THIS COMMUNITY THRIVES ON LUXURY CRAFTSMANSHIP, SUPPORTIVE LOCALS, AND THOUGHTFUL ART.
Arose STORY
We work with Len Busch Roses to bring in these fresh blooms from Tessa, a globally recognized Ecuadorian grower cultivating more than 100 premium rose varieties. Along with unmatched color, size, fragrance and longevity, each rose is grown sustainably using irrigation systems designed to optimize water use and minimize waste.
A single rose can speak volumes. Imagine the impact of a dozen or more. Find them at all of our markets.
Keeping CommUNITY Alive
Happy February, Edina!
If you’re anything like me, this winter stuff is starting to wear a little thin, and I am definitely looking forward to spring. But, on a positive note, the days are getting longer and we will be in a new season before we know it. Since we are not quite there yet, we can focus on spreading as much warmth and joy as we can while connecting community and creating unity through this publication.
February is our Love Local issue and our team got to participate in some fun stories.
Laura Wyse, at First Bank & Trust is part of a financial team dedicated to making dreams come true. Supporting the SBA (or Small Business Administration) loan division, she helps entrepreneurs with big ideas secure funds to make business passions and ideas a reality.
If you are in the market for a new vehicle, and want to support a local and family owned group, Adam Dietz, General Manager at Genesis of Minneapolis, has a team to assist you with their fabulous lineup. Not only do these vehicles pack a punch with their engines, they tout unique designs and luxurious amenities like diamond stitched leather seats along with lines and grills that will make you do a double take.
Bravo Zulu House is creating a very unique community. It is for veterans who live there, a place of safety and recovery. And, it is one of the first all-military sober living homes existing today. Susan Kaulbars, owner of Framing Solutions, lent a hand in framing much of the beautiful artwork that decorates the home with many of the pieces evoking a calm and peaceful environment.
If you are planning something for date night, we have a few ideas to light the spark! We hope this month finds you surrounded by those you love and building more commUNITY, providing support, collaboration, and respect for all who make this a great area to live and work.
Happy Valentine’s Day and much love from the Edina Lifestyle Team,
February 2026
PUBLISHER
Alexandra Patty | alexandra.patty@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sarah Knieff | sarah.knieff@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Susan Shannon | susan.shannon@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sue Baldani, Sarah Knieff
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Andrew Vick
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
Hannah Leimkuhler
QUALITY
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
Westin Galleria’s Winter Village Opening Day 2025.
Instagram: @hvswim.msp | Facebook: /hvsmsp Website: slp.hvswim.com | Text us at: 612-445-9977
Coming Soon: Coder’s Clubhouse
Introducing Coder’s Clubhouse, Edina’s newest tech and makerspace for kids. Opening in April at Rue de France by the Southdale Mall, the modern center offers youth a place to explore technology. The yearround, after-school program features instructor-supported coding classes, hands-on makerspace projects and interactive tech experiences for students ages 10–18. Coder’s Clubhouse also offers fun, hands-on STEM summer camps. Learn more at codersclubhouse.com or email hello@codersclubhouse.com.
Now Open: Winter SKOLstice
Winter SKOLstice is a seasonal winter celebration at Viking Lakes in Eagan, MN, blending icy adventures with cozy fun from late November through February. Enjoy free outdoor skating on the Standard Heating Family Freeze Rink, holiday lights, food trucks, live music, and festive events for all ages. Highlights include the Magic of Lights drive-through, Ice Festival, and special themed activities throughout the season. Standard Heating is a proud partner of Winter SKOLstice, helping bring the spirit of winter to life. winterskolstice.com
Ask Susan
Susan Stiles CFP, CHFC, AIF, CPFA, MBA Founder / CEO Stiles Financial Services, Inc.
Dear Susan: Does having a‘Blended Family’mean that our finances should be blended as well?
There is no one right answer to this question. But blending a family and blending finances are two very different activities that require conscious and thoughtful discussion with your partner in how you will handle both as a new family unit. Both partners will likely bring different money and parenting habits to the new household. Often there may be an imbalance with the number of children, time spent in the new household and different levels of income, assets and debt. In many situations, keeping certain accounts separate can actually provide clarity and protection for everyone involved. Establishing a joint household budget would be prudent and determining what the contribution from each party should be and what would be considered fair. For more, join me in a thorough discussion on this topic by snapping the QR code below. Susan:
Susan Stiles is the Founder / CEO of Stiles Financial Services; an independent, fee-based, private wealth management financial advisory firm, specializing in families that have complex portfolio, wealth management and estate planning needs. We also advise companies on their retirement benefit plans and corporate cash management. Send “AskSusan” questions to: AskSusan@stilesfinancial.com.
www.stilesfinancial.com
Now Open: Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café
Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café is now open, bringing its beloved menu of sweet and savory crêpes to the Galleria Edina community. This ultra-popular restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with hot drinks and other café favorites, all inspired by its mission to “Revive the Art of Eating Crêpes.” Sweet Paris is conveniently located near Door 6 and welcomes guests daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. sweetparis.com
A GENESIS OF LUXURY
FOCUSED ON THE FINEST ENGINEERING, CRAFTSMANSHIP, AND COMFORT
In the heart of the Twin Cities, lies a hidden gem. Genesis, the Korean automotive brand, has implemented a unique take on luxury. Rooted in the heart of Asian culture, Genesis focuses on a customer-centric approach with hospitality at the forefront, followed by unparalleled design, the finest engineering, materials, and craftsmanship.
During his tenure in the automotive space, Adam Dietz has learned a lot about cars. Now, as General Manager of Genesis of Minneapolis for the Luther Automotive Group, he is proud to stand behind this brand in particular.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW VICK
“Genesis is focusing solely on providing a different type of vehicle and a different type of experience for luxury brand customers,” says Adam. “When people are looking to buy a luxury car, it’s not a need, it’s a want, and they desire something that has a unique look and design that stands out.”
Every element, he explains, is intentionally designed. For example, all of the components inside the cars are constructed from real materials, such as natural wood dashboards and the finest interior metals.
“Several luxury vehicles have plastic parts now,” he says. “And, if you look at most dashboards today, there are so many buttons which can be very overwhelming. Genesis designs controls that are very simple, logical, and elegant.”
To go along with the luxury look and feel of the brand, the comfort of the ride is also of utmost importance. The seats are constructed from hand-stitched leather and provide impressive posture support.
“They designed a suspension that navigates the imperfections on the road to create a smoother ride, and there is seating that basically adjusts your posture, so you're sitting up straight while being provided with extreme comfort – especially on longer trips,” says Adam.
There is also a Magma Sports Edition coming out, which he states will give any competition a run for its money. There are a multitude of models, including two electric cars. “The best-selling models right now, particularly in this market, are the SUVs - so the GV70 and GV80,” says Adam.
The Genesis brand has been gaining a positive reputation throughout the years. “People often come and say, ‘I saw this vehicle on the road, it looks fantastic, and I just want to see what it is,’” he says. “I drive one myself, and it’s surprising how many people do a double-take at my car, and then want to connect with me to find out more. It's pretty amazing.” Other people who stop into the store know someone else who has a Genesis, and they want one too.
Adam loves taking people for test drives. “We have great selection of V6 and 4-cylinder cars, which both provide a quick response on the paddle to produce an amazing, fun experience. It creates a wow moment and people
underestimate what it can do until they get behind the wheel.”
While the vehicles undoubtedly offer a luxurious experience, the same is true for those visiting this dealership. “We focus on that customer hospitality when it comes to service and our guests,” he says. “We also have one of the most unique and state-ofthe-art dealerships. It is designed to feel like you’re walking into a luxury hotel.” Instead of desks, guests will find lounges where they can sit comfortably.
Adam says that working for Luther Automotive Group is a real blessing. “I work for an amazing company. They always take care of their customers and employees.”
Working with and watching his experienced and knowledgeable team grow and move through the ranks as he did is also very gratifying. “This type of career can change their lives and their families' lives, and that is most rewarding to me,” he says.
To find the right model for you, contact Adam and his team, or stop into the Genesis of Minneapolis store to take one for a spin. You just might leave with your very own top-of-the-line luxury vehicle.
DEC LARING WAR ON PTSD BY HELPING ONE VETERAN AT A TIME
ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF
ZULU HOUSE BRAVO
Tucked away on acres of farmland in Winnebago, MN, Bravo Zulu House looks much like any other well-kept home. Step inside, however, and it becomes clear that this is not an ordinary place. For the veterans who live there, Bravo Zulu represents safety, dignity, and something many feared they had lost for good: hope. As America’s first all-military sober living home designed specifically for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, Bravo Zulu is confronting a long-ignored gap in veteran care and changing what recovery can look like after treatment ends.
Bravo Zulu House officially opened in May 2025, welcoming its first resident in July. The nonprofit was founded on a stark reality: sobriety is often the first requirement for effectively treating PTSD, yet until now there were no sober homes in the country built to support veterans dealing with both addiction and service-related trauma. “We are declaring war on PTSD,” says Cathy Von Eschen, marketing director for Bravo Zulu House. “There are veteran-only sober homes, and there are PTSD treatment facilities, but there was nothing that addressed both at the same time. We made history.”
The need for that history-making step is sobering. Approx. 7% of all veterans will experience PTSD at some point in their lives, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Research cited by the organization suggests that between 75 and 95 percent of veterans with PTSD also struggle with substance abuse, a combination that significantly increases the risk of life threatening issues.Despite this, most veterans discharged from inpatient alcohol and drug treatment facilities do not leave with a plan to address PTSD alongside their sobriety.
Bravo Zulu House exists to fill that void. The idea grew out of years of observation at Trinity Sober Homes in St. Paul, a network of 12 men’s sober living houses led by executive director Tim Murray. Trinity’s founder, Colonel Father Martin Fleming, noticed something striking over time: while veterans make up roughly seven to eight percent of the general population, nearly 30 percent of Trinity’s residents were veterans. When leaders looked closer, they discovered that many of those men also had untreated PTSD. “Once you dig under the surface,” Von Eschen explains, “you realize these are the veterans who are most at risk.”
Designed as a veterans-only sober living home, Bravo Zulu provides a structured, substance-free environment where residents can focus on recovery while receiving specialized support for PTSD. The home features private rooms, ADA-compliant accessibility, an elevator, and shared spaces that promote connection rather than isolation. Unlike clinical treatment centers, sober homes are unlicensed and do not provide therapy onsite. What sets Bravo Zulu House apart is CONTINUED >
its integrated care model and its full-time case manager, who connects each resident with individualized mental health services through licensed providers, including the Mayo Clinic Health System. Most PTSD treatment takes place offsite or via telehealth, ensuring veterans have access to top-tier care while maintaining the stability of sober living.
A live-in house manager, a veteran in recovery, is present around the clock. He serves as both a peer and a guide, helping maintain the rhythm of the house while offering daily support. The pace at which new residents are admitted is intentionally slow. With 12 bedrooms available, the organization is focused on ensuring the right fit and protecting the emotional safety of those already in residence. “These men are reliving the worst moments of their lives while trying to stay sober,” Von Eschen says. “We’re very mindful of the cadence. Healing takes time.”
Bravo Zulu approaches recovery holistically, addressing mind, body, and spirit. Residents participate in 12-step programs, fitness routines, spiritual counseling, and recovery support services, while also benefiting from two distinctive onsite programs: dog therapy and hydroponic gardening. Rescue dogs provide companionship and emotional grounding, easing anxiety and encouraging routine. Gardening offers a tangible sense of purpose and accomplishment, something many veterans miss after leaving the structure of military life. Together, these elements help residents rebuild not just sobriety, but identity.
The home itself plays a critical role in that process. From the moment veterans walk through the door, the space feels warm and intentional rather than clinical. Much of that atmosphere comes from the work of Susan Kaulbars, owner of Framing Solutions, who donated and curated 37 large-scale framed art pieces throughout the house. Kaulbars sourced nature photography and underwater imagery, carefully avoiding faces and overly personal scenes. “My goal was escapism,” she explains. “Images where someone could imagine themselves there, sitting in a garden or near the water. I didn’t want it to feel like a hospital.”
Each piece was custom-framed to create depth and individuality, transforming hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms, and common areas into spaces that feel lived in and cared for. One of the first residents described his arrival as
feeling like “walking into a big giant hug.” For Von Eschen, that reaction captured the heart of the mission. “We built a gorgeous facility,” she says, “but the artwork made it a home.”
Bravo Zulu House also recognizes that the impact of PTSD and addiction extends far beyond the individual veteran. When one person serves, the entire family serves, and the invisible wounds of war often leave spouses, children, and loved ones carrying secondary trauma. Through its family support initiative, Healing Together, Bravo Zulu offers resources designed to help families reconnect, rebuild trust, and reclaim hope after years of strain and uncertainty.
While the current home serves men, the organization is already looking ahead. In spring 2027, Bravo Zulu House plans to open America’s first all-military sober living home for women veterans with PTSD in Mankato, Minnesota. Women are the fastest-growing segment of the veteran population, and an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 women veterans leave treatment each month with PTSD or a form of Military Trauma according to Bravo Zulu House. Yet facilities tailored to their specific needs remain virtually nonexistent. The nonprofit is raising $2 million to build an ADA-compliant home with private rooms, accessible bathrooms, and shared spaces designed to foster safety, camaraderie, and healing. “This is more than a house,” Von Eschen says. “It’s a sanctuary and a launchpad for recovery.”
As a nonprofit less than two years old, Bravo Zulu relies heavily on community support. The organization encourages involvement through volunteering, financial contributions, and simple advocacy—opening doors, making introductions, and helping spread awareness of its mission. “We’re not a homeless shelter,” Von Eschen emphasizes. “We’re a transitional home for veterans who have already done the hard work of treatment and need the right environment to keep moving forward.”
For the veterans who call Bravo Zulu House home, that environment can mean the difference between relapse and recovery, isolation and connection, despair and hope. In a country still grappling with how best to care for those who served, Bravo Zulu stands as a powerful reminder that healing is possible when sobriety, trauma care, and human dignity are finally addressed together.
bravozuluhouse.org framingsolutionsmn.com
Business Banking made EASY
WHEN LOCAL BUSINESSES WIN, COMMUNITIES THRIVE
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW VICK
Laura Wyse
Allison from The Grind
Small businesses are the heart of every community. They have that personal feel that big companies can’t replicate, and many times, the owners are our family members, friends, and neighbors.
Establishing and maintaining a small business is challenging, and business owners are constantly inundated not only with serving their customers but also with managing the many financial aspects of day-to-day operations.
Laura Wyse, a Small Business Administration (SBA) Business Development Officer at First Bank & Trust, enjoys assisting these owners.
Small businesses, she says, make everything tick in our society, and she loves being a part of their success. “I often find myself sitting at a closing table watching somebody who’s scared, but also so excited. This is something they may have dreamt about since they were a little kid, or maybe they're finally able to buy the mechanic shop they've worked at for the last 10 years. We help small businesses grow into success stories.”
One of these businesses is The Grind, a cycling workout studio. “I love Allison, the owner,” says Laura. “She's amazing to work with and very driven. She had always been in the fitness industry, and when I met her years ago, her dream was to open her own cycling studio.”
Allison’s first studio was in Minneapolis. “With a solid business plan and careful preparation, she secured the necessary funding to get started. Thanks to her hard work and strategic approach, the studio just grew so fast.”
Recently, with Laura’s help, Allison opened The Grind in Edina. “She's already up and running, and she's in a very trendy and busy area in Edina, and she's killing it.”
“Working with Laura, my First Bank & Trust SBA banker, was truly exceptional. She made every part of the process easy to understand, never overwhelming,
and completely transparent,” says Allison. “Her guidance gave me confidence at every step, and her expertise in navigating small business loans is unmatched. Laura is absolutely my go-to when it comes to anything SBA.”
From her first foray into banking 13 years ago, Laura’s focus has always been on small businesses. “I love it because we’re helping people make their dreams come true, whether it’s somebody starting up their dream company, buying a building so they don't have to pay rent anymore, or acquiring a business that they've always wanted,” she says. “That to me is the most fulfilling part of what I do.”
With many years of experience at a larger organization, she appreciates the personalized, fast service she can offer clients. “First Bank & Trust is a community-driven bank, so each location is focused on its particular community,” says Laura. “There's always a personal touch to it, which is completely different than that big corporate banking feel I was used to.”
In fact, customers don’t call an 800 number to reach her; they have her personal cell phone number. “We answer clients at all times of the day if they need help with anything,” says Laura.
First Bank & Trust is also incredibly supportive of its staff, fostering an environment where open communication and fresh ideas are genuinely valued. “They’ve always welcomed feedback, listened to our suggestions, and quickly adapt policies to better serve our community,” she says.
Decisions are made collaboratively, and employees feel empowered to voice their perspectives, knowing leadership is receptive and responsive. “That helps me, and our customers, because if we find something isn’t working, we can change it,” says Laura. “Our goal is to make banking easy for everybody.”
“Her guidance gave me confidence at every step, and her expertise in navigating small business loans is unmatched. Laura is absolutely my go-to when it comes to anything SBA.”
“We don’t have a system where someone types in their information, and it spits out an approval. That’s not how we operate. We want to get to know our clients.”
With 22 locations across 17 communities in South Dakota and Minnesota, First Bank & Trust is one of the top SBA lenders (ranked 9th in Minnesota). “We’ve closed 34 loans with individuals and businesses at close to 20 million this year, which is huge,” says Laura.
She adds, “we have a small team in Minnesota, and we touch every single one of these loans. We don't have a system where someone types in their information, and it spits out an approval. That's not how we operate. We want to get to know our clients.”
Some projects, she says, can take six months to a year if owners are waiting for permits or doing construction. “During this time, we often get to know not only our clients well, but their families and their children. Our banking unit often becomes a family unit.”
Connect with the First Bank & Trust team at BANKeasy.com/Edina or call (952) 831-8253
A Handmade Date Night
A date night at home is the perfect occasion to shower your loved ones with affection and appreciation. While storebought gifts and cards have their charm, there’s something incredibly special about receiving a handmade gesture. By opting for a handmade date night, you’re not just expressing love but also showcasing your thoughtfulness and effort. These handmade creations convey a personal touch that can’t be replicated.
Make it feel like an extra special at-home date night with thoughtful touches from the heart—and hands.
From-Scratch
Pasta
what you need
Yield: 1 pound
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting 4 large eggs
what you do
1. Mound the flour in the center of a work surface with a well in the middle. Crack the eggs into the well and beat with a fork until smooth, then work flour into eggs with the fork. Use a bench scraper to work in the rest of the flour a little at a time. When the flour is incorporated, form the dough with your hands into a rounded mass for kneading. Lightly dust your workspace with flour and knead dough about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Cover dough with a bowl or plastic wrap and rest 1 1/2 hours, or chill overnight.
2. To roll by hand, flour a clean work surface. Vigorously roll dough to a very thin circle and roll constantly with even pressure as it stretches for several minutes until as thin as possible, almost translucent.
3. To cut by hand, lightly fold sheets one at a time into thirds and cut to desired thickness. Recipe from MarthaStewart.com .
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JANUARY 8TH - FEBRUARY 15TH
Art: The Intentional Gaze
University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
The Intentional Gaze at the Arboretum’s Cafe Gallery invites you to slow down and truly see the natural world through art. Featuring works in pencil, pastel, acrylic and oil, the exhibition celebrates deliberate observation—from sweeping landscapes to subtle details—revealing calming beauty and inspiring deeper appreciation for color, texture and emotion that often escapes the hurried eye. arb.umn.edu
FEBRUARY 13TH - APRIL 5TH Forts!
Children's Theatre Company
Forts! Build Your Own Adventure is an interactive theatrical experience where audiences help create a world of forts using blankets, boxes, and imagination. Surrounded by towering piles of playful materials, this hands-on show invites curiosity, collaboration, and creativity, transforming the theatre into a joyful space for exploration, storytelling, and shared discovery for families and young adventurers of all ages everywhere. childrenstheatre.org.
FEBRUARY 15TH
The Sweethearts Show
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres | 7:00 PM
The Sweethearts Show is a heartwarming variety concert at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres featuring beloved performers and real-life couples sharing music, comedy, and charm. This eclectic celebration of love and laughter blends soulful songs and witty banter for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, perfect for couples, friends, and anyone who enjoys live performance and joyful connection. chanhassendt.com
FEBRUARY 24TH - MARCH 1ST
Kimberly Akimbo
Ordway Music Theater
Kimberly Akimbo at the Ordway is the Tony-Winning new musical about a sharp, funny teenager who—thanks to a rare condition that accelerates aging—confronts life, love and family with equal parts humor and heart. Celebrated for its wit, original score, and moving story of resilience, this production blends comedy and tenderness in a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience. ordway.org
FEBRUARY 25TH - MARCH 1ST
The Minneapolis Home + Garden Show
Minneapolis Convention Center
The Minneapolis Home + Garden Show is a vibrant home improvement and lifestyle marketplace where you can explore hundreds of booths showcasing products, services, and design ideas to refresh your living space. Meet trusted industry experts, discover inspiring displays and gardens, shop home and outdoor items, and enjoy interactive areas like food pavilions and pet zones for a fun, hands-on adventure for all attendees. homeandgardenshow.com.
FEBRUARY 26TH
Lunar New Year with Minnesota Orchestra
Orchestra Hall
Lunar New Year with the Minnesota Orchestra is a festive concert celebrating the Lunar New Year through vibrant orchestral music that honors family, tradition and unity. Featuring world-class musicians and special guests, the performance blends cultural richness with dynamic symphonic sound, offering audiences a joyful musical experience that bridges traditions and brings communities together in celebration of the season. minnesotaorchestra.org
