‘Tis the Season
As we celebrate the holiday season with our sixth issue of Middleton City Lifestyle, it’s amazing to see how quickly time has flown by. Reaching our half-year milestone at this festive time of year feels like the perfect opportunity to reflect on our journey and appreciate the growth of our publication—made possible by the support of this wonderful community. In this holiday and giving-themed issue, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on Harbor Athletic Club. Many of you are likely familiar with the local gym and its wide variety of fitness resources. Like me, you might already be a member. However, our interview with owner Melissa Oberle reveals another side of Harbor —one dedicated to giving back to a community that has given them so much.
This December also marks five years in business for Red & White Winebar in Waunakee. While owners Mike and Kari Heller have created the perfect local spot to relax and enjoy a drink, what truly drives them is the sense of community they’ve fostered and their opportunities to give back. Their journey is one you won’t want to miss.
We were lucky to sit down with the owner and founder of Yada Fair Trade & Resale, Beth Williams. What may appear to be just a thrift store at first glance has so much more beneath the surface. Our conversation with Beth revealed that the shop is just the beginning of an organization dedicated to supporting exploited members of our community. We are excited for readers to learn about their mission and discover ways to get involved.
The holidays are a special time for many, so to capture the season’s spirit Alexis and I have written an article dedicated to sharing different perspectives from our community. You’ll find reflections on what this time of year means to various locals—adding a touch of warmth and diversity to our celebration.
Lastly, in the spirit of generosity, we’re thrilled to introduce the City Lifestyle Giving Campaign. Each year, we accept nominations from across the country to help those in need. Read more in our feature article, “Making Spirits Bright,” and see how you can join us in spreading joy.
Wishing you and yours a holiday season filled with love, joy, and kindness.
December 2024
PUBLISHER
Cole Spitler | cole.spitler@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Tori Lynn | tori.charnetzki@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Alexis Venter | alexis.venter@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Hannah Harms
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ashley Hicks, Bill Martens
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
MIDDLETON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MIDDLETON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MIDDLETON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
ASHLEY HICKS
TOM KOBINSKY
TOM KOBINSKY
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ARTICLE BY COLE SPITLER AND ALEXIS VENTER PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL MARTENS
“We are all in this beautiful life together, no matter our background, age, religion, or political affiliation.”
The Meaning of the Holidays
Local Perspectives on the Reason for the Season
Scott Jablonski, Parochial Administrator at St. Bernards: This season is about the holy day, Christmas, when “the Son of God became man so that we might become like God.” We rediscover our dignity as people created in His image and are reminded that we all matter deeply to Him. He loves us more than we’ll ever realize - so much that He sent His only-begotten son, Jesus, on a “rescue mission.” The holidays are about the goodness of God and the hope, love, and joy that are His gifts to us!
Kelly Mulqueen, Owner of Happy House Cleaning: After years of cleaning homes, I’ve embraced a minimalist mindset and approach to the holidays. My family and I skip the large traditional Christmas dinner and order takeout instead. I don’t miss the shopping, cooking, or rounds of dishes. Instead, we enjoy time together!
Jen Holmer, Professional Organizer at Renewal by Kate: The Holiday Season often brings stress and overwhelm with endless tasks and obligations.
Recently, I’ve embraced simplicity and the Christian tradition of Advent, which encourages slowing down and being mindful. Slowing down and savoring moments—this is what the Holidays are all about for me.”
Rabbi Laurie Zimmerman, Congregation Shaarei Shamayim: Hanukkah is the festival of lights, a time when Jewish people rededicate themselves to their deepest ideals. At this time of darkness, we pray for peace, justice, and safety for all people who dwell on this earth.
Rabbi Betsy Forester, Beth Israel Center: For me, the holiday season is about neighbors, friends, and family seeking closeness, joy, hope, and uplift at the coldest and darkest time of the year. Kindness, grace, and the hope of a redeemed world link community members of all backgrounds in good spirit.
Carla Anderson, Middleton Resident: The spirit of Christmas is love. We are all in this beautiful life together, no matter our background, age, religion, or political affiliation.
Collin Trainor, DDS
Austin Wessell, DDS
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THE PERFECT pairing
HOW LOVE, WINE, AND CHARITY BUILT A THRIVING BUSINESS
ARTICLE BY TORI LYNN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY HICKS
What began as a casual joke between a wine-loving couple has become a full-bodied venture for Mike and Kari Heller. Since their courtship, they’d joked about someday opening a wine bar. Today, they’re celebrating five years in business at Red & White Winebar.
“We love drinking and experiencing wine. And we thought ‘Let’s own a business together.’ Not a lot of couples could say that and be able to survive, but for us, it’s been good” says Kari.
When opening Red & White, the Hellers worked to create an inviting and unpretentious space that, while it had a great wine selection, focused on bringing people in. Over the past five years, that is exactly what has happened. R & W survived the very challenging Covid restrictions and have adapted to a changing business climate since. In a time when small businesses face significant challenges the Heller’s have thrived.
“We’re not a pretentious wine bar. As the owners, we learned a lot about wine over the last 5-years, especially since we started from ground zero.” says Mike
“We have great wines and Bourbons, and we have a fun and inviting atmosphere. We have wine tastings, and we let our expert cork crew team take care of those. Otherwise, it’s just a fun, quaint, comfortable place to meet for a glass of wine or two.”
And don’t let the name wine bar fool you. Their selection includes over 40 bourbons, 20 non-alcoholic options,
I think people like to see that when they’re supporting our business, they’re supporting a cause.
flatbreads, Bavarian pretzels and cheese boards, along with their impeccable wine selections. Their business has also grown beyond a wine retail place into a community gathering hub.
Kari hosts a Book Club that started with four friends and now boasts over 50 members. Mike uses his sports radio background to bring in coaches and athletes for BS and Bourbon Nights, and the building has served as an event space for bridal showers, anniversary parties, and more.
“I think our core group of friends have been people that we’ve met since we opened the wine bar. Which is not a reason that you open a business, but it has kind of turned into that” says Mike.
Building that community has kept the Hellers going, even amid personal crises.
“In January of 2022, we had the heart attack. It was mine in my body, but we had it,” said Mike.
“Mike had his heart attack on a Monday. He got home Wednesday night, and as we were processing through the last few days and talking about the great care that he received, that’s how “Heart Night” was born. We put together something super quick and small, and we were able to raise $11,000 for the UW Foundation for Cardiac Research” said Kari.
- Kari Heller
Since 2022, the Hellers have given back over $75,000 to that same foundation. And, like Red White and Wine Bar itself, Heart Night has grown and changed with each iteration. This year, there’s a whole week of celebratory events starting December 1st with a Sunday Saber, which uses a saber to open a bottle of champagne. Throughout the week, they’ll have trivia, a silent auction, a presence at the Waunakee Santa Parade, and live music. They’ll finish the week on Sunday, December 8th with a 5k walk, all to celebrate 5 years in a business and to raise money for the UW Foundation for Cardiac Research.
Being part of the community and giving back have kept the Hellers’ business thriving for 5 years and counting.
“We didn’t think, Hey, let’s be a charitable wine bar, but it’s been very rewarding and fulfilling. I think people like to see that when they’re supporting our business, they’re supporting a cause” says Kari.
“The book club nights, the BS and Bourbon Nights, and certainly the Heart Nights - these things make us look at each other and go, ‘this is why we did this’.”
Strengthening the Community
SEASON IS GIVING SEASON
HARBOR ATHLETIC CLUB
ARTICLE BY HANNAH HARMS
If you live in Middleton, you’re likely familiar with Harbor Athletic Club. Over the last four decades, it has been the central spot for community members to “Train For Life”whether to prepare for vacation, keep up with grandkids, or college athletics. Opened in 1984 by Paul and Francine Ernst, Harbor provides a safe space for all members to enjoy a variety of athletic activities.
Since opening, the gym has evolved from a ten-court racquetball club to an over 80,000-square-foot facility that offers four pools, an indoor track, two full-size basketball courts, separate yoga and pilates studios, and more. Though the space has grown, the company’s mission has remained constant — to help its members Train For Life and serve and support their community.
“Our founder, Paul Ernst, made it a priority from day one to support and give back to our community. After all, Paul is a veteran who served our country in Vietnam. He believes that a community is stronger and can thrive when everyone plays a part and gives back,” said Melissa Oberle, daughter of Paul and the current owner of Harbor Athletic Club.
Harbor goes beyond creating an inviting and enjoyable fitness space for its members. The club also participates in many local fundraising events throughout the year.
“We’re fortunate to give back in many ways,” said Melissa. “We love this community and it’s important to us to do our part in helping it flourish. As an athletic
club, the core of our business is helping people and providing a service that enhances their quality of life. Because serving members of our community is already a major part of our business, it’s almost innate to give beyond our walls.”
In 2024 alone, Harbor has supported over 100 organizations through in-kind donations and sponsorships, including Gigi’s Playhouse, Middleton VFW, Literacy Network, Canopy Center and Parkinson’s Association, Middleton High School Athletics, Middleton Good Neighbor Festival 5k, Middleton Band and Orchestra and the Middleton Lions Club.
Throughout the year, Harbor shares its facilities with groups such as the Special Olympics and Middleton High School’s adaptive physical education program. Harbor also sends its experienced instructors into the community to share their knowledge about topics like Parkinson’s and prenatal health, provide in-season and pregame training for Middleton athletic teams, and host gym classes for high school students.
Harbor also partners with first responders like the Middleton Police Force and Middleton Fire District. In 2021, the team joined forces with the Fire District to provide a variety of fitness classes at Station 1, and support the wellness needs of the fire department team overall.
The club also hosts multiple classes a year that raise funds for different community partners. Their annual Knock Out Breast Cancer event is a favorite, with all funds raised going to the UW Carbone Cancer Center.
“We couldn’t think of a better way to serve our community. We have been deeply embedded in Middleton for over 40 years and it brings us great joy. Our community has supported us in so many ways, and we desire to do the same for others,” said Melissa.
Looking forward, Harbor Athletic Club is excited to continue serving the fitness needs of all people and supporting the overall health and wellness of the community.
“We believe that helping people train to live the life they want is the best approach to fitness. We hope to grow programs to help members find enjoyment in movement.”
“We love this community and it’s important to us to do our part in helping it flourish. Because serving members of our community is already a major part of our business, it’s almost innate to give beyond our walls.”
“We believe that helping people train to live the life they want is the best approach to fitness. Fad workouts, or workouts you dread are not sustainable. We hope to continue growing programs to help members find enjoyment in movement.”
As the holiday season approaches, they invite you to join them on their mission. From decorating and delivering cookies to ringing bells for the Salvation Army, the opportunities are endless.
For Harbor Athletic Club members, you can also participate in the Reach Dance Giving Tree. “We love how our members look forward to this every year and they are so generous. By mid-December we have a room full of presents to be donated to Reach Dane and it feels like something we did as a team with all our members.”
YADA FAIR TRADE + RESALE
ARTICLE BY ALEXIS VENTER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY HICKS
What may seem like a typical thrift shop could not be further from the truth when you visit Yada Fair Trade + Resale, owned and run by Beth Williams. True to the Hebrew meaning of Yada, “to know,” this Middleton non-profit seeks to give exploited and trafficked women in our community a place to be known in a meaningful way. Their mission is to help survivors move from surviving to thriving.
“These women need community: a place where they have encouragement and advocates. We walk alongside them in whatever they need,” says Beth.
After seeing the reality of sex trafficking during her family’s mission trips, Beth began to notice the signs that often accompany this crisis. She didn’t expect to see those signs here.
“My heart was already stirred in the global sense and when I became aware of what was happening here, in Madison, Yada was born” explains Beth.
Yada Fair Trade + Resale sells fair trade products made by survivors worldwide, while also providing clothing and houseware items in a boutique-style
A Place to be Known
environment for exploited women and children to come and shop for free. In addition, they focus on meeting tangible needs, providing a car care clinic, an addiction recovery group, trauma therapy, and employment opportunities to those exploited. Yada is so much more than a store and eagerly seeks to bring awareness of exploitation to our community.
“Everybody can do something, we either have time, talent, or treasure to share.”
Whether through donations, financial contributions, stopping by to shop at the store, or volunteering, Yada welcomes community involvement!
Their greatest need at the moment is for volunteers and financial support as they continue their mission to change our community for the better.
more information
• Donate: Clothing for all ages and all sizes, home goods, and furniture can be dropped off at 2620 Parmenter Street, Middleton, WI 53562, during store hours, or feel free to contact them to schedule a complimentary pickup.
• Volunteer : Yada always welcomes volunteers and will help you find what you are best suited to help with! Whether you’re interested in volunteering at the store or in one of their other capacities, they provide training to help you jump in.
• Support : You can contribute financially on the Yada Fair Trade + Resale website and 100% of financial contributions will go toward their mission.
• Spread the Word: Learn how to spread the word at the Yada Fair Trade + Resale website
Beth Williams
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You want to support a female owned business that values a team culture of collaboration, respect, and open communication among its employees.
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Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.com
CRAFTING CHEER: DIY WINTER CRAFTS
ARTICLE BY ERICA BIBB | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
ORNAMENT CLUSTERS
SUPPLIES
• 22 gauge wire
• Ornaments of at least 3 varying shades and sizes
• Wire snips
STEP 1
Cut desired length of wire for a cluster, about 24”
STEP 2
Add an ornament about 4” from one end of the wire and twist the wire around the top of the ornament to provide a base for your cluster. Twist about 5 times. You should still have about 4” of wire at the end; you will need it to tie onto your garland, tree, or wreath.
STEP 3
Continue adding ornaments to the wire, alternating sizes and colors until you have 4-6” of wire remaining.
STEP 4
Twist the remaining wire around the top of your final ornament 5 times to secure all of your ornaments in place. Making sure to leave at least 4” of wire in place at the end in order to tie onto garland, tree, or wreath.
STEP 5
Use the ends of the wire to attach to your holiday item of choice!!
Pro tip: Keep your clusters to the 24” length to keep from getting too heavy and/or having ornaments pop off. Ornaments will pop off at times, but they will still look gorgeous and you can always glue the ornament back onto to the top. Simple, gorgeous, and impactful!
CONFECTION
Elevate your holiday hot chocolate with a charcuterie experience
As winter settles in and the air chills, there’s nothing more comforting than a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Take it up a notch and indulge in a hot cocoa charcuterie board. Picture a delightful spread of various hot chocolate flavors, mix-ins, and toppings, inviting you to create a personalized, delicious mug of joy.
OLD-FASHIONED HOT COCOA
Ingredients
• ¼ cup 60% cacao chocolate morsels
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1/3 cup white granulated sugar
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups half and half
• 1 pinch salt
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions
Heat all ingredients (except vanilla extract) in a 2-quart saucepan over medium-low heat until almost boiling. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
CREATING THE PERFECT HOT COCOA CHARCUTERIE BOARD
Gone are the days of selecting only between marshmallows and whipped cream as toppings. With a hot cocoa charcuterie board, you can delve into a world of flavors, textures and spices that will make each sip an adventure.
Begin by selecting a variety of flavors and mix-ins, such as mini marshmallows, salted caramels, white chocolate morsels and peppermints. Pair your hot cocoa with delectable treats like cookies, gum drops, crème-filled wafer rolls or chocolate-covered espresso beans. Consider adding biscotti, chocolate-dipped spoons or chocolate-coated pretzels as well as whipped toppings and an assortment of sprinkles.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MINDY WESTER
We want to give back to the community that continues to help us grow! Nominate someone in need for a
As
DECEMBER 2024
Holiday Shopping
At Yada Fair Trade & Resale, we have curated fair trade items from around the world that are survivor made.
Shop our upscale store for clothing, furniture and home goods.
We offer a boutique style shopping experience with thrifty prices.
Visit yadaftr.com to learn more and GET INVOLVED!
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
DECEMBER 7TH & 8TH
Holiday Market at FCI
2551 Parmenter St, Middleton WI 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Start your holiday shopping at the festive Holiday Art Market at FCI, supporting WayForward’s mission for food security and housing stability. Discover unique gifts from over 50 local makers, enjoy Gift To-Go Boxes, door prizes, and the fan-favorite Plinko game. Each vendor donates at least 20% of sales to benefit WayForward’s programs. December 7th: 10am to 5pm. December 8th: 10 am to 3pm
DECEMBER 12TH
The Neutral Project Investment LuncheonThe Madison Club
5 E. Wilson Street, Madison, WI 53703 12:00 PM
Be a Part of History: Invest in The Edison Join us in Milwaukee to discover The Edison—the world’s tallest mass timber building. Located downtown, this groundbreaking project by Neutral blends sustainability with cutting-edge design. Meet the visionaries behind Neutral and learn how to invest in The Edison! Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the future of urban development!
DECEMBER 15TH
Reindeer Fly-In at The Bruce Company
2830 Parmenter St, Middleton WI 12:00 PM
Celebrate the season at the Holiday Reindeer Fly-In, The Bruce Company’s most anticipated event of the year! Say hi to Comet and Vixen, and discover some cool reindeer trivia from their elf keepers. The event is free to attend, but there’s a charge if you’d like a family photo with the reindeer.
Yada Fair Trade & Resale • 2620 Parmenter Street. Middleton, WI 53562
A New Standard In Sustainable Living
At Neutral, we’re nurturing transformation across Madison through regenerative real estate development that tries to restore our ecosystems and improve the communities we touch.
We understand that every project presents an opportunity to weave together environmental stewardship, community vitality, and economic prosperity. This thoughtful approach delivers profound value to the communities we serve and to our forward-thinking investors who recognize that true prosperity flows from healing our relationship with the natural and built environment.
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