Eden Prairie, MN April 2026

FINANCE + LEGAL SERVICES

DEMERY WEALTH ADVISORS

FITNESS

FARRELL’S EXTREME BODYSHAPING

AUTO + MARINE

BENCHMARK AUTO SERVICE

HOME+ DESIGN

YETZER

THE TIME IS NOW

this spring!

B U Y W I T H C O N F I D E N C E

LOCAL MARKET INSIGHT: FIND YOUR PERFECT HOME IN THE BEST NEIGHBORHOODS.

PERSONALIZED SERVICE: TAILORED SEARCHES TO MATCH YOUR LIFESTYLE AND BUDGET.

NEGOTIATION EXPERTISE: GET THE BEST PRICE AND TERMS FOR YOUR DREAM HOME.

S E L L W I T H S U C C E S S

STRATEGIC MARKETING: SHOWCASE YOUR PROPERTY TO QUALIFIED BUYERS

MAXIMUM EXPOSURE: LISTING ON TOP WEBSITES AND LOCAL CHANNELS

TOP DOLLAR RESULTS: YOUR PROPERTY SELLS FOR ITS HIGHEST VALUE

W H Y C H O O S E U S ?

With local expertise, I navigate neighborhoods, schools, and amenities effortlessly Expect clear communication with regular updates and honest advice every step of the way. Your satisfaction is my priority, ensuring a smooth, successful real estate experience.

A business banking team you can count on.

There is a lot to consider when choosing a financial institutionsuch as convenience, technology, and products. Perhaps you want a bank that gives back to the community it serves. More than anything, your bank should have familiar, friendly people you know you can count on any time of the day. At First Western Bank, we are all these things and more. You can bank on us.

EXCEPTIONAL EXTERIORS, BUILT TO LAST

Whether you need siding repairs or new windows, we use high-quality materials and work with you to elevate your home’s design.

INVESTING TIP #1: Read Eden Prairie Lifestyle

Dear Eden Prairie Lifestyle reader,

It’s story time.

“Ah!” said the shopkeep to his patron. “Here comes Little Johnny – the dumbest boy in town. Watch what’s about to unfold if you fancy yourself a chuckle.”

Little Johnny, in the culminating moment of a mother-given mission, marched straight to the counter. “Lemme have some milk, eggs, and bread, please and thank you,” he spoke with legionary intent.

“Coming right up, m’boy,” said the shopkeep. “But first, let me ask you. If I were to offer you five pennies or two nickels, which would you prefer?”

Johnny’s expression contorted along to his mental calculus. “Well sir,” he said in thought. “I reckon I’d take the five pennies. Five is more than two, y’know.”

“Very astute! Very astute, m’boy,” said the shopkeep, his eyes gleaming at the interested patron. “Here. Have yourself five pennies. Consider it a reward for being such a clever and bookish boy.” He handed Little Johnny the promised coins, handled his grocery business, and bid him good day.

“What’d I tell you?” the shopkeep gloated upon Little Johnny’s departure. “Dumbest boy in town. Always takes the pennies every time I ask!” The patron agreed that it was indeed a remarkable occurrence and left.

That very same patron happened across Little Johnny on the sidewalk not long thereafter. At first he thought not to say anything, having played confidant to the shopkeep’s jape. But his angel wouldn’t have it. Good conscience impelled him to lay bare so impish a ruse.

“You there – boy,” he spoke to the youth. “Just earlier, when you accepted the pennies. Aren’t you aware that two nickels outvalue five cents?”

“Aww shucks, sir,” answered Little Johnny. “‘Course I am. Even my little brother knows that, and he’s three.”

“Then why do you persist in taking the pennies?” demanded the patron.

“Well gosh! That there’s an even simpler matter,” Little Johnny answered, beaming. “If I took the nickels, he’d stop offering!”

And that, dear reader, is at least tangentially related to this month’s theme. This is our Investment issue, which I’ve run out of space to introduce.

As always, I would like to thank all of Eden Prairie Lifestyle’s sponsors, without whose generous support we could not mail our magazine directly to our readers’ homes. I always welcome any feedback or interest you may have in appearing on our magazine’s pages!

Best regards, JOHN LEE, PUBLISHER

PUBLISHER

John Lee | john.lee@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

David Scheller | david.scheller@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Lauren Beaubaire

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Abbey Noteboom, Emily John Photography, Posers Photography, Real Media MN

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

April 2026 Visit our Instagram

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

QUALITY CONTROL

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

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Ruby + Suede Celebrates Standout Year

This past year, Ruby + Suede earned widespread industry recognition, reflecting their shared commitment to thoughtful design, technical excellence, and exceptional craftsmanship. Ruby + Suede received recognition from the National Kitchen & Bath Association, earning first and third place awards for small kitchen design – a testament to the studio’s ability to maximize impact, functionality, and style within compact spaces. Ruby + Suede was further celebrated by Midwest Homes, taking second place for best vacation home in Minnesota. Congratulations! RubyAndSuede.com

Shannon Reger of Northwestern Mutual Cuts the Ribbon

Shannon Reger is committed to helping you make the most of your money so you can do more and worry less! It begins with a conversation about your life, family, priorities, and goals. Shannon will help reveal blind spots, and identify opportunities others might overlook. She'll then tailor your ideal plan from a range of financial solutions using strategies designed to help you get where you want to be! (952) 8069600 | NorthwesternMutual.com

Solution 180 LLC Cuts the Ribbon

Congratulations to Torrion Aime, founder of Solution 180 LLC, for joining the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce! His business consulting and solutions firm works with organi zations and individuals in need of a full 180-degree look at their challenges, and help identifying gaps, streamlin ing processes, and building action able strategies that drive growth, clarity, and long-term success. Reach out today to engage Torrion’s indus try-leading expertise! (952) 215-8870 Torrion.Amie@gmail.com

CLASSES, CAMPS & GAME PLAY

Since 2001, RevSports has delivered consistent, high-quality youth sports programs. RevSports has grown to be a leading programming partner for communities. Families trust RevSports experienced coaches, proven approach, and family-friendly structure.

YEARS OF QUALITY

COACHING

Year-round offerings. Over 10 different sports options! Metro-wide partnerships with these locations near you!

ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER

DEMERY Wealth Advisors

Shaping a Better World, One Future at a Time

Making money? That’s easy! Just walk into the first editorial office you see, tell them you have experience writing for magazines (despite having only worked at a gas station before), and BOOM. You’ll be on velvet before you know it.

Making money work toward your long-term goals, and assure your liquidity and security long after retirement? That’s not quite so simple as choosing between unleaded and premium. It’s best done with methodical guidance by an experienced specialist who takes deep, personal satisfaction from ushering others toward financial freedom. In fewer words, you would do best to engage Kiley Demery’s masteries over investment management, income and asset preservation tax efficiency, and estate planning.

“Since founding Demery Wealth Advisors in 2017, I have built a comprehensive, goal-oriented approach to wealth management that supports individuals who want to take an active role in planning their financial future,” said Kiley, an industry veteran of nearly thirty years. “Whether your goals include early retirement, paying grandchildren’s college tuition, world travel, or moving to someplace even nicer than Eden Prairie, my process gives you every advantage that can help you achieve them.”

Now that Demery Wealth Advisors is approaching its first decade in business, Kiley is fine-tuning his practice to suit his preferred clientele’s needs even better.

“The rebrand goes far beyond a new logo and website,” explained Kiley. “It will also redouble our focus on the type of client this firm benefits best: not one who simply hopes to tone up their investment portfolio or get a second opinion on how they’re doing, but who intends to codevelop the all-encompassing private wealth plan that is customized for their unique needs.”

Identifying the most advantageous assets to invest in. Helping to safeguard your assets and your income against misfortune. Structuring your net worth in such a fashion that may cause tax collectors to take less notice of it. Making certain your affairs will remain in order once you are no longer capable of conducting them yourself. Upon the completion of a brief discovery phase that reveals your current finances, future objectives, and attitude toward risk, Kiley will help you do all these with total confidence.

“Wealth management is a living, breathing thing,” said Kiley. “Goals. Careers. The market. They all change, which is why we forge strong, ongoing relationships with our clients, who check in with us quarterly, semiannually, or whenever they feel action is merited. In that sense, the people we serve are as much our partners as they are our clients.

“A large number of those people are business owners. They have no time to waste, and are attempting to navigate what might just be the strangest economy ever to exist. In addition to helping them build, manage, preserve and transition their own wealth, Demery Wealth Advisors extends that very same service to each of their team members. By safeguarding their employees’ financial stability, we’re helping entrepreneurs attract and retain the kind of talent which propels their ventures forward. It brings confidence in an era that provides little of it for free.

“Part of our continual engagement with our clients includes hosting regular educational events, covering topics like behavioral finance, estate planning,

and legislative changes to tax efficiency –dry subjects, admittedly, but ones which we present in an engaging and accessible light all the same.

“A large part of our rebrand includes a greater focus on women, who are frequently expected to sacrifice their own earning potential as they care for the younger and older generations sandwiching them. In addition to offering our Women Empower and Investing educational series, those efforts include tailoring unique wealth management plans for clients who may have had to depart from the workforce for any reason or span of time.

“I am proud to say that half of the Demery Wealth Advisors team is now female. I recently brought on my wife, the inestimably talented Mrs. Jenna Sears-Demery, to serve as our vice president of marketing and development. She’s bringing greater insight into our services for women, expanding our marketing presence (especially on social media, which I confess to knowing next to nothing about), and developing new ways of serving professionals in the medical sector. Doctors and wellness practitioners occupy a niche that is famously resilient to market uncertainty, but that still doesn’t absolve them from needing to exercise caution!

“Helping people realize their dreams feels immensely rewarding, and motivates everything I do. I want my name to be synonymous with economic opportunity, and a driving force behind business growth, job creation, and a stronger local economy. I also want to be a pillar of my community, which is why I’m presently serving on the boards of the Eden Prairie Community Foundation, Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce, and Association for Black Economic Power. They’re all fine organizations, and actively shaping the world into what I would like it to become.

“I guess you could say that’s the mission: shaping a better world, one future at a time.”

DemeryWealthAdvisors.com

Kiley@DemeryWealthAdvisors.com (952) 837-2687

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC.

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EDUCATION IS AN ATMOSPHERE, A DISCIPLINE, A LIFE

RIVERTREE SCHOOL

ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER

“IT’S THE KIND OF HARMONY THAT SIMPLY CAN’T EXIST IN A CONCRETE AND BRUSHED STEEL FACILITY.”

“…the fact probably is, that never is intellectual power so keen, the moral sense so strong, spiritual perception so piercing, as in those days of childhood…”

– Charlotte Mason

Their eldest daughter, having grown to the age of kindergarten, placed Rodney and Marybeth Nelson on the crux of a dilemma. Would they send her someplace more institutionalized, impersonal, and task oriented than they preferred? Or would they homeschool her?

That predicament drove them to research.

“We soon discovered the work of Charlotte Mason, a turn-of-the-century British educator and reformer,” Rodney recounted. “She believed the sole end of education should be physical, intellectual, moral, and spiritual growth. That education boils down to good habits every child is born with the capacity to adopt. That great thoughts allow children to grow into great thinkers, pure and simple.

“My wife and I completely agreed with Ms. Mason. After much contemplation and prayer, we considered it our calling to provide an education she would approve of to as many children as we’re able.”

"OUR FOURTH THROUGH EIGHTH GRADERS PERFORM SHAKESPEARE’S PLAYS IN HIS ORIGINAL LANGUAGE. WE HAVE WATCHED MANY INSPIRED RENDITIONS OF DOCTOR PINCH AND GHOST OF HAMLET'S FATHER OVER THE YEARS!"

Rodney, who had previously worked at a large Christian school for a number of years, debuted RiverTree School to fourteen students in 2009. “The Lord blessed our little school in Crystal, which has grown to about ten times its original size,” said Rodney. “And now that we’re opening our second campus at Liberty Baptist Church of Eden Prairie, we’re poised to show many more students and parents what K-12 education is meant to be.

“Mainstream education revolves all around scores. Too many children spend their entire lives being measured, ranked, and classified, like they’re cuts of meat awaiting USDA approval. That’s why RiverTree School doesn’t begin assigning letter grades until ninth grade. Letter and numerical grades don’t provide a good measure of a child’s growth toward their full potential, which is greater than anyone could imagine, let alone measure. To some children, grades and marks are more of a hindrance than they are an incentive.

“Our mission is facilitating that growth. It begins by providing the calm atmosphere and small classrooms in which students feel safe, comfortable, and valued – not the fight-or-flight instinct that’s all too familiar to those who have attended some other schools, where teachers are forced to play whack-a-mole trying to manage an overcrowded classroom.

“We greet each student by name as they enter the school and their classroom, where beautiful paintings hang on the walls. Instead of screens (which we ban outright through the eighth grade), they find themself surrounded by their close group of classmates, whom they can converse and genuinely connect with. A bell calls everyone to the chapel for a brief assembly with prayer and announcements, followed by first class.

“All in all, the vibes are closer to those of a library, or a personal study. It’s the kind of harmony that simply can’t exist in a concrete and brushed steel facility.

“RiverTree School’s air of peace belies a vigorous academic curriculum. We have not embraced the prevailing sentiment that children should no longer read whole books. We instead challenge them with classics like The Yearling, The Adventures of Robin Hood , The Odyssey, Crime and Punishment , and even The Confessions of St. Augustine . We encourage enthusiastic engagement with literature; genuine understanding of the author’s intention, as opposed to bullet points that can be jotted down on a quiz. Our fourth through eighth graders perform Shakespeare’s plays in his original language. We have watched many inspired renditions of Doctor Pinch and Ghost of Hamlet's Father over the years!

“Mathematics. Science. Art. Music composition. We nourish our students’ curiosity in all academic disciplines, and help them develop the habits they’ll need to broaden their horizons over the course of their lifetimes. We also teach them crafts that help their hands and minds work as one, such as weaving, needlepoint, woodworking, and calligraphy.

“That’s right: RiverTree School students learn cursive.

“We believe children are the heritage of the Lord – created in God’s image, and fully capable of appreciating His creation with the right intellectual guidance. The gospel said nothing about Christ testing and grading His disciples. Like Him, our teachers endeavor to feed students’ spirits, and reveal just how miraculous their world truly is. We want them to understand they are persons–human – not numbers on a spreadsheet or lemmings to be herded around, but thinking, feeling, loving vessels of the Holy Spirit.

“If God knows all, then all true knowledge must be divine. Everything we do at RiverTree School is to bring children closer to His light.”

RiverTree School’s new Eden Prairie campus will welcome its inaugural class to Liberty Baptist Church this autumn. Visit RiverTreeSchool.org to learn how you can help the light of your life grow brighter.

“WE BELIEVE CHILDREN ARE THE HERITAGE OF THE LORD – CREATED IN GOD’S IMAGE, AND FULLY CAPABLE OF APPRECIATING HIS CREATION WITH THE RIGHT INTELLECTUAL GUIDANCE.”

YETZER

ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER

Do you want furniture that is too flimsy to be used as pro wrestling props, sold to you by shark-eyed salespersons? Then don’t continue reading! Yetzer isn’t for you.

Do you want furniture of such high quality that it may one day be discussed on a twenty-fifth century episode of Antiques Roadshow, sold to you by people who are nice and enjoy seeing you happy? Then it’s time to meet Lynette Wiest.

“My husband Thomas calls me ‘the highest-compensated unpaid employee there is,’” laughed Lynette, whose net worth includes Thomas. “Truth be told, I’m glad to have him handle all the ‘ownership’ aspects of co-ownership. It lets me greet our customers as friends and neighbors, without a thought about commissions.

“Corporate chains require salespeople to push the products du jour – usually whatever their vendors want them to move most, for logistical reasons, and for higher kickbacks. That’s why I love being half of a small-town, mom-and-pop business. It frees us to offer only furniture by the finest manufacturers for sale, and frees me to focus on my favorite thing, which is people.

“A lot of those people try not to be seen the first time they walk through our doors. I get it! We’re Minnesotans. Some of us would tattoo ‘No thank you, I’m just looking’ on our foreheads if it meant avoiding awkward exchanges with salespeople. To them I say come on in! Everything in our showroom is for sale, and can go home with you today.

“Newcomers usually notice that Yetzer Home Store’s prices are higher than at big corporate furniture stores. They notice correctly. But we really don’t stand comparison to those places, which sell particle board schlock to the disposable generation. Our furniture is tasteful, heirloom quality, and, to the greatest extent possible, made in America. To see an example, check out

our ‘naked chair’ by Smith Brothers of Berne. You’ll get an X-ray look at the weight, solidity, and Amish craftsmanship that go into each of our custom upholstered sectionals, sofas and armchairs.

“We create a lot of custom pieces for our customers. The design process is completely free, and begins with an invitation to try out our floor models. Don’t pay attention to fabric or style. Just see what feels right. From there, it’s mainly a matter of aesthetics.

“That’s a big matter, of course. It may require us to ask about your personal taste, look at photos of the room you’re furnishing, or visit there ourselves to take measurements and get a feel for its potential, all of which we’re only too happy to do.

“We recently welcomed a new face to Yetzer. It belonged to a nice lady, whose pricey interior designer had sent her on a quest for a Fjords brand recliner. We invited her to test out any of ours. During her visit she struck up a conversation with Wade, who, being one of our best designers and having thirty-nine years of experience, quickly noticed that many of her interior designer’s ideas were … odd, to put it mildly. Placing a sofa so it lies half on hardwood, half on carpet? That might fly in a treehouse, but certainly not in one of our customers’ living rooms.

“After some thought, Wade drafted a brilliant, all-new layout: every stick of furniture, right down to the end tables, plus a new floor to replace the old stained one (it is entirely coincidental that Yetzer also includes a division dedicated to installing carpet, hardwood, laminate, tile and vinyl). As soon as she finished expressing regret for paying a designer thousands to do what Yetzer does for free – and better – the lady accepted Wade’s room design unaltered.

“And it looks marvelous!

“Furniture and flooring are two of Yetzer’s specialties. Beds – which I am obliged to remind you that you spend a large percentage of your life in – are our third. Our Sleep Store provides mattresses by Englander, which are exclusively handcrafted to our customers’ specifications; underbed solutions by W. Silver, whose adjustable frames offer unparalleled comfort, sleep apnea relief, and ease getting into and out of bed; and bed frames by Wesley Allen, whose handmade iron and upholstered designs are timeless, one and all.

“Come and see us if you’re only looking for a few finishing touches. Accessories like lamps, vases, and pillows are solely under my domain now. Let’s share a lengthy conversation about the relative merits of two slightly different candle holders!”

Yetzer’s Home Store, Flooring Store and Sleep Store are all within walking distance of one another in downtown Waconia. Visit Yetzers.com or call (952) 442-4242 to learn more.

THE WEIGHT LOSS INDUSTRY

Our clinic specializes in Semaglutide and Tirzepatide treatments along with offering the new and promising Retatrutide. On average, patients lose 15% of their body weight.

These game-changing medications have given our clinic over 400 local success stories and climbing. No matter what your weight loss goals may be, we are here to help you!

Feel free to call or stop by, walk-ins welcomed!

ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER

CONCRETE LIFTING, INC.

Our soil is moist. Our soil is loamy. And if a town’s soil has ever been blessed with ample drainage, then my goodness, has ours ever.

That’s why our corner of mesic prairie is named after the Garden of God. Crops love Eden Prairie’s soil. Crops in other places only wish they could grow here.

But do you know why classical depictions of Eden never include driveways, sidewalks, or patios? It’s because super-arable land like our own is anathema to poured concrete. The second a big, heavy concrete slab senses all that moisture, loam and drainage beneath, it says Ah! I think I’ll settle right in.

So what do you do? Just stand by twiddling your thumbs while your valuable real estate gets swallowed up by the ground, and becomes increasingly unsightly and dangerous in the process?

No.

Briefly remedy the problem by paying some goofball to inject a gargantuan blob of toxic foam directly into your little piece of Eden?

NO! (And eww.)

Engage the unparalleled expertise of Concrete Lifting, Inc., and take confidence that the locally owned business’s proprietary,

environmentally friendly aggregate jacking method will restore your concrete to its original grade, whilst paying as little as one-third what you would have on foamjacking – which, to reiterate, is bad?

“Yes,” said Kyle Clark, proprietor of Concrete Lifting, Inc. “Aggregate jacking. Not mudjacking, which invariably turns into useless mush that washes away. Definitely not foamjacking, which totally fails to strengthen and stabilize the earth beneath the slab, and may also be carcinogenic. I’m talking about aggregate jacking, which lifts concrete and keeps it that way through the power of quartz.”

Quartz (’kworts), n . a hard, durable, and naturally abundant mineral composed of silicon and oxygen (SiO2). Those who stayed awake during science class see the word “silicon” and say Ah! The stuff glass is made of!

“That’s exactly why I use it,” explained Kyle. “In addition to limestone and granite fragments, my one-of-a-kind aggregate contains one of the strongest minerals known to man. All those spiky, abrasive quartz crystals allow the mix to interlock, compact, and set the slab back to its original grade in one day or less.

“There’s nothing inside the aggregate that doesn’t already exist within soil. Better yet, Concrete Lifting, Inc. has recently begun recycling high-grade quartz provided by one of the world’s largest countertop manufacturers. That makes the process just as environmentally conscious as it is effective.”

NOT JUST LIFTING THE EARTH. CHANGING THE WORLD!

“My Uncle Wes started working with the original owner of Concrete Lifting, Inc. back in the seventies,” recounted Kyle. “He bought the company not long after, and quickly realized its greatest shortcoming. The equipment stored way too little material to handle the volume of work.

“He sketched out the solution on a paper plate: a little machine that hooked up to a FourTrax, held additional material, and

dramatically reduced the time needed for refills.

“As business took off, Uncle Wes continually improved his technology. He eventually replaced his mixer truck with a more economical custom build, increasing aggregate capacity to 1.5 cubic yards as a result. The modern version of that machine holds 2 cubic yards, which gives me the freedom to do three or four typical jobs in between refills.

“I’m still learning the machinery side of the business from the master. You’ll often find us working together at the shop on our family land in Elko, where we have amassed the mills, lathes, and CNC plasma cutter we need to manufacture all of the hinges, shackles, suspensions, pumps, and other intricate parts that go into Uncle Wes’s remarkable invention.

“Our goal isn’t just to start mass producing the ultimate concrete lifting system. We want to lease and sell these groundbreaking – or, more accurately, groundfixing – machines to other contractors throughout the country. We want to set up loading stations where they can easily stock up on fresh aggregate as well. We also want to share the expertise they’ll need to deliver the same perfect results as Concrete Lifting, Inc. Creating the ideal pressure and consistency requires knowledge, strategy, precision, and, at times, acrobatics. We’ll teach our partners everything they must know to succeed.

“They’ll stand in stark contrast to our primary competition: foamjackers, who are so out of it that they actually believe their light, flimsy material’s inability to compact underlying earth is a good thing. I see their ‘work’ all the time, because I’m hired so often to fix it.

“Incidentally, I encounter Uncle Wes’s previous work pretty frequently, too – not because it needs fixing, but because projects Concrete Lifting, Inc. completed over forty years ago are still in pristine shape to this day.”

Don’t settle for settled concrete. Concrete Lifting, Inc. makes the grade! Call (952) 250-7686 today to hire a true pioneer in the concrete raising industry, or visit ConcreteLiftingInc.com to request your free estimate.

The Twin Cities’ Leader in Concrete Raising

• Commercial Floors

• Core Fills

• Curbs

• Driveways

• Garages

• Gutters

• Patios

• Pool Decks

• Sidewalks

• Steps

• Void Fills

April

Fat

•

•

ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER

Farrell’s eXtreme Bodyshaping

No Guesswork. Just Results!

Community that encourages you onward. Nutrition counseling that accelerates results. Exercise that is actually rewarding. It's Farrell's winning formula, and it’s winning the Eden Prairie gym more and more members each week!

“What is that place? A gym for big bodybuilders? I used to ask myself that every time I drove past the Farrell's eXtreme Bodyshaping near my house,” said Sujata Costello, co-owner and family physician. “But when I learned they actually offer fitness classes for all skill levels in a supportive environment, I knew it was exactly the place for me.

“I signed up for one of Farrell’s signature ten-week challenges because the elliptical machine I had done for years was no longer cutting it at age fifty. I was amazed by the percentage of body fat I had lost by the end of the challenge! I also became noticeably stronger over that short span of time, and am still experiencing improvements in strength, muscle definition and stamina. As a doctor, I know those are all indicators of good quality of life in old age, as well as longevity.

“My husband Bill joined immediately after my first challenge ended. He hadn’t even finished his first ten weeks before the option to buy the franchise presented

itself. By then, we had both fallen in love with Farrell's results and sense of community. We couldn’t let the opportunity pass. We bought this gym so we could support and be part of a movement that promotes health and wellbeing while bringing people together – two increasingly precious things in this era.”

KICKBOXING

“Farrell’s specializes in kickboxing for one simple reason,” Sujata continued. “It’s the best cardio workout on earth! High-energy music. Highly enthusiastic trainers. High-intensity interval training, which burns fat, builds muscle, and strengthens bones more effectively than a typical treadmill workout. No other cardio is more engaging or more rewarding.

“Even though we aren’t training professional fighters, our members invariably wind up feeling stronger and more confident. Knowing how to throw a mean kick and punch certainly won’t set you back during a self-defense situation!”

STRENGTH TRAINING

“We alternate kickboxing days with strength training days, featuring guided routines revolving around resistance bands and dumbbells. It’s intense, but we

“Even though we aren’t training professional fighters, our members invariably wind up feeling stronger and more confident.”

provide it with the expert guidance our members need to get their best results, regardless of age or physical ability. Many come to us with preexisting shoulder, knee and hip issues. They can’t believe how much they can lift once they’re taught proper technique.

“We aren’t training bodybuilders here, despite what the name of the gym might suggest. Our strength training programs are entirely geared toward building functional strength and

promoting weight loss. And when it’s combined with kickboxing, it becomes exponentially more potent and fun.”

NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING

“Nutrition is one of the hardest elements of fitness for most people to master. Sometimes members just need a weekly food plan. Sometimes they have to take a step back and completely

reexamine their relationship with food, including its role in their culture, family dynamics, and even their emotional state.

“We’re here to meet them wherever they’re at. From basic education and meal tracking to group classes and one-on-one consultations, we provide everything you could need to rethink your relationship with food, and reshape it into one that helps you become fitter, healthier, and happier.”

COMMUNITY

“I can’t overstate the importance of community to us. The friends they make at Farrell’s keep our members engaged, accountable, and always excited to come back for more. It’s one of the main reasons why we keep new members for much longer than the average gym.

“Group fitness doesn’t just improve people’s lives within the confines of our gym. Those same friendships continue existing after class has ended. The group workouts and celebrations we throw at the end of each tenweek challenge bring people closer together than the members of regular gyms. Before long they’re planning

“We’re always here to help you develop the good habits that change your life for the better.”

coffee meetups, birthday parties, and weekend get-togethers. Fitness for life. Friends for life!”

CHANGE YOUR HABITS – CHANGE YOUR LIFE

“We’re always here to help you develop the good habits that change your life for the better.

“Most of our new members reinvent themselves over the course of the ten-week programs we begin every quarter. Many others join us during our five-week challenge programs, which push limits and kickstart transformations. Whichever appeals to you, we encourage you to join us for TWO FREE CLASSES so you can experience both types of workouts we offer. We’re confident that’s all you’ll need to fall in love with Farrell’s. We look forward to welcoming you!”

Farrell's eXtreme Bodyshaping of Eden Prairie is located at 9627 Anderson Lakes Parkway. Call (952) 592-7580 or visit FXBEdenPrairie.com today to get started!

You just gathered every tax document. That isn’t just paperwork. It’s insight. It’s information. It’s opportunity. The question is: are you using it to strengthen your financial future? Is your strategy evolving with it? As life grows more complex, careers advancing, businesses expanding, families evolving, your financial strategy should evolve too. Your advisory relationship should reflect that level of sophistication.

At Demery Wealth Advisors, we serve established families who value education, strategic planning, and disciplined execution aligned with a long-term vision. Tax season offers the clearest financial insight you will have all year. Let’s use it intentionally.

If you are unsure whether your current strategy is truly optimized for the life you are building, this is the moment to find out. Schedule a private conversation with Kiley and gain clarity about what comes next.

www.demerywealthadvisors.com

| kiley@demerywealthadvisors.com 7760 France Avenue S #1100, Bloomington, MN 55435

Kiley Demery, Financial Advisor

ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY REAL MEDIA MN

Benchmark

Auto Service

Experienced Mechanics Who Care

The 1989 Nissan Maxima: the finest vehicle ever made. At least, that’s what Drew Reinke hoped his own Maxima would become with a little tender love and care.

The sixteen-year-old employed every trick he had learned while repairing the cantankerous machinery on his grandfather’s farm. He made mistakes. He smashed his fingers more than a couple of times. But ultimately, he emerged the victor. He had a Maxima fit for the gods – and discovered a lifelong passion.

“So long as I was working on cars, I was happy,” said Drew. “I enrolled in my high school’s automotive program, started out at a tire shop doing mostly oil changes, and received my Automotive Service Excellence certification by the age of twenty-one.

“After all that hard work, it was good luck that gave me my greatest asset as a mechanic: my brother-in-law Michael Schmidt, who is an extremely talented auto technician, and who cofounded Benchmark Auto Service with me in 2014.

“We wanted Benchmark to defy our customers’ expectations for an automotive center. First and foremost, that means honesty. I wouldn’t necessarily say my industry is filled with crooks, but … well, let’s be fair.

The ‘dishonest mechanic’ stereotype exists for good reason. I see it all the time when people come in asking for a second opinion. They’re told they need brake fluid flushes when they don’t. They’re told they have to replace parts that are in immaculate condition. They’re told they have to pay $300 for air cabin filters they could buy at a store for one-tenth as much.

“I don’t want to come across all preachy, but taking advantage of people just doesn’t sit right with me. That’s why Michael and I are on a mission. We’re proving that it’s possible to run a successful garage without any shady practices.

“When we tell you we’re going to finish the job by a certain date and time, you can rest assured we’ll keep our word.”

“We’re also unique because we educate our clients. I keep a huge pile of broken parts out back – almost enough to assemble an entire broken car. Whenever our customer shows any curiosity over a part that needs replacement, I come back with an example so I can show and explain exactly what went wrong. The guys in the shop make fun of my little ‘collection’ sometimes, but hey – it’s an auto shop. A lot of ribbing goes on here!

“We also set ourselves apart by our professionalism. Warm, friendly, personable customer service goes a long way toward softening the sting of car problems. So too does reliability. When we tell you we’re going to finish the job by a certain date and time, you can rest assured we’ll keep our word. And we won’t leave you in the dark in the meantime. If you want an update on the project, just give our office a call.

“Of course, none of that would be worth anything if we didn’t also do great work. And we do! Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with all the tools and equipment we need to make short work of any issue. We can service any make and model regardless of when and where it was made as well.

“Our team is top notch, too. My brotherin-law and I share decades of experience between us, and can quickly zero in on the source of any problem. What our younger team members lack in knowhow they more than make up for with enthusiasm. And we’re only getting better – not just through hard work, which we do nine to five every Monday through Friday, but by attending ongoing training to keep up with every new development in our industry. For example, we all just learned about GM transmissions. Come in sometime and I’ll tell you about them!”

Discover why Benchmark Auto Service has a perfect five-star rating on Google. Visit BenchmarkAutoMN.com to learn more about Eden Prairie’s family-owned auto repair shop, or call (952) 938-5550 to schedule service.

ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER

Brighter Days Family Grief Center

It began with a heartfelt conviction: that no one should ever grieve alone. Ten years later, it has grown to become Minnesota’s leading grief-support organization, having helped tens of thousands of children, young adults and adults grieving the death or terminal diagnosis of a family member, and reshaped the way many communities understand and treat loss.

“My son lost his father when he was twelve years old,” said Carolyn Kinzel, president and founder of Brighter Days Family Grief Center. “Though I did everything in my power to support him through such a tender time, I frequently found myself wishing society offered greater support to people who are so overwhelmed and vulnerable.

“That wish would catalyze the vision of Brighter Days, where we provide counseling, support groups, wellness workshops, and events to connect those who are navigating sorrow.”

Brighter Days’ mission extends beyond the psychosocial impact of grief. It includes providing logistical assistance, as with legal issues like probate and filing for Social Security. They also offer financial assistance, having granted more than $130,000 to grieving families for expenses such as funeral costs, medical bills, and groceries.

“Ultimately, our goal is to create a better world for grievers – one that preserves their health, relationships, ability to work, and feelings of belonging. Every partnership we share with Minnesota hospitals, hospices, schools, and community-based organizations brings us one step closer to it,” added Carolyn.

Two major milestones have significantly expanded Brighter Days’ reach in recent

years. In 2020, the Eden Prairie nonprofit acquired Youth Grief Services from M Health Fairview. The renowned program includes Camp Erin, a powerful day camp for children confronting loss together.

“We acquired Growing Through Grief from Park Nicollet at the end of 2025,” continued Carolyn. “Like Youth Grief Services, the program was at immediate risk of shutting down. Because grief is our sole focus, we are able to give it the platform and stability it needs to continue making a meaningful difference for thousands of students, families, and schools across Minnesota.”

These acquisitions are part of a broader, statewide effort to strengthen grief support. Brighter Days has created a network between schools, hospitals, and mental-health partners through ongoing collaboration and training; brought Children’s Grief Awareness Day to Minnesota through gubernatorial proclamation; partnered with many major Minnesota sports teams, including being chosen as the ‘Charity of Choice’ by the Wild; and gathered hundreds each year to honor loved ones and celebrate resilience at the Run/Walk to Remember.

“We also launched All Things Grief, Minnesota’s first statewide grief conference, to bring professionals together so we can learn, connect, and strengthen the ways we support ourselves and one another,” said Carolyn. “This year’s conference will focus on collective grief, and underscore the necessity of supporting individual grief when confronted with layered aspects of community grief. Although children’s grief will always command most of society’s attention, a kinder world must exist to help all grievers through their darkest hours.”

The center of that kinder world will be the Twin Cities. “We are currently in the midst of our capital campaign to build our future Grief and Wellness Center,” said Carolyn. “It will be a space for reflection and tranquility, with areas for professional grief and trauma support and training, children’s expression rooms, a large kitchen for coffee and dinner gatherings, a library, a yoga studio, and an attached auditorium for events and training like those currently offered at our Eden Prairie and St. Paul locations.

“Reaching this ten-year milestone is an honor greater than anything I could have imagined. It has been the privilege of my life to witness the courage of grieving children, the resilience of parents rebuilding their lives, and the unwavering commitment of professionals and volunteers who stand beside them. Every life we have touched has shaped who we are today.

“We thank everyone who has helped us put hope within reach to those going through profound grief and trauma. This anniversary is not just a celebration of time. It is a celebration of the belief that healing is possible when people come together with empathy and purpose.”

To learn more, please visit BrighterDaysGriefCenter.org

Season of Life

Spring is a time of growth, renewal, and new beginnings. The way your family interacts right now, the joy and energy of your children, and the quiet, tender moments of connection are all worth remembering.

We create more than photographs. We create artwork that captures your family’s story in a way you can see, touch, and share for generations. Every session is designed to preserve the love you have today so you can celebrate it tomorrow.

FAMILY

Warmer weather. Higher humidity. Increased activity. Less-than-supportive footwear. All of these coincide with spring – which, not coincidentally, is why spring often coincides with:

Blisters | Plantar Fasciitis | Athlete’s Foot

Ingrown Toenails | Sprained Ankle | Achilles Tendonitis

Tiptoe through the tulips with CONFIDENCE. Choose Family Podiatry Clinic for all your footcare needs!

Darren R. Cowl, DPM

Specializing in Conservative and Surgical Treatment of the Foot and Ankle

ARTICLE BY LAUREN BEAUBAIRE

HOW EXTERIORS BY HIGHMARK IS HELPING HOMEOWNERS BOOST THEIR CURB APPEAL AND PROTECT THEIR HOME FOR YEARS TO COME

ELEVATING YOUR EXTERIOR

Are you familiar with the Minnesota mullet? No, not the oh-so-stylish cuts of our high school hockey teams during the MN State High School Hockey Tournament. “The Minnesota mullet, when it comes to home design, is focusing upgrades on the front exterior of the home, using more premium materials like stone and wood, and then wrapping the rest of the home in other materials like vinyl to strategically save costs on the back half,” explains Brandon Soleta, Project Development at Exteriors by Highmark.

The team at Exteriors by Highmark definitely know how to make a mullet look good.

As one of the Highmark brands, which also includes Highmark Custom Homes & Remodeling, Ruby+Suede Interior Design, Restorations by Highmark, Christian Brothers Cabinets, and Highmark Home Services, the Exteriors division focuses on everything home exterior – from windows and siding to roofing and gutters.

Spring is the perfect time to get started on those home projects. “After being trapped in your home all winter, people are ready to get outside. Starting on those home projects early allows you to actually be able to enjoy and use those spaces all through summer and fall,” says Brandon.

“Giving your home a facelift and changing out materials is one of the most effective ways homeowners can instantly improve curb appeal,” says Brandon. “Whether it’s roofing, siding, or gutters, changing out the old with the new makes a huge impact. Eden Prairie exploded in the 1980’s, and many of the homes still reflect those ‘80s styles with so much brown and taupe. Focusing

on just one or two features can make all the difference. For example, updating paint colors, fixing a porch, or upgrading siding to incorporate different profiles with accents or wood shake immediately ups that curb appeal.”

And the Exteriors team ensures you’ll love the result. “We use a web-based platform called Hover to generate a 3D model of your home, allowing our team to create renderings of how it will look with different designs and upgrades,” says Brandon. “We’re known for the highest quality, not only in the materials we use, but also in the workmanship we deliver. We’re meticulous about how everything is installed, so you get that next level of craftsmanship in each project.”

“We take care of our clients from start to finish,” continues Brandon. “One of our recent projects helped a client repair storm damage, fixing leaks and replacing windows. It was a traumatic event for them, and being able to help them through the transformation of their home, and see them feel completely satisfied at the end of the project is why I love what I do.”

Your home’s exterior is worth the investment. “It’s the outer shell of your home and protects you every night – from the Minnesota winter, hail, and tornadoes. Being proactive and getting ahead of small issues makes a big difference,” says Brandon. “A lot of times, when you notice something, like rotting wood or woodpecker holes, it’s usually only the tip of the iceberg, and the problems could go deeper. It’s important to regularly check the outside of your home.”

Not sure where to begin? Start with this Spring Maintenance Checklist from the experts at Exteriors by Highmark:

5. Examine Windows and Doors

Check for any gaps, cracks, or damaged weather stripping.

“IT’S THE OUTER SHELL OF YOUR HOME AND PROTECTS YOU EVERY NIGHT – FROM THE MINNESOTA WINTER, HAIL, AND TORNADOES. BEING PROACTIVE AND GETTING AHEAD OF SMALL ISSUES MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE.”

6. Inspect HVAC System

Poor ventilation can trap heat and moisture in your attic, leading to roof decking damage, shingle deterioration, and premature roofing failure.

7. Test Plumbing

Hidden leaks inside walls can cause rot and moisture buildup that warps siding, damages exterior sheathing, and weakens structural components supporting your roof and siding.

8. Inspect Attic and Basement

Look for signs of pests, water damage on walls and ceilings, or insulation issues.

9. Inspect Outdoor Lighting

1. Inspect Roof

Check for any loose or damaged shingles. Look for signs of wear, cracks, leakage, or mold.

2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Remove debris such as leaves, twigs, and dirt to ensure proper drainage and prevent water damage.

3. Inspect Siding

Look for cracks, holes, or signs of damage in need of repair. Clean siding with a pressure washer if necessary.

4. Check Foundation

Look for cracks or settling. Foundation movement can cause siding to separate and create stress along the roofline, increasing the risk of leaks.

Clean fixtures and replace bulbs as needed. Consider installing energy-efficient LED bulbs for cost savings.

10. Deck and Patio Maintenance

Check for signs of wear, rot, or damage. Clean surfaces and reseal or repaint as needed to prolong their lifespan.

“With more than 23 years in construction, Highmark is equipped to take on any home project, big or small,” says Brandon. “From exterior upgrades to interior improvements, we have the team and expertise to guide homeowners through every step.”

From roofing and siding to windows – and yes, even the ever-coveted Minnesota mullet – Highmark delivers craftsmanship, coordination, and confidence under one trusted name.

Helping You Plan for the Future

Leave nothing to chance. With attorney Andy Gregory at your side, you will rest assured that your wealth will be distributed exactly as you intend– and you will have comfort knowing there is someone to make health care decisions for you. Reach out today to schedule a FREE virtual or in-person consultation. Your peace of mind deserves nothing less than a personalized, comprehensive estate plan.

Estate Planning • Wills • Incapacity Planning Trust Administration • Trusts • Formal & Informal Probate

612-562-9130 www.andygregorylaw.com info@andygregorylaw.com

PREMIER

JET CENTER

ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER

Do you not own a private jet? You really should try it. My publisher John and I love taking the official Eden Prairie Lifestyle jet from and to Eden Prairie on important fact finding missions. Many of those include equally important side missions to topranked international golf courses. But here is the thing. Neither John nor I know how a jet works, much less how to keep one in repair. The mere thought of either of us piloting a jet gives me the whim-whams. We are similarly incapable of parking ours where we live. Our garages? Too small. Can’t fit the wings.

“Many businesses discovered the value of private air travel’s greater security, control and efficiency during the pandemic years."

That’s why we appreciate all the support we receive from Premier Jet Center of Flying Cloud Airport. The fixed-base operator provides essential services to private and business aircraft owners like us, including sales, storage, maintenance, avionics, refueling, cleaning, painting, and even interior refurbishment. They also offer FAA-certified charter services, which will continue to come in handy until we purchase our second official Eden Prairie Lifestyle jet next year.

“We have grown by leaps and bounds in recent years thanks to clients like you,”

said Michael Lawrence, general manager of Premier Jet Center. “Many businesses discovered the value of private air travel’s greater security, control and efficiency during the pandemic years. And now that aircraft used for business have become fully tax deductible again – with a one hundred percent depreciation under qualifying circumstances – the advantage they represent has become even clearer.

“We’re proud to give more and more Twin Cities businesses a competitive edge. Private air travel allows them to arrive closer to their destinations, and

makes visiting multiple states in a single day possible. They retain top talent more easily when they can offer the business jet over business class. Their team members can freely discuss confidential information en route, and transport valuable, sensitive, and awkwardly shaped materials without worrying about what baggage handling might do to them. And although they are seldom essential to business, many of our clients do enjoy bringing their dogs along for the ride. (It’s too bad they can’t stick their heads out the windows – the dogs, that is.)

“Many of our clients enjoy bringing their dogs along for the ride. (It’s too bad they can’t stick their heads out the windows – the dogs, that is.)”

“Premier Jet Center has stayed abreast of every need our growing market has. Demand for new aircraft may outpace production, but our mechanics and refurbishment teams are hard at work upgrading preowned aircraft to modern standards for safety and comfort. We are also working closely with the airport and FAA, through long-term planning, to improve efficiency and safety at the airport, as well as expand and modernize our facilities with new construction investments in hangar space and passenger terminal.

“The most satisfying aspect to Premier Jet Center’s recent growth? It’s creating great new jobs. The major commercial airlines operating out of the Twin Cities employ many pilots, mechanics, and other aviation professionals. These positions often become repetitive and mundane. That’s part of the reason why we’re attracting increasing numbers of talented professionals to more rewarding and exciting

careers in general aviation, where no two days are ever the same. Our maintenance teams work normal business hours instead of night shifts or holidays, and perform a wide variety of tasks on many makes and models of aircraft.

“We’re also helping our team members advance in their careers by providing access to education and training. Many of them are naturally quite interested in becoming pilots themselves, which is why we keep our own airplane exclusively for them to train in. It’s just another part of our mission to get as many people in the air as possible.”

John and I would like to express our gratitude toward Premier Jet Center for taking such amazing care of the jet that we totally do have. Whether you need a proper home for the company Cessna or are looking for the best entry point into a fun, rewarding career in aviation, we encourage you to call (952) 641-2020 or visit FlyPremierJet.com.

We craft elegant, accessible bathrooms that support everyday comfort and future needs— without sacrificing style.

Set your schedule. Make an impact. Build a life you’re proud of.

From curbless showers and slip-resistant flooring to comfort-height fixtures, improved lighting, and thoughtful layout changes, every detail is designed to support you now and built for years to come. The result is a space that feels calming, beautiful, and timeless—while also helping you stay safe and independent at home.

Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

Stevie Ray’s Comedy Cabaret

Laughter Is Blind at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres

She doesn’t mind my horrible taste in clothing and home decor. She doesn’t chastise me for my careless driving.

She doesn’t get hung up on my Calvin Klein underwear model physique, and loves me instead for my equally attractive personality.

She is my wife. She is completely blind.

In addition to other, less important things, my wife’s affliction impairs her ability to appreciate comedy. I do what I can to help, such as pausing Dharma & Greg to explain plot-essential sight gags, and reading choice

bumper stickers out loud. But I am only one man. There are limits to how funny I can make things.

That’s why I love Stevie Ray's Comedy Cabaret for presenting Laughter Is Blind at Chanhassen Dinner

Theatres last January. Their improv show made my life mildly more convenient. The kind-heartedness of their accommodation to one of the most marginalized – and, in my personal experience, beautiful – subsets of humanity nearly brought me to tears, too, which is also nice.

ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER

Past the baby grand in the entrance. Beyond the fireplace in the lobby. Down the ramp. Hang a right at the duck statues into the amniotic comfort of Stevie Ray’s basement theater on a frostnipping winter day. Take your table. Lunch. Drink. Drink. Hush. The show is starting

A silver-haired man takes the stage. “There is no visual humor in this show,” explains the one and only Stevie Ray. “There is no actual humor, either,” he adds, to a bumpity-bum flourish by the live pianist. He introduces the ensemble: a pack of four cards who begin dealing out the funnies.

Improvised songs featuring lyrics volunteered by audience members. “A such-and-such walks into a bar” jokes that have never been told before. A panel of experts fielding philosophical quandaries. “How do you justify your existence?” poses one of the crowd. “Oh yah, I know that one,” answers one of the comics in the persona of a Brainerd knucklehead. “I just got a new fishhouse. If I weren’t around, who would use it?”

These are just some of said funnies.

“I began volunteering with the State Services for the Blind in 2007, creating recordings for their Radio Talking Book program,” Stevie Ray told me in a voice that I could easily spend sixty hours listening to. “From young adult fiction to history anthologies, Radio Talking Book broadcasts around the clock to visually impaired listeners throughout the country.

“I had started doing improv long before my work with Radio Talking Book. (I believe it was during the Mesozoic Era.) The fact

that visually impaired people can’t fully appreciate improv comedians – who perform without a set or props, and spend years learning to ‘make the invisible visible’ via gesticulation and pantomime – wasn’t lost on me. That’s why I came up with Laughter Is Blind: a show that turns conventional improv on its head by containing the entire act within the limits of spoken word, with a pianist to gloss over the bits that wind up being not too terribly funny.”

There’s that Minnesotan humility at work again. Lest there be any doubt, Stevie Ray and his fellow improvisateurs (and improvisa trices) are a right funny bunch even when you aren’t looking at them.

“Chanhassen Dinner Theatres prides itself on making live entertainment accessible to people with disabilities,” Stevie Ray continued. “All of the Main Stage performances are available with assistive listening devices and audio description. But our improv troupe? Well, we don’t need to rely on contrivances like ‘technology’ or ‘a budget’ to make our act accessible. All it takes is a little extra creativity.”

The laws of physics necessitated the creation of this magazine before Stevie Ray's Comedy Cabaret could schedule their April and later performances. Visit ChanhassenDT.com to see all the exciting new funnies Stevie Ray and the gang are cooking up, such as Stand-Up Sundays and This Musical Is a Joke. Purchase tickets to Guys and Dolls (playing on the Main Stage until September 26th) for everyone in your extended family while you’re at it.

We Are Excited To Introduce To You

SunMagic Vintage Hot Pink Coneflower

• Vintage Hot Pink turns heads with its vivid pink petals and the dark cones attract pollinators like a magnet.

• Long-lasting blooms on a compact, mounding habit.

• Great in perennial borders or treat as an annual in containers.

Cherry Blast Tomato

• Unique trailing plant produces abundant red, cherry-sized tomatoes that can be enjoyed all summer long.

• Excellent performance in hanging baskets or large containers.

• Best for fresh snacking and salads.

We are busy filling our shelves and benching with exiting new arrivals in the gift shop, greenhouse and outside as weather permits. Stop in soon, and often, to check out these and other exciting selections for the year. Keep an eye on our Facebook or Instagram pages or website for up-to-date events, activities or pictures of some fresh blooms!

APRIL 4TH

Garden Time Tea Talk at The Mustard Seed

10,000 Great Plains Blvd, Chaska | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Enter The Mustard Seed’s warm greenhouse for an informative session on lawn care and grasses, covering various seed types, the pros and cons of sodding, and effective fertilizing techniques. Whether you are looking for DIY tips or interested in having The Mustard Seed team handle the job for you, they’re here to help! TheMustardSeedInc.com

APRIL 18TH

2026 Eden Prairie ECO EXPO

8251 Flying Cloud Dr, Eden Prairie | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Celebrate this upcoming Earth Day with the Eden Prairie Rotary Club at Eden Prairie Center! The 2026 ECO EXPO features fun family activities, over fifty eco-friendly vendors and exhibitors, and an electric vehicle showroom. It’s all free as sunshine, or any other renewable energy! EPEcoExpo.org

APRIL 29TH

Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneurs Bootcamp

250 Prairie Center Dr, Eden Prairie | 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Join the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce at Star Bank for a fully packed daylong training event featuring essential topics by local experts including business plan creation, capital, legal, accounting, insurance, marketing, self-care, human resources, and more. Perfect if you’re still getting your footing in business or already at full sprint! Members, $75; nonmembers $110 EPChamber.org