BRAVA November December 2022

MADISON BY THE BOOK

Great Reads By Local Authors

Chloe Benjamin, Ann Garvin & Christina Clancy

WE GET you

“Park Bank really helped me through all the different steps knowing that this is my first time doing this. I just honestly don’t think we would be in this position or this place without Park Bank.”

-MYRA MCNAIR ANESIS THERAPY

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A Madison Symphony Christmas

Madison Symphony and Opera favorite, Adriana Zabala, joins UW–Madison Alumnus and Broadway star, Nate Stampley, for this season’s Christmas concert. Our traditional partnerships with Madison Youth Choirs, Mt. Zion Gospel Choir and our own Madison Symphony Chorus will continue as we officially kick off the Madison holiday se ason. — John DeMain

MAJOR SPONSORS

American Printing

John DeMain, Conducting Adriana Zabala, Mezzo-soprano

Nathaniel Stampley, Baritone

Madison Symphony Chorus, Beverly Taylor, Director

Madison Youth Choirs, Michael Ross, Artistic Director

Mount Zion Gospel Choir, Tamera and Leotha Stanley, Directors

BMO Harris Bank

Fiore Companies, Inc.

Richard and Pamela Reese, in memory of Maurice and Arlene Reese

Judith and Nick Topitzes

An Anonymous Friend

ADDITIONAL SPONSORS

Flad Architects

Hooper Foundation

Reinhart, Boerner, van Deuren, s.c.

Wisconsin Arts Board

Adriana Zabala

Mt. Zion Gospel Choir

Madison Youth Choirs Nathaniel Stampley

Sam Phothiboupha of Hot-n-Spicy

MONEY SMARTS

MONEY SMARTS

BY KIM SPONEM

As I look ahead to next year, what are some things I can do to prepare financially?

The new year is a popular time for resolutions. Many of us look at areas in our lives we want to improve or focus on and being thoughtful about your finances is a great way to kick off a successful year! It all sounds great in theory, but it can be tough to actually make it happen. Here are a few tips to make sure your focus on financial wellness doesn’t disappear by February, like so many other resolutions.

Start with reflection:

How did things go financially this year? Did you have goals? And did you meet them? Be sure to celebrate those successes even if they’re small! Then spend some time looking through your financial statements, credit card bills, loan information, monthly expenses and anything else that will help you evaluate your spending. You may identify a habit or two that you’d like to change. Then think about your savings and decide if it’s where you want it to be. Don’t forget to include emergency and retirement savings in the equation. There are tools on Summit’s website that can help you.

Set your goals and plan your actions:

After looking at your finances from this year, choose a few things that stood out to you. Maybe you want to save for a down payment on a house, a car or big vacation. Remember, savings doesn’t always have to be for something big. Maybe you want to reduce spending on restaurants or online shopping.

Be specific. If you eat out for lunch or dinner five times a week, maybe your goal is three times per week. Transfer the money you would have spent on the other meals into a savings account each week you accomplish this. It’s important to build up savings for emergencies or smaller purchases throughout the year.

Create a few realistic goals, not 10, with a clear timeline. For example, you may set the goal of paying off your high-interest credit card debt by August of 2023. Another popular annual financial move is increasing the amount you put in your retirement savings.

Determine a few doable actions that will help you meet your goals. And be honest with yourself. Don’t decide to stop buying lattes if you know you won’t follow through. Or start small by giving up one latte per week.

Keep your goals or changes in front of you: Write down what you want to accomplish. Put it in something that you look at often. For example, I write some things on a sticky note and move it to different places that I know I will look at. For me, starting a new habit is about remembering to do it so I need it front and center for a while. I use this method when I am trying to change a behavior. I write my goals for the year on a piece of paper that I know I will look at periodically. Reviewing where you are at with your goal or target each month or two is really important. Regular review of your goals and your progress will keep financial wellness top of mind and help you stay on track.

If you find mid-year you have not started one of your goals, decide if you can commit to it now.

Summit Credit Union is always here to help you plan for and reach your financial goals. You can learn about saving, spending, planning and more at SummitCreditUnion.com where you’ll find our blog, a wide variety of financial checklists and other helpful tools, including calculators to put real numbers to your goals.

Take this next step in building your wealth.

Kim Sponem is CEO & President, since 2002, of Summit Credit Union, a $6 billion, member-owned financial cooperative with more than 235,000 members. Kim has a passion for empowering people to improve their financial well-being for a richer life.

Ask Kim your money questions at

WE ALL HAVE STORIES TO TELL

Backin fourth grade, each of the students in my class was tasked with writing a creative short story. Mine was about a girl being teleported into her television after a bad thunderstorm and how she “lived” in the shows. She met the Tasmanian Devil from Looney Tunes (which was big at the time) and other characters. My story was chosen for a young authors conference, and I attended a day-long workshop on how to improve my writing and met other young writers of all ages that day, which was pretty inspiring.

Since then, I’ve written countless articles, features and profiles on every topic under the sun. But I haven’t returned to true creative writing since my younger days. The task of dreaming up characters, a plotline and how to bring it all together seems daunting to me — and it’s why I admire the creative writing process so much. But it’s not overwhelming for the local authors Laura Anne Bird (who’s a novelist herself) interviewed in her “Madison by the Book” feature (P. 51). Bird, who’s well-connected in the local literary scene, talked to several local authors about their books, how they glean inspiration, how Madison has popped up in their books (really!) and where they love to go locally to read or write. As Erin Cellelo, author of “Miracle Beach” notes, “Madison is a perfect place to live if you’re in search of a good story.”

Book Love

Starting Nov. 10 and running through Dec. 10, our friends at the Madison Reading Project are holding their Community Book Drive. This event helps the nonprofit collect thousands of books for children in the Madison area during the holiday season and beyond. There are several ways you can help, including hosting your own book drive or simply buying a book from their wish list. Learn more at madisonreadingproject.com.

Donating To-Do’s

It's easy to just buy gifts for our kids during the holidays — but consider showing them how to give back. Shop for a new toy or book to donate or give money to a nonprofit — your child can help you pick one. Last year, we brought our kids to Middleton Outreach Ministry (momhelps.org) and they donated money. We explained how this helps families with basic housing and food needs, and how we can assist families in our community.

You can also find fascinating stories within our international dining scene. Many local restaurateurs serve dishes that are family favorites or use recipes that have been passed down from previous generations. Take Silas and Marleni Valle, owners of Finca Coffee. Originally from El Salvador, the couple share their love of their culture and its street food with Madisonians. Many of their menu items, such as their sweet Salvadorean quesadilla, are made with recipes from Marleni’s mom. If you love the story behind your food, you’ll want to read (P. 58) about our worldly restaurant scene. We also dig into important issues, including the ramifications for Wisconsin women after the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling was handed down. Wisconsin reverted to an 1849 law that makes performing an abortion a felony except when necessary “to save the life of the mother.” This changing landscape has made it murky to say the least for how women, women’s reproductive health organizations and the legal system can move forward under this landmark ruling. Read about it on P. 19.

Shayna Mace Editorial Director @shaynamace

Save the Date

It’s Women to Watch time! In the January/ February 2023 issue, our honorees will be revealed — and we can’t wait for you to read about them. We’re throwing a celebration to honor them on Wednesday, Feb. 22 from 5:308 p.m. at the Wisconsin School of Business. I look forward to this event every year, and it’s an evening full of networking, inspiration and the power of what women can achieve. Visit bravamagazine.com/w2w for event details.

SHANNA WOLF

BUSINESS

PUBLISHER

Barbara Krause bak@ntmediagroup.com

VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLICATIONS

Becky Peck bpeck@ntmediagroup.com

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Shayna Mace shayna@bravamagazine.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Melissa Moody mmoody@ntmediagroup.com

FACT - CHECKER

Mason Braasch

DIGITAL

DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Kristen Rouse krouse@ntmediagroup.com

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Kristin Dvorak kdvorak@ntmediagroup.com

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ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

Amy Jacobs ads@ntmediagroup.com

ACCOUNTING

Kristin Hovestol accounting@ntmediagroup.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Julie Nor Barber, Emmy Bawden, Laura Bird, Shelby Deering, Sunny Frantz, Shalicia Johnson, Maura Keller, Katy Macek, Melanie Radzicki McManus, Hillary Schave, Jessica Steinhoff, Sue Sveum, Krizia Villanueva, Hannah Wente, Shanna Wolf

BRAVA Magazine is a publication of Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc. Gary E. Nei, Chairman, William Turner, President.

This issue or any part thereof may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. ©2022 951 Kimball Lane, Suite 122, Verona, WI. (608) 848-6700

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BRAVA (ISSN 1934-4317) NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2022, Volume 23, Number 06, is published bimonthly (six times a year) by NeiTurner 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.

SHOP THE LOOK

CUSTOM CREATIONS

BY SHAYNA MACE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA WOLF

Morgann Boettner understands what goes into crafting a lasting, highquality piece. After earning her degree in fashion merchandising, design and production at Iowa State University, she worked for an Iowa-based manufacturer with clients including Harley-Davidson, where she crafted technical and heavy-duty clothing and bags. As a side hustle eight years ago, she started A Well Worn Story, an online custom leather handbag and tote business, to fulfill her creative side.

In 2017 A Well Worn Story became her full-time gig, and in 2021, she opened a shop with her husband, Tim, in New Glarus. The historic 1900s building is gorgeous, which complements the timelessness of her bags and totes.

Pick up a bag at the shop or order a semicustom creation by selecting the type of bag, leather or fabric color, and strap choice. Bags are done in four to six weeks.

“It’s fun to meet the local people that stop in, and this space serves as a wonderful physical representation of our brand,” says Boettner. 538 1st St., New Glarus, wellwornstory.com

These stamped leather bracelets are a ruggedly cool add-on to an outfit. $22

Show your Wisco pride in a retro pennant. $26

The brand’s Everyday Tote is a perennial best seller. $295

Boettner says she carries her Everyday Backpack, well, every day. $195

The Wood Cycle’s handsome walnut cheese board is made right outside of Madison. $55

SHOP LOCAL

FABULOUS GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Introducing Mariana jewelry! These beautiful earrings, bracelets and necklaces are handmade with highquality materials including hand-cut gemstones and crystals.

Stop in to view our dazzling collection that is sure to excite all the women on your list this season!

CIAO BELLA BOUTIQUE AND MORE

305 E. Main St. Waunakee, WI 53597

608.849.2426

ciaobellaboutiqueandmore.com

C iao Bella Boutique AND MORE

FESTIVE BATH & SPA GIFTS

Give the gift of relaxation this Holiday season! From peppermint to pine, we have fragrances to suit everyone on your list. Shop our wide selection of gift sets, soaps, lotions, aromatherapy, grooming tools and more! You can even customize the scent to your liking. Plus take 10% off your entire purchase with online code: HOLIDAY10. The Soap Opera — Serving YOU since 1972!

THE SOAP OPERA

319 State St. Madison, WI 53703

608.251.4051

thesoapopera.com

UNIQUE GIFTS, LOCAL ARTISTS, VINTAGE FINDS

The Regal Find is a charming marketplace where shoppers can find gifts and goods made by local makers and independent artists. Our merchandise is defined by an eclectic mix of on-trend gifts, curious vintage finds, and exclusive goods you cannot find anywhere else — all of it curated for top quality.

THE REGAL FIND

1834 Parmenter St. Middleton, WI 53562

608.883.1633 theregalfind.com

WISCONSIN IN A BOX

For the holidays or anytime … Every item in our elegantly designed and thoughtfully curated boxes — including the signature red box — is sourced exclusively from Wisconsin’s artisan and iconic growers, producers and makers. Curated or custom designed. Personal and corporate. One to 1,000 gifts. Order today at wiscoboxes.com. Send love, from Wisconsin.

WISCOBOXES

305 E. Main St. Mount Horeb, WI 53572

608.437.2202

wiscoboxes.com

SHOP LOCAL

THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING IN SEASON TO FIND AT BURNIE’S

Custom and ready-to-wear jewelry in silver and gold; home décor; crystals, fossils, and minerals from around the world at two locations and online!

BURNIE’S ON PARK

636 S. Park St. | 608.630.9419

BURNIE’S ROCK SHOP

901 E. Johnson St. | 608.251.2601 burniesrockshop.com

LOOK GOOD, DO GOOD

Cosa is a fashion boutique offering curated apparel and gifts. We are committed to giving back by donating a portion of proceeds to local nonprofits.

COSA BOUTIQUE

6250 Nesbitt Rd.

Fitchburg, WI 53719

608.628.9134 cosaboutique.com

NEW STORE, SAME GREAT QUALITY

We want to thank all of our clients for shopping downtown with us for over the past 40-plus years! We look forward to working with you at our new location off the beltline. Come see us as we start this new chapter!

RUBIN’S CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE

2300 Badger Lane., Madison 608.255.8998

670 S. Whitney Way, Madison 608.274.5575 rubinsfurniture.com

SHOP DECOR!

We are so excited to be your destination spot for gifts, home and holiday decor! Follow us on Facebook (decormadison) for all sales and events in November and December.

DÉCOR FOR THE WELL-DRESSED HOME

3000 Cahill Main, Suite 215 Fitchburg, WI 53711

608.444.0571 decormadison.com

SHOP LOCAL

COZY WINTER WARMTH

Icy colors, textures and details are the trends to help you look your best this winter. We have the best in sweaters, bottoms and outerwear waiting for you. Stop in and have some fun shopping with us — we love our customers.

GORGEOUS GARDEN GIFTS

Unique garden-themed items for the whole family. Open daily! Shop a completely refreshed look and feel, and browse a variety of brand-new products and items.

MCFEE ON MAIN

400 E. Main St. Mount Horeb, WI 53572

mcfeeonmain.com

BRANDY OLD FASHIONED GIFT BOX

Includes a bottle of locally-made brandy, homemade Door County cocktail cherries, ANGOSTURA bitters and a cocktail book for $50.

Many more gift sets are available, as well as bottled cocktails for your holiday gatherings. Open Wednesday through Saturday.

OLBRICH BOTANICAL GARDENS 3330 Atwood Ave. Madison, WI 53704

608.246.4550 olbrich.org

FANTASTIC FELINE FACES!

Fun fused-glass feline faces make a unique ornament or sun catcher for any cat lover. Variety of colors available. Handcrafted by Wisconsin artist Janet Toonen. $23.95 each.

OLD SUGAR DISTILLERY

931 E. Main St., Suite 8

Madison, WI 53703

608.260.0812

oldsugardistillery.com

ORANGE TREE IMPORTS

1721 Monroe St. Madison, WI 53711

orangetreeimports.com

SHOP LOCAL

A LITTLE SELF LOVE IN EVERY BOTTLE

If you’re struggling to lose weight, have digestive issues such as gas, bloating, IBS, UTIs and yeast infections, IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT! It’s the lack of healthy bacteria’s fault. Heal your body naturally with Purevee Organics Female Support Probiotics! Our probiotic contains 10 specific strains and is made right here in Wisconsin by women, for women, just like you.

Try our Female Support Probiotic today! Save 20% with coupon code BRAVA20

PUREVEE ORGANICS pureveeorganics.com

DECK THE HALLS WITH DANCEWEAR!

Rosy Cheeks is your one-stop shop for dancewear, gymnastics and cheer attire and accessories. We offer the best selection in dance shoes, apparel, costumes and accessories with a wide range of sizes in stock. Shop Rosy Cheeks for all your ballroom shoes and accessories. Shop in store or online!

ROSY CHEEKS & CO

6045 Monona Dr. Monona, WI 53716 608.663.9999 rosycheeksandcompany.com

COZY AND WARM

You’ll be delighted when you step into Railroad Street Boutique! Find the most incredible sweaters, jeans, outerwear, loungewear, handbags, and jewelry.

Discover the season’s best gifts and styles, including all things cozy and soft, sparkly and unique.

Enjoy a friendly atmosphere, top brands, exceptional service, and small town charm. We look forward to seeing you in New Glarus!

RAILROAD STREET BOUTIQUE

18 7th Ave.

New Glarus, WI 53574

608.636.2008

railroadstboutique.com

SQUISHY PLUSH BUCKY

Our Bucky Badger plush is a must for any fan! This super soft, squishy-style stuffed Bucky measures 12” tall. Embroidered features make this pillow great for snuggling.

UNIVERSITY BOOK STORE

711 State St., Madison 608.257.3784

Hilldale Shopping Center, Madison 608.238.8455

uwbookstore.com

HEALTHY HOLIDAY SWAPS

How to make your favorite foods a little better for you.

BY EMMY BAWDEN

We all know the frantic pressure to eat more healthfully come January 1st, but what if this year was different? It starts with being more intentional with your choices.

What does practicing intention mean? It begins with assessing what will actually satisfy you. If you’re satisfied with what you ate and are truly listening to your body’s hunger and satiety cues, you’re less likely to overdo it now or later.

Next, try asking yourself: “Which foods are too special to change, and which could get a healthy tweak and still stay tasty?”

With that in mind, here are my tips to add more nutrientdense foods into your holiday routine so you can stay happy, healthy and balanced this season.

For stuffing: Sneak in veggies for more fiber and flavor — and leeks and mushrooms are perfect for this. Mushrooms are also a source of beta-glucans, a fiber that stimulates immune cells. Swap in whole-grain bread for more fiber and B-vitamins, chicken sausage for a leaner protein, and fresh herbs like sage for antioxidants and minerals.

For mashed potatoes: Try roasting a tray of beautiful root vegetables like beets, turnips, Brussels sprouts, parsnips, yams, red potatoes, carrots and onions with olive or avocado oil and plenty of herbs like thyme and rosemary. This will be lower in saturated fat than typical mashed potatoes with butter and gravy, and will be loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C and prebiotic fiber for gut health. For veggies: All intentions of eating veggies go out the

window if the only option is a boring side salad, so my family started a tradition of having a side soup instead! We load it up with veggies, and you could even try blending root veggies or cauliflower instead of using heavy cream for less saturated fat. Cauliflower also is high in phytochemicals that influence your natural detoxification systems.

For proteins: Get fishy with mustard and maple-glazed baked salmon paired with a wild rice salad. It’s lower in saturated fat and higher in omega-3s than red meat and poultry skin, and could add some new flavor to your holiday routine (not to mention, omega-3s support white blood cell production to bolster your immune system.)

For desserts: Keep your favorite desserts and change up the ones that feel less special. If pie is one of those for you, try a baked fruit crisp! Use rolled oats and nuts for a highfiber and protein crust, fresh or frozen berries, and plenty of cinnamon and nutmeg. Opt for less butter and sugar, and top with a dollop of whipped cream instead of ice cream. For something plant-based, make a high-protein pumpkin mousse by blending canned pumpkin puree, silken tofu and honey, and topping it with cinnamon granola or nuts.

For drinks: Drinks like eggnog, mulled wine and cocktails with mixers pack a big added-sugar punch. Instead, try mixing your spirit of choice with an all-natural flavored soda water (Spindrift is my pick!) and fresh citrus peels and juice, fresh or muddled fruit, and fresh herbs.

Emmy Bawden, MS, RDN, CD and LDN, is a registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of the Madison-based nutrition therapy practice Real Good Nutrition.

Cold, Flu or COVID-19?

Katelyn

Harms,

It’s that time of year again: the dreaded cold and flu season. And since 2020, COVID-19 has also been added to the mix of possible illnesses during the colder winter months. Getting sick isn’t on anyone’s holiday wish list, so UnityPoint Health – Meriter’s Infection Prevention Program Manager, Katelyn Harms, shares some tips on identifying the differences between these illnesses, best practices for avoiding them and how to know when you should take a sick day or head to the doctor.

Let’s start at the beginning: the incubation period of these illnesses. The incubation period is how long it takes for you to become sick or become contagious after you’ve been exposed to the illness. For a cold or the flu, the incubation period is quick, and you can have symptoms within one to four days after being exposed. For COVID-19, that incubation period can be short as well (two to five days) but extends up to two weeks.

Following an incubation period, you can be contagious to others

UnityPoint – Meriter’s Infection Prevention Program manager, explains the difference between a cold, the flu and COVID-19.

before and during your sickness. For a cold, you can be contagious for one to two days before you have symptoms and are contagious until you no longer feel sick. With the flu, you can be contagious one day before your symptoms pop up and are still contagious for about a week after your first symptoms. With COVID-19, you are contagious for two days before you feel sick and can still pass it to others up to 10 days after your first symptoms.

When it comes to how you’ll feel, with a cold you’ll have a cough, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and a sore throat. You’ll have similar symptoms with the flu, with a fever or chills, muscle or body aches and fatigue included. Some people experience vomiting or diarrhea, which is more common in children. With COVID-19, you might have similar symptoms to a cold or the flu, along with the possibility of shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or the loss of taste or smell.

Some ways to prevent getting sick in the first place include:

• Getting vaccinated for COVID-19 and the flu. The best time for a flu vaccine is annually in the months of September and October.

• Wash your hands.

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

If your symptoms are general, that is a good time to call your doctor to be tested for influenza or COVID-19. Testing can help narrow down what is making you sick, and you can plan your recovery or stay home. You should also seek medical care if you are unable to manage your symptoms at home.

Choosing when to stay home can be a personal choice, but it’s important to remember that staying home to rest is the best thing for recovery and safest for those around you. Staying home can also help prevent the spread of the illness you have, and can help avoid getting your friends, coworkers or people in public sick.

LIFE AFTER ROE

How Dane County women are navigating reproductive health after another landmark decision.

BY JESSICA STEINHOFF

June 24, 2022. It’s a day women of our era will remember, whether they want to or not. The Supreme Court handed down its decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, ruling that there is no constitutional right to an abortion. Decades of legal precedent, including 1973’s landmark Roe v. Wade decision, were overturned as the states became the ultimate deciders on whether abortion is allowed within their borders. Wisconsin reverted to an 1849 law that makes performing an abortion a felony except when necessary “to save the life of the mother.”

Few Supreme Court decisions have carried so much weight or changed the status of so many people overnight.

Change is rarely easy or comfortable, but this is no ordinary shift. Here in Dane County, many women have

questions about what it means for them, their families and their futures.

Then there are the women who aren’t asking questions since they haven’t gotten the memo. Natalee Hartwig, associate director of clinical services at Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, meets a lot of women in this camp. Breaking the news that they cannot obtain an abortion anymore in Wisconsin can be tough.

“We have patients who are surprised that they can’t get an abortion at our East Madison clinic, which used to offer them, or anywhere else in the state,” she says. “It’s often the people who need care the most who don’t know about these limitations until they are faced with them, and then it takes longer for them to plan what to do next.”

The longer it takes for a patient to

figure out if they want to carry a pregnancy to term, the fewer options they may have, she adds. And, there are so many questions to answer when deciding whether to become a parent. Even in the best of circumstances, it can feel overwhelming.

WHAT LOCAL WOMEN WANT TO KNOW

Navigating the new health-care landscape Dobbs has created can also feel bewildering. It’s riddled with thorny questions: How endangered must a woman’s life be for her doctor to consider abortion? What if the fetus has a fatal medical condition? What if the pregnancy resulted from rape or incest? Will emergency contraception be banned? What’s the outlook for couples trying to conceive through in-vitro fertilization, or for women who

Natalee Hartwig

need medications known to cause birth defects?

Sarah Hughes, a program supervisor at Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC), says nurses in its East Washington location’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic have noticed how worried many patients have become. In particular, patients worry how Dobbs might affect care for complicated pregnancies and miscarriages. Meanwhile, staff answering the clinic’s phone are fielding questions about how to access abortion services now that the law has changed.

Some questions just don’t have a clear answer right now, Hughes admits.

“I’ve gotten lots of questions about receiving [abortion] medication via mail and transporting people across state lines for abortion services, and it’s not clear exactly what’s legal and what isn’t,” she says. “The uncertainty can make things feel fragile and scary, so we’ve been working closely with our legal counsel and directing people with especially difficult questions to other organizations, such as Planned Parenthood, that might be better equipped to answer them.”

At Wisconsin Right to Life, an organization that opposes abortion and educates people on alternatives to abortion, one of the most common questions from local women is,

“Where can I get help if I’m pregnant and struggling?”

“They often want to know if we provide direct assistance, especially assistance with housing or childcare,” says Legislative Director Gracie Skogman. “We often refer these women to pregnancy resource centers near where they live, which offer things like ultrasounds, diapers and counseling.”

down. She anticipates this trend will continue, creating a need for more resources. That’s one reason she’s helping to build a statewide coalition of these centers. Currently, Skogman says the vast majority of counties in Wisconsin have at least one pregnancy resource center, with some counties having multiple locations.

“A coalition will make it easier to get support directly to these centers,” she explains. “For example, if we hear that a pregnancy resource center in Dane County has a client who wants to choose life but is struggling with rent, we can offer her a housing grant.”

We know that making contraception readily available can make a big difference in preventing unintended pregnancies, and since abortion is no longer available in Wisconsin, now is the time to act.

— Sarah Hughes “ ”

Skogman says one pregnancy resource center her organization partners with has seen a 40% increase in clients since Dobbs was handed

Unlike other medical clinics, pregnancy resource centers don’t present abortion as an option when counseling pregnant women. They also don’t refer clients to abortion providers.

In contrast, Planned Parenthood connects women with out-of-state abortion providers if they decide against giving birth. Now that most pregnancies can’t be terminated in Wisconsin, they’re rethinking how to provide the best possible care.

Like many of her colleagues, Planned Parenthood’s Hartwig, a certified nurse-midwife, is traveling to Illinois to provide abortions.

“I go to Illinois once a week to do medication abortions, plus another day to help with in-clinic abortions,”

TALK ABOUT MONEY,

THE LESS YOU END UP WORRYING ABOUT IT

We see it every day. The more women open up about their money, the more confident they become. Because when you stop second guessing and start getting real about your financial goals, the knowledge you earn can really pay off. So, do you want to buy a new home? Make your side hustle full-time? Retire early? Let’s talk! Then let’s make it happen.

she says. “We’re seeing a lot of patients from Wisconsin there, especially at the Waukegan Planned Parenthood clinic just across the border — as well as patients from Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee and Arkansas.”

Some of the most difficult situations concern serious chronic health conditions, she reports. One such scenario involved a patient from Wisconsin who’d scheduled a medication abortion at an Illinois Planned Parenthood clinic.

“She had such severe hypertension that she was at risk of having a stroke, and she was really distraught when I told her I couldn’t do the abortion that day,” Hartwig recalls. “An abortion wouldn’t have been safe at that time, but a term pregnancy would also be terrible for her. She needed help getting her blood pressure under control but didn’t have adequate access to the primary care that could help her with that.”

According to Hartwig, Wisconsinbased patients have less access to primary care than those from Illinois and other states that expanded their Medicaid programs to cover more lowincome households.".

“It’s frustrating because the same states that didn’t expand Medicaid often are where abortion is inaccessible right now,” she says.

SEARCHING FOR SOLUTIONS

For some, having little to no primary care means little to no access to reliable contraception. Planned Parenthood’s South Madison clinic helps fill the gap, and the East Madison clinic also offers contraception consultations in addition to the ultrasounds, miscarriage management and the post-abortion care it already provides.

The PHMDC clinic’s Sexual and Reproductive Health program is also expanding its hours and resources to prevent more unplanned pregnancies. Hughes says this effort is backed by strong data as well as good intentions. “Several years ago, Colorado started

offering free, long-acting reversible contraception, or LARC, at public health clinics and saw amazing outcomes, including a lower need for abortion services, fewer teen pregnancies and a lower preterm birthrate,” she says. “We know that making contraception readily available can make a big difference in preventing unintended pregnancies, and since abortion is no longer available in Wisconsin, now is the time to act.”

In addition to hiring more staff and staying open eight extra hours per week, the clinic intends to offer LARC such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants in 2023. PHMDC is also considering offering family-planning services at a clinic on Madison’s south side.

RESOURCES

123givelife.com

A website run by Wisconsin Right to Life for pregnant people seeking assistance, grants and health care in their area.

Abortionfinder.org

Type in your location to find the clinic closest to you that performs abortions.

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin

Find information on clinics in Wisconsin, sexual health and pregnancy questions, and health care services. ppwi.org

Looking ahead, Skogman sees opportunities for bipartisan legislation about paid family leave and child care now that more people may be bringing children into the world. In her view, it’s also an ideal moment to change the tone of national discourse about women.

“Women deserve compassion and care, especially when facing the challenges that can come with carrying a pregnancy to term, and it all starts with how we talk about the issue,” she says. “It’s important to acknowledge these challenges and show pregnant women that they are truly supported.”

Jessica Steinhoff is a Madison-area mom, writer and mental health professional.

Public Health Madison & Dane County Sexual Health Program

Provides testing and treatment for STIs, contraception and sexual health supplies. publichealthmdc.com/ health-services/sexual-health

Wisconsin Right to Life

An organization whose mission is to “make euthanasia, infanticide, abortion and destruction of human embryos socially, ethically and legally unacceptable solutions to human problems and to promote positive alternatives to each of these acts.” wisconsinrighttolife.org

In Pain? What to Know About Plantar Fasciitis

Stoughton Health’s foot and ankle specialist shares insight on this common problem.

The plantar fascia is a broad ligament that connects the heel to the ball of the foot. It is one of the support structures that holds up one’s arch. When someone develops plantar fasciitis, the first symptom is typically sharp, stabbing pain in the foot first thing in the morning when getting out of bed. This pain can also occur after periods of rest throughout the day.

“Eventually, the pain gets better the more you walk. As it becomes more and more of a chronic issue, when it’s not being treated, that sharp, stabbing pain can migrate to an aching and throbbing pain that can last all day and never truly go away,” explains Dr. Colin Graney, one of Stoughton Health’s Fellowship Trained Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

The primary cause of plantar fasciitis is a tight Achilles tendon.

“Essentially, the Achilles tendon wraps all around the heel. A lot of those fibers become part of the plantar fascia. So, one of the mainstays of treatment is trying

to stretch out the Achilles tendon and the calf muscle,” he adds. “That can alleviate a lot of pressure and tightness around the heel and the plantar fascia.”

AT-HOME TREATMENT OPTIONS

At the outset of symptoms, Dr. Graney suggests simple stretches (similar to how runners stretch), focusing on the calf muscle. “You can even take your thumb and massage along the plantar fascia to try and break up some of that inflammation,” he says.

Oral anti-inflammatories such as Aleve, ibuprofen and Tylenol may temporarily relieve pain. But, Dr. Graney says one of the most effective things people can do to alleviate the problem is to make sure they’re wearing appropriate footwear.

“If your shoes have seen better days, and they’re a bit more on the ragged end, a new pair of shoes or inserts can go a long way just to help support the arch and take some pressure off that heel and alleviate the plantar fascia,” he says.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

If at-home methods aren’t working, Dr. Graney encourages individuals to visit a foot and ankle physician like himself to rule out another type of injury such as a stress fracture or bone spurs. Once plantar fasciitis is confirmed, there are treatment options, including bracing, physical therapy and steroid injections.

“Many people don’t like the idea of an injection going into their foot, and I can’t blame them. But, it is one of the things that offers quite a bit of relief. It’s nearly instantaneous, and people respond very well,” Dr. Graney assures.

While relatively rare, some cases of plantar fasciitis eventually require surgical intervention. Fortunately, it is a minimally invasive procedure, and patients are up and walking the same day of surgery.

Ultimately, Dr. Graney’s best advice is to enlist the help of a medical professional — in order to properly diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis, or any foot/ankle related problem.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Sex Trafficking is Happening in Madison

At Krueger Hernandez & Thompson, we put your family’s needs first. Creating strategies to ensure that assets move easily to the next generation as well as end of life care can be complex, as can the processes of probate and estate administration. Owner, Attorney Stephanie Thompson, can guide the way with compassion and care. Our team offers trusted legal guidance through a broad range of legacy planning matters. It is never too early to start the planning process. No matter where you are in life, having a legacy plan in place can benefit anyone if the unthinkable happens.

Lawyers for Real People.

UNLEASHING YOUR BEST CAREER

How “radical authenticity” can benefit you at work.

BY KATY MACEK

It’s one thing to find a job you’re good at, but it’s another to find a career that aligns with your values. When you can match those, Amber Swenor believes you’re being your best self.

Swenor calls this “radical authenticity,” and she believes it can help you lead a more fulfilling life. How to get there is the subject of her new book, “Unleashed: A Been-There, Rocked-That Guide to Radical Authenticity in Life and Business,” which was published in April 2022. That idea is also the foundation of her business, Soul Seed Strategy, and in her work as a business coach, speaker, trainer and transformation strategist.

As Swenor says in her book, authenticity is “the freedom to be exactly who you are and stand in your personal truth in any given moment regardless of conditioning you’ve experienced or outside expectations.”

Doing so can lead not only to more career satisfaction, but a personal sense of fulfillment.

“The idea [is that] that personal happiness and how you show up in the world translates to greater success in business,” she says. Below, she shares her tips to finding your radical, authentic self.

LEAN INTO YOUR VALUES

Discovering what you value most in your relationships and work life is key to understanding where to put your time and energy.

“The more that we know about ourselves, it helps us make better career matches,” Swenor says. “That doesn’t happen without self awareness.”

She believes in recognizing values based on behaviors — for example, what draws you to someone, what pulls you away from someone or what would you never be OK with?

That’s more than just saying, for example, “I value family.”

Swenor says it’s important to define what that looks like in practice, which will allow you to see how your job, and even your personal life, fits into those values — or doesn’t.

Swenor says that thinking about six key areas (see sidebar, next page) will help you narrow this down.

ALIGN YOUR VALUES WITH YOUR ENERGY

Once you’ve defined your values using Swenor’s six steps, it’s time to start aligning those with your external circumstances.

It’s easy to get caught up wanting to be everywhere, try everything and get everything done. But that, Swenor says, is not possible. Using your values as guideposts can help you cut through the clutter to find what feels most authentic to you.

“We think it’s the things on our plates, but a lot of it is how we choose to move through it,” she says. “This has to come down to a conscious choice and awareness of the things that sometimes seem invisible.”

From work to personal life, filtering decisions through the values that support you in being your authentic self will lead to more satisfaction in where your time is spent.

“Either it brings you in alignment for those values or it doesn’t, and it makes it so much easier to direct your ‘yeses’ and ‘nos,’” she says.

STEP INTO YOUR “ZONE OF GENIUS”

Swenor calls that sweet spot where your passions and skills combine the “Zone of Genius.”

It’s a sweet spot because it involves finding what makes you happy, what you are good at doing and what makes you money — not an easy feat.

Swenor suggests writing down 1) your skills 2) what you love the most and 3) what you can get paid for.

“Make those three columns, and look for the thread of alignment,” she says.

A tool she uses in her coaching programs is a two-week Zone of Genius Time and Energy Study. Track all of your personal and business tasks and activities for two weeks, noting how much time goes into each task as well as how much energy you expend on it. Then, ask yourself what you

look forward to, what you dread and where you notice your best flow and productivity.

These combined tools have allowed Swenor to find her Zone of Genius: Helping others discover their radical, authentic selves through her business, at speaking events and through her book. She truly believes becoming conscious of one’s inner values and energy can lead to more productive, satisfying carers and personal lives.

“Authenticity is not just a buzzword,” Swenor says. “It is a conscious choice, a way of being, that when embraced can lead to much more joy, freedom, impact and success.”

Those interested in learning more can find a free workbook on Swenor’s website, soul-seed.com

AMBER SWENOR’S SIX STEPS TO DEFINE YOUR VALUES

• Identify your ideal behaviors. For example, “I desire to stand in my truth no matter what the situation.”

• Identify the ideal behaviors in the people around you: What draws you to someone? What doesn’t?

• Review your answers for steps 1 and 2. Make a list of words or phrases that come to mind.

• Write a list of what would never be OK for you or your friends, partners, colleagues or bosses to do. These are your “anti-values.”

• Identify opposite values from your “anti-values.” For example, if “lying to a client” was an anti-value, write “Honesty” as the opposite value.

• Reflect on what this exercise reveals about your top core values and personal truths. How can knowing this change your decisionmaking processes?

Katy

The Now and Later of a Customized Skincare Program

Somany things in our lives have become available “on demand,” are conveniently “auto-renew,” or promise that you can “set it and forget it.”

Maintenance of the health of our skin is NOT one of these. Because cellular aging is an ongoing process, care of our skin requires a long-term investment of time and energy, with little steps each day adding up to amazing results that can magically turn back time. Shamila Gupta Rawal, MD, at The Rawal Institute for Hair Restoration and Aesthetic Medicine, specializes in the most effective non-surgical therapies to reverse and even prevent damage to the skin due to UV radiation, aging and hormones.

WHAT DOES SKIN DAMAGE LOOK LIKE?

Skin damage can manifest as irregularities or inconsistencies in texture, tone and color. Loss of elasticity with resultant sagging is a sign of collagen damage that occurs naturally with age but is accelerated by the sun’s harmful radiation. Flushing, caused by dilated blood vessels under the skin’s surface, often represents inflammation or irritation from internal or external triggers and can lead to thickening and bumpiness of overlying skin. Pigment deposition, seen as dark spots or patches, is also a sign of skin damage and can point to excessive sun exposure or an underlying hormonal issue.

IS THERE A CURE FOR DAMAGED SKIN?

Unfortunately, there is not a “cure” for damaged skin, as our skin is continually being exposed to environmental and internal stressors and is progressively aging. We can, however, “correct and control” existing and future damage through a comprehensive program that employs regenerative medicine, laser-assisted infusion and multi-modality collagen induction capabilities, supported by ongoing medical-grade skincare. With good daily habits, you can enjoy skin that not only feels healthier now, but is also more resistant to further damage later.

WHAT IS REGENERATIVE MEDICINE?

Throughout your life, your body stays healthy by continuously regenerating new cells to replace old tissues, heal disease and restore injuries. Regenerative medicine taps into this natural ability, extracting the cells responsible for regeneration, concentrating them, and then injecting or infusing them back into your body, where they stimulate new cellular growth and healing.

WHAT IS LASER-ASSISTED INFUSION?

Laser-assisted infusion involves the enhancement of the skin’s permeability using distinct laser wavelengths to assist with deep hydration and penetration of customized concentrated medication serums to activate cellular repair.

I saw a friend after five years, and he said I looked younger than when he had seen me last!

— Our extremely happy patient, shown in the pictures below, left.

DR. SHAMILA RAWAL

WHAT IS COLLAGEN INDUCTION?

Collagen induction is the process by which the body is stimulated to create new, improved collagen fibers, which restore the skeletal integrity of skin and support its underlying structures. Collagen can be induced mechanically, thermally or chemically. Often, these modalities are even combined. When collagen is induced, impurities in the skin are purged, pigment deposits are sloughed and fine lines and wrinkles disappear.

WHAT DOES A MAINTENANCE PROGRAM INVOLVE?

Skin care programs vary based on the underlying source of skin damage, age and skin type of the patient, and environmental considerations. Because certain technologies are contraindicated for patients with specific skin types or coexistent disease states, Dr. Rawal conducts a thorough medical consultation before designing each patient’s short- and long-term regimens, keeping safety considerations paramount. While procedural maintenance schedules may become more frequent or involve more intense treatments as patients age, they will always require continuous investment in high quality skincare that includes moisturizer, retinol and sunscreen. Skincare that is anti-inflammatory and high in antioxidants will enhance the procedural goals and maintain the health and beauty of the skin long-term.

FEEL THE FLOW

Natural elements mixed with graphic pops make for an interesting space.

PRODUCT SELECTION BY KRIZIA VILLANUEVA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA WOLF

Designer Krizia Villanueva of Madison-based Oak & Olive Design Studio curated an of-the-moment mood board for an inspirational kitchen. Clockwise from top left: Floor tile (Villanueva notes this would be ideal laid in a herringbone pattern), FLOOR360 ; gray fabric (great for draperies, she adds), Creative Energy ; Benjamin Moore Simply White paint sample, benjaminmoore.com ; Greenwood cabinet pull in matte bronze, $22 , schoolhouse.com ; Cambria quartz countertop in Ironsbridge, cambriausa.com ; white oak cabinet sample; Chasing Paper Crossing Lines wallpaper, $45 and up , chasingpaper.com ; and Fireclay Tile in Cypress, $45 , fireclaytile.com. All prices upon request unless noted.

INTERIOR INSPIRATION

Build out the room with these expert picks.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Krizia Villanueva of Oak & Olive

Design Studio switched fields to interior design after an six-year career in occupational therapy.

“It took a long time for me to figure out my path and what the heck I’m doing,” she laughs. “Renovations and remodels are what I mostly do with clients — and I love it!”

In her designs, she loves using wood accents, warmer tones and wallpaper — which is why she chose all three for her mood board. She envisions the products and materials on these pages used in a kitchen.

“I love a mixture of feminine and masculine elements. I want all of my spaces to feel like you can invite someone in to sit down and have a sense of comfort all around them.”

Find Villanueva at @oakolivestudio and oakolivestudio.com.

GET THE LOOK

Villanueva shares her décor favorites.

Classic and contemporary, this Maude Flush Mount light fixture has a lovely silhouette (left) . I also like the Altona Barebulb Chandelier (above) $299 & $1,209 , rejuvenation.com

This Slope indoor/outdoor bar stool is a perfect mix of materials. The slight curvature of the seat back sure seems inviting. $399 , westelm.com

Soft gray and sage tones will always have my heart. This Reef jute rug would look stunning in a dining area to break up the wood tones and add a soft, yet grounding, touch underfoot. $699 , westelm.com

I own this planter, and it adds a happy energy to my home. I’d love to see this color combined with all of the other details here! $13 , wildewoodshop.co

This Santa Rosa plank dining table’s warmth echoes the kitchen and is incredibly inviting to gather around. $749, westelm.com

Now that the cold is here, you can still get those drafty windows covered with insulating cellular shades! Stop in and see our huge selection.

Creative Energy Designs, Inc.

GREAT FOR GUESTS

The holidays mean more overnight visitors, so stock these local finds to make their stay cozy.

BY SHAYNA MACE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE

125 S. Dickinson St., Madison • 608-256-7696 www.CreativeEnergyDesignsInc.com

DANCE WISCONSIN PRESENTS

DECEMBER 17 & 18

WISCONSIN UNION THEATER

Clockwise from top left: Rishi Tea lavender mint tea $8.69 , Willy Street Co-op ; LumiPets LED nightlight, $22.99 , Satara Home and Baby ; Muse shower steamers, $28 (pack of four) , Little Pop Color Shop ; Eco Candle Co. lavender lemon linen spray, $10.99 , Willy Street Co-op ; Coyuchi organic cotton hand and bath towels, $16 & $48, Coyuchi organic sateen eye mask, $18 , and Bua Organics rose clay soap, $7.50 , all from Satara Home and Baby

HOME for the HOLIDAYS

During the Christmas season, Madison turns magical with its twinkling light displays, festivals and shopping destinations galore.

BY SHELBY DEERING

Throughout the seasons, Madison is full of fun things to do, but it might just shine the brightest during Christmastime. From the many lights strung throughout town to shows and Santa sightings, you can easily find activities for you and your whole family to do.

Spanning downtown to the suburbs, here are our favorite ways to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year here in Madison.

Cozy Cooking Classes

If cooking up a storm is your favorite thing to do during the holidays, sign up for a cooking class with Willy Street Co-op. Held at the Willy West Community Room, you can choose from Christmas-ready classes like Kids in the Kitchen: Stupendous Squash! (Nov. 15, 4:30-5:30 p.m.) and Cooking with Chef Paul: Holiday Sides and Wine Pairings (Dec. 15, 6-8 p.m.). Between the chocolate pear tarts, glazed sweet potatoes and butternut squash creations, your family will certainly eat well this Christmas. Chef Joel Olson of Hemmachef also offers holiday-themed cooking classes about baking and treats for teens and parent/child duos that are fun and educational (hemmachef.com)

A Tree-Tastic Time

The granddaddy of all the Christmas trees in Madison is undoubtedly the Capitol Holiday Tree, set up for all to behold in the stunning rotunda. A tradition since 1916, today, the tree typically towers over 30 feet and is sourced within the state, displaying handmade ornaments crafted by schoolchildren throughout Wisconsin. The official lighting will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at noon, and you can also view the tree throughout the holiday season. Next, make an afternoon of it by walking downtown to view the seasonal window decorating competition (Nov. 19-Dec. 18). Stop by the Downtown Visitor Center during the month of December for a seasonal gift tote, and on Saturdays, enjoy carolers’ magical voices as you walk around and shop. Grab lunch at a cozy spot like The Old Fashioned or The Coopers Tavern and don’t forget to savor a triple chocolate brownie and candy cane mocha at Michelangelo’s Coffee House or a hot chocolate from Kilwins or Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream

Happy Hanukkah

There are many opportunities throughout Madison to celebrate Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, including Hanukkah at Hilldale Mall (Dec. 18), where, in the past, participants have enjoyed a “gelt drop” and lit a 10-foot menorah at sundown. Also, at the State Capitol building, you can stop by to view the elaborate displays that honor Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

Wintry Wonderfulness

Year-round, Madison never comes up short in the outdoor activities department, and winter is no exception. Add some wintry adventures to your Christmastime itinerary with your family, such as ice skating at The Edgewater (complete with twinkling Christmas lights and a warming house with delicious eats), sledding on Elver Park’s impressive hill and hiking the UW Arboretum, packed with 17 miles of trails flanked by sparkling, snow-covered trees. Or, try snowshoeing in one of the many parks around Madison and Dane County — Vilas and Elver parks both offer snowshoe rentals. To enjoy Madison’s winter wonderland while sitting and sipping a warm drink, there are numerous restaurants in the area that have outdoor domes, such as Café Hollander, where you can warm up with a chai latte, hot cider or Rishi tea.

Gleaming Tree Lightings

There are few things as wondrous during the holidays as a tree lighting (just ask the gang from “A Charlie Brown Christmas”), and luckily, there are several trees to behold around town. Downtown Madison’s Shine On Madison event on Nov. 19 includes the Madison Night Market, a tree lighting ceremony at 6:08 p.m. (get it?) and appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus. The Edgewater will flip the switch on three Christmas trees decorated in all their finery, with help from Santa and Mrs. Claus (Nov. 25). Downtown Middleton also has their own tree-lighting extravaganza, taking place at the new Stone Horse Green space, filled with contests, games and more (date TBD).

Holiday Home

If you’ve ever wanted the chance to see the Governor’s Executive Residence in person, it’s at its best when it’s all decked out for the holidays. Be sure to take a festive tour this year (Dec. 6, 8, 15, 17, noon-2 p.m.; and Dec. 10, 10 a.m.noon). With a splendid tree displayed outside to greet guests, inside, you’ll find Wisconsin-themed trees and elegant decorations aplenty. Visitors can also bring food that will be donated to local food pantries and books that will be given to Reach Out and Read Wisconsin.

Festive Festivals

‘Tis the season for festivals of all kinds throughout the city, like the Madison Fair Trade Holiday Festival at the Monona Terrace (Dec. 3, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.). A shopping event and festival in one (and next door to the Dane County Farmers’ Market), you’ll peruse beautiful wares that are all ethically and humanely produced, which means you can cross off plenty of names on your Christmas shopping list. Waunakee Light the Night is another holiday event that’s not to be missed (Dec. 2, 6:308 p.m.), known for its Main Street parade helmed by Santa himself, downtown shopping and the Rotary Lights that can be viewed nearby. Then there’s the Hilldale North Pole Party (Nov. 20) that’s held throughout the shopping center, with a tree lighting in the plaza at 6 p.m., live reindeer, a hot-cocoa bar, curling lane and lots of store specials.

Spirited Shopping

Dazzling Light Displays

Olin Park, the greenspace that flanks the Monona Lake Path, takes on a very different look during the annual Holiday Fantasy in Lights display (Nov. 12 -Jan. 1, 2023).

Switched on from dusk until dawn, you can gather up your kids, don your comfiest pajamas and drive your car on the winding paths as you view trains, reindeer and a miniature Capitol in all their glowing glory. Another light display to catch from your car is the well-known, rainbow-hued University Avenue Holiday Lights (Nov. 18–Jan. 22, 2023). For Christmas lights with an animal theme, head to Henry Vilas Zoo for their annual Zoo Lights (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Nov. 25-Dec. 30). Purchase your tickets in advance to get the chance to see lions, tigers and bears (and several more creatures) all lit up for the holidays. Waunakee also has their own spectacular light display with their Waunakee Rotary Lights (Nov. 20Dec. 31), held in Village Park and featuring candy canes and archways that your kids will adore.

The official start to the Madison holiday shopping season is right after Black Friday, called Small Business Saturday (Nov. 26). On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, various “Shop Small” events are happening, such as on Monroe Street and downtown. On Nov. 25-27 is Downtown Madison’s Holiday Open House with shopping specials, carolers, family activities and more. The weekend also includes free holiday trolley rides up and down State Street and around the Capitol Square.

Monroe Street also has another holiday shopping event to add to your calendar: Glow on Monroe (Dec. 10), which has traditionally included carolers, refreshments and special activities. You can always head to the Dane County Holiday Market Dec. 3, Dec. 10, Dec. 17, 7:30 a.m.-noon) this time of year and shop the booths indoors at Monona Terrace. Find treats and gifts for loved ones, party hosts or ingredients for holiday meals. Sun Prairie will have several holiday shopping events, including Santa Saturdays with shopping and free photos with Santa (Nov. 26, Dec. 3, Dec. 10) and Ladies’ Night Out (Dec. 1), brimming with shopping, giveaways and holiday entertainment.

Locally-Made for the Holidays

For a truly Madisonian gift to give to a loved one or friend, you can’t go wrong with a treasure crafted by a local maker or area company. There’s the Sun Prairie-based Lindsay Letters Co. with gorgeous abstract paintings and farmhouse artwork created by Lindsay Sherbondy. While her pieces have a national following, they are equally as beloved here in town. It’s a tradition to gift nuts for the holidays, and Nutkrack is in no short supply, specializing in candied pecans that range from classic to the spicy “chili-spiked.” For pottery with neutral hues and modern flair, look to Madeleine Parker Pottery (PotsByMadeline on Etsy) featuring handcrafted mugs, jars and olive oil bottles. And if someone on your list can’t get enough jewelry, purchase a piece from Melissa Jenkins Designs, with earrings and necklaces spotlighting ontrend, arched shapes and stones like chunky turquoise, along with colorful wall weavings, making the perfect Christmas gift for your pal with the new house.

Taste of the Season

BRAVA’s sales manager Dena Frisch loves all things holidays. That’s why she wanted to share one of her favorite cookie recipes, passed down from a family member.

“Growing up my grandmother always hosted a Christmas party. One of the things I remember were her beautiful homemade cookie platters. Some of her recipes have been passed down to my aunts, and now to my sisters and I. These beautiful shortbread cookies are easy to make with simple ingredients and they will bring you joy this holiday season!” says Frisch.

Cherry Blossoms

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter

1 cup powdered sugar

2 teaspoons Maraschino cherry juice

½ teaspoon almond extract

3-4 drops red food coloring

2 ½ cups flour

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup chopped Maraschino cherries

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter, sugar, Maraschino cherry juice, almond extract, food coloring and salt.

Gradually add in flour and chopped cherries. Roll dough into one-inch balls and place on a nonstick baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes. Immediately after cookies come out of the oven place a Hershey’s kiss, chocolate stars or Dove dark chocolate square in the middle. Transfer cookies to a cooling rack. Makes 24 cookies. Enjoy!

Kid-Friendly Events

Christmas is a time when wonderful memories can be made with kids, and Madison has several events where that can happen. At Olbrich Botanical Gardens, it’s all aboard for Holiday Express (Dec. 3 – 31, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.), where your kiddos will love seeing model trains steaming their way through poinsettias and evergreens. Also at Olbrich, the whole family can enjoy the 2022 Holiday Concert at Evjue Commons (Sundays in December, 2–3 p.m.). To take in a holiday show, get dressed up in your holiday best for Madison Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” Verona Youth Ballet also performs their own rendition (Dec. 17, 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.). Or, catch Midwest Performing Arts’ version (Dec. 3, 2 and 6 p.m.) at Waunakee High School's Performing Arts Center. The Children’s Theater of Madison will present the classic “A Christmas Carol” (Dec. 10–23). In Middleton, there’s the Santa Parade and Candy Cane Hunt (Dec. 17) with a First Responder Parade featuring Santa and his elves at 3 p.m., followed by a candy cane hunt in Lakeview Park, along with games, crafts and hot chocolate. The Candy Cane Hunt takes place in the dark, so flashlights are strongly suggested.

Shelby Deering is a freelance lifestyle writer living in Madison.

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Dine

107 STATE

1847 AT THE STAMM HOUSE

A PIG IN A FUR COAT

BANZO

BONFYRE AMERICAN GRILLE

BUCK & HONEY'S - MONONA

BUCK & HONEY'S - SUN PRAIRIE

BUCK & HONEY'S - WAUNAKEE

CIRC

CREMA CAFE

DAISY CAFE & CUPCAKERY

DELANEY'S STEAKS | SEAFOOD | WINE

DOTTY DUMPLING'S DOWRY

ESSEN HAUS

GRAMPA'S PIZZERIA

GRAPE WATER WINE BAR

IMPERIAL GARDEN WEST

LOMBARDINO'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

LONGTABLE BEER CAFE

MARINER'S WATERFRONT RESTUARANT

NITTY GRITTY - DOWNTOWN

NITTY GRITTY - MIDDLETON

NITTY GRITTY - SUN PRAIRIE

OLD FEED MILL

PARTHENON GYROS

PORTA BELLA RESTAURANT

QUIVEY'S GROVE

SHORT STACK EATERY

STATE STREET BRATS

THE ROMAN CANDLE - MIDDLETON

TIPSY COW - DOWNTOWN

TIPSY COW - SUN PRAIRIE

TORNADO STEAK HOUSE

YOLA'S CAFE

GUIDE TO SENIOR CARE

THERE ARE PLENTY OF OPTIONS FOR SENIOR LIVING

Happy hours, outings, specialized care and more await residents.

BY MAURA KELLER AND SUE SVEUM

Today’s seniors are living more active lives than ever, for longer — and where they live should reflect that. Here’s how to find the most ideal place for you or a loved one to thrive in.

Assisted Living is Not Your Grandparents’ Retirement Home

BY SUE SVEUM

Some people may think that assisted living is similar to a nursing home or hospital — with sterile white walls, minimal activity and small rooms — a place where seniors spend their last days before they pass away. But they couldn’t be more incorrect!

“Noel Manor is different from that in a magnitude of ways,” explains Kelsey Bakken, Noel Manor’s director of marketing. “It’s a colorful, beautiful, social environment with people from all walks of life — where people can live for years, remain independent and get the help they need — all while staying active and making new friends.” People move to Noel Manor for a variety of reasons. They may need help managing their health — or no longer want to cook or take care of their home and lawn anymore. Others just want to be social and participate in daily activities.

Our residents love getting to know new people, making new friends and bringing them to activities.” “

She says the residents’ ages vary greatly. “We have people that are in their late 50s/early 60s and others who are thriving in their 100s,” she laughs. “It’s a great environment no matter what your age.”

Residents receive three restaurantstyle meals a day. “And there’s always something to do,” says Bakken. “We have chair workout classes — and games ranging from Euchre, poker and bridge to Crazy

8’s and bingo.” There are church services and weekly outings to grocery stores, movie theaters, sports venues, concerts, parks and more. Apartments range from studios to two bedrooms — and couples can live together and even bring their pet.

Noel Manor offers several levels of care:

Independent living: For people who don’t need a lot of assistance, but want to be in a safe environment.

Assisted living: For anyone who needs help with showering, toileting, medication management, mobility or other healthcare related services.

“Closer care”: a step between assisted living and a skilled nursing facility — for those needing 28-plus hours of care per week or additional services.

Memory care: For those struggling with dementia, Alzheimer’s or other cognitive or memory issues. The secure facility keeps residents safe in an active, socially-enriching environment.

Some people might be surprised by the friendly, welcoming atmosphere at Noel Manor. “It can definitely be scary moving into a new place, especially if you’re coming from a home you’ve lived in for decades,” says Bakken. “But our residents love getting to know new people, making new friends and bringing them to activities. It’s truly a great place to live — and not as scary as you may think!”

Never Too Old for Happy Hour

One thing you may not expect to find at assisted living is a pub. But Noel Manor understands that residents appreciate familiar activities — and socializing with other residents. That’s why the on-site pub is stocked full of beer, wine and the fixings for Old Fashioneds, Bloody Marys and more. And for those wanting to skip the alcohol, soda and juice is available.

“Just because you’re living in an assisted living facility, doesn’t mean we don’t like to have fun!” says Kelsey Bakken. “Along with drinks and snacks, we bring in live music every Friday afternoon. And that’s just one of the many events that we have in our pub.”

There’s No Place Like … Assisted Living

BY SUE SVEUM

Many people, understandably, feel that there’s no place like home. But for some seniors, the best place to live may actually be in an assisted living facility.

“So many people try to stay in their home as long as possible,” says Tina Benson, community marketing director at Dane County area senior living facilities Madison Pointe, McFarland Villa and Stoughton Meadows. “What most people don’t realize is that loneliness can contribute to underlying conditions and a decline in health.”

She explains that the assisted living community learned a lot about loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic — and it was eyeopening. Simply put, people need people to thrive. “We’re here to assist with daily living activities,” she says, “but also to introduce people to others that are feeling the same way. Making new friends in senior living is truly rewarding.”

But that doesn’t mean a resident’s apartment shouldn’t feel like home. “We recommend families create a space that resembles home, with anything that can be hung on the walls or any furniture brought in,” she says. “It’s especially nice when the new resident comes to their new home and it’s completely set up and ready for them.”

Once acclimated, residents will find that assisted living also keeps them active. Madison Pointe, McFarland Villa and Stoughton Meadows all offer a variety of activities, ranging from musical entertainment to crafting, playing cards, bingo, trivia and exercise.

We’re here for anyone needing extra assistance. Here, the resident is never home alone.” “

According to Benson, “A lot of families report that a loved one’s eating habits first prompt them to look into assisted living,” says Benson. “We offer three healthy meals and unlimited healthy snacks here because we know it’s important for seniors to eat properly to remain healthy.”

They also offer basic cable, WiFi, housekeeping, laundry, meals, shower assistance and activities as part of the base rate — with handson care assistance being the only extra cost.

Benson says the term “old folks home” is a phrase from the past. “We’re here for anyone needing extra assistance,” she explains. “Here, the resident is never home alone. Caregivers are staffed 24/7 — and for many people, just knowing someone is here is all they need to feel safe.”

And finally, assisted living allows residents to age in place. “We realize it’s stressful for families to move their loved ones, and don’t want them to have to go through it again,” says Benson. “We have the support of home health, therapy, palliative care and hospice to ensure your loved one receives the appropriate care.”

COMPASSIONATE CARE FOR FAMILIES

BY MAURA KELLER

When a loved one is dealing with a life-limiting illness, their quality of life is paramount. Thankfully, today’s hospice programs offer an empowering way to ensure people can experience the best quality of life.

According to Matthew LoConte, MD, hospice physician at SSM Health at Home, hospice is about maximizing comfort and quality of life. It is not about giving up when a situation is “hopeless.”

“Hospice is recognizing that the toll of typical treatment, such as chemotherapy or returning to the hospital again and again, is not worth the small potential benefits it may provide,” LoConte says. Hospice also

recognizes that patients aren’t going through the experience alone. Their families, friends and caregivers are also affected, so hospice works to aid this network surrounding the patient.

While in hospice, patients receive comprehensive medical care, but the focus is not on curative treatment. Patients are also not required to be homebound, and they can receive care wherever they call “home.”

“There is also no maximum amount of time someone can be enrolled in hospice,” LoConte says. “As long as a person meets eligibility

Compassionate care comes home.

From home care after an injury or surgery to medical equipment deliveries and hospice care, the SSM Health at Home team is dedicated to helping people live life to the fullest wherever they call home.

To learn more about how we can be there for you and your family, please visit ssmhealth.com/AtHome or call 800-924-2273

For the safety of our patients and their families, all of our home

staff are screened daily, wear appropriate PPE and take standard COVID-19 precautions.

requirements, they can continue to receive hospice.”

SSM Health at Home strives to address each patient’s unique needs lovingly and holistically. “Our care is tailored to meet our patients where they are on their journeys,” LoConte says. “We know the vast majority of the people we care for wish to spend their final moments at home surrounded by the people they love. We are incredibly successful at making that happen.”

LoConte encourages anyone who is considering shifting the focus of their care from cure to one of comfort and quality of life, to discuss hospice with their medical professional or contact a hospice agency directly.

If you would like to learn more about how SSM Health at Home’s hospice care can be there for you and your family, please call 800-924-2273 or visit ssmhealth.com/AtHome.

A Home Away From Home

BY SUE SVEUM

If you think Agrace’s services are limited to hospice and in-home care, think again. They also serve the community’s seniors — and their caregivers — by offering adult day care.

The Agrace Adult Day Center is open to all seniors with cognitive decline who may need extra support and attention while their caregiver or a family member can’t be home with them. The Center is overseen by a registered nurse (RN) manager — and the staff includes trained caregivers, an activities coordinator, volunteers and meals prepared by a chef from the Agrace kitchen.

“We engage seniors in activities that can help slow the progression of dementia and reduce cognitive decline like memory loss or more frequent confusion,” explains center manager

Kewana Jamison, RN. “We offer mentally-stimulating activities, such as board games, crafts, classes and music, as well as physical activities such as chair yoga and Wii sports.”

The $80 fee includes:

• A day of activities, medication management, two meals and snacks.

• Showers are available for an extra $45 per shower.

• Foot care is available for an extra $25 per appointment.

And the best part, according to Jamison? “Our compassionate, direct care also gives a much-needed break to family caregivers — who know their loved one is in good hands.”

Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Elderly Loved One

BY MAURA KELLER

Not long ago, when an older family member needed assistance with daily tasks or faced ongoing health issues, they often had few alternatives but to enter a nursing home. Today, things are changing. For one, people are living longer due to advances in medicine and preventive health. Also, there are many options for families to bring health care professionals into the home, allowing the elderly loved one to stay in their residence.

When the time comes, it can be challenging to find the ideal person to care for your loved one. That’s why Tracy Teske, owner and director of Visiting Angels, recommends you do your due diligence and call several agencies. Also, schedule an assessment with more than one agency.

“Make a list of questions ahead of time that you’d like to ask. There are never any stupid questions or too many questions,” Teske says.

When evaluating the list of home health care candidates, Teske says to look for someone who has the skills, necessary experience and personality that will meld well with the elderly person so their family member feels good about their caregiver visits.

“When I go through the matching process to find the ideal caregiver for a client, I ask the family about their loved one’s personality, hobbies, likes and dislikes ... [and more],” Teske says. “These discussions help us to choose the best match available.”

MADISON by the BOOK

The city is a haven for writers and readers alike.

BY LAURA ANNE BIRD

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

HILLARY SCHAVE

SHOT ON LOCATION AT THE WISCONSIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY LIBRARY READING ROOM

Madison is known for many things — hiking trails, farmers’ markets and sporting events, to name a few — but it’s also a book-lover’s paradise. Numerous celebrated writers call Madison home, and avid readers have their pick of incredible public libraries and other literary organizations.

“Setting aside our stellar independent bookstores and the folks who run them, our little city is full of lakes and trees and sunlight and woods and winding paths. Step into those woods or follow that path, and you’ll find someone reading in a hammock,” says Susanna Daniel, author of “Stiltsville” and “Sea Creatures.” “It’s a great city for book lovers for the same reason it’s a great city: there’s a balance between space and stimulation here, geographically and creatively.”

Erin Celello, who wrote “Miracle Beach” and “Learning to Stay,” agrees. “Madison is a perfect place to live if you’re in search of a good story.”

L-R: Chloe Benjamin, Ann Garvin and Christina Clancy

Want to Add to Your TBR (“To Be Read”) Pile?

These titles have changed Madison authors’ lives.

“Add me to the list of readers extolling ‘Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow’ by Gabrielle Zevin. It’s a novel about gaming and friendship that’s subtle but sly, and it’s left me thinking about it for weeks after finishing.”

— Kelly Harms, author of six comedic novels, including “Wherever the Wind Takes Us,” which hit bookshops in October

“I have no idea how I happened upon ‘The Burning House’ by Ann Beattie as a teenager in suburban Ohio, but I was blown away by her elliptical style and her vision of adulthood, which I found fascinating. There are some writers who actually make you want to write — not just read — and she was a major one for me.”

— Michelle Wildgen, author of four novels, including “Wine People,” which will publish in 2023

“Virginia Woolf’s ‘Mrs. Dalloway’ opened my mind to the creative magic possible in writing. The story reveals itself during a single day in which a woman prepares for a party. But the true story lies beneath, in the internal voice that shifts easily through time and shape, through light and dark, ever aware of connective detail. The voice flows like a river around memories that lead Mrs. Dalloway to where she is going. Whenever I go back to this novel, I learn again how the written word can plumb emotional depths.”

— Lucy Sanna, author of “The Cherry Harvest: A Novel”

The Best Places To Read Around Town

Madison novelists share their favorite spots.

“[Mine is] Yahara Park, but my 11-year-old would tell you it’s perched on a branch in one of the trees next to Atwood Scoop.”

— Michelle Wildgen

“My living room. And the woods in any number of county parks.”

— Susanna Daniel

‘Like Life’ by Lorrie Moore is a short story collection that mixes funny and sad in a way that speaks to me. It says, see how people write humor alongside the serious in one sentence. You can, too.’ I’m not Lorrie Moore by a long shot, but her sly humor and real human characters resonate with how I view the world.”

— Ann Garvin, author of four novels, plus “There’s No Coming Back from This,” which will be released in 2023

“The screened porch in my backyard, overlooking Lake Monona.” — Susan Gloss

“Wherever my dog Peanut is sleeping.”

— Ann Garvin

“Monty’s Blue Plate Diner, or another family-owned coffee shop along Monroe Street, Atwood Avenue or Williamson Street, like Lazy Jane’s Cafe and Bakery or Lakeside St. Coffee House.”

— Lucy Sanna

“Lakeside, at any one of Madison’s many beaches.” — Erin Celello

And the winner is …

“The Wisconsin Historical Society Library Reading Room for the Hogwarts vibes.”

— Chloe Benjamin

“In winter, the Wisconsin Historical Society Library Reading Room, especially if I’m researching a new historical novel.”

— Jennifer Chiaverini

“The gorgeous Library Reading Room at the Wisconsin Historical Society. Its opulence makes me feel like I’m communing with the muse in the New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue — just without the lions.” — Quan Barry

Ann Garvin

Christina Clancy On Publishing Two Novels During The Pandemic

When asked what it was like to launch her debut novel, “The Second Home,” in 2020 and “Shoulder Season” in 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic was raging, Christina Clancy quips, “It was great.” And then she laughs.

“Honestly, it was hard to see so many events and book festivals cancel, one by one. Aside from a few that went on as planned, book clubs — many of them outdoors or on Zoom — were my only opportunity to meet with actual readers,” she says.

Clancy estimates that she visited at least 50 or 60 book groups during that tumultuous time, which was far more than she ever expected. “I’ve been very fortunate to have hooked into the book club community. So much of it is word-of-mouth.”

After traveling and Zooming across the country, Clancy says that she especially loves chatting with book groups right here in Madison, which is fitting because both of her novels contain numerous references to Wisconsin. “I can say with confidence that this town is filled with smart, passionate and engaged readers. It’s inspiring to write when you know there are receptive people out there who are excited about books.”

Actor Nicolaj Coster-Waldau, also known as Jaime Lannister from “Game of Thrones,” is perhaps the most receptive non-Madisonian who has fallen in love with Clancy’s books. During the pandemic, Coster-Waldau read and adored “The Second Home,” which has been optioned for a limited television series. He will star as Anthony Shaw.

“I can say with confidence that this town is filled with smart, passionate and engaged readers.”

– Christina Clancy

Quan Barry On Creating A New Outing For Local Book Groups

Raised in Boston, Quan Barry moved to Madison in 1999 to join the UW-Madison faculty as the Lorraine Hansberry Professor of English. Since then, she’s taken full advantage of the city’s bustling theater, opera, symphony, dance, museum and food scenes.

“Madison is a well-rounded arts town, which is great for everyone, not just book lovers,” she says. On the heels of publishing her most recent novels, “We Ride Upon Sticks” and “When I’m Gone, Look for Me in the East,” Barry has stepped up as the first-ever writer-in-residence at Forward Theater Company. Entering its 14th season, Forward produces four mainstage plays each year, plus a new works festival.

In her new role, Barry, along with Forward staffers, has come up with a novel idea for local book clubs.

“Rather than reading a book a particular month, you could choose to see a Forward play instead,” she suggests. “Usually in a book club, you’re bringing a collective but unique experience to a work of art that you first read solo. But with a play, the collective — the group — experiences it together at the same time.

Following every Forward performance (except for opening night), the cast and crew hold a 20-minute talkback. “After this, I imagine the book club heading off for drinks or dinner to dig even deeper, and we can invite artistic director Jen Gray to personally join the group to answer any questions,” Barry says. “I promise there will be no shortage of post-show conversation.”

Barry believes that exposure to theater only enhances one’s love of reading. “Seeing a play is being asked to experience literature in a different way—a more kinesthetic, experiential way.”

Contact Samara Safarik at ssafarik@ forwardtheater.com for more details on post-show discussions.

Christina Clancy

Middle Grade Magic

BRAVA contributor Laura Anne Bird has written professionally her entire career, but her longtime dream has been to write a children’s novel. After three years of crafting a manuscript, partnering with a freelance editor and signing with a publisher, she successfully launched her middle grade book, “Crossing the Pressure Line,” in spring 2022.

Bird says that fiction-writing flexes different muscles than writing for magazines and other publications. “I had a solid foundation in place, but I was still surprised at how solitary, and demanding, and deeply emotional the process can be.”

“Crossing the Pressure Line” is the journey of a 12-year-old girl who has just lost someone close to her.

“My character Clare is forced out of her comfort zone in a big way,” Bird says. “Although her story starts in a place of sorrow, her arc is magnificent. She leaves home in Chicago for the Northwoods of Wisconsin, where she sets a few fierce goals for herself, including catching a musky in memory of her late grandfather.”

Does Clare end up catching the notoriously elusive musky? “No spoilers!”

Bird says. “But I will tell you that she puts her self-confidence to the test and learns to listen to the courageous voice inside, which are things we all need to do at some point in life.”

“Crossing the Pressure Line” is the perfect book for 8- to 12-year-olds who love swimming, animals, fishing and art. And because it takes place up north in a town inspired by the Minocqua area, readers will appreciate seeing Wisconsin’s natural beauty and delightful quirks reflected on the page.

— Shayna Mace

“... I was still surprised at how solitary, and demanding, and deeply emotional the [writing] process can be.”

– Laura Anne Bird

Chloe Benjamin on Finding Comfort in Winter

Chloe Benjamin gets asked about wintertime in Wisconsin a “I’m from San Francisco, which is pretty much 50 to 70 degrees year-round, so people are often curious about how I’ve adjusted to living in the Midwest,” she says. “I struggle with the early sunsets, but I think winter is a magical season. Activities are limited, but this invites a slow, mindful pace; a spirit of creativity; and a focus on relationships.”

She says she’ll always remember how surreal it felt to walk on a frozen lake for the first time, and how she was invited to quintessentially wintry potlucks, which featured soup, stocking feet, glögg and eggnog.

After 12 years in Madison, Benjamin knows how to seek comfort when the weather is bleak. “As an obsessive knitter, I love to cozy up to the fireplace with a project on my lap. I’m much newer to sewing, and it doesn’t come as naturally to me, but I’m embarking on my first quilt — and accepting that it may take a few years to finish. I also come from a maternal line of passionate bread bakers, and the recipes that my grandmother passed down are meals in and of themselves, with plenty of eggs and butter.”

Benjamin

It’s something we all can do, no matter how cold the weather is. We can pay attention to things like the rich pastels of a February sky, the texture of bark, the purple hidden in brown leaves.

– Chloe Benjamin

And of course Benjamin turns to reading. “There’s no simpler winter pleasure than holing up with a door stopper-sized tome next to a candle,” she says. Her favorites include “Pachinko” by Min Jin Lee, “The Great Believers” by Rebecca Makkai, “Possession” by A.S. Byatt and “Americanah” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. “As for candles, I love the beeswax ones from Big Dipper Wax Works, available at Madison Chocolate Company.”

The author of two novels, Benjamin is at work on her third — and she shares that part of it takes place in a very wintry environment. “Without giving too much away, I’ll say it’s one of the poles! It’s a surreal, otherworldly place, and my characters have to get creative to sustain themselves both mentally and physically.”

Although impatient readers will have to wait for more details, Benjamin says that a theme of “looking” is central to the story. “It’s something we all can do, no matter how cold the weather is. We can pay attention to things like the rich pastels of a February sky, the texture of bark, the purple hidden in brown leaves.”

Homegrown In Madison

These organizations and people promote a love of reading, and they’re based right in our backyard.

Wisconsin Book Festival

Each year, the Wisconsin Book Festival, which is lauded as a national leader of literary festivals, provides an impressive schedule of in-person and virtual events for book lovers, all of which are free and open to the public. Check out their website for up-to-the-minute details about authors slated to visit Madison in early 2023. wisconsinbookfestival.org

Wisconsin Historical Society Press

The oldest book publisher in the state, the Wisconsin Historical Society Press has hundreds of titles in print across a variety of formats and genres. It is dedicated to collecting, preserving and sharing stories about Wisconsin’s dynamic past. wisconsinhistory.org/whspress

Gifts for Wisconsin-Lovers

Mary Bergin was raised on a Sheboygan County dairy farm, so her Wisconsin roots run deep. After working at The Capital Times for 20 years, she turned to writing her own books. Her titles include “Sidetracked in Wisconsin: A Guide for Thoughtful Travelers,” “Wisconsin Supper Club Cookbook” and “Hungry for Wisconsin: A Tasty Guide for Travelers.” Her sixth, “Small Town Wisconsin: Fun, Surprising and Exceptional Road Trips,” will be released in May 2023. roadstraveled.com

Chloe

Ann Garvin On Traveling — And Returning Home — As Creative Inspiration

Where in the world hasn’t Ann Garvin been?

In the last year, she has spent chunks of time in California and France, among other enviable spots.

“I do travel quite a lot,” she says. “It opens up my ability to understand people, because I’m out of my bubble and have to adapt to new social cues and surroundings. Discomfort and awe spark my mind like nothing else.”

While Garvin admits that she can write literally anywhere, she says, “Madison is home. It’s where I recharge, find my center and get back to my routines. Plus, my dog is happiest here.”

In her little house by Henry Vilas Zoo, she taps into the abundance our city offers.

“Madison is the kind of place where characters hide in plain sight, and nothing stays the same — students, the weather, the roads. This continual change mirrors the evolution that the protagonists enjoy in my stories,” she says. Indeed, Garvin’s four (soon to be five) novels — “I Thought You Said This Would Work,” “I Like You Just Fine When You’re Not Around,” “The Dog Year” and “On Maggie’s Watch” — center on the growth of women who are real, relatable, funny and tragic.

As Garvin decides where to head next, she knows one thing for sure. “There are so many authors and writers who live in Madison, which means story and storytelling is a high priority and interest. If you’ve ever wanted to be a writer, this is a place for inspiration. If you’re a reader, it’s a mecca.”

Madison is the kind of place where characters hide in plain sight, and nothing stays the same ...

– Ann Garvin

Sex Trafficking is Happening in Madison

How can you help survivors?

Library Love

The area caters to libraryusers of all kinds.

If you’re in the mood for …

A Peaceful Vibe

With enormous windows overlooking Badger Prairie County Park, a cozy fireplace in the Quiet Reading Room, and soothing arts and museum exhibits, the Verona Public Library offers a dose of Zen. 500 Silent St., veronapubliclibrary.org

A Modern Marvel

The Waunakee Public Library is a gorgeously-appointed building with amenities to boot: a large childrenʼs area, teen spaces, outdoor “book walk,” adult book clubs and plenty of reservable spaces. 201 N. Madison St., waunakeepubliclibary.org

A Contemporary Feel

Serving as the hub of Madison Public Library’s nine-library system, as well as the Wisconsin Book Festival, Central Library features solar panels, a green roof, permanent art installations and sprawling spaces that are perfect for an outing downtown. 201 W. Mifflin St., madisonpubliclibrary.org/locations/ central-library

Coming Soon to Cottage Grove

Cottage Grove is the largest community in Dane County without a library of its own. Friends of the Cottage Grove Library, a volunteer group, is advocating for a library to be operational around 2026, pending funding. libraryfriendscgwi.org

Madison As Muse

How (and where) our city pops up in literature.

As a native Californian, I saw the Midwest through the eyes of a newcomer when I moved here in 2010. I was fascinated by Madison’s cultural particularities, from the cheese curds and porch couches to the complex politics and environmental history. My first book, “The Anatomy of Dreams,” was set on the East Side (I even picked out specific houses for my characters), and the novel I’m working on now is very much a love letter to Wisconsin, though it also travels far beyond.

— Chloe Benjamin, also author of “The Immortalists”

A chapter of my second novel, “Round Robin,” is set in Madison, and I had so much fun writing about State Street, the Dane County Farmers’ Market, and other quintessentially Madisonian places and events. More recently, my novel “Resistance Women” includes several scenes in downtown Madison and on the UW-Madison campus.

— Jennifer Chiaverini, author of thirty-two novels, including historical fiction and the Elm Creek Quilts series, plus “Canary Girls,” which will be published in 2023

My debut novel, “Vintage,” centers on a vintage clothing store on Madison’s east side. In my second novel, “The Curiosities,” the characters live in an artists’ colony run out of a grand home in Madison’s historic Mansion Hill neighborhood. In both stories, I see Madison as not just a setting, but a character.

— Susan Gloss

Laura Anne Bird is a middle-grade author whose debut book, “Crossing the Pressure Line,” was released on March 1 and is available in Madison’s independent bookshops.

Verona Public Library

Everyone to the Table

The city’s international dining scene brings a wealth of tastes from all over the world.

BY HANNAH WENTE

Madison is a city full of transplants. Whether you came here for college, a job or another reason — it’s a colorful city filled with people from all over the world. On a daily basis, you’ll likely hear a variety of languages spoken during a stop in your favorite coffee spot or dropping your kids off at school. And lucky for us, our culinary options reflect this melting pot of global influences.

Our international dining scene has tons of restaurants, many familyowned, that are tucked in all parts of the city — from the Williamson Street neighborhood to the campus area to the far west side. Trying these eateries can unearth a new world of flavor, ingredients and cooking styles — inspired by the home cooking that many of these restaurateurs grew up eating.

Now, it’s time to drive in any direction and dig in.

Top: Wendy Kuo opened Tavernakaya with her husband, Mike Ding, in 2015. Right: Tammy Phommachanh’s son

Sam holds a plate of Hot-nSpicy’s signature sesame balls.

Bottom: Bandung’s nasi goreng dish has housefried rice, bean sprouts, mushrooms, cucumber and choice of protein.

Eastern Asia

East Asian cuisine includes foods and flavors from China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan.

Wendy Kuo moved from Taiwan to New York when she was four years old. Her husband, Mike Ding, a UW-Madison graduate, and his business partner opened Umami on Williamson Street in 2011 while she was working full-time for a social media company in Madison. The casual-cool eatery brought the now-flourishing ramen trend to Madison. Umami is known for steamed Taiwanese mantou buns, often described as fluffy clouds because they’re soft and white, filled with pork, beef or tofu.

In 2015, Kuo and Ding (along with restaurant group Food Fight and Kuo’s brother) opened Tavernakaya, their second restaurant, on the Capitol Square. (Kuo and Ding are now the only owners.) Tavernakaya is a hybrid of a Wisconsin tavern and an izakaya, a Japanese word for informal bars that serve drinks and snacks. They modeled the atmosphere after the izakayas they love in New York, Japan and Los Angeles. Initially, they served Japanese fare in a Spanish tapas style, with staples like meat skewers and savory Okonomiyaki omelets.

However, Kuo notes, “we [have] evolved our menu to meet customer demand for more entrees and sushi rolls.”

Today, you’ll find a mix of Wisconsin staples like tempurafried cheese curds, a full sushi menu and of course, ramen. Order the three-cup chicken, a Taiwanese dish that Wendy grew up eating. Also find menu items from Umami at Tavernakaya throughout the winter.

Rachel Kim had two cooking teachers — her mom and an older mentor in Korea. She now channels both of them, along with her hometown of Busan, to cook up traditional Korean fare at K-Peppers in Middleton.

“We are very authentic,” says Rachel. “I learned cooking from my mom — she’s 93 years old. I couldn’t find traditional foods here. [At the time] there were only two Korean restaurants — [and] honestly they were not that good. The food was too bland.”

Rachel moved here from Korea in 2008. She and her husband, Eric Kim, opened K-Peppers in 2009 to bring flavor to the Korean restaurant scene. They started out sourcing roots and other authentic ingredients from Korean grocery stores in Chicago, but switched to vegetables bought from local stores in Wisconsin — kale, Brussels sprouts and carrots — to please local palates. Their bulgogi beef bibimbap is the most popular dish — rice on the bottom, vegetables and meat on top — covered in egg and sizzling hot, with sauce on the side.

Southern Asia

South Asian cuisine includes Nepal, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Indonesia.

Julie Adriansjach’s husband and in-laws started cooking for Indonesian students at UW-Madison in the 1990s. You can still find the three of them cooking together at Bandung restaurant on Williamson Street.

“No recipes are written down, it’s all by memory,” says Julie. “My husband keeps a few of the dishes traditional, including the opor ayam and the gulai kambing. He also creates fusion dishes like bopo tempeh and bopo chicken with ginger, cilantro and jalapeño sauce.”

The opor ayam is chicken breast with potato, bamboo shoots and lemongrass in a coconut milk broth. Gulai kambing is a rich and flavorful lamb curry. Their most popular vegetarian dish is sambal goreng tempeh, made with green beans and mung bean noodles. You’ll even find pad thai here, an homage to the Thai restaurant that used to grace this spot.

Their most popular dish is daging rendang, likened to American pot roast, which is made differently on each Indonesian island. On their home island of Java, it’s made with beef that’s tenderized by simmering it in coconut milk with lemongrass, potatoes and various Indonesian spices. Another Indonesian staple is kecap manis, a thick, sweet soy sauce made with Indonesian palm sugar that can be found in many of Bandung’s dishes.

Haven’t tried Indonesian cuisine before? Julie says, “Don’t be scared. Don’t be intimidated. There’s something for everybody — Southeastern Asian food is not all spicy.”

You can even find their homemade tempeh at Willy Street Co-op East and West, as well as in dishes at Green Owl, Monty’s Blue Plate and Argus. ***

Tammy Phommachanh started cooking at a young age, and it was something that came naturally to her. She came to the U.S. as a Vietnam War refugee when she was just 17 years old. Phommachanh spent the past two decades working at, then owning, a nail salon in Rockford. It was her son, Sam Phothiboupha, who recognized his mom’s talent for cooking and encouraged her to open her own eatery in Madison.

The duo learned sauces and bases from family members in Orlando before opening Hot-n-Spicy in 2019 in Viet Hoa Market on Monona Drive. Although Phommachanh is Laotian, they wanted to serve a variety of Southeast Asian favorites, including crab rangoon (Chinese-American), pad thai (Thailand) and pho (Vietnamese). They use traditional Laotian flavors and ingredients that masterfully transform these classic dishes into something new.

“We are Lao,” says Phothiboupha, “so the flavors come from Laotian groups: bitter, sour, savory and spicy. In our home country, spicy is a sport almost!”

Hence the name of the restaurant: “Hot-n-Spicy.” When ordering, you can select a spice level from zero to four. Pho, a noodle soup with broth, meatballs and scallions, comes with a container packed with the works: fresh mung beans, cilantro, Thai basil, jalapeños and rice noodles. The Third Wheel appetizer plate overflows with three each of gorgeous shrimp-filled spring rolls, egg rolls, crab rangoon, meatballs and chicken satay.

“We make food that we like to eat” says Phothiboupha. “We take that extra step in everything we make.”

Top: Little Tibet’s colorful interior reflects the country’s vibrant culture. Bottom: The Tibetan restaurant ’ s momos are stuffed with oyster mushrooms, spinach, scallions and paneer, an Indian cheese made with cow or buffalo milk. Also shown is beef shraptak, a dish made with sautéed beef julienne, bell pepper, celery, jalapeño, tomato and cheese, served with jasmine rice or a steamed bun.

Located on East Johnson Street, Little Tibet is known for their momos – bite-sized, twisted dumplings that are filled with meat or vegetables and steamed. With several varieties, you’ll want to sample them all. Try the chicken momos served in red jhol sauce — a warming blend of spices, cumin and fenugreek that pairs nicely with the starchy dumplings.

Nepalese cuisine is influenced by Tibet to the north and India to the south. In the past, Little Tibet has served dishes in an Indian thali style, on a platter in individual metal tins. Mutton is also very popular in Tibet and often put in stews with potatoes. Today, Little Tibet’s most popular dish is the Tibetan lamb curry paired with — you guessed it — trays of momos.

Top, Bottom Right:

Silas and Marleni Valle own Finca Coffee, which serves singleorigin coffee sourced directly from farmers.

Middle, Bottom Left: Estacion Inka serves up Peruvian cuisine, including their popular whole roasted rotisserie chicken, marinated and seasoned with Peruvian spices.

Central and South America

Marleni and Silas Valle share their El Salvadoran culture and street food with Finca Coffee customers nearly every day. Each pupusa, quesadilla, taco and burrito is handmade at this South Madison locale, which opened in 2019. Silas says their sweet Salvadoran quesadilla is the original recipe from Marleni’s mom.

Beyond the quesadilla though, Marleni’s mom’s recipes are used throughout the menu so they can continue to share the homemade goodness. One of these is pupusas, which Marleni’s mom made for her growing up — and it’s also the national dish of El Salvador. The specialty consists of a thick flatbread filled with pork and cheese or cheese and beans, and they’re eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Their most popular menu item is the breakfast or lunch burrito, adapted from the Mexican version. Their take is made using thick handmade corn tortillas, marinated meat or vegetables and refried beans.

They also serve single-origin coffee, directly sourced from farmers they know in El Salvador — fitting for a place called “finca,” which means “farm” or “ranch” in Spanish.

***

In South America, Peru is known for its “meat and potatoes” cuisine — filling portions of the aforementioned items, served with a relish of red onions, peppers, lime juice and cilantro. But you don’t have to take a flight to experience Peruvian cuisine — there are two options in the Madison area — Estacion Inka on University Avenue and Mishqui on Monona Drive. Both offer classic rotisserie chicken and pork chicharron served with sides like cilantro rice, black beans and sweet plantains.

Not hungry for a full meal? Grab a sweet treat from Mishqui’s pastry case or get an order of empanadas or fried plantains to share. Wash it all down with Peruvian Chicha Morada, a purple corn, fruit and spice drink — it tastes like a melted popsicle on a hot day.

***

At La Taguara, you can try arepas, which are one of the most popular foods in Venezuela. (If you haven’t tried one, you’re missing out.) The word arepa comes from the traditional word for maize — it’s a corncake made from maize meal (cornmeal) that’s crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. In Venezuela, they’re stuffed with meat and/ or cheese. At La Taguara, you can get arepas filled with beef, plantains or pork. Add Venezuelan guasaca on the side — it’s a lighter guacamole made with green pepper, parsley and olive oil.

What’s wonderful about Venezuelan cuisine is that it ties in flavors and cooking methods from Spain, West Africa and Indigenous cultures. Tribes in what is now Venezuela and Colombia have been making arepas for centuries. Reflective of this, La Taguara also serves empanadas, which are savory turnovers, and traditional Cubano sandwiches.

TOP, LEFT HILLARY SCHAVE RIGHT SUNNY FRANTZ

Mediterranean

This cuisine originates from the basin of the Mediterranean Sea — encompassing Italy, France, Greece, Egypt, Spain and the former Ottoman Empire.

At Mediterranean Café, you’re greeted by baskets of freshly-made pita and handmade hummus. Here, the two most popular entrees are the falafel plate and the shawarma plate. The former is two balls made with grains and herbs, and the latter is made with lamb or beef paired with tahini or chicken with yogurt sauce. It’s served with rice, salad, hummus and pita bread. End the meal with a sweet treat by ordering the pistachio baklava.

***

It’s impossible to go hungry at Banzo on Sherman Avenue. Their unique menu is fun for kids and adults alike. First decide if you want a sandwich (served on a pita), platter (served with rice, salad and hummus) salad (with feta, chickpeas and olives) or a hummus plate as a base. Next choose your main filling such as beef kebab, slow-roasted chicken or classic or sweet potato falafel. I recommend the F-bomb, which is falafel and chicken. Then pick your sides and any extras — like the lentil soup or baklava.

***

Mary Ann and Marc Bellazzini grew up in nearby neighborhoods in Chicago. Both of their families are originally from Italy — and many still live there today. The Bellazzinis own Campo di Bella, a farm-totable restaurant and winery on 20 acres in Mount Horeb. They serve three-course meals on Friday nights and five-course meals on Saturday nights year-round. All menu ingredients are either grown on-site or sourced locally, says Mary Ann. My favorite meal is the pesto lasagna, served with a salad and foccacia, ending with homemade amaretto biscotti.

Hannah co-chairs the Monroe Street Farmers’ Market and is a freelance writer living in Madison.

Top: Mediterranean Café serves hearty fare, such as their pistachio baklava, Greek salad and falafel balls (all shown here). Right: Banzo’s pita sandwich is filled with falafel balls, hummus, chopped salad and pickles.

Beth

Beth Norman, AWM, CFP®

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 elizabeth.norman@rbc.com www.normanfletchallteam.com

Beth and her team provide approachable, creative and personalized advice to help their clients optimize their lives now, while planning for a financially secure 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 otherfederal government agency, are not deposits or other obligations of, or guaranteed by, a bank or any bank affiliate, andare subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

The 2022 Forbes “Top Women Wealth Advisors” and “Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State” award was announced February 2022. Data as of 9/30/2021. 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.

© 2022 RBC

From light displays to shopping events to holiday eats, these Wisconsin small towns offer delightful family fun and plenty to do.

By Maura Keller & Melanie Radzicki McManus

Head to Janesville for Holiday Fun

When the holidays approach, it’s time to take a trip to Janesville and its environs, which offer a wealth of ways to celebrate the season.

In early December, “Elf The Musical” is coming to the Janesville Performing Arts Center, followed by the Beloit Janesville Symphony Orchestra’s performance of “The Nutcracker,” Tchaikovsky’s beloved 1892 ballet. On Dec. 17, John Denver tribute artist Ted Vigil will be performing Denver’s “Rocky Mountain Christmas” at the Edgerton Performing Arts Center. Vigil not only sounds like Denver, but looks like him, too.

If the snow’s been flying, grab your cross-country skis or snowshoes and explore some of the city’s most scenic spots, like the Robert O. Cook Memorial Arboretum or Rockport Park, which has more than six miles of groomed ski trails. Another great option is Riverside Park, which runs along the picturesque Rock River and is open to skiing, snowshoeing and sledding. A section of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail lies here, and unwinds another 10-plus miles through town. Check with the Ice Age Trail Alliance to see if a candlelight hike is on the schedule.

Shoppers can search for the perfect holiday gift at places such as Adorn, a boutique offering quality and handmade goods that are unique, stylish, eco-friendly and ethically sourced from both local and fairtrade artisans. Items include fine art, jewelry, accessories, candles, and Wisconsin- and Janesville-themed gifts.

Do-it-yourselfers can learn how to create blown-glass Christmas globes, twisted icicles and glass snowmen at The Glass Garden, which regularly offers classes. Snag the perfect Christmas tree at K&W Greenery, then wander through its heavenly-scented greenhouse. Don't forget to peruse the items in its spacious boutique. During the holidays you'll find ornaments, candles, holiday décor and more.

HOLIDAY TREE SHOW

If you love Christmas trees, head to the Rock County Historical Society, where more than 160 are on display Nov. 25-Dec. 30. The campus is home to 30 lighted and decorated trees; stroll or drive through anytime. On selected days, you can take a self-guided tour of the property’s historic Lincoln-Tallman House, filled with more than 130 trees and festive decorations.

HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW

More than one million colorful lights transform the Rotary Botanical Gardens into a holiday wonderland every winter. Stroll through the garden paths to see the various themed light displays and animations. The event begins Nov. 25, and runs through the holidays from 4:30 to 9 p.m. on select dates.

JANESVILLE’S JOLLY JINGLE

This fun family weekend, taking place Dec. 2-4, features a wealth of holiday activities, including a lighted parade, tree-lighting ceremony and fireworks. You’ll also find live theater, kids’ activities and a fun run. Most events are free or low-cost.

Stoughton Has What You Need for the Holidays

you’ll find a wealth of diverse gifts and plenty of festive experiences. At Green Road Pottery , create a Christmas tree or ornament in one of its classes. Owner Brook Johnson also operates the adjacent Yahara Chocolate , which sells delectable chocolates from around the globe, plus more than 40 varieties of hot tea, hot and cold beverages, and more.

Overt Space Gallery + Gift is the place to peruse original artwork and an eye-popping assortment of gifts. Think unexpected items like a concrete tape dispenser, decorative wooden milk crate and a small tape measure coiled within a metallic leather pouch. Even standard gift items come with a twist. Its line of manifestation candles, for example, come embedded with crystals. Once the pleasantly scented wax has melted, hang onto the crystals for continued good vibes.

Every week brings something different at Cheesers Lokal Market , which sells cheese, meat and more than 300 carefully curated wines. Stop here Thursday through Saturday for a wine-tasting — available by request — then check out the vast selection of cheese from Wisconsin and around the globe. The shop also carries bison and elk sausage; Norwegian products such as lefse and herring; locally produced jams, jellies and syrup; and local craft beer and cider. Membership in their new wine and cheese club makes a great holiday gift.

Grand Inspired is the place to score finely crafted artisan furniture and accessories. The gallery and woodworking maker space also creates custom-made pieces and holds woodworking classes. Recent courses were offered in creating a live-edge charcuterie board and bud vase. Gallery events may feature the ability to watch an artist while they work, then ask questions later. No holiday is complete without music. At the historic Stoughton Opera House , built in 1901, you can take in a holiday harp show (Dec. 2), listen to the Stoughton Festival Choir & City Band (Dec. 11) and enjoy centuriesold tunes by Cherish the Ladies (Dec. 16), among other productions.

Stoughton’s arts and entertainment district transforms into a glittering, magical area this holiday season during its annual Victorian Holiday Weekend, taking place Dec. 1-4. The jam-packed extravaganza features numerous activities and events for one and all.

Grab the little ones for breakfast with Santa, then take them to Santa’s Workshop to make a craft. Adults can check out handcrafted treasures at the winter artisan market, or peruse the plethora of holiday treats available for sale at the Cookie Walk. Don’t forget to watch for the high school’s Madrigal singers, who will be strolling throughout the downtown in Victorian-era costume. Before heading home, catch the holiday light display, set to music, at Stoughton Rotary Park.

Plan your visit at visitstoughton.com

Stoughton carries on the Norwegian Traditions of their ancestors. Centered around celebrating life through Arts, Culture, Food, Drink, and Outdoor Activities, Stoughton is where holiday shoppers go when the ordinary gift just won't do.

Outdoor Family Activities Abound in the Fox Cities

It’s easy to embrace winter in the Fox Cities , which is home to gems such as The Plaza at Gateway Park , Neenah’s impressive, one-year-old attraction.

Open year-round as a social gathering spot, The Plaza is transformed come winter into a glittering ice skating rink reminiscent of the one at Rockefeller Center.

After your skate (rentals are available), grab some hot cocoa or a pot of cheese fondue at the facility’s Manor Haus. You can also purchase ingredients to create your own s’mores at one of the firepits scattered around the park.

If cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are more your style, Appleton’s Bubolz Nature Preserve features more than 8.5 miles of trails — five for cross-country skiing, and the rest for snowshoeing. Equipment rentals are available, too. Another 2.7 miles of groomed trails can be found at Reid Golf Course .

In Neenah, you can ski along several miles of rolling, groomed terrain at Bridgewood Resort Hotel & Conference Center , while Menasha’s Smith Park and Conservancy Area also sport several miles of groomed ski trails and snowshoeing paths. Also in Menasha: the Heckrodt Wetland Reserve , where several miles of snowshoeing trails and a 4,000foot elevated boardwalk winds through its forested wetlands, cattail marsh and prairie.

Anglers can try their luck ice fishing on Lake Winnebago , known for walleye, perch, white bass and the prehistoric-looking sturgeon. Locals say another prime spot is the southwest side of Little Lake Butte des Morts , accessed via Herb and Dolly Smith Park.

The fourth Saturday in January is Eagle Days at 1000 Islands Environmental Center , a family-friendly event with educational programming and hands-on kids’ activities. But visit anytime in winter to catch a glimpse of the majestic eagles, which frequent the area thanks to the Fox River’s prime fishing opportunities. The center also offers more than seven miles of snowshoe trails.

A VERY NEENAH CHRISTMAS

Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade

Every year, over 80,000 spectators enjoy the Midwest’s largest nighttime Christmas parade in downtown Appleton. The 80-unit parade features colorful floats, animals, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more than 20 marching bands. The parade, slated for Nov. 22, begins at 7 p.m. and is preceded by the Santa Scamper Run/Walk. Its theme is “Peace on Earth.”

Festively-decorated holiday windows are a highlight of A Very Neenah Christmas, coming Dec. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. Stroll through Neenah’s city center to check out the windows while searching for 10 gingerbread people hidden around town. Jot down their locales, then submit to Future Neenah for the chance to win a giant gingerbread cookie. Kids should bring along their letters to Santa, which they can drop into a special red mailbox in front of the Future Neenah office (135 W. Wisconsin Ave.).

Fort Atkinson for Christmas

There’s something magical about visiting a charming small town and experiencing it during the holidays. Shops are filled with unique gifts, holiday lights sparkle downtown and celebrations bring the area together. A community like Fort Atkinson offers memorable events and rich cultural experiences for the whole family during the holiday season.

This year, the holiday celebrations in Fort Atkinson kick off on Nov. 12 with the holiday parade. A few weeks later, on Dec. 3, the muchcelebrated Holiday Open House and Market offers shopping experiences, festivities including strolling carolers and horse-drawn carriages, and a wealth of local cuisine that will have visitors coming back for more.

On Dec. 9 from 3-6:30 p.m. (rain date: Dec. 10) experience Magic on Jones Avenue, taking place on the bike path between Rotary Pavilion and Lions Park. Come and enjoy the light show along the bike path! Bring the kids to have a professional picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy live animals, carolers, hot chocolate and cookies. They can wear their pajamas and drop off a letter for Santa!

I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas

This year usher in the holiday festivities with the beloved theatrical experience “White Christmas” at The Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson. Based on the much-loved film starring Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney, this stage adaptation will feature 17 Irving Berlin songs set amidst the charming storyline.

Romantic Escapes Await in Beloit

Impress your sweetie with a getaway to Beloit, whose romantic downtown features charming, century-old buildings highlighted by the scenic Rock River. Book a specialty package at Hotel Goodwin or the Ironworks Hotel , both steps from the water. Hotel Goodwin’s chic rooms sport glass showers, plush robes and retro turntables, complete with a selection of vinyl. Enjoy a handcrafted cocktail in its rooftop bar, then indulge in Italian cuisine at the Velvet Buffalo. The Ironworks’ industrial-inspired décor is a nod to its origins as a foundry: think lots of iron, exposed brick and warm, natural finishes.

And take a stroll through downtown, which is dazzling during the holidays. The brick-paved main street will remind you of yesteryear as you shop the boutiques, galleries, antique stores and indoor farmers’ market. While strolling through the historicallypreserved downtown and admiring the Christmas lights, stop at any of the coffee shops and warm up with a seasonal latte or hot chocolate — it’s the perfect way to reconnect with a loved one.

Bring Your Appetite

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint is a classic steakhouse with succulent cuts, seafood, pasta and more. At the Liberty House Grill, you can nosh on everything from gourmet burgers and fresh fried chicken to house-made pasta and seafood. The 615 Club is a traditional supper club that comes complete with relish trays and plenty of old-fashioneds.

GO+DO

FOR THE FOODIE

Gift someone you love (or yourself!) with these mostly Wisconsin-made food and beverage finds.

BY SHAYNA MACE PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE

Drop this in your drink and watch it sparkle!

Clockwise from top left: Driftless Glen Distillery WisconGin, $42.99, Willy Street Co-op; Yes Cocktail Co. Sugar Plum cocktail mixer, $18, Little Pop Color Shop; Maple Leaf Cheese Co. cherry white cheddar, $7, wisconsincheesemart.com; mouse card holder, $10, “Around the Board” book, $24.99, honey dipper, $15, and bee spoon, $9, all from Little Pop Color Shop; Potter’s Crackers Apple Crisp crisps, $4.99, Quince & Apple Raspberry Rose and Pear and Honey with Ginger preserves, $7.49 each, and Siren Shrub Co. Tart Cherry Sparkling Shrub, $13.99/pack of four, all from Willy Street Co-op; Art of Sucre cotton candy glitter bomb, $20/pack of four, Little Pop Color Shop; Driftless Provisions cacciatore (elk and pork salami), $11.49, Fix Cocktail Simple Syrups Tart Cherry Grenadine, $8.99, The Cider Farm Apple Brandy, $43.99, all from Willy Street Co-op; Pink House Alchemy blood orange dried botanicals, $25, Little Pop Color Shop; and Nutkrack candied pecans, $7.99, Willy Street Co-op

A TASTE OF WISCONSIN

Stumped on what to buy your parents, in-laws or a party host?

Pick up an Old Sugar Distillery brandy old fashioned gift basket for $50. The kit comes complete with a bottle of Old Sugar’s Brandy Station, fermented from local grapes and aged in toasted and charred barrels that add vanilla and caramel tasting notes. It also includes their signature cocktail cherries, ANGOSTURA’s legendary bitters made from herbs and spices, and their cocktail book.

oldsugardistillery.com

EAT, DRINK, HAVE FUN

Go beyond the glass with these fun cocktail experiences.

· Join a Driftless Glen Distillery Tour. First, do an olive oil and balsamic tasting with Renée Olive Oil and Balsamics, which is also owned by the owners of Driftless Glen (and located on-site).

Next, take the 45-minute distillery tour by sampling five different Driftless Glen spirits. $20 per person. driftlessglen.com

· Reserve a private tasting. Try Bailey’s Run Winery in New Glarus, Wollersheim Winery & Distillery in Prairie du Sac or the American Wine Project in Mineral Point. baileysrunvineyard.com, wollersheim.com, americanwineproject.com

· Book a cocktail class for groups of eight or more at Gib’s on Willy Street. gibs.bar

· Book a private space for up to 70 of your closest friends inside the Cannery Wine Bar and Tasting Room on Main Street in Sun Prairie. cannerywineandspirits.com — Hannah Wente

7 TIPS TO STAY MOTIVATED AND FOCUSED THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

FOCUS FOOD MOTIVATE

PRE-PLAN AS MUCH AS YOU CAN

Just like a roadtrip, in order to reach your destination — your fitness goals — you need a roadmap with directions and alternate routes. So grab your calendar and start creating your fitness roadmap!

First, skip ahead two months from today and write down the health and fitness goals you want to achieve by then. Next, jump back to today’s date and write in all your personal, work and holiday events for the upcoming two months. Lastly, add when you are going to workout over the next two months, as well as time for meal planning and prepping if needed. When it comes to accomplishing any goal, success comes from preperation and consistency. Winging it typically leads to it falling to the wayside. So prep as much as you can and be flexible to shift around your schedule when an unexpected meeting or event comes up!

KEEP YOUR BODY MOVING

Hit the gym, go for a walk, ice skate with your family... just keep moving! The holiday season usually entails more travel and events, so your daily routine may get flipped upside down. So when your schedule looks different than usual, your workouts may have to as well. Make giving your body movement every day a priority. Switch to working out first thing in the morning when your to-do list can wait, park in the back of parking lots for extra steps, or do squats with the Thanksgiving turkey! Princeton Club members also get LesMills+ workout videos right on their phone for free so you can join an online fitness class anytime, anywhere!

ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY FAVORITES

We all have special holiday treats we look forward to every year. And there is no reason you can't enjoy them if you account for them in advance!

Plan ahead for those holiday treats by ensuring your daily meals are healthy and nutrient-dense. You can then indulge in moderation guilt-free, while still staying on track for your health and fitness goals.

PROTEIN, PROTEIN, PROTEIN!

Load up on the protein! Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas ham and so many other great festive options are loaded with the muscle-maintaining and muscle-building macros. Make protein a staple of your holiday meals, leaving maybe just a little less space for the tempting dessert table.

You can also try eating the protein portion of your meal first. Researchers from Weill Cornell Medical College found that when protein and vegetables were eaten before carbohydrates, post-meal glucose and insulin levels were significantly lower compared to when carbohydrates were eaten first.*

FOCUS ON THE MAIN 90%

Place a little extra focus on eating well on the days you don’t have family gatherings or events. Those couple of holiday parties aren’t what hurt your progress — it’s allowing those indulgences to creep in on “normal” days that can derail your diet and routine in between.

TRACK YOUR PROGRESS

Whether you have a smartwatch or the classic pen and paper, tracking your progress and reflecting on your journey can be a huge motivator! Small progress day by day creates huge, long-term change. Seeing how you can lift 15 pounds more, cut two minutes off your mile or have a lower resting heart rate is an extra encourager to keep pushing forward towards your goal. The best is yet to come!

SET SMALLER WEEKLY GOALS

A larger goal can sometimes feel out of reach. Breaking it down into smaller goals that will lead to achieving your main goal can help build your confidence and resilience. You can celebrate your success along the way, and have that extra encouragement that you CAN succeed and reach your larger goals.

Get started at Princeton Club today with a Free Membership Trial AND limited-time special joining offers this month!

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Guillermo Rodriguez, Personal Trainer Princeton Club Xpress

Brett Sommers, Personal Trainer Princeton Club East

Nicole Alexander, Personal Trainer Princeton Club Fitchburg

(Shukla A,Iliescu R,Thomas C,Aronne L.Food Order Has a Significant Impact on Postprandial Glucose and Insulin Levels.Diabetes Care.

ARTFUL WAYS TO USHER IN THE HOLIDAYS

BY JESSICA STEINHOFF

THEATER AND DANCE

“COME FROM AWAY”

Nov. 15-20, Overture Hall

This Broadway musical based on real events highlights something we can all give thanks for: how human kindness can shine in utter darkness. These themes play out as a small Canadian town becomes the emergency landing site for 38 passenger planes in the days following Sept. 11, 2001. overture.org

“FEEDING BEATRICE: A GOTHIC TALE”

Through Nov. 20, Overture Center

Forward Theater stages the Wisconsin premiere of Kirsten Greenidge’s creepy comedy about a haunted home-renovation project and the questions of race and class it brings up. forwardtheater.com

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL”

Dec. 10-23, Overture Center

American Players Theatre’s LaShawn Banks plays Scrooge in this Children’s Theater of Madison production, a new adaptation of Dickens’ tale of redemption in Victorian England. ctmtheater.org

“THE NUTCRACKER”

Dec. 16-24, Overture Center

Madison Ballet and Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra team up to create Clara’s enchanted journey through the Land of Sweets, complete with waltzing flowers, a Sugar Plum Fairy and Tchaikovsky’s shimmering score. madisonballet.org

VISUAL ART

“DARK MATTER”

Through April 2, 2023, Madison Museum of Contemporary Art

This selection of works by Faisal Abdu’Allah — a British artist, barber and UW-Madison art professor — is a fascinating exploration of privilege, exclusion and personal identity. One must-see is “Blu³eprint,” a towering limestone sculpture of the artist in a barber’s chair that’s counterpoint to the Lincoln statue atop Bascom Hill and an ode to the communal power barbershops cultivate among Black men. mmoca.org

“IMMERSIVE VAN GOGH”

Nov. 24-Jan. 8, Greenway Station

Step inside huge, animated projections of “Starry Night,” “Sunflowers” and other Van Gogh paintings in this touring installation by digital artist Massimiliano Siccardi and composer Luca Longobardi. vangoghmadison.com

LIVE MUSIC

ALEA

Nov. 11, Overture Center

Born in Colombia and based in New York City, this dynamic singer-songwriter filters the traditional sounds of cumbia, vallenato and ranchera through a futuristic lens and a strong social conscience. overture.org

DEVOTCHKA

Nov. 11, Stoughton Opera House

The stars of a beloved indie film soundtrack — that of 2006’s “Little Miss Sunshine” — put an Eastern European spin on folk-pop with accordions, strings and a mighty tuba. This performance may feature their moody 2019 single, “Give Me Something” — and, if you’re really lucky, their cover of Siouxsee and the Banshees’ “The Last Beat of My Heart,” a gem you won’t find on Spotify. stoughtonoperahouse.com

A MADISON SYMPHONY

CHRISTMAS

Dec. 2-4, Overture Center

Gifted performers from Madison and beyond — including the Madison Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, Mt. Zion Gospel Choir and Madison Youth Choirs, plus special guests Adriana Zabala and Nate Stampley — gather to make the season both merry and musical. Guests can carol with Madison Symphony Chorus singers 45 minutes before the show in Overture's lobby.

madisonsymphony.org

RAINBOW KITTEN

SURPRISE

Dec. 4, The Sylvee

This band of harmonizing indie rockers lists Kings of Leon, Modest Mouse and Frank Ocean as influences.

See how their new single, “Work Out,” and material from their 2021 live album sound on the Sylvee stage. thesylvee.com

HANDEL’S

“MESSIAH”

Dec. 7, First Congregational Church

The Festival Choir of Madison and Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra unite for a presentation of the Christmastime classic that has given audiences goose bumps for nearly 300 years. wcoconcerts.org

Black Friday Magic

The day after Thanksgiving doesn’t have to involve standing in line at 4 a.m. to score a deal on an item countless other retailers sell.

The Madison Makers Market offers an enjoyable alternative at its Black Friday Holiday Market and Pub Crawl on Nov. 25 (noon to 5 p.m.), which features cocktails, community and one-of-a-kind gifts from more than 120 local artists and craftspeople. Entrance is free, and the fun spreads across eight Madison watering holes and concert venues: the Brink Lounge, Giant Jones Brewing, Imaginary Factory, Old Sugar Distillery, State Line Distillery, the Sylvee, Vintage Capitol East and Working Draft Beer.

According to MMM director Dave Van, the market is an experience you’ll be talking about long afterward.

“There are things there I wouldn’t believe if I hadn’t seen them myself, like chainmaille jewelry made from thousands of hand-soldered steel rings,” he says. “I once saw a Tiffany-style, stained-glass window hanger of the Nintendo 64 logo — and who would have expected ‘Schitt’s Creek’-themed cookies?”

Wares range from vintage jewelry to handmade candles, soaps and jams — or, as Van puts it, “things you just can’t find at a big-box store or national chain.” His TacoCat Creations booth peddles bow ties for cats and gifts for feline-loving humans.

Purchasing locally-made goods sustains this creative process while supporting the regional economy.

As Van puts it: “The future of our culture is born from what we do to nurture it today, and shopping local encourages new generations of creative and clever people to learn to make something for themselves, too.” madisonmakersmarket.com – JS

BEHIND THE LENS | Madison’s international dining scene does not disappoint. Top left: Bandung’s nasi goreng dish has house-fried rice, bean sprouts, mushrooms, cucumber and choice of protein (beef, chicken, shrimp, tofu or tempeh). Top right, bottom left: Located in Viet Hoa Market in Monona, Hot-n-Spicy might be small in size — it only has a few tables — but packs a big flavor punch. “We are Lao,” explains the owner’s son, Sam Phothiboupha. “In our home country, spicy is a sport almost!” Bottom right: Little Tibet serves Nepalese and Himalayan specialties, and they’re known for their several varieties of momos — twisted dumplings stuffed with your choice of chicken, beef, cheese and vegetables — and served with delicious sauce for dipping.

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