Lake Minnetonka, MN August 2026

Kids, Pets, & Lake Days

August has officially arrived on Lake Minnetonka, and if your household is anything like mine, it’s currently a beautiful mix of absolute chaos, sunscreen stains, and lakeside bliss. It’s that bittersweet time of the year when summer is trying to squeeze in its last glorious hurrah, parents are secretly eyeing school supply lists, and our furry friends are wondering why everyone is suddenly in a rush.

In keeping with our favorite August tradition, this is our Kids & Pets issue — dedicated entirely to the two groups of family members who consume 90% of our energy, 100% of our couch space, and all of our hearts. Whether you're navigating the crazy waters of raising kids or trying to dry off a wet dog who thinks your living room rug is a towel, this issue is for you.

Inside this edition, we’ve packed a fantastic lineup that perfectly captures our lakeside community. We dive into local roots with Stickney Real Estate’s “Keeping it in the Family” and explore Notre Dame Academy’s canoe-making adventures in “All in the Same Boat.” Because nothing tests teamwork quite like literal boatbuilding. For the four-legged members of the household, we highlight premier canine care at Top Dog in “It’s a Dog-Gone Good Summer,” while our wonderful columnist Jen keeps it beautifully real by sharing the immense joys and chaotic challenges of adopting a new pup into the family. Skin care for teens is discussed by our resident expert, Missi Davis of Bella on the Bay. Finally, we slow things down to appreciate a touch of culture, featuring a talented young local artist in “The Art of Seeing.”

So, grab a cold drink, find a shady spot by the water, and try to read a few pages before someone yells, "Mom, Dad, the dog ate my flip-flop!" Enjoy every last drop of this beautiful lake summer!

DAVE ROBERTSON, PUBLISHER

August 2026

PUBLISHER

Dave Robertson | dave.robertson@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Lauren Beaubaire | lauren.beaubaire@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Kate Munson | kate.munson@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kendra Johnson, Sara Hoeman, Haley Asanovich, Rebecca Hahn, Graham Johnson, Kali Kasprzyk, Jen Fortner

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Emily John Photography, Lisa Buck Photography LLC, Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

Thoughtful remodeling for the way life changes. The best remodels aren't just about updating a home-they're about preparing it for what's next. Whether it's creating space to gather, raising a growing family, or reimagining the way you live, every project begins with thoughtful planning and direct owner oversight. At Struction Contracting, we focus on custom remodels that add lasting value and support the way your home evolves over time.

Framed Reverie Celebrates Two-Year Anniversary

Congratulations to Framed Reverie on their two-year anniversary! Brianna Erickson started Framed Reverie to bring personalized optical care and custom eyewear directly to clients, helping them see clearly and improve their quality of life. Reflecting on this milestone, Brianna shares, “Two years in, and I still get excited every time I connect with someone, and we find the vision solution that makes them smile. I’m so grateful for all those smiles, stories, and connections along the way!”

Spavia Launches New Halo Rituals Experience

Introducing Spavia's new Halo Rituals! Available at both their Maple Grove and Minnetonka locations, this curated experience pairs their Halo IR Sauna with one of their signature massage or facial treatments for a deeper, more restorative result. The combination of IR heat and dry salt (halotherapy) amplifies circulation, relaxation, and skin receptivity, making every minute of your service more effective. Perfect for those looking to deepen their selfcare routine, come try Halo Rituals at Spavia this summer!

Selina Martire & Her State Farm Team Celebrate Milestone Year

Congratulations to Selina Martire and her team at State Farm on ranking among the top 5% of agencies nationwide out of nearly 20,000 offices! Following their strongest year yet in 2025, the agency has expanded its all-female team from three to 11 members. Selina is also giving back through free Planning with Purpose seminars, partnering with an estate planning attorney and housing placement specialist to help individuals and families understand the value of planning ahead. Learn more: selinamartire.com

in the Family Keeping it

HOW GEORGE STICKNEY’S LEAP INTO REAL ESTATE BECAME A FAMILY LEGACY BUILT ON TRUST, COMMUNICATION, AND PUTTING CLIENTS FIRST

ARTICLE BY GRAHAM JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY JOHN PHOTOGRAPHY

For the last four decades, Stickney Real Estate has provided a white-glove level of service to home buyers and sellers across the Twin Cities and beyond, coming to employ not one, but all three of George and Joan Stickeny’s sons, David, Kevin, and Jacob.

And it all started with a single question.

“Could I get into real estate?” George asked his wife in 1985 as George’s career as a sporting goods sales rep was requiring an out-of-state transfer. George was always searching for their next home. Joan had encouraged him to turn his obsession into a profession.

Forty years later, George is still making deals and selling properties. Joan was on to something!

Despite the multigenerational family appeal of the firm, George’s origins in real estate didn’t start with such ambitions. He started with Edina Realty and describes the real estate industry in the 1980s as the “caveman days.” Deals were far slower, and many tasks were still done by hand, like cutting and pasting ads.

George won rookie of the year in his first year, as he built relationships and contacts across the Twin Cities real estate industry, and his career quickly grew from there.

“It just kept growing every year,” says George.

George’s passion for real estate and working with clients was apparent even to his kids, who grew up in and around the industry.

“If you’re around George for a minute, you can feel his excitement for the business. We all felt that from an early age,” says Kevin.

David, Kevin, and Jacob were all pulled into the family business at a young age in some way or another, from weed-whacking large acreage vacant lots to show it in its best light, cleaning up new construction homes George’s construction company built, to distributing property mailers. As Keven recalls, even their friends were recruited to help from time to time. At the time, however, none of them envisioned joining the family business beyond those early jobs.

“I didn’t know if I wanted to get into real estate,” says David, who worked in wealth management before joining the soon-to-be full-family business in 2008. While David had been considering a career change, a golf trip to Arizona with his dad ultimately gave him the push to pursue real estate full time.

Coming into real estate mid-recession might put some off the industry, but David calls his entry beneficial in part because he “didn’t know any different,” as he quickly learned from working alongside his dad.

Two years later, Kevin joined the firm, following in the footsteps of his older brother David. “It’s always helpful to see someone do it first,” says Kevin.

Jacob pivoted during college to a real estate degree from the University of St. Thomas and joined his dad and two older brothers just a few months after graduation.

“Thankfully, he said yes, and we didn’t have much of a job interview,” says Jacob.

“Not a long job interview,” quips George.

When asked about the key to their success, the Stickneys overwhelmingly answered communication and building quality relationships with both clients and industry professionals.

“Communication is the most important thing in our business,” says David.

“It’s a relationship business,” says Kevin, explaining that the goal for each transaction is to “provide one-of-a-kind service to our clients by going above and beyond. We care deeply and it shows.”

George’s passion for real estate was apparent even to his kids, who grew up in and around the industry. “If you’re around George for a minute, you can feel his excitement. We all felt that from an early age,” says Kevin.

For George, the answer is even more simple: “It comes from being nice to people and respecting them.”

A deep list of service connections and decades of industry experience doesn’t hurt either.

In the decade since the final Stickney brother joined the firm, George says, “they are the ones running it,” and notes that keeping the business within the family is a particular point of pride.

“People know they can trust us,” says George. “I’m very proud of what we’ve created.”

While George says the heavy lifting of the business isn’t for him anymore, Kevin added, “He’s still often the first in and last out each day. He lives for this!”

“There’s something exciting about putting a deal together,” says George, who readily admits that he has no plans to ever fully retire.

“I’ve got the bug,” laughs George.

Beyond the industry knowledge, the contacts, and white-glove service, George has a final secret to success:

“Real estate is an up-and-down business, but staying positive is invaluable.”

stickneyrealestate.com

FROM TIKTOK TRENDS TO SKINCARE ROUTINES, WE ASK THE EXPERTS AT BELLA ON THE BAY WHAT PARENTS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HELPING KIDS CARE FOR THEIR SKIN

HELPING KIDS LOVE THE SKIN THEY’RE IN

Middle school isn’t exactly a time many of us want to go back to, but sometimes it’s important to remember what that period in our lives was like — especially when it can go a long way towards helping our kids feel better in their own skin.

The acne, oil, and dry skin we remember all too well are a rite of passage for preteens, but it doesn’t have to define them. Developing a basic and healthy skincare routine is a great way to connect with your child and help their confidence bloom.

According to Missi Davis, owner of Bella on the Bay Salon & Spa in Excelsior, starting a simple skincare routine when your child hits puberty is a great place to start. Getting into a routine of washing their face every morning and night with a gentle cleanser is vital. Then adding in a moisturizer and sunscreen can help in the long term.

ARTICLE BY KENDRA JOHNSON

“Just really getting into that habit, like brushing your teeth. You brush your teeth in the morning, and you brush your teeth before you go to bed. So it’s just a really good habit to get into,” Missi says.

However, skincare is not one-size-fits-all. Not all skin will react to certain cleansers or moisturizers the same, even if their favorite beauty influencer guarantees the products work.

“Anytime kids are getting interested in skincare and taking care of their skin is a good thing, but the thing with skincare is it’s not cookie-cutter. So when they see someone on TikTok using a product and getting these amazing results, it may not be the right product for their skin,” Missi advises.

For example, a popular skincare product marketed on TikTok is beef tallow, which claims to clear up acne and fix dry skin. But board-certified dermatologists and licensed estheticians often advise against it.

According to Missi, it will clog your pores and trap bacteria, and there is no clinical evidence to support the product’s claims — quite the opposite of what you want when searching for healthy skincare products.

So how can you ensure the products your child is using are safe and right for their skin?

First things first, check the ingredients. If a product has a laundry list of ingredients, it is more often than not something you should leave on the shelf. If your child is using some products but starts to experience inflammation, redness, burning, or increased breakouts, it may be time to stop using those products and consult with an esthetician.

“They can always call a salon or spa that has an esthetician. That’s what we do, and we are more than happy to give advice or consultations,” Missi says.

Another popular route is to consider a teen facial. Bella on the Bay provides a results-focused facial specifically designed for teen skin. During the appointment, the teens also receive information about proper at-home skincare and personalized product and routine recommendations. The estheticians are also great detectives.

If your child is experiencing severe or persistent skin reactions, having someone who knows the right questions to ask can make all the difference.

Simple questions such as how often they’re washing their face, what they’re eating, if they have any allergies, and when the last time they washed their pillowcase or football helmet can uncover some easy answers. However, there are instances — such as with cystic acne — in which a trip to the dermatologist may be necessary.

All in all, it’s important to remember that this current moment is just a phase. Connecting with your child about skincare and helping them learn to love the skin they’re in will impact them positively for years to come.

bellaonthebay.com

MOVING • HAULING • LABOR

All in the Same Boat

A unique canoe-building project taught Notre Dame Academy middle schoolers craftsmanship, collaboration, and giving back

When one is from a family of nine, hearing your mom say, “You kids have got to learn to work together,” was normal. It was more like a Plowman rule. Today, we all know that “successful teamwork,” whether on an NBA, NHL, WNBA, or NFL professional team, or community-based sports team, seems to have a stronger winning record when each player is on the same page and of the same mind. I have recently learned of a rather ambitious program that took place last December 2025 at Notre Dame Academy in Minnetonka, Minnesota. While this school offers excellent programs from pre-school through 8th grade, the kids in grades 6-8 participated in an ambitious project: building a full-sized canoe. But the

ARTICLE BY REBECCA A. HAHN

project wasn’t just about learning craftsmanship and teamwork. The students planned to auction the canoe and donate the proceeds back to the school, turning their hard work into an opportunity to give back.

Over a two-week period, these middle school students from a wide variety of backgrounds learned hands-on techniques for boatbuilding, all without power tools, tips on canoeing, and campfire cooking. While improving their building skills and problem-solving, and strengthening teamwork, they learned to grow as a team and gained a greater appreciation for their fellow shipmates, regardless of age differences. Cell phones were now “a thing of the past” as each participant journeyed back to a time without one. Do you remember when we were their age? Yes, those were the days. A summer day in my house began like this. My brother Dan (2 years older), my sister Robin (2 years younger), and I would often finish our chores, put our swimsuits on, grab the beach towels and a few dollars, and hop on our bikes to head for the Excelsior or Deephaven beach for an entire glorious day! If we didn’t go to the beach, we rode our bikes to the homes of our friends in the neighborhood and announced, “Hey, softball game at our place in 15 minutes, be there or be square!” We had it all. Time to play sports, build friendships, and create memories, all without a cell phone.

The canoe-building idea originated from CSCOE (Catholic Schools Center of Excellence) and the Urban Wilderness Program

as a way for kids to improve their technical skills required for woodworking and to deepen their values of perseverance and responsibility. The canoe was then auctioned off recently at the school’s “Grand Beginnings” fundraiser. The canoe brought in $2,800 but did much more than that. Each student shared in the gratification that they had built a viable canoe and were able to “give back” to their school and community.

Since 2013, Urban Wilderness has been partnering with schools and organizations to help people, young and not-so-young, take a hands-on approach to building social bridges as a means of strengthening relationships and self-esteem. As former or current parents of middle schoolers, you know convincing 8th graders to hang out or work with 6th graders isn’t always easy to do, especially in a school or community environment or even at home. Projects such as this one can and does convert ordinary people, and in this case, classmates, into more than that. These programs can build friendships and self-esteem.

Even though this was a two-week school STEM project, the benefits will live on as a great memory. Each student learned a viable talent that was tangible and profitable. Science and an appreciation for nature became even more important to each of them. And magically, somewhere along the way, they gained new friendships and the right to “remember when!” all without a cell phone.

My brother and sister-in-law recently got a puppy. I do not recognize these people because they had always said, “We will never get a dog”. I really admired their resolve. And I understood their position. It’s one more thing to take care of. A long-term commitment of time,

DOG DAZE

money, and inconvenience. They travel quite a bit, and it becomes a whole thing dealing with who will watch the dog. Etc.

But…my darling nieces wanted a puppy so desperately, I had considered buying one and slipping it into their house when nobody was looking. Fortunately, it didn’t come to that. So Kota arrived in their lives, and she is so cute you want to put her in your pocket, if

Life Minded

she ever calmed down enough to be put into a pocket.

We are all such tough talkers about how we will handle a pet. Until we get the pet.

When we got our puppy Winston nine years ago, my children made bold claims about how much they were going to help. They were going to feed him. They were going to walk him. They were going to get up with him in the middle of the night. As you’d guess, none of this happened. Our “crate training” at night, as executed by my kids, involved the tiny puppy tucked up with them sleeping on the couch under a plush blanket. Their excuse was he seemed “sad” otherwise.

We do not tolerate sad in this house. Sadness will be stamped out at any opportunity by giving up and giving in. So, the enforcer had to step in.

The enforcer is me. I had already sleep-trained three humans and was not going to let a six-pound furball wield his cuteness. I’m tougher than that. Winston slept in the crate for

about eight months. Because it’s my way or the highway.

And now he sleeps in our bed with his own pillow because otherwise he seems sad. (see above)

So when we found out a new puppy was joining the extended family, we were excited. And when they needed someone to watch her, we are the obvious choice because we are seasoned veterans. But like babies, puppies require a lot, and oh, how easily we forget it all.

My brother sent Kota with a detailed document rivaling the Magna Carta.  I get it. Because a few weeks ago, she was a random puppy. Now she is family, and we will not accept a moment of her discomfort. We have had Kota a few times now. She makes our dog look like an old man under heavy sedation. He stalks around the center island, watching her with suspicion. He sniffs at her unfamiliar food. She races around and jumps on his head and tries to eat his food. There is not a minute to let our guards down. At night, Kota likes to perch on the highest point of any person, Winston prefers

to burrow and rest his chin in the crook of your knee. Doing both at the same time is quite complicated.

I get my 17,000 daily steps walking the dogs together and separately when she is here. Shout-out to all of you dog walkers, I have had leashes wound around my legs while yelling at both of them. They are immune to my instructions. It’s an art and a science to walk two dogs, especially when one is a tortoise and the other a hare.

Winston and Kota are cousins. And like all cousins, they are growing up at different ages and stages together. Sometimes, cousins are the weird family members you never knew you would both love and tolerate.

August days are called the dog days of summer. But aren’t they all dog days? I’m not sure if we got the dogs for the kids or had the kids for the dogs. Either way, it works. The pups are the adoring family, always happy to see us, and are not wasting these precious summer days staring at their phones. Dog days are the best days.

BY JEN FORTNER

Minded

Jen Fortner is a freelance writer who enjoys asking friends and strangers far too many questions. She spends her spare time sitting in inclement weather watching youth sports, traveling, cooking, and searching for the very best baked goods. She lives in Shorewood with her husband, three children and the most spoiled dog.

The 60 Minute Difference

Did you know?

The Full 60 Minutes.

Most clinics call it an hour but deliver 50 minutes. At Spavia, your massage is a full 60 — no shortcuts, no rushing, just a more restorative experience from start to finish.

From curated eyewear styling to expert frame fitting, I bring the boutique experience to you on your time.

Text Or Call – (218) 590-0877 www.framedreverie.com | brianna@framedreverie.com

IT’S A DOG-GONE Good Summer!

Top Dog Country Club brings out all the stops so your four-legged best friends can have the most paw-fect time in the sun

ARTICLE BY SARA HOEMAN

Remember how exciting summer camp was? New friends, outdoor adventures, swimming, and coming home happily exhausted at the end of the day. It turns out dogs love those same experiences, too. Just like our kids, dogs benefit from exercise, socialization, routine, and opportunities to learn something new. So whether your pup is a social butterfly or simply needs a little extra enrichment, the right summer experience can help them come home happier and healthier.

And Jean Stelten, owner and founder of Top Dog Country Club, knows this all too well. She shares with us why doggy summer camp is about so much more than playtime. It’s an investment in your dog’s overall well-being.

Located in Carver County, Jean founded Top Dog Country Club nearly 26 years ago with the principle of bringing hospitality to pet owners and their dogs. Since then, Top Dog proudly includes boarding and vacations, professional training services, doggy daycare, transportation, and spa services, offering the ultimate summer camp for your dog.

“At Top Dog Country Club, ‘It is All About The Dogs.’ They are the #1 criteria in every decision made.”

Top Dog prioritizes the highest caliber of service and summer fun while your pet is a guest. In fact, similar to a daycare for children, they have ratios of trainers to pets. Their ratio is set at one staff member per eight dogs, ensuring your pet receives the individualized care, attention, and socialization they need.

“At Top Dog Country Club, ‘It is All About The Dogs.’ They are the #1 criteria in every decision made. If something does not benefit the dogs, we don’t spend energy or resources on it,” says Jean.

During their vacation at Top Dog, they’ll spend their day on a 38-acre property, with lots of fresh air and mental stimulation, far away from the noise and space restrictions of the city. They run and play and swim and fetch balls and play with toys 5-6 hours daily in groups of 20-30, learning proper pack behavior.

“Camp starts at 6am with morning potty time and about 20 minutes to run around and work off a little energy,” says Jean. “Meals are then prepared according to owner wishes and are customized for each dog, including medicines/supplements and special meal preparation. At 9am sharp, the Canine Care staff has a brief meeting to discuss new arrivals and any special needs. Then it is playtime from 9am-3pm. Some dogs come in for a midday nap/meal. Dogs run, fetch, play, get snuggles, and swim to their hearts’ content.”

After that comes “Yappy Hour” with fresh-baked biscuits (apple-cinnamon-oatmeal is the favorite), naptime with some dogs enjoying extra scheduled services like nature walks, massages, baths, and swimming lessons. Then 5:00 dinner, and wrapping up the evening with treats and bedtime stories.

At its core, summer camp gives dogs what they naturally need most: movement, connection, and enrichment. These experiences support a dog’s overall well-being by helping them stay physically active, mentally stimulated, and socially engaged. When those needs are met in a safe, structured environment, dogs return home calmer, more confident, and more content. “At the end of the day, they are tired and happy,” says Jean. “At night, you can hear a pin drop in the clubhouse… even with 90 dogs. They are fast asleep, resting up for another day of fun tomorrow.”

Top Dog is ready to welcome you and your pet, whether it’s training services, summer camp, or boarding services! To schedule a tour, request more information, or sign up for services, visit topdogcountryclub.com

Every dog is different, and Top Dog’s training programs reflect that. The services offered are unique to each pet owner and their situation, and include:

• Stay, Play, & Train (Daycare and Training): Combines daycare and training in one.

• Board and Train (Overnight Boarding and Training): A Top Dog Vacation while addressing behavioral needs. A tailored training plan builds strong foundational obedience, addressing behavioral concerns.

• In-Home Assessment & Training:  Addressing your dog’s needs within your home. Behavior is observed to identify specific challenges and goals.

• Puppy Training & Socialization: A foundational program focusing on teaching puppies essential skills that will help them grow into a well-behaved adult dog.

• “Pack Walks” in Public Places: A fun and structured way for dogs to learn the fundamentals of obedience while also building important social skills.

• Troubleshooting/Behavior Modification Training: A customized plan to address a wide range of behavioral issues that can interfere with your dog’s quality of life and your relationship with them.

• E-Collar Training: A humane and effective way to reinforce recall and address behavioral issues— responding consistently to commands, especially in situations where distractions are present and provides a safe/controlled way to improve recall and safety.

Discover Strategies that can grow your wealth while cutting your tax bill

Join us for a discussion on Direct Indexing at our Aug 14 8-9AM UnderstandingWealth seminar in Wayzata. Spaceislimited. RegisterviatheQRcodeabove.

• Complete New Maintenance Free & Cedar Dock systems built from the highest quality components = Highest Quality dock system available!!

• New Decking Options -retrofit existing framework

• Boathouses Complete new Boathousesall/any size.

• Canvas replacement Replacements of wood slats with metal slats

The Art of Seeing

How artist Euladora Rose transforms thought into form, creating work that evolves with every person who experiences it

Ask Euladora Rose what she loves most about making art, and she will tell you it is the very beginning. Before the first mark is made, before materials are chosen, before anything exists at all.

“Turning a thought into a form,” she says. “Deciding how you’re going to do it. That’s my favorite part.”

For a high schooler who is already a Member Artist at the Hopkins Center for the Arts, a juried exhibition finalist, and

a recent volunteer art teacher in Morocco, that sense of wonder has not faded. If anything, it drives everything else.

Euladora grew up moving between schools, drawing in her free time, and is now going to be a full-time PSEO student at the University of Minnesota. What started as a love of sketching cats evolved into sculpture, mixed media, oil pastel, painting, and wood carving. She does not confine herself to one style and never plans to.

CONTINUED >

ARTICLE BY HALEY ASANOVICH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA BUCK PHOTOGRAPHY LLC

“People find value in art being different and not confined to a niche,” she says.

That openness extends to the people who encounter her work. For Euladora, a finished piece is never entirely finished. It becomes something new depending on who is standing in front of it.

“Everyone has a different interpretation of an art piece,” she says. “When something is ambiguous, it makes people resonate and think about it differently. Even if you have an idea of what it means when you’re starting a piece, you discover new meanings. It gives another opportunity for interpretation.”

It is a generous way to think about creativity — one that leaves room for the viewer to bring something of their own.

Her recent sculpture, Love, captures that spirit. Euladora carved a human heart from wood, shaped vessels from clay, and cut a handwritten love letter into the shape of butterflies. Deep red and white. Simplistically powerful.

“I felt a responsibility to do love justice,” she says. “How the words of love blossom from a much deeper experience.”

Nature serves as her consistent source of inspiration: landscapes, trees, the nooks and crannies most people walk past without noticing. Animals, too. Growing up, she found it easier to befriend animals than with people her own age. “I had a harder time making new friends,” she says, “but animals I could connect

to easily.” That feeling has continuously found its way into her work. A recent series in her AP Art class explored the human experience through insects.

Her oil pastel of Mount Fuji — the piece selected for Arts North International at the Hopkins Center out of more than 1,100 entries from across the country and world — came from a trip she took with her mother. Her favorite memory from that climb was not the view from the top. It was sliding back down.

Euladora is also learning to release something that once held her back: perfectionism. “As I discover more freedom as an artist, I’ve been letting go of that view,” she says. “It really limits you. The value of the art isn’t that it looks real, it’s that somebody made it.”

This summer, she heads to the Rhode Island School of Design on a scholarship, where architecture is the main focus — a field where, as she put it, you get to be a problem solver and artist simultaneously.

Euladora Rose is a teenager from the north metro who sees the world a little differently (and more captivating) than most. And has the art to prove it.

“Every piece I do says something about me,” she says.

Take a look. You may find a different meaning that you resonate with, too.

See more of Euladora’s work at euladora.com

Private Dining

Care | Urgent Care | Memberships

John Photography 35 Water St Suite 202 Excelsior, MN 55331 www.emilyjohnphotography.com

TREY & KATIE KENNEDY

ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE

Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.

Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.

Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”

Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.

After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”

The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.

FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY

Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.

Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.

Ask Susan

“ “ “

events

MBA Founder / CEO Stiles Financial Services, Inc.

Dear Susan: Can a Family Pet Teach Children About Financial Responsibility?

Susan:

While a family pet won’t teach a child how to invest or build a budget, it can help develop habits that support future financial responsibility. Feeding, walking, grooming, and caring for an animal teaches consistency, accountability, and commitment. Children also begin to understand that caring for something they value requires resources, planning, and ongoing expenses. Pets aren’t free. Those early lessons can help shape behaviors that support future success, including planning ahead, honoring commitments, and recognizing that every choice comes with responsibilities.

Snap the QR code below for my follow-up video discussing the importance of establishing early financial building blocks your child will carry with them throughout their adulthood.

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.

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS AUGUST 2026

AUGUST 1ST

Tour de Tonka Bike Ride

Minnetonka High School | 5:30 AM

Come out for this year's Tour de Tonka Bike Ride! Register to take on the 16-, 24-, 40-, or 58-mile ride and experience the stunning landscapes of the west metro. Or just come out to cheer on the riders! All ages and abilities are welcome. A portion of each rider’s registration fee is also donated to the ICA Food Shelf. Learn more: minnetonkaschools.org/ district/mcec/events/tour-de-tonka

AUGUST 6TH

The Sunset Series Outdoor Concerts

Downtown Park, 40 Ninth Avenue S, Hopkins | 7:00 PM

Discover your new favorite local artist at The Sunset Series Outdoor Concerts! Every Thursday at 7pm, bring a chair and some friends to enjoy this free concert series in Downtown Park in Hopkins. On August 6, the Power of 10 will perform. Obi Original & The Black Atlantics are set to perform on August 13, with the Kelly Blau Trio wrapping up the summer series on August 20.

AUGUST 8TH

Wine, Waves and Wheels

MarineMax Excelsior | 5:00 PM

Don't miss an unforgettable evening where luxury meets lifestyle. MarineMax Excelsior is partnering with Twin Cities Performance Ferrari to bring you the ultimate showcase of boats, cars, and fine wine. From 5-9pm, come stroll the docks and show floor as you explore stunning yachts and performance boats alongside sleek luxury vehicles, all while enjoying complimentary wine and good company. eventbrite.com/e/ wine-waves-and-wheels-marinemaxexcelsior-tickets-1984972659659

YOUR NEXT CHAPTER STARTS HERE

AUGUST 12TH

Mahjong Night at Five Swans

Five Swans | 5:00 PM

Five Swans is hosting an evening of Mahjong on August 12! Guided play will be offered from 5–7 pm, making it the perfect opportunity for beginners or anyone looking to brush up on their skills. Already know how to play? Open play tables will also be available throughout the evening. Head to @five.swans.wayzata on social for more details on how to sign up!

AUGUST 14TH

Green Wealth's Understanding Wealth Educational Series

Green Wealth Management Office, 701 Lake St. E, Suite 200, Wayzata 8:00 AM

Sean Wenham, Senior Wealth Advisor with Green Wealth Management Group, is back this month with the next seminar in Green Wealth's year-long "Understanding Wealth" educational series. The series is designed to help you make thoughtful decisions with greater confidence and provide practical education around the financial topics that matter most. This month's topic is: Education Funding. Register at greenwmg.com/ understanding-wealth

AUGUST 29TH

Westonka Sound Wave Free Music Benefit Concert

Back Channel Brewing | 12:00 PM

Enjoy the perfect mix of lake vibes, live music, and delicious food all while supporting a good cause at this year's Westonka Sound Wave Free Music Benefit Concert! The event features live local bands, including The Abiders, The Selmer Effect, Circle Dogs, and gb Leighton, along with beer and food trucks House of Gloor and OG Zaza. All proceeds go directly to support the Westonka Community Food Shelf.