From the Publisher

from the PUBLISHER

Déjà vu. It was this time last year when I wrote of the hope and promise for a new year. I had long awaited the end of 2020, and even though I didn’t anticipate a snap-of-the-fingers change on January 1, I thought that 2021 couldn’t possibly be as bad or worse. Others’ opinions may vary on the outcome of that specific detail, but certainly none of us could have imagined the year that was.

COVID-19 deaths continue to mount, with more variants appearing every few months. National and local economies are struggling. We’re divided seemingly more than ever on civil rights, personal rights, and motives and outcomes of present-day historic events.

Locally, we’re very much affected, but I’ve felt a sense of community, support, and determination to come through it better and stronger. Madison Essentials is once again honored to be a sponsor of Soup’s On! (danebuylocal.com-soups-on). Each weekly sale gives me a chance to personally talk with community members who tell me they’re so glad we’re continuing the event and efforts to support local restaurants, FEED Kitchens, and Badger Prairie Needs Network. They want to help, and this is a great opportunity to do so. In return, they get to enjoy delicious soup!

It’s not just there I hear these expressions. I am fortunate to get to talk with many people, and it’s always heartwarming to hear the success stories from individuals, families, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and others who have made it through difficult, sometimes traumatic, times. There’s a lot of love here, and given the opportunity, I think people want to do what they can to make our community a better place for everyone in it. But we have a lot of work yet to be done.

We at Madison Essentials will continue to do our part by telling stories about the people, places, and things of the greater Dane County area. It’s my hope that this is a kickoff to a year full of hope and triumphs.

amy johnson

comments We welcome your questions and comments. Please submit to Madison Essentials, c/o Towns & Associates, Inc., PO Box 174, Baraboo, WI 53913-0174 or email ajohnson@madisonessentials.com.

advertise To place an advertisement, please call (608) 215-5240 or email ajohnson@madisonessentials.com.

all rights reserved. ©2022 No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without prior written permission by Madison Essentials.

Towns & Associates, Inc. PO Box 174 Baraboo, WI 53913-0174 P (608) 356-8757 • F (608) 356-8875 madisonessentials.com

Watch for the next issue March/April 2022.

Cover photograph—Tequila Reaper Smothered Breakfast Burrito from Migrants taken by Eric Tadsen Photographs on page 3: left— Biscuits and Gravy from Ugly Apple Cafe taken by Eric Tadsen right— taken at Wisconsin Cutlery & Kitchen Supply by Eric Tadsen

A NOTE FROM MADISON ESSENTIALS

In our September/October 2021 issue, we ran Part I of a two-part series featuring the homes in Shorewood Hills. It was meant to be an interesting addition to our ongoing landmark series, but we realized there was more to it when we received an email from a reader:

In the same issue as the “Power and Privilege” article, the “Shorewood Hills” article by Jeanne Engle chooses to focus on providing yet more voice to the very power and privilege that formed and continues to govern this well-educated elite (e.g., white, rich) village.

The article blatantly ignores the longstanding deed restriction (voted on recently by the board to keep in writing) that “no negro may buy or own property” here.

To challenge readers to be authentic and truly “responsible for the culture we live in and for the changes that need to be made,” perhaps Madison Essentials could lead by example.

We hate to plead ignorance, but the email certainly caught us off guard. The reader is absolutely correct— those words are not just part of the Shorewood Hills deed restrictions but of other deed restrictions across the state. It’s something we were unaware of at the time.

We’re happy to report that the Wisconsin REALTORS Association is working to remove the verbiage statewide. But why wasn’t it removed decades ago? And why would it take any significant amount of time to get it done?

Everyone has their own answers. For those of us at Madison Essentials, it reminds us of the ongoing work left to do regarding racism in the state. Wisconsin adopted the state motto “FORWARD” in 1851, but every now and then it feels like this is merely the direction we tripped into the 21st century.

This is why we have chosen to feature Sandy Eichel’s articles the past years. They’re a voice in the community focused on equity in all its forms. There are readers who don’t agree with everything Sandy says, but it’s our hope that people pause and ask some tough questions of themselves, friends, and community—believing reflection is key to personal growth.

That’s really what Madison Essentials is. We’re not journalists. We’re not trying to break stories in hopes of getting clicks. In fact, each issue’s stories are written a few months before they release. What we are is a collection of voices in the community in love with the Greater Madison area. Local restaurants, events, people, art, these things make up the bulk of our content.

But to complete the circle, we embrace direct reader feedback. Most is positive, but there is the occasional piece of pointed criticism. The above email fits the latter, and we become a better publication for it.

Thank you.