Supporting
FAMILIES
Taking on the care so you have more time for love.
Assisted living & memory care services of the highest quality. Call today!
allsaintsneighborhood.org
(608) 827-2772
vol. 78
publisher Amy S. Johnson ajohnson@madisonessentials.com
editorial director Amy S. Johnson ajohnson@madisonessentials.com
lead designer
INSIDE
mar–apr 2022
what’s
essential arts Amy Arnold & Kelsey Sauber Olds..................................... 30
community
Jennifer Denman
Why Shoot for the Moon?.................................................. 24
senior copy editor & lead staff writer Kyle Jacobson
sales & marketing director Amy S. Johnson ajohnson@madisonessentials.com
dining JustVeggiez........................................................................ 12 Lao Laan-Xang..................................................................... 6
nonprofit
designers
Planting for Our Feathered Friends................................... 18
Crea Stellmacher, Linda Walker, Barbara Wilson
pets
administration Debora Knutson, Olivia Seehafer
Old Wives Tales................................................................... 22 Pets for Life Part II: The Follow-Up...................................... 26
travel
contributing writers Celeste Florentin, MSW, Chris Gargan, Anne Sayers, Lori Scarlett, DVM, Kaitlin Svabek, Elizabeth H. Winston, PhD
photographer
Uncovering Wisconsin’s Hidden Gems: Wellness Getaways......................................................... 34
well-being Anxiety—Sometimes Helpful, Sometimes Not................... 10 Peer Support....................................................................... 16
Eric Tadsen
additional photographs Kelly Colgan Azar from Flickr Creative Commons, Ruby Clay, Joanna Gilkeson/ USFWS, Hanna Agar Photography, Arlene Koziol, Raj Lal, Michael Miramontes, Travel Wisconsin
subscriptions Madison Essentials is available free at
over 200 locations. To purchase an annual subscription (six issues), send mailing information and $24 to Madison Essentials, c/o Towns & Associates, Inc., PO Box 174, Baraboo, WI 53913-0174. Or sign up for a FREE online subscription at madisonessentials.com.
including
(continued)
From the Publisher................................................................ 4 Contest Information........................................................... 38 Contest Winners................................................................. 38
madisonessentials.com
| 3
from the
PUBLISHER
Madison Essentials debuted in 2004. Throughout the years, the publication has changed in style and content—we even used to have a page of cooking recipes. Recently, we’ve had to change in a way you may not have noticed. Paper mills closed, and the cost of lumber has increased. Perhaps you can see where I’m going with this. Higher lumber prices equate to an increased cost of wood pulp. Wood pulp is used to make paper. Now there’s paper unavailability, exorbitant pricing, and purchasing limits. Thus, our printing costs have increased, and we’re taking whatever paper is available (which is why each issue has randomly been alternating between heavier and lighter paper stock). Many of our clients are still modifying their own businesses to meet the needs of their customers during the pandemic while dealing with increased cost of goods and being short staffed. It’s sometimes an impossible calculation. How do we cover increased costs without passing along the increases to clients and customers? Supporting each other helps us all get through this. Where we spend our time and our dollars make a huge difference in what our landscape looks like today and when things start to calm down. We will continue to promote our community, and we appreciate you showing us your support by picking up the magazine. We also encourage you to remember our sponsors when you select where you spend your money. When you do visit these incredible businesses and fantastic neighbors, say hi for us to let them know Madison Essentials connects people to their communities. Thanks for listening, and I hope you let me know how you’re doing at ajohnson@madisonessentials.com.
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 May/June 2022.
Cover photograph—Lettuce Wrap (Khao Tod Nam Som), a traditional combination of rice, ground pork, eggs, and fresh grated coconut from Lao Laan-Xang taken by Eric Tadsen Photographs on page 3: left— Kohler Co. provided by Travel Wisconsin
amy johnson
4 | madison essentials
right— Artwork by Amy Arnold and Kelsey Sauber Olds taken by Hanna Agar Photography
600 WATER ST. SAUK CITY, WI
803 E. WASHINGTON AVE. MADISON, WI
674 S. WHITNEY WAY MADISON, WI
madisonessentials.com
| 5
e sse nt i al dining
Thum Som—pounded in a mortar, Fresh Garlic, Chili, Shrimp Paste, Tamarind, Lime, Cherry Tomatoes, Thai Eggplant, Fish Sauce, and Unripe Papaya served with Chicken Drumsticks and Sticky Rice
Lao Laan-Xang by Kyle Jacobson
How often do we really think about where our food comes from? Not the ingredients themselves, but the dishes. Why a hamburger? Why nachos? Why devil an egg? Sometimes the story behind the food is amusing (like the legend of the potato chip), but more importantly, it’s always culturally relevant. It wasn’t too long ago people were limited to the ingredients their regions afforded them. It’s why the foods of some areas are rich in herbs and spices. Why some focus on seafood or vegetarian dishes and others favor red-meat-heavy diets. Lao Laan-Xang is Madison’s 30-plusyear-old Laotian restaurant whose food not only distinguishes its flavors from 6 | madison essentials
Chinese and Thai, but also raises the bar of what we should expect from East and Southeast Asian cuisine. Bounyong and Christine Inthachith, mother and daughter founders of Lao Laan-Xang, came to the United States as refugees in 1980 along with Bounyong’s three other children when Christine was in grade school. “That was after the war in Vietnam and the civil war in Laos,” says Christine. Though history books note those conflicts ended in 1975, for those living in the region, the Pathet Lao communist takeover was responsible for over 100,000 Laotian refugees only five years later.
“We crossed the border from Laos to Thailand,” says Christine. “We were in the camps waiting to be processed, and we were in the Philippines through the U.S. base. Our family was sponsored by Catholic Relief Services. The couple that sponsored us were like another set of parents. They were older; their kids were out to college. My father served in the army helping the U.S. side, which helped us get processed as refugees a little bit more quickly.” When they eventually arrived in Madison, Christine and Bounyong opened the first Lao Laan-Xang in 1990 on Odana Road. There were
unique challenges, like having only two categories in the yellow pages to list the restaurant under: Chinese or Ethnic. Fortunately, educating the public on Laotian food would happen over time. To Christine and her mother, the opportunity was “the American Dream for us. I was still very young, and [my mother] wanted to have her own business. She has the passion.” To this day, her mother prepares a lot of the food—particularly the sauces. While Christine and I spoke, she offered me an eggroll. I expected the eggroll we’ve all had. You know the one, tightly packed, a little crunchy, a little bland, but overall serviceable. What I was given was so much better. Flaky on the outside, great taste throughout, each ingredient serving a purpose. And everything tasted so fresh, from the egg to the mung bean noodles, carrots, cabbage, shitake mushroom, and green onion. Yet, looking back, I still think about how well it was all complemented by the bright, flavorful ginger sauce. Unfortunately, the Odana Road location didn’t last, but the Willy Street location
has been around since 1997. The space is very sentimental to Christine. “We’re really happy to be in this community and to be supporting this community,” says Christine. “Customers have told us how much they appreciate our being here, and, of course, we appreciate our customers. ... The food brings us together. If you visit Laos, you will often hear the greeting kin khao, which means join us to eat. You may be just a passerby, but there’s that warm hospitality. Join me for a meal.” Lao Laan-Xang isn’t just sharing Laotian food with the Madison area; it’s sharing Christine and her family’s story—their values. Many of the dishes take a long time to make, and they wouldn’t dare cut corners. This is where Christine feeds her kids. Consider one of the house specialties, Moak Pa. Steamed catfish mixed with ground pork, dill, kaffir leaves, lemongrass, and other herbs portioned out and wrapped in banana leaves to be steam cooked. “It takes all day to make that,” says Christine. “I know my mom starts early in the morning, and by the time she’s done steaming, it’s already evening.”
Khua Mee—Stir-fried Rice Noodles with Eggs, Tamarind, Bean Sprouts, Scallions, and Broccoli topped with Ground Peanuts
madisonessentials.com
| 7
Green Curry with Shrimp
If you visit Laos, you will often hear the greeting Kin Khao, which means join us to eat. Laotian street food is offered as well in their Thum Som, shredded green papaya, fresh garlic, chilis, shrimp paste, tamarind, lime, cherry tomatoes, Thai eggplant, and fish sauce, alongside the national dish of Laos, Larb. In addition to its tasty ingredients, choice of finely minced meat tossed with shallots, rice coriander, and other herbs and spices, Larb literally translates to “good luck and prosperity,” thoughtfully encapsulating Laotian hospitality.
Grilled Laotian Sausage—Chilis, Dill, Cilantro, Lemongrass, Ground Pork in a Natural Casing served with Sticky Rice and Steamed Vegetables with Dipping Sauce 8 | madison essentials
Great food and optimism, however, don’t grant immunity to the reality and struggles of COVID. As of this writing, Christine and her family are having to make some difficult decisions. “It’s really scary sometimes,” she says. “I remember when COVID first hit, I think it was March here, and everything was pretty much shut down. Every time the number of cases goes up, it’s like we have no tables. And as a business owner,
Friendly reminder: support your favorite businesses and be a little adventurous when choosing what’s for dinner. There are so many restaurants in Madison, it can be overwhelming, but I think it’s worth it to find new favorites while continuing to patronize the old ones. Christine points out how lucky we are to have access to so many different authentic foods. Son, Christine’s brother, shared with me the domino effects of perception. How one perception we have of the world, whether harmful or beneficial, influences our other thoughts and beliefs to create new perceptions. Even the simplest act can be the catalyst for community-wide mindfulness and awareness toward contemplating the ripple effects of our decisions. When it comes to supporting local businesses,
we should be intentional with our spending. As luck would have it, I know a really good place to buy a few eggrolls. Kyle Jacobson is lead writer and senior copy editor for Madison Essentials. Photographs by Eric Tadsen.
Kyle Jacobson
Photograph by Barbara Wilson
I was like, ‘Wow...what’s going on? Are we going to be closing our doors pretty soon?’ ... Looking at real numbers, we’re basically paying people to come and eat our food.”
Lao Laan-Xang 2098 At wood Avenue Mad ison, W I 53704 (608) 819 - 0140 laa n-xa ng.com
Tune In. Stay Connected.
award-winning music and news programming compelling interviews local music focus LISTENER-SPONSORED COMMUNITY RADIO 89.9 FM MADISON WORTFM.ORG WORT FM app Facebook: @WORTFM Twitter: @WORTnews Instagram: @wortfm
KEEPING YOU CONNECTED
madisonessentials.com
| 9
e sse nt i al well-being
ANXIETY
Sometimes Helpful, Sometimes Not by Elizabeth H. Winston, PhD COVID has been a long haul, and we don’t know when it will end. Feelings of anger, exhaustion, stress, sadness, grief, and restlessness abound. Many of us are languishing with frequent or constant anxiety, nervousness, and tension. Acute anxiety can manifest physically as a racing heart; quick, shallow breathing; and heightened or overwhelming of the senses. Prolonged anxiety can be felt in our bodies as an ache or butterflies in the stomach; headaches; muscle tension in our backs, necks and shoulders; and clenched or grinding teeth. Mentally, anxiety can show up as obsessive thinking; worrying; nervousness; and even magical thinking, such as “If I do this thing, I can prevent this other bad thing from happening.” Anxiety exists for a reason, and it does have benefits. The anxiety response, a physiological fight or flight response, alerts us to danger. If we are actually in physical danger, an increased heart rate, shallow breathing, and blood rushing to our arms and legs could be helpful in preparing us to fight or run away. 10 | m a d i s o n e s s e n t i a l s
The release of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, can help prepare for handling a threat. Similarly, the stress response can help cope with psychological danger, such as when you are in conflict with a family member or co-worker or when you are an outsider amongst an in-group. The right amount of anxious arousal can help you be prepared and on your toes; however, too much can overwhelm you and make it hard to think or plan. The notion of an ideal amount of anxiety is known as the Yerkes-Dodson law. A moderate amount of stress or anxiety sets us up to perform well, think clearly, and make good decisions. If we have too little anxiety, we may not have enough energy and focus to perform well. In contrast, if we are overwhelmed with anxiety, we could shut down, have an angry outburst, choke under pressure, or make a poor decision with a negative outcome. I encourage my clients to pay attention to their anxiety when it’s telling them to attend to an important task or decision.
Whatever they have control over, they should attend to and make decisions about. When it comes to COVID, we should attend to the anxiety that alerts us that we are in potential danger and respond to what we do have control over. Masking, vaccinating, and testing frequently are some actions we can take to protect ourselves and our loved ones, reducing our anxiety. Anxiety about potential new variants, whether others will get vaccinated, and how long our lives will be impacted by COVID are things we have much less control over. When we become overwhelmed with these worries, we may respond by fighting (yelling or attacking), fleeing (withdrawing or avoiding), or freezing (shutting down or sleeping). I encourage my clients to attempt anxiety reduction strategies to manage these worries. Strategies, such as distraction, doing something pleasurable, going for a walk, or talking to a friend, can reduce stress and anxiety. While some of us have been anxious about the potential for loss during this
Anxiety is part of being human. It alerts us to danger, harnesses our resources, helps us perform well in tasks, and encourages us to seek comfort and support from others.
time, others have experienced great loss. Some have lost a previous state of good health; others have lost a loved one who died from or during COVID. Many have lost a sense of security that the world will be good and just. Others have always experienced the world this way as a result of being marginalized and are grappling with the rest of their community’s more recent awareness of this suffering. Despite these differences in experience, there are ways of healing and soothing that are common across humanity. The chronic nature of the stress we have been under means it’s essential to address the toll this can take on our bodies and our minds. We should eat foods that soothe our bodies, move frequently and consistently, and attend to the signals our body sends us. Avoiding alcohol, which provides temporary relief from anxiety but then leads to increased anxiety when it wears off, is advisable. Alcohol can also disrupt healthy sleep cycles, which are essential during times of stress. Responding to the psychological toll of chronic stress means resting and relaxing, having fun, connecting with others, and learning to get more control over our thoughts. Expressing gratitude to our mental and physical healthcare providers, childcare providers, teachers, food workers, delivery drivers, and professional cleaners can provide a boost. Experiencing nature is a salve for body and mind. Exploring familiar as well as new outdoor spaces is advisable. I have been recommending that my clients check out different parks or go for walks in neighborhoods other than their own. Try forest bathing; look at the stars and moon at night; bird watch; hug a tree for several minutes; observe animals build their homes, gather food, and play. This is all in the service of discovering new
pleasurable stimulation for your senses and finding calm. When anxiety becomes too much to handle on your own or with support from friends and family, it may be time to seek professional help. A mental health professional can provide support, teach strategies for managing anxiety symptoms, and address previous stressors or traumas that could be impacting your anxiety response now. Medication prescribed by a psychiatrist or primary care provider can help reduce anxious symptoms and make therapy even more effective. Some of us have an unrealistic expectation or desire to live an anxiety-
free life. This wish will be disappointed over and over again. Anxiety is part of being human. It alerts us to danger, harnesses our resources, helps us perform well in tasks, and encourages us to seek comfort and support from others. Anxiety is a part of life. Learn to live with it and, someday, maybe even embrace it. Elizabeth H. Winston, PhD, is a licensed Madison psychologist who provides individual psychotherapy and psychological assessment as well as consultation to businesses and organizations. Find her at shorewoodpsychology.com and consultingcollaborative.org.
Elizabeth H. Winston, PhD
Putting the Urgent Back into Urgent Care McFarland Urgent Care Clinic 5614 US HWY 51 (608) 838-8242 Oregon Urgent Care Clinic 990 Janesville Street (608) 835-5373 Stoughton Hospital Urgent Care 900 Ridge Street (608) 873-6611 Stoughton Health accepts over 160 area insurance plans: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Dean Health Plan, Humana, Quartz, United Healthcare and more.
stoughtonhealth.com madisonessentials.com
| 11
e sse nt i al dining
JustVeggiez Vegan Fish Sandwich
JustVeggiez
by Kyle Jacobson
Veganism—a
word more loaded than a Parrot Head retirement party at Margaritaville. When I was a teenager, the idea of being vegan just didn’t click. I had decades worth of pop culture telling me it was dumb and a waste of effort. In fairness, vegan food in the 90s was failing really hard at trying to be meat; I was just thankful barbeque sauce existed during my first and only vegan Thanksgiving. But that was yesterdecade, and yesterdecade’s gone. In 2018, JustVeggiez in Madison joined the ranks of those taking on the impossible, recreating meat that the vegan-curious struggle to different from the real thing. When owner/chef James Bloodsaw made the switch to vegan, he found he’d entered snackfood dysphoria. He was an executive chef at Upstairs Downstairs Catering, a job he’d had since 1996, unable to eat his old favorite foods as he prepared and catered them. “So I started making my [vegan] food and bringing it in,” says James. “And then everybody wanted to try it, so they tried it and said, ‘Wow, this is pretty good. You should be selling this.’” What started off as James making food he could snack on became a mission to perfect his recipes. He was asking people at work to evaluate how close he was to the real thing, no frills. Perhaps the thing James missed most when he went vegan was chicken, particularly chicken wings. With the right mix of spices and proteins, James has made what might 12 | m a d i s o n e s s e n t i a l s
be his best seller. “People order like 12, 15 drumsticks and some sides. ... Some come back and say, ‘Are you sure that wasn’t chicken?’” He also makes custom barbeque, buffalo, and garlic parmesan sauces. James is a Chicago native, and though there isn’t a Chicago dog on his menu, there are deep dish pizzas. He even heard his calling for cooking at Chicago’s Reggio’s Pizza when he was 17. Supreme, veggie, or chicken ranch, it’s all on his evolving menu, and he takes pride in each item he adds. “JustVeggiez is a 100 percent Black, family, vegan catering and vendor service that provides a healthier version of your favorite foods,” says James. Much of what he cooks is meant to be warmed up at home, like his meal plans. For $150 a month, people receive three meals a week to balance out the rest of their diet. Offerings range from Korean BBQ and lasagna to grain bowls and even mac and cheese. Another testament to the quality of James’ food, “I was at a vegan fest. I make a vegan shrimp po-boy. One of the coordinators here in Madison, I do a whole lot of catering for him, he came back with his mom and said, ‘This is too close to shrimp. We don’t even know if we want it. Are you sure this isn’t shrimp?’”
Family, including his nine kids, is the largest motivator for James to continue his diet, though it’s an easy decision these days. James gets his children as involved with the business as he can so they not only learn to cook, but about the importance of making healthy choices. One of his daughters even designed the logo. “My daughter made this. It’s real personal. She designed it and everything.” Collard greens are highlighted in the logo and on the menu. Not a fan of the spring roll, James found that using collard greens instead of rice paper makes them something he enjoys. There’s also the Collard Green Burrito—chipotle hummus, purple sweet potatoes, pico de gallo, microgreens, avocado, lettuce, and sour cream. Initially he wasn’t too sure about it, but customers have made this burrito a menu staple. The future is looking promising for JustVeggiez. James is working with an architect for a physical location. “I want a place where you can dine in, maybe like
JustVeggiez Famous Vegan Italian Sandwich
The above story almost makes it sound like vegans expect vegan food to taste bad. Of course, they may just be saying the flavors of vegan food are distinct, but this is what makes people cheat on their diets. Whether for health, environmental, or moral reasons, every vegan has taken their own journey to choosing veganism—most not for the love of tofu. For James, it comes from family. “I had a conversation during the winter of 2012 with my late father, James Bloodsaw, Sr., about his health issues. ... ‘Don’t end up like me. Whatever you do.’” James’ dad would die later that year from diabetes, but the conversation set him on a course to take care of his body. Along with exercise, he needed a healthier diet, and veganism spoke to him. madisonessentials.com
| 13
five tables, the majority takeout. Also, I want kinda like a patio, so summertime we can do things on the patio.” He envisions different kinds of events, including live music. If everything goes according to plan, you’ll also so be able to find JustVeggiez Italian beef at local grocery stores. As vegan food has evolved, James would like to also use his space to educate young and veteran chefs about vegan cooking. There’s still a lot of unlocked potential in vegan cooking, and if the food is destined for ubiquity, then it may as well taste good. To that end, customers are coming from all over to try James’ food—some of his regulars coming from Milwaukee. “I did a Christmas meal, and someone came down from Green Bay.” If you’d have asked James 10 years ago if he’d ever open his own restaurant, he’d have thought you were crazy. But things have changed, and there’s no other way James wants to imagine things panning out. “I just love seeing people try different stuff and enjoying it.” If
Vegan Carolina Reaper Chix Sandwich
something you’re hankering for isn’t on the menu, reach out to JustVeggiez on their Facebook page. James just might take you up on the challenge of making something new that’s as tasty as it is healthy. Kyle Jacobson is lead writer and senior copy editor for Madison Essentials.
Kyle Jacobson
JustVeggiez (608) 443-9111 justveggiez.com 14 | m a d i s o n e s s e n t i a l s
Photograph by Barbara Wilson
Photographs by Eric Tadsen.
AND
BRICK MORTAR
more in store
1
1
Stay hydrated in style with vinyl stickers for your water bottle. Anthology 230 State St., Stop 1, Madison anthologymadison.com
2
High grade matcha from Uji, Japan. Smooth, complex flavor, minimal bitterness. $19.95–$36.95. Matcha whisk for $12.95. Telsaan Tea 209 East Main St., Mount Horeb telsaan.com
2
3
3
Brandy Old Fashioned Gift Set featuring Homemade Brandy and Door County Cocktail Cherries, Angostura Bitters, and a cocktail book. Just $50. Old Sugar Distillery 931 East Main St., Suite 8, Madison oldsugardistillery.com
4
Francis Klein frames are handcrafted in small batches in Paris, France. All frames can be customized to include embellishments. Ulla Eyewear 562 North Midvale Blvd., Madison ullaeyewear.com
4
madisonessentials.com
| 15
by Celeste Florentin, MSW
e sse nt i al well-being
Long before the SARS-CoV-2 virus appeared, peer support groups were proliferating across the United States, frequently taking place in person though also offered virtually and even over the phone. Certified peer specialists have played an integral role in Wisconsin’s mental health system since 2010, when the first cohort of peers successfully completed the state certification exam. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines peer support as “encompass[ing] a range of activities and interactions between people who share similar experiences of being diagnosed with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or both.” In other words, people who share a characteristic, such as a mental health diagnosis, support each other in various ways by talking about their lived experiences and offer hope, help, and support to each other. A key element that distinguishes peer support from a more traditional therapy model is that peers are equals, rather than a patient seeking advice from an expert. The first time I encountered the phrase peer support was around five years ago while reading an article in a local paper. Peers, as in a jury of one’s peers or as it was used interchangeably with the word classmates by my teachers when I was in school, was just another vocabulary word whose deeper meanings and associations I had never had the time nor need to internalize. I first came to understand the function of peer support in the same way many people do, as a consumer myself. The first peer support group I attended was full of strangers with kind faces and sad eyes. As I listened to the facilitators welcome participants, and as people began to share, I realized I had never experienced anything like this gathering. It was as if we had created a separate universe where stigma and disapproving stares couldn’t penetrate—where people spoke freely of their diagnoses, medications, and hospitalizations without fear. At the beginning of the meeting, it was unimaginable to me that I would say anything more than my name, but when the facilitator finally asked me if I was ready to share, I felt perfectly safe and comfortable
16 | m a d i s o n e s s e n t i a l s
disclosing my most personal feelings to a room full of people I had just met an hour earlier. Several years later, it’s no exaggeration to say that peer support groups saved my life—a refrain I have heard countless times from countless others over the years. The concept of peer support became popularized in the United States during the social upheaval that characterized much of the 1960s and 70s. The Mental Patients Liberation Front recognized the humanity and inherent right to dignity and self-determination that had been systematically denied to people deemed by the state to be incapable of caring for themselves. Former patients and survivors of the mental health system formed their own independent groups to talk about their experiences and find new ways to support each other that didn’t rely on the expertise of a professional. In San Francisco, peers created a newsletter, Madness Network News, dedicated to sharing stories and forcefully opposing forced psychiatric treatments, such as electroshock therapy and lobotomies. The collective advocacy of these groups and the benefits of peers supporting each other became a cornerstone of the mental health consumers’ movement. There are several elements of peer support that distinguish it from traditional therapy or case management. While no two peer support groups are the same, many of them share a commitment to trust and confidentiality, a recognition that peers are the experts on their own lives, acceptance and understanding of others’ struggles, and seeing the person as a whole and unique individual (not just as their diagnosis). In addition to learning more about themselves and learning new ways to cope, peers who attend support groups benefit from increased social support and growing their support network. While research into peer support groups is ongoing, many studies have already demonstrated the benefits of peer support. Research has shown that regularly attending peer support groups leads to decreased hospitalizations, more engagement with one’s community, improved ability to advocate for
Hungry?
Get down to the Nitty Gritty! . Home of the Famous Gritty Burger . Serving Weekend Brunch . ALL AGES WELCOME . Serving Gourmet Milkshakes . Gluten Free, Vegetarian, and Vegan Menu Items
A TRADITION SINCE 1968
MADISON
MIDDLETON
#1 PLACE TO CELEBRATE BIRTHDAYS . Drink FREE Beer, Soda or Specialty Cocktails on your Birthday! . Over 700,000 birthdays celebrated since 1968!
SUN PRAIRIE
223 N. FRANCES ST. 1021 N. GAMMON RD. 315 E. LINNERUD DR. 608-251-2521 608-833-6489 608-837-4999 oneself with doctors and mental health professionals, and an increase in hope for the future. So many of the benefits of peer support come directly from the interactions among group participants. Peers attend groups at all stages of their recovery and can serve as a model for recovery and success for others. Several studies have shown that peers who share their stories benefit even more from the interaction than the person who listens to their story. This is perhaps due, at least in part, to finding that their lived experience is valuable to others. In my own experience, simply bearing witness to another’s story demonstrates care and curiosity that can be hard to find outside of peer spaces. Because negative stigma continues to be so pervasive, creating an open forum where people can talk about the realities of their lives without having to explain or defend themselves is a rare and vital source of safety. Peer support groups range widely in focus; there are peer support groups for people struggling with substance
use, people living with a mental illness, family members of people living with a mental illness, people grieving the loss of a loved one, cancer patients, and innumerable others. While the content and structure of individual groups varies greatly from one to the next, the central focus of peer support is to provide a safe, supportive, and confidential environment. NAMI Dane County’s peer support groups center the group participants and affirm that, as isolating as living with a mental illness can feel, participants are not alone in their struggles. Celeste Florentin, MSW, is the program and outreach coordinator at NAMI Dane County.
Celeste Florentin, MSW madisonessentials.com
| 17
e sse nt i al nonprofit
PLANTING for
The long bills of ruby-throated hummingbirds are specially adapted to drink nectar from many gorgeous native flowers, like these brightly colored trumpet creeper vine blooms.
Our Feathered Friends
by Kaitlin Svabek
Ah, spring! As the sun twinkles a little later in the evening sky, our thoughts turn to the warmer season of sprouts and flowers. Some of us begin plotting which plants we should add to our gardens, planter pots, windowsills, and yards this year. To support wildlife, consider including some native plants. By making thoughtful choices, you can make your outdoor spaces welcoming for our feathered friends.
GETTING STARTED GETTING STARTED WITH PLANT WITH NATIVE NATIVE PLANT GARDENING GARDENING Learn the Basics
Native plants are well suited to our seasons and climate, often needing fewer resources to grow and thrive; however, their success still depends strongly 18 | m a d i s o n e s s e n t i a l s
upon soil and sunlight. Dry soils drain very well and can be sandy, gravelly, or rocky, while wet soils drain very little and may have standing water present for long periods of time. In between these two are loamy soils, which are regularly damp and may have standing water for short periods, but drain better than wet soils. When it comes to light, partial-sun plants do best when they get four to six hours of sunlight a day. Plants suited for full sun need more, and those suited for shade need fewer.
Plan for Success
You can grow natives from seeds, sprouts, saplings, or mature plants. Seeds are often more economical, though they can take some time to establish while you battle back weeds. Saplings or more-mature plants provide instant gratification, but may face a bit of shock
and must be watered for a number of weeks as they adjust to their new home. It can be useful to figure out not only what, but when is best to put them in the ground. Specific species may be better to start in the fall, while others may prefer spring.
Curate a Variety
When choosing plants, think about when they flower and fruit. Including multiple options that bloom in different seasons not only keeps your outdoor spaces beautiful throughout the year, but also provides consistent sources of food for wildlife.
Embrace Bugs
Greater insect populations are found on native plants compared to purely decorative garden selections, and that’s a good thing. Native plants provide better
Talk to the Experts & Ask for Natives
Photograph by Arlene Koziol
habitats for beneficial pollinators, like monarch butterflies and the federally endangered rusty patched bumble bee. A healthy population of bugs provides a healthy source of bird food.
Photograph by Kelly Colgan Azar from Flickr Creative Commons
Consider making an appointment or visiting your local native plant nursery or contacting your local UW–Extension office. The folks there are knowledgeable and can help suggest which plants will be best for your space. When shopping, be sure to look and ask for native species, which support a wider variety of wildlife than nonnative cultivars. For example, columbines come in a variety of colors, but the native species is red and yellow.
PHENOMENAL PHENOMENAL WISCONSIN WISCONSIN NATIVE SPECIES NATIVE SPECIES
The stems of goldenrod plants are strong enough to support perching birds, like this cedar waxwing. prefers drier soils, while common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) will grow in most soils. Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) will grow in a broader variety of soils and
Photograph by Joanna Gilkeson/USFWS
Did you know there are 12 species of milkweed that naturally occur in Wisconsin? Many bloom during the summer into the fall, attracting insects that pollinate, and some are eaten by birds. The leaves are the sole food source of monarch caterpillars, and the seedheads provide nesting material for birds, like the American goldfinch. Each requires full sun; swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) prefers wetter soils, butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
light conditions, which makes it a good choice for beginners. The flowers appear in spring and support pollinating insects and hummingbirds. Trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is an alternative to potentially problematic ornamental vines. This vine needs moist soils and plenty of sun to produce tubular red blooms, which attract hummingbirds and orioles, while thrushes eat the fruit. Stiff goldenrod (Solidago rigida) will thrive in most soils as long as they have plenty of sun. Their iconic yellow latesummer blooms give way to fluffy seeds in the fall that feed many types of seedeating birds, and their sturdy stems provide places to perch.
Columbine, a native plant species, can attract hummingbirds to your yard.
Prairie grasses, like big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) and little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) require drier soils with partial to full sun. They can provide places to hide and nest for some birds, and their seeds are eaten by sparrows and even turkeys in the fall. madisonessentials.com
| 19
Photograph by Arlene Koziol
Since 1971 Italian Specialties & Delicatessen Huge Deli Featuring ®
Salads, Olives & Fresh Italian Sausage
frabonisdeli.com • Housemade Frozen Pizzas • Hot Sandwiches & Dinners • Homemade Deli Salads • Lasagna & Mostaccioli • Spaghetti with Meatballs • Gluten-Free Pastas & Sauces • Homemade Pasta Sauces • Prosciutto & Mortadella • Meatballs & Sausages • Great Wine Selection Dane BUY
LOCAL
• Italian Recipes &
Milkweed plants, the sole food source for monarch caterpillars, have gorgeous blooms frequented by many other native insects.
Housewares
• Imported Olives,
Olive Oils & Vinegars
• Tomato Products • Artisanal Pasta & Cheeses • Specialty Sub Sandwiches • Take & Heat Dinners • Catering for Large & Small Groups!
FAMOUS FROZEN PIZZAS Check Out Our Pizza of the Moment
Please visit www.frabonisdeli.com for current hours
108 Owen Rd, Monona • 608-222-6632
A NOTE ABOUT TREES AND SHRUBS For those who are able to add a native tree or shrub, there are plenty of great options that provide not only food, but also shelter from predators and a place to nest. According to the Wisconsin DNR, oak trees (Quercus species) support more than 530 species of butterfly and moth caterpillars, the most of any other woody plant. These are crucial food sources for many bird species, as are the acorns that the trees produce. Serviceberries (Amelanchier species) are trees and shrubs that are early to flower in the spring and produce berries during the summer, when fewer fruits are available for birds like cedar waxwings and tanagers. Evergreens, like the Eastern red cedar
YOU MAKE THE MEMORIES. WE’LL MAKE THEM LAST. Whether it’s a beloved print or family heirloom, give your piece an artful presentation that will stand the test of time. OPEN Tues – Sat, 10am – 5pm Schedule an appointment or drop by
1901 Monroe St Madison, WI | 608.255.7330 | monroestreetframing.com 20 | m a d i s o n e s s e n t i a l s
Photograph by Arlene Koziol
Oak trees provide a protective habitat for many bird species to nest, including Baltimore orioles. ( Juniperus virginiana), also host their fair share of food sources, like caterpillars and cones, which attract jays and a variety of finches. By choosing plants that offer an abundance of nutritional food and shelter, wildlife will begin to flock to your yard. We’ll be back next issue to talk about spring migration and how we can all be better advocates for avians. Until then, happy planting! Kaitlin Svabek is a communications specialist for Madison Audubon. Connect with the team at info@madisonaudubon.org or follow them on social media @madisonaudubon.
Kaitlin Svabek
Here are some great books that focus on creating habitats in your outdoor spaces that dive deeply into the process or provide information about native plants in great detail.
• Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard by Doug Tallamy • Birdscaping in the Midwest: A Guide to Gardening with Native Plants to Attract Birds by Mariette Nowak • Native Plant Gardening for Birds, Bees & Butterflies: Upper Midwest by Jaret C. Daniels • The Midwest Native Plant Primer: 225 Plants for an Earth-Friendly Garden by Alan Branhagen • National Wildlife Federation: Attracting Birds, Butterflies, and Other Backyard Wildlife, Expanded Second Edition by David Mizejewski madisonessentials.com
| 21
e sse nt i al pets
Old Wives
TALES
by Lori Scarlett, DVM When I was pregnant with my first child, my brother suggested I needed to get rid of my cats because they “suck the breath” out of babies. This is obviously an old wives tale and not based in scientific fact at all. My cats did like to sleep in the crib (before I brought my baby home) and liked to be near the baby as I was holding him. They all sniffed the baby’s face, but I saw no “sucking of breath.” This advice likely came from people who thought cats were evil (or just didn’t like them, like my brother). I don’t recommend rehoming your cat when you’re starting a human family, but I would keep the cat out of the crib when the baby is there. If the baby should suddenly move and startle the cat, the cat might scratch or bite. It might be worthwhile to get a second crib just for the cat! Old wives tales are supposed truths passed down over generations. These truths are really just superstitions or claims with exaggerated or inaccurate details. Although we may think we’re 22 | m a d i s o n e s s e n t i a l s
smarter than the average “old wife” from the 1500s, I still have people mention or ask about them. One common misconception is that you can tell if a dog is feeling well because it has a cool, wet nose. In actuality, a warm, dry nose is perfectly healthy. One of my dogs has some anxiety issues, and when his nose is wet and dripping, then I know he is stressed. The only nugget of truth is that a dry, crusty, or cracked nose is not normal and may need treatment. Perhaps we only think about a dog’s cool, wet nose when they boop our warm skin in the summer. I often hear people say a dog is happy because they see the dog’s tail wagging. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Dogs with relaxed ears and a whole butt wiggle are happy or excited, but if the tail is slowly wagging side to side and the ears are up, it’s best to keep your distance; the dog is assessing the situation before deciding how to act. That action might be to bite.
Cats wag their tails too, but that motion communicates different things than a dog. A swishy tail usually means the cat is excited. Watch your cat’s tail when they’re focused on a bird outside the window. As their excitement mounts, the swish becomes more of a twitch and may culminate in the cat pouncing. A more vigorous wag or thrashing of the tail means agitation. The best thing if you see that in a cat is to stop what you’re doing and back away. If you don’t, you’re liable to get swatted or bit! If you do get bit, don’t assume that the dog or cat’s mouth is clean. There are a lot of bacteria in those mouths! Some people think that it’s good for a dog to lick a wound, as it helps clean and heal it. This is not true. Dog tongues can do a lot of damage to the skin, and the bacteria in the mouth can cause further infection of the tissue. If your dog (or cat) is excessively licking at an area, try to clean it with some soap and water; cover it with a sock, t-shirt, or other wrap; then schedule an appointment
with your vet. Dog or cat bite wounds should also be checked out, even if they seem superficial. All that bacteria in the mouth can set up a nasty abscess under the skin. Cat scratch fever/disease is an infection caused by Bartonella henselae bacteria. Cats usually become infected through flea bites and then transmit the disease to humans through scratches. While cats are often asymptomatic for Bartonellosis, dogs can develop a wide range of problems, including a fever, heart disease, or nose bleeds. To keep fleas from getting on your pet, feeding garlic and onions is a good remedy, right? No! Actually, garlic and onion should not be given to dogs and cats as it can cause anemia. There are very effective products available that kill fleas—talk to your veterinarian about which are right for your pet. What about those dogs and cats who like to go out and munch on grass then vomit? Should you rush them to the vet for stomach issues? Probably not. A lot of dogs and cats just like the taste of grass, especially in the spring. If they
You’ve heard the old adage you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but that’s actually the best way to help with cognitive decline! Old dogs and cats can learn new things. Just keep in mind that they may not hear or see as well, and arthritic joints means that some new tricks might be painful. But hiding food treats and telling your dog to find it is a great way to engage their brain. Finally, at what age is a dog or cat really old? The one year equals seven dog years isn’t accurate. Aging depends a lot on the size of the dog, but currently it’s thought that a one-year-old dog is the equivalent of a human teenager, and a two-year-old dog is comparable to a 25-year-old, which is why they suddenly seem to have settled down. Interestingly, small breeds mature
sooner but age more slowly. A 15-yearold small-breed dog is about the same as a 77-year-old human, whereas a largebreed dog reaches that age around 12 years old. A cat is similar to a smallbreed dog, but cats tend to live longer. A 21-year-old cat is the equivalent of a 100-year-old human. Just like humans, because of good healthcare, cats and dogs are living longer, more healthy lives. Debunking yet another old wives tale, that is just one life for a cat, not nine! Lori Scarlett, DVM, is the owner and veterinarian at Four Lakes Veterinary Clinic. For more information, visit fourlakesvet.com.
Lori Scarlett, DVM & Charlie
Photograph by Brenda Eckhardt
eat too much and cause some stomach irritation or have some long strands stuck in their esophagus, then they will vomit. But unless the vomiting continues, it’s fine to just pull them away from the grass and see how they are in a few hours.
madisonessentials.com
| 23
e sse nt i al community
Why Shoot for the Moon?
by Kyle Jacobson We all want to change the world. No, I’m not saying we want a revolution, just to make an impact. To see how far pieces of what’s good about who we are can resonate across our family, friends, community, and beyond. You can’t drill your ideas into other people without doing something a malenky bit questionable, but with empathetic listening, honesty, and vulnerability, you might be making an impact you don’t even notice until years later. Ruby Clay has made it her mission to give others the tools they need to reclaim their lives from societal pressures and dangerously unhealthy domestic situations. “I’ve always wanted to be a helper,” says Ruby, who earned her bachelor’s in early childhood education with a minor in special education. “I’ve always wanted to teach people and make people’s lives better. I worked at [Madison] East High School for five years, and I think I did it for so long that I felt like I wanted to do more.” Doing more to Ruby meant working with those who need help right now, and she gravitated toward what she knew: domestic abuse. “I kinda grew up around it, and then I experienced it personally. It’s funny how the things that you go through in life dictate your passion and the areas in which you want to help. When I have conversations with people,
they understand that I get it because I can go there with them mentally. “My focus is on self-esteem and self-worth and self-love because those are stripped from you when you’re in those kinds of domestic violence situations.” Some of the people she’s worked with grew up in a house where abuse was normal, so Ruby is working to get people to change their idea of normal and excusable behaviors. They need help finding a new identity that’s not shrouded in dangerous realities. To learn to say, as Ruby puts it, “Oh no, no, no, you cannot take my happiness. Oh no, no, no, you cannot take my joy from me; you didn’t give it to me to begin with, and I love myself enough to walk away from this.” Ruby calls herself a counselor, which seems to mean she’s both a cheerleader and a fighter. As a Black woman, she feels the most important thing an individual can do is take ownership of who they are and what they do. For that to happen, she empowers those she works with to start taking the actions that will define their future selves. She even leveled up, as she says, from working with Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS) for six years, which she loved and got a lot out of, to working for the DA’s office with victims of domestic abuse. With a new set of resources, Ruby is in a position where she can even better advocate for victims. Not blind to the other side of the coin, Ruby has also worked with domestic abusers. After holding a summit for domesticabuse survivors, she soon held another summit, called The Power in Your Hands, for abusers. Aside from learning to take accountability for their actions, abusers need to face their past realities and present anxieties that oftentimes contribute to their violent outbursts. It’s Ruby’s effort to stop abuse before it even happens, break the cycle, and propagate ideas of healthier relationships.
24 | m a d i s o n e s s e n t i a l s
for always being there for me on all my crazy endeavors.”
As for Ruby’s own passion, she was inspired by her mom, who went out of her way to make sure her kids felt safe.
“Black Girls United is essentially just a space where Black and brown girls, those who identify as a girl and a person of color, can come and be themselves in that space. Feel safe to speak about some of the issues they’re going through being a person of color or just being a teen. I just wanted to give them that space “It’s a youth-led organization, so whatever the girls are dealing with, we focus on. I have speakers come in and talk about certain topics. I don’t know everything; [the girls] probably get tired of hearing my voice. It’s an opportunity to come together and eat together and just learn and grow as individuals.” Volunteer work with the girls is also key. Going to River Food Pantry, Second Harvest, and the like gets the girls out in the community and away from
the drama. Teenagers are passionate people, and giving that passion positive direction changes identity almost right then and there. Even those girls who gave Ruby a hard time are excited to have her meet their families. “Sometimes it doesn’t always feel like you’re making an impact until you have those moments,” says Ruby. “But it’s because they’re young, they sometimes show love and appreciation in very odd ways.”
Kyle Jacobson is lead writer and senior copy editor for Madison Essentials. Photographs provided by Ruby Clay.
As for Ruby’s own passion, she was inspired by her mom, who went out of her way to make sure her kids felt safe. “My mom, single mom raising seven kids, strong willed, just an amazing woman. It’s funny because you look back and learn you were living in the struggle, but when you were actually in the struggle, it didn’t feel like it because my mom didn’t let us feel that struggle. ... I love and honor my mom
Kyle Jacobson
Photograph by Barbara Wilson
One of the most commendable qualities of Ruby is her wont to learn. It’s actually an important part of how she helps people—taking her role as an empathetic listener to heart. Your trauma and experiences might be analogous to her own, but they’re not her own, and she respects that. It’s why she started Black Girls United in 2007.
Ruby is aware of the potential the present holds. Her work today can’t make a better tomorrow if she’s not giving it 100 percent in the moment, so when she’s listening to someone, when she’s trying to help someone, it’s never a half-hearted attempt. It means too much to her. No matter how difficult the undertaking, for Ruby, the rewards are always worth it.
I HEAR THERE’S A PARTY IN HELL. LET’S GO!
BY JACQUES OFFENBACH
APRIL 29 & MAY 1, 2022 OVERTURE HALL
Sung in English with projected text | 608.258.4141 | madisonopera.org/Orpheus madisonessentials.com
| 25
Part II: The Follow-up
by Kyle Jacobson Back in our May 2019 issue, I met with the Dane County Humane Society (DCHS) to discuss their Pets for Life program, which launched in 2018. The program is funded by a research grant to determine if a program focused on providing general pet care and vaccination services to underserved communities increases accessibility. In the study, accessibility isn’t just determined by the availability of services, but whether or not those services are being utilized. Now, almost three years later, I wanted to check in to see how the program was faring. On my last visit, I did a ride along with Abbi Middleton, CVT and former 26 | m a d i s o n e s s e n t i a l s
program coordinator, and Bridget Holck, DVM, where I met cocker spaniel Nitro Cody Grapes. Nitro, whose owners are on disability and unable to drive, was only able to get the services he needed because the vet came to him. But that was before COVID. Angie Darbyson, current Pets for Life program coordinator, shares how these challenges are being met as in-home visits have been put on hold. “Instead, we’re having people come here to DCHS for wellness appointments and also to our partner, WisCARES vet clinic, to do spay/neuter, surgery, and just general exams. Also, something new during COVID, a lot of people are struggling, of course. They need to decide if they’re
going to pay rent or feed their kids or feed their pets, so we now have this delivery system going that started with people getting pet food deliveries. We now do food and supply deliveries every Thursday.” It turns out that even though the Pets for Life program can’t offer the level of convenience it once had with in-home visits, people that once avoided vet care due to cost, disability, or inability before being exposed to the program haven’t stopped seeking its care and resource offerings. And, as by design, the program has adapted to the new challenges residents in the 53713 zip code as well as Allied Drive and Dunn’s Marsh area have encountered.
Photograph by DCHS volunteer Raj Lal
e sse nt i al pets
Pets for Life
“There have been more evictions and people facing housing insecurity during the COVID pandemic, which resulted in more situations requiring animals going into temporary custody. We’re able to house people’s animals either here at DCHS or WisCARES for short periods of time while they get things sorted out.” For those fortunate enough to find affordable housing, Angie says the program can help cover pet deposit fees.
In total, the DCHS Pets for Life program has helped 550 clients and 850 pets.
Photograph by DCHS volunteer Raj Lal
Unsurprisingly, the study, “Measuring Changes in Perceptions of Access to Pet Support Care in Underserved Communities” by Hawes et al., has provided evidence that targeting historically marginalized populations works when attempting to increase access to, as noted, pet support care. Addressing the individual and structural barriers, such as finances, transportation, and lack of information, of these persons has given them a peace of mind concerning the wellbeing of their pets they might’ve never known before. To get into the numbers, as of December 9, 2021, Pets for Life has given out 2,278 pounds of dry cat food; 3,529 pounds of kitty litter; 6,605 pounds of dry dog food; and 695 other items, including toys, treats, wet food, collars, leashes, harnesses, crates, litter pans, and gates. There have been 332 wellness visits, and, in 2021 alone, 328 clients were served with 2,977 different supplies, medications, and services. In total, the DCHS Pets for Life program has helped 550 clients and 850 pets. Those numbers might seem like a mouthful, but to the people who benefited from the program, those numbers translate into something immeasurable: happiness, health, and livelihoods. Even when the grant runs out later this year, the hope is future fundraising efforts will allow the program to grow and serve more communities in the area. Angie shared with me that even though she’s no longer going door to door, there’s still been an increase in clients. People who once believed they had no options are sharing their experiences of the Pets for Life program with others.
Donate! Shop!
Volunteer!
6904 Watts Road, Madison (608) 709-1275 giveshelter.org/thrift
madisonessentials.com
| 27
Photograph by DCHS volunteer Raj Lal
“We’re averaging five new clients a week,” says Angie.
Go to madisonessentials.com and check our archives for the May-June 2019 issue to read more about Pets for Life. We’ve also added more success stories to go along with this article online (one of which is shared here).
Kyle Jacobson
28 | m a d i s o n e s s e n t i a l s
Photograph by Barbara Wilson
Kyle Jacobson is the lead writer and senior copy editor for Madison Essentials.
It was early October when the vets at DCHS were alerted to a young Siamese kitten who had reportedly eaten a hair elastic band. Little Tokyo was brought into DCHS with a fairly poor prognosis. Because Tokyo’s family lives in the Pets for Life service area, it was determined that her surgery would be covered by Pets for Life. Tokyo was taken into surgery for GI foreign body removal, and the veterinarians were concerned that Tokyo wouldn’t make it through surgery. Tokyo managed to pull through, and as the days passed, she began eating and drinking again. Six days after being admitted, Tokyo was able to return home to her loving family. Her family expressed, “We are so lucky to have her home again. It just isn’t the same without her here.” Tokyo is currently back to her playful, loving self thanks to the help of the veterinarians and Pets for Life program at DCHS!
Photograph of Tokyo by Michael Miramontes
DCHS also holds Community Dog Day and Community Cat Day for free vaccinations and exams to community members. They’re separate from Pets for Life but fill a similar need. With the success of so many of these events and the Pets for Life program, DCHS isn’t just making pets healthier, but families happier. Pet owners are living their best lives thanks to the animals they’ve invited into their homes, and their pets are living theirs thanks to the range of programs and services provided by DCHS that enable them to stay with the families that love them.
Provided by Alfred Jackson Junior:
SEPTEMBER 2021–FEBRUARY 2022
we make a difference
madisonessentials.com | homeelementsandconcepts.com | journeyofaging.com madisonessentials.com
| 29
e sse nt i al arts
In 1888, the Swedish artist Carl Larsson and his artist/designer wife Karin Bergöö established their home and studio in Sundborn, Sweden. In the 100 years that have passed since his death, his life; his work; and, more importantly, the lifestyle he and Karin established at Sundborn has become an avatar for the aspirations and hopes of many artists: the merging of artistic pursuit and family idyll. Larsson’s most famous work celebrated his joy in family life and served as inspiration for his creative output. Amy Arnold and Kelsey Sauber Olds followed a similar path to their artistic and domestic circumstance. While their artwork doesn’t stem directly from their family narrative, their initial and early intention was to find a location to establish an almost magical marriage of familial strength and shared creative endeavor and imagination. They met in Madison but quickly realized that in order to craft the life they wished of independence, self-reliance, immersion in natural beauty, and inspiring community, they would have to find a different locale to pursue their dreams. They now occupy a small farm on a windswept ridge with sweeping views in every direction a handful of miles outside the town 30 | m a d i s o n e s s e n t i a l s
of Viroqua—a community well known for its welcoming embrace of creative citizens and those seeking to explore less-conventional lives. Amy and Kelsey have slowly, patiently, and with great imagination discovered a way to practice their art as a team while ensuring their family of three boys would be brought up with all of the strength and potential they could provide. They made a conscious decision to trade surety of income for togetherness and fulfillment in the work they do together. After working separately on their individual artistic pursuits, they began working together making wood sculpture approximately eight years ago. Their roles are defined by their individual strengths and passions. Kelsey, a graduate and former soccer athlete at Kenyon College in Ohio who still moves with the lithe grace of that discipline, continues to work as a furniture designer and crafter. His role in Amy’s sculptural enterprise is to build the basic structural forms for her work and rough out the threedimensional blanks. As Amy described the relationship, Kelsey is grounded; she’s the risk-taker. Every piece begins with a conceptual drawing done by Amy and enlarged to the actual dimensions of the final sculpture from which Kelsey makes a template that can be traced onto the appropriate block of wood. These blocks can be individual or glued up in composite for some of the larger pieces. After roughing out the basic form, Kelsey turns the process over to Amy who then carves the final form to her satisfaction and applies a polychromed finish of milk paint protected with a finishing sealer. Milk paint is made from casein (a protein found in mammalian milk), lime or borax, and a pigment agent. It has the property of being opaque, quick drying, and nontoxic once dried. The ensuing forms have a richly textured surface—a forest of chisel marks—not unlike alla prima brushstrokes on a PostImpressionist painting, which sometimes follow and enhance the contours of the sculpture and may appear independent of the contours’ natural direction. Many of the sculpted pieces appear to then be surface sanded to visually emphasize the
tactile and topographic nature of the manufacture. The color lies in the depressions made by the carved marks, and the subsequent ridges left between the depressions emerge as a network or map of surface form. When making her work, Amy often works in multiples, repeating a character faithfully but uniquely in each iteration. Amy and Kelsey are sales driven by necessity, searching for the figures that will resonate with the collectors and casual buyers they meet on the art fair circuits, craft shows, and online markets. They also take on specific commissions and are grateful for the work they’re getting right now. Two significantly larger commissioned sculptures lie on her workbench, awaiting shipping. Both appear to be in her Bloom category: standing figures with one arm extended at the elbow, palm turned up, each holding a single flower. The female figure is dressed in a timeless frock capped with a Peter Pan collar and shod in bright red Mary Jane shoes. The male figure sports a yellow ribbed shirt with accompanying madisonessentials.com
| 31
green shorts. Both figures are rigidly formal and upright in posture, staring gravely forward, making direct eye contact with their wide-spaced, almondshaped eyes set off with an almost sternly set and expressionless mouth, giving the figures an enigmatic quality that suggests emotional distance. The gestures of the figures, so intentionally formal in pose; the directness of gaze; the gravity of expression, all achieved with the relentless rhythm of the carved mark, 32 | m a d i s o n e s s e n t i a l s
seem to locate these pieces in what might be thought of as a folk-art idiom. Indeed, one of their larger works, a mermaid clutching a conch-like shell and balanced on a plinth of repeating scroll-shaped waves would be perfectly at home in the Nantucket Whaling Museum alongside the carved figureheads of long-deceased whaling ships. Amy and Kelsey’s work has an almost timeless quality. The sincerity of intention, the advertisement of craft, the sobriety of color and expression all combine to serve as a touchstone to popular arts of the past and a wry, almost ironic and deadpan comment on the present. Whether human in iconography or animal in inspiration, from the large format works to the diminutive minis, these dramatis personae of Amy and Kelsey’s imaginative world face the viewer with self-confidence and stoicism. They are the product of a deliberate choice of lifestyle and independence, an expression of an authentic and wellcrafted partnership.
Tadsen Photography Drone/Aerial Imagery
Chris Gargan is a landscape artist and freelance writer working from his farm southwest of Verona. You can find his work at Abel Contemporary Gallery in Stoughton. He is seen here with his dog Tycho Brahe.
Chris Gargan
Photograph by Larassa Kabel
Photographs by Hanna Agar Photography.
Fully licensed - FAA part 333 Waiver Stunning stills and 4k video
tadphoto.com - etadsen@icloud.com - 608-469-2255 madisonessentials.com
| 33
e sse nt i al travel
Uncovering Wisconsin’s Hidden Gems
WELLNESS Getaways by Anne Sayers
I like to think that I maintain a satisfactory wellness routine. I enjoy walks at my local park, sip herbal teas, cook with local foods, and even tune in to a meditation app semiregularly. But these days, that routine doesn’t always get the job done. When it comes time to really bliss out, there’s simply no substitute for an escape from the everyday. Done right, there can be true restorative power in travel. Whether taking the time to meander down an unfamiliar trail, discover a new favorite artist, enjoy a masterful meal or craft cocktail, or explore a cute downtown, travel activities are good for you. You can feel it—mind, body, and soul. And after the last few years, we’re all reminded just how important travel can be for embracing fleeting moments, creating new memories, and centering our own wellness. 34 | m a d i s o n e s s e n t i a l s
If you’re feeling the need to feed your soul this year, you’re in luck. Wisconsin’s breathtaking natural beauty and unique getaways are just right for travelers in search of rest and renewal. Whether wellness means yoga in a serene setting, pampering at the spa, being awed by nature, or curling up in historic accommodations, Wisconsin really does have something for everyone.
WILD RICE RETREAT, BAYFIELD Located just outside of Bayfield, the gateway to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on the beautiful waters of Lake Superior, Wild Rice Retreat is the Midwest’s first all-inclusive wellness retreat, complete with daily programming, locally sourced meals, and comfortable lodging. It’s rooted in the idea of exploring and supporting expression in nature and offers a home for guided, personal, and group retreats. Spend days enjoying yoga classes, art classes, and other mindfulness activities.
MULROY’S IRISH ACRES FARM, NEW LONDON Experience a truly off-the-grid experience at Irish Acres, a working farm. Stay in the rustic log Fairy Cabin, where you can relax and enjoy spots for hiking, fishing, and quiet meditation only steps away. Take your pick of a variety of opportunities for arts and crafts, like felted soapmaking lessons, or even pitch in with chores and activities on the farm. Your getaway can be as relaxing and secluded or active and immersive as you’d like it to be. You won’t even miss having access to Wi-Fi and television.
IRON AMETHYST INN, MAZOMANIE Just 20 minutes from Madison, nestled among scenic bluffs in a gorgeous, wooded area, sits the Iron Amethyst Inn. Each of the five rooms in this brick 1865 Victorian home is complete with a whirlpool and lush linens. When you’re ready to venture madisonessentials.com
| 35
out, enjoy the surrounding wilderness with bike and kayak rentals. Relax after your adventures in the state-of-the-art spa. You won’t want to miss the beer garden, where you can enjoy a beverage while playing yard games, or the speakeasy, where you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back to the 1920s to enjoy a delicious cocktail.
SPA VERDE SALON AND SPA, EGG HARBOR Among the many getaways of Door County, known for scenic vistas and vibrant communities, is the Spa Verde - Green Salon and Spa in Egg Harbor. This unique spa, dedicated to ecofriendly products and services, offers several organic treatments, such as a healing deep tissue, shiatsu, or Thai table massage.
AMERICAN CLUB AND KOHLER WATERS SPA, KOHLER Kohler Co. Kohler Co.
36 | m a d i s o n e s s e n t i a l s
Delight in the height of luxury at this five-star resort and Wisconsin’s only five-star spa, where guests can enjoy therapeutic water services; a relaxation
pool with a cascading, eight-foot wall of water; hot and cold dip pools; steam rooms; saunas; and more. Make sure to also set aside some time to visit the John Michael Kohler Arts Center to experience contemporary American art with emphasis on craft-related forms, folk traditions, new genres, and the work of self-taught artists with the backdrop of stunning architecture.
YOGAPADDLER/ CEDAROMA LODGE, SAINT GERMAIN Find your inner zen with an original take on wellness and self-care. Try out a YogaPaddler class, a practice combining beach yoga with paddleboarding, for a refreshing way to enjoy the Wisconsin Northwoods while going on a mindful journey. After class, rest up at your cabin, lodge, or farmhouse rental.
ARTHA SUSTAINABLE LIVING CENTER, AMHERST
Photo by Kevin Sink
If a more traditional take on the yoga getaway is what you’re looking for, check out the Artha Sustainable Living Center in Amherst, equipped with a yoga studio. Stay one or more nights at the bed and breakfast tailored to guests seeking a restful sleep and calming vistas of open fields and hills. Here’s to treating yourself with the perfect Wisconsin getaway and making lasting travel memories. Namaste. For more inspiration, be sure to visit travelwisconsin.com. Anne Sayers is the secretary-designee at Wisconsin Department of Tourism.
Madison’s LGBTQ magazine since 2007
Photographs provided by Travel Wisconsin.
OPEN DAILY! 3330 atwood ave. madison, wi 53704
Anne Sayers
olbrich.org
| 608-246-4550
madisonessentials.com
| 37
advertiser
INDEX
association
entertainment & media
Dane Buy Local...................................36
Madison Opera..................................25
Dane County Humane Society....................... 27, 39
Olbrich Botanical Gardens............... 37
CONTEST Win a $50
Our Lives Magazine............................ 37
dining, food & beverage Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream..........9
WORT-FM................................................9
Gift Card! services
Clasen’s European Bakery................ 14 All Saints Neighborhood......................2 Fraboni’s Italian Specialties & Delicatessen.............20
Dreamhouse Dreamkitchens............40
Lombardino’s........................................5
Four Lakes Veterinary Clinic..............23
Nitty Gritty........................................... 17
Monroe Street Framing......................20
The Old Feed Mill Restaurant............25
The Petinary......................................... 13
Old Sugar Distillery............................. 15
Stoughton Health............................... 11
Otto’s Restaurant & Bar.....................32
Tadsen Photography..........................33
Paoli Schoolhouse American Bistro..................................5 Porta Bella Italian Restaurant...........23 Sugar River Pizza Company.............. 21 Telsaan Tea.......................................... 15 Vintage Brewing Co. ...........................5
shopping Abel Contemporary Gallery.............33 Anthology............................................ 15 Deconstruction Inc............................. 14 Ulla Eyewear........................................ 15
Please support our sponsors!
Question: “What restaurant family came to the United States as Laotian refugees before opening their Madison restaurant in 1990?” Enter by submitting your answer to the above question online at madisonessentials.com or by mail with your name, mailing address, phone number, and email to: Madison Essentials c/o Towns & Associates, Inc. PO Box 174 Baraboo, WI 53913-0174 All entries with the correct answer will be entered into a drawing. Contest deadline is March 31, 2022. Gift card will be honored at all Nitty Gritty locations.
Good Luck!
Winners Thank you to everyone who entered our previous contest. The answer to the question “Which local restaurant owner received a scholarship through Red Geranium in Lake Geneva for cooking classes at Waukesha County Technical College?” is Oscar Villarreal of Migrants. A $50 gift card for Nitty Gritty was sent to each of our winners, Peg Diebold of Cross Plains and Dawn Zimmerman of Fitchburg.
CONGRATULATIONS! 38 | m a d i s o n e s s e n t i a l s
Meet amazing animals and learn how to care for them!
There’s no place like home! Friday, March 11, 2022 CompleteMonona Terrace
service projects and learn Puppy how snuggles, you can help and dinner cocktails, animals in your to benefit animals community!
at Dane County Humane Society
Hear from animal experts and learn about diverse animal careers!
giveshelter.org giveshelter.org/camp
35 years of design excellence dreamdesign
dreamclosets
dreamremodel
dreamtile
Let the Dream family of companies take you through your next remodel project.
5117 Verona Road | Madison, WI 53711 | 608-204-7575
www.dream-kitchens.com
