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BACK PAIN

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Renee M. Kinney, D.D.S. and Allison M. McMillen, D.D.S.

For 50 years, Art & Science Family Dentistry has served the community. Art & Science Family Dentistry is a locally owned Woodbury clinic that has rooted its philosophy in the understanding that oral health plays a significant role in patients’ overall health and quality of life. “We aim to educate and empower our patients with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions involving their oral health,” says Renee Kinney, D.D.S. “We also tailor our treatments to fit each patient’s unique goals and requirements.” “During exams, every step is explained, leaving you with no questions or concerns,” says Lisa, a patient. “The hygienists, assistants and dentists are accommodating to fit each individual’s needs—as they know not everyone is the same.” The practice’s commitment to patients is a long-standing tenet. “Starting with my father in 1973, the most important part of our practice is our relationship with our patients,” Kinney says. “We know the best relationships are built on compassion, honesty and communication.” What sets Art & Science apart from the rest? “We believe being a dentist is about taking the relationship with your patients seriously, so seriously that you go above and beyond to keep learning; researching; understanding new technologies and how they might help your patients; and crafting a 14

team of compassionate, highly trained people,” Kinney says. The Art & Science philosophy states that compassion especially comes into play for patients who are hesitant or fearful about dental appointments. “We understand that visiting the dentist may be daunting for some individuals, and we strive every day to be the right doctor for that patient,” Kinney says. “We take our time checking in with them all along the way with gentle and compassionate care. All patients matter to us, and we are honored to be the ones who get to care for them and their dental needs.”

ART & SCIENCE FAMILY DENTISTRY 1000 Radio Drive, Woodbury 651.739.1894 • artsciencedentistry.com

lo c al tip s, tidb its & insi ght s

N OT E WO RT H Y

PETS

HAPPY HOWL-IDAYS

Photo: Chris Emeott

IF YOU’ RE H OST I N G G U ESTS this November and December, you’ll want to ensure your house and your family are prepared for the rush of it all. Often forgotten about are our furry friends—after all, it’s their holiday season, too! Follow these tips to get your pets in their best shape.

» Make sure your pet is properly groomed for guests— they’ll thank you for having your pet’s nails and other sensitive areas tended to! If you can’t get an appointment with your regular groomer, an at-home tubby a day before guests arrive will do in a pinch.

November 2023

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» If your pet isn’t used to wearing a cable knit sweater, bow tie/fur bow or pleated dress, don’t start now. » Make sure the food and treat bins are properly stocked, so you’re not forced to deviate from your pet’s regular diet. » If your pet uses the front lawn for its regular potty stop, tidy up the area before guests arrive. White snow provides a high-contrast color for … you get the picture. —Renée Stewart-Hester and Hailey Almsted

For more holiday preplanning tips, turn to page 18.

N OT E WO RT H Y

DISCOVER

A FARMER’S HANDS

A farmer’s hands are like no other. Large, gnarled, scarred, calloused, rough with soft palms like a well-worn leather baseball mitt. I had the pleasure of holding my second-cousin’s hand while saying grace at one of the Woodbury Heritage Society’s luncheons last year. Wayne Schilling, president of the Woodbury Heritage Society, was the last dairy farmer in Woodbury. He is retired, but his hands still show that he has milked cows, birthed calves, harnessed horses, hauled hay bales, repaired machinery and

TA S T E

fences, plowed fields of corn

Happy Holiday Hospitality

and soybeans and more. They are not the hands that hold a thin paint brush, compose a symphony or perform delicate brain surgery, but they orches-

I’m hosting Thanksgiving for the first time in

trate all the necessary parts of

a very long time. Despite my years of culi-

running a farm in perfect bal-

nary experience, I’m a little nervous. It’s likely

ance and harmony.

there will be a few new dietary concerns to

Cook quinoa according to directions; chill

maneuver. One of my favorite holiday main-

completely. In a large mixing bowl, drizzle

ing seems to be taken over

stays—Turkey Day Quinoa—can be enjoyed by

squash with about ½ of the oil; season

by large corporate farms, we

most anyone. Quinoa is naturally gluten- and

with ½ of the salt and pepper. Roast on

can lose the sight and feel of a

dairy-free. Leftovers? It makes a great next-

a parchment-lined baking sheet in a pre-

farmer’s hands. Do yourself a

day lunch.

heated 450-degree F oven until edges are browned and squash is just tender and dark

favor, and shake the hands of a farmer like Schilling and thank

Turkey Day Quinoa

golden-brown on the edges (about 15 min-

him for all his hard work to pro-

Serves 4

utes), turning once. Remove squash from oven; cool completely to room temperature.

vide food for all of us. Those hands are strong but gentle

» 1 cup uncooked quinoa

In an extra-large bowl, drizzle cold quinoa

ones that you can count on to

» 14 oz. butternut squash, finely diced

with remaining oil and lemon juice; season

offer help to a friend, neigh-

» ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, divided

with remaining salt and pepper. Add cooled

bor or any stranger in need of

» 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided

squash, cranberries, pepitas, apple, herbs and

assistance. I am grateful and

» ½ tsp. black peppercorns,

lemon zest to the bowl; gently toss. Adjust

proud to come from such a

divided and freshly ground

legacy of hardworking farmers.

Patty (Stutzman) Paulus is the board director with the Woodbury Heritage Society. Learn more at woodburyheritage.org.

seasoning, if needed.

» 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, freshly squeezed » ⅓ cup dried cranberries, chopped

Tasty Tip: Meat eaters might enjoy adding

» ¼ cup raw pepitas, chopped

½ lb. finely diced turkey.

» ½ Granny Smith apple, peeled and diced » 1 tsp. fresh rosemary leaves, minced » ¼ oz. fresh sage leaves, finely minced » ¼ oz. fresh Italian parsley

Rachael Perron is the culinary and branding director for Kowalski’s Markets. Find more at kowalskis.com.

November 2023

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Photo: Kowalski’s Markets

As the future of small farm-

leaves, finely chopped » 1 Tbsp. lemon zest, freshly grated

lo c al tip s, tidb its & insi ght s

ABODE

The Art of Decor It’s the magic of thoughtful decor that transforms ordinary moments into cherished memories. As an interior designer, I’ve witnessed how the power of decor can shape any event’s ambiance. Here are some fantastic decor suggestions to elevate your 2023 holiday entertaining experience: 1. All-Natural Decor: Embrace the beauty of nature, decorating with twigs, chestnuts, tree branches and decorations crafted from natural ingredients. 2. Hygge Holiday: Create a cozy and inviting atmosphere with a hygge-inspired theme. Drape your space in cozy knit blankets and faux furs, and set the mood with an abundance of candles. 3. Nontraditional Colors: Incorporate nontraditional colors (jewel tones, teal, pink, black or gold). 4. All-White Holiday Decor: Transform spaces into a winter wonderland with all-white decor. A living space adorned with thoughtfully chosen accessories can create an atmosphere of comfort and style that naturally draws people together. From coordinating color palettes to arranging decorative elements, these small details have the ability to make an ordinary evening extraordinary.

Photos: Amy Leferink and Megan Koren; Jack Clinton

Amy Leferink is the founder and principal designer and Megan Koren is the marketing director at Interior Impressions. Find more at interiorimpressions.org.

CITIZEN OF WOODBURY

on its board as treasurer and part of the

Meet a Champion

executive committee. Currently, he is on the finance and audit committee. Clinton feels the WCF has made significant strides in the past five years, notably

Jack Clinton visualizes the Woodbury

with the Woodbury Community Academy,

Community Foundation (WCF) as the pre-

Youth Engagement Leadership Academy

mier organization helping Woodbury and

and projects like the Angels of Hope

Washington County residents 30 years

Memorial that was dedicated in August. His

from today. His vision is to build up the

vision for the WCF is aggregating funds, so

WCF to sustain and grow as a viable inde-

the foundation can hire its own executive

pendent entity.

director and be the conduit that can “con-

An attorney, Clinton’s practice revolves

nect people to causes that matter,” he says.

around real estate, estate planning and trust administration. In 2006, Dick Stafford, one of the founders of WCF, engaged Clinton to help attain a 501(c)(3) nonprofit status for the WCF. Since then, Clinton has been a vital part of WCF. He has served

Manali Shah is a volunteer with the WCF and is an active volunteer with many organizations in Woodbury and Washington County for over 20 years. Find more at woodburyfoundation.org.

ABODE

Photo: Chris Emeott

Ready, Set, Host It’s all in the details and preplanning when it comes to the holidays. By Renée Stewart-Hester

November 2023

woodburymag.com

AS MUCH AS WE MIGHT NOT WANT TO ADMIT IT, there’s a fair

amount of chaos when it comes to the November/December vibe—the amounts vary like seasonal snowfalls, but there’s always assurances of even a dusting of bedlam this time of year. While there’s only so much preplanning that can be done, there are some steps to take when it comes to getting a handle on the unexpected. We’ve gathered some suggestions that should help keep everyone in the holiday spirit. Refrigerator: This is ground zero when it comes to holiday baking, cooking and hosting, so let’s address it well before the oven and stove heat up. • Take everything out. Give the refrigerator a thorough wipe down using nontoxic cleaners. • While bins for similar food items/categories are great and make everything look downright pretty, this time of year, consider opting for another tactic. Devote an entire shelf to breakfast items. This goes a long way in helping returning kids and visiting guests help themselves in the morning while you’re “resting” in your room. • Similarly, make sure lunch items are available and in one section. Follow the Three S Plan: Sandwich, Soup and Salad fixings help you and guests whip up a quick, easy noontime nosh. • Stay stocked with your baking needs, too (butter, cream cheese, eggs, half and half, whipping cream or whatever your recipes require). Major Appliances: These are called to active duty, so they should be ready to tackle those extra tasks. • Clean the oven, stove, microwave and any appliance that will be invited out of the cupboard or pantry. • Give the dishwasher a good cleaning, making sure the drains are clear to avoid clogging (potential kitchen flood) and odors emanating from it. • I consider my KitchenAid mixer as a major appliance. Clean it, and make sure you know where all your attachments are stored for a quick find. Pantry: While we can’t eliminate lastminute trips to the grocery store, let’s reduce them. • Make sure staple items are fresh and in supply. Think: baking soda/powder;

Dr. Dan Ehrmanntraut, DDS

We are a family dentistry practice and have been serving the community for over 30 years.

Dr. Steven Setterstrom, DDS

Services Include: • Preventative • Restorative • Cosmetic • Invisalign Braces www.preservedentistry.com

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Operated by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC

Photo: Chris Emeott

Create cozy moments for your guests.

The Divine Living Space partnered with Woodbury Magazine to style this home. The Divine Living Space is a full-scale interior design service based in the Twin Cities. It specializes in custom home builds, renovations, custom window treatments and high-end furnishings—all to create “the space you’ve always dreamed of.” thedivinelivingspace.com

The Divine Living Space

@thedivinelivingspace

The Divine Living Space

November 2023

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Follow us on Instagram where we S TAY C O N N EC T E D A N D C E L E B R AT E flour, salts and sugars (brown, powered and table)—the usual suspects. Don’t forget to check on frequentlyused extracts (almond, mint and vanilla), coffee/tea/hot chocolate mix, oils and vinegars. • Load up on easy hosting snacks for unexpected arrivals. Dried fruit, mixed nuts and specialty crackers and jams can help fill the appetizer gap. (It’s not a bad idea to send yourself a specialty food basket.) • If you’re a “help yourself” host, clean and organize your pantry—be it a walk-in variety or not—guests might be fishing around in there. Family Room: Any gathering space needs extra preparation for visitors. • Let’s start from the floor up: Throw rugs, while adding an extra décor touch, can be a hazard, especially for mobility challenged people and young children. Rethink them. • Extra pillows and throws are ideal for cozying up for movie nights or watching the bowl games, but edit them down when it’s party time. They can take up too much physical and visual space. • Be sure there’s plenty of space on your coffee table and side tables for guests to set a beverage (provide coasters!) or their appetizer plate. Guest Room/Bathroom: Making guests feel relaxed is all in the details. • Cozy up the beds with holiday- or winter-themed sheets, and provide extra blankets and pillows. • Provide the latest best-seller and copies of Woodbury Magazine for lovely bedtime reading. • For convenience, fill a basket with antacids, cotton swabs, deodorant, ibuprofen, lint brush, makeup remover towelettes, personal care items, phone charger, tissue, toothbrushes, toothpaste and more. • Provide plenty of bath towels, body lotion (winter skin), shampoo/conditioner, bodywash (Some guests prefer not to use bar soap.) and toilet tissue. For more tips on preplanning your home (and outfits!), visit woodburymag.com.

WO O D B U RY @ W O O D B U R Y M AG

showcase local people, places and events.

Complete Healthcare for Women & Their Families

Maria Vu, MD Christina Werman, DO

Jihan Abbott, DO Kristin Lockhart, MD

FAMILY MEDICINE HAS ARRIVED! We welcome Dr. Vu, Dr. Werman, Dr. Lockhart, and Dr. Abbott. Coordinating care between your primary family doctor and your OBGYN provider is now easier than ever. Our experienced Family Medicine physicians offer a complete range of care in our convenient Woodbury location. We provide Pregnancy and Postnatal Care, Pediatric Medicine, Management of Chronic Illnesses, Diabetes Management, Thyroid Management, Wellwoman Care, Routine Annual Exams, and more. Appointments are available.

Phone 651-600-3035 or visit mnwcare.com

Our locations 2603 White Bear Avenue N | Maplewood, MN 55109 1687 Woodlane Drive | Woodbury, MN 55125 15000 Garrett Ave | Apple Valley, MN 55124

Brecken Carlson

ACTIVE LIVING

Photo: Chris Emeott

Returning to the Rink Follow up with Predators Hockey, five years after its first championship win. By Rachel Schuehle

November 2023

woodburymag.com

HOCKEY IN MINNESOTA. It is as beloved as a warm hotdish straight from the oven. Local fans look forward to our tundra-like environment if it means hockey is back. For residents, the Woodbury Area Hockey Club (WAHC) offers exposure and training in the sport for skaters as young as 3 years old. From there, the program expands and develops, adding teams by age and skill level, all the way through high school. Teams include, from youngest to oldest: Termites, Mini Mites, Mites, Squirt, PeeWee, Bantam and Jr. Gold. Each team also has three divisions based on skill. One of the most admirable aspects of the process is the acceptance of the vast range of skillsets kids bring to the table. Last year, 125 skaters showed up to try outs for the PeeWee team alone—an event that more so allows coaches to assess the talent, skillsets and personalities of the kids, while also keeping in mind the needs of the teams and association as a whole. More than 875 skaters showed up to try out for the seven different teams. Let’s rewind. Back in 2018, the Predators PeeWee AA team participated in the Minnesota State championship and won the title—and Woodbury Magazine featured the team in its November 2018 issue. (Read the story at woodburymag.com.) It is hard to imagine a better feeling than winning the state championship. However, this past season (2022–23), five of the Predators teams—both girls and boys—went to state, and three of them won the title. As head coach Jeremy Bell says, “That’s never happened before. It’s unprecedented.” To be successful at any sport, players at a minimum must develop dedication and perseverance. As a team, there are factors, such as training and skill refinement, strong coaching and teammate cohesion. But what is it about the Woodbury Predators specifically that makes them so successful? According to Bell, it is all that and more. “We had a very deep and solid team this year, which allowed us to have everybody play and contribute,” he says. “We truly won games and tournaments and state as a team.” As he mentioned, WAHC is focused on fair play, meaning regardless of skill level within each team, equal ice time

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Predators coaching staff: Cole Basset, Jeremy Bell and Leon Hayward

Brothers Brecken and Kamdon Carlson

November 2023

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At Woodbury Senior Living, we serve seniors and their families by encouraging them to thrive – by offering a wide At Woodbury Senior Living, we serve seniors and their families by encouraging them variety of wellness-focused services and activities while empowering them to live as independently as possible.

Woodbury Senior Living

Transitional Care

variety of wellness-focused services and activities while empowering them to live

Integrative Therapies to Support

the Healing Process Transitional Care

Integrative Therapies to Sup the Healing A full spectrum of care options in a campus setting for 37Process years.

Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy

Woodbury Senior Living is pleased to offer a variety Offered for those who need to regain strength and indePhysical Therapy, Occupational pendence after surgery, injury or illness and are in transiof Integrative Therapies to enhance your well being. Therapy, and Speech Therapy tion from home or hospital. Our experienced clinical team Integrative therapies, also known as complementary therapies, are a Woodbury Senior is pleased ered for those who need to regain strength indeprovides a spectrum of rehabilitationAt and therapyOff services wide array of healing practices that fall outside purely pharmaceutical Woodbury Senior Living, we serve seniors andand their families by encouraging them to thrive – byLiving offering a wide to offer a va on-site to restore individuals to their fullest potential. Also or illness surgical treatments are intended to complement medical care. pendence after surgery,services injury or and are in but transiof Integrative Therapies to enhance your well b variety of wellness-focused and activities while empowering them to live as independently as possible. included in transitional care are customized integrative Due to their proven results, their use is growing rapidly around the country. tion from home or hospital. Our experienced clinical team Integrative therapies, also known as complementary th therapies, wellness and spirituality programs, including The following therapies are free of charge. provides a spectrum of rehabilitation and therapy services wide array of healing practices that fall outside purely p social activities, educational and intellectual programs, • Guided Imagery: Using your imagination to direct your thoughts towards healing. on-site fullest Also Gentle, non-invasive treatments orthat surgical treatments but areflow intended to complement physical wellness activities, vocational programs and spiri-to restore individuals to •their Energy Basedpotential. Healing Modalities: work to restore the natural included to their results, Occupational tual services. Visit our website forPhysical a full listTherapy, of services and in transitional care are customized and balance ofintegrative the body’s energy system. In times of stress, injuryDue or illness this proven energy system cantheir use is growing rapidly Therapy, and Speech Therapy special features included in rehabilitation/therapy! become congested, blocked or unbalanced. therapies, wellness and spirituality programs, including The following therapies are free of charge. Woodbury is pleased to offerto a variety Offered for those who need to regain strength and indeOils: Extracts of plants Senior that areLiving used to restore balance the bodyImagery: and emotions primarily through social activities, educational and• Essential intellectual programs, • Guided Using your imagination to direct you pendence after surgery, injury or illness and are in transiof Integrative to enhance your Care well Center being. are extracted from high quality, the sense of smell. The essential oilsTherapies used at Woodbury Health physical activities, spiri-therapies, • Energy tion from home or hospital. Ourwellness experienced clinical teamvocational programs and Integrative also known as complementary therapies,Based are a Healing Modalities: Gentle, non-invasive organically grown plants and blended by a certifi ed aromatherapist. provides a spectrum of rehabilitation and therapy services

At Woodbury Senior Living, we serve seniors and their Integrative Therapies to Support families by encouraging them to thrive the Healing Process - by offering a wide variety of wellness-focused services and activities while tual services. Visit our website for a full list and balance the body’s energy system. In times of s empowering them toof services liveandas independently asof possible. special features included in rehabilitation/therapy! become congested, blocked or unbalanced.

Transitional Care

Memory Care

wide array of healing practices that fall outside purely pharmaceutical

on-site to restore individuals their fullest potential. Also or surgical treatments but are intended to complement medical care. Memory Care at Woodbury Senior Living is available intoboth included in transitional care are customized integrative Due to their proven results, their use is growing rapidly around the country. Woodbury Estates and Woodbury Health Care Center. • Essential Oils: Extracts of plants that are used to restor therapies, wellness and spirituality programs, including The following therapies are free of charge. • At Woodbury Estates, this living social option off ers comfortable, specialized care for activities, educational and intellectual programs, • Guided Imagery: Using your imagination to direct your towards healing. thethoughts sense of smell. The essential oils used at Woodbury individuals with memory impairments such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of physical wellness activities, vocational programs and spiri• Energy Based Healing Gentle, non-invasive treatments that work to restore the natural flow Benefi ts ofModalities: Music Therapy organically plants blended by a certified ar dementia, while giving their families support and offor mind. tual services. Visit ourpeace website a full list of services and and balance of the body’s energy system. In times of stress, injury orgrown illness this energyand system can • Increase self-esteem & dignity special features included become congested, blocked or unbalanced. • At Woodbury Health Care Center, this living option offin ersrehabilitation/therapy! comfortable, specialized • Gives the resident control in a situation Caremedical at Woodbury both • Essentialin Oils: Extracts of plants that are used to restore balance to the body and emotions primarily through care for individuals with memory impairment as Memory well as complex needs. Senior Living is available where they seldomoils have control the sense of smell. The essential used at Woodbury Health Care Center are extracted from high quality, Woodbury Estates and Woodbury Health Care Center. • Enhances attention, memory, speech, It includes the same level of support found within our skilled nursing care, with organically grown plants and blended by a certified aromatherapist. the added benefit of customized activities tailored toWoodbury memory careEstates, individuals. • At this living option offers comfortable,and specialized orientationcare for

Memory Care

Healing Music Therapy

Available at WSL is prioritized by the coaches to encourMemory Care Healing Music Therapy age camaraderie between teammates assisted living, Memory Care at Woodbury Seniorwith Livingmemory is availableimpairments in both individuals such as Alzheimer’s and other formssocialization of • Facilitates positive Benefits of Music Thera and develop every skater’s talents.Each Inmemory care unit is locatedWoodbury Estatesarea andwithin Woodbury Health Care Center. in a monitored thewhile building. Healing Music • Creates an outletTh for erapy emotional expressionmemory care, TCU dementia, their families mind. • At Woodbury Estates, living option offgiving ers comfortable, specializedsupport care for and peace of • Increase self-esteem & Our licensed staff is trained to understand the uniquethis needs of the memory and Alleviates pain,specialized stress, decrease symptoms Erin Heidemann, Michaela Helms, individuals with memory impairments Health such as Alzheimer’s and other of option offers• comfortable, • At Woodbury Care Center, thisforms living addition, the coaching staff, who have Benefits of Music Therapy • Gives the resident cont work with each resident and their dementia, family members to customize a personal plan of depression, enhances overall well-being MT-BC MT-BC while giving their families support and peace of mind. • Increase self-esteem & dignity care for individuals with memory impairment as well as complex medical needs. and long term care. to maximize both self-motivation• and functional independence. where they seldom hav At Woodbury Health Care Center, this living option offers comfortable, specialized • Motivator and reward for resident physicalcontrol activity • Gives the in a situation varying levels of experience, often demincludes the sameaslevel support found within our skilled nursing care, with care for individuals It with memory impairment well asof complex medical needs. • Addresses spiritual needs • Enhances attention, m where they seldom have control It includes the samethe leveladded of support foundtwithin our skilled nursing care, with benefi of customized activities tailored to memory care individuals. • Enhances attention, memory, speech, • Decrease disruptive behavior and orientation onstrate an openness to sharing ideas the added benefit of customized activities tailored to memory care individuals. and orientation • Facilitates positive soc • Facilitates positive socialization memory care unitarea is within located in a monitored area within the building.• Creates an outlet for emotional expression Each memory care Each unit is located in a monitored the building. and practice plans. The association • Creates an outlet for em Our licensed staff isOur trained to understand unique needs of the memory and • Alleviates licensed staffthe is trained to understand the unique needs of the memory and pain, stress, decrease symptoms • Alleviates pain, stress, work with each resident and their family members to customize a personal plan sometimes even brings in skill developof plan depression, enhances overall well-being work with each resident and their family members to customize a personal to maximize both self-motivation and functional of depression, enhanc Callself-motivation usindependence. today to schedule a tourindependence. and learn more! • Motivator and reward for physical activity to maximize both and functional • Addresses spiritual needs • Motivator and reward ment coaches to hone in on specific • Decrease disruptive behavior • Addresses spiritual ne needs of teams and players. 651-287-6505 • Decrease disruptive be Or schedule a tour online at Hockey mom Kristel Carlson knows Call us today to schedule a tour and learn more! www.WoodburySeniorLiving.com the WAHC well, as two of her sons, 7012 Lake Road, Woodbury, MN 651-287-6505 Brecken and Kamdon, have won state Call us today to schedule a tour and learn more! Or schedule a tour online at Woodbury Senior championships with their Predator www.WoodburySeniorLiving.com Living ranks #12 teams, one in 2018 and the other in 2023. 7012 Lake Road, Woodbury, MN of 450 top facilities She believes it’s the people who make Or schedule a tour online at across 25 states. such great teams. www.WoodburySeniorLiving.com “It’s a good community. Woodbury does 7012 Lake Road, Woodbury, MN a good job,” Carlson says. “In Woodbury, you grow up playing hockey with the same kids, up until high school.” As a result, and as with most competitive team 651.426.8176 sports, when a group of individual players bruggemanexteriors.com grows close enough to perform as a single unit, it becomes like a family. info@bruggemanexteriors.com Bell says, “Most of the families at this age have known each other for 2555 County E Suite 104 a couple years. There are some relaWhite Bear Lake MN 55110 tionships that are already there.” The team kicks off the year with a party to celebrate, set expectations and build communication channels with parents and families. The holiday party and end-of-season get-together are joyful, of course, but to Bell it was the trip to state that touched him most. “When we went to state, we got sponsorships lined up, so we could rent a coach bus for the kids and they could travel together,” he says. It is moments like those, which solidify a team as a family. The regular season runs November through February. What’s on the roster for the team? Building on the momentum from last year and getting back to that same level of play. Oh, and a few trophies wouldn’t hurt either. Erin Heidemann, Michaela Helms, MT-BC MT-BC

001560802r1

651.501.2105 651-287-6505

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Roofing Siding

Windows

Photos: Chris Emeott

Gutters

Woodbury Area Hockey Club @woodburypredators @wahcpredators

Ami Kochendorfer and Amanda Nagy

PORTRAIT

Life in Technicolor The women behind a local design agency on creativity and building the business of your dreams. By Zoe Yates

For the two women behind Finn & Gray, this saying has quickly become their motto—a way to stand in their power, embrace learning and recognize that they’re creating a life they love. “Sometimes, it feels like we’re building the rollercoaster as it’s going up,” co-owner Amanda Nagy says. Nagy and fellow co-owner Ami Kochendorfer have spent the last four years building a business that empowers other business owners to pursue flexibility and fulfillment on their own terms. Though Kochendorfer, a Woodbury resident, and Nagy found their way

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Photo: Roo Way

WE’LL FIGURE IT OUT.

into entrepreneurship in October 2019 more by chance than necessity (The pair spent seven and nine happy years, respectively, at Anytime Fitness’ parent company Self Esteem Brands before leaving in 2019.), they’ve found a niche as “creative wingmen.” It’s work that has been especially needed in the wake of the voluntary departure of nearly 47 million Americans from the workforce in 2021, known as the Great Resignation. “... We could feel that people wanted to leave; they wanted to find something that was more suited toward their passion,” Nagy says. As a creative agency focused on logo and brand development, website design and photography, Finn & Gray doubles as an unofficial business coach at times, helping clients hone in on their mission, audience and goals to launch or rebrand their business. One of Nagy’s top pieces of advice for people looking to start a business? Learn the difference between motivation and action. “Ami and I, coming from a fitness environment, you learn the difference between motivation and action. When you’re reading a business book or a blog or listening to a podcast—that’s motivation. Action is when you actually take something and start working on it,” Nagy says. Kochendorfer recommends taking action by “setting up who you are as a brand—your vision, your mission, your core values, your differentiators—[if you] have those written down on a sheet of paper in front of you, every day, it helps you make decisions,” she says. For Finn & Gray, color, light and joy (with a vintage twist) are the heart of it all. The agency’s mission: To prioritize life over work and make family the priority. The company’s name itself is reflective of that, with Finn standing for Finley (Kochendorfer’s daughter, 10) and Grace (Nagy’s daughter, 7) who are, like their moms, two peas in a pod. “I feel like, through social media, we’re able to inspire others with our work and with the fact that we’re not hustleculture people. I love the idea that we get to represent hard-working moms—but that’s not our life. Our families are our lives ... And just showing that and being unapologetic about that … it’s important,” Nagy says. Visit woodburymag.com for exclusive content from Kochendorfer and Nagy. Finn & Gray; 651.301.8056; finnandgray.com

@finnandgray

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Renovation for a Reason Custom One Charities takes on a home project for the Starken family.

Wonderful Woodbury Even before Mitchell’s official diagnosis, the Starken family knew that his needs would affect every part of their daily life, including the way they used their home. “We looked into building a new house that we could design, maybe a rambler style, that was more

accessible,” Starken says. But they’d lived in their Woodbury home since 2017. “We loved our neighborhood and neighbors,” she says. The Starkens’ older son, Garrett—now 8— had taken on his big-brother role with grace and aplomb. “He’s so patient and understanding and helpful,” Starken says. “He’s so creative in ways to engage Mitchell, even though Mitchell has limited control of his limbs and is nonverbal. He really incorporates him in play. If friends are over and they’re doing sword fights, he puts a sword in Mitchell’s hand, so he can participate.” The Starkens decided to do their best to make their current house work for Mitchell and for the rest of the family. “Dan reached out to some local builders to find out how much an elevator would cost and how it would work,” Starken says. It would be expensive, and the red tape of getting funding through the county or state was formidable. “We decided to go rogue and figure this out ourselves,” she says.

Enter Custom One The Starkens had reached out to Woodburybased Custom One Homes to get the ball rolling on their home renovations. They wanted to start with an elevator, which would allow them to get Mitchell—and his equipment— safely from one floor to another, especially as he grows and becomes too heavy for an adult to carry him up the stairs. “It’s going to allow us to use our whole house,” Starken says. “Right now, he’s restricted to the main floor. He has a stander and a gait trainer, and those are heavy—we can’t move them anywhere

November 2023

Photo: Chris Emeott

For the first several years of their son Mitchell’s life, Dan and Jessie Starken lived in the horrible limbo every parent fears: Knowing your child is unwell but unable to find any real answers or diagnosis. Mitchell, who’s now 5, seemed typically healthy at birth. But the night they brought him home from the hospital, he had trouble breathing, which brought him to the emergency room and a months-long stay in the NICU. Doctors thought he might have a lung condition. Months—and years—of testing followed. “He ended up having a brain MRI, and that’s when they discovered the brain bleed,” says Jessie Starken. Mitchell had a stroke in utero. “He started having seizures at 6 months, but the epilepsy genetic panel was negative,” Starken says. “When he was around 3, I started pushing for genetic testing.” Finally, they had some answers. Ultimately, the genetic tests showed that Mitchell had Gould syndrome, which is usually characterized by weak blood vessels and a host of other conditions: muscle myopathy, kidney abnormalities, cerebral palsy, seizures and more. “There are only 200 people with Gould syndrome in the world,” Starken says. “It’s so rare. You can have a varying spectrum of outcomes, and each patient presents different.”

woodburymag.com

Dan and Jessie Starken with their children, Mitchell and Garrett, and their dog, Zoey.

neighbors help support the project. At the time of writing, the campaign has raised more than $20,000. Hamilton says the remainder of the costs will be covered by various initiatives as part of Custom One Charities’ giving.

Meaningful Modifications The renovated spaces in the Starkens’ home will have endless practical implications for the family and the team of therapists and caregivers, who spend time with Mitchell. “It’s important to us that he can experience life as much as possible,” Starken says. “We’re excited to be able to include him in every part of our house and also have a dedicated spot for therapy.” Before the project, medical and therapy equipment was scattered all over the home’s main level. “We had to set up a changing table on the dining room table,” Starken says. “We want to be able to feel like our house

Photo: Kate Hamilton

else.” The family also looked into other modifications for their home, like making flooring transitions and thresholds seamless, so Mitchell’s wheelchair doesn’t run over bumps, or widening doorways, so his chair and equipment can comfortably fit. “They came to us and said, ‘This is what we need,’” says Custom One marketing specialist Kate Hamilton. “They fully expected to pay for it all on their own.” But the Custom One team had a different idea. “It made sense for us to partner with them,” Hamilton says. They made the Starken family beneficiaries of Custom One Charities, which gives back to good causes all over the Woodbury community and beyond. “Every year, they do something for a family, and they wanted that to be our family this year,” Starken says. “We were shocked and really humbled.” Custom One set up a GoFundMe fundraiser as a way to let eager Woodbury

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PARTY WITH A PURPOSE Custom One Charities hosts its annual gala, The Mix, on February 17 in St. Paul. Guests enjoy music, dancing, food and a chance to raise funds for the charity’s annual projects, including for families like the Starkens.

Mitchell Starken

5:30 p.m.–midnight February 17, 2024. A’bulae, 225 Sixth St. E., St. Paul Find more information and registration at customonecharities.com.

Photos: Chris Emeott; Starken Family

Mitchell and Garrett Starken

is a home again, instead of a hospital.” “We took some time to really understand what the family needed,” Hamilton says. “We asked a lot of questions about Mitchell and about Garrett.” The Custom One team noted Garrett’s love of baseball and made both brothers custom baseball jerseys for the project’s ceremonial groundbreaking. The centerpiece of the renovation—the elevator—means the Starkens will always be able to help Mitchell get from one floor to another, along with the heavy pieces of equipment he uses almost every day. “It’s almost like building a three-story closet,” Hamilton says. The project team consulted with elevator experts to ensure that it will still run even if the home loses power. “When you have someone with a medical issue, there is no backup plan with stairs,” she says. “We thought about the worstcase scenarios.” The team is also replacing much of the home’s flooring, so transition strips won’t interfere with Mitchell’s wheels. They’re widening doorways to accommodate his wheelchair. They’re installing new trim and a special ceiling track in Mitchell’s bedroom for his lift system, which helps his parents and caregivers move him to and from his bed. “Mitchell is super social. He loves to be around everyone and included in whatever we do,” Starken says. The project, slated to be complete later this year, will allow Mitchell to participate fully in the family’s life—in any room he wants.

Custom One Homes, 5097 Woodlane Alcove; 651.372.2158; customonehomesmn.com Custom One Homes @customonehomesmn Custom One Homes MN

SPONSORED CONTENT

Woodbury salon reaches new heights with premiere service and staff. Salon Ultimo, a beloved full-service salon and spa in Woodbury, will mark its 35th anniversary on November 28. In honor of this momentous milestone, from 1-4 p.m. November 5, clients and the community will be treated to 20 percent discounts on all in-house products. Attendees can look forward to receiving a gift, enjoying refreshments and treats, and participating in raffle draws for prizes worth over $4,000. Additionally, the first 50 guest—who spend $50 or more—will receive a special gift, which is valued at over $100. If you cannot attend this event, there is a second opportunity on the salon’s November 28 anniversary to obtain a 20 percent discount with the purchase of a candle or gift set and

Salon Ultimo’s yearly guest favorite of 10 percent off gift cards—just in time for holiday giving! Salon Ultimo was founded in 1988 by John Mingo and Rebecca Erickson, passing the salon on to Chris and Shannon Schultz in 2006. Adding to the salon’s legacy, Kennidi Wallgren, daughter of Chris and Shannon, joined the team as a third-generation stylist in 2015. Her passion for the artistry of hairstyling and dedication to the salon’s values are evident as she becomes more deeply involved in the family business. Suzanne Voerding, assistant manager, and Molly Aamodt, general manager, are cherished members of the salon family. With Molly’s commitment spanning 16 years, her dedication assures us that she not only has our

best interest at heart, but also the prosperity of our beloved salon. Chris, Shannon and the team have elevated Salon Ultimo to new heights, earning recognition as one of the best establishments in Woodbury. Their accomplishments include winning Best of MN in several categories in the last two years, as well as accolades as Best Salon Spa and Best Place for a Manicure/Pedicure in the 2023 Woodbury Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards. Team Ultimo is grateful to everyone who voted for them in the magazine’s annual Best of Woodbury contest. The love and support over the past 35 years have been instrumental in Salon Ultimo’s success. The salon’s warmth and the team’s commitment are felt as guests walk

through the door. Not only is the team committed to its guests, but giving back to the local community is deeply ingrained in Salon Ultimo’s culture and is a cornerstone of its philosophy. The salon has donated more than $300,000 to local organizations, benefits and families in need. It has also offered numerous hours of free services and participates in community cleanup initiatives. Chris and Shannon proudly acknowledge their team’s generosity, loyalty and thoughtfulness. This inspiring bond motivates the team to continuously seek ways to make a positive impact on the community and the world. The team annually selects a family in need from the local community for its Candle of Hope initiative by selling candles and collecting financial donations to support the designated family. Sales for this event begin on November 5 and continue until Christmas Day. The bigger the dream, the more important the team. Celebrating 35 years in business allows for reflection and gratitude toward the amazing individuals who have shaped and supported Salon Ultimo. Chris and Shannon express deep appreciation for the constant love and loyalty demonstrated by Team Ultimo and its guests. “This incredible journey has been made possible by all those who have played a role in it. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who has contributed to this magical journey,” the couple says. Don’t miss out on the extraordinary events. “Mark your calendars, and be part of the Salon Ultimo anniversary celebration,” the couple says. “We can’t wait to celebrate with you!”

SALON ULTIMO 783 Radio Drive #109, Woodbury 651.738.5904 salonultimo.com

BRIGHT AND BOLD FLAVORS

Written by Zoe Yates Photos by Chris Emeott

TWIN CITIES ICE CREAM FAVORITE, BEBE ZITO, OPENS AT WOODBURY LAKES.

Bebe Zito is bringing a bit of magic to Woodbury. The ice cream and burger joint—the brainchild of Metro culinary legend Ben Spangler and Gabriella Grant-Spangler (Literally, the logo is an inked, Kewpieesque version of Spangler.)—has been making waves in the Twin Cities ice cream scene since its first location opened in Minneapolis in 2020. Ben, a second-generation chef and ice cream connoisseur, worked in Michelinstar restaurants and developed ice cream flavors for Milkjam Creamery and Rustica Cookies and Creamery before taking his talents into his own business alongside his then-fiancée and now-wife, interior architect and brand director Gabriella. Four years and three Minneapolis locations later, the duo has decided to “[bring] the weird to the suburbs,” Ben says. The Woodbury Lakes location of Bebe Zito focuses on grab-and-go and offers a beer and wine menu with plentiful indoor seating and seasonal outdoor seating. The shop will peddle Bebe Zito’s inspired ice cream flavors alongside smash burgers, chicken sandwiches and baskets. Freezers will be stocked with pints, cakes and take ’n bake cookies—and anything else the pair dreams up. (An online ordering app is in the works.) “We’re just trying to refigure the formula a little bit, and for us, that’s just really exciting,” Ben says. “We just want to figure out how to take the fun and the magic that we’ve created in the city and … bring it somewhere else.” Bebe Zito is not your traditional ice cream shop—and that’s the whole

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point. “We’re kind of reigniting, what I think, is some current version of what McDonald’s birthday parties looked like as a kid,” Gabriella says. Apart from the literal opportunity for birthday parties (The Woodbury location will have a room available for group rentals.), the Bebe Zito look and menu is built on nostalgia and a child-like joy; it’s a melting pot of vintage diner culture and global flavors, created and marketed—via the creative genius of Gabriella—to appeal to a wide range of ages, backgrounds and interests. “When we first started, our big thing was creating some kind of food experience where we’re using that chef-driven etiquette to create something that is approachable,” Gabriella says. With a bright, eccentric brand and bold flavors, Bebe Zito seeks to be as appealing to kids and grandparents as it is to the outsiders of the world. “One of the biggest goals … is making people feel magic and making people feel a sense of wonder,” Ben says. “… Being different is what can be really special in life.” The opening of the Woodbury Lakes location is the pair’s first step into engaging with the east Metro—a step they hope leads to more locations and even more story-inspired ice cream flavors. “There are a lot easier ways to make money, but you do it because you love it. The pace at which this is going, the reception from the public—there’s so many aspects of this that we’re just really grateful for and really touched to have,” Gabriella says. “In some ways, you hope and dream for these big ideas, but this definitely exceeded expectations, too, and feels even more fulfilling than we were hoping for.”

TELLING A STORY THROUGH FLAVOR Brigadeiro, brûléed flan, guava, gochujang, Thai tea. This is just a peek at the global ingredients behind Bebe Zito’s fantastical ice cream offerings. Each flavor is built on a story, whether of the creators’ or customers’. “It’s not just the same chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, cookie dough that everyone has—which we have, but it all has a very intentional twist on it,” Ben says. Gabriella’s Brazilian roots are a pillar of the Bebe Zito menu, with flavors inspired and uplifted by her mom’s baking (Brazilian Brigadeiro Chocolate and Dulcineia) and others with quintessential Brazilian flavors, like guava, that are not easily found in Minnesota (Romeu e Julieta). “We’ve had Brazilian families that have literally cried while eating our ice cream because they moved away and haven’t been able to taste things that remind them of home,” Gabriella says. “Those moments are really special.” While the duo has enjoyed picking what flavors will appear at the Woodbury location, Gabriella says the community will drive the ice cream shop’s momentum. “We want the menu to reflect community,” she says. “That’s kind of what we’re all about, too, is being an ice cream shop that represents the flavors of the people that go to it.”

Ben Spangler and Gabriella GrantSpangler

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Q+A WITH BEN AND GABRIELLA Which Bebe Zito ice cream flavor do you most identify with and why? Ben (B): I’m Dat Malt Dough. I like it because it’s cookie dough ice cream, so when you first hear it, you’re like, “Oh, everyone has that.” It sounds pretty simple. But the recipe for the cookie dough took like 20 recipes, and the reason that it has so much detail into it is because the dough is the perfect texture, and it’s really cloying. We took the chocolate chips out, so your teeth would pay more attention to the dough, and, instead, we do a chocolate ganache. So, you have this really sumptuous, salty sweet dough, and then you have this rich dark chocolate to balance it. The reason I like it is it’s outwardly simple and inwardly quite complex. Gabriella (G): The Romeu e Julieta, which has very quickly become a shop favorite. Growing up, there were a lot of flavor profiles that I had experienced visiting Brazil and seeing family. Having fresh guava is just something that doesn’t exist here … so creating this really rich cream cheese base with guava ripple in it … it’s something that’s really familiar to a lot of Latin communities … And then we had to put that Midwestern American nostalgic twist on it and put a really fun Ritz cracker crumble on it to give it extra salt and crunch and umami … That’s the one I crave after a long, hard day. What’s an ingredient you can’t live without? G: I would say passion fruit … Obviously, it’s a sweet ingredient, but it’s really good in savory, as well. It just gives stuff a really good punch. Oh, or MSG. B: I specifically like this ingredient in ice cream because it’s really hard to master. It’s in all cooking: butter. But to get it into ice cream is actually very hard because usually it makes things greasy or gritty … when you can pull it off, I think it’s really delicious.

How do you spend a day off? G: We just like to turn off the noise. A lot of times we go to Minnehaha Dog Park [in Minneapolis] where it’s off leash with our dog and just turn the noise off for a while. After a while, your brain just gets really swollen from all of the work and all of the processing … That and a good home-cooked meal. B: Yeah, cooking at home. Especially if I can turn my phone off and just be with the ingredients and make something really nice for Gabby. G: And pick something up from Coastal Seafood. B: That’s a perfect day. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received? G: You need to take time off and leave, otherwise, how will you know what needs fixing? … And the problems that arise, they’re not problems—they’re just new challenges. B: Don’t get in your own way—and having the wherewithal to know what that means and how to apply it. Tell me about a moment you’ll never forget. G: Easy. Getting married on the front steps [of Bebe Zito’s first location in Uptown], during COVID-19. B: Everyone was masked up. G: It was our first day off. We decided either we were going to wait for a time when it made sense to have a wedding or just do it now. Two days before we got married, we decided we were getting married. What is your idea of perfect happiness? B: Building something special with your best friend. G: Yeah. And doing something that means something to others.

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A lifestyle with a grateful heart

AT S A I N T T H E R E S E O F W O O D B U R Y

BENEFITS SENIORS CAN EXPERIENCE WHEN THEY PRACTICE GRATITUDE, ALONG WITH CULTIVATING MORE GRATITUDE IN LIFE. Builds Self-Esteem

Increases Spiritual Connection

Practicing gratitude helps seniors stay grounded, reminds them that they are valuable, and reduces social comparison.

For many seniors, practicing gratitude reminds them of their true identity and fills them with hope and faith.

Improves Health

Improves Memory

Practicing gratitude leads to better sleep, less depression, and helps with chronic illness.

Grateful people are more likely to recall past experiences in a more positive manner. They savor the good times and are better equipped to cope when hard times come their way.

Strengthens Relationships Gratitude increases social connections and strengthens current relationships. Feeling connected socially, seniors feel less isolated and lonely.

A grateful heart is a healthier heart, APA 2015

Experience the gratefulness:

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7555 Bailey Road Woodbury MN• sainttherese.org

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Mon. through Fri.: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

lo c al things to se e an d do

O N T H E TOW N

Mayor Anne Burt poses with residents.

WELCOME TO WOODBURY

Photos: City of Woodbury

Event offers a chance to meet fellow community members.

G E A R E D TOWARD BOTH new residents of Woodbury and those already a part of the community, Welcome to Woodbury is the place for all residents to connect with the city and each other. “The free event will feature staffed information booths from the city’s seven departments—administration and finance, community development, engineering, information and communications technology, parks and recreation, public safety and public works—where you can find out about programs and services offered to residents,” says Megan Beck, City of Woodbury communications specialist. In addition, representatives from several Woodbury nonprofit organizations will be in attendance for resi-

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dents interested in getting involved through volunteer programs and community-wide events. Mayor Anne Burt and members of the City Council will also be there to welcome residents. For families bringing their children, Beck says, “There will be bounce houses to keep the kids entertained and food available for purchase from food trucks.” Otis, the community support dog, will also be in attendance. —Lily Schlobohm

Welcome to Woodbury is slated for 5–7:30 p.m. November 9. For more information visit woodburymn.gov.

O N T H E TOW N

Festival de las Calaveras

Your Care. Your Choice.

Compiled by Macy Berendsen and Lily Schlobohm

LOCAL EVENTS

As the Twin Cities’ largest and most experienced cancer treatment provider, we know that treating cancer calls for more than compassion. It means giving our patients access to more than 100 cancer care experts, evidence-based treatment paths, close-to-home locations and comprehensive services to support the whole person.

11/05

one common goal – fighting cancer.

11/17 Join American Sewing Guild’s

We are a community of care – dedicated to you.

Our compassionate team works tirelessly towards

Stitch and Chat

Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter at its Stitch and Chat event. The Woodbury Neighborhood Group will be planning

Matt Hannah Concert Join Minneapolis-based folk singer-song-

its 2024 calendar. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–

2 p.m. Jerry’s Foods, 7760 Hargis Parkway; 612.201.5917; asg-mpls-stpaul.org

writer Matt Hannah for a day in the park at Woodbury Central Park. All ages. Free. 2 p.m. 8595 Central Park Place; bandsintown.com

Woodbury Wobble 5K 11/23 Start your Thanksgiving Day with a 5K

Autism Support Group

to help stock the shelves of local food

11/14

banks. There will be a turkey scaven-

Join Forever Parents, an autism sup-

ger hunt along the trail for young ones

port group for parents and caretak-

and swag bags. All ages. $35. 8–10 a.m. 9715 Valley Creek Road; runsignup.com

ers led by Kate Swenson from Finding Cooper’s Voice. Adults only. Free with

registration. 6–7:30 p.m. Central Park Valley Creek Room A, 8595 Central Park Place; theduffy1028@gmail.com; findingcoopersvoice.com

Encore Music Connect

AREA EVENTS

Twin Cities Con 11/03–11/05

11/16

The returning Twin Cities Con is a celebra-

Enjoy a performance by Encore Wind

tion of comics, film, art and so much more.

Ensemble at Woodbury High School.

An extensive exhibitor and artist list will

The performance is conducted by

be present the whole weekend, including

Timothy Mahr. All ages. Free. 7–

special guests, including Jason Lee from

8:30 p.m. 2665 Woodlane Drive; info@encorewind.com; encorewinds.com

Almost Famous, Rachel Leigh Cook from She’s All That and Timothy Zahn from

mnoncology.com 40

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l o ca l t h i n g s to se e a n d d o

Star Wars. All ages. Prices vary. Times vary. Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave. S., Mpls.; 612.335.6000; twincitiescon.com

Festival de las Calaveras

Check out the best wings around!!

11/04 The 11th annual Festival de las Calaveras celebrates Dia de los Muertos. The festival features music, art, dance, food trucks and more. All ages. $12–$20. 6–11 p.m. The

5 OFF Anything

Cedar Cultural Center, 416 Cedar Ave. S., Mpls.; 612.338.2674; festivalcalaveras.com

A Roaring Twenties Party

USE ONLINE CODE: secret

11/04 Join a Gatsby-style party with flappers

With Coupon. ONE COUPON PER VISIT. Not valid with any other ofter. Expires 12-15-23.

and more at the Metropolitan Ballroom. The event includes a vintage vocal style singer Mia Door. Ages 21 and older. 7–11:45 p.m. Metropolitan Ballroom, 5418 Wayzata Blvd., Golden Valley; courtney@beckworthgroup.com; dropitlikefscott.com

European Christmas Market 11/25–11/27

Pizza •Pasta • Wings • Salads & Hoagies DINE IN • PICK UP • DELIVERY 651.735.6700 • mnbestpizza.com Woodbury • 1850 Weir Drive, Suite #7 (across from Woodwinds Hospital) Mon-Th 11am-8pm • Fri-Sat 11am-9pm •Sun 4pm-8pm

Walk through an authentic European Christmas shopping experience inspired by German Christkindl markets. Enjoy handmade gifts and unique foods. All ages.

10 a.m.–8 p.m. Union Depot, 240 E Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul; stpaulchristmasmarket.org

Holidazzle

Through Every Stage, We Are Here.

11/25–12/18 The popular Fulton Beer Garden, winter fireworks show, illuminated art installation and more return to Loring

iStock.com/Cavan Images

Park. All ages. Prices vary. Times vary. Loring Park, 1382 Willow St., Mpls.; 612.376.SNOW; holidazzle.com

To have your event considered: email woodburymag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. Due to the fluidity being experienced in the current environment,

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Eat, Drink and

Written by Kristie Smith Photos by Chris Emeott

November 2023

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Photo: xxxxxxxxx

Cranberry

Welcome the super powers of a Thanksgiving superfruit.

Cranberries for Thanksgiving sounds like a sequel to the children’s story book Blueberries for Sal. In the classic tale, Sal and her mother pick berries to can for the winter, a tradition of harvesting and the encounters of a child that leaves delighted readers with a hankering to wander fields, collecting buckets and stories of their own. Just across Minnesota’s eastern border, cranberry growers celebrate their own harvest traditions, raking through water-logged bogs to collect their crops for distribution all over the country. Wisconsin is the nation’s leading producer of cranberries and harvests more than 60 percent of this country’s crop. In fact, it is believed half of the world’s crop is grown in the Badger State, according to the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association (WSCGA). Though a wobbly, can-shaped gel at the holidays may be what pops to mind, the tart, red berry starts out growing on a shrub and trailing on vines in bogs supported by cool, marshy conditions. The cranberry flower produces young white fruits, which mature to their infamous deep red color before the fall harvest. Because they float— the cranberries are grown dry but harvested flooded—farmers learned long ago to flood their bogs and marshes, making fruit collection much easier to maneuver. Late in September into early October, when the autumn’s orange and yellow leaves complement the glowing red maples, cranberry farmers wrap up their seasons in their fields, harvesting their crops. Though the harvest has finished this year, a Saturday road trip along Wisconsin’s Cranberry Highway will typically take curious cranberry lovers along a self-guided route about 50 miles long across central Wisconsin’s cranberry growing region. Among the centuriesold cranberry beds, visitors can travel from Warrens, Wisconsin, thought of as the cranberry capital of the state just south of Eau Claire to

November 2023

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Wisconsin Rapids to see and sample the staple that will then find its way to Thanksgiving tables around the country. While on the road, make a stop at Wetherby Cranberry Company in Warrens, where the family has grown cranberries for more than 100 years. Next, visit the cranberry museum at Discover Cranberries to observe a 1920s-era cranberry sorting mill and fresh fruit picking line. Warrens Cranberry Festival is celebrated the last full weekend in September—and it celebrated its 50th anniversary celebration this year—so a visit at the peak of the season is always a taste-filled outing.

REAP THE BENEFITS These colorful fruits are native to North America and were introduced by Native Americans to the early colonists, who brought them to the European trade markets. The Algonquian tribes called cranberries sassamanash and used them for dyes and wound care as well as part of a healthy staple of their diets, according to the WSCGA. With fiber, vitamins, antioxidants and polyphenols, it’s easy to see why they’re categorized by nutritionists as a superfruit. These heart healthy gems are packed with antioxidants and antimicrobial benefits. Research from the Cranberry Institute shows the flavonoids and phytonutrients in these little red fruits can help with obesity, hypertension and diabetes as well as urinary tract infections. If fresh cranberries are hard to find, The Cranberry Institute suggests an 8 oz. serving of 27 percent or more cranberry juice cocktail to get an even swap of healthful benefits.

Cranberry Pomegranate Crostini

Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies

THE HEADLINER Cranberries should headline any and all of the November and December holiday get togethers. “Cranberries are a family favorite for all occasions,” says Lunds & Byerlys events and demo manager Kristi Ryan. “We love the crunchy tart bites in smoothies, salads and our all-time favorite recipe: Sugared Cranberries. Everyone at our house knows how to make them, and when we bring them as host/hostess gifts, our friends are hooked!” Whether in a glass or on the table, these tart fruits are key features in some of Lunds & Byerlys favorite recipes. (And they look nothing like your grandmother’s canned variety!)

For the cocktails:

Cranberry Pomegranate Crostini

» 4 oz. Cranberry-Rosemary Syrup, divided

» 1 baguette

» 2 oz. orange juice, freshly squeezed

» ½ cup fresh cranberries, finely chopped

» 750 ml. Champagne, prosecco

» ¼ cup pomegranate seeds

or sparkling white wine

» 2 Tbsp. parsley, chopped

» quartered orange slices, cranberries

» 1 Tbsp. olive oil

and rosemary sprigs, for garnish

» 1 ½ tsp. honey » goat cheese

To make the syrup, combine all six ingre-

» fresh orange zest

dients in a small saucepan, and bring to a

» salt and pepper, to taste

simmer. Stir occasionally until the cranberries burst and release their juices, about

Cut a baguette into slices, and toast on

five minutes. Remove the syrup from the

a baking sheet in the oven. Next, mix

heat, and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain

together ½ cup finely chopped fresh

into a glass jar, pressing gently on the cran-

cranberries, ¼ cup pomegranate seeds,

Sparkling Cranberry Cocktail

berries to extract their juices. Transfer the

2 Tbsp. chopped parsley, 1 Tbsp. olive oil

Serves 4

syrup to the refrigerator to cool completely.

and 1 ½ tsp. honey. Add salt and pepper

To make one cocktail, fill a Champagne

to taste. Spread each baguette slice with

For the Cranberry-Rosemary Syrup:

flute with 1 oz. Cranberry-Rosemary Syrup.

goat cheese, and top with the cranberry-

» 1 heaping cup fresh cranberries

Layer with ½ oz. orange juice, and top with

pomegranate mixture. Add fresh orange

» juice of ½ lemon

6 oz. Champagne. Garnish with an orange

zest over the top, and serve.

» 1 cinnamon stick

slice, a few cranberries and a sprig of fresh

» ½ cup sugar

rosemary. Repeat with the remaining cock-

» ½ cup water

tails, and enjoy!

» 2 large sprigs fresh rosemary

November 2023

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Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies Serves 16 » cooking spray » ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted » 1 cup packed organic brown sugar » 2 brown eggs, room temperature » ¾ tsp. vanilla extract » 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour » 1 ½ tsp. baking powder » ¼ tsp. kosher salt » ⅛ tsp. organic ground cinnamon » 1 cup frozen cranberries » ¾ cup white chocolate, coarsley chopped » organic powdered sugar, for finishing Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray,

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and line it with parchment paper, allowing

Insured by NCUA.

two long sides to hang over the edges of the pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about three minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking to incorporate between each addition. Whisk in the vanilla extract. In a second large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt and ground cinnamon. Using a rubber spatula, mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in two additions, making sure there

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are no streaks of flour and the batter is smooth. Stir in the cranberries and white chocolate until evenly distributed. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, and use a rubber spatula to smooth the top. Bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool on a wire rack for two hours. Use the long sides of the parchment paper to lift the blondies from the pan. Cut

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the bars into eight equal squares, then slice the squares in half diagonally to create 16 triangles. Fill a small fine-mesh sieve with powdered sugar, and lightly dust the blondies. Leftover blondies can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days.

Currently Serving Lunds & Byerlys, 7050 Valley Creek Plaza; 651.999.1200; lundsandbyerlys.com Lunds & Byerlys

@lundsandbyerlys

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Call (651) 578-0722 or visit woodburychamber.org for details. 45

BY THE NUMBERS Cranberries pack a powerful punch and an interesting history. According to the WSCGA and the Cranberry Institute: • More than 1,000 food and beverage products contain cranberries. In fact, it takes about 4,400 cranberries (10 pounds) to make a gallon of juice. About 5 percent of the nation’s crop are sold as fresh fruit and the rest are turned into sauces, juices, dried fruit and other foods. • A barrel (100 pounds) became the standard measurement of production of cranberries because of the way they were packaged for shipping to markets in the United States and Europe, according to the Cranberry Institute. • Legend has it early European settlers called them “crane berries” because the flower of the fruit looked like the head and neck of the sandhill crane. • Henry Hall, a Revolutionary War veteran, is credited with planting the first commercial cranberry bed in Massachusetts in 1816.

LET’S FACE IT In Stillwater, cranberry seed oil is the foundation of the products created by esthetician and Stillwater Skin & Medical Spa owner Amy Haugen, who started using the superfruit’s oil more than 15 years ago to help her with acne and dry skin. Her toxin-free, certified-vegan skin care line now includes nearly 30 products that incorporate cranberry seed oil to help with everything from skin cleansing and rejuvenation to acne treatment, moisturizing and scar care.

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

“Cranberries are rich in vitamins,” Haugen says. “Their seeds contain vitamins A and E, and Omega 3, 6 and 9. It takes a semi-truck of cranberries to cold press out 1 gallon of seed oil.” Stillwater Skin & Medical Spa, 6381 Osgood Ave. N., Stillwater; 651.342.1532; stillwaterskin.com

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LAST GLANCE

Photographer: Steven Meisel Title: Selfie

Equipment: OMD-EM-5ii with Olympus 300 mm lens and 1.4 teleconverter Location: Ojibway Park Road Category: Wildlife & Nature Award: First Place

Blissful Bird Walk Photographer captures an astonishingly close shot of a turkey.

Steven Meisel was strolling down Ojibway Park Road when a flock of turkeys came out from the pond area and onto a nearby lawn. “Reflexively, I crouched down for a good angle, raised the camera and just started shooting,” says Meisel, who has made it a habit of bringing his camera on walks for potential spur-of-the-moment pictures. It was Mesiel’s mentality of “allowing the scene to come to me” that aided him in receiving first place for his up-close bird shot. “I know that photo opportunities often arise when one least expects it,” he says. —Lily Schlobohm To view other Focus on Woodbury photo contest winners, visit woodburymag.com.

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