BRAVA_JanuaryFebruary_2025

Community ROOTED IN OUR

We all have the power to make a difference in our local communities. Together, let’s focus on the positive impact we can have in the places we live and work.

At Park Bank, we believe that helping others helps us all.

CELEBRATE BRAVA’S

2025 WITH US!

Join us for an evening of networking, food and drink, and recognizing our new honorees

5:30-8 p.m. | Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Plenary Room, Grainger Hall, UW-Madison

Scan me for tickets!

Event Sponsored by

Beethoven x3

John DeMain, Conductor

Ludwig van Beethoven, Leonore Overture No. 3, Op. 72b

Ludwig van Beethoven, Concerto for Violin, Cello, and Piano in C Major, Op. 56 (Triple Concerto)

Ludwig van Beethoven,

Beethoven, Symphony No. 7 Kyle Knox, Conductor

Brahms, Hungarian Dance No. 1

Sibelius, Valse Triste

Bizet, Farandole

features some of the most well-known operatic arias arranged for organ and tenor including works by Verdi, Puccini, Hogan, and Crouch, plus

2025 Women to Watch

Introducing this year’s group of inspiring changemakers who tirelessly push for progress. 32

A Perfect Place

After years of planning, a homeowner settles into her dream home on Lake Mendota.

DEPARTMENTS

MONEY SMARTS

BY KIM SPONEM

no spending involved and plenty of “reduce, reuse, recycle.”

You can also reduce spending and waste with Facebook Marketplace. You can search for items with the “only show free listings” filter. And you can list items you’d like to give away by entering “$0” for the price. Another option is to search for Facebook groups. For example, you might search clothing exchange and find a group that fits.

During the holidays, I was thinking about how much we spend on gifts and then all the packaging waste. I was also thinking I’d like to save more money. I’ve heard people talk about going on a spend diet. What are your thoughts on how to do this?

Great question. I always find the new year an exciting time to refocus on goals and improvements. Reducing spending and increasing savings can build financial confidence and reduce stress. And, yes, we can help the environment, too.

Several years ago, I heard of a trend where people try not to buy new items for a specified period of time. The article focused on the story of a person who challenged themselves to not buy anything new for an entire year, including gifts and not including food, hygiene and personal care/ household items. The person found ways to obtain gifts for people by going to thrift stores, where one can often find never used or slightly used gifts. Another strategy was to find items that could be made instead of bought, using existing craft items or food.

I decided that I would give it a go for six months. I excluded gifts in my challenge as well as food and other perishables. I found not only thrift shops helpful, but also sites like FreeCycle.org.

At FreeCycle.org, you can find items that people in your local community are looking to give to others for FREE – from toys to tools, clothing, furniture and everything in between. And you can clear clutter and post your items there, too. I have a friend who gave a guitar to a teen whose father was deployed in the military, and the mom said it was his first smile in a long time. There is

Garage sales are just a few months away and offer great savings over the cost of new items. With the low prices, it can be tricky to avoid coming home with something we don’t need. We’ve all done that.

During my six-month journey, the greatest benefit was challenging myself to not shop and not buy. I got through a new season with no new clothes or shoes. That was not easy for me. I also did not do this challenge during the holidays, which I’m guessing would have been more difficult, but I am happy to report that I succeeded in my goal. It was also a challenge to not go and buy some of those things I don’t need after my challenge was over. Just delaying the purchase was not the idea of the challenge.

I found I didn’t really need new material items. I got through the new season just fine, and it recommitted me to not buying things that catch my eye in the moment. I’ve slipped since then, and perhaps it is time for me to challenge myself again.

One last thought – if you spent $10 on a pair of jeans that would have cost $95 new, you could transfer up to the remaining $85 to a savings account and watch it grow based on your smart spending. It could be a rewarding way to build an emergency fund or save for something special.

At Summit, we help people put together a plan that works for them. Just getting started is always the first step to increased savings and decreased spending and waste.

Kim Sponem is CEO & President, since 2002, of Summit Credit Union, a $7.5 billion, member-owned financial cooperative with more than 265,600 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.

A SPECIAL ISSUE

One of my favorite sayings is “empowered women empower women.” In fact, I have a T-shirt (purchased a few years back, from woman-owned Dune Gift + Home in Stoughton) that has this printed on it.

And every year, our Women to Watch embody this powerful quote. What’s amazing is that through our nomination process, we continue to discover so many inspiring women in Madison who are making a significant impact — many of whom we had never heard of before. It brings us joy when we can highlight a behind-the-scenes woman whose work deserves to be celebrated.

These are women who aren’t used to being recognized for their work. Often, when we interview Women to Watch, they are quick to credit their team or their personal network as well. And every year, in a pay-it-forward mindset, a few of our Women to Watch are nominated by the prior year’s Women to Watch (we see you, Sarah Jacobson and Uchenna Jones!). Check out all of our honorees who are tackling timely, pressing issues — starting on P. 32.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to embrace winter as a quiet, yet welcome, season every year. I like to take a short walk mid-day because I’ve

read about the health benefits of daily walks — even if it’s for a short bout. It’s also great for maintaining blood sugar and heart health. February is Heart Health Month, and we share a couple of interesting updates on heart health for women on P. 19.

Winter is also the perfect time to treat yourself to a spa day. Watching the snow fall outside as you relax in a spa lounge with a cup of tea sounds heavenly. We detail seven regional spas you you can have some “me time” at on P. 67.

We’re excited for 2025 and have some amazing stories coming your way this year. Thank you for reading and supporting BRAVA — we’ll continue our mission of empowering women, meeting with area organizations and nonprofits to learn about what they do, and writing about the important topics that touch our lives.

Thanks for reading,

Shayna Mace Editorial Director

@shaynamace

A LOVELY EVENING

Join us at UnityPoint Health-Meriter’s Love is Love event on Feb. 15 at Overture Center. The event raises money for its Child & Adolescent Psychiatry hospital’s youth mental health programs. give.unitypoint.org/loveislove

DON’T MISS IT!

Our Women to Watch celebration is taking place on March 4 at the Wisconsin School of Business. Join us for food and drinks, networking and honoring this year’s class of 10 incredible women. Scan the QR code to get your tickets. bravamagazine.com/w2w

HONORING BLACK HISTORY

If you haven’t seen it yet, check out the statue honoring Vel Phillips in front of the state Capitol building that was unveiled last July. Phillips had a storied career, including serving as Wisconsin’s first Black Secretary of State and as a civil rights trailblazer.

BUSINESS

PUBLISHER

Barbara Krause bak@ntmediagroup.com

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Shayna Mace shayna@ntmediagroup.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Melissa Moody mmoody@ntmediagroup.com

Meredith Johnson meredith@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

Shelby Deering, Nikki Kallio, Maura Keller, MaryBeth Matzek, Melanie Radzicki McManus, Kevin Revolinski, Hillary Schave, Katrina Simyab, Jessica Steinhoff, Hywania Thompson, Katie Vaughn, Candice Wagener, Amanda N. Wegner, 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. ©2025

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send address changes to: BRAVA Magazine, 951 Kimball Ln., Ste. 122, Verona, WI 53593-1786.

HILLARY SCHAVE

Hillary has photographed BRAVA’s “Women to Watch” feature since 2015 and has been an invaluable contributor to the package’s creative process. Her small business, Azena Photography (azenaphoto.com), specializes in weddings, professional business portraits and boudoir. When she’s not working, she loves to escape in books, sci-fi/fantasy and the great outdoors.

AMANDA N. WEGNER

Amanda has worked as a writer and communications professional in the Madison area for the last 25 years. In this issue, she wrote about creating cohesion with colleagues in the workplace (P. 16). Now the communications manager for the regional wastewater utility, she also moonlights as a fitness instructor, small business owner, graduate student and sometimes doting mother to a teenage daughter.

SHANNA WOLF

Shanna is a freelance photographer and owner of Shanna Wolf Photography (shannawolfphotography.com). With a background in advertising and communications, she specializes in portrait, documentary and interior photography. Her style is bright and clean, and she’s drawn to simple aesthetics. She loves the storytelling of still photography and being a contributor to projects that are meaningful and positive.

SCANDINAVIAN SURPRISES

Exploring The Century House’s one-of-a-kind offerings.

BY SHAYNA MACE PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA WOLF

The history of The Century House dates back to 1948. Once a private residence, tavern and ceramic studio, this gift boutique has a wonderful patina of old mixed with new.

SHOP LOCAL

NATURE’S BEAUTY ADORNED

Show a special someone (or yourself!) your love with jewelry as unique as they are! Botanical-inspired jewelry blooms in Olbrich’s Gift Shop, inspiring the beauty of nature in necklaces, earrings, bracelets and more. Open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily! All proceeds directly benefit the Gardens. Pictured: handcrafted necklace from Anne Vaughan Designs.

SHOP LOCAL. SHOP INDEPENDENT.

We’re more than mystery! Shop our new releases, fiction, non-fiction, poetry, science fiction and fantasy, horror, rom-com, children’s and of course, mystery books. We also have a selection of puzzles and other bookish items that make perfect gifts for the book lover in your life.

OLBRICH BOTANICAL GARDENS

3330 Atwood Ave. Madison, WI 53704

608.246.4550

olbrich.org

SCANDINAVIAN STYLING, MODERN COMFORT

The IMG sofa and recliner collections bring together clean, modern Scandinavian styling details with enduring comfort and quality. Pieces are made with cold-cure foam to ensure the correct body support and durability. Each style will have you relaxing for years to come.

RUBIN’S CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE

2300 Badger Ln., Madison

608.255.8998

670 S. Whitney Way, Madison

608.274.5575

rubinsfurniture.com

MYSTERY TO ME BOOKS

1863 Monroe St. Madison, WI 53711

mysterytomebooks.com

CANDLELIT COMFORT

Step into Wisco Home Goods, Madison’s East Side gem, and indulge your senses. Known for its exquisite array of candles, soaps and hand-crafted goods, the store is filled with irresistible scents of lavender, vanilla and fresh pine. It’s not just shopping — it’s an aromatic escape. Discover why everyone’s calling it Madison’s most delightful retreat.

WISCO HOME GOODS

4664 Cottage Grove Rd. Madison, WI 53716

608.219.1216

wiscohomegoods.com

If The Century House feels extra homey when you’re perusing the wares, it’s because part of the gift shop was indeed a home at one time. This is especially felt on the second floor, complete with a kitchen, fireplace room, bedroom and dining area — now repurposed into cozy vignettes masterfully merchandised with Scandinavian housewares. Back in the late 1940s and early 1950s, owners Jane Scalbom and Max Howell lived upstairs and operated their business downstairs.

The Century House has since expanded in scope — they also sell home and office furnishings at two other locations. Today, the brand is well-known for its Scandinavian, modern and contemporary home décor, housewares and furnishings, explains manager Kris Schoenbrunn.

“[The gift shop] started out [carrying] Scandinavian gifts years ago after the ceramics studio ceased, because [that was] popular at the time, and we’ve continued that,” says Schoenbrunn. “That aesthetic does well for us.”

Shoppers will find Marimekko’s joyfullyprinted textiles and dinnerware; Dale of Norway’s knitwear; Iittala’s glass items and tableware; and Arabia’s uber-popular Moomin pieces. Schoenbrunn notes the store also has some Italian and Japanese vendors, and there’s even a smattering of Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation decor items as well. Schoenbrunn says the staff enjoys sharing the history behind the brands The Century House carries with customers.

“Quite often there’s a story about a pattern you might see on a dish towel or dinnerware … We receive a historical account of the symbolism of the pattern, why the designer created it and how they were influenced,” she says.

She credits The Century House’s longevity to the business’ unique point of view and emphasis on design.

“The design element is important in the pieces we sell … Most of the items are decorative, but they also serve a function and a purpose,” she says.

The Century House, 3029 University Ave., centuryhouseinc.com

FOUR THINGS TO DO NOW WITH YOUR MONEY

This is the year you take control of your finances.

BY SHAYNA MACE

Your money can seem like an abstract concept when a paycheck hits your bank account or you send money via Venmo. (And does anyone accept cash anymore?)

But keeping on top of your finances is important — just ask Rachel Haberman, a certified financial planner and assistant vice president with Wealthspire Advisors. Here are her tips to get in your money momentum groove.

JUST DO IT

Haberman says pushing yourself to start saving is key.

“A mentor shared with me, even if it’s $5 or $20 a month — just start [saving]. And it made it so much more attainable because … I can put $5 in my savings account or $20 — or whatever the amount is — that’s comfortable [for me],” she explains.

Once it becomes a habit to auto-transfer money from each paycheck (or monthly) to a savings account, it becomes easier, says Haberman. Doing so also keeps your savings separate from your spending money, so you won’t be tempted to spend it.

“Once you’ve developed a habit of saving, you can slowly increase that saving amount and push yourself to save more. That is how I developed a savings plan. I just was never a good saver before that. If it was in my checking account, it felt like spending money!” says Haberman.

MAKE IT AUTOMATIC

“The biggest mistake I have seen [people make] is not participating in their employer-sponsored 401k plan … [or] not [setting aside] enough to get their company match if they have a company match.

So, they’re essentially leaving money on the table every year,” she explains.

“

[Be] really disciplined about saving and know that you’re setting yourself up for future success — and that making small sacrifices now has enormous impact in the future.

— Rachel Haberman

”

A lesser-known hack she points out is to automatically funnel more money into your 401k annually if you get a raise.

“When you do your contributions, [there is an] option for you to turn on an auto-adjusting feature where [yearly], when you get your raise, it can bump up your contribution 1%. If you’re currently [setting aside] 5%, it’ll bump it up to 6% … Let’s say you get a typical 3% raise every year. A percent of that is [now] being included in your savings so that, as your pay increases, your savings increases.”

ELIMINATE LIFESTYLE CREEP

Lifestyle creep occurs when your spending increases as your income grows. Haberman says that if you get a typical 3% raise each year but don’t adjust your savings accordingly, you might end up spending that extra income instead of saving it.

“If you end up spending all of that 3%, you have become accustomed to a lifestyle that your savings [rate] is not going to keep pace with,” she says.

Over time, this can add up to less savings and flexibility in the future.

“[Be] really disciplined about saving and know that you’re setting yourself up for future success — and that making small sacrifices now has enormous impact in the future. [It] provides you so much more flexibility down the road ... ” Haberman says. “Whether it’s flexibility in retirement to travel, or … to change jobs later in your career because you have a good retirement bucket — it can completely change [your] trajectory by being disciplined.”

KEEP GOOD RECORDS

Haberman recommends jotting down all of your assets, liabilities and accounts in one place (she uses a spreadsheet). This is crucial if you’re in a partnership and one partner is more hands-on with your finances than the other.

Haberman says many clients will put together a personal financial statement that has the following information in it:

• Assets (businesses, properties, items)

• Liabilities and loans

• Passwords and logins for credit cards and bank and investment accounts

• Contact information for their professional network, such as investment advisors, accountants and lawyers

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If you or your partner work with an investment advisor, accountant or other professional, Haberman suggests that both of you attend meetings together.

“[Frequently] we’ll have clients where only one of them will join us for meetings, [but] … attending those meetings, even though it’s not of interest or doesn’t seem relevant, helps you to be familiar with who your professional network is [if] something does happen,” says Haberman.

Ashlei Hartmann

GOT GOALS?

Here’s how to align your vision and inspire cohesion at work.

BY AMANDA N. WEGNER

The new year might inspire you to make changes or implement ambitious new goals at work. But some visions can’t be achieved alone — especially if you lead or work on a team. So, how can you create cohesion and inspire others to follow your lead? One step in achieving this is having a clear viewpoint and aligning others to it.

This is easier said than done. For some women, rallying others around your vision in the workplace can bring up self-doubt, or fear of rejection or failure. Your efforts could also get sidetracked by resistance to change or dissension by others.

Luckily, there are strategies for overcoming these challenges, and you can set and communicate your vision with confidence and conviction, says Nancy “Coach K” Kalsow, owner of Kalsow Coaching & Consulting, LLC and author of “Get REAL: Reflect, Engage, Align, & Lead Yourself to Greatness.”

Kalsow’s REAL framework draws on her more than 30 years of leadership experience in the financial services industry. Here’s how to use it to inspire others to your vision.

STEP 1: REFLECT

Ensure your vision is clear and concise. According to Kalsow, the best vision statements are aspirational, and seven words or fewer.

Consider how you will communicate your vision and weave it into your team’s work and day-to-day activities. What evidence will show your vision is successfully being incorporated and accepted?

Carefully examine your vision from all angles. Reflect on questions or lingering concerns to identify potential gaps. If you

have already implemented your vision, consider progress and feedback.

STEP 2: ENGAGE

Once you’re ready to bring it forward, detail your vision. Be specific about the meaning of each word, and provide specific examples of what it will look, feel and be like when you arrive.

It’s about helping [colleagues] connect the vision and their role.

The more you can help them see the alignment to their role, the more they can use their own talents and skills ... — Nancy Kalsow

“Words can have different meanings,” says Kalsow. “Have a dialog about what the keywords in your vision statement mean for the company, as well as the specific behaviors and actions that demonstrate your meaning of those keywords. The definitions help people clarify how they can commit to consistent delivery and make more impactful contributions.”

We’re in the thick of respiratory illness season. Whether it’s a cold or pneumonia, respiratory viruses spread in similar ways and have corresponding symptoms. These eight tips can help your immune system and body recover.

Hydration Is Key

When illness strikes, it often results in low energy and reduced appetite, which can lead to drinking fewer liquids and, ultimately, dehydration. Symptoms of fever, diarrhea and/or vomiting can also cause dehydration.

It’s important to drink plenty of water so your body can fight off illness. There’s no need to overdo the water intake — usually the recommended amount depends on body size — but it’s generally eight 8-ounce glasses of water in one day.

It’s best to stick with water, but 100% orange juice, low-sugar sports drinks, black or green tea, and 100% vegetable juice are also acceptable options. Skip the milk, soda, alcohol and coffee while you’re recovering from an illness.

Eat Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup relieves congestion, since it’s hot and steamy.

Tips for Dealing With Respiratory Illnesses

Unity Point Health – Meriter shares helpful ways to practice self-care.

This can help the nose start to run, which reduces sinus pressure. The steam also helps with dryness and irritation in your nose. The chicken is an easy-to-digest protein and the broth helps with rehydration.

Some other feel-better-fast foods include leafy green vegetables, crackers, eggs, bananas, apples and lean proteins. Skip the dairy as it can be hard to digest and aggravate nausea.

Try Adding Some Honey

Honey is an antioxidant that can make you feel better, soothe a sore throat and relieve a cough. You can have a teaspoon or two plain — or add it to your tea. It’s good for kids, too. But remember: Honey can only be given to children one year or older.

Get Plenty of Shut-Eye

Our immune system weakens if we don’t get proper rest. Aim to get more sleep than what’s recommended — for adults, that means going above and beyond seven to nine hours.

Pause Exercise

When you’re feeling ill, skip long bouts of exercise or intense workouts. This is especially true if you have a fever, muscle or joint pain, vomiting,

a headache and/or diarrhea. These symptoms are a sign your body is fighting off an infection and needs energy to do this.

Gargle With Salt Water

This is a popular remedy to help soothe a sore throat or common cold. The salt helps draw liquids to the surface, along with any viruses or bacteria in the throat. Mix a half teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle a few times per day.

Sit in a Steamy Bathroom

Adults and children alike can benefit from sitting in a room with moist, warm steam from a running, hot shower. This can help loosen nose secretions so they don’t build up.

Other Helpful Advice

A lukewarm bath can help boost circulation and regulate body temperature if you have a fever. Wear something lighter — like shorts and a T-shirt — to allow your body to cool off. Also avoid bundling up under lots of covers while in bed.

It takes time to kick an illness — the average recovery time for a mild or normal case of respiratory illness is between one to two weeks.

DID YOU KNOW?

Consider a vision board or wall to help build belief in what’s possible. Ask your team for feedback, and be curious about what they see, hear and say. Ask your manager or another leader for feedback on what your team could do to make the vision a reality.

STEP 3: ALIGN

Help team members relate their roles to the vision, and identify the skills, talents and growth areas they can contribute to achieve it.

“It’s about helping them connect the vision and their role,” says Kalsow. “The more you can help them see the alignment to their role, the more they can use their own talents and skills — and they’ll be more passionate about what they can offer.”

This is also where you can head off or address dissension. If a team member hasn’t bought in, ask open-ended questions to understand why they disagree or feel something’s missing. Then, try to get to common ground.

“Often they will be more aligned [to the vision] than they think, but are looking at one specific thing and need to talk it through,” says Kalsow. But, she adds, if what’s missing is not part of the vision, be clear on your direction and don’t leave space for new interpretations.

“Success comes from having everyone committed and involved,” she says. “As the leader, you have to be able to call people out if they are unwilling to do that.”

STEP 4: LEAD

Personally commit to your vision — if you can’t, your team won’t, she says.

“Ultimately, it’s all about taking action. Decisions will need to be made to ensure your team doesn’t wander. Inevitably, you’ll be up against circumstances you did not or could not have predicted. Your ability to adjust the goals, be agile and adapt, and consistently communicate the why behind the changes … will help you achieve the vision.”

Amanda N. Wegner is a

freelance writer, and communications and marketing professional.

HEART SMARTS

GLP-1 medications for heart health, a new atrial fibrillation management program and how menopause affects the heart.

BY MARYBETH MATZEK

Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 cause of death in women, but healthcare advances are looking to lower the risk, helping women live longer, healthier lives.

High blood pressure is the primary cause of cardiovascular disease, which is why medical providers focus on treatments, including lifestyle changes and medications, to get blood pressure in an optimal range.

In the U.S., 41.4% of U.S. women are considered obese, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, and obesity is a prime factor for high blood pressure — along with diabetes and high cholesterol. If a woman has these factors, doctors will typically recommend that their patients lose weight, says Dr. Matthew Tattersall, co-director of preventive cardiology, medical director of cardiac rehabilitation and director of the UW Advanced

Comprehensive Hypertension Center. GLP-1 (known commonly as Ozempic) was originally developed to help diabetic patients, but doctors discovered it could also help people lose weight.

— Dr. Matthew Tattersall “ ”

It’s all about making the heart as healthy as it can be, which means lowering blood pressure and cholesterol by eating the right foods and getting some exercise.

MENOPAUSE AND THE HEART

Menopause not only causes a number of symptoms — including hot flashes, sleeping problems and weight gain — it can also be hard on your heart.

Estrogen during the pre-menopause years naturally protects women’s heart health by controlling cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of artery plaque buildup. As estrogen levels fall in menopause, it can lead to higher levels of “bad” cholesterol and lower levels of “good” cholesterol, says UW Health cardiologist Dr. Matthew Tattersall.

“There is a link between menopause and women’s heart health,” he says. “Understand your risk factors by talking with your primary care provider and come up with a plan to address them.”

Carrying weight in your midsection — the “menopause belly” — is also bad for your heart health. A thick middle indicates a person is carrying a lot of visceral fat, which is stored deep in the abdomen around vital organs, raising a woman’s risk of a heart attack.

Blood pressure also tends to increase after menopause. Following a heart-healthy diet with lots of vegetables, beans, fresh fruit, fish and whole grains, and regular physical activity can help with weight loss and lower blood pressure.

“GLP-1 is all over the news, and among certain patients, and it really helps decrease a patient’s risk of cardiovascular disease. It makes food move more slowly through the stomach, so people eat less and lose weight,” says Dr. Tattersall. “That brings down the blood pressure. There’s a clear benefit to patients with diabetes and cardiovascular issues.”

Patients with BMIs over 27 and age 45 and above with a previous cardiovascular disease event or type 2 diabetes are ideal candidates for the medication.

“There’s the long horizon — taking GLP-1 reduces cardiovascular disease and stroke risk. On the short horizon, it lowers blood pressure and blood sugar levels,” Dr. Tattersall says.

While it’s a helpful medication to lose weight, patients taking GLP-1 need to make lifestyle changes, including adding exercise to their routine.

He says there are some drawbacks to

using GLP-1 — mainly the cost. Not all insurance providers cover the medication, which can cost more than $1,000 a month. Its side effects can include gastrointestinal upset.

ADDRESSING ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common arrhythmia in the U.S. and it increases the risk of stroke. Patients with AFib, an irregular heartbeat that can cause chest pains and heart palpitations, have a new option to improve their cardiovascular health with a new program at UW Health. The Living Well with Atrial Fibrillation Program takes a multi-discipline approach to improving patient health, Dr. Tattersall says.

The 12-week cohort program brings together a health coach, a medical provider, a registered dietician and a clinical exercise physiologist. Each week covers a different topic.

Participants may prepare a healthy dinner together one week and then the following week discuss any potential barriers with a health coach they have to adopting healthier habits, such as exercise.

“It’s a hands-on program and empowers patients to take better control of their health,” Dr. Tattersall says. “Making the right changes can help AFib patients have fewer incidents.”

Talking in a clinic about nutrition is not as helpful as being in a kitchen and discussing labels as class participants make a meal together, he adds.

“It’s all about making the heart as healthy as it can be, which means lowering blood pressure and cholesterol by eating the right foods and getting some exercise,” Dr. Tattersall says.

MaryBeth Matzek is a Wisconsin-based freelance writer and editor.

I have always been a people person, so the choice to become a real estate agent came naturally. I have spent the last 30 years as a teacher and coach doing everything I can to help young people succeed. Now I would like to help you succeed in selling your home or finding the perfect home to buy.

Success as a realtor is about me focusing on YOU and your needs!! mschreier@restainohomes.com

It’s time to talk about the women’s care no one talks about.

50 % 40 % 1 in 4

will experience pelvic organ prolapse will have urinary leakage will endure bowel incontinence

The biggest fact?

All of these conditions are treatable. So let’s talk about it.

The first step in overcoming pelvic floor issues is understanding what’s going on. At UW Health, we’re dedicated to delivering the knowledge, access and answers that all women need—all united under one program that puts women’s care first, so their health will never be last. Welcome to Integrated Specialty Care for Women. Let’s get into it!

The pelvis is the group of bones that contains the bladder, uterus, rectum and vagina—all supported by a group of muscles, tissue and ligaments called the pelvic floor. And due to age, childbirth and other common factors, this area can experience a stretching, weakening, shifting or loss of control. When this happens, it creates complications for women.

The most common pelvic conditions

SYMPTOMS

Pelvic Organ Prolapse An uncomfortable bulge or feeling like your pelvic organs are falling out.

Urinary Incontinence

Urine leaks out of the bladder when you don’t want it to—often after sneezing, laughing or exercising. Other times, it’s more of a sudden urge to pee or inability to empty your bladder fully.

Bowel Incontinence Trouble controlling gas or stool.

DEFINITION SOLUTIONS

One or more pelvic organs have dropped from their position, called a “prolapse.”

Stretching or weakening of the pelvic area causes “incontinence,” better known as leakage or a loss of bladder control.

Physical therapy, dietary changes, surgeries or support devices.

Physical therapy, medications, surgeries, Botox or other injections and devices.

Damage to your pelvic floor muscles or nerves can lead to accidental bowel leakage.

Physical therapy, dietary changes, medications or support devices.

Nearly half of women will experience these issues, yet we never talk about the solutions. That ends now. At UW Health Integrated Specialty Care for Women, we’ve built a uniquely integrated program—uniting academic research, leading care and world-class specialists all under one roof. Now it’s easier than ever to get back to living better.

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SPICE IS NICE

Warmth and color inspired this mood board by a local designer.

BY SHAYNA MACE

MOOD BOARD SELECTIONS BY JULIE UMHOEFER PHOTOGRAPHY AND STYLING BY SHANNA

Clockwise from top left: Thibaut Artesian Velvet in Wild Sage, Lafayette Interior Fashions roller shade in Shelby, Thibaut Indian Wells fabric in Sunbaked, Jaipur Living area rug in Basis Moonlight & Blue, Thibaut Wallpaper in Alpine Tapestry, Rowe Furniture fabric in 20043-85, Rowe Furniture leather in Colt Nugget and Saloom Dining Furniture wood finish in Rockport.

WOLF

COLOR CUES

Julie Umhoefer, co-owner of Dwellings, Inc., used Cinnamon Slate, Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year, as the centerpiece for her mood board on the previous page. And, the designer wove elements of this mood board into a recent client project of hers, shown left. For example, she used a variation of Cinnamon Slate on the client’s tray ceiling above the bed.

“[Cinnamon Slate] is a departure from all of the grays we’ve seen so much of. [We’re seeing] warmer trends and neutrals, and this shade has warmth — with a twist,” she explains. “It’s got a bit of a plum hue with a brownish, cinnamon background. It’s a neutral you can pair with a lot of things — but not [one] that people may necessarily ‘think’ of as a neutral.”

Similar to the joyful prints on the textiles and wallpaper that are in her mood board, Umhoefer incorporated a variety of patterns in her client’s bedroom. Her tip for pattern mixing?

“A cohesive room should have a large-scale pattern, a small-scale pattern and a solid.”

TRENDS TO TRY

Grainy Woods

Umhoefer is seeing a return to furnishings, flooring and cabinets with a wood grain. She says oak is most popular.

A Return to Traditional

“I’m seeing a throwback to traditional decor. Wallpapers, florals, stripes and patterns are going to be huge,” says Umhoefer.

A client fell in love with this floral artwork (left) and hung it in their bathroom — illustrating an elevated way to bring florals into a room.

Painted Cabinetry

Blue and green cabinetry is a fun way to add a pop of pizzazz in a room — either as an accent, such as in a kitchen

island — or on its own. Umhoefer revamped this client’s office by adding in a functional cabinet stack in a handsome navy shade.

Super Shades

Cool grays have been on their way out for a while, says Umhoefer. Warm tones, such as terra cotta, rust, taupe, pink and burgundy are what’s trending now. Shown left, Umhoefer skillfully used camel in her client’s home office in the Thibaut fabric curtains and chairs.

Senior Living Solutions

The senior living industry is undergoing a transformation, driven by a growing demand for higher standards of care, innovation and residentcentered services. At NuCare Senior Living, the company has a clear mission: to improve senior living in meaningful and impactful ways. Through

a combination of expertise, compassion and forward-thinking strategies, NuCare Senior Living is redefining what it means to provide quality care for the aging population.

NuCare Senior Living works with senior living community owners and operators to provide personalized solutions for their businesses to ensure both residents and staff experience the highest standards of care. The company has expertise in compliance, staffing, revenue enhancement and more.

The company was co-founded in 2023 by Melissa Miller and Joel Moyer, who have a combined 45 years of experience in the senior living industry. Their shared vision and deep expertise form the foundation of NuCare’s commitment to transforming the senior living experience.

Combined with over forty years of experience, NuCare Senior Living is a non-traditional senior living management company dedicated to partnering with current owners and investment groups to elevate the quality and efficiency of senior living communities. We specialize in a comprehensive range of services, including compliance, staffing, revenue enhancement, and census management, among others. Our seasoned operators bring extensive industry knowledge and a unique hands-on approach to ensure exceptional support for your community.

Melissa Miller

TRANSFORM YOUR CLOSET

Tips to tame the clutter in your wardrobe.

BY SHAYNA MACE

Alarger closet might be on the wish list for many of us — but there are ways to make this space function better without a major remodel or expansion. And if you do have the space or flexibility to make some layout tweaks in your closet, we also have advice for that.

LOOK AT THE SPACE HOLISTICALLY

Ask yourself: What items take up the most space in my closet? What pieces do I reach for daily? How does the organization function overall? These questions can help you think critically about how you use this valuable space.

Chris Schmidt, production manager at Dream Closets (a division of Dream House Dream Kitchens), says many homeowners live with the closet they “inherited” from

the previous homeowner, which may not necessarily match their needs.

“[Our customers] come to us saying, ‘you know, I’ve lived with this [space] but I have my own items … and my wardrobe has changed, and I would like to make the space more personalized for me,’” he says.

Schmidt explains that when working with a new customer, they start by doing a walk-through of the space to identify any pain points.

“We’d rather see the space the way you keep it as opposed to cleaned up, because obviously you wouldn’t need us to help you with closet organization!” he jokes.

GET STRATEGIC

Schmidt says they look for clues in the homeowner’s existing closet to formulate an optimal organization plan. A laundry

basket underneath hanging clothing or a lack of space for folded items are prompts that the client could use a built-in spot for dirty laundry, or perhaps a set of drawers in their closet.

You, too, should think critically about what items you reach for daily or how you can declutter to make your closet function more efficiently. Once you start organizing, be deliberate about where you place items. For example, your most-worn pieces should be grouped together in a spot that’s easy for you to reach. (This might not be in the back of your closet!) Maybe special-occasion shoes are relegated to a guest or coat closet to give you a little more room — or donate them if you don’t wear them anymore.

Schmidt also notes the floor and the space between the ceiling and the closet’s

can give you a tad more room: “There [might be] space that’s not utilized on the floor, or space between the closet’s top shelf and ceiling. You can gain another 10 inches of storage vertically on top to put shoe boxes or hats, et cetera.”

ORGANIZE!

Schmidt’s team has a wealth of options they employ for closet makeovers — namely, a signature system that uses a template to seamlessly hang rods, shelves and accessory hooks on the walls. This system allows his team to easily implement a customized solution for each customer. Other cool closet trends he’s seeing include LED-lit hanging rods and motion-activated lighting, and boutique-style closets where clothing and accessories are put on display in glass-front cabinets or in built-in islands. Regardless, Schimdt has observed that once clients redo their closet, it usually shifts their mindset to be able to let go of more items.

“They’ve invested time and money in the space, and before you know it, the dozen garments they wanted to keep … they don’t really need those garments because they’re going to clutter up what they’ve invested time and money into organizing. It recalibrates how much you really need to hold on to things.”

WHAT TO KEEP, WHAT TO TOSS

Here are some questions to ask when decluttering your closet.

When you buy something new, remove something you don’t wear anymore. While this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll free up space (you’re just swapping one item for another), it is a way to keep closet chaos a little under control.

Ask yourself: “Do I feel confident in this?” Would you wear this item to an important meeting, event or out with friends? Does it represent where you are in this stage of life? If you’re unsure or so-so about the piece, it may be time to donate it.

Does this item pair together with other pieces I have? Trendy items are fun, but a great pair of black trousers or neutral pumps gives you much more flexibility to build your outfit around those one-off, trendy pieces when needed.

2025

Introducing this year’s group of inspiring changemakers who tirelessly push for progress.

BY HILLARY SCHAVE SHOT ON LOCATION AT THE MOXY MADISON DOWNTOWN

Every year, we recognize women who are visionaries, with big plans for the year to come. This year’s honorees are no exception, and the issues they’re tackling are particularly poignant right now: the childcare shortage, youth mental health, affordable housing, supporting youth of color — and so much more. Congratulations to our 2025 class.

BY SHELBY DEERING, NIKKI KALLIO, SHAYNA MACE, MARYBETH MATZEK, JESSICA STEINHOFF, HYWANIA THOMPSON, KATIE VAUGHN AND CANDICE WAGENER PHOTOGRAPHY

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

“Don't be afraid to fail ... I wouldn't be where I am today if I wasn't trying new things that were outside my comfort zone ... sometimes that means failing.”

AMANDA MAREK

Racing to Keep Kids Healthy

If you participated in Madison’s largest turkey trot, you already have a connection with Amanda Marek.

As executive director of Active Youth Wisconsin, a nonprofit working to give kids accessible opportunities to be active and promote the physical and mental benefits of movement, Marek was responsible for acquiring the Birdie Derby race in 2023. All race proceeds go directly to Grants 4 Schools, which provides financial support to families and schools for health and wellness initiatives.

Grants 4 Schools has funded gaga ball pits, mindfulness paths, sensory rooms and more. Last year, they had five times more requests than they could fund. Next Thanksgiving, Marek is targeting 6,000 race participants, which would allow the nonprofit to fund every grant.

“Amanda is an exceptional leader, a deeply committed advocate for children, a tireless difference maker and a positive force in Dane County’s communities,” says Dr. Nicole St. Clair, Marek’s nominator and a board member at Active Youth Wisconsin.

In December 2024, the nonprofit formally rebranded as Active Youth Wisconsin and housed all of its programs, including Tri 4 Schools, the Birdie Derby, Grants 4 Schools and Minds in Motion, under the new brand. Marek explains this shift communicates that the organization is about more than just races and triathlons.

“[We can] start doing more with programming, financial aid and reaching more kids,” Marek says. “If we can get [kids] involved in something that encourages movement and helps [them] fall in love with fitness ... they’ll have that foundation to recognize that fitness and movement is good for their mental and physical health.”

In the coming year, the organization is on target to work with 40-plus Dane County schools (currently they work with 30), which will equate to over 1,000 children, with a focus on low-income areas. Financial assistance is offered to about 40% of participants.

“We will never say no to a child that wants to participate,” says Marek.

— Candice Wagener

PRENICIA CLIFTON

Fighting for Youth Mental Health

As a professional opera singer, Prenicia Clifton has shared the stage with Plácido Domingo and was the first African American to sing solely in Mandarin in a Chinese opera house. Yet her work supporting the mental wellbeing of young people, especially those from underserved communities, may be her greatest achievement.

With a background in music as well as youth protection and compliance, Clifton founded Seein’ is Believin’ to provide culturally-focused programming to promote mental health and resilience in children and teenagers. In addition to educating communities and organizations, her nonprofit has served nearly 1,000 Dane County youth through cooking classes and this year she’ll host youth mental health retreats. Both initiatives teach teens practical life skills and tools for taking care of their mental health while also fostering community and feelings of empowerment.

Also coming up this year is the release of “The Brain’s Superheroes,” a children’s book series Clifton created to help students understand mental health challenges and build resilience. She sees the books — which feature predominately Black and brown characters — as a tool that youth can use to support their mental health when a therapist is not immediately available.

Another project on the horizon is “Young, Black, Disabled, and Fcked!*,” a podcast in which Clifton will explore her personal journey of navigating the medical system as a Black woman with chronic pain and invisible diseases, including fibromyalgia and ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory disease that affects the spine and can cause vertebrae to fuse.

“Living with chronic pain and mobility challenges presents daily struggles — some days, I can’t get out of bed due to pain, and at times, my legs give out unexpectedly,” she says. “Despite these moments, I know that my purpose is greater than my pain and I am committed to thriving despite the challenges I face.”

— Katie Vaughn

WHAT’S A PERSONAL GOAL FOR YOU THIS YEAR?

“I’m prioritizing balance, self-care and mental health. I want to show others that even when life feels unfair and overwhelming, it’s possible to live fruitfully. ”

ANNE MICHELS

Tackling the Affordable Housing Crisis

The deepest pain can often become an individual’s biggest passion — something Anne Michels knows well.

When her father needed to move into senior housing and stay in his rural community, Michels couldn’t find an ideal residential option for him. But it inspired her to create a nonprofit organization, Green Pastures Living, to develop affordable, accessible independent senior housing in small communities.

“I looked around and no one was doing this. People kept telling me it was something [that was] needed and a great idea,” Michels says. “But it’s not easy. It’s hard to make the numbers work, but I’m creative and I will figure this out.”

Green Pastures Living obtains the proper municipal approvals, secures construction financing and covers any additional gap funding. The target customer is the middle-class, retired workforce. This group of people do not qualify for low-income housing, but market-rate housing is out of their financial grasp.

Michels’ goal for 2025 is to secure a developer agreement and municipal approval for her first property development. If everything goes as planned, Green Pastures Living aims to break ground on one, possibly two, projects in 2025. She is collaborating with two nonprofits in Oregon and Janesville that are eager to bring affordable senior housing to their communities. Setzke Custom Homes and Amwood Homes are on board to bring these projects to life.

“We are so close to making this happen,” she says.

Rayelle Berola of Sub-Zero praises Michels for the time she spends educating community members and leaders about the need for affordable senior housing and inviting them to be part of the solution.

“Anne has done the research and is lifting a need that is becoming larger by the year in our community, pouring in her energy and connections, even when it’s not her natural introverted preference,” she says.

— MaryBeth Matzek

WHAT WOMAN INSPIRES YOU?

“MaryAnnDrescher,theformerCEO

ofAtticAngelAssociation,isone ofmy senioradvisorsandsheisan inspiration.Shelaidoutforme whatI needtodoandhashelpedme makea lotofthenecessary connections.”

WHAT’S A BOOK THAT HAS SHAPED YOUR LIFE?

“‘YouBelong,’ a bookby Sebene Selassie, that introduced theconcept ofbelonging to me. It made a profound impact on how Iconceptualize community ...”

Advocating for the Arts AUGUSTA BRULLA

Augusta Brulla’s work at Dane Arts echoes a formative childhood experience. Her mother met a painter and wanted one of his works although it exceeded her budget. Creative thinking got her the painting, helped the artist and forged a priceless bond.

“She invited him to use our garage as a studio in exchange for paintings,” Brulla explains. “He’d write us letters as he traveled the world and he encouraged me to create. I was always creating, so I went on to study two-dimensional art in college.”

Today the cultural affairs specialist uses her art-making background — including 18 years performing with Tania Tandias Flamenco and Spanish Dance — to help local artists develop business acumen and connect with organizations that might purchase their work. She does this by managing the Dane Arts grant program, building relationships with artists and art-seekers, and developing resources, such as the Dane County Artist Directory, which she prototyped at UWMadison’s Bolz Center for Arts Administration while earning her master’s degree. The directory is a top priority for 2025. The directory has been available to the public since the summer of 2024, and it represents about 80 visual artists.

This year, Brulla says Dane Arts will launch an updated, expanded directory platform that will feature all artistic disciplines, including musicians, authors and performers — with a goal of showcasing 500 artists. She will also collaborate with over 40 arts organizations across Dane County on the project.

Bridging the digital divide is another goal.

“Some artists don’t know how to make a website, so this is a free, easy way to have an online presence,” Brulla says. “They fill out a form, which populates a profile others can see, and then they can opt into opportunities from Dane Arts, local businesses and curators.”

Brulla plans to attend more networking events this year to promote this tool. This includes events she’s helping to plan, such as Dane Arts Buy Local’s Business of Art Conference (April 24-26).

— Jessica Steinhoff

Addressing the

Childcare Shortage HEATHER MURRAY

As the owner and director of Arthouse Preschool, Heather Murray is responsible for 30 children and six staff members. But her sense of responsibility extends far beyond that.

“[Heather’s] work is fueled by believing in early education and what her colleagues do every day for our communities, the economy and the next generation of children,” says Sarah Jacobson, a 2024 Woman to Watch, director of dance education at Arts for All and Murray’s nominator.

Murray has spent the last two years advocating for better investment in early childhood education, including hosting a Day Without Childcare last May to demonstrate the impact to working families. Wisconsin is in a childcare crisis — state funding for early childcare centers ends in June 2025, per the 2023-25 biennial budget. These funds have helped early childcare centers stay open and continue operating. As early childcare funding dwindles, so will childcare centers throughout the state.

“Heather does not want to see this continue,” says Jacobson. “She believes childcare needs to be affordable and accessible. This helps ... families (especially women) stay in the workforce.”

Murray is organizing a card drop in February at the Capitol. In addition to a press conference, she and several area providers — along with the children they care for — will hand-deliver cards about investing in childcare to lawmakers’ offices.

Murray will continue to mentor other providers on advocating for change. She’s headed to Washington, D.C. in February with the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA) to present to the National Public Policy Forum. She’s also speaking about the importance of early childhood education funding at WECA’s Advocacy Day in April.

“My life’s work is educating and caring for young children and their families,” says Murray. “For too long early educators have been neglected, which in turn, makes childcare not available or affordable. Without speaking out, change will not happen.”

— Candice Wagener

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

“It’sokay not to know all theanswers, even thoughyou thinkyou might.”

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CHRISTINE BENEDICT

Empowering Girls through Running

For Christine Benedict, running a half mile in sixth-grade gym class was life-changing.

“I found this thing that made me feel good about myself and empowered,” she says.

Now, as executive director of Girls on the Run of South Central Wisconsin (GOTR), Benedict helps other girls discover their own strength and potential through running.

Founded in 1996, GOTR has served more than two million girls throughout the United States and Canada, using a running-centered curriculum to promote physical and emotional health, teamwork, self-esteem and more. Girls in third, fourth and fifth grade meet twice a week with volunteer coaches after school for nine weeks and then participate in an inspiration-packed, noncompetitive 5K.

Locally, the South Central Wisconsin council serves Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Rock and Sauk counties, and will expand this spring to include Grant, Lafayette and Richland counties to reach more than 2,200 Wisconsin girls.

Also this year, Girls on the Run of South Central Wisconsin will celebrate its 20th anniversary with an event on the International Day of the Girl in October. It will honor the 25,000 girls who have experienced GOTR since the local council’s founding and look to the future of empowering even more girls.

“I believe deeply in the power of women and girls. I believe that girls with confidence become women who are catalysts for societal change,” Benedict says. “I can’t get enough of the success stories that teachers and families share with us about the kids who were shy and reserved at the start of the season, and have been able to find their voice and tap into their limitless potential through our programming. Those GOTR 5K finish line smiles keep me going all year!”

— Katie Vaughn

WHAT’S BEEN A STANDOUT MOMENT FOR YOU?

“Getting to see a small-scale, sitebased 5Kduring the fall of 2020. We forged ahead withoutdoor,masked, very small-scale teamprogramming, takingevery precaution.”

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

Itdoesn’tmean thatyou’renot successful... [but]maybethatideais notperfectforrightnow but[willbe] insixmonthstoayear fromnow.”

COURTNEY WILLEGAL

Embracing and Celebrating Neurodiversity

When Courtney Willegal’s six-year-old autistic son, Sean, suddenly went missing in a wooded area while her family was on a walk, she had to quickly contact emergency services to track him down.

“I found that a lot of first responders and youthserving professionals were not knowledgeable of how to work with or interact with kids that had diagnoses,” says Willegal, owner and CEO of Keep Calm Tool Kits, LLC and The Sensory Zone.

She began training these groups on “how to be proactive versus reactive when working with kids that are ‘neurospicy’ or neurodiverse,” says Willegal, who has a background in clinical professional counseling, is a certified life coach and has worked in youth programming.

She launched Keep Calm Tool Kits, LLC, with Sean after his friends kept asking to use his pack of fidget toys. In April 2023, she opened the 11,000-square-foot The Sensory Zone, an inclusive indoor activity space on Madison’s East Side. Staff are trained in working with behaviors associated with ADHD, autism, anxiety and OCD. (Willegal notes all children are welcome.)

The program has served about 2,400 families with purposeful play areas, a respite/buddy program, after-school programs and day camps. In early 2025, Willegal plans to redesign The Sensory Zone’s toddler space into a sensory-based imaginative town. This fall, she’s planning the development of a second The Sensory Zone location on Madison’s West Side.

Willegal is also launching adult learning workshops for parents and caregivers on how to meet their child’s needs and to cope with stress. She also plans to develop a new app for parents and caregivers with training, information and recommendations, and to provide more Keep Calm Tool Kits and resources for first responders.

“Helping families at The Sensory Zone has given my family a sense of purpose, knowing that no other family will lack the support and play resources their child needs to thrive in a stressful world,” she says.

— Nikki Kallio

Rescuing Pets in Need LAUREN BRINKMAN

Many of us have seen those heartstringtugging videos online: a dog dumped on the side of the road finds a happy forever home. A stray cat with new kittens is rescued and they’re all adopted. It’s enough to make even the stalwart among us shed a tear, and it’s a reality that Lauren Brinkman lives every day.

As founder and executive director of her fosterbased organization, Underdog Pet Rescue of Wisconsin, all-breed pets are pulled from high-kill shelters in other states.

But beyond that already-worthy mission, Underdog has done one better by providing services through its veterinary clinic, which is priced accordingly for the public — from those who can pay full price to low-income pet owners. Free veterinary services are offered to those experiencing homelessness alongside their pets.

“We just believe in affordable care,” Brinkman says. “Even people who are middle class wince at the thought of spending $2,000 on a dental cleaning. So, we try to have reasonable costs, but still keep the lights on.”

Brinkman founded Underdog in 2012, growing the organization from saving 100 animals in its first year to currently saving 100 animals or more each month.

In October 2024, Underdog moved its veterinary services to a new clinic on Stoughton Road, where its three staff veterinarians have twice as much space. This facility will aid in Brinkman’s goal to grow the vet operations by 25% in 2025, between on-site services and the mobile clinic that travels to “veterinary deserts” throughout Wisconsin. This year, the organization will also have more pop-up clinics for those experiencing homelessness by offering them monthly instead of quarterly.

“I know a lot of people’s initial reaction is, you should only have a pet if you can afford a pet,” Brinkman says. “But when it comes down to it, these pets are sometimes what keep these people going.”

— Shelby Deering

WHAT CONTINUES TO DRIVE YOU IN YOUR MISSION?

“The interactions withpeople and seeing how muchthey love their animals and want to dorightby them … is what motivates me to keepdoing[this].”

WHAT

WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

“I wouldsay, ‘Beopen.’ Ourprofessional path is not predetermined — and we don’t know what direction it’sgoing to take.”

HEATHER LOTT

Instilling Confidence in New Educators

Heather Lott’s career seemed designed for the eight years she’s spent as director of the Dane County New Teacher Project (DCNTP), a consortium of 18 school districts focused on supporting beginning teachers through mentorship.

“This has been some of the most life-affirming work that I’ve ever done,” Lott says. “And I am a believer that all of the things we do in our lives lead us to the things we’re doing now.”

Fresh out of college as a family and consumer science teacher at Madison West High School, Lott taught a class in which students created a preschool lab.

“Many of those students then became teachers … it sort of planted this seed for me that, wow, there is some influence to be had to support and encourage our young people to join a noble profession.”

Lott later coached student teachers, then moved into a district role training mentors of new teachers before transitioning to DCNTP, where she began as a trainer.

This year, Lott’s goal is to offer a new summer professional learning series for superintendents and other leaders on the takeaways from Partners for Racial Inclusion (PRI), a program launched by DCNTP in 2021-22. That year, Dane County school districts employed 6% teachers of color, but enrolled 69% students of color, Lott says.

“There’s some pretty important research about students seeing themselves in their teachers and being more successful when they do,” she says.

Teachers of color who receive support through PRI are also more likely to stay, Lott says. Since its inception, the program has expanded from four to six lead partners. The state of Wisconsin requires new teachers to be paired with a trained mentor, and PRI supplements this, building a sense of community for teachers.

Lott is retiring at the end of this school year, so her other focus will be prepping DCNTP for a new leader, she says. As befitting of the organization’s mission, “we have a plan for providing them with induction and mentoring support.”

— Nikki Kallio

RACHELLE STONE

Supporting Teachers and Students of Color

Rachelle Stone is driven by a desire to create experiences she didn’t have as a student — in K-12 and as an undergrad at UW-Madison. Stone says she had few teachers of color, and Black history was rarely discussed outside of Black History Month and Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

“I was very much immersed in white supremacy culture, and white teachers and experiences that were harmful across my education,” Stone says. “I feel like my calling is creating conditions and pushing back and being in spaces with folks who want to do similar work.”

In her role as an instructional coach at Leopold Elementary School in Madison, Stone supports teachers with curriculum, culture and cultivating relationships with families. The goal, she says, is to ensure the best outcomes for students.

“... It’s about what are our outcomes for Black and brown students, knowing that when we have good outcomes and conditions that make school feel like a safe space for Black and brown students, then it becomes a similar space for all students,” says Stone.

In addition to her role at Leopold, Stone is the program coordinator for Black Girl Magic Educational Services, an organization providing programming and mentoring opportunities to Black girls.

Stone will complete her master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies in August as part of the Madison Metropolitan School District’s (MMSD) first District Leadership Preparation Pipeline cohort. The program is a collaboration between MMSD and UW-Madison.

This year, she’ll support Black Girl Magic in its efforts to expand its after-school groups — notably to middle schools — across Dane County and create partnerships to increase funding. She hopes to revive the Black Educators Network, which supports Black educators in the Madison area.

“Every person belongs to somebody … those that are students in Madison, girls that are in Black Girl Magic — those are people that we come across every single day,” Stone says.

— Hywania Thompson

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

“... Findyour people … that will validate and affirm whoyou are as a Blackgirl andprovideopportunities to showup as [your] most authentic self.”

WHAT ARE THE 2024 WOMEN TO WATCH UP TO?

By Shayna Mace

AFRA SMITH

Smith is founder of The Melanin Project, a business aiming to eradicate wealth disparities for historically marginalized groups. In January 2024, she launched The Melanin Project’s budget planner, “Bloom Where You Are Planted.” Her second annual Wealth Literacy Conference hosted 179 attendees in April 2024.

ANGELA WALLACE

Wallace is the executive director of Logan’s Heart and Smiles, a nonprofit that makes accessibility and safety modifications to the home of families with children with disabilities. In 2024, Wallace kicked off a legacy giving program for donors and also leased its first office space in its 22-year history.

LAURA LAHTI

Lahti is the founder of AMASIAN, an Asian networking and social organization. Its first Korean American Day in January 2024 was a success, with over 170 attendees and nearly $3,000 raised for the Madison Public School Foundation that went towards AAPI programs. In June 2024, AMASIAN became an official nonprofit.

SUSAN YACKEE

Yackee is the director of the UW-Madison La Follette School of Public Affairs. She says the Wisconsin Main Street Agenda Project, which was a series of dinner conversations and town halls held statewide that discussed topics that were important to voters, were very successful. Envisioning the new La Follette School building is on the horizon and they’re about to hire an architect.

QWANTESE DOURESE WINTERS

Winters is a certified doula and owns Oasis Maternal Care. In 2024, Winters served over 30 pregnant women who were low-income or experiencing homelessness with education, support and case management. She also launched A Bowl of Soul, a care package with meals, art and literature. In December 2024, she shot the next installment of cooking videos for her “The Food Doula” YouTube channel.

SARAH JACOBSON

Jacobson started ConfiDANCE, a dance program for kids with disabilities. In 2024, ConfiDANCE joined forces with Arts for All Wisconsin (AFA), a statewide nonprofit. Jacobson says this partnership has greatly expanded the program’s reach. New offerings include the AFA ConfiDANCERs dance team and an adaptive ballet class.

UCHENNA JONES

Jones is the founder of the Madison Gospel 5K Foundation, an organization that hosts an annual run/walk, health fair and other community events. This year’s July 2024 event saw an increased number of first-time runners. Jones will also graduate from midwifery school this year and begin her own practice.

ANNA STERN

Stern is vice president of Tri-North Builders. She’s also co-founder of Tequila for Tatas, a fundraiser for the UW Carbone Cancer Center’s stage 4 breast cancer research fund. The 2024 event raised the record-breaking amount of $48,153, says Stern. She’s also working on mentorship opportunities and connecting with schools for She Builds Wisconsin, a free, week-long camp for girls dedicated to exploring the construction trades.

JAZMYNN APPLETON

Appleton is the chief director of entrepreneurial growth and innovation at the Progress Center for Black Women. This past year, she expanded the center’s FOCUS programming for entrepreneurs and created new partnerships and has been working on implementing its youth entrepreneurial programming. She also facilitated several public speaking engagements on a variety of workplace topics.

SHANEY ANDLER

Andler is founder of Back Pocket, a five-session workshop designed to foster sixth through twelfth graders’ self-management and self-awareness skills. She continues to build toward her goal of having Back Pocket in 100 Wisconsin schools and 50 nationwide (she says she’s close). She also published her second book available on Amazon, titled “Back Pocket for Parents: Tools to Help Parents Nurture Their Teens’ Mental Health.”

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A Perfect Place

After years of searching, planning and construction, a homeowner settles into her dream home on Lake Mendota.

BY MELANIE RADZICKI MCMANUS PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA WOLF

Kathy Cox spent years looking for the perfect lake property. She wanted to be on the southwestern side of Lake Mendota, but could never find just the right spot. One day, driving along Lake Mendota Drive, something unusual happened.

“I got a very strong sensation that this is where I needed to be,” she says. “I needed to be on this street.”

Cox began driving down the street daily to see if a property had gone up for sale. She even knocked on people’s doors, asking if they wanted to sell, with no luck. Finally, in 2017, a property came onto the market. Cox quickly made an offer, but

was outbid. Amazingly, the home next door soon went up for sale. This time, Cox got it.

The century-old house she’d purchased didn’t suit her tastes, but the lakeside property did. So Cox tapped Mark UdvariSolner, owner of Udvari-Solner Design Company, to create the perfect home for her. She didn’t want a traditional lake house, she told him, but rather a house on a lake. Her main desired features were an open floor plan and tall ceilings; four en-suite bedrooms; an elevator; and an exercise room and basketball court (which later turned into a pickleball court, after a friend’s insistence).

After several years of meticulous planning, Cox was ready to

Opposite page: The kitchen features two islands, one of which contains a curved banquette. The striking, contemporary light fixture over the dining table took the electrician one week to hang. Like most of the home’s light fixtures, it came from Madison Lighting.

Above: The kitchen and dining area feature a wealth of large windows so Lake Mendota is always visible. Bottom: The eye-catching range is purple — Cox’s favorite color — and was shipped from Paris. One side boasts gas heating, while the other is equipped with electric. “I don’t really cook much,” Cox says, “but I love how it looks. And when I do cook, it makes me a better cook.”

tear down the property’s existing home and start building her dream home, courtesy of Hart DeNoble Builders and Exterior Renovations. But it was now July 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic was snarling supply chains worldwide. Cox also began tweaking the plans, resulting in a nearly four-year construction process.

“I’m a visual person,” Cox says. “It was hard for me to look at the blueprint and see the finished house. So I made a gazillion changes along the way.”

But patience has its virtues. Cox is thrilled with the result: a modern, 6,200-square-foot, four-story home that contains all of her must-haves. Most importantly, it incorporates a wealth of glass to showcase the beauty of Lake Mendota.

Cox credits Lu Shay of Shay Chic Design and Ava Newell of Dream House Dream Kitchens for helping select everything from cabinet hardware to ceiling styles. But she brought many ideas of her own, often gleaned from obsessively watching home remodeling shows. One example

This cedar sauna is part of Cox’s spa. The pampering space is also home to a steam shower, curbless shower with numerous spray features and a mini fridge. The fridge is typically filled with bottles of water, the perfect refreshment after emerging from the sauna or steam shower. Nearby, a stone tub is great for long soaks. The tub is filled via a spout in the ceiling for a fun touch.

Left: The closet off the home’s primary bedroom contains numerous options for storing clothing, shoes, jewelry and more. The island is topped with purple quartz and underlit — and more light pours in from a skylight. Right: An arresting glass floating staircase connects the home’s four floors and is accented by an attractive stone wall. Cox gathered design ideas for both the closet and staircase from home renovation shows.

The lower level has a kitchen, spacious game table and a glass-encased, refrigerated wine room. While many homeowners hang a television over their fireplace, Cox is not a fan of this practice. Instead, she opted for two vertical fireplaces flanking the television, which lend a cozy ambience to the space.

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is the home’s stunning glass staircase, beautifully flanked by a stone stairwell.

Her favorite feature is the home’s wealth of refrigerated drawers, which allow her to have chilled water bottles easily available, including in the home’s spa, which boasts a steam shower and sauna. Or maybe it’s the drop-down TVs in her exercise room or the full outdoor kitchen near her boathouse.

“My favorite feature is whatever I’m using at the time,” Cox says. “And the gorgeous, panoramic view of the lake? It never gets old. It’s so incredible.”

Above: The home’s lower level has a fitness room that features two televisions tucked into the ceiling. When Cox is on her treadmill or exercise bike, she can lower one or both screens via remote. Bottom: Fans can watch a pickleball game in progress one floor down from an observation area near the wine room.

Melanie Radzicki McManus is a freelance travel writer and speaker based in Sun Prairie.

HEALING WITH HYDRASOUL

By Maura Keller

HydraSoul offers a unique and transformative approach to breathwork and meditation that blends science-backed methods with self-developed techniques to create deep, lasting change. Founded by Nicole Gorski, who has personally navigated trauma, alcoholism recovery, ADHD and motherhood, HydraSoul, located in Windsor, Wis., was created to address the need for unconventional, powerful healing practices that aren’t widely available.

Q: What is meditation and breathwork?

Nicole Gorski: Meditation involves focusing the mind, often through mindfulness or guided techniques, to promote relaxation, clarity and emotional balance. Breathwork is where controlled breathing is used to enhance physical and emotional wellbeing. It involves intentional patterns of inhales and exhales designed to alter the body’s physiological state, helping to release trauma, reduce stress and promote a deeper connection to the present moment. At HydraSoul, both practices are tailored to the client’s unique needs.

Q: What is your training and expertise in the area?

NG: As the founder of HydraSoul, my personal experience overcoming trauma, alcoholism and ADHD deeply informs my approach to breathwork and meditation. In addition, I integrate science-backed education and self-developed methods to create a distinctive client experience. HydraSoul’s programs are built on a foundation of proven techniques, years of personal exploration and an unwavering commitment to creating impactful, lasting change for each individual.

Q: What are the benefits of meditation and breathwork?

NG: The benefits include emotional regulation; increased clarity; lowering blood pressure, improving circulation and promoting relaxation; releasing pentup emotions, trauma and negative thought patterns; reducing addictive tendencies, destructive thoughts and self-sabotaging behaviors; and enhancing self-esteem and fostering a sense of calm and confidence.

BRAVA: What do your clients experience during a breathwork or meditation session?

NG: During a breathwork or meditation session at

HydraSoul, clients will first discuss their specific intention or challenge. This could range from stress management to trauma healing or personal growth. The session begins with grounding techniques, followed by deep, intentional breathwork or a guided meditation tailored to the client’s unique needs. Clients often experience profound shifts within minutes, including emotional release, clarity and a sense of calm. Sessions are designed to be deeply immersive and effective. Sessions typically last around 60 minutes, but can vary depending on the individual’s needs and progress.

BRAVA: Can you explain the difference between your virtual or in-person sessions?

NG: The core of the experience at HydraSoul remains the same in both formats. Virtual sessions allow clients to receive breathwork and meditation from their home, often using video conferencing tools. The experience is highly interactive, [and I] guide clients through each step, offering personalized feedback and creating a deep, transformative experience.

While the format is similar ... being physically present can sometimes create a more immersive experience, as the client is in the same space, allowing for deeper physical and emotional connections.

Visit hydrasoulwellness.com/madisonstudio.html# for more information.

Nicole Gorski

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COFFEE AND CURATION

Tati Co. offers a cozy respite this time of year with coffee, camaraderie and delightful artisan-made goods.

BY KATRINA SIMYAB PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE

Nestled in the new Terravessa development in Fitchburg, Tati Co. is reimagining what a modern gathering space can be. Part coffee shop, part marketplace, it’s the creation of Sherry Yu, Nan Jiang and Nan Ying.

Sherry Yu

Yu is a partner at AY Development, which owns The Point at Terravessa, a mixed-use residential and commercial building in the development.

After struggling to find a local coffee shop for The Point, Yu and Ying

championed the idea to create their own café. Today, Tati Co. has evolved into a bustling hub where customers can enjoy beverages and bites alongside a curated marketplace of convenience items and goods from area artisans.

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With offerings from smoothies to soup, protein bowls, to boba tea and more, Tati Co.’s menu emphasizes wholesome, nourishing options. Its best-selling açai bowl is an all-time favorite, made from pure fruit with no added sugars. Pair the

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bacon breakfast burrito with a Sunny Island smoothie or try the salami and ricotta toast for an updated take on classic avocado toast.

The coffee is courtesy of local roaster Rusty Dog, known for its responsiblysourced beans, while Madison Sourdough provides fresh-baked pastries. If you want to try Yu’s favorite menu item, pick a base of looseleaf organic tea and add a syrup or honey shot for a refreshing drink — hot or iced.

Finish off your meal by browsing the marketplace. Grab a bottle of wine, a pint of Chocolate Shoppe ice cream or handcrafted items from local vendors like Emily Marie Watercolors, Black Sheep Chocolate and Merigold Candles.

Katrina Simyab is a Madison-based freelance writer, content creator and digital marketing professional.

GAME DAY GRUB

Head out to a local sports bar for a laid-back gathering — and good eats.

BY KEVIN REVOLINSKI

Whether it’s Badger basketball, the Super Bowl or even European premier league soccer, you can watch the game (match?) while enjoying tasty shareables and drinks at these great local venues.

PROST! BEER HALL

If you’re looking to watch the other football, this is the place. Situated in a converted church, the German bar streams soccer matches from around the world on big screens. Giant pretzels and sausage boards are good for sharing, and

Prost! Beer Hall

entrées such as schnitzel and sauerbraten are on the menu. Get half or full liters or boots full of 20 different German beers. Seating is at booths and communal tables, but during the big match, it can be standing room only. letsprost.net

LJ’S

SPORTS TAVERN & GRILL

Operated by “Little John,” the son of John Kavanaugh who founded Kavanaugh’s Esquire Club, this sleek modern sports bar on East Washington Avenue has NFL Sunday Ticket and 21 TVs. Eats include spicy jalapeño cheese curds and spinach artichoke dip, as well as chicken or pork wings,

eight salads and burgers made with Jenifer Street Market beef. Draft beers number 12 and the menu offers seven nonalcoholic brews also. The everyday fish fry features five fish choices, including shrimp and all-you-can-eat ocean perch.

THE GREAT DANE PUB & BREWING CO.

The pool bar area at the downtown Dane has 17 TVs showing sports. The wings (bone-in and boneless) are some of the best in town and come with seven sauce options. Beer-battered curds and a Wisconsin pretzel board are good shares, and drinks include

their signature house brews, 14 wines and numerous cocktails and mocktails. greatdanepub.com

BABES

AT VITENSE GRILL & BAR

An institution since the ’80s, Babes reopened inside Vitense Golfland in 2024. The bar’s signature nachos are back on the menu, along with wings and pretzels, and some classier eats such as a charcuterie board and seared tuna. Drinks include rotational draft beers, cocktails and wines. vitense.com/babes-at-vitense

DEXTER’S PUB

Well-known for its fish fry, this neighborhood bar has tall tables parallel to the bar and a dining area with TV views. Menu-wise, you can’t beat the garlic chile fries. Other options include burgers, pizzas, Muenster curds, Batch Bakehouse giant pretzels and a wellcurated selection of 24 draft beers. dexterspubmadison.com

PLAYER’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL

This quintessential Wisconsin-style tavern pops up on any best burger lists in Madison, with hand-pattied, Jenifer Street Market beef. Pair your burger with the cheese munchers or curds. The establishment has 10 TVs, a pool table and high-top tables. Note: Service is provided at the bar and they establishment is cash only, though an ATM is available on-site.

playerssportsbarmadison.com

MONK’S BAR & GRILL

Located in Middleton and Sun Prairie, Monk’s is a reliable suburban sports bar option. Popular appetizers include the bruschetta hummus plate, sweet chili cauliflower bites, wings and fried pickle spears. WisCow Pizza & Wings, an on-site ghost kitchen, offers pizzas, smoked wings and fried ravioli. monksbarandgrill.com

JORDAN’S BIG 10 PUB

Abundant TVs throughout this Regent Street bar keep any game easily watchable at all times. Apps include a hefty

LJ’s Sports Tavern & Grill

Dexter’s Pub

nacho plate, white cheddar curds and mac ’n’ cheese bites. The papas fritas are fries covered with braised pork, jalapeño crisps, cheese, pico and corn with chili lime ranch. big10pub.com

SCONNIE BAR

The wings are great here and reasonably priced, served with a choice of nine sauces. Other appetizers include queso nachos, curds from Ellsworth’s

Kaufhold’s Kurds, housemade potato chips, and several burgers and sandwiches to pair with the 20 beers on tap and 30-plus TVs. sconniebar.com

5TH QUARTER SPORTS BAR & GRILL

Full of sports memorabilia, this Verona bar has TVs in every direction and space for larger groups. Wings come in orders of 6, 12, 18 or 24 with six sauce choices. Other delicious eats include deep-fried broccoli cheddar nuggets, a pound of tots, brick cheese curds, and specialty pizzas, burgers and wraps. 5thquarter.biz

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

Monk’s Bar & Grill

SPA - AHHH GETAWAYS

Discover the true meaning of relaxation at these regional spas.

BY SHELBY DEERING

The holidays are over. You might be growing weary of winter. And you definitely could use some relaxation. Where should you go? The answer is one of these top Wisconsin spas, or meander to Dubuque for a jaunt and spa day.

SUNDARA INN & SPA

Sundara Inn & Spa is nestled within an 80-acre pine forest in Wisconsin Dells. This adults-only spa is electronicsfree (and even has conversation-free areas for ultimate relaxation) and features outdoor pools that are heated

Sundara Inn & Spa

year-round. When you aren’t lounging in your spa-inspired suite or eating delicious farm-to-table eats at the restaurant, take advantage of the many spa treatments, like the Aemotio Spa Cabin, a structure outfitted with a heated water mattress, chromatherapy and a steam bath.

KOSA SPA

While Madison’s Garver Feed Mill is known for its slices of Ian’s Pizza and seasonal events, it’s become equally famed for one of its other tenants: Kosa Spa. With a special focus on Ayurvedic practices (a holistic system of health and beauty that originated in India), you don’t need to be a devout practitioner to enjoy the treatments. Complete with organic robes and a hot stone sauna, be sure to book its signature treatment, the Classic Abhyanga with Indian head massage, in

which comforting, energy-balancing oils are poured onto the body.

ASPIRA SPA AT THE OSTHOFF RESORT

Located inside the AAA Four Diamond-rated Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake, Aspira Spa is encircled by ancient cedar trees, which lend themselves to the spa’s Signature Cedars Experience and Signature Sacred Waters Massage, both of which incorporate cedar gathered right from the grounds. In addition to the cedarinfused treatments, don’t miss the salt room, the meditation room complete with a soothing waterfall or the Spa Café, brimming with healthy offerings.

KOHLER WATERS SPA

To experience luxury on an epic level, book a stay at Kohler’s American Club, a AAA Five Diamond hotel steeped in lavishness and history, and book some time at the neighboring Kohler Waters Spa. Newly renovated with refreshed relaxation lounges and hydrotherapy amenities, the world-class spa also boasts a custom sauna and steam room. Apart from

A DAY TRIP SPA

Looking for a change of scenery for your spa experience? Then head to Dubuque’s Potosa Spa, located in the historic Hotel Julien Dubuque. Just an hour and a half from Madison, you can make a day trip out of it or turn it into a weekend jaunt. Filled with treatment rooms and high-quality natural products, the spa is named in honor of Potosa, daughter of the chief of the Fox Native American tribe that once inhabited the area. Book the spa’s latest and greatest treatment, the Bamboo Massage, in which warm bamboo sticks are used to melt the muscles into total relaxation.

Kosa Spa

Kohler Waters Spa

Potosa Spa

grounding treatments that include Reiki and reflexology, try the Citrus Reviver hydrotherapy service, an 80-minute citrus-focused treatment that wraps in full body exfoliation, a facial massage with stones and more.

CALLADORA SPA AT LAKE LAWN RESORT

Sitting on over two miles of shoreline on Delavan Lake, Calladora Spa, found within the award-winning Lake Lawn Resort, is a full-service spa that’s repeatedly been voted as the best spa in Walworth County. And here’s a fun fact: It’s the only resort spa in the state that you can drive, boat and even fly to (it has an on-site airport). Using the lake and its waters as inspiration,

water features abound throughout the spa and many treatments use hydrotherapy.

THE EDGEWATER SPA

Overlooking Lake Mendota, The Edgewater Spa at The Edgewater hotel offers a wide variety of treatments to choose from. Book the Edgewater Signature Massage to really loosen up those tight muscles or go with the Signature Couples Massage to experience relaxation alongside your partner. Other treatments range from facials to pedicures to Himalayan Salt Stone Relaxation.

Shelby Deering is a freelance lifestyle writer living in Madison.

Arts & Enrichment

Fitness • Soccer

Sports • Swimming

Outdoors • Adapted Rec & More!

Check out our new Friday Night Features at MSCR West!

Hiring!

Aspira Spa at The Osthoff Resort

Calladora Spa at Lake Lawn Resort

MUST - SEE ARTS EVENTS

There are plenty of artful things to do to kick off the new year.

BY JESSICA STEINHOFF

LIVE MUSIC

SAMORA PINDERHUGHES

Feb. 6, Wisconsin Union Theater

Whether composing music, singing, playing the piano or making films, this Juilliard-trained jazz performer transforms art into powerful statements about structural injustice. His sophomore album, “Grief,” sprang from interviewing people of color who’ve survived incarceration, and he described his latest release, “Venus Smiles Not in the House of Tears” as a meditation on “what it means to love in the midst of a society that teaches us all the wrong lessons.” artsticketing.wisc.edu

BLIND PILOT

Feb. 14, Majestic Theatre

After facing their demons and overhauling their approach to songwriting,

this indie folk-rock band released their first album in eight years, “In the Shadow of the Holy Mountain.” The joy of their creative breakthrough shows, especially on the opening track, “Jacaranda.” majesticmadison.com

ALAN WALKER

Feb. 18, The Sylvee

This Norwegian DJ and producer attracts massive crowds to Coachella and collaborators such as Bruno Mars to the studio. His current tour celebrates the release of his two-part “Walkerverse” album. thesylvee.com

YAMATO: THE DRUMMERS OF JAPAN

Feb. 22, Wisconsin Union Theater

Feel the thunderous vibrations of these taiko drummers’ instruments and marvel at the dramatic

choreography that has accompanied this Japanese artform for hundreds of years. artsticketing.wisc.edu

MASTERWORKS III: DAVIS & DVOŘÁK

Feb. 28, Overture Center

Madison Ballet performs original choreography by artistic director Ja’ Malik as the Wisconsin Chamber

Yamato: The Drummers of Japan

Alan Walker

Orchestra presents Oliver Davis’ cinematic soundscape “Liberty Suite.” The program concludes with a chamber-music classic: Dvořák’s lovely “Serenade for Strings.” wcoconcerts.org

THEATER AND DANCE

“MARÍA DE BUENOS AIRES”

Jan. 31 & Feb. 2, Overture Center

Madison Opera teams up with Kanopy Dance to stage this surrealist gem by Argentine tango composer Astor Piazzolla. Entranced by this melancholy music, a woman takes up sex work and then proceeds down a perilous path. madisonopera.org

“Shucked”

“SHUCKED”

Feb. 4-8, Overture Center

Devour the Wisconsin premiere of a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical about a young heroine and her journey to save her hometown’s crop of — you guessed it — corn. overture.org

“COMPANY”

Feb. 20-21, 27-28 & March 1-2, Overture Center

Helmed by Sarah Marty and Thomas Kasdorf of Four Seasons Theatre, this much-revived musical delivers chuckles with a side of contemplation as its protagonist gets grilled about his perpetual bachelorhood. fourseasonstheatre.com

VISUAL ART AND MORE

RICHARD MOSSE: “BROKEN SPECTRE”

Through Feb. 6, Madison Museum of Contemporary Art Mosse’s work often asks viewers to consider the ways they view humanmade, environmental disasters. This show documents the Amazon rainforest on a microscopic level using multispectral aerial cameras, heat-sensitive analog film and other technologies the industries harming this crucial habitat often employ. mmoca.org

“YOU BELONG HERE: PLACE, PEOPLE, AND PURPOSE IN LATINX PHOTOGRAPHY”

Through March 7, Chazen Museum of Art

Curated by Pilar Tompkins Rivas of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, this exhibition this traveling exhibition highlights experiences of togetherness from Latinx communities and expressions of feeling caught between two or more identities. chazen.wisc.edu

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

A DATE WITH SHAKESPEARE

Planning a romantic outing around Valentine’s Day? Let the creator of “Romeo and Juliet” help. These events celebrate love through William Shakespeare’s sumptuous storytelling and sonnets.

“A Valentine’s Affair” Feb. 13-14, Bartell Theatre

Directed by Annie Jay, this production marks Madison Shakespeare Company’s seventh year of sharing the Bard’s most beloved love stories. In other words, expect infatuation and intrigue, mix-ups and make-ups, and plenty of flirting. bartelltheatre. org/2024/a-valentines-affair-2025

“Shakespeare in Love” Feb. 16, First Unitarian Society Shakespearean plays and poems are a rich source of romantic song lyrics. Wisconsin Chamber Choir shares examples by Hollywood and Broadway songwriter Cole Porter, modern-day composer Libby Larsen and others at this concert. wisconsinchamberchoir.org

Winter Young Artists Concert Feb. 19, Middleton-Cross Plains Area

Performing Arts Center

Guest conductor Alexander Platt leads this talented community symphony through Tchaikovsky’s “The Tempest,” a fantasia inspired by Shakespeare’s drama of the same name, in which a wedding provides hope that two enemy cities will make amends. The evening also includes a swoon-worthy performance by the winner of MCO’s Young Artist Competition. middletoncommunityorchestra.org

“You Belong Here: Place, People, and Purpose in Latinx Photography”

FANTASTIC PHOTOS | Our Women to Watch shoot days are always fun. And, we capture many fantastic images we can’t use in the feature, due to space constraints. Clockwise from top: Augusta Brulla strikes a pose. Right: This Vegas-like shot of Anne Michels was actually taken in the Moxy Madison Downtown’s elevator! Bottom left: Rachelle Stone gives us a radiant smile. Middle: Lauren Brinkman gives a nod to her foster pet organization, Underdog Pet Rescue.

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