BRAVA July/August 24

The Wellness Issue

Healthy Eats

Fitting in Fitness Design to Unwind

Finding Your Purpose

+ Make It a Madison Summer Lovely Lakes, Live Music & Fantastic Food

HELPING YOUR NONPROFIT AND OUR COMMUNITIES Thrive

We believe that when nonprofits thrive, our communities thrive. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing the best banking solutions for nonprofit organizations. With our customized accounts and suite of complimentary services, we make it easier for nonprofits to manage their finances and focus on their mission.

Experienced Team

We have been crafting quality homes since 2004, specializing in new home construction.

Working Together

We operate on a team concept and work with skilled subcontractors and partners who have an established standard of excellence. Q uality D riven Crary Construction is committed to working with clients, adding value and exceeding expectation.

24 |2025

SEASON SPONSORS

great music. Find it here. Purchase single tickets beginning Saturday, August 24th at 11 a.m., $15 - $104, in-person at the Overture Center Box Office, 201 State Street, by phone (608) 258-4141, or online at overture.org

anticipate

your life with

music

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MSO at the Movies presentations* guest conductors

Experience your Symphony’s new season beginning this September! Subscribe to 5-8 concerts and save 10-25% off single ticket prices . *Add MSO at the Movies to your subscription before single tickets go on sale August 24. Anticipate and subscribe at madisonsymphony.org/99

2024

sept 20, 21, 22: Reunion

John DeMain , Conductor

Tommy Mesa , Cello • Greg Zelek , Organ Coleman • Jongen • Tchaikovsky • de Falla

oct 18, 19, 20 : Visions

Nicholas Hersh , Guest Conductor

Kelly Hall-Tompkins , Violin

Clyne • Vaughan Williams • Ravel • Berlioz

nov 15, 16, 17: Momentum

Michael Stern , Guest Conductor

Garrick Ohlsson , Piano

Leshnoff • Grieg • Shostakovich

nov 23: MSO at the Movies

Kyle Knox , Conductor

Disney and Pixar, Coco in Concert

dec 6, 7, 8:

A Madison Symphony Christmas

John DeMain , Conductor

Vanessa Becerra , Soprano

Craig Irvin , Baritone

Madison Symphony Chorus , Beverly Taylor, Director

Mount Zion Gospel Choir , Tamera and Leotha Stanley, Directors

Madison Youth Choirs , Michael Ross, Artistic Director

2025

jan 17, 18, 19: Beethoven x3

John DeMain , Conductor

Gil Shaham , Violin • Orli Shaham , Piano

Sterling Elliott , Cello All Beethoven!

feb 22, 23: MSO at the Movies

Kyle Knox , Conductor

Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert

mar 14, 15, 16: Legacy

John DeMain , Conductor

Amanda Majeski , Soprano

Kirsten Lippart , Mezzo-Soprano

Martin Luther Clark , Tenor • Matt Boehler , Bass

Madison Symphony Chorus , Beverly Taylor, Director Strauss • Mozart

apr 11, 12, 13: Yearnings

Joseph Young , Guest Conductor

Time for Three

Barber • Puts • Prokofiev

may 9, 10, 11: Gershwin!

John DeMain , Conductor

Philippe Bianconi , Piano

Michelle Johnson , Soprano

Eric Greene , Baritone

Madison Symphony Chorus , Beverly Taylor, Director

All Gershwin!

53 Perfect Pairings

These area couples are passionate about what they do — and are fabulous fits with one another.

26

Working on Wellness

Local experts share how they foster wellbeing in their lives, and what we can learn from them.

41

Make It a Madison Summer

Seize this time of year and get out on land or water — there’s plenty to do and see.

DEPARTMENTS

MONEY SMARTS

BY KIM SPONEM

Then, look at your debit and credit card statements. In about 30 minutes, you can look at the past few months and see where you spend money (stores, streaming services, subscriptions). What is your sense of the need for those things now? When I do this, I’m often surprised at my online ordering, and think about ways to pare it back. Can you cancel some of your streaming services and see if you miss them? You can always add them back.

Next, look at how much is slipping through your Zelle or Venmo spending. Often, we spend more than we thought on eating out or at happy hour. Are you too generous with gift giving? Buying things for your kids that they don’t really need?

I made a goal to get healthier this year. How can I carry that into my finances?

Great connection! Financial wellness is vital to our overall health. Feeling financially secure reduces stress and supports overall health. Stressing about finances can lead to poor sleep, lack of focus and decreased productivity.

You’re not alone in this goal. A Forbes Health Survey published in December of 2023* found that these were the top three New Year’s resolutions for 2024:

1. Improved fitness

2. Improved finances

3. Improved mental health

It also noted, the average resolution lasts less than four months. Now’s a great time of year to refocus on a resolution and stick with it.

As women, we tend to take a holistic look at our finances, which is a strength when we work to realign our habits in support of the life we want. The challenge for assessing our financial situation is that it can seem overwhelming, or ‘too big to tackle.’ Here are a few tips for building your financial wellness:

Review Your Overall Picture, and Then Get Specific

I like to take a step back and think about where I feel like I’m spending too much and what is causing me stress. Are you feeling like you can hardly wait for payday, have very little left over or are behind in your savings? Do you want to start investing but never seem to get enough saved up to start? Do you need a car soon but don’t have enough saved? Are you feeling anxious about retirement savings or wanting to pay your mortgage or car loan more quickly? Pay off credit cards? What’s the driver leading you to make change to reduce money stress?

These kinds of questions will lead you to what you can change without too much pain. We are not looking to deprive ourselves, but to shift our thinking toward what we are adding.

Think in Terms of Abundance

If I take something away from myself, I feel deprived and then I focus on what I took away! What works better for me is to think in terms of “adding, not subtracting.” Think about how you want to increase savings or reduce debt and shift your spending to help reach those goals. Write your goal on paper and post it somewhere you see it each day. Then mark it each time you make progress. By doing this, you can see you are adding to your goals, which reduces stress and adds freedom.

Take advantage of financial education, including free online resources, like articles, blog posts, webinars and more on our Money Smarts page at SummitCreditUnion.com. There are many apps that offer budgeting tips to better manage money from month to month.

Summit’s Project Money participants share their journeys of reducing debt and increasing savings on our website. You’ll find a lot of great ideas. You can join them and tackle your financial goals together. Here’s to your health (including financial) and a less stressful you!

*Forbes Health, 2024 New Year’s Resolutions: Nearly Half Cite Fitness As Their Top Priority,” December 2023.

Kim Sponem is CEO & President, since 2002, of Summit Credit Union, a $7.1 billion, member-owned financial cooperative with more than 258,800 members. Kim has a passion for empowering people to improve their financial well-being for a richer life.

Ask Kim your money questions at MoneySmarts@SummitCreditUnion.com.

CHEERS TO LIVING YOUR

HEALTHIEST LIFE

Imight say this about every one of our issues, but I’m particularly excited about this July/August 2024 edition.

Back in 2023, when we were envisioning our 2024 editorial coverage, the idea of a Wellness Issue came to life. Although every edition of BRAVA has ideas and inspiration to help you live your healthiest life, we packed this one with even more interesting women who are leading the charge in the wellbeing space in Madison.

Back in 2023, I met Dr. Sheryl SpitzerResnick, who told me during a brief conversation that she founded her own clinic, A New Way Forward, to help women feel their best during perimenopause and menopause. During this time, women may experience a variety of symptoms, from anxiety to brain fog to hot flashes. Dr. SpitzerResnick’s message to me was clear: Be an advocate for yourself at your wellness visits. Mention specific symptoms you’re experiencing, and don’t just accept that you have to “grin and bear it” during this time. There are solutions — and our future health depends on addressing our health proactively during perimenopause and menopause. Intrigued? Read more on P. 38.

We tapped into other local wellness experts for advice on what they do to stay healthy in mind and body. Raquel Garcia Tatar, chief science officer and chief operating officer for the Madison-based nonprofit Healthy Minds Innovations, shared how small moments throughout the day can benefit our mental wellbeing (P. 32). Christine B. Whelan, formerly of

UW-Madison and now based at Emory University, shares how she finds her purpose every day using a simple written exercise (P. 31). I love that each of these women (plus two more) shared their thoughts in essay form for a first-person glimpse into their wellness practices.

Speaking of feeling great, summer is my favorite time of year in Madison and our “Make It a Madison Summer” feature (P. 41) has plenty of ideas to seize the season. Get out on our lakes, take a hike, sample our many food trucks, listen to live music or catch a Madison Night Mares game, the city’s newest collegiate women’s softball team.

Another feature that was months in the making was “Perfect Pairings” (P. 53). I had so much fun researching Madisonarea couples who have cool jobs and are fantastic fits with one another —folks such as Lauren Montelbano and Kyle Julius, shown in our table of contents. They both own their own food businesses, but also collaborate with each other on projects, too. Kyle Knox and Naha Greenholtz elevate the Madison Symphony Orchestra as associate conductor and concertmaster, respectively. Check out all five couples’ stories!

Enjoy your summer,

Shayna

Mace Editorial Director @shaynamace

DELICIOUS EATS

The Madison Black Chamber’s Black Restaurant Week is back, Aug. 11-18! Sample Black-owned restaurants and food businesses, including Les Délices de Awa (P. 67). madisonblackchamber.com

NOMINATE A W2W

Our 2025 Women to Watch nomination survey has officially opened! What woman in your life has big plans for 2025 and is making life better for Madisonians? Nominate her today. bravamagazine.com/w2w

A FIRST - EVER CONFERENCE

Myra McNair, owner and founder of Anesis Therapy, is hosting the mental health care practice’s first Multicultural Mental Health Conference in Madison on Aug. 22. Find out more at anesistherapycenter.com/conf24.

BUSINESS

PUBLISHER

Barbara Krause bak@ntmediagroup.com

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Shayna Mace shayna@ntmediagroup.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Melissa Moody mmoody@ntmediagroup.com

FACT - CHECKER

Mason Braasch

DIGITAL

DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Kristen Rouse krouse@ntmediagroup.com

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Cici Rindy cici@ntmediagroup.com

SALES

SALES MANAGER

Dena Frisch dena@ntmediagroup.com

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

Amy Jacobs ads@ntmediagroup.com

ACCOUNTING accounting@ntmediagroup.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Julie Barber, Mason Braasch, Maura Keller, Katy Macek, Olivia Mizelle, Myra McNair, Kevin Revolinski, Hillary Schave, Tami Schlitz, Katrina Simyab, Jessica Steinhoff, Sue Sveum, Raquel Garcia Tatar, Katie Vaughn, Amanda N. Wegner, Hannah Wente, Christine B. Whelan, 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. ©2024

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BRAVA (ISSN 1934-4317) JULY/AUGUST 2024, Volume 25, Number 04, is published bimonthly (six times a year) by Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc. Periodicals postage paid at 3902 Milwaukee St., Madison, WI 53714 and additional offices. Postmaster send address changes to: BRAVA Magazine, 951 Kimball Ln., Ste. 122, Verona, WI 53593-1786.

Fun

a Girl Scout!

OLD SOUL IN A NEW SPACE

BY SHAYNA MACE PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA WOLF

Stroll down the quiet, tree-lined Lakeside Street in the Bay Creek neighborhood and you’ll happen upon Silver Rose Vintage, a newlyopened secondhand and vintage shop. Owner and curator Elissa Blaeser was able to combine her love of local retail with vintage treasure hunting.

“I love to picture the life items lived before, and the life they’ll live after. And it’s true what they say — they don’t make things like they used to!” says Blaeser.

The quaint space has secondhand home décor and clothing. Clothing is arranged thematically — one rack of clothing has military items (Navy seafarer jeans, Vietnam-era jackets), another has preppy togs (letterman jackets, pleated skirts) and a third has frilly, feminine pieces (silk robes, dresses). The entire space has a homey feel, almost as if you’d stepped into the living room of a very cool friend.

Blaeser’s vintage curation experience comes from owning an antique booth space at Antiques Mall of Madison with her mom and aunt for seven years.

“Throughout that time, I found my personal style, and I was happiest when I got to interact with the customers,” she says.

She only carries what she loves in the shop, and her fashionable eye is obvious.

“I feel really lucky to source and provide cool items to people. What’s amazing about vintage is it’s inherently unique — the chances of someone else having the exact same item is slim,” says Blaeser. 330 W. Lakeside St., instagram.com/ silverrosevtg

Fostering Hope: Exploring Acupuncture’s

Role in Inflammation Reduction and Hormone Regulation

Acupuncture, a cornerstone of integrative medicine, offers ancient wisdom and relief from various ailments. Research underscores its profound impact on bodily systems, particularly its ability to reduce inflammation, crucial for healing and hormone regulation. While inflammation is a natural response, chronic inflammation can lead to numerous health issues, including disrupted delicate hormone balance. Acupuncture triggers potent anti-inflammatory responses, modulating the immune system and releasing endorphins. This holistic approach can indirectly regulate hormones by addressing underlying imbalances. Notably, acupuncture excels in treating infertility, successfully helping those with a history of miscarriage carry healthy pregnancies to term by addressing chronic inflammation.

Sylvia, anonymized for our story, came to Remedy desperately wanting another baby. She had one healthy, young three-year-old but suffered the devastating loss of four miscarriages. She had heard in Facebook groups that acupuncture could help her, though she was concerned at age 41 whether she would be able to carry a baby to term. She came to us in the middle of her IVF journey. She committed to a comprehensive course of treatment consisting of multiple weekly acupuncture treatments and an in-depth herbal program. With her commitment to the protocol, the next round of IVF proved successful and she is now 32 weeks along with her second baby.

Acupuncture offers more than just temporary relief; it presents a holistic approach to healing that extends beyond the symptoms to address the root causes of inflammation and hormonal imbalance. As our understanding of its mechanisms deepens, acupuncture continues to stand out.

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608.285.9000

HOW TO MANAGE WORKPLACE CONFLICT

Practical advice for approaching difficult conversations in the workplace.

BY AMANDA N. WEGNER

No matter where you are on your workplace’s organizational chart, it’s critical to hone your communication skills — and, importantly, your conflict mediation and resolution skills — to navigate challenging situations and conversations.

“Big and small conflict is everywhere,” says Diana Pastrana. “It’s … a fact of human nature.”

Pastrana owns Defyne, LLC, a Madison-based consulting firm focused on conflict management. In business for two years, she serves as an ombuds to organizations and companies, acting as a neutral third party to help employees and leaders navigate and mediate conflicts.

“I help coach them through the current conflicts that they’re in,” she explains. “The idea is to generate options for them. Then, they can choose their path in managing the conflict.”

Pastrana sees four primary drivers of workplace conflict, all of which can lead to difficult conversations: miscommunication; unclear or unspoken expectations; inconsistent practices; and organizational and cultural differences.

Drawing on her experience and the tools and processes she offers through Defyne, Pastrana gives her take on how to approach common conflicts in the workplace.

Situation: You don’t like how a colleague communicates with you.

Miscommunication can be tone, verbal language or written

communication, says Pastrana. “I see a lot of conflicts with this, especially in a hybrid work environment.”

Pastrana recommends first reflecting on why this is an issue for you — what are you feeling or experiencing? What are your beliefs about the situation? Then, look at it from the other person’s lens.

With that perspective, think or talk through how you might share your concerns with the other person, including why it’s important to you. Then talk it out.

“It’s about opening up those lines of communication to have a candid conversation with that person to share your lens, but also making space so they can express where they were coming from.” “As humans, we have a lot of things we don’t communicate or communicate poorly, and then those things can create conflict because people are left with a lot of room to interpret. — Diana Pastrana ”

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YOU ARE INVITED

Mark your calendar, as you won’t want to miss the annual Linen & Clove Fall Product Launch Party on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy mocktails, small bites, live music, tons of giveaways and the most unique collection of gorgeous fall products.

The Linen & Clove Holiday Decor Collection will drop on Saturday, Nov. 2 and the Holiday Gift Collection on Friday, Nov. 29. Swing by in-store or shop online.

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FLUTTER IN TO OLBRICH’S GIFT SHOP

Discover botanical-inspired treasures in Olbrich’s Gift Shop! These Gingiber tea towels are one of the many summery items for you to discover. Dry freshly-washed farmers’ market produce, cover a basket of berries or add a touch of whimsy to your kitchen. Gift shop proceeds benefit Olbrich Gardens. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

OLBRICH BOTANICAL GARDENS

3330 Atwood Ave.

Madison, WI 53704

608.246.4550

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SUMMER VIBES

Let summer shine with Wisco Home Goods’ all natural soy candles. Hand poured on Madison’s beautiful East Side, our summery scents are ideal for outdoor gatherings or cozy indoor evenings. Beyond candles, explore our carefully-curated selection of local artisans and producers — perfect for gifts and more.

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INSTANT MOOD BOOST

Studio florist offering bouquet bars, flower delivery and subscription services. Personally curated floral design for special events and the everyday. Locally-sourced blooms whenever possible.

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Madison, WI

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OUR FREE GIFT TO YOU

Simply visit bravamagazine.com to sign up for a complimentary subscription — it’s that easy! BRAVA Magazine covers the issues Dane County-women care about, including health and wellness, money, career, style and profiles of notable women.

Situation: You and your colleague have different working styles.

Pastrana suggests using the lens exercise to first identify what you need and what your colleague needs, then turn it into a process problem instead of a people or personality problem. For instance, if your colleague is more social and you’re down to business, create meeting agendas that allow time at the start of a meeting for friendly banter and socializing before you move into the business at hand.

Situation: You aren’t on the same page as a colleague. Conflicts like this, says Pastrana, are often driven by unclear or unspoken expectations.

“As humans, we have a lot of things we don’t communicate or communicate poorly, and then those things can create conflict because people are left with a lot of room to interpret.”

This is especially common when two parties — teams, leaders, or colleagues — are given different goals or overarching priorities aren’t identified. In a situation like this, Pastrana recommends asking curious questions to uncover possibilities.

“As people, we like solutions. But talking possibilities instead of solutions can help you find common interests and help you work together to find a shared solution.”

Also, consider who else should be in the room.

“The biggest indicator of when you should escalate a conflict is when neither of you have the authority to make the decision.”

Situation: You’re unsure of how to deliver constructive feedback or criticism to a colleague or a direct report. Handling this situation starts well before the conflict or conversation ever occurs.

“This is about consistency,” says Pastrana. “You want to proactively build relationships with people. You want to proactively give feedback on a regular basis so people aren’t surprised. Then, when you do have a conflict, you have that trust built up in the system to have the hard conversation.”

Additionally, don’t wait to give feedback. “The longer you wait, the more people feel embarrassed that they weren’t told sooner.”

It also helps to understand and remind yourself that you’re giving constructive criticism for the other person’s benefit.

“If we think about it as a genuine act of caring for the other person, that can help us calm down and approach it more genuinely.”

Amanda N. Wegner is a local freelance writer, and communication and marketing professional.

From kitchens to decks, we bring your renovation vision to life.

Seven ways to encourage relaxation and wellbeing in your home.

BY KATIE VAUGHN

Can a person’s home impact their ability to relax? Absolutely, says Larissa Anderson, owner of Haven Design Studio. Read on for her best tips.

DESIGN TO UNWIND

YOUR HOME

BUILT YOUR WAY

Building a custom home is a very personal experience. One filled with decisions, emotions, and hopefully a lot of trust. At Victory Homes, we like to think of ourselves as your partner in this endeavor, building your home together. Choose from our great selection of customizable floor plans or work with our in-house design team to create a custom home that perfectly compliments your lifestyle. We’re confident that no matter which option you pick, we’ll surpass your expectations for quality, materials, and especially for service. Every home starts with a vision. We’re here to help you realize yours.

“There have been a number of studies that look at clutter and a person’s environment and how, scientifically, they affect not only your mental health, but also your physical health,” says Anderson. “For example, if you live in a cluttered environment, your brain is under cognitive stress, as it constantly tries to figure out which item to focus on. It’s like a program running in the background of your computer — it takes up mental and emotional bandwidth, even if you’re not conscious it’s happening.”

So, how can we create more soothing spaces? Anderson shares some universal elements that encourage relaxation.

CHOOSE COLOR

Neutral and natural palettes make a space feel visually relaxing. Green has had a big trending moment for the last few years, and there’s a reason why! It reminds our brains of nature, which helps regulate our nervous system and visually brings the outdoors in. Anderson loves Evergreen Fog by Sherwin-Williams, or Eider White as a neutral.

EMPLOY ORGANIC ELEMENTS

Speaking of nature, organic touches can make a space feel relaxing. Look for wood furnishings, jute rugs and chairs with caning. And of course, pick up plants. They soften any space with their organic shapes, but also help purify the air naturally. Total win!

USE CLOSED STORAGE

Back to decluttering — one of the best ways to combat the visual busyness of clutter is to have a place for everything. Instead of open shelving, use closed storage for a soothing aesthetic. When items have a place where they consistently “live” (and it’s out of sight), it removes the mental work of figuring out where to put them.

LOOK AT LIGHTING

This is a big design element that affects both the feel of a room and the way you can enjoy it. Overhead lighting is the most common mood killer for a room! Using a variety of smaller, lower light sources instantly creates ambiance and makes a space feel cozier.

The other big lighting consideration is using the correct type of illumination for the task at hand. If you’re in the kitchen prepping a meal, or in a workshop creating something, you need brighter, whiter light to see what you’re doing accurately. If you’re in the primary bathroom putting on makeup, that requires a very different kind of light. Sipping a drink with friends in your living room requires a third type of light. LED lights come in Kelvins, which is the measure of light warmth. Anderson’s rule of thumb for lighting spaces is:

•Task lighting (for kitchen recessed lighting, closets, pantries, workshops, offices): 3500K — this is a brighter, whiter light perfect for doing work.

•Everyday neutral lighting (for halls, under-cabinet lighting, mudrooms, bathroom recessed lighting): 3000K — this is similar to daylight, not too harsh or blue, but still bright and moderately warm.

• Ambient lighting (for living rooms, island pendant lights, dining pendant lights, bedroom lighting, media rooms, game rooms): 2700K — this is your warm, incandescent-like lighting, providing a cozy, intimate feel.

• Create zones. This is another way to create relaxing, cozy environments. If you use a spot specifically for work, it can be hard to also use that space to unwind. If you have the ability to create separate spaces that are dedicated to

relaxation, it can go a long way. For example, even just filling a corner with a reading chair, side table and bookshelf can provide a subconscious cue to relax when you’re in the area. Your brain knows that when you’re at your desk, in brighter light, it’s time to focus and work. When you move to a cozy chair, with a soft blanket and warmer light, it’s time to stop working and rest.

TRY TEXTURES

Textural elements are also huge, be it a plush rug underfoot, linen sheets or even a super cozy sweater that you consistently use during your downtime.

SELECT SCENTS

Fragrance can provide powerful cues for your brain. Anderson loves to use diffusers in kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms. Lavender helps with relaxation, but Anderson’s favorites are actually sandalwood, neroli, sage and ylang-ylang.

On top of these tips, Anderson suggests filling your chill-out zones with your favorite games, movies, music and other elements that signify downtime to you.

“Then make a point of regularly enjoying them with family and friends,” she says. “The world can be a stressful place, but if you take the time to create a haven, it can truly impact your wellbeing for the better.”

Katie Vaughn is a Madison-area freelance writer.

DWELL

Enhancing Bone and Joint Health

SSM Health physicians share insights on how to care for your joints.

BY SUE SVEUM

Maintaining joint health is important for everyone, but even more so for women, for two important reasons. We have a higher rate of knee osteoarthritis and are also more prone to developing osteoporosis (low bone density) than our male counterparts. But according to SSM physicians, Dr. Katherine Fox, a sports medicine specialist, and Dr. Erik Kroger, an orthopedic surgeon, there are things you can do to preserve and improve your bone and joint health as you age.

SCAN THIS CODE to learn more about our orthopedic services and find a location near you.

While any joint can be affected by osteoarthritis, it is found most commonly in the knees, with hips and hands next in line. And according to the World Health Organization, as many as 60% of those affected are women. Although osteoarthritis can begin in your 40s and 50s, many people initially attribute it to overuse or a sports injury.

While genetics do play a role in how quickly our cartilage degrades, maintaining a healthy weight as well as exercising regularly can help prevent cartilage loss.

”

— Dr. Katherine Fox

But if you’re feeling those aches, pains, creaks and stiffness more regularly these days, you aren’t just imagining it — our joints do change over time, according to Dr. Fox.

“Our joint surfaces are covered with hyaline cartilage, a material which allows for smooth movement at the joints as well as providing cushion and shock absorption. As we age, cartilage decreases in volume and elasticity, making it less effective for joint protection,” says Dr. Fox.

“While genetics do play a role in how quickly our cartilage degrades, maintaining a healthy weight as well as exercising regularly can help prevent cartilage loss,” she says. “Weight reduction can also significantly reduce the impact on our joints and as a result, further delay cartilage loss.”

Dr. Kroger agrees, explaining that regular movement, exercise and a healthy diet are three of the most important strategies to promote healthy joints.

“Osteoarthritis is the most common joint issue among women,” he says, adding that isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis which affects the kneecap, is a more common issue for women than men. “Strengthening exercises for your quadriceps, the large muscle in the front of your thigh, as well as inline movements such as using an exercise bike, can be very helpful in managing this condition.”

Dr. Fox says the first thing she typically recommends to patients hoping to prevent joint pain is regular weight-bearing exercise. “Exercise is medicine, and can both treat and prevent joint pain,” she explains. “If you’re not sure how to get started, consider a lowintensity, low-impact activity such as walking, and build from there with the guidance of your physician.”

Other weight-bearing exercise includes:

• dancing

• elliptical training machines

• climbing stairs or stair-stepper machines

• low-impact aerobics

• jogging

• hiking

Other Considerations

If your joint pain is caused or exacerbated by osteoporosis, you’ll want to avoid sports like golf, tennis and even bowling that require bending and twisting — as well as exercises like sit-ups and crunches that put a lot of stress on your spine. If you think that pickleball is a better choice, the answer is both yes and no. It’s a great form of exercise and considered safer overall than tennis due to less frequent and intense running, but pickleball can be hard on the knees — especially if you have osteoarthritis. If you do have knee pain, discuss treatment options with your provider to get you back out on the court.

As for that healthy diet that Dr. Kroger mentions, he explains that eating a diet rich in whole foods while avoiding processed foods can significantly reduce joint pain.

“Elevated blood sugars can also cause metabolic dysfunction (such as heart disease and stroke) as well as causing arthritis to worsen more rapidly,” he says. “So avoiding that excess sugar and reducing simple carbohydrate intake can be very helpful.”

Plantar Fasciitis? What a Pain!

If you’ve ever experienced pain in the heel or arch of your foot, you’re probably familiar with plantar fasciitis.

“Most active — and many inactive people — will develop it at least once,” explains Dr. Sara Galli, orthopedic surgeon with SSM Health. “It’s especially common among women aged 40 to 60. There’s often no identifiable cause, but any new or increased heel activity can trigger it. Tight calves, overuse, shoes without heel support or cushioning — and even walking barefoot — are common factors.”

Dr. Galli says that as frustrating as it may be, time is the best healer for this issue, with 80 to 90% of cases resolving within a year. Other treatments include:

• Calf and plantar fascia stretching.

• Cushioning/supporting the heel.

• Avoiding or decreasing the activity that caused it.

• Steroid injections.

• Minimally invasive in-office treatments that essentially act to “injure” the fascia, triggering a healing response.

• Surgery (as a last resort).

According to Dr. Galli, steroid injections can help the symptoms, but there’s no proof they heal the condition. In fact, there’s a small risk of heel atrophy — especially with multiple injections — creating additional pain from insufficient cushioning on the heel.

“Stretching is the most important link to reducing plantar fasciitis symptoms and preventing recurrence,” she stresses. “Along with patience — and trust in both time and the process of healing.”

Recognizing Joint Pain

So how do you know if you have any of these joint issues? Well, it all starts with joint pain, but according to Dr. Kroger, joint pain can vary. “For some, it’s an achy pain. For others, it can be described as a sharp, stabbing pain,” he explains. “It is very rarely dangerous in and of itself, but if the joint is giving out on a regular basis, that could cause a fall — which could certainly be dangerous.”

Along with the combination of ... non-impact exercises and healthy eating as an appropriate first step in pain management [for joints], supplements such as turmeric and NSAIDS (naproxen or ibuprofen) can also be very helpful. — Dr. Erik Kroger “ ”

The most severe type of joint pain is, not surprisingly, often caused by a fracture, which happens suddenly. “As pain and/or swelling increase, most women seek treatment for this quickly,” says Dr. Kroger. Care

According to the World Health Organization, as many as 60% of those affected by osteoarthritis are women.

and management for a fracture may include a splint, brace, plaster cast, air-cast, or surgery depending on the location and severity of the fracture.

“Osteoarthritis, however, is still the most common issue causing joint pain,” explains Dr. Kroger. “Along with the combination of those non-impact exercises and healthy eating as an appropriate first step in pain management, supplements such as turmeric and NSAIDS (naproxen or ibuprofen) can also be very helpful.”

Is It Time for Surgery?

If the non-invasive treatments recommended by Drs. Fox and Kroger don’t seem to help your joint pain — or they no longer help as much — what’s the next step?

Typically the best way to treat advanced osteoarthritis is through joint replacement surgery, according to Dr. Kroger. “I believe that all attempts should be made at avoiding or delaying surgery through non-invasive options first,” he says. “But when, despite these efforts, joint pain has progressed to the point where it is preventing people from participating in needed activities at home or at work, disrupting sleep on a regular basis or causing falls, it may be time to consider joint replacement.”

This procedure involves removing the worn outer surface of bone and replacing it with metal and plastic implants. Surprisingly, knee and hip replacement surgery is typically done on an outpatient basis — although for patients with certain health conditions, an overnight stay may be required.

“Recovery is a progression that typically takes 6-12 weeks,” explains Dr. Kroger, adding that patients usually require several weeks of walking with a walker and then progress to a cane.

“Here again, both physical therapy and exercise are essential to a good recovery — especially for knee replacement surgery.”

While osteoarthritis and osteoporosis may not be preventable, the joint pain that comes with it can often be managed through lifestyle changes or surgery. If joint pain is affecting your life, talk to your provider. 

Working on Wellness

We all want to feel healthy and mentally fit, and there are daily practices we can do to have a sound mind and body. We talked to local experts about how they foster wellbeing in their lives and what we can learn from them.

How To Fit in Fitness and Actually Enjoy It (Especially for Parents!)

BY SHAYNA MACE

Akaylah Jaeke has always loved exercise. With a master’s degree in health and human performance and as a certified personal trainer, group fitness instructor, health coach and medical exercise specialist, her life’s work is about being healthy and helping others achieve fitness goals. Jaeke owns a wellbeing space, a gym and fitness hub for other health-minded businesses. She’s also the program director for the Fitness, Recreation and Wellness Program at Madison College.

As a business owner with two daughters (ages eight and five), Jaeke acknowledges the struggle is real when it comes to finding time to work out.

“A wellbeing space is a hub for community and living well, and we have five small businesses. I [also run] groups out of a wellbeing space … one of those groups is for parents. I’m really passionate about trying to help parents find time for themselves, build out a schedule and help them get creative [with fitness] while also giving themselves some grace. I believe that if we’re going to [create] a healthier generation … that we need to focus on parents taking care of themselves first, so we can also take care of those that we raise.”

Akaylah Jaeke and her daughters

Here, she shares some tips on how to fit fitness in.

Figure Out What Motivates You

“I like to ask all of my clients what motivates them, and how they are motivated. What are some things that they’ve done in the past that they’ve enjoyed? [Maybe] they used to love riding bikes or playing sand volleyball. Finding things that they enjoy helps [my] clients take that first step instead of being scared to jump into the weight room right away.”

Finding a comfortable workout spot is also key. Maybe that’s at home, or perhaps you’re more motivated with others in a fitness class. Building in progress goals, especially when starting a fitness program, also helps.

“Reaching small goals and celebrating small wins [helps to] keep going. [We say], ‘OK, let’s take just one small step now, accomplish what we can and expand that growth a little bit more.’”

Build a (Sort of) Schedule

Jaeke says to consider your weekly routine, looking for spots of free time you can slot in a workout. For some, it works best for them to exercise at the same time every day — but for many, especially for families with everchanging weekly schedules — that may not be the case.

“I try to schedule my workouts when I know that I can get the biggest bang for my buck. As I’m driving home from work, I might be thinking about the workout I’ll do at home. Or [sometimes it’s] before I go in to teach. I might schedule my workout at home before my kiddos are out the door for the day — but it looks different each day for me due to my schedule.”

She recommends having a contingency plan for the days your schedule goes awry, so you can still sneak some exercise in. If you have a sick child at home or a meeting runs over and you can’t make your 5 p.m.

cardio class, keep some small equipment at home to do a workout there instead.

Think Outside the Exercise Box

Jaeke says finding a good fitness app and workout programs to do at home helps to fit the fitness puzzle together so you don’t have to go to the gym every day. Because working out doesn’t always have to be at the gym.

“One day a week it’s going on a hike with your kiddos and getting some extra steps in that day. Maybe it’s swimming or playing a sport with them. [Don’t] get stuck in this idea that if you can’t get to the gym and lift weights five days a week that you’re failing. Getting creative in the modes of exercise that you’re doing while also trying to follow the recommended guidelines is a way you can still reach your goals,” says Jaeke.

Include Your Family

To reinforce the point above, doing physical activity with your family can sometimes be the solution.

“I know being a parent and trying to exercise — there is that sense of guilt. If you feel that guilt creeping in, try to schedule out exercise time with your family. Not only are you spending time with them, but you’re also demonstrating to your kids what it means to take care of yourself and how they can learn to take care of themselves.”

small“Reaching goals and celebrating small wins [helps to] keep going."

Seven Innovative, Health-Focused Women-Owned Businesses

They’re changing the game and offering unique ways to approach wellness.

BY MASON BRAASCH

From mental health and mindfulness to nutrition and movement, your wellness journey can be all-encompassing. These women-owned businesses can help you along the way.

Force of Nature Movement

Athlete and personal trainer Shelby Copeland started Force of Nature Movement after experiencing firsthand the positive impact of natural movement in her journey of managing chronic pain. She now offers classes that take place outside of traditional gym settings — parks, playgrounds, and in nature — and are rooted in playfulness and connection. The classes, including parkour for women and seniors, backyard ninja for kids, and Adult Recess (Jul. 29), use a progressive, skill-based approach to practice movements such as crawling, balancing, rolling, climbing and swinging. forceofnaturemovement.com

Multicultural Mental Health Services

In 2022, marriage and family therapist Lucero Steele founded Multicultural Mental Health Services with a mission to provide in-depth mental health services for Black and brown communities and push back against the stigma surrounding seeking support for mental health. Focused on all intersections of her clients’ lives, including culture, spiritual beliefs, support systems, goals and strengths, Steele offers mental health services like individual and family therapy to facilitate healing and coping skills. mmhservices.net

Yoga Accessible for All

Yoga Accessible for All offers yoga therapy and wellness classes to anyone interested in the benefits of a yoga practice. Specifically, it’s the perfect place for those who might not normally come to yoga classes — those who are differently-abled, have mental health challenges or are recovering from injury or disease. Adaptive yoga classes may incorporate chairs and other props

Get Your Wellness On Locally

Unwind in Nature

Spending quality time in the great outdoors is a scientifically proven salve to help manage stress and boost your mood. Learn more about local flora while getting a healthy dose of Vitamin D. The location of Madison Parks’ guided conservation park tours (July 10 & Aug. 14) moves monthly.

Head to Devil’s Lake State Park for a Department of Natural Resources naturalist-led hike (Wednesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31; Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28).

Whether you’re a new hiker or an avid ambler — the Ice Age Trail Alliance coordinated group hikes (July 20; Aug. 4, 10, 17) are a great way to get swept up in the rejuvenating magic of the trail.

and accommodations, while classes for seniors focus on improving balance, range of motion and flexibility with a combination of standing and seated positions. Modifications are always offered to allow everyone to feel welcomed. yafayoga.org

A Healer’s Hand + The Nest

Nicole Budeau is a massage therapist licensed in prenatal massage, a certified infant massage instructor and Reiki master. She started A Healer’s Hand + The Nest (AHH) in 2007 with a goal of sharing the positive impact of therapeutic massage on pregnancy, labor, birth, infant and postpartum outcomes. AHH and its team of licensed professionals utilize a holistic approach to perinatal health and wellness and offer a slate of unique services like lymph drainage protocols, natural labor stimulation and continuing education

programs to empower parents and support their journey through all stages of pregnancy and post-pregnancy. ahealershand.com

Forum Health Madison

Focused on providing integrative and functional care, the team of physicians, nurse practitioners and health coaches at Forum Health Madison offer personalized plans to address health concerns ranging from adrenal dysfunction and thyroid health to nutritional balance and lifestyle changes. Rather than focusing on individual symptoms, the clinic aims to treat the whole person holistically

by addressing underlying issues and tailoring health care to individual needs. forumhealthmadison.com

Real Good Nutrition

Certified dietitian nutritionist Emmy Bright (and former BRAVA columnist) started Real Good Nutrition after navigating her own health issues related to celiac disease. She and fellow dietician Jaclyn Jozefiak help clients navigate nutrition and other health issues through one-on-one counseling. Real Good Nutrition also offers workplace wellness programs and an intuitive eating program that helps clients develop a healthier and more sustainable

Nourish Your Body

Preparing wholesome meals has long been considered an act of love towards others — but is also a great way to practice self-care.

Sign up for the Sourdough Master Class (Aug. 6) at Bekah Kate’s in Baraboo for guidance on how to create and maintain a healthy sourdough starter from scratch.

From home brewing kombucha to mastering new zucchini recipes, Willy Street Co-op’s three locations all offer multiple in-person and remote cooking classes year-round to up your culinary skills.

Snag a seat at DelecTable for the Midsummer Light event (July 23) and learn how to make multiple healthy summer meals. Or, keep it

relationship with food and nutrition. therealgoodnutrition.com

A New Way Forward

We’re all hormonal beings, but women particularly need to be aware of how hormones influence our wellbeing as we age. Perimenopause can take place up to ten years before menopause and women can experience a variety of symptoms: hot flashes, anxiety, memory issues and more. Dr. Sheryl Spitzer-Resnick’s A New Way Forward clinic (see P. 38) specializes in helping women navigate these symptoms naturally so they can feel their best with an expert, caring touch. ssrmd.com

lean and green with an innovative vegetarian cooking class at the Verdant Delights session (Aug. 5).

This Daily Exercise Has Helped Me Find My Purpose

BY CHRISTINE B. WHELAN, PHD

In my Consuming Happiness class at UW-Madison and in my new role as Purpose Professor at Emory University, I outline a roadmap to a more meaningful life — one that’s full of more energy and joy and awesomeness. It involves a new approach to understanding what living on purpose means to you in a five-step Daily Purpose Statement Exercise. I define purpose as using your strengths, in keeping with your values, to positively impact the lives of others.

Purpose is a choice you make daily, and this bite-sized, visual exercise can turn that often-daunting choice into a pleasurable exploration of possibilities.

For each of the categories below, write down three answers to guide you today.

Values

Values are beliefs that guide and motivate our behavior. Do you want to focus on your values of ambition, wisdom and self-discipline? Or perhaps today you’re prioritizing social justice, unity with nature and inner harmony.

Strengths

What strengths, gifts or skills do you want to prioritize today? Think in terms of strengths you want to use, not just things you can do. Do you have a gift for building things? Does performance light you up inside? What about seeing possibilities, or solving problems?

Impact

Purpose is pro-social — it’s something we do with, and for, others. And while research overwhelmingly correlates having a purpose in life with greater personal wellbeing, thriving in this pursuit is the product of engaging with something larger than ourselves.

Who do you care about impacting today? Your local community? A specific charity or cause? Your family?

Anxieties

What are the fears and anxieties that might hold you back from taking purposeful

action today? This is a hard one, but I’ve learned that if you’re willing to look at these head-on, you liberate yourself to jump to a higher level of success because you’re not spending all of your energy trying to suppress or outrun your fears.

Commitments

Purpose-based commitments are goals with a purpose. A how to go along with the why. How do you want to take action? Since you are making commitments just for today, it doesn’t have to be huge, as you’ll see in my examples. The important part is that you aren’t just thinking about purpose, you are living it in your actions.

Put It All Together

Research finds that successfully completing smaller steps boosts our sense of self-efficacy and makes us more likely to achieve larger goals. So put these five parts together into your Daily Purpose Statement Exercise and see where it takes you:

Because I value _________, _________ and____________, I will use my gifts for __________, ____________ and ______________ to positively impact _____________, ______________ and ___________. I accept my fears and anxieties about _____________, _______________ and ______________ and still today make conscious, purposebased decisions to _______________, ____________ and _____________.

Christine B. Whelan

And while my list of purpose-based commitments might seem mundane, or ones that I would do even if I didn’t write them down in this way, it’s been a great reminder that I am taking purposeful action even in the daily choices I make.

I’m on this journey of purpose, and I hope you’ll join me.

After a decade as the Happy Professor at UW-Madison, Christine B. Whelan, PhD, recently accepted the role of Purpose Professor at Emory University.

Five Minutes Per Day Can Improve Your Mental Wellbeing

BY RAQUEL GARCIA TATAR

Science tells us that wellbeing is a trainable skill, and by practicing this we can improve the brain. To me, this means wellbeing can be a choice we can make at any moment of any day — I don’t have to wait until the “right time” to practice and improve. It means choosing to spend just a few moments incorporating this into my day, however I can. As a mother of three small children, sometimes 60 seconds is all I have, and that’s OK!

For example, I try to practice these skills when I attempt to stay calm during my child’s tantrum by identifying the emotions I’m feeling before attempting to help my son identify his feelings. Or, while I’m stuck in traffic during my commute, I think about reconnecting with my larger life values and goals and remembering why I choose to do this job.

At Healthy Minds Innovations (HMI), where I’m the chief science officer, our scientifically-validated framework focuses on four key pillars of wellbeing: awareness, connection, insight and purpose. Here are a few ways you can boost your wellbeing and brain health, crafted by our experts.

Awareness

Give yourself 30 seconds to pause and just breathe. You don’t have to change anything about how or what you are thinking, just allow the thoughts to come and go as they please.

Connection

Small moments of connection add up and make a big difference in our lives.

What’s a small act of kindness or connection you could do today to let someone know you appreciate them?

Insight

During a challenging or stressful time, try to pause for a moment and examine your reaction to it. Practice nonjudgmental curiosity and explore what could be causing you to feel that way. See if you can identify ways to both overcome and grow from this obstacle.

Purpose

What’s important to you? How would you like to look back on your life and choices in a few years? Keep that in mind as you go about your day and use it as a guide for your decisions. You can pair the above skills with other activities known to improve your psychological and physiological wellbeing — especially if they’re things you’re already doing — also known as habit bundling. This can include going for a walk in nature and practicing awareness, or cooking a balanced meal and spending a few seconds appreciating the people who contributed to the food on your plate. I also encourage you to download the free Healthy Minds Program app that HMI developed for mental wellbeing.

Get Your Wellness On Locally

Uncover Your Calling

Take time to give back by making a difference in your community and get on the fast track to finding your true purpose.

Browse volunteer opportunities through danecounty.gov for a chance to use your skills and help local programs thrive. Become a recycling steward with Sustain Dane’s Recycle Better

Program, an award-winning class (July 11 & 18) that encourages neighborhood sustainability.

DreamBank’s Making Time for What Matters five-week session focuses on how to prioritize your time and give your dreams the attention they deserve (Thursdays, July 11-Aug. 8).

Still searching for direction? Sign up to be a seed collector at Pheasant Branch

Remember: small moments of practice can lead to lasting positive change.

Raquel Garcia Tatar is chief science officer and chief operating officer for the Madisonbased nonprofit Healthy Minds Innovations.

Conservancy help diversify local prairies while savoring a beautiful stroll (July 21; Aug. 3, 18, 31)

Raquel Garcia Tatar

Divorce Different.

Stay in control of your own fate and manage this challenging life transition with empathic expertise from Madison Divorce Mediation.

Skillful Legal, Financial, and Emotional Guidance

KIMBERLY RIPP

ATTORNEY

MEDIATOR/OWNER

SANDRA EUGSTER LEAD MEDIATOR/ OWNER

TED GURMAN LEAD MEDIATOR/ OWNER

Madison Divorce Mediation offers an interdisciplinary, team-based alternative to traditional divorce. Let us help you navigate the complexities of un-coupling without unnecessary harm As ethical neutrals, we work efficiently and economically to help you reach balanced divorce agreements that will stand the test of time.

We serve all WI residents. In person o r vi a remote meetings, we will educate you so you can make informed choices with confidence. As you go, we help you manage the difficult emotions that are always part of this experience.

Using alternative conflict resolution strategies, we will set you up for success post divorce. If you have children, we will keep their best interests a t heart, and will strengthen your co-parenting relationship.

440 Science Dr, Ste 102 Madison, WI 53711

608-474-7111

info@madisondivorcemediation.com madisondivorcemediation.com

How I Am Elevating Multicultural Mental Health Care

BY MYRA MCNAIR, LMFT

In 2019, I laid out a vision for Anesis Therapy, the mental health care practice I founded, that encompassed three pivotal goals for our clinic’s evolution. One of those goals was to pioneer an educational conference at the intersection of culture, race and mental health — a platform where mental health professionals could convene to explore, learn and collaborate. This year, I’m thrilled to see that vision come to life as we prepare to launch the inaugural Multicultural Mental Health Conference in Madison.

The seeds of this conference were watered when I attended a mental health conference in 2023 in Uganda. Surrounded by professionals from diverse East African countries, I was struck by the universal challenges we face in this field — human trafficking, maintaining the integrity of face-to-face parenting practices, integrating spirituality into mental health care and honoring cultural rituals within treatment. Witnessing the endurance and resilience of colleagues working with fewer resources spurred me to bring a similar ethos stateside.

The Multicultural Mental Health Conference is a celebration of cultural healing practices drawn from Black, Latinx, Asian and Indigenous communities. We’re shifting

the focus from dissecting issues to spotlighting solutions and best practices. From local initiatives to nationwide policy reforms, attendees will gain insights into building inclusive practices, enhancing cultural competence and addressing systemic barriers.

Beyond the sessions, we’re hosting mixers and networking events to cultivate a sense of community among mental health professionals. These gatherings will provide an opportunity for attendees to share insights, collaborate on ideas and strengthen professional bonds in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.

So, why now? Because the time is ripe for meaningful dialogue, collaboration and action. Because our community deserves innovative approaches to mental health care that honor diverse perspectives. Because together, we can drive positive change in the field. Mental health and medical professionals, community health workers and teachers are invited to join us for the Multicultural Mental Health Conference on Aug. 22. You can register at anesistherapycenter.com/conf24 Let’s reshape the future of mental health care, together.

Myra McNair is owner and founder of Anesis Therapy and a BRAVA 2022 Woman to Watch.

Get Your Wellness On Locally

Strengthen Self-Connection Through Mindfulness

Learning how to live in the now is a critical skill that can help you find happiness in every day.

Explore the power of positivity from the comfort of home with a Madison College online coaching session (July 31) on Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude. Find your flow at UW Health by

combining slow physical movement with meditation in a Qigong-inspired Mindfulness in Motion class (July 25-Aug. 15).

Enjoy a mindful moment and find stillness between the stacks when you drop in on the Sequoya Library meditation group (July 8, 22; Aug. 12, 26).

Gather in Spring Green with Kindled Community Sauna and put your mindfulness to the test with an evening

of storytelling, a wood-fired sauna, and a cold plunge session (offered throughout July & August).

Myra McNair

Lacy Rd.

E. Cheryl Pkwy

The Agora Fish Hatchery Rd.

North to Hwy 12/18

McKee Rd.[PD]

How I’ve Embraced My Inner Child — And You Can, Too

BY TAMI SCHLITZ, RD

Iused to joke that I pursued degrees in exercise and sport science and nutrition to “fix” myself. Even after earning my degrees, I learned that knowledge doesn’t always translate into empowerment because whenever I faced triggers, like not feeling good enough or valued, I found myself in a cycle of emotional binge eating, followed by exercise as a form of punishment.

When I became a health and healing coach and registered dietitian, I pinpointed this self-sabotaging pattern within myself and so many of my clients. They were highly successful in their careers, but still struggled with self-care. That’s when I was drawn to inner child work. It was through this journey that I met my inner child, Lil’ Tam Tam, who told me how much she was still hurting and needing to heal.

My business, Unscripted Healing, facilitates healing our relationships with ourselves, our bodies, food, exercise, family, friends and co-workers. In my inner child work, I guide clients in identifying how childhood wounds resurface and influence them into adulthood, in what often looks and feels like self-sabotage.

For example, as a registered dietitian, I would give clients the tools to build a healthy meal plan. Often, they’d follow the plan for a while, then fall back into old eating patterns and get frustrated. I realized: people know how to eat healthy — but something else was holding them back — and it was usually much deeper than food.

Our fear of failure can disrupt our

health or career goals before giving ourselves a real chance to accomplish them. People-pleasing is another harmful habit because we abandon our own boundaries, goals and dreams out of the need to be liked or feel needed. As a result, our bodies communicate these suppressed emotions and trauma through symptoms like pain, tension, stress, anxiety, weight gain, autoimmune and digestive issues.

So, I tell clients: listen to your body, and be curious. Physical symptoms and negative self-talk are clues. Our bodies communicate suppressed emotions and trauma through symptoms. When it comes to negative self-talk, our egos often criticize us to protect us from the judgment of others, and we become our own bully. Imagine your inner child standing in front of you next time you criticize yourself: Would you say those things to her?

I’ve embraced my inner child by remembering what I loved when I was younger and being intentional about creating experiences that let her out to play, whether that’s on my paddleboard, hiking, being silly with my kids or dancing in the grocery store! I let her personality shine through loud laughs, never acting my age and allowing myself to be seen for exactly who I am. I no longer water myself down out of fear that I am “too much” for some people.

Tami Schlitz is owner of Unscripted Healing, a registered dietitian and podcast host.

Get Your Wellness On Locally

Find a New Creative Pursuit

Mindful hobbies allow us to relax and have even been linked to improved mental health.

Let your mind wander as you focus on the little details during a landscape painting workshop (July 7-9; Aug. 9-11) at Monroe Street Art Center.

The soft “whoosh” of warp meeting weft will transform your thoughts into a meditative mantra as you weave mug rugs and flags with a little help from the Textile Arts Center of Madison (July 13).

For a wellness hobby you can practice at home (or honestly, anywhere), Spry Whimsy Fiber Arts teaches both knitting (Aug. 15, 29) and crocheting (Aug. 6, 20) — no previous experience required.

Settle into the rhythmic hum of the wheel and feel clay between your fingers with one of many wheel-throwing class options offered in July and August through Dongzhu Pottery Studio.

Tami Schlitz

How You Can Feel Empowered During Perimenopause and Menopause

BY SHAYNA MACE

In Dr. Sheryl Spitzer-Resnick’s experience, women are getting a raw deal from the medical community during crucial years of their lives: in perimenopause and menopause.

“Most doctors don’t talk about it. They just tell people, ‘You’re not in menopause yet.’ [Most doctors] ignore perimenopause and they don’t think physiologically about what’s happening, because you can fix almost all of the symptoms [with pharmaceuticals],” she explains. But simply recommending hormonal birth control (such as an IUD or oral contraceptives) and/or prescribing antianxiety medications (which all treat the physical and mental symptoms women may experience) doesn’t reveal the entire picture of a patient’s wellbeing, she says. She’s on a mission to educate women that it’s crucial they advocate for themselves during perimenopause and menopause, because it’s imperative to their future health.

The Facts

So, what happens during perimenopause? Just as the brain ramps up hormone production during the teen years to ready the body for possible reproduction, during the perimenopause years, the ovaries start to lower progesterone levels, which causes increased variability in estrogen levels throughout the month. Perimenopause typically starts for women in their late 30s and early 40s — and can last for up to 10 years before menopause. Eventually, women experience menopause, which is the cessation of a menstrual period for 12 months. Estrogen levels also decrease during menopause.

Perimenopause symptoms can include:

• Anxiety

• Hot flashes

• Irregular menstrual periods

• Insomnia

• Brain fog

• Skin issues

• Vaginal dryness

• Worsening PMS symptoms

The drop in progesterone during perimenopause is what causes these symptoms, explains Dr. Spitzer-Resnick. “Physiologically, the first hormone your ovaries stop making as much of is natural

Get Your Wellness On Locally

Focus on

Feel-Good Fitness

Think outside the gym and try these innovative, joyful ways to move. Reach new heights as you belay through a Boulders Climbing Gym climbing

class (offered Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays every other week).

Slow down with weekly drop-in ballet class at Madison Ballet or make some noise while learning to tap dance at Vibe Dance. Discover a new level of muscle control and have fun as you fly on silks, sling or

progesterone. And that is your calming, anti-inflammatory hormone that’s also protective against breast cancer, uterine cancer and more … [Also] what happens to so many people … is they’re used to being at the top of their game, and then all of a sudden [they may] have a week or even a month where their brain is short circuiting. They’re angry, irritable — their personality isn’t the same. It’s because of this hormone drop.”

Symptom Management

In 2015, Dr. Spitzer-Resnick opened her own clinic, A New Way Forward, to help women experiencing perimenopause and menopause symptoms, as well as hormone and thyroid issues. A Harvardeducated doctor, her previous experience at UW Health and Wildwood Clinic informed her decision to strike out on her own after she saw so many women struggle with their wellbeing during this time in their lives.

Dr. Spitzer-Resnick’s main focus is getting to the root cause of her patient’s symptoms so they can feel better, by balancing their hormones and treating nutritional deficiencies to potentially lower their risks for cardiovascular events, cancer and memory issues down the road.

dance trapeze in a series of classes at Swing State Arial (offered throughout July and August).

Dr. Sheryl Spitzer-Resnick

If “balancing hormones” sounds woo-woo to you, she can explain. Progesterone is a protective hormone for our breast, brain and bone health. Which is important, because a woman’s risk of stroke, heart attack, osteoporosis, dementia and other health issues increase after menopause. That’s because estrogen, which is also protective against these health issues, drops during menopause.

Dr. Spitzer-Resnick typically prescribes patients natural progesterone in a pill or topical cream starting in their 40s, when they start to experience perimenopause symptoms. As a woman advances through her 40s, Dr. Spitzer-Resnick says a patient may need to increase the dose of the cream or the pill as perimenopause symptoms may become more severe.

F“When you go through perimenopause, your pituitary gland yells at your ovaries to make more progesterone — but they can’t. So, they make more estrogen and testosterone. And too much estrogen causes rage, irritability, anxiety, heavy bleeding, etc. But when you put

eaturing:

somebody on progesterone, it lowers those estrogen swings.”

When patients hit menopause, she’s in favor of having women continue to supplement with natural progesterone, and adding in topical estrogen via a cream or patch. (There are caveats to this, of course — women who’ve had breast cancer and other hormonally-influenced health conditions would warrant a different treatment course.)

Advocate for Yourself

Dr. Spitzer-Resnick says the original Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study, which took place from 1991-2005, scared women away from using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) due to increased breast cancer and heart disease risk. However, many women in the study were prescribed oral synthetic estrogen and progesterone (progestin) — which increased those risks. (Numerous studies and articles online also debunk the WHI study, and state that bioidentical

HRT is safe for women to use that are experiencing perimenopause symptoms.) She’s careful to explain that the estrogen and natural progesterone she prescribes are bioidentical (the molecular structure looks identical to the hormones made in our bodies), which doesn’t increase these same risks.

Perimenopause and menopause are much more in the spotlight these days — for good reason. Dr. SpitzerResnick says all women should advocate for themselves at their doctor’s office if they’re experiencing uncomfortable symptoms. What she prescribes won’t be a fit for everyone — but she’s adamant that the medical community needs to evolve to not only better educate women about this stage of their lives — but help them make the best decisions for their health.

“A good provider should be willing to work with you to find the solutions that work for you. I always encourage patients to read and talk to friends to see what works for them.”

Since 1972,

MAKE IT A Madison Summer

Some might consider summer the best time to experience our fair city. So seize this time of year and get out on land or water — there’s plenty to do and see.

BY DENA FRISCH, BARB KRAUSE, SHAYNA MACE, OLIVIA MIZELLE, KEVIN REVOLINSKI AND CICI RINDY

The Lake Life

We’re a region framed by five lakes — all but one of them strung like pearls along the Yahara River. This is your guide to get out and enjoy our watery wonders.

BY KEVIN REVOLINSKI

Water, water everywhere — but what to do on its shores, or in its depths? We’ve got you covered. Here are the best ways to savor the lakes, whether on foot, in a boat or simply enjoying the view.

LAKE MENDOTA

9,781 acres/83 ft. max depth

On Land

Walk or run the Lakeshore Path starting at the Memorial Union 2.4 miles to Picnic Point — but note it continues 1.6 miles farther, past Frautschi Point. Bikes share the trail until the entrance to Picnic Point (but are not allowed past that) where the paved path diverges along University Bay Drive.

On Water

Paddling: Staying close to shore avoids fast boat traffic and offers better views. Outdoor UW at the Memorial Union rents canoes, kayaks and standup paddleboards (SUPs).

Boating: Marshall, Spring Harbor, Tenney and Warner Parks have public boat launches if you own your own watercraft (note: there’s a daily use fee if you don’t have an annual pass, see sidebar, P. 44). Capitol Boat Club, located at Mariner’s Inn, rents pontoons and deck boats. Madison Boats rents fishing boats, pontoons and kayaks at Marshall Park. Want to sit back and relax? Betty Lou Cruises (also moored at Mariner’s Inn) offers a plethora of trips, from dinner experiences to pizza and beer jaunts.

Eat and Drink

The Memorial Union Terrace, obviously! Another option is The Edgewater, where you can pull up your boat to The Boathouse Bar & Grill’s dock for waterside seating. (The hotel’s more formal The Statehouse offers a bird’s-eye view of the water from several stories up, if you prefer that.) On the city’s north side near the marina, enjoy steak and seafood at The Mariner’s Inn.

LAKE MONONA

3,359 acres/74 ft. max depth

On Land

The Lake Monona Bike Loop is a 13-mile route; the stretch from Olin Park to Williamson Street is the best for water views and walking. San Damiano Park in Monona is also nice for a picnic.

On Water

Paddling: Head to Brittingham Park, where Madison Boats has an outpost and water-lovers can enjoy Monona Bay. At Olbrich Park, Rutabaga rents kayaks, canoes and SUPs near the biergarten. Sneak up Starkweather Creek near here. Boating: Law, Olbrich, Tonyawatha, Winnequah and

Pontoon Rides!

Madison School & Community Recreation schedules $5 pontoon rides with pickups from Tenney, Olbrich and Warner Parks, and Goodspeed Pier at the Memorial Union. Madison Boats offers captained pontoon rides from The Edgewater Hotel pier. mscr.org, madisonboats.com

Olin Parks have public boat launches.

Eat and Drink

Monona Terrace’s rooftop Lake Vista Café offers a sunny perch for food and drink, overlooking beautiful blue waters. Monona Bait & Ice Cream has Babcock Hall’s finest (ice cream, of course) plus burgers and subs. Waypoint Public House has a pleasant patio that overlooks Yahara Bay. Drinks are best at the East Side Club’s Tiki Bar or The Biergarten at Olbrich Park.

LAKE WAUBESA

2,074 acres/38 ft. max depth

On Land

Starting from either Lake Farm County Park or McFarland’s McDaniel Park, walk or bike the paved 2½-mile, multiuse Lower Yahara River Trail and you’ll cross the north edge of the lake on a wide, one-mile scenic boardwalk.

On Water

Paddling: Pass under the Lower Yahara Trail boardwalk and explore Upper Mud Lake with channels into the wetlands in Capitol Springs Recreation Area. Barr’s Resort in McFarland rents paddlecraft and row boats.

Boating: Public boat launches are located at Lake Farm, Goodland and Babcock Parks.

Eat and Drink

Christy’s Landing is right on the water, and has an outdoor tiki bar!

LAKE KEGONSA

3,200 acres/32 ft. max depth

On Land

Watch for phase two of the Lower Yahara River Trail to open, running two miles from Fish Camp County Park through Lake Kegonsa State Park, to be completed this fall.

On Water

Paddling: Try Lake Kegonsa State Park or explore up into the Yahara from Fish Camp County Park.

The Yahara River

The Tenney Lock gets boats from Mendota to Monona, with a pre-paid permit. Paddlers love this one-mile stretch, often putting in at Tenney Park. For other Yahara River water trails, check capitolwatertrails.org.

Boating: Ramps are at Pleasant Springs Park, Fish Camp County Park and Lake Kegonsa State Park.

Eat and Drink:

Pet-friendly Springers bills itself as a casual supper club, with outdoor seating and a water’s-edge view.

Sept. 10, 2024

The Madison Club

Tickets available at bravamagazine.com

LAKE WINGRA

336 acres/14 ft. max depth

The only spring-fed lake and the smallest of the five lakes, it is a paddlers’ haven for its no-wake policy for the handful of fishing boats you may encounter. The Arboretum and Vilas Park surround it, lending the illusion you’re not in the heart of a city.

On Land

Hike the Wingra Woods Trail at the Arboretum to get close to the springs that feed Wingra or walk through Wingra Marsh on the north shore. There’s parking south of the juncture of Monroe, Odana and Nakoma Roads. While pleasure drives follow Arboretum Drive from the east entrance to the center — especially on Sundays when the central gate opens to the west side — the road is shared by runners, walkers and bikers. Go slow and watch for crossing turtles!

On Water

Paddling: Anywhere!

Rent non-motorized craft, including SUPs, canoes, kayaks, paddleboats and row boats from Madison Boats at Wingra Park. Boating: Wingra Park has the only boat ramp. Remember: no wake.

Eat and Drink

There are no restaurants actually on Lake Wingra, but Monroe Street is a short stroll from Wingra Park, where you can find Fairchild for James Beard Awardlevel dining, pub grub at Laurel Tavern, a variety of eats at Everly, poke bowls at Miko Poke and more. Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream is a stone’s throw away as well for cool treats.

Boat Ramps FYI

Public boat ramps require a daily or annual county permit. In 2024, fees are $8 daily or $50 annually for Dane County residents, including for kayaks and canoes. Lake Kegonsa and Governor Nelson State Parks require a state park sticker rather than a county permit.

Live Music Galore

Summer isn’t over yet, and neither is live outdoor music. These concert series bring music of all genres throughout the Madison area.

BY OLIVIA MIZELLE

SUMMER FUN SERIES

Thursdays in July and August

Downtown Middleton’s Stone Horse Green hosts live music and activities throughout the summer. Catch artists like Ced Ba’etch Freestyle Guitar and Slipjig Celtic Band. stonehorsegreen.org

VERONA CONCERTS IN THE PARK

Thursdays through Aug. 22

Presented by the Verona Area Chamber of Commerce, Century School Park features live music every Thursday. Local bands like the Lost Lakes and Waunakee Big Band will play. visitveronawi.com/event/concerts-inthe-park/87

CONCERTS AT MCKEE

July 15 & Aug. 19

On July 15, catch Wisconsin band The Mascot Theory’s new classic rock sound. On Aug. 19, Madison’s premiere Latin powerhouse Grupo Candela takes the stage. fitchburgchamber.com/cvb/ concerts-at-mckee

ALLEN CENTENNIAL GARDEN

SUMMER CONCERTS

July 21; Aug. 4, 18

Jazz music from a variety of artists will enhance the garden scenery for three wonderful evenings. allencentennialgarden.wisc.edu

SUN PRAIRIE CONCERTS IN THE PARK

July 23; Aug. 6, 27

Find local music, food trucks and drinks at Wetmore Park for three more Tuesdays this summer. For any Sun Prairie Swifties, Aug. 27 is Taylor Swift night! cityofsunprairie.com/1611/concerts-inthe-park

DANE DANCES

Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

The Monona Terrace rooftop turns into a dance floor with this family-friendly event, celebrating its 25th anniversary. Artists including Luisito Rosario and Montage Band will play. danedances.org

SESSIONS

AT MCPIKE PARK

Aug. 8-11

Blues, classic rock, even polka — the Sessions at McPike Park will have a little bit of everything. Aug. 8 and 9 are evening shows, and Aug. 10 and 11 will have daytime and evening shows. sessionsatmcpike.org

LIVE MUSIC AT CAPITAL BREWERY

July 12, 19, 20, 26; Aug. 2, 3, 9, 16, 23, 30

Experience the best of Madison’s local bands with a beer in hand in Capital Brewery’s biergarten this summer. (Note: some shows have a cover charge.) capitalbrewery.com

Taste of a City

Taste of Madison hits the Capitol Square once again from Aug. 31-Sept. 1. This year, the free food and live music festival features over 90 restaurants — the most the festival has ever had.

Although you’ll see the usual cheese curds, tacos, pork sliders and mac ‘n’ cheese, the festival celebrates Madison’s worldly palate. This year attendees can sample Café Costa Rica Mango Man Cooks’ sweet plantains, Buraka’s dorowot (spicy chicken stew), Culinaynirvana’s kimchi curds, Glazed’s mochi donuts and much, much more.

Post-festival, Taste of Madison works with local food pantries and shelters, such as The River Food Pantry, to donate surplus food and supplies.

– Shayna Mace

Fun Facts:

30: Number of women-owned restaurants at the festival this year.

42: Number of years Taste of Madison has been around.

500-600: Number of volunteers that help out at the event, which are part of 30-plus volunteer groups.

$86,000: Average amount of money donated to nonprofits that help work the event.

250,000: Average number of attendees every year.

$2.3 million: Amount of money Madison Festivals, which puts on Taste of Madison, has donated back to local nonprofits since 1995.

Madison’s Annual Premier Gala to Prevent Child

The Rainbow Project invites you to The 20th Annual

Finding Your Path

Whether you’re out with the kids, the pets, or your binoculars, or just out to get away from it all, there’s a great hike a short distance away.

BY KEVIN REVOLINSKI

GREAT FOR BIRD WATCHERS

It’s become the rage lately — so get in on the fun.

Cherokee Marsh

A loop around the entire park takes you through three miles of varied habitats with diverse birds, including cranes, eagles, owls, warblers and bluebirds. Easy

Lake Farm County Park

The park’s 2.2-mile loop trail has a connection to the Lower Yahara River Trail boardwalk, but keep along the lake side of the loop through the forest to view wood ducks, woodpeckers and an assortment of songbirds. Easy

Pheasant Branch Conservancy

Walk out and back a couple of miles along the creek or follow a nearly fivemile loop through the conservancy with woods, wetlands, savanna and prairie. It’s all fairly level, except for a short climb for a hilltop view of Madison. Easy-moderate

WITH YOUR DOG

Most parks allow pups — always on a leash — except in specific areas where they may be allowed off-leash.

Governor Dodge State Park

The three-mile loop of the Lost Canyon Trail starts at photogenic Stephens’ Falls with a few modest uphill climbs. Cox Hollow Lake has a dedicated pet swimming beach and picnic area. Easy-moderate

Governor Nelson State Park

A total loop of the park is nearly four miles through forest and prairie, and a dog swim and picnic area with a Capitol view awaits at the end. Easy-moderate

Lake Kegonsa State Park

A pet area has a couple of quarter-mile loops and nearby is a swim area with a pier to jump off of. Easy

FAMILY-FRIENDLY JAUNTS

Rocky Arbor State Park

The 1.1-mile loop through the overgrown former bed of the Wisconsin River feels a bit like Jurassic Park with all the ferns and hidden sandstone. Easy-moderate

Edna Taylor Conservation Park

View Native American burial mounds as you hike in the forest, wetlands and over a boardwalk — then stop in at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center for some kidfriendly education. Easy

Pheasant Branch Conservancy

Devil’s Staircase Segment

Natural Bridge State Park

Who doesn’t like a cool rock formation? It’s less than half a mile to the 35-foot-high sandstone arch, but a full loop of the park is 2.4 miles, which is mostly shaded. Moderate

HIDDEN GEMS

Carpenter-Ridgeway Park

The paved, multi-use Starkweather Creek Path passes through this lovely neighborhood park, which recently popped up on local birders’ radars for a rare appearance of a Hooded Warbler. Dirt paths into the woods and along the banks of Starkweather Creek are perfect for a meditative, slow stroll. Easy

Chapel Gorge Trail (inside the Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area)

This 1.6-mile loop through the forest offers the only land-based look at The Narrows from the east bank of the Wisconsin River with views of the carved half-billion-year-old Cambrian sandstone. Easy

Gibraltar Rock Segment

A four-mile lollipop trail from Merrimac Ferry climbs the hills for views of Lake Wisconsin. Moderate

Arbor Ridge & Devil’s Staircase Segments

A 5.6-mile roundtrip trek starts in Janesville’s Arboretum and follows the sandstone cliff along the Rock River in Riverside Park. Easy-moderate

Dreaming Up the Night Mares

Madison is gaining another women’s sports team for fans to cheer on. The Madison Night Mares, a new collegiate softball team, is kicking off their inaugural season this summer.

The Night Mares are part of The Northwoods League (which the Madison Mallards belong to) and share the Mallards’ iconic north side stadium, The Duck Pond. The league had long wanted to bring women’s collegiate softball to Madison over the summer, and with the support of Mallards’ general manager, Samantha Rubin, and president, Vern Stenman, the idea came to life.

Prior to joining the Night Mares, head coach Aaron Moore was the women’s assistant softball coach at Trinity University. Moore also served as head women’s softball coach at Roosevelt University and Morton College.

“Madison has a great softball culture and has experienced success at the

collegiate level. The fans are very supportive of the Wisconsin Badgers, and it’ll be exciting to see those fans come out and support these women here,” says Moore.

The team’s roster is packed with 16 talented collegiate players, some of which hail from UW–Madison, UW–Parkside and Madison College.

The team announced their name and logo at an event at The Orpheum Theater last April. The logo has nods to Madison, including five lines on the mare’s wings, representing the region’s five lakes.

The Night Mares’ inaugural season kicked off at The Duck Pond on June 16. Games are scattered throughout July, with their last home game of the season on Aug. 6.

– Cici Rindy

Governor Nelson State Park

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–Scalp and Eyebrow Transplant, PRP regenerative therapy, and low-level laser light therapy for hair loss

–Laser and Microneedling skin rejuvenation and injectables therapies for reversal of photoaging and correction of scars

–Dr. Shamila Rawal’s own medical-grade skincare line tR(x)i prescribed to treat many skin types and conditions

Dynamic Downtown

What to do downtown this summer.

COMPILED BY

SHAYNA MACE

Downtown Madison is hopping with activities this summer for all ages. And, the new #FlockToState initiative is the City of Madison’s Pedestrian Mall Experiment that closes off the 400-600 blocks of State Street to non-emergency traffic for maximum pedestrian walkability until October. A series of new events commemorate the #FlockToState experiment, noted with asterisks below!

July 9, 16, 23, 30; Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27

Lunch Time Live, 12-1 p.m.

Free concert on the King Street walkway of the Capitol Square, featuring different live music acts each week.

July 10 & Aug. 7

Wellness Wednesdays*, 4-6 p.m.

Free rock climbing with Boulders Climbing Gym on the 400 block of State Street.

July 16

LOVEzONE LIVE*, 6-7:30 p.m.

A hip hop series featuring a rotating slate of artists, comedians, spoken word artists, poets and more on the 400 block of State Street.

July 18-21

Maxwell Street Days, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (July 18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.)

The popular summer sidewalk sale returns with the biggest shopping event of the year. Find great bargains on clothing, jewelry, gifts, artwork, sporting goods,

books and more, plus fabulous food from State Street and Capitol Square shops and restaurants.

July 26 & Aug. 30

Police in the Park, 4-6 p.m.

Meet downtown Madison police officers, see the motor and bicycle patrol, and meet the horses and dogs of the Mounted Patrol and K9 Unit at Lisa Link Peace Park.

July 27

Are you Ready for a Wisconsin Adventure?*

The Wisconsin Historical Society and Madison’s Central Business Improvement District are turning State Street into a road of chance and mystery in honor of Dungeons and Dragons’ 50th anniversary. Brave participants will be on the hunt for the fabled Hodag — a ferocious, lizard-like creature.

July 27-Aug. 11

State Street Games*, 4 p.m.

Join fellow community members to compete in a variety of games, sports and challenges.

July 28 & Aug. 25

Electric Sundays*, 3-7 p.m.

A series of Sunday afternoon music performances in Lisa Link Peace Park with a rotating slate of musicians and performers.

Aug. 8

Madison Night Market, 5-9 p.m.

Vendors mix with State Street retailers to showcase handmade products, local art, artisan gifts, artisanal foods and fresh produce. The event includes live music, special visiting food carts and pop-up restaurant experiences.

Aug. 12, 26

Kids on State*, 4-6 p.m.

Kids can participate in skills drills with the Forward Madison Football Club on the 500-600 blocks of State Street (Aug. 12). Kids can bring their bikes for a bike rodeo and obstacle course (Aug. 26).

Aug. 24

Forward Madison Football Club Watch Party*, 6-9 p.m.

Join other Forward Madison Football Club fans at Hawk’s Bar & Grill as they cheer on the home team on the road. There will be drink specials, door prizes and mini games outside.

Mad for Mobile Food

Suffice to say, Madison knows how to do food trucks. Here are nine of the best, serving globallyinfluenced eats.

BY KEVIN REVOLINSKI

LIBRARY MALL

Fresh Cool Drinks

Serving fresh juices, including the awardwinning mango tango and berry blast smoothies, Kim Nguyen’s cart is also hugely popular for her single spring roll that’s as big as four normal rolls! (The avocado roll is also legendary.) Get there early and expect a wait as each order is meticulously prepared. Open daily, 11 a.m. -3 p.m.

Surco

Often near the top of the city’s annual Food Cart Review rankings, Surco serves Peruvian fare. Arroz con pollo (a gluten-free dish with marinated chicken and rice) is the top seller, and the twocheese scalloped potatoes can be served vegetarian or with chicken. Condiments include three sauces of varying heat. Open daily, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. surcocart.com

Bombay Fast Cafe

Named for a city famous for 24/7 food carts, Milind Ranade’s cart serves only vegetarian fare — and five of her seven dishes are vegan, too. Sides include naan, rice and chutneys. The potato

burger is made with deep-fried curry mashed potatoes and is a must-try. Open Tues-Fri, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (plus Saturdays during the Dane County Farmers’ Market). facebook.com/bombayfastcafe

Bulgogi Korean Taco

A student favorite, their name says it all — they hawk Korean marinated proteins married with Mexican tortillas. Find bulgogi tacos or quesadillas and bibimbap burritos, all with steak, chicken and tofu options. Open Mon-Fri, 11 a.m.3:30 p.m.

Caracas Empanadas

The sauces almost steal the show at this city staple known for empanadas and arepas. This cart offers food that’s both delicious and economical. Open Mon-Fri, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (plus Saturdays during the Dane County Farmers’ Market). facebook.com/caracasempanadas

CAPITOL SQUARE

Braisin’ Hussies

Michael “Solli” Sollinger serves slowcooked foods — braised, sous vide and slow-roasted meats and veggies served

Garver Feed Mill

Food Truck Fridays

Sample a variety of food trucks on a rotating basis (Propa Jerk, Gloria’s Mexican, Soho Gourmet and more) at Garver Feed Mill Food Truck Fridays. Held every Friday until late September, attendees can lounge on Garver’s outdoor patio and enjoy food, drinks and live music. Fridays, 5-8 p.m. garverevents.com

over jasmine rice, grain (rye, farro, barley), couscous or soba noodles. Count on creativity with ingredients including lentils, sweet potatoes, wild mushrooms, pork belly or yogurt chicken. It’s also ranked number one in the city’s Food Cart Review rankings since 2019. Open MonFri, 11 a.m.-1:45 p.m. braisinhussies.com

Common Pasta

Owner Jon Rosnow serves his handmade pasta, sourdough focaccia and fromscratch sausage from his popular food truck. The bestselling mac ’n’ cheese has won awards at Taste of Madison. Open Mon-Thurs, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. facebook.com/commonpasta

OTHER LOCATIONS

Saigon Sandwich

Ken Duong’s mother sold banh mi back in Vietnam in the ’70s, and his cart brings the tradition to Madison. Choose from seven protein options, served on crispy baguettes, with a variety of fillings, from pickled veggies and fresh herbs to paté and sriracha. The special combo (BBQ pork and steamed pork roll) is the most popular, along with veggie tofu. At Johnson & North Charter Streets. Open Mon-Fri, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. saigonsandwichwi.square.site

Paddy’s Patties

This family-operated truck serves single and double smashburgers with perfectly crisp edges, made with local beef (or an Impossible Burger patty). There’s an Oklahoma-style version with abundant onions, a Cowboy with spicy barbecue sauce and fried onion rings, and the Ouch packs serious heat. At Karben4, The Boneyard and more. paddyspattiesllc.com

Sizzling Summer Reads

Whether you’re sinking into your favorite seat at the Memorial Union Terrace or lounging by an area lake, these summer book picks are perfect for your sunny escape.

“SWAN SONG”

Elin Hilderbrand, the queen of summer reads, bids farewell to her fans with this final novel. Dive into her beautiful descriptions of coastal living on Nantucket, with several returning main characters from her prior books. Each of her books feels like your own private getaway — we savored this one.

“LIES & WEDDINGS”

“THE PARADISE PROBLEM”

Christina Lauren, the pen name for the duo of long-time writing partners and best friends Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings, are renowned for their charming romance novels. Once again, they’ve authored another lighthearted love story. Just relax, laugh and enjoy the romantic ride! And if you like “The Paradise Problem,” we also recommend their June 2024 release, “Tangled Up in You.”

From the brilliant mind behind the “Crazy Rich Asians” trilogy and its blockbuster movie adaptation, Kevin Kwan delivers the summer’s must-read tome, filled with style and sass. Expect drama and high fashion in this delightful new novel, set in Hawaii. We had the opportunity to meet Kwan last month and listen to an excerpt from his book, and we couldn’t wait to dive in!

– Dena Frisch & Barb Krause

Myra McNair, Anesis Therapy

Shayna Mace, BRAVA Magazine

L-R: Dena Frisch, Kevin Kwan, Barb Krause

WOME N’S

Starting the School Year Off Strong

UnityPoint Health – Meriter shares advice on how to prepare kids for back-to-school schedules.

It’s that time of year again — kids are leaving behind the carefree summer lifestyle and heading back into the classroom. This transition from summer fun back to busy schedules full of homework, fall sports and afterschool activities can be a stressful time and hard to navigate for kids of all ages. UnityPoint Health – Meriter shares some tips on how to get your family ready for going back to school.

Healthy Kids

Preparing for that first day of school is a great time to check in on your child’s health — here are some tips for a healthy back-to-school season:

• Schedule early. Doctor’s schedules can often fill up fast — it’s best to schedule any fall sports physicals or annual checkups for required vaccines before summer is over.

• Sports physical versus annual physical? A sports physical focuses on if a child is physically healthy enough to participate in a sport or physical activity. Sports physicals typically need to be renewed annually for a child to participate in sports.

AFTER 55

An annual physical focuses on a child’s overall health, growth and development benchmarks, and providing annual or schoolrequired vaccinations.

• Stay up to date on vaccinations. Talk to your doctor about the typical vaccine schedule or any recommended vaccinations for your child’s age group. If your kiddo is worried about vaccines, let them know vaccines could be a possibility at their upcoming appointment and help them mentally prepare for them ahead of time.

• Be prepared. If your family health history or your insurance has changed, or your child is taking any medication, have that information ready and at hand to discuss with your child’s provider. You can also make a list of any concerns you’ve had since your child’s previous exam or questions you may have about their participation in sports.

Preparation is Key

Start early in prepping your child for back to school, so you can gradually

help them adjust to a change in their schedule.

• Slowly return to school bedtimes for children in the one to two weeks prior to school starting. This may involve actively waking them up at the time they need to get up for school.

• Children may feel anxious about returning to school. Check in with them periodically in the weeks leading up to, and after, school starts. A great time to talk with your child is in the car or during activities where they don’t feel grilled (i.e., not using direct eye contact). Going for a walk or playing with the family pet are great times for children to open up more about their fears or worries regarding returning to school.

As you get ready for your back-toschool season, UnityPoint Health

– Meriter is here to support you and your family’s needs. To learn more about our primary care clinics and mental health treatment, visit unitypoint.org/locations.

Perfect Pairings

Whether it’s in music, the culinary arts or community engagement, these area couples are passionate about what they do — and are fabulous fits with one another.

BY SHAYNA MACE, KATIE VAUGHN AND HANNAH WENTE PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE

Kyle Julius and Lauren Montelbano

A Masterfully Musical Pair

Music has always been a passion for Naha Greenholtz and Kyle Knox. It’s what brought them together — even before they became a couple.

Greenholtz, a violinist from Vancouver, and Knox, a clarinetist from New Jersey, first crossed paths in 2002 while playing in a youth orchestra in New York City. Two years later, they were both attending Juilliard, but it wasn’t until they spent six weeks touring in Italy that they connected. Afterward, Knox moved to Los Angeles and Greenholtz returned to New York.

“I sent her an email,” Knox says, “and we started dating long distance.”

Knox visited Greenholtz while in New York for an audition, and when he needed to move to New Jersey for the summer, she helped. “We drove cross-country together,” she says. “That was our second date.”

Their relationship continued, and strengthened, as they moved around for their careers, until they both relocated to Milwaukee. They married in 2009 and in 2012 moved

What do you admire most about your partner?

“She’s an amazing artist. She is a first-class concertmaster and violinist. And she’s incredible with our kids. I learn from her always, especially how to slow down and be present.”

–KyleKnox

to Madison, where Greenholtz is the concertmaster for the Madison Symphony Orchestra (as well as the Quad City Symphony Orchestra) and Knox is associate conductor of the Madison Symphony Orchestra and music director of the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras. (Knox transitioned to conducting following an injury that prevented him from playing the clarinet.)

The communication skills they developed early in their relationship serve them well today as they work together at the symphony and raise their two young children, Miki and Max. They also draw upon their shared love of music and an understanding of what’s required to succeed in their demanding and competitive field.

“One of the things that most attracted me to him and started our relationship off strong was having similar artistic sensibilities,” Greenholtz says. “That’s just really evolved and deepened as we’ve matured together.”

–

Katie Vaughn

Love at First Sip

Jessica and Erika Jones have been together for 21 years — half of Jessica’s lifetime. They met at a summer camp in 2003.

“It was love at first sight for some,” jokes Erika.

After getting to know each other throughout Jessica’s senior year of college at UW-Madison and during Erika’s tenure at AmeriCorps in the Twin Cities, the two married in 2006.

Today, they are co-owners of Giant Jones Brewery on Main Street in Madison — a dream that was 10 years in the making. Erika focuses on the business side, and Jessica focuses on brewing certified organic beer.

“We have attention to detail and capacity for different things,” explains Jessica.

Outside of out-of-town jaunts, the two are never in a different room for more than four hours at a time — a testament to their communication skills and similarities.

“We’re the same person,” says Jessica. “We share a wardrobe, and our tastes are the same. We have mutual interests — we love building community around those things, whether it’s beer or a four-course dinner party.”

Giant Jones opened in 2019. Weathering the pandemic and navigating the first five years of a small business is no small feat. For years, the couple were the only employees and typically didn’t pull a salary, which placed a lot of stress on the women as they sought to expand their business.

“One person might need more support than the other person. We have a rule that we can’t be sick or stressed at the same time,” says Erika.

Ultimately, their relationship is built on trust and mutual admiration. It’s a sentiment that carries through to how they interact with employees and the product itself.

“I feel like you’re so talented in creating flavor,” Erika tells Jessica. “I love being able to support your talent and share that with everybody.”

The feeling is mutual.

“When you say, ‘This is amazing,’ I just f*cking light up,” responds Jessica. “I’m really inspired by you. Your enthusiasm for the things you’re interested in makes me want to nurture that.”

– Hannah Wente

What’s one tradition that you both cherish?

“We have this great cake tradition. The last digit of your age is how many cakes you get, from one to 10. I make the cakes and text people to come over and eat them.”

– Jessica Jones

A Perfect Duet

Leotha Stanley first noticed his future wife at a gospel choir rehearsal, but surprisingly it wasn’t Tamera’s voice that caught his attention.

“He saw the back of my head and my hands and said, ‘I’m going to marry her,’” Tamera says. Fortunately, a gospel conference reunited their church choirs the following week, and Tamera and Leotha found themselves sharing a pew. Then Tamera’s godson dropped a pacifier.

“We both bent down to pick it up, and the rest is history,” says Leotha, a renowned pianist and composer.

Leotha asked Tamera, a talented soloist, to help him teach a gospel class at UW-Whitewater, with him commuting from Madison and her from Milwaukee. Over the next few years, the pair got to know each other. They married in August 2008 with all four of Leotha’s adult children (from his first marriage) present.

After their honeymoon, Tamera moved to Madison and joined Leotha at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where he serves as the music director.

“I was supposed to be able to sit and relax,” she says. “I’m still waiting to do that. I was up and going and singing and working with the choir right away.”

And they’ve remained busy. Both regularly bring music to local schools and lead several choirs, including the MLK Community Choir. Tamera is also the family, staff and community engagement liaison for the Verona Area School District and Leotha recently began running Umoja magazine.

But faith, music and time together form the foundation of their relationship. Each morning, they start the day by praying together.

“What we’ve learned through our time is to stay connected,” Tamera says.

They’ve continued collaborating, too. Each holiday season, they lead the Mt. Zion Gospel Choir in performances with the Madison Symphony Orchestra and hold the Stanley Gospel Carols concert. And they’ve co-written several songs, which Leotha dreams of recording one day.

“We have half a dozen songs that we’ve written together,” he says. “The songs just came together, like we came together.”

–

Katie Vaughn

What are three words that describe your spouse?

“Creative, spontaneous, loving.” –TameraStanley “Beautiful, giving, Godly.” –LeothaStanley

A Chef’s Kiss Pairing

They say opposites attract, and Lauren Montelbano and Kyle Julius embrace their differences to support each other in local food businesses — and in life.

The duo met at Oliver’s Public House, where Montelbano was a dishwasher and training in prep and pastry, and Julius joined the staff shortly after. Nine years later, the couple has built a successful marriage and two local catering businesses.

“We had such good chemistry and a team mentality,” says Montelbano. “When you identify somebody who is your ride or die [in the restaurant industry], you hang onto them.”

Montelbano owns The Vibrant Veg, a vegan meal preparation and catering business. Julius works full-time for Kessenich’s as a commercial kitchen planner and launched his side hustle, Chef at Large, an off-grid and private catering business, in 2021. Working in the same field allows them to support each other in a deeper, more meaningful way.

“We’re in the same industry,” says Julius. “When I feel haggard, Lauren can share the misery, or we get to rejoice together. We both understand what it means to make 600 portions for an event!”

At times, the couple works events together — especially

when a client wants both vegan and meat entrée options. Montelbano typically runs the front of the house, socializing with guests, and Julius settles into the back of the house, finishing each dish.

“We almost don’t have to talk,” shares Montelbano. “You know what the other person needs. We’ve really worked on our communication skills in our relationship and our business. It provides a canvas to work off of.”

She says their greatest strengths come from their differences. Montelbano has often wished Julius was a sober vegan because it would make life so much easier. However, their devotion to each other has pushed them to deeply understand and respect the other’s value systems. In turn, it has helped them be more open to people that may have different beliefs. They recognize someone can still be an amazing person, even if they see the world differently.

“When you work with someone, your relationship can split,” explains Montelbano. But cheering each other’s success in their respective businesses is something that keeps them going. “We get to see each other shine constantly.”

– Hannah Wente

What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to do together?

“Professionally, we dream of having property. People could come have an intimate evening at an on-farm dinner, get rest and respite, and we could use it as an animal sanctuary.”

–KyleJulius

How do you complement one another?

“Lester and I both believe in the importance of philanthropy and advancing opportunities for all Madisonians.”

– Roberta Gassman

A Community-Minded Couple

Roberta Gassman and Lester Pines have both been incredibly successful in their respective fields of politics and law over the past 50 years. But they’ve found that supporting and cheerleading each other’s efforts makes their pairing even stronger.

The duo met as undergrads at UW-Madison in 1968 while working as youth leaders at Madison’s Neighborhood House Community Center. It was this common desire to serve their community that eventually brought them together.

“We’ve always shared similar values and a commitment to community, fairness and public service, and we’ve supported each other both as parents, and in our careers,” says Gassman.

Gassman and Pines put down roots in Madison postcollege, went to grad school and law school respectively, married in 1971 and had two daughters.

Gassman has had a storied career in government leadership at the local, state and federal levels. Highlights include serving as the secretary of workforce development under Gov. Jim Doyle, policy advisor on employment and women’s issues under Gov. Tony Earl and deputy assistant secretary of employment and training at the U.S. Department of Labor under President Barack Obama.

Pines is one of the founders and senior counsel at Pines Bach LLP, and has extensive experience before state and

federal trial courts. Similar to Gassman, he too has provided advocacy and advice to three Wisconsin governors as well as President Obama. Both Gassman and Pines have also been awarded numerous accolades from local and national organizations for their work.

The couple has always had an eye on the city’s future and wellbeing. A former Overture Center board member, Gassman is now on the Capital Campaign Cabinet for Overture Forever, which is leading the $30 million fundraising effort to support the center’s future capital needs. They are also Madison Community Foundation fundholders and Legacy Society members, with Gassman having served on its board for 11 years, including as past immediate chair.

“This has all been very meaningful to me as I have been fortunate to get to work on so many community-building efforts,” explains Gassman.

Interestingly, Gassman and Pines found out that their greatgrandparents lived in towns only 30 miles apart in Lithuania, which they visited a few years ago. Both sides of their families fled the country because of religious persecution.

“How amazing that so many decades later, with such common roots, we ended up meeting half a world away in Madison,” says Gassman. “We carry on for [our families], dedicated to tolerance and against the persecution of any people.”

– Shayna Mace

EATING WELL

Six nutrition-focused eateries and businesses you need to check out.

BY KEVIN REVOLINSKI

Healthy eating on the go has never been easier, with juice bars, wholesome bowl menus, meal prep services and even growers offering delivery and pickup.

PURE GREEN

Just a half-block from the UW campus, this sleek, bright space offers a few barstool seats with charging stations. But despite the

Pure Green

couple of coveted cocoon seats hanging from the ceiling, most customers are on the go. Açaí bowls and smoothies can be customized, and bottles of cold-pressed juice and two-ounce health shots are quick grabs from the cooler. They don’t use sweeteners in their smoothies unless you ask — and main ingredients include almond milk, coconut water, orange juice, water or cold brew coffee. Choose a variety of boosters including proteins, greens, superfoods, chia

seeds and spirulina. 634 State St., puregreenfranchise.com/wisconsin/ madison

SUPERCHARGE! FOODS

Founder and co-owner P.T. Bjerke started growing nutrient-dense microgreens in his own house in 2009 — wheatgrass, pea shoots and more — using a proprietary method. He started selling them at farmers’ markets, Willy Street Co-op and restaurants. In 2015, he moved his

production to a larger, 700-square-foot space that produced 15 tons of food last year. Find SuperCharge! Foods in area grocery stores or opt for a weekly microgreens subscription, delivered to your home. 1902 E. Washington Ave., superchargefoods.com

BENEBLENDS

Bananas line the back wall of Beneblends, where daily, up to 80 pounds of them become the base and sweetener for most of their smoothies and bowls (though honey and agave syrup are on hand). The CPB — chocolate peanut butter — is their most popular bowl, and a good place to start. All items are vegan, dairy-free and glutenfree, and protein powders are optional add-ins. The Verona location even has a drive-through! 558 Junction Rd. & 208 E. Verona Ave., Verona, beneblends.com

LEANFEAST

This grab-and-go meal prep business offers portion-controlled dishes via their storefront or by delivery. Select your protein and serving amount (from four to eight ounces), carb and portion size, then veggies, add-ons and sauces. Salads and breakfasts are also available, and all meals can be made gluten-free. If you opt for a subscription, your order is ready for pickup each week or you can have it delivered within a 20-mile radius. 2911 University Ave., leanfeast.com

Pure Green

Foods

BLENDED

Located at Hilldale, Blended offers a plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free menu with organic açaí or dragon fruit bowls and smoothies. (The peanut butter bowl is the bestseller.) Fresh juices come in 16- and 24-ounce sizes with an optional ginger shot. While there is some indoor and outdoor seating, most patrons just grab and go. Other grab-and-go options include energy bites, snack balls made with nuts and dates, and pre-blended açaí bowls for your freezer. 717 Hilldale Way, blendedmadison.com

FORAGE KITCHEN

At this fast-casual spot, customers line up at the counter to select from salads or grain bowls. While vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options make up the bulk of the menu, chicken and tuna are available as add-ons. The fiesta bowl is by far the most popular, with corn, poblano-cabbage slaw, cheddar, black bean spread, pico de gallo, cilantro, tortilla strips and salsa. They recently started offering wraps, too. A value menu and kid’s menu serves smaller appetites. Find Forage on State Street and in Sun Prairie, Monona, and Middleton as well. Five area locations (check website), eatforage.com

Kevin Revolinski writes about travel and food, and often travels for food.

Forage Kitchen

SAY BONJOUR TO THESE FRENCH BAKERIES

Savor some delightful treats and experience a slice of authentic French culture.

BY HANNAH WENTE PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE

As the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris captivate audiences worldwide this month, why not elevate your watch party with a taste of France? In the heart of the Midwest, French transplants, descendants and enthusiasts are passionately preserving traditional French baking techniques.

FAR BRETON BAKERY

Marie Arzel Young remembers yearly summers as a kid spent in Brittany — an area of France with its own Celticlike language, near Wales, England and Ireland. The area has its own specialties like kouign-amann (a cross between a croissant and a sticky bun) — which she shares with Madison at her northside bakery and at the Dane County Farmers’

Market. The culture and language of Brittany is called Breton — hence the name Far Breton Bakery.

“In my 20s, I was watching Jacques Pepin and Julia Childs, then recreating their dishes,” reminisces Arzel Young. “I thought, ‘I’m the best cook and baker I know — maybe I should turn it into a career.’”

As a kid, Arzel Young’s grandmother would drive to the supermarché to pick up frozen croissants. Young Marie would wrap one in foil and put it in the hot oven. This warm and fuzzy memory was recreated for her while working years back for Odessa Piper, founder of L’Etoile, baking croissants. Arzel Young merged these experiences with Julia Child’s French cooking and what she learned during Madison College’s culinary arts program and made a few changes to

Far Breton Bakery

launch the croissant that’s on her bakery’s menu today.

An expansion of her current space is already underway, and Arzel Young says it should be completed in late 2024 or early 2025. 1924 Fordem Ave., farbretonbakery.com

MACARONS BY SIM

Simona Fabian sells handmade, gluten-free and dairy-free French macarons for special occasions and at the Madison Night Market, Sun Prairie Farmers’ Market and Monroe Street Farmers’ Market.

She found baking to be the perfect business and fit for her life as a stay-at-home mom.

“I had friends ask me to sell baked goods that I was bringing to parties,” says Fabian.

One day, a friend asked her to make macarons. Word got out and macaron orders started pouring in. She officially opened Macarons by Sim five and a half years ago.

“It’s a very light, delicious and fancy dessert,” she says.

Her 20-plus brightly-colored macarons come in flavors like organic raspberry, red velvet with a cream cheese filling and cookies and cream with crushed, gluten-free Oreos in the center. Seasonal summer flavors include piña colada and margarita. She also hosts macaron decorating classes at Wine & Design.

Although her name is French, Fabian is Romanian. She comes from a long line of bakers — her mother-in-law has been a baker for 40 years.

“It was just meant to be,” she says.

As for a storefront, stay tuned. @macaronsbysim

LA BAGUETTE

Carine and Olivier Vigy moved from east of Paris to Madison in 2001. They opened their bakery and restaurant on Mineral Point Road in 2008 to share French culture and cuisine with Madisonians.

“My husband is a French baker. He trained and went to school in France,” says Carine.

As a traditional boulangerie, they offer lunch sandwiches made with fresh bread. One is the Parisien, with ham, Swiss cheese, butter and cornichons (tiny sweet pickles also known as gherkins) on a baguette. The bakery case is stacked full of a variety of tarts, eclairs, quiches and macarons. The most popular breakfast pastry items are the pain chocolat and almond croissant. Fresh crepes are available to order — just as they would be served on the streets of Montmartre. 7424 Mineral Point Rd., labaguette.cafe

Hannah Wente loves sharing the stories of farmers, chefs and entrepreneurs.

(L-R) La Baguette

Far Breton Bakery

GLOBAL CUISINE ON ATWOOD AVENUE

A West African immigrant’s dream is realized in her new restaurant, Les Délices de Awa.

BY HANNAH WENTE PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE

Awa Sibi followed her brothers and uncle to Madison at age 22. Like many immigrants, she yearned for the food she grew up eating in the Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) in West Africa. She began cooking for African immigrants out of her student apartment.

“If you’re homesick, you need your food,” explains Sibi. “I was [cooking] for everyone — friends, brothers and cousins.”

In August 2018, Sibi launched Les Délices de Awa, a catering business. After starting her business, she got divorced, making her a single parent again to her son (with a previous partner), who has cerebral palsy. Sibi and her son moved into a shelter for domestic violence survivors where they lived for three months. Despite these struggles, she kept her vision firmly on maintaining her livelihood.

Fast-forward a few years, and Sibi met with mentors from the Together We Build Program, a private donor fund established through the Urban League of Greater Madison, who helped her apply for a loan to open her restaurant in 2024.

“[That] was the best day of my life,” she says. “I relived all of the pain I went through. I feed myself through this pain. I’ve been through the trauma of domestic abuse and divorce — but it got me pumped to go do the next best thing.”

In her newly-opened Atwood Avenue spot, many of the dishes on her menu are inspired by street vendors who sold food outside of her school when she was growing up, and by her mom. Her favorite dish on the menu is attiéké (also called acheke), an Ivorian side dish made with cassava; and Thieboudienne, a complex Senegalese/Gambian fish, rice and vegetable dish.

She’s always amazed at the people who linger after a meal, because the place brings comfort to them. It brings joy to Sibi as well.

“We haven’t made it yet,” she says. “But I built it — I was part of every decision. This is comfort and this is home.”

Les Délices de Awa will also be participating in the Madison Black Chamber’s Black Restaurant Week, taking place this year from Aug. 11-18.

AN

ARTFUL JULY AND AUGUST

BY JESSICA STEINHOFF

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

DANE COUNTY FAIR

July 18-21, Alliant Energy Center

With a carnival, roller derby and cream puffs, the fair has entertainment aplenty this year. The concert lineup includes local country act Madison County and the Wisconsin Singers, UW-Madison’s elite touring popmusic ensemble. danecountyfair.com

SESSIONS AT MCPIKE PARK

Aug. 8-11, McPike Park

This little music fest makes lots of joyful noise. Roster highlights include multilingual Afropop group Mokoomba (Aug. 8), guitar goddess

Rosie Flores (Aug. 9) and transatlantic rap act Sidi Wacho (Aug. 11), whose social-justice anthems are as hot as their dance-ready bangers. sessionsatmcpike.org

LIVE MUSIC

WISCONSIN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA’S CONCERTS ON THE SQUARE

July 17, Capitol Square, King Street corner

Madison native Andrew Balio, the Baltimore Symphony’s principal trumpeter, shares the spotlight with Matthew Onstad, the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra’s top-seated trumpeter, for

Vivaldi’s double trumpet concerto and more. wcoconcerts.org

JESSICA PRATT

July 19, Majestic Theatre

After taking her tour to Barcelona and Brussels, Pratt will hit Madison to share “Here in the Pitch,” a new album influenced by orchestral and psychedelic music from the 1960s. majesticmadison.com

OPERA IN THE PARK

July 20, Garner Park

Grab a glow stick and join the Madison Opera Chorus, Madison Symphony Orchestra and their guest soloists for

Wisconsin Singers

an al fresco presentation of opera and musical theater numbers. madisonopera.org

WAXAHATCHEE

Aug. 24, The Sylvee

Katie Crutchfield’s poetic, Americanainfused indie rock honors her Alabama roots while making fans weak at the knees. For proof, check out her excellent new album, “Tigers Blood.” thesylvee.com

THEATER, DANCE, COMEDY AND VISUAL ART

“MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL”

Through July 21, Overture Center Bohemians and aristocrats mingle in a glitzy Parisian nightclub in 1899. Will the smitten-for-each-other dancer and writer get to be together, or will the club’s patron ruin their romance?

Reunion

John DeMain, Conductor

Tommy Mesa, Cello

Greg Zelek, Organ

madisonsymphony.org/ reunion

Umoja, the Swahili word for “unity” and the first principle of the African holiday Kwanzaa, is a beautiful way to bring us together again. We begin our 99th season journey with a work of the same name by AfricanAmerican composer Valerie Coleman. Our Principal Organist, Greg Zelek, plays one of the great works for organ and orchestra, Jongen’s Symphonie Concertante. Tommy Mesa thrilled audiences with Greg on our organ series program and again as a soloist with the Symphony. He returns to perform Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme

Our first concert of the season wraps up with a suite from Manuel de Falla’s colorful, Spanish-flavored ballet, The Three-Cornered Hat

music

Valerie Coleman, Umoja: Anthem of Unity

Joseph Jongen, Symphonie Concertante, Op. 81

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33

Manuel de Falla, Suite No. 2 from The Three-Cornered Hat

PRESENTING SPONSOR Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation

MAJOR SPONSORS

and

and

ADDITIONAL SPONSORS Reynold V. Peterson, Fredrick and Karen Schrank

Capitol Lakes, Elaine

Nicholas Mischler, Diane Ballweg, Jane Hamblen and Robert F. Lemanske John

Twila Sheskey Charitable Fund, in memory of Jennie Biel Sheskey

There’s only one way to know for sure. overture.org

ZANE LAMPREY

July 27, Lone Girl Brewing Company, Waunakee

The brewery morphs into a comedy club for this appearance by the beerloving funnyman who hosts the travel show “Three Sheets.” thelonegirl.com

“MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM”

Through Sept. 7, American Players Theatre, Spring Green Set in 1920s Chicago and filled with hard-hitting blues performances, this August Wilson musical is a must-see. americanplayers.org

“KING LEAR”

Aug. 9-Sept. 28, American Players Theatre, Spring Green American Players Theatre has tapped some of its most seasoned talent, including Brian Mani, LaShawn Banks and Jim DeVita, for the Bard’s gripping tragedy about vanity and betrayal. americanplayers.org

“LOOK WHAT HARVEY DID”

Through Aug. 6, Chazen Museum of Art

The aforementioned Harvey is Harvey K. Littleton, father of the studio glass movement who founded UW-Madison’s groundbreaking studio art-glass program in 1962, and forged a successful career as a glass artist. The show explores his legacy, which shapes the Simona and Jerome Chazen Studio Glass Collection. chazen.wisc.edu

SUGAR MAPLE MUSIC FESTIVAL GROWS SWEETER BY THE YEAR

Madison’s Sugar Maple Music Festival (Aug. 2 & 3, Lake Farm County Park) sprouted more than 20 years ago, giving locals a place to celebrate American roots music in the great outdoors. It also became somewhere for musicians of all levels to play their instruments together and explore the genre’s rich history.

“Our mission involves passing on this music and making it accessible, so we’ve worked to make the festival familyfriendly and beginner-friendly,” says marketing director Stephanie Ramer.

In addition to granting free admission to kids ages 17 and younger who attend with an adult, the fest offers a “little fiddlers” class and a performance by Shauncey Ali’s MadFiddle, a youth violin ensemble that performs folk music from across the globe. Ramer says this year, one of the mainstage artists will also host workshops with youth musicians through a partnership with MYArts. So, who are those mainstage artists? On Aug. 2, they’re husbandand-wife

Americana duo

Admiral Radio, Texas swing outfit the Western Flyers, folk-meetspunk act Sunny War and New Mexican string band Lone Piñon. On Aug. 3, the list includes bluegrass phenoms Seth Mulder & Midnight Run, Cajun-music band Daiquiri Queens and sax-fueled folk trio the Faux Paws.

Fest-goers can dive into the stories behind the music at Roots & Reasons stage, which combines an intimate performance with anecdotes from the artist’s life and knowledge about the musical traditions they carry forward.

“We interview the artists for that,” says Ramer. “It’s a chance to see another side of who they are.” sugarmaplefest.org

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

COMMUNITY IGNITING HOPE!

A cancer diagnosis puts life at a stand still, but it doesn’t have to. You don’t have to face cancer alone. Gilda’s Club provides emotional support, cancer education, and hope for children, teens, and adults with any kind of cancer, at any stage, and for those who care for them. All programs are offered at no cost thanks to the support of our community.

Join us for our upcoming fundraising events to support your community, so that no one faces cancer alone.

GILDA’S RED DOORS GOLF OUTING:

“The Best Tasting Round of Golf” September 9, 2024 | Nakoma Golf Club

Purchase your foursome or sponsorship at GildasClubMadison.org/golf2024

Presented by: Barry & Cindy Alvarez and WKOW 27

GILDA’S RUN/WALK: (2 Mile Walk or 5K Run)

October 6, 2024 | Gilda’s Clubhouse

Purchase your sponsorship or register today as an individual or group and start fundraising at GildasRunWalk.com

Presented by:

Exact Sciences, The Levy Giving Fund, Ruth’s Chris, and WKOW 27

gildasclubmadison.org

MADISON

Available Lincoln BlueCruise1 is a feature that enables hands-free highway driving to help make your commute or road trip less stressful and more enjoyable. BlueCruise takes advantage of a driver-facing camera to ensure that the driver is paying attention to the roadway while the system accelerates, brakes, and steers the vehicle in the lane. Lincoln BlueCruise operates on 97% of controlled access highways in areas called Hands-Free Blue Zones across the U.S. and Canada.

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