Issuu

N OV E M B E R 2 02 1

Thankful

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

NOVEMBER 2021 PUBLISHER

Dave Robertson | dave.robertson@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Dana Murphy | dana.murphy@lifestylepubs.com

Thankful

Alexandra Patty | alexandra.patty@lifestylepubs.com

LAKE MINNETONKA, WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR THIS YEAR? When we

AD DESIGNER

look around, we have so many reasons to count our blessings. If you’re coming up short, hopefully this issue will remind you of the thoughtful, kind, and generous people we have living among us as our neighbors and friends. Read all about the ways our community comes together. It always warms our hearts to see the myriad ways in which Lake Minnetonka celebrates the holidays—family traditions, bountiful feasts, and giving back to the

MANAGING EDITOR

Mary Albers L AYO UT DESIGNER

Dani Moore CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jen Larsen Fortner, Graham Johnson, Dana Murphy CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Emily John, Willard Ward, Anna Kostochko

community we call home. This month, we hope your home is filled with the aroma of freshly baked pies, the sounds of laughter around the table, and the feeling of gratitude in your hearts. In this issue we share local experiences to do just that as you look for a tad bit of warmth as cooler temperatures start to creep in. Our readers share why they are grateful. A local business gives “Nothing But Thanks” and resident home expert Paul Hable shares ideas for updating your home and equipping it for today and tomorrow. As always, thanks for reading, and we’ll see you around the Lake!

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Dave Robertson, Publisher

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY:

JANIE JONES

SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

TABLESCAPE: LEANN PARKER WITH @SILVERTOOTHFARMHOME CHARCUTERIE BOARD: SARAH JUENEMANN WITH GRAZINGKC WINE: AMIGONI URBAN WINERY 4

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | November 2021

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

Proverbs 3:5-6 Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Lake Minnetonka area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE NOVEMBER 2021

FEATURES 18 Nothing But Thanks Serving Up an Attitude of Gratitude.

20 Shedding Some Light Ferguson Showroom Area Sales Manager Paul Hable Shares What’s Trending in Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Lighting.

24 Gratitude & Giving Back Members of Our Lake Minnetonka Community Share What They’re Thankful For and How They Give Back.

28 Living a Purposeful Life Ben Higgins Talks Coffee, Hope

24 20

& Humanity, and What It Means to be Thankful.

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Local Experiences

Giving Back

20 Local Limelight 24 Locals Only 28 Inspired By 33 Realty Report 34 Lifestyle Calendar

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GOOD TIMES

Top Dog Country Club's 21st Birthday Party Top Dog Country Club celebrated their 21st birthday in September! Friends, family, and fur-babies attended the party where they enjoyed live music, demonstrations, food trucks, a wine tasting, dog-friendly treats, cake, and more! Local artists showcased their work and donated some of their pieces to the silent auction. Later, Nashville Star Jeff Dayton put on an outdoor concert to benefit Top Dog Foundation. All in all, it was a night to remember!

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | November 2021

Excelsior Art & Apples on the Lake This year Apple Days and Art on the Lake came together to bring the Lake Minnetonka community Excelsior Art & Apples on the Lake! Locals as well as family and friends from afar enjoyed art displays, vendor tents, food trucks, a beer garden, apple treats, and entertainment under bright blue skies and sunshine. It's safe to say that the joining of two Lake Minnetonka traditions was a huge success!

DON’T BE A TURKEY, WE CAN TEACH YOU HOW TO ROCK! We offer private lessons, rock bands, glee clubs, DJ lessons, and even early childhood classes!

Virtual and in-person lessons available!

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AROUND TOWN

At Modus Advisors, we are so very thankful for community. We are proud to be a part of it all and to serve you, Lake Minnetonka.

So very thankful! Tad Weiss: I am thankful for all the great restaurants and shops in Excelsior!

HOPKINS WINTER MARKET The

Hopkins

Winter

Farmers’

Market will take place every Saturday from 9:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. during the month of November through mid-December. The market will be held at the Hopkins Activity Center, 33 14th Avenue North, where vendors will showcase produce, meats, dairy, baked goods, handcrafted arts, household items, jewelry, skincare products, coffees, teas, pet products, and more! There will also be live music from the Stringbeans Band,

Julie Kaufmann: I am thankful for the lakes, parks, schools, and small town charm.

Wild Rose Cloggers, The Gritpickers, and James Dahl.

Diane York: I’m thankful for the amazing women I’ve met through volunteering with my local moms’ group!

Kari Haanstad: I am thankful to have access to all the beautiful, seemingly endless trails and parks throughout our community and beyond! I think they are just as lovely in the winter as they are in the summer!

Maggie Swanson: I’m thankful for so many fun activities to do outside!

NEW BOOK RECOMMENDATION: BE NICE. THE END. Inspired by the authors’ own childhood challenges and experiences, Be Nice. The End. Simple Wisdom of the

Cathy Hayes: I’m thankful for access to the lakes and the beautiful outdoors.

Happy Thanksgiving

Playground Kids is a book that celebrates diversity, kindness, honesty, and the simple wisdom of children. Published in September of this year, the collaboration behind the book took place during the pandemic between an unlikely pairing: Wendy Kieffer Shragg, a Wayzata artist, and Brian Skavnak, a Brooklyn Park youth golf coach. The two authors hope that through their book, people of all ages can connect, feel understood, and

Providing sophisticated wealth management to successful individuals in a simplif ied, personal manner. W W W. M O D U S A DVI S O R S .CO M 23505 SMITHTOWN ROAD, STE 290, EXCELSIOR, MN 10

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | November 2021

know that they are not alone.

SIP, SHOP, & SUPPORT The Wayzata Area Chamber will be partnering with Sears Imported

Auto to host a “Sip, Shop, & Support” holiday shopping event on Thursday, November 18th to help support chamber members’ small businesses. This free event will be held at the Sears dealership at 13500

Chemical Peels at Vively Body Science; Slow the natural effects of aging

Wayzata Boulevard in Minnetonka from 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. There will be appetizers, snacks, and beverages to enjoy while you visit and shop in a safe and socially distanced environment. While there is no cost to attend, register through the Wazyata

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FAZENDIN REALTORS ANNUAL HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE

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with

The season of giving is upon us, and Fazendin Realtors Community Cares is conducting their annual holiday food drive. They are collecting non-perishable food, toiletries, and household supplies now through Friday, December 10th. This year’s proceeds benefit the NorthPoint Community Food

It’s Peel Season.

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Purchase November 2021

pers, razors, and shaving cream.

Download our app available on the

Fazendin Realtors will be matching the donations pound for pound. If you’re interested in participating, please drop off your donations at our office at 15550 Wayzata Blvd. in Wayzata, Monday through

(952) 388-3113 | INFO@LIVEVIVELY.COM

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CONTINUED >

1133 WAYZATA BLVD. E, WAYZATA, MN 55391 VIVELYBODYSCIENCE

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

AROUND TOWN

RAKE-A-THON 2021 Connect with the community and have fun! Volunteer for Minnetonka Community Education’s 35th annual Rake-A-Thon on Saturday, November 6th. Pull together a team of family, friends, colleagues, scout troops, or neighbors to rake the yards of senior homeowners who need help with their leaves. Register your team of volunteers by visiting the Minnetonka Community Ed. website, searching “Rake-a-Thon 2021”, and clicking the “Volunteer Form” link.

ROCK STARS NEEDED! Bach 2 Rock is looking for rockers to join a band at their music school in Plymouth. Bach 2 Rock provides private and group music lessons for students of all ages and skill levels. Instruments they teach include guitar, piano, drums, voice, DJ, violin, trumpet, and more! B2R also hosts birthday parties, seasonal camps, concerts, and their annual Breast Fest fundraising event. Call the school today at 762.208.7847 or email them at plymouth@bachtorock.com to join a band and start rocking out today!

When you choose ADŌR, you can expect unsurpassed craftsmanship and integrity through every step of our process. We’re honored to build each home like it’s our own.

GOOD TIMES Good Times is a great place to show off your accomplishments and fun around town! We want to see what you're up to. Whether it's a charity event or party, we want to see how it went! The community is a major part of the Lake Minnetonka area and we want to celebrate that. Show everyone in the community the happenings around the lake. Send your photos to Dana.Murphy@ lifestylepubs.com.

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.

612.590.8099 | Ador-Homes.com | LIC #761771 12

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | November 2021

com/LakeMinnetonka using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

At Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle we are extremely grateful for the community and their support of our magazine as we celebrate our twelfth issue.

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LOCAL EXPERIENCES

THANKFUL THIS MONTH, WE CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING, A TIME TO REMIND OURSELVES OF THE BOUNTIFUL BLESSINGS WE HAVE IN OUR LIVES. November is an opportunity to spend time with the ones we love during this holiday season and give more of ourselves to those around us.

HOLIDAY MARKETS

Maria Claire Photography

+ The Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt celebrates European Christmas traditions with German food, handcrafted ornaments and toys, nutcrackers, a "Biergarten", spiced wine, KinderWorld, and a visit from Father Christmas. 135 Lake Street, Excelsior, Minnesota 55331 + Custom cookies, gourmet cupcakes, mini pies, French macarons, and other sweet treats. Let Amy's Cupcake Shoppe do your holiday baking for you! 701 Mainstreet Hopkins, MN + The Grater Good Artisan Cheeses creates a variety of cheese and charcuterie boards made with locally sourced ingredients. The beautiful platters are perfect for the holidays! 13315 106th Street, Norwood Young America, Minnesota 55397 + Heartfelt is a one-of-a-kind craft shop that offers drop-in crafts, workshops, and natural gifts and toys, as well as gifts crafted by local artisans. 4306 Upton Ave S Minneapolis, Mn + A holiday tradition in the heart of St. Paul, the European Christmas Market offers crafts from local vendors, entertainment, spiced mulled wine, and European inspired delicacies 842 Raymond Ave Saint Paul, Mn 14

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | November 2021

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CAFÉ CRAWL + Known for their Chai Latte, Uncommon Grounds provides a unique ambiance in a renovated Victorian country home from 1877 complete with a 50-yearold espresso machine from Italy. 2809 Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN + Smith Coffee is a quaint and cozy cafe operating in the historic Smith Douglas More house known for crafting Euro-style breads and pastries. 8107 Eden Prairie Road, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55347 + Cream & Amber offers unique lattes along with muffins, scones, and sweetbreads in a cozy bookstore setting. Browse for books or reserve a room for studying. 1605 Mainstreet Hopkins, MN + Minnesota's first and only cat cafe, The Cafe Meow is a full-service coffee shop with baked goods and a lounge full of adoptable rescue cats. 2323 Hennepin Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55405 + Offering plenty of board games and tables for play, Lodestone serves locally roasted coffee and bakery items. It's also the perfect place to join a Dungeons

Smith Coffee & Cafe

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& Dragons campaign. 10982 Cedar Lake Rd Minnetonka, MN

THANKSGIVING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES + Thanksgiving Meals on Wheels is an organization that focuses exclusively on delivering a turkey meal with dressing, potatoes, and other Thanksgiving sides to all who need it 1200 Washington Ave S Ste 380 Minneapolis, Mn + Bag for Tips at the Minnetonka Cub Foods! Proceeds of this event support ICA Food Shelf's Turkey Give Away which provides holiday meals for those in need. 4801 Highway 101, Minnetonka, Minnesota 55345 + Volunteer at Minnetonka Community Education's 35th Annual Rake-a-Thon. Gather a team of friends, family, church groups, scout troops, or co-workers to rake the yards of local seniors. 4584 Vine Hill Road, Excelsior, Minnesota 55331 + Pet Haven is a foster-based rescue that rescues cats and dogs and finds them adoptive homes. Fosters and adoption event volunteers are always needed PO Box 19105 , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55419

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+ Volunteer with Loaves & Fishes to cook and serve meals at their dining site locations across the metro area. There are opportunities for individuals and groups. 721 Kasota Ave SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414 CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

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GIVING BACK

TICL

E JE N L ARS

ER |P HO

TO G

R A PH Y E M I

LY JO

NOTHING BUT THANKS

Kim Cassens, Owner of Nothing Bundt Cakes

SERVING UP AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | November 2021

But it’s far more than just dropping off a donation. Kim says it’s also about showing gratitude to our local community. This need for recognition and gratitude has never been more important than it is now. Kim says, “How do we thank them? How do we celebrate them? How do we bring joy and light into people’s lives? We do it by giving them cake.” OWNER OF MINNETONKA’S NOTHING BUNDT CAKES KIM

This mission is present in everything Kim does, even in her hir-

CASSENS DID NOT SET OUT TO BUILD A CAKE EMPIRE SEVEN

ing process. She looks for candidates who will offer exceptional

YEARS AGO. After buying a cake for a bridal shower at the Eden

customer service and make people feel welcome. Her number one

Prairie location and doing some research, she seized the opportunity

qualification for potential employees? A heart for service. She says,

to buy a Nothing Bundt Cake franchise of her own. She loved the

“Having a heart for service means they will be a fit here. With me and

idea of a woman-owned business, owning a business in her own

my manager who feels the same way and shares the same goals for

community, and being involved in an enterprise that celebrates life’s

the business that I do. This is not just a job for us.”

occasions. The process was rather fast. She made her franchise

Life is simply sweeter when giving back to your community. To

inquiry that September, was approved in January, and her store

enjoy your very own Nothing Bundt Cake confection (or twelve) visit

opened the following July.

their bakery at 12987 Ridgedale Drive in Minnetonka.

Running her own food business, she clearly had the intent of selling cake. But Kim’s vision was much larger, as she also set out to nurture her surrounding community and give back to her employees. Her store has been open for six years now. She said the first four years, it was not always easy. Kim and her staff persisted as they searched for ways to improve sales, get “cake in mouths” for people to enjoy and understand. They kept adapting and kept figuring out ways to move forward. In the last two years, this tenacity has paid off and online sales in particular have flourished. Kim and her team donate and deliver tens

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of thousands of cakes each year, with a goal of giving away 10,000 cakes every quarter. A delicious marketing strategy, these 10,000 bites of joy are delivered for a wide variety of events. They have been a part of teacher appreciation events, Park Nicollet staff gatherings at Methodist Hospital, Nurses’ appreciation week, Physician’s appreciation week, birthday celebrations at the YMCA, offerings at the food shelves, and Interfaith Outreach, just to name a few examples. These community partners are all very near and dear to Kim’s heart. “I want to make a difference in the community. Be a part of it. Help those who can’t help themselves.” Where there is community celebrating to be done, Kim and Nothing Bundt Cakes are there to help.

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

LOCAL LIMELIGHT Ferguson Showroom

ARTICLE JEN LARSEN FORTNER PHOTOGRAPHY ANNA KOSTOCHKO

Shedding Some Light FERGUSON SHOWROOM AREA SALES MANAGER PAUL HABLE SHARES WHAT’S TRENDING IN KITCHENS, BATHROOMS, AND LIGHTING.

LOOKING TO REFRESH OR REVAMP YOUR HOME? Tired of looking at the same old kitchen? Does your bathroom not beckon you with spa like energy? Local expert Paul Hable at Ferguson Showroom gives us the inside scoop on himself and sheds some light on what is trending in kitchens, bathrooms, and lighting. You can fall in love with your spaces once again as we head into the coziest season of the year with help from Paul and his team. TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF - WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO WORK IN HOME DESIGN? Ive always had a passion for real estate. So, when I was 10, I wanted to be an agent. Of course, at that age, I wasn’t aware of the ins and outs of the business but I often thought about how I could be a part of the emotional decision of home buying and how I could help people through it. WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? Two things immediately come to mind. First,

Paul Hable, Area Sales Manager at Ferguson Showroom

watching a project from inception, seeing pictures of what clients want, culling it all together and seeing the end product. I really enjoy not having a complete

Ferguson Showroom

vision at first but then making it all come together

(763) 591-5700

into something great. We have designed some truly

925 Decatur Avenue North

spectacular kitchens, bathrooms, lower-level bars - a

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wide variety of spaces.

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Second, the people we work with. I love working with people. I enjoy seeing all of their different styles, tastes and wishes and helping them turn those ideas into reality. 20

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | November 2021

Paul Hable

WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT FERGUSON SHOWROOM,

WHAT STYLES ARE HOT RIGHT NOW WHEN IT

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN?

COMES TO KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS?

I enjoy boating with family on Lake Minnetonka, traveling,

What is old is new again. The gold, black, and

and if not those you most likely will find me on the golf course.

white colors from the 70s are making a big comeback. This time in matte finishes. Classic colors that

BIG CHANGES HAVE AFFECTED ALL BUSINESSES

parlay into appliances and matte finishes with mix

AND BUYING HABITS THESE LAST COUPLE

and match handle tones. Giving both kitchens and

OF YEARS. WHAT CHANGES HAVE YOU SEEN

baths a touch of color.

RECENTLY IN THE MARKET? WHAT DO CUSTOMERS WANT NOW? The pandemic has taught us that while there is a housing boom, there is minimal housing inventory. People are

bathrooms,

touchless

faucets

are

in.

Manufacturers are realizing people want function but also done in an attractive way. Many of the newest styles are touchless.

choosing to invest in their current home. Home has become even more important to them. So, whether it be a new build

WHAT GOALS DOES FERGUSON HAVE WHEN IT

or retro fitting in their existing property, customers are cre-

COMES TO SERVING CUSTOMERS? IS THERE A

ating spaces that are unique to their current needs.

COMPANY PHILOSOPHY?

Where I see the market at and heading is more

We believe in working hard, working together,

technology based. We are seeing smart appliances,

and uniting for one common goal-to create the best

blue tooth connected plumbing, voice-activated toilets,

experience possible for our customers. The thing

touchless fixture.

Ferguson has to offer that sets us apart is our best-

We have also seen the installation of meditation rooms

in-class associates. We take tremendous pride in

and rooms designated for relaxation or for study or

exceeding customers’ expectations from first inter-

work. Rooms that are dedicated spaces to find your Zen.

action to final.

Places to decompress. These spaces often have calming paint colors, wood centric tones. Neutral palettes. Wood

To work with Paul and create the home of your dreams

grain items. Bringing the outdoors in. Flexible lighting for

call Ferguson Showroom at 763.591.5700 or visit them at

different atmospheres.

925 Decatur Ave North in Golden Valley.

We believe in working hard, working together, and uniting for one common g o a l-t o c r e at e t h e b e s t e x p e r i e n c e possible for our customers. CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

│

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G r at i t u d e & Giving Back MEMBERS OF OUR LAKE MINNETONKA COMMUNITY SHARE WHAT THEY’RE THANKFUL FOR AND HOW THEY GIVE BACK.

MEREDITH HOWELL

Realtor, Coldwell Bank

“I am very thankful for my two incredibly accomplished children who are selflessly giving back to a world in need. They have their values in perspective. And, of course, I am thankful for my grandchildren who all give me great happiness. But most of all, I am thankful for this great country we live in. For all the challenges we face, we are so fortunate to live in America. Let us all strive to focus on what unites us rather than what divides us.”

“Our daughter, Lena, was born in 2013 with an unexpected, life-threatening heart condition. During our darkest days and weeks living in the hospital with her, it never ceased to amaze me and give me hope that countless strangers

ARTICLE GRAHAM JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY ANNA KOSTOCHKO

had donated their time and blood to give people like our daughter a chance at survival. Whenever a 2 a.m. emergency call went out for platelets or whole blood for her, it was always answered. While I had been a periodic blood donor before, Lena’s experience really shined a spotlight on the desperate need. Ever since and forevermore, I’ve been on the 8-week donation schedule, paying it forward

WHAT DO WE HAVE TO BE THANKFUL FOR? It’s a question that is often posed this time of year, and this year in particular, can tell us a lot about gratitude. 2021 has put so many simple pleasures that went unnoticed into stark relief. For some, it might simply be the ability

to strangers who need the assistance.” KARI HAANSTAD Chief Investment Officer, Modus Advisors

to go out into the world, going back out to malls and concerts and restaurants. For others, it is finally seeing our friends and co-workers off a Zoom call. We all, however, can be thankful for the simple pleasure of gathering with family in a way that, I for one, had taken for granted my entire life. So in this time of giving thanks, I posed this question to members of the Lake Minnetonka Community. Here’s what they had to say:

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | November 2021

CHRIS DENNIS Associate Broker, Lakes Area Realty

Executive Director, Hope House

ROD PROVART

“I have a passion for young people. I love their energy, their potential, and their wonderful sense of adventure. I pay it forward by doing what I can to pour into youth in hopes to positively influence the trajectory of their lives. As a Children’s Leader for the Minnetonka BSF class, I have the

“I am very thankful to be a board member on the Excelsior

privilege of meeting weekly with local students for in-depth

Chamber of Commerce. Most people do not realize that

Bible study. I am also a mentor / discipleship-group leader

the Chamber is a non-profit organization, and they coor-

for young men at Southwest Christian High School; we

dinate and support many of the events in Excelsior. Next

meet weekly throughout the school year to connect and

time you visit Excelsior, notice how MANY businesses are

share as we experience life together. Additionally, I serve as

locally owned and operated. There are very few national

the Executive Director for Open Hands Foundation, a local

brands in Excelsior – and that is amazing. Now that I am

nonprofit that supports teens in crisis in our community.”

involved in the Chamber on a deeper basis, I can truly see

how much the chamber does for those local businesses in Excelsior as well as the city itself. ”

“I am thankful for the amazing colleagues and city of Wayzata staff that support me every day as I perform my duties. I am also thankful for the phenomenal work our local American Legion post #118 does to support veterans in our community.”

CONTINUED >

JOHANNA MCCARTHY

Owner, Vi Beauty Lab

DANIELLE ANDERSON

“How do I pay it forward? Personally, if I stop at Starbucks, I always buy for the person behind me. We both win. I have 6 children, so each night we talk about who we blessed and who blessed us. The little stuff is the big stuff. We pay it forward by sharing gratitude and focusing on the small ways that we love the humans in front of us.”

Mayor of Wayzata CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

LOCALS ONLY (CONTINUED) ANDY FAZENDIN

President, Wayzata Chamber of Commerce

BECKY PIERSON

Owner/Broker, Fazendin Realtors

“Aside from the cliched pay for someone in line

“Fazendin Realtors is grateful for those that keep our

behind me, or the use of a Caribou number of some-

community safe which is why we developed the Housing

one near me instead of my own, I do my best to inter-

for Heroes program. This program is designed for those

act with kindness and a smile for those I meet and

that publicly serve our community which includes mili-

see, recognizing I don’t know what they bring with

tary (active and veterans), police officers, firefighters and

them in their life and that a caring interaction might

emergency medical technicians. We pay it forward by

be just what they need.”

giving back a portion of the proceeds when those serving the community purchase or sell a home.”

“I am thankful for my wonderful husband. He has been gone for thirty years now, but when we were first married, we joined the Peace Corps together and served in Ecuador for two years from 1962 to 1964, only a year after the Peace Corps was established in 1961. I am thankful so for the opportunity to have served together during that time.” RHODA BROOKS

Owner, Bach to Rock

JUDY SHOULAK “I have so much to be thankful for: Being a ten-year breast

cancer survivor, I am especially thankful for my health and I give thanks to God every single day. I am very grateful for my amazing family: my husband Jim and our three children, Jake, Sarah, and Joe. I am so proud of the people they have become, exhibiting great values and integrity every day, and always wanting to give back to others. I am just thankful for the many wonderful relationships I have with people: friends, employees, fellow survivors” 26

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | November 2021

Lake Minnetonka Resident, The Waters of Excelsior

Inspired by Community

locally It’s time to think

ADVERTISE WITH US to deliver your message to the most affluent families in our community.

lifestylepubs.com/advertise

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

INSPIRED BY BEN HIGGINS TALKS COFFEE, HOPE & HUMANITY, AND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE THANKFUL

Living a Purposeful Life

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED 28

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | November 2021

PROBABLY BEST KNOWN FOR BEING LEAD #20 IN THE

CL: ARE THERE THINGS YOU DO,

BACHELOR, THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO BEN HIGGINS THAN

OR MANTRAS YOU LIVE BY ON A

BEING ONE OF AMERICA’S REALITY TV SWEETHEARTS, SUCH

DAILY BASIS?

AS HIS DEEP PASSION FOR MAKING MOVES TO “MULTIPLY

BH: I don’t wake up going “today is going

GOOD IN THE WORLD.”

to be a good day.” I’ve found that some of

Since his time on The Bachelor, Ben has taken the opportunity

the worst days have taught me the most.

to use his fame to create not one, but two inspiring podcasts, pub-

They’ve built grit, character, resolve, and a

lish a successful autobiography, while also elevating awareness of

story that will not only help me, but allow me

his “for-purpose” Generous Coffee brand. We sat down with him

to be more empathetic and loving.

(virtually) to reflect on all that he has accomplished in this season of “thankfulness.”

I did a speaking tour 4 years ago for high school students. At one moment during a speech I got emotional speaking about pur-

CL: WHAT DOES THE TERM ‘THANKFUL’ OR ‘GRATEFUL’

pose and hope and trying to build in them the

MEAN TO YOU?

idea that because they have breath, they have

BH: It may sound corny and cliche, but when I think of gratitude, it’s an

value. All of a sudden it was like this reeI of my

every day break to look at where my life sits and to be thankful for the

life went through my head where these little,

friends and family around me and the things that I am able to be a part

small moments led me to that point in time

of. There are moments in my life where I become ungrateful, and so

to speak with this group. For example, one

when I think of being grateful, I think of it as being in a rhythm where I

random person invited me to move to Denver

remind myself every day that I still have ‘breath.’

where I got a job; one person at that job told

We believe that people enjoy drinking life-changing coffee that has a story behind it over their regular cup of coffee.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED) me I should go on a show; I went on a show

pay attention to me. I started asking myself,

that turned into the ability to create Generous

“where do I want this to go? How famous do

Coffee; and Generous has parlayed me with

I want to try to be?” Through contemplation

these new opportunities.

I realized 100 to 200 years ago if you told us

I try to sit in those moments daily and

to name the top 10 most famous people from

remember the things that got me here, what

that time, we would have a hard time doing it.

I’ve learned along the way that I can cele-

People come and go and that’s sad, but it’s

brate, and what keeps me thankful.

also beautiful because something new arises and something new comes up.

CL: TELL US ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE

So, as much as I want my legacy to be

MOST PROUD OF OR INSPIRED BY?

important and to be remembered, I’m not

BH: I’m proud that my podcast Hope Still

naive enough to believe it will be, and that

Wins and my book Alone in Plain Sight both

gives me peace and keeps me focused on

play a part in getting resources for help to

the present. If I could choose the memories

those who need it. Writing Alone in Plain

of my kids, grandkids,

Sight was a good cry for my soul. As much

friends and family, it

as I am thankful that other people are read-

would be to remember

ing it, it was something I knew I needed to

that Ben lived a life

get off my chest regardless.

where he loved others

At the same time, I am not oblivious to the

really, really well and he

fact that from the outside looking in you could

sacrificed a lot to do that.

look at my life and assume “he doesn’t even

People matter and have value. There’s a purpose for the life we are living and when people get out and care for others well the world is a better place. Stay curious; look left and right at the needs around you and use your impact to be a community maker. That’s the message I’d like to share.

know what struggle is, he doesn’t know what

CL: HOW DID

pain is.” So, one of the ways I love to connect

GENEROUS

with others when they doubt my sincerity is

COFFEE BEGIN?

to connect them with stories of other people

BH: The idea came in July

that I’ve been able to be a part of. For exam-

of 2017 and we launched

ple, in my book I highlighted a girl named

in January of 2018. Even

Annie who was 23 and had two weeks to live

further

— she was dying from cystic fibrosis when I

when I was 15 years old I

interviewed her. I got to talk to her about the

went to Central America;

end of life and what that means, and what

our hearts were broken

messages she would share.

and eyes were opened to the lack of strategy

back,

though,

I’m often asked, ‘what is this whole thing

behind mission and non-profit work. People

about for you, what is your mission in all of

were stepping on each other’s toes, coming

this?’ Selfishly, I just want to be a part of really

and going and leaving villages behind, and

cool stories that I believe are good and heal-

there was no relationship or respect.

ing. And my filter on whether they are good or

So, my buddy who was also on that trip

not comes from my faith. I just want to be a

started a non-profit called Humanity & Hope

part of stories of loving others and loving God

United Foundation. The idea is that we can

well, and that’s not always going to be about

ask people within these communities, what

me personally or the life I am living.

do you need? What do you want? What do you dream of, and how can we help? The

CL: DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE LEGACY

goal was a partnership for perpetuity — to

YOU WANT TO LEAVE BEHIND?

help them increase their education pro-

BH: I want to be known as someone who

grams, their healthcare, but be led by them.

gave more than I took, as someone who cared

When the show [The Bachelor] hap-

deeply for those around me and that loved

pened, our fundraising increased 500%

others and God well. One thing that’s helped

within a year and that was awesome, but we

me recently is thinking about how I got thrust

also knew that it probably wasn’t going to

into a life where people recognize me and

last. So, during that time we asked ourselves

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | November 2021

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

how we can make funding this non-profit more sustain-

If one person is positively affected by the Generous coffee we are

able, and we came up with the idea that we could start

selling, then it’s all been worth it. I’d say the same thing to everyone in

a for-profit business and call ourselves “for-purpose.”

their local communities; if one person or thing has benefited from your

The founders were financially-able enough to sign off on

efforts and activity, it’s worth it. Get out there and just start.

donating 100% of our profits to non-profits, now that we had the platform to do it. Plus, we believe that people enjoy drinking life-changing coffee that has a story behind it over their regular cup of coffee.

CL: WHAT ARE YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PEOPLE TO GIVE BACK IN THEIR COMMUNITY?

With over 1.2mm Instagram followers, Ben Higgins is co-founder

BH: At Generous we have always enjoyed investing in

of @generous_coffee_, author of #AloneinPlainSight, host of

fighting human-facing injustice, and we do that because

@hopestillwins, and co-host of @almost_famouspodcast.

that was the thing that angered us the most. I think everybody can figure out what they can do in their local communities by asking the same question: What is it around me that makes me the angriest? Maybe it’s people without homes — maybe your heart breaks for them — maybe it’s animals or the environment for you. What emotional pull is it? Go after that.

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | November 2021

REALTY REPORT

LAKE MINNETONKA

NEIGHBORHOOD

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS BATHS

2750 Woolsey Lane

$3,650,000.00

$3,595,000.00

98%

20980 Channel Drive

$3,200,000.00

$2,800,000.00

88%

20045 Manor Road

$2,895,000.00

$2,847,500.00

98%

1205 Shoreline Drive

$2,895,000.00

$2,800,000.00

97%

774 Tonkawa Road

$2,795,000.00

$2,875,000.00

103%

2726 Caroline Avenue

$2,499,900.00

$2,470,000.00

99%

2615 Woodbridge Road

$2,200,000.00

100%

20735 Linwood Road

$2,195,000.00

$2,175,000.00

99%

146

1630 Holdridge Circle

$2,050,000.00

$2,000,000.00

98%

2552 Lafayette Road

$1,499,000.00

$1,285,868.00

86%

1390 Rest Point Road

$1,100,000.00

100%

Information obtained through Heartland Multiple Listing Service 2-1-21 to 4-30-21. List and sold price reflect one selected home within the respective subdivision.

It's a Perfect Time to

Sell Your Home! “Whether you’re buying or selling... with experience comes success”

MEREDITH HOWELL |

REALTOR®

MHOWELL@CBURNETT.COM | C: 612-940-4566 | O: 952-476-3692

MER ED ITH H OWELL .COM

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

1 ALL SAINTS' DAY Lake Minnetonka

All Saints' Day

4 DIWALI

Lake Minnetonka

Diwali

NOVEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS Lake Minnetonka

Turn your clocks back one hour.

11 VETERANS DAY

Lake Minnetonka

Veterans Day

25 THANKSGIVING Lake Minnetonka

Thanksgiving

26 BLACK FRIDAY

Lake Minnetonka

Black Friday

28 ADVENT BEGINS Lake Minnetonka

The first Sunday of Advent, marking the beginning of the Advent season.

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | November 2021

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