Issuu

More women are embracing the beauty of aging—and the gray hair that comes with it

AGING FEARLESSLY

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JUNE 2022 “Never underestimate the impact that your mere existence can have on another human being.” —Fred Rogers

Photo: Chris Emeott

PAG E 2 8

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DEPARTMENTS 16 — Run, Paris, Run Papillon and partner win the North American Dog Agility Council championship.

18 — New Beginnings for a Summer Favorite The Edina Art Fair returns after a two-year hiatus with a renewed focus on local.

20 — Going the Distance Edina High School alum looks to take triathlon career to the next level.

FEATURES 22 — Aging Fearlessly Emboldened by shifting beauty standards, more women are embracing graying hair rather than dyeing to change it.

specializing in

CURB APPEAL

28 — Inherited Stories Edina company captures and preserves life journeys for generations to come.

34 — Return to the Well

Landscaping the Minneapolis lakes area

A women-centered co-working space fosters community and wellness for local entrepreneurs.

SUNNYSIDE-GAR DENS. COM • 6 12-9 26 -26 5 4

TASTEMAKERS 44 — Summer Meals, Simplified Make quick and healthy meals this summer—no oven required.

IN EVERY ISSUE 8 — Editor’s Letter 11 — Noteworthy 41 — On the Town 48 — Last Glance

MORTGAGES DESIGNED WITH YOUR

financial wellness IN MIND

TONY SMITH

F R O M T H E E D I TO R Amy Overgaard, amy@localmedia.co

his month, my maternal grandmother will turn 92. I’ve always loved listening to stories from my grandma’s childhood on a farm in Iowa and the one-room schoolhouse she attended, how she met my grandpa while living at a boarding house in Ames, Iowa, and the way she married him the day after she turned 21. (Her parents didn’t want her to get married until she was 21—so she waited until one day after.) And when she got married, she opted for a lavender skirt suit that she could (and would) rewear rather than the typical frilly white gown. Practicality at its finest! These stories offer a glimpse of a girl and young woman who seem both so different from and so similar to the woman I know as grandma. But I’m sure there are still so many stories I’ve never heard, and in the busyness of life it can be hard to make time to simply sit down, ask questions and listen. (Though, even as I write this I’m thinking, “Just make time for it, Amy!”) So, when I read about Edina resident Dietrich Nissen’s company, Inherited Stories (page 28), I wanted him to create video memories for all my loved ones. What a gift it would be to have both the heard and unheard stories of their lives, immortalized on video! Speaking of stories—we have some other great ones in this issue. There’s an Edina High School alum who turned a hobby into a passion and is competing in two world championship triathlons this year (page 20); a dog that won several competitions of her own (page 16); a co-working space that offers female business owners, entrepreneurs and freelancers a place to gather and connect (page 34) and some fun outdoor events around town! Inspired by these stories, I hope you’ll take some time this month to sit down with loved ones and listen to their stories, try out a new hobby and enjoy some time outside while connecting with friends or colleagues, old and new!

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Find more stories & photos online. Plus, tag us in your Edina pics! EDINAMAG.COM

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EDINA MAGAZINE @EDINAMAG

On the Cover Jeanne Bleu, photo by Chris Emeott Company NMLS #286998 | Individual NMLS #938947 8

June 2022

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Photo: Chris Emeott

tony.smith@traditionllc.com

VOL. 18 NO. 10 edinamag.com publisher Susan Isay

editor Amy Overgaard

managing creative director Renée Stewart-Hester

managing editor Hailey Almsted

copy editor Kellie Doherty

staff writers Ava Diaz Dan Amundson Daniel Huss Madeline Kopiecki Staci Perry Mergenthal

contributing writers Laura Westlund Maureen Millea Smith Taylor Ellingson Tim Borowski Tina Bohrer Kira Schukar

editorial interns Emily Deutscher Hanna McDaniels

editorial advisory board Jeanne Anselmo, JJ Designs Tina Bohrer, Edina Community Foundation Sarah Dulong, Ron Clark Construction Cheryl Gunness, Edina Community Education Krista Johnson Elizabeth Kriel, Jerry’s Foods Jeff Ohe, Cahill Financial Rebecca Bell Sorensen Jasmine Brett Stringer Erin Zosel, Sloane’s Beauty Bar

senior managing art director Sarah Dovolos

art director Allison Nolden

lead staff photographer Chris Emeott

production director Brittni Dye

production manager Lisa Stone

senior account executives Brooke Beise Katie Freemark Cynthia Hamre Sara Johnson

EDINA MAGAZINE 1125 BUCHANAN ST. NE MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55413

president Pete Burgeson

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Edina Magazine is published 12 times a year. Rates $25 for 12 issues. Back issues $8.95. For subscription and customer service inquiries, please contact hello@localmedia.co or call 612.208.6248. ©Local, LLC 2022. All rights reserved.

The Market May Value Your Home More Than You Do. Preparing to sell your home can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. With my local insights, I can provide an accurate estimate of your home’s value and guide you through the process to maximize your sale price. Please reach out for a complimentary home evaluation.

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N OT E WO RT H Y

loc a l t ip s, tidb its & insights

C IT IZEN OF EDIN A

MAUREEN MILLEA SMITH LO C A L AU TH O R and librarian

Photo: Kevin White

Maureen Millea Smith is a connector. When she’s not helping patrons in her role as adult services librarian at the Edina Library or writing—she’s a published author and contributor to the “Read” column in this magazine, the “Browsers” articles in the Monday Star Tribune and several literary journals—she’s strategizing ways to connect people to discuss important topics. In 2005, Millea Smith and Edina Library director Marcia Wattson collaborated with the Edina Community Foundation’s Dick Crockett to launch Edina Reads, a community-based intergenerational book club that encourages reading, lifelong learning and thoughtful conversation. During a 2011 Edina Reads gathering, 80 adults and teenagers gathered to discuss bullying and share their personal experiences, based around the novel, A Thinking Man’s Bully by Michael Adelberg. In 2016, the Foundation honored Millea Smith with the Volunteer of the Year Award, celebrating her achievement of planning more than 50 Edina Reads events, allowing 1,500 participants to interact with authors. When the pandemic forced Edina Reads online in 2020, Millea Smith innovated, collaborating with Edina Cable TV, producing interviews with local authors and artists to create the Edina Reads Summer Series, From the Author’s House to Yours and From the Artist’s Studio to Yours. A writer herself, Millea Smith won the Minnesota Book Award for Novel & Short Story in 2007 for her first novel, When Charlotte Comes Home. She is currently working on her latest novel.

Contributed by the Edina Community Foundation.

June 2022

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N OT E WO RT H Y

VIE W

Love and Joy, On Full Display

There can be an unconditional bond when it comes

Artist: Karin Jacobs

to our pets. For centuries, dogs have been coined

Title: Winnie

“man’s best friend” as the bonds of unfailing love,

Scale: 10x10

devotion and loyal companionship deepen with

Medium: Original Oil on Canvas

time. When I saw the life with which artist Karin Jacobs captures her original pet commissions, I was beyond moved. The animals’ personalities were on full display, and the sincerity of their souls echoed in their eyes. Jacobs feels overjoyed with the fact that her clients “feel” their beloved dog or cat in her artwork.

Contributed by Hollie Blanchard of The Art Girls. View more at artgirlsmpls.com. Art Girls Minneapolis @artgirls_mpls

June 2022

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HEA L

BIOHACKING: A MODERN APPROACH TO AGING As we age, our bodies gradually lose potential for healthy functioning of our cells, tissues and organ systems. When cells fail to produce adequate amounts of energy, deterioration and pathologies can occur. Aging research has experienced an unprecedented advance over recent years, particularly with the discovery that the rate of biological aging (the rate at which our cells age) can, at least to some extent, be controlled by influencing specific physiological and biochemical processes in the body. The quest to understand and influence these pathways has spurred the genesis of a new trend in health, wellness and human performance known as biohacking. On a basic level, biohacking is the application of technology to influence the body’s ability to produce energy and “delay” aging of our cells, tissues and organs. An example of a well-documented “biohack” that has made its way into the mainstream is red light therapy. Red light therapy works by stimulating mitochondria, the energy-producing portion of a human cell. When human cells have an abundance of energy, tissue-healing and repair can occur. The mechanisms of red light therapy work in similar fashion to the way a plant harnesses energy from sunshine. Sunlight stimulates a plant’s chloroplasts through a phenomenon known as the photo-electric effect. Chloroplasts are the energyproducing portion of a plant cell and are the equivalent to human mitochondria. With an abundance of energy, human cells—just like these plant cells—can heal damaged tissues or generate new growth, ultimately delaying the natural aging process.

Contributed by Timothy Borowski, M.S., a natural healthcare professional who specializes in neurological function, injury rehabilitation and complex pain management. He is the founder of Axon Movement, a complementary healthcare practice located at Statera Health in Edina. You can find him @ axon_mvmt on Instagram.

N OT E WO RT H Y

READ

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June Jones, 28, is the library assistant

that austerity measures are going to

at the Chalcot Library in rural England.

force them to close the library, June’s

Built in the 1870s as the village school,

life changes overnight. The library’s

the library is a red brick building. It is

patrons take things into their own

beloved, but it has seen better days.

hands, and they want June on their

Shy June is beloved as well. Every

side, front and center. Will June fight

morning, she opens the library doors

for what she loves?

to Stanley Phelps. June helps Stanley

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In her debut novel, The Last Chance

log into his email so that he can write

Library, TV producer Freya Samp-

his son in the United States. Stanley

son has created a contemporary and

also does the daily crossword puzzles

delightful English village. This book’s

in pencil, which June dutifully erases

charms are its deft plotting and the

from the newspaper so that the library

complexity of its seemingly ordinary

manager Marjorie Spencer won’t lec-

characters. It’s perfect summer reading!

ture him about breaking the rules. Like the novels she reads, June realizes that every patron in the Chalcot Library is a story. But when Marjorie is informed by the village council

Contributed by Maureen Millea Smith, a librarian and reader’s advisor at the Edina Library. She is also a Minnesota Book Award–winning novelist.

June 2022

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CA P TU R E

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS TO THE 2022 IMAGES OF EDINA PHOTO CONTEST

There’s still time to submit your photos to the 18th annual Images of Edina photo contest. The photo contest, presented by Edina Magazine and the city of Edina, gives you the opportunity to see your photos printed in this magazine! We’re looking for photos that show off the core values of Edina in five categories: • Activities & Events • Businesses • People • Places in Edina • Plants & Animals Submissions are open until June 30, and Readers’ Choice voting will take place throughout the month of July. A panel of judges from the city of Edina, Edina Magazine and the community will select the best in each category and announce the winners in early September. So, look back at the photos you took around town this past year and select some favorites to submit. Be sure to read the Images of Edina FAQs and our official Rules and Guidelines at edinamag.com before submitting your photos.

PETS

Run, Paris, Run Papillon and partner win the North American Dog Agility Council championship. By Daniel Huss

the time it takes Edina’s Wayne Carlson to deliver them. This speedy little dog can cover six yards per second and can conquer an obstacle once every 1.5 seconds. Obstacles include A-frames, jumps, pole weaves, teeter-totters and tables. “She can run a 20-obstacle course in about 30 seconds,” Carlson says. For those not up on dog speed and agility—those numbers aren’t average. In fact, they’re award-winning, as proven by the fact that Paris is the reigning champion of the North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC). In October 2021, the Paris/Carlson team won the Elite Veteran Handler, Miniature Division title in Springfield, Ohio. The competition involves six rounds of courses, with an emphasis on different skills. Each one includes a distance challenge where the dog performs across a line the handler cannot cross. Last year, Paris won all six rounds in her division and finished 450 points ahead of her nearest competitor. This wasn’t Paris’ first rodeo. “She finished third at Nationals when she was 2.5, second when she was 3.5 and first when she was 5.5. COVID-19 canceled the competition when she was 4.5,” Carlson says. Together, Paris and Carlson run in 30–40 competitions per year. “We usually go three weekends per month,” says Carlson, who is about to turn 80 years old. “And yes, some might say I’m addicted.” And it’s not just a commitment of

June 2022

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Photos: Chris Emeott

PARIS, A 6-YEAR-OLD PAPILLON DOG, can process voice commands in

JEWELRY

time. “NADAC runs are about $10 each, American Kennel Club [AKC] runs are $25 each. Throw in driving, motels and your time, and you can see why these competitions aren’t for the faint of heart,” Carlson says. At these many competitions, Paris’ reputation precedes her; when Paris runs, people watch. “Paris is a dog that wants to be watched,” says Carlson. “When she runs, the whole stadium goes quiet.” Carlson, who also handles two younger Papillons, practices three to four times per week with Paris. Practice mostly takes place at the Twin Cities Obedience Training Club in northeast Minneapolis. But Carlson also has a weave set up in his Edina kitchen, which involves a series of 12 poles set up in holders that the dogs must weave in and out of—much like downhill slalom skiing. “The dogs have to do the weave after they come in from going to the bathroom,” Carlson says. Carlson’s rule is to reinforce Paris’ success three times after each run. “She gets kisses and affection, but the big thing is the little balls she plays fetch with,” he says. “I’ll throw one, and she’ll bring it back, drop it and wait for the other. She goes crazy when those balls come out. It’s amazing what she’ll do for such a little payment.” He says she knows that “if she gets the weaves, she gets to play.” And what does a national champion do for an encore act? Carlson says Paris will defend her title in Gillette, Wyoming, in October. “What can be better than being number one in the country? How about being number one in the country twice or maybe three times?” Carlson says. Paris is sure to enjoy a few more rounds of competition, as long as Carlson rewards her with a ball to chase, retrieve, chase and then retrieve again.

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A R T S & C U LT U R E

New Beginnings for a Summer Favorite The Edina Art Fair returns after a two-year hiatus with a renewed focus on celebrating local.

THE ANNUAL EDINA ART FAIR

marks the unofficial beginning of summer for many residents in the Twin Cities. As the first large art fair of the season in Minnesota, it’s a way for attendees to get outside while enjoying fine art, music, food and shopping. For these and so many other reasons, this event was greatly missed the past two years when it was on a hiatus due to COVID-19. However, the Edina Art Fair is back June 3–5, marking the 55th anniversary of this beloved event. Running along the border of Edina and Minneapolis, art fair vendors and activities span the blocks surrounding the intersection of 50th and France. “As an iconic event for the city of Edina and the region as a whole, its return really feels like the welcome

back party for the community, public life and the arts that we all have been needing after the last two years of the pandemic,” says Max Musicant, interim director of the 50th and France Business & Professional Association. “We’re excited to bring back what is cherished about the event from years past and introduce a number of innovations that we think will provide an even better experience for visitors and artists alike,” he says. This year there will be a renewed focus on celebrating local. “We know the blend of national and local artists is a big part of what makes the Edina Art Fair special,” Musicant says. “This year, we are building on that by also intentionally supporting local artists that reflect the full diversity of our region.

You’ll see this through the launch of an emerging artist program that spotlights three local emerging artists who have been making strides and breaking barriers with their work.” Along with new local artistic vendors, longtime participants are also returning. Edina resident Marti Johnson, a jewelry maker, has participated in the Edina Art Fair for almost 30 years. “The customers have been very consistent over the years,” Johnson says. “That’s why it [has] become a sought-after art fair to participate in.” She spent much of those 30 years not only as a vendor but as an advisor, helping expand the event from a local craft fair to the nationally recognized fine arts fair it has become. In addition to a focus on local artists,

June 2022

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Photos: Emily J. Davis

By Amy Overgaard and Hanna McDaniels

HERE FOR YOU, EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. Edina Art Fair 2022 June 3: 10 a.m.–7 p.m. June 4: 10 a.m.–7 p.m. June 5: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

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there will be an emphasis on local food vendors and musicians. Businesses in the 50th and France neighborhood will also get some love. Since the last fair, many new shops and restaurants have joined the neighborhood—including 16 new retailers in the Nolan Mains residential and retail area—offering fair attendees plenty to explore. If you’re new to the art fair, you can expect to experience more than 250 artistic vendors, two beer and wine gardens, a live music stage, food trucks, a kid’s zone and local restaurant and business specials.

Edina Art Fair; edinaartfair.com Edina Art Fair @edinaartfair

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BE WELL

Going the Distance Edina High School alum looks to take triathlon career to the next level.

FOR MOST PEOPLE, bike rides, swims

and jogs are activities for separate days, maybe even weeks. For triathletes like Henry Jessen, it’s all in a day’s work. Jessen was always interested in sports, specifically swimming. His mom had him in the water since he could remember. As he got older, Jessen spent his summers at the Edina Country Club pool, not only hanging out with friends

but eventually swimming competitively. He continued to swim until he graduated from Edina High School in 2014, but toward the end of his senior year, his focus started to fade away from the pool and toward the track. Running had been a part of Jessen’s repertoire since middle school, when he joined the cross-country and track teams. His middle school coach Van

Nelson, a former Olympic runner, was a big inspiration to Jessen’s running career. Jessen competed throughout high school, taking second place in the state tournament and qualifying for nationals during his senior year. “There I really fell in love with running,” Jessen says. “Getting to compete on the national stage was such a cool experience.” In college, Jessen ran on the

June 2022

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Photo: FinisherPix

By Dan Amundson

9 5 2 . 4 2 6 . 0 5 5 9 | s t u d i o 6 w e l l n e s s . c o m | 6 - 6 t h Av e N - H o p k i n s

PILATES | GYROTONIC METHOD® YOGA | TRX® | MAT FUSION cross-country and track teams at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. After four years competing with the Bulldogs, his days of competitive sports very well could have ended. At the time, he had no idea something new was right around the corner. A USA triathlon ad caught Jessen’s eye one day. It was seeking multi-sport athletes who were interested in running triathlons. He decided to inquire and ended up getting recruited to go to the U.S. Olympic training facility in Colorado for a weeklong camp. “They got me a bike and taught me about the sport,” Jessen says. “That was really my first introduction to triathlons.” In 2019, Jessen competed in his first Olympic-distance triathlon, which is a 1.5-kilometer swim, a 40-kilometer bike ride and a 10-kilometer run. After that, he was hooked. In 2021, Jessen competed for a national title in Milwaukee. There, he qualified for two world championships, which he’ll compete in this year, and was two spots away from being able to go professional. “I was 10 seconds away from getting my pro card,” Jessen says. “I could see the guy finish in front of me.” Jessen is heading to Montreal at the end of June to represent Team USA in his first world championship, and then he will head to Abu Dhabi in November for his second. He’s been training six days a week in preparation for the events and averages 14–16 hours a week on bike rides, swims and runs. Going pro is still Jessen’s goal, and he’ll be returning to Milwaukee again in 2022 in hopes of placing high enough to qualify. When he’s not training, Jessen, who now lives in St. Louis Park, is a digital media buyer for a local ad agency. He also enjoys spending time at his family cabin near Mille Lacs Lake. “That’s one of my favorite places to bike and run,” Jessen says. “I love it up there.” Jessen credits his high school swimming coach Art Downey and track and field coach Jamie Kirkpatrick, along with his high school teammates, for inspiring him to pursue the sports. “They all had big influences on my life,” Jessen says. “The reason I stuck with it is because of [those] teams.”

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Written by Amy Overgaard

Photos by Chris Emeott

A GING F E ARL ES S LY EM BOL D EN ED BY SHIF T I N G B E AU TY STA N DA R DS , MO R E WO M E N A R E E M BR AC I N G G R AYI N G HA IR R ATH E R TH A N DY E I N G TO C H A N G E I T.

In 2020, Minneapolis resident Jeanne Bleu decided to stop dyeing her hair blonde and embrace her naturally graying hair. While salon shutdowns at the time certainly played a role in this decision, she says the choice to go gray wasn’t so much pandemic driven as it was a reflection of her lifestyle. “I’ve never worn a lot of makeup—I’ve always wanted to have a natural look. So it felt a little inauthentic that, with that kind of philosophy, I’m dyeing my hair,” she says. “I am the age that I am, and there’s nothing wrong with that.” So, when hair salons reopened, she walked into Sloane’s Beauty Bar at 44th and France and asked her stylist, Edina resident Paul Felipe, to help with the transition. Now, with her natural gray hair, she not only feels more like herself but she also enjoys how easy maintenance is without the six-week touch-ups her blonde hair required—and the chemicals, time and money that went with it. And Bleu isn’t alone in her decision to embrace gray. Actress Andi MacDowell created a sensation last year when she

appeared at the Cannes Film Festival with curly salt-and-pepper tresses. In an interview with Vogue, MacDowell says about her gray hair, “I’ve never felt more powerful … I feel like I’m embracing right where I am.” Aging adults, particularly women, have long felt the need to cover up any hint of gray hair to appear as youthful as possible, but that narrative is beginning to shift. Kindiss Stiller, the color director at Edina’s Juut Salon, says that, with the pandemic and salon shutdowns in 2020, many people started going gray—whether due to lack of access to their hairstylist or simply a decision to buck the social pressure to hide any semblance of gray hair. However, this trend certainly didn’t start during the COVID-19 shut downs. Felipe’s client Sue Behrens went gray over four years ago. She says she was tired of the regular maintenance and constantly having roots coming in. Around that time, silver-dyed hair rose in popularity, particularly among young women. Behrens says that trend was “a nice segue into thinking, ‘Ok, that might be kind of cool.’” So she talked to Felipe, her stylist of over

June 2022

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Paul Felipe and Jeanne Bleu at Sloane’s Beauty Bar on 44th & France.

June 2022

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Sue Behrens

“It took me about a month to be able to look in the mirror and not be shocked after it was all done. But I’m happy with it!” S UE B E H R ENS

30 years, and they embarked on the transition to going gray, which Behrens says took about a year. “At first, when I started [and saw] the little roots, I thought, ‘This is going to be awful.’ But once I got a couple inches, I was like, ‘You know, I can do this,’” she says. And now that she’s fully gray, she loves her look. “It took me about a month to be able to look in the mirror and not be shocked after it was all done. But I’m happy with it!” Behrens was one of several of Felipe’s clients who decided to go gray in the midto-late 2010s, but he notes that COVID certainly contributed to the growth of this trend as we see it today. “I’ve always said COVID was a contributor but not the cause of guests wanting to embrace their gray,” he says. “Many guests went weeks without hair color. For some, it truly allowed them to have a true visual as to … how gray they really were.” Of course, after trying it out, not everyone loves their gray hair. Stiller found that many of her clients who let their naturally gray hair grow out during the pandemic are realizing they don’t love it as a long-term look. That doesn’t mean they’re totally doing away with the gray. What has emerged are clients wanting to keep some of that natural gray but blend it in with some colors—resulting in a natural, low-maintenance look. Stiller says she’s seeing more and more clients opt for strong, natural color, applied in a way

June 2022

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St. Louis Park, MN 55416 952.926.2705

Both Paul Felipe and Kindiss Stiller recommend a good at-home maintenence plan for gray hair, including blue or purple shampoo, which removes the brassy tones from gray hair.

Serving seniors in transition and their family caregivers to support health in spirit, mind and body. Normandale Center for Healing & Wholeness is a nonprofit serving seniors, family, friends and caregivers since 1998. We support over 500 Twin Cities individuals every year striving to alleviate isolation and caregiver burden, extend independence and wellness and enhance quality of life.

We offer: One-on-one & family care consultations Caregiver support groups Healthy aging workshops Caregiver education and resources Visiting volunteer & respite services Medical equipment loans

Connect with us to learn why, and how we can support you on your caregiving journey! www.NormandaleCenter.org info@normandalecenter.org 952-929-1698 www.Facebook.com/NormandaleCenter

June 2022

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SLOANE’S BEAUTY BAR 4388 France Ave. S. 612.920.3341; sloanesbeautybar.com Sloane’s Beauty Bar @sloanes_beauty_bar

JUUT SALON – EDINA 2670 Southdale Center; 952.925.4343 juut.com/locations/edina Juut Salon Spa @juutsalonspa

in digital format! Get free, anytime access to Edina Magazine via our digital editions. Full screen viewing on your digital device allows easy cover-to-cover reading. Plus, it’s even easier to share your favorite Edina Magazine stories with friends and family.

Learn more at edinamag.com

that makes hair look healthy and shiny.. “People have become a lot more focused on time ... So, they’re looking for low-maintenance color that suits their lifestyle,” Stiller says, adding that the time commitment they want to put into their hair is also a factor. But there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving the perfect gray blend. Stiller says at Juut salons, color specialists help clients figure out what color mix is right for them by doing a color consultation that involves assessing skin tone and eye color, both of which impact what colors and tones will look best on a person. Felipe takes a similar approach, always prioritizing thorough consultations with clients who are looking to go gray. “This ensures what realistically can or cannot be done. Maintaining the hair’s integrity, as well as [assessing] how this change aesthetically compliments [each] guest is key.” For Felipe, it’s all about developing a customized service and at-home maintenance plan with each guest, making sure they understand what the full process will look like and how to maintain hair health at home. Through all this, Felipe says he has enjoyed seeing so many women embrace a “feeling of empowerment,” not letting societal pressures dictate their hair color. “For many women, the choice really comes from within!”

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

Edina company captures and preserves life journeys for generations to come.

Inherited Stories

Photos: Chris Emeott, Dietrich Nissen

Written by Staci Perry Mergenthal

It’s not easy for most Minnesotans to talk about themselves. Even more complicated is to get them to share their feelings. But that’s exactly what Edina resident Dietrich Nissen, founder and CEO of Inherited Stories, does. With a listening ear, video camera and a mission to uncover and preserve stories, he helps people connect with and remember people they love. Graduating from University of St. Thomas in broadcasting and communication studies, Nissen’s video storytelling career spans 17 years as a TV news reporter, film and commercial actor, on-set producer and internal communications executive. By 2019, he was ready for something different—launching Inherited Stories to provide a platform for people to share their life stories, presented through videos he’s trademarked as “Vimories.” Nissen says he was inspired to start his company after working on a “Beyond the Badge” story for the city of Edina. “I sat down with two of the original officers of Edina Police Department, and they shared how Southdale Center changed policing,” Nissen says. “I realized how many stories out there haven’t been shared—mostly because people haven’t been put in the position to be asked about them.” However, it’s his late grandma,

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Peggy Nissen, who was his most significant muse and inspiration. After her husband, Delbert “Louie” Nissen, M.D., died, she raised five boys on her own in Edina. “Growing up, after we moved to Edina from Chicago, it was wonderful to hear her talk about all these stories from the Great Depression, her childhood and the things she had to do to make it on her own,” Nissen says. “It became one of those fun things she would share with me on our Sunday lunches. She was this natural storyteller, and for years, our family would joke about getting a giant VHS camera and recording her stories.” But they never did. By the time they got serious about doing it, Peggy developed Alzheimer’s and dementia and it was too late. She died in 2015. “We lost our opportunity to record all those fun stories and her ways about her, and that’s been one of the biggest regrets in my life,” Nissen says. “I want to offer families a chance to do what we didn’t get to do.” Nissen serendipitously inherited Peggy’s gift for storytelling and it inspired his company name. “I love the word inherited—something that’s passed down,” he says. “I’m adopted. A lot of people think family [traits] might just be from a blood relative to blood relative, but I inherited a lot of her personality and storytelling traits,

Peggy Nissen, Dietrich’s grandmother who inspired him to start his company.

so to me it’s a way of respecting her.” And how does Nissen get modest Midwesterners to open up? He puts people at ease with empathy, the right questions and a little laughter. As it turns out, it’s OK to talk to strangers. “I believe it’s easier to talk with strangers than it is to talk with people you’re emotionally tied to,” Nissen says. “There’s all this history that comes with it. When it’s a stranger and their intention is just to listen and to be with you, it sets up no expectations, no fear of being judged.” The most difficult part has been convincing people their stories are worth saving. It especially shows up when he talks to groups of seniors. They have fascinating stories, but when asked if they are interested in recording them for their families, Nissen says 99 percent respond with something resembling, “Aw shucks, they don’t want to hear that.”

Making a Vimory

Nissen offers three types of Vimories: Legacy, designed to tell an individual’s story; Betrothed, designed to tell a couple’s story together; and Origin, designed as a celebratory gift to a child. Nissen helps clients identify what they want to talk about and helps uncover what photos and videos to use alongside the interview he conducts. Together with Nissen, they develop stories for their Vimory, ensuring the video is what they want to pass on for generations. He then films the interview in the comfort of a client’s home. Once produced, Nissen presents each client with a digital copy of their Vimory and a USB drive in a wooden case with a spot for that family member to pen their signature.

was during the memorial service— that they could watch this video of him talking about his life and showing all these awesome memories of where he’d been and what he’d done and it was something that brought them joy even though they were grieving,” Nissen says. Here’s when Nissen felt this work is worth it: “I had a client in Iowa whose daughter wrote to me and said, ‘My dad shared how you made him feel important during the interview, and he teared up and said you have this talent of making people feel like they matter.’ And then she said, ‘It touched my heart to know he experienced that.’” Nissen notes that, if stories, mannerisms and memories aren’t preserved somehow, they can be lost forever. “There’s really not one person who has said they regret learning more about their loved one’s story,” Nissen says. “It’s about connecting with people we love. That has honestly been the most difficult part, because getting people to see the value in themselves is hard.”

World War II veteran Jim Heymer, the subject of one of Nissen’s Legacy Vimories.

Standout Moments

Photo: Dietrich Nissen

As he focuses on forming connections with people from all walks of life, Nissen shares a few standout moments: After being interviewed by Nissen, World War II vet Jim Heymer called his granddaughter and said, “I love you.” Heymer’s granddaughter said it caught her off guard because it was out of character, and she’d never heard him say it. When Heymer moved into assisted living, many staff members and residents watched his Vimory. When he passed away in 2021, Nissen received a card from Heymer’s family. “They said how awestruck everyone

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“There’s really not one person who has said they regret learning more about their loved one’s story.”

Photo: Chris Emeott

Dietrich Nissen

Mark and Deb Hanson created an Origin Vimory for their son’s high school graduation.

Real-Life Vimories Hear from people who treasure their visual memory from Inherited Stories.

Origin Vimory

When Mark and Deb Hanson’s son Will was a senior at Edina High School, they knew they wanted to give him something special as a graduation gift. They decided to hire Nissen to make an Origin Vimory. “[Nissen] made the process incredibly smooth and easy,” Deb says. “It’s a lot to sift through. When you are creating a video story of someone’s life and you’re condensing highlights in a 10-minute video, it takes someone with professional experience and

knowledge to make it a meaningful and beautiful end product, and that’s exactly what Dietrich accomplished.” With the aid of Nissen’s worksheet and story prompts, the Hansons compiled stories, photos and videos highlighting Will’s first 18 years. “The process of going through it brought back a lot of memories,” Mark says. “Eighteen years is a blur—these kids grow up so fast. This makes you stop and think and really appreciate all the experiences you went through with your child.”

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Photos: Dietrich Nissen

Shelby Andress preserved family history through her Legacy Vimory.

Inherited Stories

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The Hansons share the sentiment that Nissen knows the right interview questions to ask to get the information. “It turned out to be a really cool meaningful gift for Will that he’ll treasure for the rest of his life,” Deb says. “He was surprised. I think he’ll appreciate it even more as he gets older.” Legacy Vimory

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Once Nissen interviewed 89-year-old Why use Shelby Andress, she said he recogPets Are Inn? nized “Minnesota Nice” was laced throughout Andress’ story. But it was deeper than nice. Caring for pets in private homes since 1982 “What he liked was my talking about being in a family where Celebrating our 40th Anniversary there was no such thing as feelings,” 952.837.1877 Andress says. Have a worry-free Nissen sorted through her pho- Caring for pets since 1982. vacation knowing your tos and stories to create her Legacy pet is in a private home Vimory, which takes an in-depth receiving personalized look into her life’s journey. It covered 952-837-1877 attention and love. everything from raising her three children to exploring where she came from—how her mother grew up on www.PetsAreInnMinneapolisSouth.com | mpls_office@petsareinn.com a farm and how her grandpa was a pioneer who came to North Dakota by covered wagon and broke the soil with one ox and a heavy fork. What do her children think? “The main thing I’ve heard from them is there were stories they did not know about their grandparents and how they grew up,” Andress says. “They didn’t know my dad’s family went out West, started a ranch and broke wild horses.” Her video ensures the Andress Have anow worry-free vacation knowing your pet is in a Book for Summer and Fall Vacations! family history will last for generaprivate home receiving personalized attention and tions. “For the grandchildren, this tells Thank you for entrusting your fur babies to our care for 40love! years! something about the families into which they came,” Andress says. www.PetsAreInn.com

Pets Are Inn

www.PetsAreInnMinneapolisSouth.com | mpls_office@petsareinn.com mpls_office@petsareinn.com 33

Written by Kira Schukar — Photos by Chris Emeott

RETURN TO THE WELL A women-centered co-working space fosters community and wellness for local entrepreneurs.

Walking through the front doors of ModernWell is like walking into an oasis. With bright walls, floorto-ceiling windows, cushy couches and welcoming work desks, the space is designed for creativity. “It feels warm; it feels uplifting and inspired,” says Julie Burton, ModernWell’s founder and CEO. Describing the business as a “female-centered coworking community,” Burton says, “Everything that is done here is [done] with a thoughtful consideration for the needs of women.” While a handful of men have joined ModernWell’s community since it opened in

2018, most of its almost 200 members are women— and many of them are business owners, entrepreneurs and creatives who rent private offices or use one of the building’s many common spaces to work. Burton decided to open ModernWell when she recognized that many women—especially working mothers—need more collaboration than a typical co-ed workspace offers. Even the business’s name is inspired by women-centered communities. In Biblical times, Burton says, “Everything happened around the well,” from gathering water to swapping

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stories and advice. She tries to foster that same environment at ModernWell, where, “People are free and encouraged to connect and to share stories” as they work. With a master’s degree in journalism and a background in public relations, Burton never imagined that she would open her own business. When she left her full-time job to start her family, however, she realized how much she missed the community that a career and workplace provide. Even though Burton was freelance writing and teaching fitness classes around the Twin Cities, she couldn’t shake the feeling of being lost. “It’s a different kind of loneliness, and I don’t know that I really even understood it at the time,” Burton says. She loved having the choice to stay home with her kids, “But I also felt a certain amount of shame, like, ‘OK, you are supposed to be doing something. You should be doing something more.’” Then, in 2015, Burton and her friend Nina Badzin—a freelance writer and podcaster— started the Twin Cities Writing Studio, a weekly class held at the Hopkins Center for the Arts. “We called it a Writing Studio, because […] we wanted it to be a playful space,” Badzin says. Although Badzin and Burton never advertised the Writing Studio as a women-centered group, its membership was exclusively female. It was in one of the Writing Studio meetings that Burton identified the next stage of her life and the answer to her struggles working as a freelancing writer and mother. In the meeting following the 2016 presidential election, Burton says, “I looked around the table, and I just had this moment where I felt like, ‘OK, now it’s time. I’m going to create something, and it’s going to be around women, and it’s going to be around creativity, and it’s going to be a brick and mortar.’” Within weeks, Burton had a vision for ModernWell and a driving goal for the community she hoped to build. “We need to continue to empower ourselves and each other,” she says. “We need to share space, and we need to share ideas, and I want to be part of that.” Less than a year later, Burton signed a lease on the building in Minneapolis that would become ModernWell. “It was so fast. I mean, I was almost possessed,” she says. On January 2, 2018, many of the women from the Writing Studio became part of ModernWell as its founding members. When she unlocked the doors on opening day, Burton remembers feeling excited and aligned. “This was the chapter that was supposed to be happening at the time,” she says. Badzin and Burton continue Thursday Writing

Julie Burton

Nina Badzin

Member Highlights Before ModernWell opened in 2018, Edina resident Stephanie Pierce was considering leaving her human resources job at General Mills, where she had worked for 24 years. Although she loved her job, Pierce found that she needed more flexibility and time to pursue her own projects outside of work. That same year, Pierce says, “I was starting to meet people like Julie [Burton], who were stepping into their passion projects.” Pierce doesn’t consider herself to be a risk-taker, but watching Burton open ModernWell inspired her to start her own business. In 2019, Pierce left her position at General Mills to start KJP Consulting, a human resources firm that coaches small and mid-sized businesses in talent development and diversity, equity and inclusion. Pierce also co-hosts the podcast Her Next Chapter with Burton. Pierce joined Burton’s advisory board at ModernWell. For her, ModernWell is more than just a comfortable workspace. Having a women-centered community means that she can easily connect on a personal level to the other members, many of whom have worked in corporate spaces, own businesses or are also mothers. “You can truly bring your whole self to work [at ModernWell],” Pierce says. “It gives you a place to find people where you may have things in common or to find people whose stories might be a little bit more similar to your story.”

kjpconsulting.co Podcast: Her Next Chapter

Studio meetings out of ModernWell, and Badzin has expanded it to include a second group that meets on Tuesdays. “There’s something really magical about actually being connected to other people around work that you’re interested in,” Badzin says. ModernWell memberships range from $120 to $1,200 per month and include access to the community space, conference room and consult rental time, discounts on workshops and events, and access to the community member portal and Facebook group. At the center of the community is Burton, who drives to ModernWell every day to catch up on work and talk to members. “One of my favorite parts of my job is when I connect people with other members,” she says. “We’ve seen people sit here in this space, meet other people, talk to other people and figure out their next move.” Looking around at the community she’s built and thinking back on her years of freelancing, Burton says, “I created a space that I would have wanted.”

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June 2022

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CHRISTINA B. JOHNSON

Artist

Elevate your home or business with custom artwork. Christina B. Johnson has been sourcing clients and interior designers with her inspiring paintings since 2018. Contact Christina today for a consultation.

At Clothes Mentor Edina we buy and sell gently used clothing, handbags, shoes and accessories, including designer. Sell for cash and shop up to 70 percent off retail store prices.

Comfort Keepers® is here to help seniors thrive safely while living independently at home. Our empathetic caregivers are specially trained to provide uplifting care and support. We’re here to help!

@christina.b.johnson christinabjohnson.com christinabergjohnson@gmail.com

Clothes Mentor Edina 7585 France Ave. S. 952.831.3350 edinamn.clothesmentor.com

Comfort Keepers 5798 Lincoln Drive 763.273.4207 comfortkeepers.com

Whether buying or selling, I work in all price ranges and with all ages! First time home buyers to empty nesters, I’d be honored to help you and your family!

Upscale resale at its best! Our customers tell us we have the most amazing assortment of designer and contemporary clothing and accessories! Stop in often, new items arrive daily.

Your local health store with so much more. Shop our wide selection of vitamins and supplements, living healthy essentials, wellness gifts, and more.

Ellyn Wolfenson 3033 Excelsior Blvd. 612.644.3033 ellynwolfenson.com

Fashion Avenue 4936 France Ave. S. 952.929.7919 fashionavenueresale.com

TruNorth Wellness Hub 2501 West 84th St. (Door 2) Bloomington 952.885.5416 nwhealth.edu/twh

JULIE TRONES RE/MAX RESULTS

Treat yourself to our gorgeous selection of lingerie! French lace bra sets, elegant silk slips, beautiful pajamas and much more! Stop in for a complimentary bra fitting. We carry bra sizes from A-F cups and 30-40 bands.

You’re Local. We’re Local. Bachelor’s and master’s degree completion programs for working professionals in the areas of business, applied leadership, MBA and others. Contact us at online.mnsu.edu today to get started!

Trones, a trusted name in real estate for 4 generations.

Flirt Boutique 3927 Market St. 651.698.3692 flirt-boutique.com @flirtboutiquelingerie

Minnesota State University, Mankato 7700 France Ave. 952.818.8888 online.mnsu.edu

RE/MAX Results - Julie Trones 7700 France Ave. S. Suite 230 612.384.9019 julietrones.com

PROSE Nails - Edina combines clean, healthy and beautiful to offer a salon experience unlike any other. Book an appointment today and pamper yourself with indulgent manis, pedis, facials and more.

Something for everyone! Stop in and taste our award-winning EVOO, touch the luxurious Turkish cotton textiles and smell the beautifully scented Eau de Cologne. We have great selection of sale items too! We look forward to seeing you!

Edina’s First Brewery and Kitchen! Dive into a juicy burger or cheesy chicken nachos and explore our ever-rotating beer and hard seltzer selections. Trivia hosted every Wednesday starting at 6:30 p.m.

Prose Nails 3941 Market St. 612.427.4679 myprose.com

Coccinella 4946 France Ave. S. 952.479.7015 coccinellastore.com

Wooden Hill Brewing Company 7421 Bush Lake Road 952.960.9663 woodenhillbrewing.com

Top 1% in RE/MAX MN, US & Globally!

Yardscapes Turns Exterior Spaces into Outdoor Havens.

he interest in outdoor living and entertaining continues to grow, and the team at Yardscapes is here to help clients design and install the spaces of their dreams. In business since 1974, the landscape company offers full service design and installation. “We don’t just sell our designs,” says David Kopfmann, owner and lead designer. “We are a one-stop shop, designing pools, patios, outdoor kitchens and other creative elements and features, such as specialty arbors, gates, pergolas, railings, sculptures—anything to fulfill our clients’ dreams for their elevated outdoor spaces.” Imagine a well-appointed outdoor kitchen, a pristine swimming pool, a wood or gas fireplace—perfect for hosting guests (or toasting marshmallows!), a patio space to expand livable space and outdoor lighting to accentuate the overall design theme. And there are so many other elements that can welcome families and friends to your oasis. What sets Yardscapes above the rest is its mission of combing art and science to bring projects to fruition. “The art illustrates how we dream outside of the normal landscape box on projects,” says Kopfmann. The team’s creativity and commitment to one-of-a-kind elements include the design of

unique wood or metal elements that personalize the spaces. In-house carpenters and a metal shop bring those designs to life. And science? The team supports all installations with topgrade materials, ensuring quality and longevity. Don’t forget plant life! Yardscapes understands the need for perfectly-planned plant material and vegetation that support the overall vision while reflecting the client’s lifestyle and taste. Once elements are in place, Yardscapes fine-tunes irrigation systems and water management to ensure the long-term success of the project. Customers can feel confident in a job well done—from beginning to end. With its unique designs and professional installation crews (many members of the 12 installation crews, designers and office support staff have been with Yardscapes for more than 10 years), Yardscapes is committed to quality and long-lasting client relationships.

YARDSCAPES

8609 Harriet Ave. S., Minneapolis 952.887.2794 • yardscapesinc.com

O N T H E TOW N

th in g s to se e and do in and aro und Edina

PERFORMANCES ON THE PLAZA A mix of prominent and emerging musicians bring the community together through this summer music series.

on a beautiful summer evening than enjoying live music al fresco with neighbors and friends, surrounded by excellent restaurants and fantastic ice cream? Probably not. And this isn’t just a nice idea—it’s an event that happens every Friday night in Edina, beginning June 10. The Performances on the Plaza music series started last summer, and after a tremendous first season, it’s back at Nolan Mains this summer. This event showcases an array of singers of all ages and experience levels at the Plaza at Nolan Mains. It’s curated by Katy Vernon, a local singer-songwriter and the longtime host and curator of Morningside after Dark, a music and storytelling series. Vernon’s aim is to celebrate community by featuring a diverse lineup of artists, including prominent Twin

Photo: Anne Deanovic/Nolan Mains

IS T H E R E A N YTH ING BETTER

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Cities musicians alongside emerging young talent. Irene Weinhagen, a high school sophomore, performed last year and is on the schedule again this summer. She is energized by “bringing joy to the community” with her public performance. “Music brings people into spaces and helps build community. This is what we saw in action last summer,” Vernon says. Performances on the Plaza starts June 10 and runs for nine consecutive weeks, every Friday from 5–8 p.m. It’s free and open to the public. Each performance starts with an hour of music from a wellknown musician, then a performance from a high school artist, followed by a second set by the initial musician or another professional group. —Hanna McDaniels and Laura Westlund

O N T H E TOW N Compiled by Emily Deutscher and Hanna McDaniels

Father’s Day Card Making 06/11 At this special event, kids can make cards for Father’s Day. Supplies are included for your little one to create a card in the shape of a toolbox. Children must be accompanied by a caregiver at all times. Ages 1–6. $21 resident, $26 non-resident. 9:30–10:30 a.m. Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Square #101; 952.833.9570; edinamn.gov

Amazing Tots 06/13–06/16 This self-discovery-based program is designed around childrens’ potential to learn about their bodies through fitness activities. This class is specifically geared to help toddlers reach their physical level potential and release energy through play. Ages 1.5–2.5. $73 resident, $78 non-

resident. Todd Park, 4429 Vandervork Ave. S.; 952.826.0367; edinamn.gov

Fitness in the Parks

AREA EVENTS

Grand Reopening for Fit Studio LOCAL EVENTS

Summer Children’s Concert Series

06/04

$16. 10–10:45 a.m. Edina Art Center, 407 W. 64th St.; 952.903.5780; edinamn.gov

Whether you’re a newcomer or a longtime member, all are welcome to take part in Fit Studio’s grand reopening at its

Edina Art Fair

new location in St. Louis Park. The cel-

06/02–6/30

06/03–06/05

ebration will include a fun run, a strength

Treat your kids to live music, held at the

Browse local and national art from talent-

workout, small business vendors,

Maetzold Amphitheater every Tuesday

ed people across the U.S. Find talented

music, a raffle, new client offers,

and Thursday. After the concert, you

mediums from paintings and sculpture to

apparel and more. All ages. Free. 7–

can take your family on a spin around

hand-made jewelry. This event also fea-

Centennial Lakes Park. All ages. Free.

tures a wide variety of food vendors and

11 a.m. 4905 W. 35th Street, St. Louis Park; 612.284.1854; fit-studios.com

11 a.m. Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Ave. S.; 952.833.9580; edinamn.gov

live music. All ages. Free. Times vary. 50th

Try Out Art for Preschoolers

Fitness in the Parks

Starring world-renowned prima ballerina

06/03

06/07–06/28

Natalia Sheptalova and featuring the

Let your preschooler immerse them-

Discover the best workouts for your

work of choreographer Erik Sanborn,

selves in their creativity through art.

personal goals, with sessions led by

the Metropolitan Ballet is back with a

This course touches on a variety of arts

local fitness businesses and studios.

Minneapolis fan-favorite: Cinderella. The

and crafts, including drawing, sculpture,

Open to all experience levels. Bring a

performance sold out in 2016, so be sure

painting and collage. There must be a

yoga mat, towel and water. Ages 18 and

to get your tickets early this year. All

and France; 952.491.0001; edinaartfair.com

Metropolitan Ballet’s Cinderella

caregiver accompanying the child attending this session at all times. Ages 2–6.

over. Free. 6 –7 p.m. Rosland Park, 4300 W. 66th St.; 952.826.0367; edinamn.gov

ages. $47–$82. 7:30 p.m. 710 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; 612.741.4205; metroballet.org

To have your event considered: email edinamag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. Due to the fluidity being experienced in the current environment, please note that some events/dates and even some business operations may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.

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iStock.com/davit85

06/04–06/05

Open Streets Lyndale 06/05 Part of Open Streets Minneapolis, this family-friendly event on South Lyndale features an artisian market and serves as an opportunity to experience city streets as public spaces where communities thrive. All ages.

Free. 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m. W. 22nd St. to W. 42nd St., Mpls.; openstreetsmpls.org

Northern Spark Festival 06/11 Northern Spark is a late-night, participatory arts festival where you can browse art instillations around St. Paul as they light up the night. Art projects take

6320 Westwood Court

Substantial home, great for entertaining.

Susan & Gary Wahman 651.270.4709

many forms as you walk throughout neighborhoods, including performing art, sculpture and light art. All ages. Free. 9 p.m.–2 a.m. University Ave., Downtown St. Paul; northern.lights.mn

Rock the Garden 06/11

susangarywahman.com

Enjoy Minneapolis’ famous sculpture garden at Walker Art Center—plus delicious food and beer—while listening to an amazing lineup of indie rock music at Rock the Garden. Ages 21 and over. $79–

$300. Event begins at 1 p.m. 726 Vineland Place, Mpls.; rockthegardenfestival.com

Midsommar Celebration 06/18 Kick off summer the Swedish way at this Midsommar Celebration hosted by the American Swedish Institute. Immerse yourself in this beautiful culture by making flower crowns and listening to traditional music. All ages. $15. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave., Mpls.; 612.871.4907; asimn.org

Stone Arch Bridge Festival 06/18–06/19 The Stone Arch Bridge Festival offers a variety of activities, food, live music and artistic vendors along the west side of the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Stone Arch Bridge, W. River Parkway from Portland Ave. to N. Fourth Ave., Mpls.; stonearchbridgefestival.com

TA S T E M A K E R S

Summer Meals, Simplified Make quick and healthy meals this summer—no oven required. BY AMY OVERGAARD

PHOTOS BY GREENS & CHOCOLATE

I ’ M N OT S U R E A B O U T YO U, but in

the heat of summer, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen, bent over a hot stove to prepare a meal. For me, exploring new and complex recipes is hobby for winter, not summer. In warm weather, I want quick and easy recipes— bonus points if it doesn’t require turning on the oven at all. In search of easy summer recipes, I turned to our Taste columnist Taylor Ellingson. She’s the author of two cookbooks, The Easy 30-Minute Cookbook: 100 Fast and Healthy Recipes for Busy People and 30-Minute Cooking for Two: Healthy Dishes Without All the Fuss. Needless to say, she’s somewhat of an expert of quick, easy meals. Ellingson works out of her Edina kitchen, which she shares (along with the rest of her home) with her husband and their three children. She says she’s never been one for fussy, involved recipes; rather, she prefers creating easy, healthy and flavor-packed meals. But she doesn’t just cook for her family. Through her blog Greens & Chocolate, which she’s been running for over a decade, she shares her recipe creations with her readers as well. When developing recipes, she works hard to create them in such a way that they can easily be reproduced in any kitchen, by any cook. Today, she’s sharing three of her favorite easy summer meals—including two out-of-the-ordinary grill recipes and absolutely no oven or stovetops in sight!

TUNA SALAD STUFFED CUCUMBER BOATS

Prep Time: 15 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients

• 9 oz. tuna packed in water • 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise • 1/4 cup plain yogurt

June 2022

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PREFERRED SBA LENDER. • juice from 1/2 lemon • 1 Tbsp. fresh chopped parsley, plus more for garnish • 1 shallot, finely diced • salt and pepper to taste • 2 cucumbers

In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, parsley, shallot, salt and pepper. Drain the tuna, then combine with the mayo mixture. Slice your cucumbers lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds so there’s a hollow center. Spoon the tuna salad into cucumber boats, and top with parsley. GRILLED CHEDDAR SAUSAGE AND PEPPER SKILLET

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15–20 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients • 1 medium zucchini, cut into bite-sized pieces • 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced • 1 red onion, sliced • 2 Tbsp. olive oil • 1 tsp. smoked paprika • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder • 1/2 tsp. salt • 1/4 tsp. pepper • 1 lb. cheddar sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces

Place veggies in a large bowl. In a small ramekin, whisk together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Pour over veggies, and toss well to combine. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Add veggies to a grill pan, and place on the grill. Grill for 15–20 minutes, until preferred doneness, adding the sausage to the grill pan for the last 10 minutes. (I like my veggies a little on the crispy side, so I cooked mine for closer to 20 minutes.) Serve and enjoy.

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TA S T E M A K E R S

Grilled Cheddar Sausage and Pepper Skillet

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Help provide critical supplies and support to children affected by the war in Ukraine.

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GRILLED MEDITERRANEAN SHRIMP

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients

• 2 lbs. large peeled deveined shrimp (tail off or on works) • 1 zucchini, sliced • 1 summer squash, sliced • 1 yellow bell pepper, stem and seeds removed, and cut into bite-sized pieces • 8–10 stalks asparagus, cut into bitesized pieces • 1/4 cup olive oil • zest from 1 lemon • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped • 1 tsp. dried oregano • 1 tsp. paprika

NOW MORE THAN EVER, LET’S CREATE, LAUGH, AND LEARN. Your child will grow and develop through a research-driven, relationship-oriented, play-based learning curriculum. Serving infants through Pre-K children. Two Edina locations. Family- and Locally-owned since 1976.

• 1/2 tsp. salt • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

In a bowl, combine all ingredients but feta, tossing to coat veggies in the olive oil and spices. Place the shrimp and veggies in a grill pan. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp and veggies for 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until the shrimp are no longer translucent and they are slightly curled up, and the veggies are softened. Serve, sprinkled with feta cheese.

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EDINA MAGAZINE Looking for even more quick and easy recipes? Head to Ellingson’s blog, where she regularly posts recipes ranging from healthy dinners and sides to holiday recipes, desserts and drink recipes. You can also find her two cookbooks on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions. Greens & Chocolate; greensnchocolate.com Greens and Chocolate

Contact Cynthia Hamre 952.843.8268 cynthia@local.co

@greensnchocolate Taylor | greens & chocolate @greenschocolate

LAST GLANCE

By Hanna McDaniels

RUNNER UP: PLANTS & ANIMALS

Tranquil Moments Hobbyist photographer captures a moment of peace in the dog days of summer.

EDINA RE SI D EN T and hobbyist photographer Vicki Hurwitz

was out for a walk one warm summer morning in 2021 when she noticed the sun hitting her neighbor’s dog just right. She took advantage of the tranquil moment and pulled out her camera. “I liked the composition it made with the chair and the bright blue pillow,” she says. Hurwitz owns one small dog herself and beyond animals also enjoys taking pictures of plants and people. With this photo, Hurwitz received runner up in the Plants & Animals category of the 2021 Images of Edina photo contest.

Photographer:

Vicki Hurwitz Title: Serenity Equipment: Panasonic Lumix ZX200 To view other Images of Edina photo contest winners, visit edinamag.com.

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The Cedar Roof Man KUHLS CONTRACTING: 1515 SOUTH 5TH STREET, HOPKINS, MN • 952.935.9469

www.kuhlscontracting.com

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Five signs your cedar roof may need some TLC 1

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Edina Magazine - June 2022