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Lake Minnetonka, MN December 2021

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D E C E M B E R 2 02 1

The Holiday Issue


Introducing Create Home home furnishings store & boutique with a casual sophistication Create Home Boutique, Interior Design Studio & Remodeling Showroom 312 Water Street, Excelsior, MN 612-597-8900


LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2021 PUBLISHER

Dave Robertson | dave.robertson@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Dana Murphy | dana.murphy@lifestylepubs.com

Happy Holidays!

Alexandra Patty | alexandra.patty@lifestylepubs.com

CAN YOU BELIEVE WE’RE WRAPPING UP 2021?! Time really flies when

AD DESIGNER

you’re having this much fun telling all the wonderful stories that make up the

Mary Albers

Lake Minnetonka Community.

L AYO UT DESIGNER

MANAGING EDITOR

Dani Moore

This month, we highlight the magic of the winter season, with holiday celebrations, festive light displays, and gifts galore. Speaking of gifts, we’ve compiled a gift guide with help from some of our local merchants. I hope it sparks some ideas for you and your loved ones as the season of giving approaches.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Dana Murphy, Jen Larsen Fortner, David Scheller CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Anna Kostochko, Willard Ward

Speaking of giving, we need your help. All of us at Lifestyle would like to give this season as well, and we have an article inside that I hope you read. We did this last year, and this year we would like to do more. And finally, for me the Holiday Season is about family. But let’s face it, sometimes that’s not always easy. Yet no matter what, all the chaos and togetherness make memories that I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world! As this year comes to a close, we’d like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for you, dear reader. We wouldn’t be here without you, and we look forward to another great year ahead.

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

Blessings to you and yours. And as always, we will see you around the Lake!

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Dave Robertson, Publisher

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

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

4

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | December 2021

be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.


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INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2021 FEATURES 12 Local Experiences Embrace the Magic of the Holiday Season by Exploring What Our Community Has to Offer this Time of Year.

16 The Holiday Gift Guide From a Lake Minnetonka Map Throw to Hand-Blown Glassware, Our 2021 Gift Guide has Something for Everyone on Your List!

20 The International School of Minnesota A Global Education Right in Your Own Backyard.

28 Gratefully Giving Away After a Successful Campaign Last Year, Lifestyle Publications is Giving

20 28

Away $300,000 to Recipients in Need this Christmas Season and Beyond.

16

12

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

12

Local Experiences

16

Local’s Choice

28 Giving Back 33 Realty Report 35 Lifestyle Calendar


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GOOD TIMES

Wayzata Boo Blast Trick or Treaters were out in force over Halloween weekend for the Wayzata Boo Blast! The day kicked off with the Boo Blast Dash where runners and walkers raced in a family-friendly fun run. Later, witches and dinos alike were welcomed into the doorways of local shops and restaurants to fill their bags with candy and treats. The festive day wrapped up with the annual Pumpkin Derby!

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Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | December 2021


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AROUND TOWN

May your hearts and homes be f illed with all the magic of the season.

LIGHT UP THE LAKE Help light up the lake this winter in Wayzata! Enjoy the warmth of quaint downtown Wayzata, both inside and outside, as you drive, walk, shop, eat, and take in the holiday sights and sounds. Don't forget to stop by Colonial Square on December 11th and 25th to see Santa and his reindeer!

EXCELSIOR CHRISTKINDLSMARKT The

Excelsior

Christkindlmarkt

is back for another year! The volunteer-run

and

donation-driven

holiday event will take place on November 26th through the 28th and December 3rd through the 5th. Enjoy the holiday sounds as you take in the aromas and delight your senses with German Christmas traditions. Indulge in a variety of European treats like German sausages and potatoes, roasted almonds, sweet and savory strudel, chocolates, cakes, cupcakes, hot cocoa, and “gluehwein’’, a warm and sweet spiced wine. The market also includes stalls filled with traditional gifts, handcrafted ornaments, wooden toys,

nutcrackers,

vintage

pieces,

Alpaca sweaters and mittens, Frost River leather goods, hand-crafted wooden boards, original art, German

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Pottery, and German lanterns. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities and Father Christmas and the Frozen princesses will be paying a visit so be sure to bring the whole family!

WAYZATA CHAMBER ANNUAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION Save the date for the 2021 Wayzata

ROTH IRA

$2,500

TO: SUSIE Q FROM: GRANDMA Give the gift of a Roth IRA. Custom gift certif icates available. Contact us for details. 10

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | December 2021

Chamber

Annual

Holiday

Party.

Join the Wayzata Chamber in saluting Chamber stars, welcoming new leadership, recapping 2021 milestones, and enjoying a toast for the year to come! The party will take place on Thursday, December 16th from 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. at 200 Wayzata Boulevard West in Wayzata.


CHRISTMAS IN EXCELSIOR Christmas in Excelsior is a monthlong series of events kicking off with Small Business Saturday the Saturday after Thanksgiving. During the first weekend in December, there will be a tree-lighting ceremony, carolers, hot cocoa, Santa visits, and sleigh rides. Festivities continue

each

weekend

ClearSilk, the no-downtime, event ready, laser facial. The result is a glowing complexion that keeps improving with every treatment.

until

Christmas. If you miss out, don't worry! Take a drive or a walk down Water Street where you'll find trees adorned with white lights, old fashion lamp poles entwined with evergreens and holly, snow-covered streets filled with bustling shoppers, and take in the quintessential small-town holiday experience. This is a tradition both community members and businesses have come to anticipate and expect with the first chill in the air. Come enjoy our community, local shops, restaurants, and holiday spirit!

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG The historic Old Log Theatre in Excelsior has officially re-opened with the premiere of The Play That Goes Wrong. Head to the theatre this

with

BHRT

weekend for an evening of laugh out loud comedy and entertainment. The Play That Goes Wrong is a recent Broadway hit about a murder mystery that goes from bad to utterly disastrous. Individual tickets can be purchased online and reservations for groups of 15 or more can be made at sales@oldlog.com.

CREATE HOME WINTER WORKSHOP

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home. The event will begin at 3:00

www.livevively.com

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11


LOCAL EXPERIENCES

WINTER AND REVEL WINTER IS A TIME TO ENJOY FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHILE USHERING IN THE SPIRIT OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON. Whether you are enjoying one of the many festive activities our city has to offer or spending time with loved ones, the memories made will be cherished.

HOSTING HOLIDAY DINNERS WITH LOCAL MAKERS + Candlelight Floral & Gifts in Wayzata offers beautiful flower arrangements assembled with fresh-cut flowers that make the perfect center-piece for your holiday meal. 850 Lake St E Wayzata, Mn + Minnetonka's Olive on Tap offers 18 year-aged flavor-enhanced olive oils and balsamic vinegars on tap, gourmet spice blends, bread dipping spice blends, and more! 5757 Sanibel Dr Minnetonka, MN + Custom cakes, cupcakes, pies, crafted sweets, and cookies! Let Farina Baking Company cater your next holiday meal with their elegant and festive desserts. 23290 Minnesota 7 Shorewood, MN + The market at The Grocer’s Table in Wayzata offers handmade pastas, specialty chocolates, nut butters, pickled veggies, local deli meats and cheeses, and much more, made both in house and from outside artisans. 326 Broadway Avenue South Wayzata, MN + Pick up a growler (or three) of Chanhassen Brewing Company's high-quality craft beer to enjoy locally-brewed beer with your holiday meal. Some of their signature brews include Chanhoppenin', Earl Grey, and Arboretum. 951 West 78th Street Chanhassen, MN 12

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | December 2021

Farina Baking Company

scan for more city-wide tips


SEASONAL LIGHT DISPLAYS AND EVENTS + Throughout December, the public is invited to Wayzata Community Church's "The Christmas Story in Lights". Drive through eight stations accompanied with lights, music, and narration. 125 Wayzata Blvd E Wayzata, MN + Join the annual tree lighting ceremony at City Center Plaza in Chanhassen. The event will include bonfires, carolers, a gingerbread house display, and a visit from Santa! 7700 Market Boulevard, Chanhassen, Minnesota 55317 + Holidazzle is back and in-person this holiday season! Holidazzle is a Minneapolis tradition located in Loring Park that features ice skating, music, fireworks, food, and fun! 1382 Willow St. Minneapolis, MN + The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is hosting its Winter in Bloom: Winter Lights display. Walk through the arboretum grounds and admire the illuminated flowers and trees. 3675 Arboretum Dr Chaska, MN

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

scan for more city-wide tips

+ Nature Illuminated at the Minnesota Zoo is a one-of-a-kind narrated drive-thru experience featuring stunning light work and larger-than-life animal art installations of the world's most endearing animals. 13000 Zoo Boulevard Apple Valley, MN

THINGS TO DO IN WINTER + Cozy up with your significant other or bring the whole family for a holiday play at the historic Old Log Theatre in Excelsior. 200 Water St 209 EXCelsior, MN + Enjoy a glass of wine fireside at Hazelwood Food & Drink. Pair it with a plate of comfort to warm up on a chilly night. 5635 Manitou Rd, Excelsior, Minnesota 55331 + Treat yourself to a spa day at Läka Spa on Lake Minnetonka. You'll find services inspired by Nordic traditions like the Nordic Radiance Facial and Alpine Recovery Massage. 925 Lake St East, Wayzata, Minnesota 55391 + Take a cooking class at Way Cool Cooking School in Eden Prairie. They offer classes for adults and kids, and their dishes are always seasonal. 16544 West 78th Street Eden Prairie, MN

scan for more city-wide tips

+ Enjoy extensive snowshoe and ski trails that meander along 1,200-plus acres of woodland, prairie, and open fields at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. 3675 Arboretum Dr Chaska, MN CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

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Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | December 2021

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THE THE HOLIDAY HOLIDAY LOCAL’S CHOICE

FROM A LAKE MINNETONKA MAP THROW TO HAND-BLOWN GLASSWARE, OUR 2021 GIFT GUIDE HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST!

LAKE MINNETONK A MAP WOOL THROW CACOCO EXTRA DARK DRINKING CHOCOLATE Treat your family and friends to something a little sweet this holiday season, a box or two of Cacoco drinking chocolate. It’s vegan, organic, and sweetened with coconut sugar, and many of the flavors are blended with special herbs.

NORDIC BEACH SHERPA JACKET

GIFT GIFT

J E WELWEED | $14

16

Butter-soft Sherpa made from light and fluffy signature fabric, the Nordic Beach Sherpa jacket comes in a variety of colors so you’re sure to find one your gift-recipient will love!

GUIDE GUIDE

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | December 2021

TH E GEN ER AL STORE | $85

Designed and crafted in Minnesota, this mid-weight wool throw showcases a map of Lake Minnetonka, from Halstead’s Bay to Gray’s Bay, making it a perfect gift for any lake-loving loved one. FARI BAULT WOOLEN M I LL | $195

THE OLD FASHIONED GIFT CRATE

This gift crate comes complete with CC Made caramel popcorn, a Nightcap Whisky dark chocolate bar, JCOCO Set of three assorted 1oz chocolate bars, a Peak ice cube tray, Strongwater The Old Fashioned Cocktail Kit, and Yes Cocktail Co. Dehydrated Orange Slice Garnishes. Just add whiskey! GI F TEN MARKET | $9 0

ARTICLE DANA MURPHY PHOTOGRAPHY ANNA KOSTOCHKO


CLASSIC PRIMO RIDE-ON TOY BY AMBOSSTOYS The self-propelled PRIMO ride-on scooter is welded by hand and made with high-quality material to ensure safety and longevity for your little one. It also comes in four colors so you’re sure to find one your child will love. PACI FI ER KI DS BOUTIQUE | $199.99

It’s a Scandinavian tradition to feed the birds on New Year’s Day to ensure good luck in the year ahead. Gift a bag of good luck to family and friends with this Cardinal bird seed gift bag.

Hand-painted in Lithuania, these flat candles stand out in their simplicity. The twin wicks burn evenly and self-extinguish as they near the steel base, without any dripping wax or smoke, making them a practical yet festive and thoughtful gift. L AKE EFFECT | $1 6 E ACH

FLAT HANDMADE CANDLE

CARDINAL BIRD SEED GIFT BAG

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“END OF DAY” VASE Hand-blown in Minnesota by Lake Superior Art Glass, these colorful vases are easy to incorporate into any home. They can be displayed as is or filled with real or faux flowers. Gift one or both to that special someone. TH E MAKER’ S STUDIO | $6 4 E ACH CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

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LUXURIOUS WOOLENS 156 YEARS IN THE MAKING. LAKE INSPIRED APPAREL AND

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Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | December 2021

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The International School of Minnesota A GLOBAL EDUCATION RIGHT IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD

MINNESOTA’S EDUCATION SYSTEM IS ONE OF THE

You’ve most likely driven by its sign on the corner of

BEST IN THE COUNTRY WITH MANY OF THE BEST

Highway 62 and Beach Road marked by three rotating

SCHOOLS RIGHT IN OUR BACKYARD. One school

country flags that stand tall behind it, but do you know

that particularly stands out is The International School

what the school is all about?

of Minnesota (ISM), a private preschool through grade 12

ISM’s mission is to provide an affordable, top-quality

college prep school in Eden Prairie. Nestled on a vibrant

education to a highly diverse student body. The pillar of

57-acre campus just west of Bryant Lake Regional Park

the school is its Student Life Organization® (SLO®), which

this “hidden gem” of a school has been educating students

provides students with a platform to acquire and refine life

for the past 35 years, with roots tracing back to 1886.

and leadership skills.

ISM 2021-22 SLO student leaders

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Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | December 2021


“SLO is divided into nine different departments with areas of focus including academics, sports, social responsibility, and community outreach, all of which are led by a head prefect,” said Jean Åkesson, who has taught at ISM for 28 years and currently serves as the school’s Student Life Coordinator. “The students who head SLO applied for their positions like they would for any job, complete with an extensive interview process, because they’re all taking an active, impactful role in the school and the community.

Rigorous academics are also at the core of the ISM student experience. The college-preparatory curriculum challenges students to reach their fullest academic potential. “Whether students live only a few minutes away or are one of the 39 international students, everyone who comes to ISM

“Our SLO leaders organize several special events throughout the year.

becomes a true global citizen as they experience different cul-

The events not only let our SLO leaders do good for their fellow students

tures firsthand. Part of that includes ISM’s language program,

and the surrounding community – they develop them into tomorrow’s

in which students choose to learn French, Spanish, or Chinese

leaders as well. Our events often blend lower and upper school students

from native speakers. Both of my children are ISM alumni and

together, so the younger kids get to spend time with great role models.

fluent not only in their second languages, but also in those lan-

It means a lot for lower and middle schoolers to meet the kind of people

guages’ authentic accents.” World language classes are taught

they’ll want to become in just a few years’ time.”

daily beginning in preschool.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

21


THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MINNESOTA (CONTINUED)

Everything we offer at ISM is designed to create strong, intelligent, and confident individuals who want to contribute something meaningful to the world. “It’s a very exciting time to be at ISM. We recently added a new

educational approach, students make global connections. These

dining hall as well as an amazing new chef who prepares delicious,

connections come from the campus community as well as the

healthy meals for our students and staff. He’s received such acco-

extended SABIS community, which consists of 70,000 students in

lades that we’re planning on adding a dine-in or take-out dinner

20 countries on five continents. No other school in Minnesota has

service to help alleviate some mealtime stress for our families,” said

such a vast local and global network.

ISM Executive Director Mahdi Kansou.

“Everything we offer at ISM is designed to create strong, intelli-

“We’ve also launched a Golf Academy, added two state-of-the-art

gent, and confident individuals who want to contribute something

science labs, and will soon create a new art studio and robotics lab.

meaningful to the world. I witnessed the results in my own children

A journalism/audio-visual lab is also in the works,” Kansou reported.

as they both graduated college early. I’m delighted to see those same

Although ISM is a small school in growth mode, its reach is still

results again and again as we welcome more eager new students to

unmatched. As a member of the SABIS® Network, a world-renowned network of schools that has gained recognition for its innovative 22

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | December 2021

our school each year,” Åkesson said. To learn more about ISM, please visit ism.school.


Inspired by Community

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Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | December 2021


A N D

T O G E T H E R N E S S !

‘TIS THE SEASON OF JOY AND COMPLETE CHAOS. There are a thousand extra things to do in December and the end result can bring us to the brink of lunacy emotionally, financially, spiritually, mentally, and physically. I’m great at running myself into the ground in December. We all face

are open. Restaurants are back. We have an opportunity

holiday stress from the expectation of how to handle the

to shop local at our brick and mortars. No need to have

holidays. We must decide who will host, who to include,

everything shipped from 1,500 miles away. Maybe we will

what food to serve, appropriate gifts to give, events to

purchase one special thing instead of five. We can choose

attend, traditions to be upheld, new traditions to start, etc.

from what is available instead of buying full lists of gift ideas.

Did I mention someone might expect an extended family

With less of the stuff, we have more time. We can have a

photo shoot? It’s me. I need twenty-five people to smile at

long holiday lunch in a favorite place with a friend instead of

the same time. Outfits must be planned. Children must be

exchanging gifts. We can sip cocoa in front of a roaring fire

wrangled. We need to do all the shopping. Shopping starts

instead of fighting long lines at a big box store. We can go

in October and doesn’t end until January. January is when

ice skating on one of our many lakes with the time we will

returning begins. All of this to prevent disappointing the

save not wrapping things. We can stay at a hotel or B & B

people we love. It’s exhausting.

for a weekend and relish the relaxation. We can buy tickets

While it’s normal this time of year to hear “Happy Holidays”, more common this year is the dreaded “supply

now for something in the spring. We can embrace a simpler December at a calmer pace.

chain issues”. A season often associated with abundance

Years ago, I read an article about how joy from material

seems marked by a sense of scarcity and long wait times

things is quite brief whereas joy from experiences endures.

for delivery of anything and everything. I could not be more

The article suggests experiences become part of a person

grateful. Supply chain issues are my new holiday best

in a way a material object never could. I’m keeping this in

friend. Under such unusual circumstances, I plan to act

sharp focus as I head into December.

in an unusual way and lower my own insane standards a

So “Happy Supply Chain Holidays!” We may be denied

bit. Perhaps the season will be more enjoyable without the

the exact item in the exact color we thought we wanted,

complete frenzy since we will not even have the option to

yet we have so many experiences available to us compared

hunt down the perfect this and the perfect that. Life is iron-

to a year ago. We will gather with friends and family, and

ically simpler if everything on earth is not readily available.

celebrate being together which we all know now is not a

Togetherness was the hard-to-find item of 2020. We had

given. It’s on every wish list. It’s perfect for all ages. It’s the

access to things but not to all our people. Many of us are

gift we will remember forever. And better yet, it is free for

finally able to see our cherished family and friends. Stores

the taking all year.

A TOAST TO SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES. ARTICLE JEN LARSEN FORTNER

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

25


Visit Us Online or In-Store Today!

Local.

Authentic.

Artisan Driven.

Custom Furniture & Home Goods

(612) 865-7335 | TheMakersStudio-MN.com | 400 2nd Street Excelsior, MN 55331

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We believe shoes are works of art. Come check out our beautiful womens and classic mens styles today.

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Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | December 2021

J.Hilburn Showroom Clothes Made for You. To Your Measurements & Style Specifications. With Your Own Personal Stylist. Level Up Studio featuring J.Hilburn Custom Mens Clothing.

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“Winter brings out our youth!” A season to THRIVE in.

Senior Living | Specialty Care SM

TheWaters.com/Excelsior

952.207.7186

JFARIN A@ TH EWATERS . CO M

GIVE THE GIFT OF MUSIC THIS HOLIDAY SEASON AT BACH 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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GIVING BACK

Gratefully

GIVING AWAY AFTER A SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN LAST YEAR, LIFESTYLE PUBLICATIONS IS GIVING $300,000 TO RECIPIENTS IN NEED THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON AND BEYOND... AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!

THEY NEED YOUR HELP FINDING THOSE RECIPIENTS. ARTICLE ALLISON GIBESON

Last year’s giveaway campaign culminated in the distribution

PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES

of $250,000 throughout the year to recipients from across the country who had various needs. When the company opened nominations, they were flooded with submissions. Community members such as judges, Anna Sarol

police officers, teachers, mentors, social workers and readers like you nominated community members who were facing hardships. As the eyes and ears of the community, these readers and stakeholders were able to help identify people who might have otherwise gone unnoticed or unrecognized. One such nominee was Anna Sarol. About six years ago Anna was paralyzed in a gymnastics accident when she was a freshman in high school, but until last year she did not have a stairlift in her home. The stairlift was made possible when Lifestyle Publications gave her family $10,000 and made sure it was installed. “Stairlifts don’t come at a feasible price, and unfortunately our insurance denied coverage,” Anna says. “I watched my community come together to help me get this equipment to my house, and words can’t explain how appreciative my family and I are.” The money for Anna’s stairlift was part of the giveaway campaign from the company during the 2020 Christmas season that benefited more than 80 recipients. Among those recipients were single mothers, families with children who were facing illnesses, individuals impacted by the loss of a job, unexpected deaths and more.

28

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | December 2021


Another nominee was Kathy*, an aunt who is raising her two nephews and niece. The children came from an abusive situation involving violence, drugs, and neglect. Kathy, a single parent, worked tirelessly to provide for these children, but the family was still living in poverty despite her working seven days a week. Additionally, Kathy lost her housecleaning job during the pandemic and resorted to selling tamales to help pay the rent. When a case manager with a Big Brothers Big Sisters foster youth mentoring program heard about Lifestyle’s campaign and call for nominations, she quickly thought of Kathy.

“This funding allowed the children to have a small Christmas tree for the first time ever. Kathy was able to pay her rent and utilities for three months, and the children were able to experience a holiday season in peace without financial stressors.” CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

29


GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

“When I shared the news that Kathy was selected and would be receiving $3,000, she cried, screamed, and was in disbelief,” the case manager said. “She immediately wanted to give back to me and the donor by providing endless tamales. This funding allowed the children to have a small Christmas tree for the first time ever. Kathy was able to pay her rent and utilities for three months, and the children were able to experience a holiday season in peace without financial stressors. They experienced Christmas like their peers, which filled them with such pride as it was something they have wished for all their lives.” The case manager says the lesson is clear – when we give back to others, we truly gain so much more in the process. She said she was filled with overwhelming joy when she saw the children’s faces filled with smiles and a Christmas tree in their home for the first time. In addition, the aunt’s expressed desire to give back to others made the giving cycle full circle. In yet another case, Emily* who worked as a janitor at a school, was a recipient. She was struggling to afford simply buying groceries for her children, let alone providing them with a fun Christmas. Before the ongoing difficulties of the pandemic even started, a tornado destroyed the school she worked at just a couple weeks before the initial shutdown in March 2020 which impacted her income as the students attended a nearby school after the building was hit. The whole town was struggling as 220 people were injured and five were killed because of the tornado, and everyone needed encouragement. Emily was incredibly surprised and grateful to receive assistance from the giveaway. The leaders of Lifestyle Publications believe God has blessed them, so they want to be a blessing and encouragement to others. With this year’s giveaway being increased to $300,000 to give away throughout the year, it’s clear this is an opportunity to change many lives in the same way Anna’s was changed. “As a 2020 recipient of the Christmas giveaway, I am forever grateful I now can access my basement independently,” Anna says. “Locating a fully accessible household in my area is nearly impossible, and living in a state that experiences tornado warnings means finding a way to get to my basement by myself is crucial. Not only this, but I also now have the option of utilizing another level of my house to hang out with friends and family.” *Names changed for privacy

30

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | December 2021


WE NEED YOUR HELP TO GIVE AWAY $3OO,OOO This year the company will have nominations for the giveaway open from December 1-15, 2021. To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. The leaders of Lifestyle Publications believe God has blessed them with their company’s continued success, so they in turn wish to be a blessing and encouragement to others as they increase the amount of this year’s giveaway to those in need to $300,000 for the year.

Nominate HERE! Follow @citylifestyle on Instagram

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

31


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Reach the most affluent homeowners in the Lake Minnetonka community.

Marketing Partners Will be featured in an upcoming issue + a featured listing in our business directory online – enhancing your SEO.

Explore a range of unique marketing opportunities today. 612.309.0145 | CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

Dave.Robertson@LifestylePubs.com


REALTY REPORT

REALTY REPORT

LAKE MINNETONKA

NEIGHBORHOOD

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS BATHS

2665 Maple Ridge

$4,485,000

$4,200,000

94%

142

4

6

184 Westwood Lane

$3,650,000

$3,400,000

93%

68

4

6

2726 Caroline Avenue

$2,499,900

$2,470,000

99%

0

4

3

4051 Highwood Road

$2,295,000

$2,426,000

106%

2

4

4

4211 Halsteads Bay Lane

$2,295,000

$2,295,000

100%

406

5

6

300 Stubbs Bay Road

$1,875,000

$2,050,000

109%

11

4

6

4423 North Shore Drive

$2,000,000

$2,000,000

100%

0

5

4

2446 Lafayette Road

$1,995,000

$1,961,085

98%

3

4

3

395 Sussex Lane

$2,139,000

$1,900,000

89%

196

5

7

2530 Fox Street

$1,750,000

$1,680,000

96%

105

4

5

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

33


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DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

4

CREATE HOME WINTER WORKSHOP 312 Water Street, Excelsior, 3:00 P.M.

Learn how to make festive seasonal wreaths at Create Home’s Winter Workshop. $75 per person.

21

WINTER SOLSTICE Lake Minnetonka

Winter Solstice

24 CHRISTMAS EVE Lake Minnetonka

Christmas Eve

25 CHRISTMAS DAY Lake Minnetonka

Christmas Day

26 KWANZAA

Lake Minnetonka

Kwanzaa

31 NEW YEAR'S EVE Lake Minnetonka

New Year's Eve

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

TM

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

35


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