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D E C E M B E R 2 02 1

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2021 PUBLISHER

Alexandra Patty | alexandra.patty@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Kassi Miranowski | kassi.miranowski@lifestylepubs.com

Winter Magic

Dylan Curzon | dylan.curzon@lifestylepubs.com

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Can you believe we’re wrapping up 2021? Time really does

Whitney Lockhart

fly when you’re having fun sharing all of the wonderful stories that make up the

L AYO UT DESIGNER

Minneapolis Lakes community. Winter and the holiday season can be magical and full of surprises. If you're looking for unique and fabulous ways to delight this season, we spoke with Greg Bellanger at Northland Visions for some fresh ideas. Carrying beautfiul and authentic art, food, and specialty items like wild rice and a variety of Pendleton blankets, this store

ADMINISTRATI VE A SSISTANT

AD DESIGNER

Dani Moore CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sue Baldani, Meg Bishop, David Scheller, Allison Gibeson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Lucy Hawthorne , Greg Bellanger, Janie Jones

has so much to offer. It seems that with every approaching new year, there is an element of change in the air. We sat down with Tami Willett, the new General Manager at Luther Westside VW to talk about her goals, female leadership in automotive, and a bit about the new Volkswagen electric ID4. We also touched base with Minneapolis Health Clinic on some of their unique programs and how you can expect one on one care with minimal time contraints. And, if you are looking for some new educational options in the Twin Cities, The International School of Minnesota has a great curriculum and openings for children in several grade levels. Finally, Kowalski's sheds light on their company focus and the importance of quality food when bringing people together.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

Minneapolis Lakes loves to give back, and this year we are sharing our Season of

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Giving campaign. We hope readers will step forward and nominate local families in

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

need this holiday season. We know there are so many, but every little bit helps to

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

build a better community.

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

As this year comes to a close, we’d like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for you, the reader. We wouldn’t be here without you, and we look forward to another great year ahead. 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Blessings to you and yours!

Alexandra Patty, Publisher

CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes

Proverbs 3:5-6 Minneapolis Lakes™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Minneapolis Lakes 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 Minneapolis Lakes™ is gathered from sources considered to be

Minneapolis Lakes | December 2021

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

YEARS

INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2021

FEATURES 14 An Enjoyable Shopping Excursion Find Unique Gifts that are Sure to Please this Holiday Season

18 Kowalski’s The Name That Stands for Exceptional Food

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

30 14

34 Deals and Wheels How One Woman is Making Her Mark in Automotive

DEPARTMENTS 6

Lifestyle Letter

Around Town

Our Town

Food & Wine

34 Hot Spot 40 Giving Back 43 Realty Report 44 Lifestyle Calendar 46 Local’s Choice

May your sweater be the ugliest, and your glasses the coolest Discover all that’s fab and festive at Owl Optical. Find unique, hand-crafted gems like these beauties from Eyevan.

Eye exams available 612-367-4106 4318 Upton Ave S, MPLS owloptical.com

CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes

AROUND TOWN

STANDARD HEATING COLD KITS For the 4th season in a row, Standard Heating & Air Conditioning is partnering with MACV to help keep our MN Veterans warm this winter. This holiday season they have doubled their goal from last year and are looking to partner with you, Minnesota community, and donate 300 cold weather kits to homeless veterans in the Twin Cities. Kits contain a pair of socks, a winter hat, and mittens. Thank you, Twin Cities, for partnering with Standard Heating and MACV. To donate a kit today visit, standardheating.com

FOR THE GRATER GOOD This holiday season start your dinner off right with a beautiful, locally sourced and delicious cheese platter from The Grater Good. Christine, owner of TGG and a 6th generation local dairy farmer, has a passion for artisan cheese and telling the story behind food. We hand select varieties from local creameries and do our best to connect you with some darn good cheese. Be it a beautifully crafted cheese platter CONTINUED >

Minneapolis Lakes | December 2021

AROUND TOWN with perfect pairings or a personalized cheese class, our goal is to help you experience what good food really is. www.thegratergoodmn.com for more info.

HISTORIC EDINA CINEMA TO REOPEN WITH NEW PARTNER, MAJOR FACELIFT The owner of Edina Cinema, Suzanne Haugland, is partnering with Bloomington-based Mann Theatres to renovate and bring back the historic movie theater at 50th and France. This historic Cinema has been around since 1934 and closed it's doors at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. This $1.5 million renovation job, with help from the city of Edina, is planned to be completed in March of 2022. Moviegoers will be able to see more mainstream films when the theater reopens, but will also continue to show independent and foreign films.

Give the Gift of Anda Spa This Holiday Season Anda Spa offers a full range of wellness offerings inspired by the healing power of crystals and mindfulness including skin rituals, massages, advanced facial treatments, and experiences.

201 S. 11th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55403 www.andaspa.com

Minneapolis Lakes | December 2021

612-333-3001

CREEKSIDE SUPPER CLUB OPENING SOON The

former

Pepito's

restau-

rant next to Parkway Theater in

South a

Minneapolis

Wisconsin-style

with Eli

Wollenzien

will

become

supper behind

club the

scenes. Wollenzien is also the owner/ chef of Red Sauce Rebellion and Coalition. The Creekside Supper & Lounge, will serve up all of the supper club classics including prime rib, steak, fish frys and a pickled relish tray as an appetizer. The drink menu will include Old Fashioneds, Mahattans and an array of similar specialty cocktails.

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/ MinneapolisLakes using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think. CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes

OUR TOWN

an enjoyable shopping excursion FIND UNIQUE GIFTS THAT ARE SURE TO PLEASE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON ARTICLE SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY GREG BELLANGER

WHEN BUYING GIFTS FOR THE HOLI-

kiddos, there are interesting finds such as

DAYS, WE ALWAYS WANT TO FIND THOSE

puzzles and adorable stuffed animals.

UNIQUE PRESENTS THAT WILL DELIGHT AND

SURPRISE

OUR

FAMILY

“We also have all different kinds of

AND

unique rocks like amethyst, tourmaline,

FRIENDS. Luckily, there are so many small

quartz, and other unique crystals - all those

specialty shops in and around Minneapolis

fun specimens,” he says.

where we can find such treasures.

Of course, food is always a popular gift

One of these local gems is Northland

during the holidays and Northland has

Visions. Although the store concen-

plenty of delicious and amazing offerings.

trates on products that represent Native

“Food is an appealing gift that brings people

tribes from the Midwest region including

together,” says Greg. “Connecting with peo-

Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota,

ple is how we were designed. When we don’t

Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan, there really

connect with each other, it’s really hard on

is something for everyone.

us. There’s just a healing aspect to connect-

“My father was an Ojibwe from Northern Minnesota, so we really wanted to show-

ing with your friends and loved ones that you just don’t get from anything else.”

case the art and other items that came

One of Northland Visions food staples is

from this area,” says owner Greg Bellanger,

its healthy and great tasting hand-harvested

whose father Ken Bellanger started the

wild rice, which you can always find along

business 21 years ago. “We have turquoise

with its wild rice soups and wild rice pan-

and silver jewelry, hand-made beaded jew-

cake mix. “Wild rice is a grain that grows in

elry, framed art work and original prints,

the wilds of Minnesota and it’s always been

pottery and more.”

harvested traditionally by our Native people.

In addition to these one-of-a-kind beauti-

It only grows here, into Wisconsin, and up

ful creations, there are also many non-tribal

into Canada. It’s not actually a rice but part

products that have been locally curated.

of the water oat family, so it’s high in protein,

They include hand-made soaps, candles,

high in riboflavin, niacin and lysine, and low

blankets, stationery and purses. For the

in carbohydrates.”

Minneapolis Lakes | December 2021

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes

OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)

You’ll also find tasty maple syrups, wild berry syrups, and wild berry jellies, plus a variety of teas and even multicolored organic popcorn. The kernels are all different colors but it still pops white. Another unique offering is Greg’s family recipe for fry bread that has been turned into a complete dry bread mix. So, what exactly is fry bread? “The history of fry bread comes out of the treaties that the tribes made with the U.S. government. In the agreement to move from a nomadic society to an agrarian society the government would provide food staples during the transition. One of the

“ W h e n yo u b u y l o c a l a r t f r o m u s , yo u ’ r e b u y i n g f r o m N at i v e artists who are from this a r e a a n d s u r r o u n d i n g a r e as .”

staples were the ingredients for making bread. The only problem was none of the northern tribes used baking as a method of cooking. Being creative, we took the ingredients along with the lard and fried it. You can put powdered sugar, honey, or my favorite – butter. But, you’ll find different variations of this fried bread between the tribes in the U.S.” Some new food items this year include a whole line of smoked seasonings and smoked salts, and interesting dips and jams. Greg searches out small local food suppliers that have very special and unique products that shoppers are not going to find in big box stores. “Also, we buy from local artists and local businesses, which helps the local economy,” he says. “When you buy local art from us, you’re buying from Native artists who are from this area and surrounding areas. You’re not buying something that is made in Taiwan or made in China. You’re buying from an Ojibwe artist in Northern Minnesota or a Crow artist out west, or a Cree artist right across the border in Canada. So, you’re supporting local artists who are actually making things to support themselves and their families.” Another positive aspect of shopping local is being able to hear the stories behind the products. This makes a purchase so much more meaningful and Greg loves to share these tales. The design of the store also lends itself to an extremely pleasant shopping experience. Its walls are made of beautiful river stone, the ceilings are crisscrossed with rough-hewn timbers, and the floors are wood plank. The whole design embodies nature and serenity. Lately, there’s been a lot of talk and concern about the availability of merchandise coming from overseas and it not being available in time for the holidays. Since Greg gathers all his merchandise from local producers, he’s not worried. “There’s plenty in stock and our store is big enough so that there is plenty of room for people to walk around,” says Greg. However, if customers cannot visit Northland Visions in person, he has quite a bit of merchandise displayed online and every item is able to be shipped across the country. To view its wonderful offerings, go to https://northlandvisions.com/. 861 E. Hennepin, Minneapolis located in the Miller Textile building. (612) 872-0390.

Minneapolis Lakes | December 2021

The Vision To See Banking Differently

BWBMN.COM Member FDIC

CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes

FOOD & WINE

Kowalski’s THE NAME THAT STANDS FOR EXCEPTIONAL FOOD

ARTICLE DAVID SCHELLER

Minneapolis Lakes | December 2021

" Quality is wit hout a doub t t he t hing we're most proud of. T he amount of time we spend in meeting s t alking about wh at we bring int o our st ore is unheard of at ot her ret ailers.

MARY HER

ANNE DAUGHTER

KOWALSKI KRIS

AND

when we’re judging chocolate. Spending

KOWALSKI

several hours exclusively on ketchup, on the

CHRISTIANSEN WILL ONLY PUT THEIR

other hand – not quite as much.

NAME ON SOMETHING THEY’RE PROUD

“We take things a step further with our

OF. They have every right to take pride in

Signature Line products. These have to be

Kowalski’s itself, as they have spent nearly

good enough to impress any foodie, so we

four decades turning it from a languishing

work closely with our chefs as they develop

location in St. Paul into eleven of the finest

our store’s proprietary recipes. That way we

grocery stores in the Twin Cities area – one

can make certain every ingredient is clean,

of which, Mary Anne and Kris are proud to

and sourced as often as possible from a

say, is in Eden Prairie.

local producer. We spend a lot of time on the

But the Kowalskis take their business

road auditing nearby farms, just so we can

even more personally than that. They

know exactly where our foods are coming

refuse to stock one carrot, loaf of bread,

from. It’s the only way to ensure everything

or can of tomatoes that they wouldn’t

we offer is of the highest quality. Essentially,

buy themselves. Indeed, their Signature

if we wouldn’t serve it to our own houseg-

Products, which comprise everything from

uests, it has no business at Kowalski’s.

chocolate cake to smoked bacon, all say “Kowalski’s” right on their labels.

“Our signature ham exemplifies that philosophy. It is uncured, naturally raised with-

This is part of the beauty of Kowalski’s.

out growth promotants or antibiotics, free

The owners are dedicated to keeping their

of nitrates and nitrites, gluten free – and,

name synonymous with great quality.

most importantly, delicious. The balance of

“Quality is without a doubt the thing we’re

sweet, salty and smoky is so perfect that

most proud of,” said Rachael Perron, culi-

it often wins over people who had thought

nary and branding director for Kowalski’s.

they just didn’t like ham.

“The amount of time we spend in meetings

“There is just as much at stake with tur-

talking about what we bring into our store

key, another classic holiday food. That’s

is unheard of at other retailers. You wouldn’t

why we’re proudly partnered with Ferndale

find many products on our shelves that we

Market, a third generation free range turkey

haven’t recently taste tested. I know that

farm only 45 minutes southeast of town.

sounds like fun work, and it really can be

Aside from a few food co-ops, we’re the only CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes

FOOD & WINE (CONTINUED)

store in Eden Prairie where you can get a local, naturally raised turkey. And if your family prefers roast beef, they will love our exclusive Akaushi beef, a premium brand of Kobe-style beef typically only available at high-end steakhouses. “But no food is so crucial to family get-togethers as dessert. I laugh when I tell people how much time we spend just fine-tuning our pumpkin pie crust. Each and every cookie, from spritz to chocolate chip, is made from scratch in our bakery. Our baked goods haven’t got quite the same shelf life as other retailers’, but we don’t use preservatives at home, so we don’t use them at Kowalski’s either. “We’re happy to admit when another local vendor is able to make something even more exceptional than we can. It’s also exciting to partner with nearby small businesses like Salsa Lisa, Velvet Bees Honey Butter, Bistro Meringues, and Patti’s Roasted Nuts to help them grow. It wasn’t very long ago that Mary Anne and Kris were first starting out, and they’re eager to give the same kind of community support that they owe their success to.”

DETAILS: Kowalski’s is open 6am to 10pm everyday at 16500 West 78th Street in Eden Prairie. You may also order home delivery or curbside pickup online at kowalskis.com.

Minneapolis Lakes | December 2021

CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes

LUXURIOUS WOOLENS 156 YEARS IN THE MAKING. Established in 1865 in Faribault, Minnesota, the Faribault Woolen Mill is a living testament to American craftsmanship, producing fine woolens renowned for their comfort and quality. We’ve also cultivated over those years many great collaborations. One such example is our partnership with award-winning artist Dyani White Hawk. Stop in today to see for yourself. SH OP OU R LIN DEN H ILLS ST OR E 3413 W. 44TH STREET M IN N EAPOLIS, M N 55410

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Minneapolis Lakes | December 2021

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healthcare with the patient in the

driver's seat A PATIENT-FIRST PRACTICE HAS DISTINGUISHED MINNEAPOLIS HEALTH CLINIC ARTICLE MEG BISHOP PHOTOGRAPHY LUCY HAWTHORNE

FINDING TIME TO SET UP A DOCTOR’S APPOINTMENT IN

experience in her own. Her goal was to

THE MIDDLE OF A WEEKDAY OR WAITING FOR HEALTH EXAM

have patients feel well-informed and be

RESULTS FOR DAYS WITH LITTLE CONTACT FROM A PHYSI-

able to seek care on their own time.

CIAN CAN MAKE PLANNING YOUR NEXT DOCTOR’S VISIT A

The clinic’s patient-focused approach has

DAUNTING TASK. Minneapolis Health Clinic in Golden Valley saw

become a success due to its smaller size.

these problems as a challenge—now pushing the norm of health

But, with that, the clinic is connected to an

care with a patient-focused approach.

abundance of outside resources, so every-

The clinic has been able to offer patients services that many health

thing is still at the patients’ finger tips.

care facilities don’t, such as full online appointment scheduling, the

“I wanted to start a clinic that was acces-

option to text your doctor any time of day and longer appointment

sible to patients. A doctor should be able to

times which allows for patients to feel that their medical experience

make time for the patient on the patient’s

is in their control.

time,” Dr. Totoe said. This new accessibility

Minneapolis Health Clinic was founded by Dr. Grace Totoe and Dr. David Totoe. Dr. Grace Totoe, takes on the roles of Medical Director and Managing Partner. After years of working late nights at a hospital, Dr. Totoe decided she wanted to slow down.

also gave Dr.Totoe and her staff more flexible work hours and a better work life balance. Minneapolis Health Clinic is a membership practice as well as a traditional/

Dr. Totoe has over 17 years of experience in the healthcare indus-

regular medical practice where insurance

try—having researched and practiced in world renowned health

is accepted. With the membership model or

research facilities such as Yale University and Johns Hopkins

direct primary care, patients pay an annual

Health System. As a dynamite in the field of medicine, in addition

fee and get access to outlined medical ser-

to an entrepreneurial spirit, taking on the feat of opening her own

vices. Patients can have longer office visits

clinic was not a surprising next step.

with their physician and a shorter waiting

Building the clinic from scratch allowed her to examine the

period between scheduling and going in—at

issues she had seen in other practices and improve the patient

times with next-day appointment availability. CONTINUED >

Minneapolis Lakes | December 2021

Dr. Grace Totoe

CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes

HEALTHCARE WITH THE PATIENT IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT (CONTINUED)

Amanda Buffington and Rachel Ebright - CMAs

Erika Kuis - Nurse Practioner

“Patients should have an appointment that doesn’t feel rushed,” Dr.Totoe said. “Patients can sometimes feel rushed during their appointment when they have a short amount of time with the physician.” Community care is at the center of the clinic’s practice—making sure to take care of its neighbors even beyond usual health needs. Part of this belief has come to fruition through being able to perform Green Card Medical exams and Immigration Immunizations for USCIS. The clinic also performs pre-employment physicals to new job seekers for the city of Plymouth, evaluate disability patients applying for social security disability and has been active with community COVID-19 vaccination and testing. Authorization to administer COVID-19 vaccines, has as well enabled the clinic more power to help the community. “We are in partnership with MN department of health and able to administer all three vaccine types,” Dr. Totoe said. “Patients have access to Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccination options. We will be also be able to vaccinate the 5 to 11 year olds when the vaccine is approved by CDC. Lastly we go to the community to do vaccines, and we have a vaccine clinic coming up with the Hennepin Middle School.” The clinic’s resources and trusted reputation has also led the practice to countless growth opportunities.

Minneapolis Lakes | December 2021

In growing the clinic’s services, Dr. Totoe has begun

patients find a new sense of confidence. Some of the

shifting toward a more recently booming industry—

treatment options include reducing the appearance of

body modification through healthcare. The clinic now

forehead wrinkles, crows feet and smile lines. Dr. Totoe

offers LIPOcel and facial aesthetics. The clinic has an

is a supporter of the aesthetics movement and plans to

esthetic suite in Edina where the LiPOcel procedure is

continue growing its practice in the clinic.

done. This provides the right candidates with a safe

“I would like to see the clinic continue to grow and

and permanent medical weight loss procedures—all

serve more surrounding communities,” Dr. Totoe said

done using high intensity focused ultrasound that’s

about her plans for the clinic. The only future plans at

able to break up fat cells. The clinic also offers a med-

this time are for physical expansion of the clinic and

ical weight loss program where a patient can plan out

hiring more providers to join their team.

their weight loss journey alongside a physician. I am

Patients have the availability to choose either an

proud to say our weight loss program is extensive and

office or telehealth for their appointments. Masks are

offers a wide range od services to ensure success.

required for all patients and staff inside the clinic.

“Physicians should be able to offer patients the chance to feel and look their best,” Dr. Totoe said. The clinic’s fillers and injectable aesthetics are treat-

Memorial Hwy Suite # 101 in Golden Valley. (763) 496-5708.

ANTED TO START A CLINIC THAT WAS ACCESSIBLE TO

IENTS. A DOCTOR SHOULD BE ABLE TO MAKE TIME R THE PATIENT ON THE PATIENT’S TIME.”

PAT

“I W

ments to enhance natural beauty features and help

For more information, please visit https://minneapolishealthclinic.com or call (763) 496-5708. 4825 Olson

CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes

Minneapolis Lakes | 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

Minneapolis Lakes | 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

becomes a true global citizen as they experience different cul-

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

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

students and the surrounding community – they develop them into

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

tomorrow’s leaders as well. Our events often blend lower and upper

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

school students together, so the younger kids get to spend time with

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

great role models. It means a lot for lower and middle schoolers to meet

guages’ authentic accents.” World language classes are taught

the kind of people they’ll want to become in just a few years’ time.”

daily beginning in preschool.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes

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 32

Minneapolis Lakes | December 2021

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

GET INSPIRED

EAT + DRINK

SHOP LOCAL

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HOT SPOT

deals and wheels

ARTICLE SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY LUCY HAWTHORNE

HOW ONE WOMAN IS MAKING HER MARK IN AUTOMOTIVE

“From the minute I come to work, I’m engaged with people, whether it’s my employees, my managers, my sales people, or my customers,” says Tami. “I love to serve people, and from the minute I’m here I’m either serving my team or I’m serving the customer.”

Minneapolis Lakes | December 2021

TAMI WILLETT, THE CURRENT GENERAL SALES MANAGER AT LUTHER WESTSIDE VOLKSWAGEN IN ST. Louis Park, is slated to become only the second female General Manager with Luther Automotive Group. Tami will be stepping into the role when Steve Hendricks retires in January. “Steve has been gracious in having me manage while he’s still here to continue to help me self-correct and give me guidance,” says Tami. She has been in the automotive industry for 22 years, and will start her 12th year with Luther Westside in January. “Steve has worked for Luther Automotive Group for 38 years and has been at Westside since 2002, and he has created what Westside is today,” she says. “We are the number one Volkswagen dealer in the Midwest.” Since Tami says there’s nothing to fix, her plans for the future include putting her own personal spin and energy into the dealership, and to keep up with the changing times. “I want to make it fun,” she says. Tami feels fortunate to be overseeing a great team of people. “We have 20 sales people – eight of them have been here for 10 plus years. My senior female new car sales person has been here over 20 years. So, when people come in, they see a lot of familiar faces all the way from the front of the house to the back of the house.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes

HOT SPOT (CONTINUED)

“We also have lot of repeat customers and a lot of referrals,” she adds. “Our retention in the service department is over 77%. So, 77% of customers who buy a car here service their car here. We always say that sales sells the first car and service sells every car after.” So, it’s extremely important to treat the customer right beyond just the first-time sale. What she would really like to see is more women on her team and in the industry. “I’m definitely in a male-dominated industry,” she says. “I think most females believe that in order to do this job, you have to know how cars work and be mechanical, but at the end of the day, it’s really a service business. I would love to welcome more women and inspire more women to be curious and ask about it. If they are people-people, this could be the industry for them.” Out of the 20 sales people on her team, only three are females. And of the 14 managers, there are no women at all. “From the minute I come to work, I’m engaged with people, whether it’s my employees, my managers, my sales people, or my customers,” says Tami. “I love to serve people, and from the minute I’m here I’m either serving my team or I’m serving the customer.” She also loves representing the German-built Volkswagen. “If you were to ask the average consumer what the number one brand of vehicle sold worldwide is, 9 out of 10 are going to say Toyota or Honda. But, worldwide, Volkswagen sells more cars than each of them.” The Tiguan is the number one selling vehicle at Luther Westside. The Atlas, which is a fullsized SUV with a third seat, has really taken off as well, she says. The dealership is also accepting reservations for its first fully-electric crossover SUV, and has become a special “Lighthouse” dealership for Volkswagen. It’s the first Mid-West facility to have this designation.

Minneapolis Lakes | December 2021

“We went through a big remodel for the ID.4 and we have 126 all-wheel drives reserved right now,” she says. “And we have also already sold rear-wheel drives.” The dealership has plenty of charging stations, and many retail establishments in the area, such as Target and Home Depot, have charging stations available as well, she adds. “When you look at what you get for the money with the ID.4, we are going to give Tesla a run for its money,” says Tami. “Right now in Chattanooga, Tennessee, they are adding a production line for the ID.4 and stating that in 2023, Volkswagen will start producing the ID.4 right there in the U.S. whereas normally, the ID.4 comes from Germany.” Like most dealerships around the county, inventory is somewhat lean. “But, we are still the number one volume Volkswagen dealer in the Mid-West,” she says. “We have a better inventory situation than most, and we have good incoming stock.” Working for the family-owned-and-operated Luther Automotive Group is something in which Tami’s also grateful. “David Luther has 37 dealerships and what I love about working for David is he lets us all work independently. We’re not cookie cutter and we don’t have that sterile corporate feel. We each get to manage our business like it’s our own and create our own story, but yet we still have his core values of how to do business.” For more on what Luther Westside Volkswagen offers, or if you’re interested in finding your career at its dealership, go to https:// www.westsidevw.com/. 2370 MN-100, St Louis Park, MN 55416. (763) 575-8429.

CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes

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Minneapolis Lakes | December 2021

It’s time to think

locally

ADVERTISE WITH US

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

lifestylepubs.com/advertise

CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes

GIVING BACK

Gratefully

ARTICLE ALLISON GIBESON PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES

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!

ABOUT SIX YEARS AGO ANNA SAROL, THE DAUGHTER OF A SINGLE MOTHER, 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. “I watched my community come together to help me get this equipment to my house, and words can’t explain how appreciative my

“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.” —Anna Sarol

family and I are,” Anna says. The money for Anna’s stairlift was part of a giveaway campaign from the company during the 2020 Christmas season that benefited more than 80 recipients across the country with a final distribution of $250,000 throughout the year. When the company opened nominations, they were flooded with submissions. Community leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you nominated people that were in need of assistance. As the eyes and ears of the community, these readers were able to help identify people who might have

Anna Sarol

otherwise gone unnoticed or unrecognized. One such nominee was Kathy*, an aunt who is raising her three young relatives. The children came from an abusive situation, and Kathy, a single guardian, works tirelessly to provide for them. Nevertheless, the family was already living in poverty despite her working seven days a week when Kathy lost her job during the pandemic. She 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. “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.” In yet another case, Emily* who worked as a janitor at a school, was a recipient and was struggling to afford simply buying groceries for her children. 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 resulted in a loss of income for her. Emily was incredibly surprised and grateful to receive assistance from the giveaway. *Names changed for privacy

Minneapolis Lakes | 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/MinneapolisLakes

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Minneapolis Lakes | December 2021

3700 Cedar Lake Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55416

REPORT REALTY REPORT MINNEAPOLISREALTY LAKES

NEIGHBORHOOD

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

57 Groveland Terrace

$2,150,000

$2,021,500

94%

442

4508 Abbott Ave S

$1,100,000

$1,038,000

94%

4046 Upton Ave

$1,150,000

$1,025,000

89%

416 River Street

$1,550,000

100%

4046 Upton Ave

$1,150,000

$1,025,000

89%

4854 Russell Ave

$1,075,000

$1,049,900

98%

117 Portland Ave #606

$950,000

$1,005,000

106%

4011 Beard Avenue S

$1,495,000

$1,300,000

87%

600 S 2nd Street #S405

$1,750,000

$1,852,000

106%

906 W Minnehaha Parkway

$1,150,000

$1,120,000

97%

This reflects a 30 day time period prior to our print deadline. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and not a complete list of all activity. *DOM=Days on Market

Your Minneapolis Lakes Area Home Sales Leaders

Marla Jean & Jerry Alstead Realtors®

Marla Jean: 612-743-3002 Jerry: 612-281-6881 jmjalstead@fazhomes.com

Pam Sheehan Realtor®

952-221-8333 psheehan@fazhomes.com Fazendin Realtors

Voted Minnesota’s Best Luxury Real Estate Brokerage www.fazhomes.com CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes

DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

2-4

17-22

43RD ANNUAL OLD-FASHIONED HOLIDAY BAZAAR

VIRTUAL STAR PARTY – EXPLORING THE GEMINIDS, METEORS, AND METEORITES

LOYCE HOULTON’S NUTCRACKER FANTASY

and shopping! Starting December

Every

Geminid

beloved holiday tradition returns

2, guest can find beautiful and

meteor shower can be seen. It’s one

to the State Theatre with Loyce

unique handcrafted gift items by

of the northern hemisphere’s best

Houlton’s

imaginative

chore-

the area’s finest artists. The Bazaar

meteor showers. But what are these

ography,

Tchaikovsky’s

iconic

features quality handcrafted items

“shooting stars” that streak across

score, and the thrilling dancers

including,

Landmark Center

‘Tis the season for holiday cheer

December

the

Minnesota

Dance

Theatre’s

woodwork,

the sky? The Bell Museum's plan-

of the MDT company and school.

paintings, décor, woven and wear-

etarium team will guide you on

Featuring the 44-piece Nutcracker

able art, handmade lotions, soaps

meteorites and meteor-wrongs, as

Orchestra conducted by Philip

and more! Festive music and deli-

we view the night sky through our

Brunelle, this spectacular dream

cious treats add to the enjoyment of

telescopes from the Bell’s observa-

fantasy creates magical memories

holiday shopping.

tion deck. More at minneapolis.org.

for generations to share. More

jewelry,

at hennepintheatretrust.org.

7-19

ANASTASIA

HOLIDAY WINE & STROLL IS BACK!

The romantic and adventure-filled

fun evening of shopping and sipping

new musical Anastasia is a dazzling

throughout

district!

For the past Fourteen years, Jeff

show that transports us from the

Retailers will be offering polite bites

Dunham and his somewhat-inap-

twilight of the Russian Empire to

and libations along with special values

propriate-proteges, Peanut, Walter,

the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s,

and discounts during this annual event,

José Jalapeño, Bubba J. and Achmed

as a brave young woman sets out

Thursday, December 16th, from 5pm to

the Dead Terrorist and have filled

to discover the mystery of her past.

8pm. Live music, carolers, giveaways,

arenas across the U.S. and the world

An epic adventure to help her find

and all manner of festive fun will be

with their multiple, blockbuster tours.

home, love and family. More at

had. Bundle up and let’s be merry!

More at targetcenter.com.

hennepintheatretrust.org.

Individual retailer hours may vary.

Orpheum Theatre

Bell Museum

State Theatre

Minneapolis Lakes | December 2021

New Gild Jewelry will be hosting a the

shopping

30 JEFF DUNHAM: SERIOUSLY!? Target Center

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

Happy Howlidays

612.374.DOGS (3647) dtdogs.com

612.255.3425 dogsdaympls.com

Located on the edge of Downtown Minneapolis, near the Farmers Market and International Market Square with ample, free parking Change Unleashed! Join us in helping pets in need. Round up your purchase, we’ll match it, and donate it to Mission Animal Hospital, our fourth quarter, non-profit partner. CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes

LOCAL’S CHOICE

S E R G E + JA N E A ONE STOP BOUTIQUE FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST - INCLUDING YOU!

SERGE + JANE IS A LOCAL LIFESTYLE BOUTIQUE IN EDINA, OFFERING WOMEN’S, MEN’S + KIDS APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES, NEW + USED VINYL RECORDS, COCKTAIL FIXINGS AND SUPPLIES, UNIQUE HOME DECOR, GIFTS + A FULL PET BAKERY (THE PET-ISSERIE!) with dog treats, bones, and pet gear! Serge + Jane has great gifts for everyone on your list! Visit online at www.sergeandjane.com. 46

Minneapolis Lakes | December 2021

being a good

neighborhood grocer starts by being

a grateful one

When you put as much food on as many holiday tables as we do, you learn a thing or two about giving thanks. So we’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you – for shopping here, for working here, for growing and making great products and selling them here. Thank you.

Thank you for your time and dedication to quality and service. Thank you for your passion, knowledge and

11 Twin Cities Locations

expertise. Thank you for your friendship and loyalty. Thank you for every email and call, for every like and share. For each and every way you’ve been a part of Kowalski’s this year, we thank you most sincerely. It is an honor to be your grocers at this time of year and all year long.

May your holiday season be full of happiness, kindness and, most of all, the joy of good food.

kowalskis.com