairy
Katie Vaughn is a Madison-area freelance writer.
THREE COMMON MYTHS ABOUT ESTATE PLANS
BY MAURA KELLER
Proper estate planning for women is vital in building, maintaining and preserving assets and to provide for the security and support of family members in the event of your incapacity or death.
According to attorney Stephanie Thompson, owner of Krueger Hernandez & Thompson in Middleton, your estate plan will provide exactly where your property will go after your death. If you are married, it will determine how your spouse will be provided for. If you have minor children, it will name the persons who will be responsible for their care and custody. And it will also permit you to designate the purposes for, and the ages at which your children will receive the assets you leave to them.
“Women, generally speaking, tend to be the one to drive and lead the conversation around estate planning,” Thompson says. “And while many women are the ones to start this conversation and determine what kind of plan to have in place, there are also a lot of women who, after the death of their spouse, have no awareness of the value of their estate — much less how to manage their finances.”
In addition, Thompson points to three key myths surrounding estate planning that both women and men often believe.
“ Women, generally speaking, tend to be the one to drive and lead the conversation around estate planning. ”
– Stephanie Thompson
Myth #1: I don’t “fit the definition” of needing an estate plan because I either don’t have a high enough net worth to warrant an estate that needs protection, or I don’t have children to leave my assets to.
Fact: “The reality is everyone needs an estate plan,” Thompson says. “No one has a crystal ball that will tell us when life is going to throw us a curveball. It is important to make sure our wishes are known.”
Myth #2: I’m not old enough to warrant an estate plan, as I’m healthy and don’t feel like this is a concern yet.
Fact: “More often than not, people in their 50s and 60s really need to start taking estate planning seriously,” Thompson says. “But that’s not to say that there’s not a need for people of any age with any amount of finances. An estate plan goes far beyond a simple will.
When designing your estate plan, we’re thinking of all of the possible
scenarios that one could encounter. We are making sure that you’ve got the proper documents in place to be able to handle any of those situations according to your own wishes, regardless of your age.”
Myth #3: A financial power of attorney will take care of me, and that’s all I need.
Fact: A power of attorney is a vital component of any estate plan, but it is only one piece of the proverbial estate plan puzzle and certainly has its limits. “Not all documents are created equal. Financial institutions are very particular about having specific authority mentioned within the document. This is why it is critical to have an estate planning attorney assist you.”
To learn more about estate planning and what your plan should encompass, visit khtlawyers.com.
Left to Right: Sadie Minobe. Stephanie Thompson, Renee Nehring
Women earn only 83% of what men earn*, with the gap often being worse for women of color. That’s more than just frustrating. It prevents women from achieving the success they are capable of. That’s why, at Summit, we’re championing pay equity, starting within our walls, and even publishing our own pay equity data on our website. When women reach their goals, it’s not just women who benefit from more stability, less uncertainty and a better quality of life – we all do.
Join us in creating a new financial future at
* Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
Making Your MONEY Work For You
Your finances fuel everything you do and keeps your family afloat. With April being U.S. National Financial Literacy Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to check in on your money.
BY AMANDA N. WEGNER
While most women are confident with everyday financial tasks like paying bills and managing a budget, they are less confident in managing investments and creating a diversified portfolio. That’s according to a 2022 Bank of America survey that also showed nearly half of women regret not saving and investing sooner. If this sounds like you, read on for these tips from local finance experts to help you increase your financial wellness and personal wealth.
First-Time Investor Tips
According to the consulting firm McKinsey & Company, women are opening new investment accounts faster than ever before. If investing piques your interest but you don’t know where to start, there are many educational resources online. One such resource is Ellevest, a women-focused investment platform. HerMoney Media is another great finance website for women. There’s also a trove of podcasts that help make money and investing understandable (check out our January/February 2023 Money column for money podcasts we love).
Before diving in, the experts stress the importance of getting your financial house in order. First, figure out your budget — it’s hard to invest if you don’t know your money situation. Then, focus on paying down debt, especially debt with higher rates, like credit cards.
“You don’t have to get 100% out of debt,” says Jennifer Ridley Hanson, CFP®, director of wealth planning of SlateStone Wealth LLC, “but you need to get a handle on it. You don’t want to start investing and then pull money out to pay bills.”
Also, start building an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. Ridley Hanson says “conventional” financial
advice will tell you to have funds to cover six month’s worth of expenses — which is great if you can achieve that — but in her experience, that’s not doable for most people. She recommends starting with one month’s worth of expenses in savings, and try to build up to three months.
Once you’re ready to start investing, partner with a trusted investment professional who is a fiduciary to act in
your best interest (this is a question you should ask when interviewing advisors). Once you start investing, automate it with a monthly direct banking transfer to your investment account, says Beth Norman, CFP®, AWM, managing director – financial advisor with RBC Wealth Management.
“Inertia has a way of carrying us through to start a big goal, and setting up auto-pay allows you to harness momentum. If the payment is automated, then you have to do something to change it or manually stop it,” says Norman.
“You don’t have to get 100% out of debt, but you need to get a handle on it. You don’t want to start investing and then pull money out to pay bills.”
— Jennifer Ridley Hanson
Another option you can consider for investing: a robo-advisor. A robo-advisor is an automated financial advisor that provides wealth management services with little to no human intervention. Ridley Hanson isn’t opposed to online platforms and robo-advisors like Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard and others — but there are caveats.
“It might be something you dabble in if you understand the risks,” says Ridley Hanson. “But for your ‘serious’ money — future [and] family goals — put that in the hands of a professional.”
The Male/Female Dollar Divide
For many generations, in heterosexual couples, financial management has been considered a man’s responsibility. But the tide is changing, say our experts.
“Nowhere does it say that this is something women shouldn’t do,” says Ridley Hanson. And women must play an equal role in their finances because of two stark facts about opposite-sex marriages: About 50% of marriages in the United States end in divorce. Also, women outlive men by about six years. Regardless of what type of partnership you’re in, it’s important to be vigilant about money.
“You’re not doing yourself any favors by not being involved in financial decisions …” says Ridley Hanson. “Unfortunately, everyone is disadvantaged because there’s no financial education in school, but men’s confidence is what helps them here.”
In other words, don’t wait for a financial crisis such as a divorce, death or economic downturn to understand your family’s finances — the time is now.
“This is where the quote, ‘Knowledge is power’ comes in,” says Joanna G. Burish, managing partner of Custer Financial Services. “You must understand what assets you have and how to best utilize their advantages. There are many moving pieces to finance, and educating yourself is important. The worst thing you can do is not get expert help [with your finances] — [this] help will save you so much money in the future!”
The male-female money divide doesn’t help matters either. The U.S. Census Bureau reports a difference of $10,000 in median annual income for men and women in Wisconsin. However, with wage transparency laws taking hold around the nation and women becoming empowered to speak up for equal pay, many are hopeful the gap will continue to narrow.
“There are many moving pieces to finance, and educating yourself is important.”
— Joanna G. Burish
Investing and Money Management
Through the Ages
As women age and move through life’s milestones, they have different money needs. Here’s a breakdown of considerations for each age range.
In Your 20s
The first rule of your 20s, says Norman, is to “not spend more than you make.” The 20s are also a time to balance paying down debt while budgeting for your lifestyle and saving for the future. “It takes some effort to find the right balance,” acknowledges Norman.
Secondly, maximize the contribution to your employer-sponsored retirement plan to take advantage of your employer’s match to your 401K, says Burish.
“Even though money might be tight when you’re starting, put as much as you can in this benefit,” she explains. “Even if it’s just $50 to $100 a month, by 65, you could have $1 million, historically speaking. ”
Burish also suggests asking if it’s possible to invest in both a taxdeferred traditional IRA and a tax-free Roth IRA in your 401K, which have different implications tax-wise in retirement.
In your 20s, Burish also recommends getting life insurance; you may not think you need it, but it secures your insurability for the long run.
“You don’t know what life is going to serve you, health-wise. If you are coming out of college healthy but later get cancer or need therapy for mental wellness, which requires anti-anxiety meds, that could unhinge your ability to get insurance in the future,” she explains.
In Your 30s
By now, you’ve likely been working for eight to 10 years, increasing your earning power. Norman says women should strive to put 10%-15% of their income toward retirement, so your 30s may be a time to shift resources as your debt decreases and income increases.
“Kids can get loans for college, but you can’t get loans for retirement.”
– Beth Norman
Also,“When things happen positively with money, like a student loan payoff or you have a positive shift in your budget, allocate some of that toward savings. Don’t go about spending all of that amount — try to increase your savings.”
If purchasing a home is a to-do in your 30s, remember that no more than 30% of your monthly income should go to home expenses, including mortgage, property taxes and home improvements, so plan accordingly.
If you have children, consider saving for their college needs. The state’s 529 plan is a tax-advantaged plan to cover education costs.
A Roth IRA, which is a tax-free option with fewer disbursement penalties than a traditional IRA, may also be an option to use for college savings as there are no penalties to withdraw that money (you may be taxed on earnings, though).
In general, Norman cautions against prioritizing future education needs over your retirement.
“Kids can get loans for college, but you can’t get loans for retirement.”
In Your 40s
Norman says that since you’ve been building a nest egg and accumulating assets over two decades, it’s time to protect your wealth and your family by looking into an estate plan. An estate plan typically includes a will and powers of attorney for health care and financial decision-making. You also want to make sure your beneficiaries are up to date in all of your accounts (401K, insurance policies, etc.).
Look into long-term care insurance between the ages of 45 and 50, says Burish, and have the same conversation with your parents.
Like an automotive or home insurance policy, long-term care plans help pay for caregiving services as we age. It’s a common misconception, says Ridley Hanson, that Medicare and Medicaid will cover the entire cost of assisted living and other caregiving needs. It covers some costs, but not much. (Ridley Hanson says in her experience, you can also wait to look into this type of insurance when you’re in your 60s — ideally by age 65 — so
ask a financial planner what they recommend in your circumstance.)
“If you don’t plan long-term care for yourself, your spouse or your family, you will end up paying for it, either with time or resources,” Burish says of caregiving needs.
In your 40s, start to narrow in on when you want to retire and then work with your financial advisor, says Norman, to make sure you’re on track. Burish adds it’s not unreasonable to get a “second opinion” on your financial advisor occasionally to ensure who you are working with continues to be a good fit.
In Your 50s
In your 50s (or sooner), check the “tax mindfulness” of your retirement plan to ensure your investments are diversified in terms of tax implications. For instance, explains Burish, a traditional IRA plan is tax-deferred, meaning you didn’t pay taxes on it when you invested that money, so the taxes come out when you withdraw it in retirement, which could be up to 50% of your savings. If all of your retirement savings are in a tax-deferred option, you will have much less to use in retirement, so
don’t wait to diversify those funds to maximize your savings and tax situation.
“There are various buckets you want to have [your money in]. A lot of people think their 401K is all they need, but a Roth should also be one of those buckets you’re proactively filling,” explains Burish.
In 2023, the maximum amount a person under age 50 can contribute to a Roth is $6,500. If you’re over age 50, you can make a catch-up contribution of $1,000 per year to a Roth account for a total of up to $7,500 per year.
60s
and Beyond
Your 60s and beyond, says Norman, brings a few milestones and decisions. One is when to take Social Security. Another is choosing a Medicare insurance plan.
“These can be challenging decisions,” says Norman, “especially the Medicare piece. While it can be daunting, take time to get up to speed and understand your options.” Norman recommends reading up on both of these on medicare.gov and aarp.org.
Also, adds Ridley Hanson, just because you’re near or in retirement, that doesn’t mean planning for your future is complete.
“If you retire at age 65 and are of average health, you could live at least until age 85 or [longer], so you have 20 years — and hopefully more — to make that money last. But we’ll still have inflation, market turns, increased costs. As you get into retirement, reevaluate your plan and keep it going by finding the right mix that works for you with both stability and some growth.”
How can I support my gut health?
Women’s Health Guide
What should I do for hair loss? How can I improve my skin?
What exercise should I do during pregnancy?
What vitamins help digestion?
As a woman, there are many health concerns we don’t think about until we’re faced with them — such as supporting a healthy pregnancy, hair loss and digestive concerns. But these are all areas that are vital to our wellbeing. Read on for valuable information about how you can live your healthiest life.
Are you curious to start upon a hair restoration or skin rejuvenation journey but find the options confusing??
The Rawal Institute for Hair Restoration & Aesthetic Medicine invites you to preview all we have to offer at our
Spring Open House
May 21, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Learn your true skin age with a free VISIA facial scan ($100 value) to identify areas of skin damage, such as pigment spots, wrinkles, and texture abnormalities, and receive customized recommendations for procedures and skincare products.
All attendees will enjoy a tour of our facilities, light hors d’oeuvres, an opportunity to sample select products from tR(x)i, Dr. Rawal’s very own medicalgrade skincare line, a complimentary follow-up formal consultation, and access to event day specials, including freebies on filler and neurotoxin and significant procedural discounts! OR
Explore the extent of your hair loss concerns with a free trichoscopy exam ($100 value) to better qualify the health of your scalp and follicles and receive customized recommendations for medical and procedural hair restoration solutions.
Pre-registration is required for all attendees and can be completed by calling the office at 608.721.6132
This event is open to all over the age of 18, so tell your loved ones and friends!
Find more information on our social media: Facebook: @madisonhairdoc Instagram: @madisonhairdoc
The Role of a Professional Medical Opinion in Treating Hair Loss
Are you suffering from hair loss? Are you tired of spending lots of time each day trying to camouflage the areas of thinning, or picking up shed hairs from the shower drain? YOU ARE NOT ALONE. In fact, you might be surprised to learn that over 40% of women suffer from hair loss from various causes. Yet, many feel their concerns are dismissed and they are given limited treatment options. Because hair loss can be a result of hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, or other underlying medical issues, you should consider seeking help from a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and management of hair loss.
Shamila Gupta Rawal, MD, a board-certified otolaryngologist/ head and neck surgeon at The Rawal Institute for Hair Restoration and Aesthetic Medicine, has advanced training in the care of all organs in the head and neck, including the hair and skin. She fully and PERSONALLY understands the devastating effects of hair loss in women and is passionate about helping you restore your self-confidence when facing the world. Working closely with each patient to determine the root cause of their hair loss, Dr. Rawal creates a customized natural-looking hair restoration plan incorporating medical and surgical modalities, regenerative medicine, scalp micropigmentation, and low-level laser light therapy.
Dr. Rawal has an extensive toolbox of evidence-based medical and procedural therapies that she prescribes based on your particular needs. Looking at your hair loss through both immediate and long-term lenses, she creates a plan that is both restorative and preventive. The medications she prescribes are often available through your local pharmacy and may be covered by your insurance. Although procedures are routinely not covered by your insurance, Dr. Rawal will help create a treatment plan that is both effective and feasible for you.
She fully and PERSONALLY understands the devastating effects of hair loss in women and is passionate about helping you restore your self-confidence when facing the world.
The Rawal Institute for Hair Restoration and Aesthetic Medicine also specializes in the most effective nonsurgical therapies to reverse and even prevent sun- and age-related damage to the skin, with the goal of natural, sustained results. Younger patients can take advantage of a “Prejuvenation Plan” to address the earliest and often invisible skin changes that start in childhood to keep their skin glowing. With an extensive suite of skin rejuvenation devices, regenerative medicine capabilities, as well as her own medical grade skin care line, Dr. Rawal can prescribe a plan that will keep you refreshed for years to come.
The Rawal Institute for Hair Restoration and Aesthetic Medicine invites you to preview all we have to offer at our Spring Open House on May 21, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is open to all over the age of 18, so bring your loved ones and friends! See details in our ad on the facing page.
DR. SHAMILA RAWAL
Preparing for a Healthy Pregnancy
BY SUE SVEUM
Ifyou’re pregnant or hope to be soon, you probably already know that you should plan for anything — both expected and unexpected. And according to Dr. Amanda Schwartz, OB/GYN with Associated Physicians, diet and exercise are key components to having a healthy pregnancy.
EMBRACE EXERCISE
“Exercise is very important and strongly encouraged,” she says. “Women who were physically active before pregnancy can — and should — continue these activities during pregnancy and postpartum.”
Dr. Schwartz adds that women who weren’t physically active before pregnancy are encouraged to start exercising. It can be as simple as walking 30 minutes per day.
Studies show that women who exercise during pregnancy have decreased risks of gestational diabetes (GDM), C-section and forceps- or vacuumassisted deliveries. Exercise can also help prevent postpartum depression.
Other benefits include lower rates of excessive weight gain, high blood pressure/preeclampsia, pre-term birth and abnormally high or low fetal birth weight.
HEALTHY DIET CONSIDERATIONS
“When it comes to diet, it’s a little more difficult to generalize, because it depends on so many other factors individual to each patient,” explains Dr. Schwartz. “Recommended weight gain varies, but pregnant women need approximately 300 additional calories per day.”
One important thing to remember is that some foods come with increased risk of infection that can be dangerous to pregnant women and their fetuses. Foods to avoid include:
Raw seafood
Unpasteurized juice, cider, milk or cheese
Undercooked eggs, meat or poultry
Cold hot dogs or deli meats
Raw sprouts
MANAGING THE UNEXPECTED –GESTATIONAL DIABETES
You may be doing all the right things and still encounter the unexpected. According to Dr. Schwartz, one of the more common medical complications (occurring in about 7% of pregnancies), is gestational diabetes — a condition in which carbohydrate
Exercise is very important and strongly encouraged [in pregnancy].
— Dr. Amanda Schwartz “ ”
intolerance (diabetes) develops during pregnancy and usually improves after delivery.
“The cause is unclear, but we believe it’s related to hormones signaling from the placenta,” says Dr. Schwartz. “Symptoms are uncommon — so GDM is generally discovered during a routine glucose challenge test for pregnant women between 24-28 weeks of pregnancy.”
Should pregnant women be worried if they get this diagnosis? According to Dr. Schwartz, women with GDM have a higher risk of developing preeclampsia, having a cesarean delivery and developing Type 2 diabetes later in life; however, these risks can be decreased with appropriate treatment.
“But we also know that exercise — especially weight training — increases lean muscle mass and improves tissue sensitivity to insulin, which may improve glycemic control in women with GDM,” she explains. “And women who appropriately treat and manage their glucose levels (usually through diet or insulin) can reduce their risk of serious newborn complications and their own risk for preeclampsia.”
Treatment usually begins with exercise, glucose monitoring and dietary modifications focused on caloric allotment, carbohydrate intake and caloric distribution. And don’t worry about having to spend weeks laid up from GDM. “Bed rest is almost never recommended in pregnancy for any condition anymore,” Dr. Schwartz assures, adding that bed rest has actually been shown to increase risk of life threatening blood clots, bone density loss and deconditioning.
“I encourage all women to see their doctor for prepregnancy counseling prior to attempting pregnancy,” says Dr. Schwartz, “to discuss risk modification strategies and a plan specific to them.”
apmadison.com
Spring Cleaning
BY MAURA KELLER
Traditionally, spring is the time to clean our homes. We go through our closets and cabinets, getting rid of the old to make room for the new. While our digestive tracts don’t quite work exactly like that, spring is also a great time to support our body’s elimination process.
Fibers and supplements like psyllium, flax seeds or Triphala support a healthy GI tract by keeping you regular. Consuming fermented foods high in prebiotics and probiotics like kombucha, kimchi and kefir replenish healthy bacteria that is necessary for overall gut health. Bitter plants like dandelion are also extremely beneficial. Dandelion is a powerhouse that supports our liver, gall bladder and kidneys so we can process toxins. The plant’s bitter flavor helps increase our digestive enzymes, allowing better nutrient absorption.
Whatever your age, the staff at Community Pharmacy and Community Wellness Shop are happy to help you navigate the options best suited for your body’s own “spring cleaning.”
Local Love
Based outside of Baraboo, Four Elements is a certified organic farm owned by Jane Hawley Stevens that makes high-quality products from plants she grows herself. Community Pharmacy loves her whole Dandelion Tincture. The staff also often recommends Himalaya’s Organic Triphala caplets. They are non-GMO and gluten free.
The Future of #MeToo
How a local youth group and area nonprofits are encouraging conversations on consent and reporting sexual violence for an educated and empowered next generation of women.
BY HANNAH WENTE PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE
IIn October 2022, the #MeToo movement and viral hashtag turned five years old. For sexual violence survivors, this slogan has become a way to shed light on an issue that one in four women experience in their lifetime, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. Now, #MeToo exists as an organization (meetoomvmt.com) to support justice and healing for sexual violence survivors. Informally, the hashtag is used in social media to share stories and support on the topic.
According to a 2022 Pew Research survey, the movement has made an impact. Seventy percent of Americans surveyed said that people who commit sexual violence in the workplace are more likely to be held responsible than five years ago. As sexual violence topics continue to make headlines, the issue is one that younger women aren’t shying away from. For local sexual violence advocates, the future of the movement is about amplifying the voices of youth to encourage advocacy, support and building a society we all feel comfortable in.
Peer to Peer Connections
The RCC Sexual Violence Resource Center (formerly known as the Rape Crisis Center, or RCC) started the GameChangers program in 2015 to teach teens about sexual violence prevention. Today, 21 high school students from all
over Dane County gather twice a month between October and May to connect, learn and share about topics related to sexual violence. What’s unique about GameChangers is that students are paid for their time — which opens up the pool of kids that can join since economic
barriers (i.e., volunteering for free) aren’t an issue.
“The biggest thing we do is provide space for teens to speak and say things they’ve never had the chance to speak about and say,” explains Dana Pellebon, executive director of the RCC.
Magnolia Hottmann, a 14-year-old GameChanger from Middleton High School, says, “It’s a very safe community where we have difficult discussions, but we do them respectfully and we’re able to easily communicate with each other.”
Students learn advocacy and facilitation skills from community leaders and use those lessons to complete a project during the second half of the school year. For example, in April 2022, students hosted a workshop for 50 school administrators, staff and community members about how to best support student sexual violence survivors.
Nitya Patil is a 17-year-old senior at Vel Phillips Memorial High School. She joined GameChangers to transform her community.
“I saw sexual violence and assault so normalized in youth spaces such as
schools and community centers,” says Patil, who intends to pursue a degree in global health and engineering. “I’m excited to take what I’ve learned about advocacy for sexual assault victims and advocacy in general to really make a difference for those who feel like they can’t speak up.”
Since RCC prevention coordinator and GameChangers director Heather Chun took over in 2017, the group has expanded to encompass a wide range of sexualities, races and socioeconomic statuses.
As part of RCC’s advocacy work, Chun also visits East High School and Oregon High School’s gender equity clubs to educate and promote peer-to-peer education. They work on recognizing emotions, healthy behaviors and what consent looks like at every level — including setting boundaries. The RCC also provides services to teen sexual violence survivors to help them deal with trauma.
“We make sure [students] feel supported as they make choices to disclose traumatic information — to parents and to therapists,” says Pellebon.
Get Involved
Heather Chun of the RCC Sexual Violence Resource Center says it’s critical that the community embraces and trusts sexual violence survivors. This year’s group of GameChangers have organized two events to raise awareness of the issue.
• Attend the “We Step Into the Light” survivor-centered art show hosted by the RCC at Union South on April 14. westepintothelight.com
• Gather at a rally to support the RCC and celebrate its 50th anniversary, held at the State Street corner of the Capitol Square on April 30 from 4-6 p.m. Listen to speakers, celebrate the RCC’s work with survivors and listen to their call to action for policymakers. thercc.org/50th
“The best thing the community can do, is believe victims/ teens when they disclose. They need to be supported and believed.”
— Jennifer Ginsburg
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and teal is the color that represents this issue.
Shedding Light on Sexual Violence
The #MeToo movement has helped to shift public opinion towards disclosing sexual violence incidents and believing victims’ stories. Pew Research’s 2022 survey echoes this, stating 62% of Americans say that a survivor’s account is more likely to be believed now than five years ago.
“I’ve been in this field for 30 years,” says Jennifer Ginsburg, executive director of Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center, which conducts forensic interviews with children after an allegation of abuse or sexual violence. “Teens are talking about it more, they’re getting more support from their peers and there’s less victim blaming and more understanding — especially around alcohol-facilitated sexual assault. When you’re drunk and impaired you cannot give consent — there’s more understanding of that.”
In 2022, Safe Harbor saw 428 youth — 33% were between the ages
of 13 and 17. That same year, 65% of all youth maltreatment cases involved allegations of sexual abuse. Ginsburg says Safe Harbor has seen an increase in gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth coming forward with their experiences over the past several years.
“The best thing the community can do,” says Ginsburg, “is believe victims/ teens when they disclose. They need to be supported and believed. Perpetrators count on [a survivor] being silent and others not believing [the survivor’s] story — and that is what allows the perpetrator’s behavior to continue. And then society is complicit in it.”
“Silence can be a problem,” says Sharyl Kato, executive director of The Rainbow Project. “I’m so encouraged by the courage of others to step forward when something has happened to them. We all have personal power that no one can take away from us. We all need to embrace it and use it in positive ways to speak out.”
“The biggest thing we do is provide space for teens to speak and say things they’ve never had the chance to speak about and say.”
— Dana Pellebon
“Silence can be a problem. I’m so encouraged by the courage of others to step forward when something has happened to them. We all have personal power that no one can take away from us. We all need to embrace it and use it in positive ways to speak out.”
— Sharyl Kato
What Safe Harbor and the Rainbow Project do is critically important for children and families. But it goes beyond that — the services they provide have a lasting effect on survivors. Although trauma can never be “healed,” intervening with support and services helps a survivor to move forward and understand that the abuse they endured wasn’t their fault.
“With the #MeToo movement, hopefully we can create a different country. [We can] be more supportive of children, providing mental wellness services so we can raise kids to not perpetrate assault … and have supports available if someone [does] experience abuse or exploitation [early in their life]. Research is clear that untreated trauma such as sexual violence can affect that behavior in the future,” says Ginsburg.
Reaching the Next Generation GameChangers participants take the charge to educate their community about sexual violence very seriously. Many of them are planning to take what they’ve learned about sexual violence prevention into their future careers.
“I’m really excited for younger generations such as myself to get into politics and start making changes,” says 18-year-old GameChanger Olivia Headley, who attends McFarland High
Pivot
The StruXure Pivot, formally the Arcadia Louvered Roof System has been improved and perfected since its inception in 2011. Its award-winning pivot design gives a full 170° range of motion to provide a cool oasis, regardless of the sun’s position. Now available with Somfy integration, the Pivot can intuitively control the effects of the weather to enhance your outdoor lifestyle.
Sexual Violence Resources
The Rainbow Project
The Rainbow Project works with young children and their families who have experienced trauma. Children can be referred to The Rainbow Project for a number of reasons, including neglect; sexual or emotional abuse; is considered “at risk”; or has experienced trauma, among other factors. therainbowproject.net
The RCC Sexual Violence Resource Center
A nonprofit that provides information, resources, case management, therapy and advocacy for sexual violence survivors. According to executive director Dana Pellebon, educating people on sexual violence topics is key to its prevention.
“It’s about people knowing what to look for, elevating the conversation so it’s not uncomfortable to talk about this work we’re doing. To let survivors know they don’t have to hide in the shadows — they get to decide when they need support.” thercc.org
Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center
Safe Harbor reduces trauma and promotes healing for children, as well as adults with intellectual disabilities, who are victims of or witnesses to crime. To accomplish this mission, Safe Harbor provides a trauma-informed, safe, child-friendly environment for forensic interviews; immediate and ongoing advocacy for affected children and families; and coordination and support of multi-disciplinary investigations and responses. safeharborhelpskids.org
UNIDOS
An organization committed to helping Latinx survivors of domestic and sexual violence. The nonprofit provides services, support and programming about domestic and sexual violence. unidoswi.org
“Survivors come in diverse shapes and sizes, and we need to support all survivors, no matter what that looks like.”
— Heather Chun
School. “We saw that in the midterms with a more diverse group of elected officials. I’m very excited for new ideas and experiences, and hopefully we can actually change things and not just put a Band-Aid on it.”
GameChanger Magnolia Hottmann is interested in a law career because she wants to help sexual and domestic violence survivors. She believes there are still problems in reporting and seeking justice for sexual violence cases.
“When [a survivor] goes to court, they’ll be asked questions like, ‘What were you wearing?’ and, ‘Did you drink?’” she says. “ … Things that shouldn’t have any effect on whether or not the [person] got sexually assaulted.”
Pellebon is hopeful that sexual violence education for teens and the sweeping change in social norms will continue to amplify the #MeToo movement to new heights.
“They are listening and learning,” she says. “They’re taking the lessons that we’ve had to grapple with and saying, ‘We’re not going to do that.’ The future of the
#MeToo movement is these kids learning a new way forward.”
Chun, a queer woman of color, believes the future of the #MeToo movement should also highlight the violence transgender people are experiencing — and it needs to be led by queer youth of color.
“I want to see Black, brown and Indigenous people hold the microphone and become the face of the movement,” says Chun. “Survivors come in diverse shapes and sizes, and we need to support all survivors, no matter what that looks like.”
This includes GameChangers like Dmitri Natachu, a 17-year-old GameChanger at Middleton High School, who wants to leave the world better than she found it. “What we’re doing right now is planting seeds of hope. Twenty or thirty years down the line, those seeds will turn into something beautiful.”
Wente
Hannah
is a freelance writer who builds community through her writing.
L-R: GameChangers Magnolia Hottmann, Heather Chun, Dmitri Natachu, Nitya Patil and Olivia Headley gather at the RCC’s office for camaraderie and advocacy work.
WHERE FORM MEETS FUNCTION
Since 2005, Classic Custom Homes of Waunakee has been building custom homes full of time-honored craftsmanship. This long-standing history means the team at Classic Custom Homes understand the trends permeating the custom home industry. Some of these key trends pertain to kitchen and bath design.
“Largely in part to the pandemic, kitchen and bath design has become more focused on functionality and organization,” says Jenn Anderson, designer at Classic Custom Homes. The biggest trends in kitchens right now are open-concept designs, smart appliances, textured materials and flexible/functional spaces.
“Whether you call it a butler’s pantry or a ‘dirty kitchen,’ these are quickly becoming some of the most asked-for spaces in new homes,” Anderson says. “They are multi-function rooms, giving homeowners additional storage space, a food prep area and can even include a secondary cleaning space for all those dishes while entertaining.”
In addition, homeowners are looking to focus on more of the little details in their spaces, like having smart appliances that are Bluetooth-enabled, or hidden outlets for small appliances.
As far as finishes, currently the design team at Classic Custom Homes is seeing a slight move away from “all white” everything. Wood tones are coming back, along with a surge in bold colors like deep blues and greens.
“These all pair great with white quartz or granite, black or gold hardware, and medium wood-toned flooring,” Anderson says.
In bathrooms, larger walk-in showers with unique tilework, personalized storage solutions and heated floors are top of mind for today’s consumers. And a lot of the same finishes in kitchens
are spilling over into bathrooms as well. Anderson says spa-like finishes with pops of color are popular, as well as the classic white. Textured tiles for showers or accent walls with hexagons or fish scale tiles are gaining popularity.
When working with homeowners to design theses spaces in their new home, the Classic Custom Homes team looks at the core functionality of these rooms.
“The layout of the spaces is key for the home to be functional for those who live in it, as every homeowner’s needs are different,” Anderson says. “Take a look at your current spaces and take note of what you like and don’t like about each space. Do you have too many small appliances taking up valuable countertop space? Then putting them in a pantry or an appliance garage should be considered. Do you like having a linen cabinet in the bathroom? Then make sure to have that incorporated into the new home layout as well. It’s all about making your home as functional for your needs as possible.”
“ ”
Largely in part to the pandemic, kitchen and bath design has become more focused on functionality and organization.
— Jenn Anderson, designer
EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE
Today’s cabinets are no longer simple “cupboards” of previous generations. Streamlined, efficient designs, today’s custom cabinets come with a wealth of bells and whistles as well as inserts and accessories that streamline kitchen efficiency.
Functionality is paramount for today’s cabinet designs, and luckily there are accessories and accouterments aplenty in today’s cabinet designs.
“Cabinet design depends on a client’s everyday use of their kitchen, along with the style of the home. By focusing on that work triangle and how our client uses the space, we then deliver a design based off of the everyday tasks needed,” says Rachael Parker, designer at Dream House Dream Kitchens. “Also, utilizing the key style elements of the client’s home helps us drive the finishes.”
As Parker explains, typically, any room that has cabinetry calls for high functionality — whether it’s a kitchen, primary bath, mudroom, laundry room, etc. Allowing cabinets to house specific inserts or accessories within said spaces provides not only more functionality, but also better organization. This maximizes storage and makes everyday life easier.
“With designated placements, the flow of the kitchen can become more functional, and knowing where things are makes using the space more efficient,” Parker says. “As we work through the desired work triangle of a kitchen, each cabinet accessory can add functionality to each piece of the triangle.”
Using various specialty pullouts, dividers and drawer inserts/drop-ins, Dream House Dream Kitchens can design truly custom cabinets by incorporating accessories that are unique to a client’s needs.
For kitchens in particular, Dream House Dream Kitchens likes to provide a few basic inserts that they think are crucial to the functionality and efficiency of any kitchen. Beyond those, they can help make selections of accessories that might be helpful for how the client lives by asking key questions: How do you use your space? Do you cook a lot? Do you bake? How often are you in your kitchen? What are some of your most utilized appliances? What do you currently like and dislike about your kitchen?
“Using these questions helps us design a kitchen based on the client’s everyday lifestyle,” Parker says. “If the client loves to cook, we would suggest more storage in the cooking areas of the kitchen that house utensils, spices, and pots and pans. If their kitchen is the family drop zone, where papers build up and phones need charging, we may design a mail/drop zone for them. The options are endless, but the key is getting to know the homeowner and how they live in their spaces.”
“ ”
With designated placements, the flow of the kitchen can become more functional, and knowing where things are makes using the space more efficient.
— Rachael Parker, designer
We are a boutique style design firm with highly knowledgeable designers
Our team will curate your complete look for a space you'll never want to leave
When it comes to choosing flooring for your kitchen, bathroom or living areas, the options seem endless. Carpet or wood? Natural stone or laminate? With the help of the team at Flooring Designs, homeowners can find flooring that offers the ideal look and functionality for their space.
Established in 1989, Flooring Designs has been welcoming customers to their current showroom location since 2004.
Mark Geller, president of Flooring Designs, and his staff understand the nuances of today’s flooring technology and designs that will meet homeowners’ needs.
“Our company focuses on offering high-quality products, presented by flooring professionals with interior design backgrounds who understand the best uses for a wide variety of flooring materials that include wood, carpet, tile, luxury vinyl tile, and natural materials like cork, wool, natural stone, and linoleum,” Geller says. Flooring Designs also has a team of qualified tradespeople who professionally install their flooring products, turning a room into a stylish, functional space for years to come.
Handling a wealth of flooring products and finishes means that the Flooring Designs team need to be experts in this segment of the home design industry.
Geller recognizes the vital importance of having a team with a wealth of product knowledge in order to offer the best solutions to clients, while also offering high design that fits a budget.
“Often clients make an appointment with one of our designers, who then works one-on-one with the client in our showroom,” Geller says. “The client enjoys having the showroom reserved for themselves and the designer is able to ask questions and present products based on the client’s vision and budget. We make on-site visits to calculate quantities and labor, and determine the process for an installation that we warranty. We work with clients who are building new houses
and help them coordinate all of their selections to help them envision their beautiful new home.”
In addition to supplying and installing flooring, including finished and unfinished hardwood, Flooring Designs also provides tile flooring and walls in a large variety of formats and decorative design options. Shower designs (including dog showers), mud rooms, outdoor spaces, polished concrete floors, backsplashes, fireplace surrounds and tiled feature walls are just a few of the examples of spaces that Geller and his team help design and install.
“We pull together a variety of materials to present to clients that shows how all the materials interact throughout the house, and provide drawings to help visualize our design ideas,” Geller says. “Our showroom offers eye-catching materials that open up the possibilities of design, and expand our client’s vision of what is possible to achieve in their own home — all with the help of our staff of designers.”
We work with clients who are building new houses and help them coordinate all of their selections to help them envision their beautiful new home.
—Mark Geller, president
L to R: Tina Roth, Renee Geller, Tori Coulson
Since 2000, CTW has been Dane County's prime location for high quality flooring, tile and cabinetry for your home or business. We offer a wide variety of options to fit your lifestyle and budget. Visit our NEW Kitchen & Bath Design Center in McFarland to get inspired and work with one of our designers to plan your next project.
TRENDS IN TODAY’S KITCHEN AND BATH DESIGNS
When it comes to kitchens and baths, design means different things to different people. Historically, kitchens were often tucked away, isolated work areas. These days, the kitchen is the central “hub” of the home, melding seamlessly into the home. And baths are where form and function meet.
According to Krystin Strasser, kitchen and bath designer at CTW Abbey Carpet & Floor, today the CTW team is seeing larger kitchens with more functionality, expanded islands for dining and entertaining, smart appliances that can be controlled through phones, and designated spaces to fit larger appliances, such as air fryers and pressure cookers.
For finishes in both kitchens and baths, CTW’s clients are showing interest in warmer wood tones and textures. Oak cabinetry, flooring and trim is making a comeback in lighter finishes.
“Black, white and light neutral colors are still high on the list, but we are seeing more incorporation of wood tones and pops of colors such as greens and blues, as seen in nature,” Strasser says.
While CTW has traditionally been known for offering flooring and tile products and services, they also provide cabinet and countertop options for kitchen and bath builds and remodels.
For both kitchen and baths, CTW offers custom, semi-custom and stock cabinetry with full design and installation services. They also offer cabinet painting and refacing, and countertop options including quartz, granite, solid surface and laminate, as well as sinks and hardware to complete the look.
Strasser points out CTW also has cabinets to fit any style and budget — find several different wood species with a variety of stain and paint options.
“We’ve incorporated this new service into our business to serve a niche of customers who don’t mind their layout and their cabinets are in decent shape, but they just need a cosmetic refresh,”
says Strasser. “We use a durable, cabinetgrade paint that looks and feels like it was painted at the factory. The result is is a much more budget-friendly option.”
CTW can replace doors and drawer fronts, add soft-close drawers, install moldings and do other minor reconfigurations for an updated look without the budget or time commitment of a complete kitchen or bath overhaul.
If you want to complete the look of an outdoor living space, CTW has a selection of composite wood cabinets made for outdoor living areas that are resistant to warping, heat, humidity and fading.
When customers visit the company’s brand-new kitchen and bath showroom, they will experience interactive displays showcasing the many options in cabinetry, countertops and finishes for use throughout the home.
“We have blended many textures and colors to mirror all of the trends that we are seeing in contemporary homes today,” Strasser says. “It is a perfect mix of aesthetics and functionality.”
We have blended many textures and colors to mirror all of the trends that we are seeing in contemporary homes today.
— Krystin Strasser, kitchen and bath designer
HOW HELPS YOU REACH GOALS & GET CONNECTED GROUP FITNESS
G roup fi tness classes connect and unite us , harnessing t he powe r of co mi ng toget her with ot he rs to co m plete a chal l eng i ng tas k wh il e up l i f ting and encou rag i ng each ot he r W ith scienc e -bac ke d wor kout des i gns A ND bene fi ts, g roup fitness classes can he l p yo u ach i e v e your goa l s and bu i ld a new co m mun i t y. Princeton Cl u b o f fe rs o v er 100 g roup fitness classes eve r y week—let ’s get sta r ted !
FIND
YOUR COMMUN I T Y
“ There are so many people here of different ages, sizes and abilities, and it gives you a feeling of, ’I fit in, I can do this!‘” — Member Mary Jane Kelly Group fitness classes connect you with new people who have similar interests and goals. In a Zumba or WERQ class, you ’ re in a room full of people who love dancing!
Try Pilates or ™ by Les Mills, you are working CORE
alongside others whose goals are also to increase core strength and balance
ENGAGING + EMPOWERING
“It’s so fun you don’t notice the hard work you ’ re doing!” — Member Laura, loves Les Mills BodyStep™, lost 25 lbs taking classes
“Classes are a fun way to experience women empowering workouts!”
Member Melanie, loves Ladies Night classes
Incredible instructors lead and encourage you through class while teaching new exercises and proper technique Plus, seeing others in class working hard and cheering each other on helps you give it your all!
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Not only are group fitness results backed by science, so are the workouts! Les Mills Labs conducts significant amounts of research to create safe, effective and sciencebased group fitness classes. Check it out at lesmills com/research
Get to Princeton Club’s group fitness classes today and, together, let’s create your better tomorrow!
GOOD EATS, ONE SPACE
These innovative businesses around town house multiple food concepts and eateries for an all-in-one experience.
BY KEVIN REVOLINSKI
Sure, you can grab a meal anywhere. But several spots around town boast more than one unique eatery on-site and are located in revitalized, repurposed spaces — creating a sum greater than its parts.
Bloom Bake Shop, located in Northstreet
NORTHSTREET
The Eken Park neighborhood is home to Northstreet, a buzzy coffee shop, bakery and craft brewery spot. The lot, which formerly housed a nondescript cinderblock structure with a chainlink fence, now has a building adorned with brightly colored murals and copious outdoor seating. Willy Street favorite Cafe Domestique, Bloom Bake Shop and Young Blood Beer Co. all have second locations here.
Pair up a cappuccino and an almond croissant, or pick up a freshly-baked loaf to go before 3 p.m. In the later afternoon, stop by for a choice of 10 Young Blood draft beers and a short menu that includes Bloom’s soft pretzels and their breads (used in sandwiches).
Tom Dufek, co-founder of Young Blood, praises the support from the neighborhood.
“The cool part [of this] is being part of a neighborhood we really like, and to be in the same space with people who think like we do,” says Dufek.
Northstreet joins Tip Top Tavern and Ogden’s North Street Café to make this area a hip crossroads in Eken Park. 227 North St., northstreetmsn.com
ROBINIA COURTYARD
Opened in 2015, this collaborative business brings together three dynamic food and drink establishments, all surrounding a secluded outdoor courtyard. Black Locust Café serves up coffee, breakfast, crepes and sandwiches throughout the day, while Jardin presents an elegant dinner menu that
went completely plant-based in 2022. MadisonTap showcases Wisconsin beers, and monthly tap takeovers put up to 14 beers from a guest brewer on draft. Along with burgers and curds, the menu is anything but typical, offering a vegetarian larb California bowl and kung Pao Brussels sprouts. When it warms up, sip your drink in the courtyard, where musicians and DJs provide a convivial vibe, seemingly miles rather than steps from the busy street right outside.
829 E. Washington Ave., robiniacourtyard.com
ZIPPY LUBE
Heading north on Sherman Avenue, you might roll right past what appears to be — and in fact was — an oil-change service station, complete with double garage doors and racing stripes. There’s still oil here, but it’s in the fryers, and a neon sign depicts an oil can tipping into a coffee cup.
Owner Ben Altschul is no stranger to organically revitalizing spaces — see Tip Top Tavern and the North Street
Northstreet
GO+DO EATS+DRINKS
Cabaret. Drawn in by the “semi-permanent for sale sign” at Busse’s Tavern next door, Altschul noticed the listing for Zippy Lube, which “immediately spurred a vision of Zippy Lube coffee,” he explains.
A friend gave him the idea of serving old-fashioned buttermilk fried cake donuts alongside the coffee — a perfect match. But, he felt like something was still missing. Enter the pressure-fried chicken, which carries the business into the afternoon and evening hours.
“As the space was being designed, it became clear that the neighborhood wanted more than just a morning spot,” says Altschul.
While it’s a single business, it’s a brilliant repurposing of a space, with its marriage of donuts and coffee with fried chicken. If you’re still thirsty, you can head next door to Busse’s, which Altschul kept true to its local tavern roots. 2013 N. Sherman Ave., zippylubemadison.com
GARVER FEED MILL
This 1905 sugar-beet processing plant also spent years as a feed mill, but then stood empty for decades. A renovation completed in July 2019 brought together an eclectic entourage of businesses. A large communal space hosts winter farmers’ markets and special events, and the Garver Lounge slings cocktails and bites. Permanent residents include Calliope Ice Cream, Ledger Coffee Roasters and Ian’s Pizza. Sitka Salmon Shares is also on-site and NessAlla Kombucha brews here, too.
Garver Feed Mill
But, “there are some really cool options not a lot of folks know about,” says Bryant Moroder, a member of Garver’s development team, “including local and seasonal brunch in the Garver Lounge, the ayurvedic kitchen in Kosa Spa and the unique food collabs Ledger Coffee does (like
coffee-flavored potato chips). And our newest addition Roll Play Madison offers an array of Asian street food and bubble tea.”
Also redefining the feed mill is their newest tenant, REAP Food Group, a nonprofit supporting a local food system of small family farms,
Pasture and Plenty, the successful farmfresh café and purveyor of healthful meal kits has added a kitchen incubator for businesses owned by women and people of color. Makers include Tart, Ice Cream Social, Yellow Dog Deli, Kinfolk Nomadic Apothecary and Madison Cheese Boards. Tenant La Cosecha Tortilla Company provides the masa for Milpa’s tamales, another on-site maker. 2433 University Ave., pastureandplenty. com/the-pp-makeshop
Kevin Revolinski is a Madison-based writer specializing in travel, the outdoors and food.
Garver Feed Mill
14 ARTS EVENTS TO TRANSFORM YOUR SPRING
BY JESSICA STEINHOFF
THEATER AND DANCE
“CHICAGO”
March 21- 26, Overture Hall
“Show stopper” describes nearly every song in this tale of vice and vaudeville, which also brims with saucy dance numbers by choreography legend Bob Fosse. overture.org
“ESCAPE FROM HAPPINESS”
March 24-25, 30-31, April 1-2 & 6-8, Bartell Theatre
Don’t let the title intimidate you: This Mercury Players Theatre play is a
comedy — albeit a dark one. The plot revolves around a floundering family and the criminal forces that threaten to destroy them, but the bigger story lampoons the selfishness that stains the fabric of society. bartelltheatre.org
“BALLET BEYOND”
March 31, April 1 & 7-8, Madison Youth Arts Center
Glimpse the leading edge of contemporary ballet at this Madison Ballet production, which includes new work by Yusha-Marie Sorzano, an alum of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and the company premiere of “RE/COMPOSED,” which pairs choreography by Madison Ballet artistic director Ja’ Malik with recomposed Bach cello suites by Peter Gregson. madisonballet.org
“ARTEMISIA”
April 14-16, 19-23 & 25-30, Overture Center
Though she was a celebrated painter in the 1600s, Artemisia Gentileschi rarely gets more than a footnote in art history books. Forward Theater presents the first-ever performance of Lauren Gunderson’s new play, which gives this great artist the respect and attention she deserves. forwardtheater.com
“PETER PAN”
April 22-23 & 28-30, Overture Center
Take flight with Peter, Wendy, Michael and John as they travel to Neverland to meet the Lost Boys and battle with Captain Hook. This Children’s Theater of Madison production features flying effects and a live orchestra. ctmtheater.org
“THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO”
April 28 & 30, Overture Center
A marriage proposal gets hilariously complicated in Mozart’s masterpiece about a count and countess, their servants and a series of disguises. Madison Opera’s production stars Jasmine Habersham and Matt Boehler as the engaged couple and Elizabeth Caballero as the countess who tries to get them to the altar and expose her scheming husband in the process. madisonopera.org
Madison Opera's Jasmine Habersham
VISUAL ART AND FILM
“DESIGN FOR CIVIL SOCIETY: FOSTERING DIALOGUE FOR COMPLETELY HUMAN AGENTS”
Through March 26, UW Nancy Nicholas Hall, Ruth Davis Design Gallery
This exhibition considers how globalization shapes local communities. Viewers get to form design coalitions that address local problems by actualizing design principles and mobilizing social capital. cdmc.wisc.edu
WISCONSIN FILM FESTIVAL
April 13-20, various venues
Filmmakers from around the world, including the Badger State, screen their latest work at this annual event, where you can help select the winners of several coveted prizes. wifilmfest.org
LIVE MUSIC AND COMEDY
JEFF DUNHAM
March 16, Alliant Energy Center
Dunham is probably the only ventriloquist on Earth who can fill every seat in a stadium. This impossible feat is less about his puppets and more about his brand of insult comedy, which tends to center on his misadventures. jeffdunham.com
NEAL FRANCIS
March 17, Majestic Theatre
Brace yourself for goose bumps: This soulful singer and pianist wrote the haunting tracks of his album “In Plain Sight” while living in a supposedly haunted church, haunted by memories of his struggle with addiction. majesticmadison.com
IMMANUEL WILKINS
March 25, Wisconsin Union Theater
This saxophonist and composer’s debut LP, “Omega,” wowed critics at The New York Times, who named it the top jazz album of 2020. This performance will draw from his 2022 follow-up, “The Seventh Hand,” which shatters the genre’s conventions as it plumbs the depths of the Black experience. union.wisc.edu
“DAZZLING VIOLIN & SPRING”
April 14-16, Overture Center
Saint-Saëns’ impassioned “Violin Concerto No. 3 in B minor” is the perfect vehicle for guest Blake Pouliot’s virtuosic talents, which should sound splendid in this Madison Symphony Orchestra performance in Overture Hall. madisonsymphony.org
FRUIT BATS
April 16, Majestic Theatre
Allmusic hit the nail on the head when noting how the warm vocals and the melodic sensibility of Fruit Bats frontman Eric D. Johnson “split the difference between Lennon and McCartney.” This show’s not just for Beatles enthusiasts, though: Fans of folk-infused acts like Hand Habits and Iron & Wine will find plenty to love. majesticmadison.com
BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE THROUGH ART
The Chazen Museum of Art’s “Resource & Ruin: Wisconsin’s Enduring Landscape” exhibition (on display through March 26, chazen.wisc.edu), is a poignant reminder of Wisconsin’s past and a chance to view its environs in new ways.
“We hope the exhibition inspires the audience to take a closer look at both art and their natural surroundings to consider what is missing, what has been lost and how to create a better future,” says Katherine Alcauskas, the museum’s chief curator.
Q: Some of the works in “Resource & Ruin” reflect European settlers’ notion that the American wilderness was a bounty of untapped resources. When did people start to question this, and what’s one example of this shift?
KA: In Wisconsin, soil erosion due to extensive farming over the previous century came to a head in the 1930s. The University of Wisconsin agricultural school engaged in research and experimentation to improve soil and farming production. John Steuart Curry, who was artist-in-residence at the time at the agricultural school, depicted this. He believed that technology was a means to environmental and social betterment and commemorated that in a painting — complete with a rainbow to show his optimism for the future of Wisconsin.
Q: What’s one other piece visitors should be sure to view in “Resource & Ruin?”
KA: A “Weed Vase,” by Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright’s fascination with local grasses, or “weeds,” reflects his interest in finding the beauty in humble, natural materials and the local environment.–J.S.
APRIL
18 TUE. 7:30 PM
Mr. Mesa’s playing had a musical intensity that was commanding in every detail. — New York Concert Review
greg zelek & thomas mesa
After our first performance together back in 2019 and a solo performance of Dvořák’s Cello Concerto with the MSO, Thomas Mesa returns as we collaborate once again in a program of organ and cello music. Mr. Mesa and I will both perform works by women composers, such as Nadia Boulanger’s gorgeous Trois Pièces , as well as a solo cello work written for him by Spanish composer Andrea Casarrubios. We will close this exciting evening with a commissioned work written for the two of us, Daniel Ficarri’s Sonata in C minor for Organ and Cello , which was inspired by our first performance at Overture Hall. You won’t want to miss the world premiere of this incredible piece!
— Greg Zelek, Principal Organist and Elaine and Nicholas Mischler Curator of the Overture Concert Organ
Greg Zelek, Organ
Thomas Mesa, Cello
PRESENTING SPONSOR
William Steffenhagen
MAJOR SPONSOR
Jane Hamblen and Robert F. Lemanske
PROGRAM
Jules Massenet, Méditation from Thaïs
Nadia Boulanger, Trois Pièces
Andrea Casarrubios, Seven J.S. Bach, Fugue in D major, BWV 532
Daniel Ficarri, Sonata for Organ and Cello (world premiere)
5 FRI. 7:30 PM
6 SAT. 8:00 PM
7 SUN. 2:30 PM
renaissance & passion
Enjoy an all-out thrilling climax to our season with audience favorite Carmina Burana with its highly rhythmic and primitive score performed by Beverly Taylor’s MSO Chorus and three dynamic soloists (whom many of you will know from their recent work with Madison Opera). And MSO audiences will get to know Florence Price, a highly popular composer from the 1930s, who is having a major renaissance in the symphonic world.
— John DeMain
John DeMain, Conducting
Jeni Houser, Soprano
Justin Kroll, Tenor
Ben Edquist, Baritone
Madison Youth Choirs, Michael Ross, Artistic Director
Madison Symphony Chorus, Beverly Taylor, Director
PROGRAM
Florence Price, Symphony No. 3 in C minor
Carl Orff, Carmina Burana
MAJOR SPONSORS
Madison Media Partners, the Wisconsin State Journal, The Capital Times, and Madison.com
Carla and Fernando Alvarado
Diane Ballweg
Janet Hyde
ADDITIONAL SPONSORS
Robert Benjamin and John Fields
Ann Lindsey and Charles Snowdon
Stafford Rosenbaum LLP Wisconsin Arts Board
Jeni Houser
Justin Kroll
Ben Edquist
LAST LOOK | Left: Robinia Courtyard ’ s Black Locust Cafe is a cheerful space with a retro vibe — and tasty breakfast and lunch eats. Top right: Sarah Krajewski, otherwise known as @artroomglitterfairy on Instagram, is an author, keynote speaker and elementary school art teacher. Middle: Artist Sharon L. Bjyrd paints “ the African woman as her true self. ” Bottom: An array of pastries and cookies greet visitors at Bloom Bake Shop ’ s location in Northstreet.
