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’TIS THE SEASON TO BE HARMONIOUS Phil Thompson shares his musical endeavors through annual charity album

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WOODBURY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION HELPING KIDS & FAMILIES You are making a difference and touching the lives and hearts of so many families in our community by supporting our Foundation efforts for Community grants, programs, and funds. Grants Awarded This year, the Foundation awarded more than $20,000 to non-profits to reduce hunger, increase public safety, help families affected by domestic violence and improve health and well-being with a focus on mental health, diversity, equity and inclusion. "We’re pleased to provide help to hundreds of our local kids and families in need,” said Matt Johnson, Chair, Woodbury Community Foundation. “Responding to community needs is how the Woodbury Community Foundation can make a difference in our community.” Program Successes We are building on the success of our popular Woodbury Community Academy (formerly Woodbury Citizens Academy) which has graduated more than 200 Woodbury leaders.

If you’re a Woodbury resident, we are now accepting applications for the class of 2023. We also awarded scholarships to high school students in our new Youth Engagement Leadership Academy program aimed at developing future Woodbury leaders. We want Woodbury to be a better place to live for all, now and in the future!

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Other program efforts include our Woodbury Thrives and Anti-Racism Initiatives. You can read more on our website. New Crisis Fund Please consider joining your neighbors by donating to help fund WCF future grants and WCF funds. We are taking donations for a new Public Safety Fund that will provide gift cards for groceries, gas, and clothing to people in crisis. For more information or to give donations to the Woodbury Community Foundation visit: www.woodburyfoundation.org.

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DECEMBER 2022 This issue is all about giving back. “At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished … It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.” —Denzel Washington, actor

DEPARTMENTS 18 — ’Tis the Season to be Harmonious Phil Thompson shares his musical endeavors through annual charity album.

20 — Brotherly Love All-district PWER Alpine Ski Team looks forward to the season.

22 — For the Community Basic Needs Thrift Shop helps families in need.

24 — Healing and Hoping The Angel of Hope Memorial provides a space for parents to honor their lost children.

FEATURES 30 — Behind Closed Doors Emerson Tallents advocates for herself and teenagers who struggle with mental health.

34 — Cultivating Connection Three Girl Scouts bring a sense of pride and purpose to a senior living community.

TASTEMAKERS 44 — On a Roll

IN EVERY ISSUE

PAGE 44

10 13 41 48

— — — —

Editor’s Letter Noteworthy On the Town Last Glance

woodburymag.com

Photo: Chris Emoett

Our Editorial Advisory Board gets into the holiday spirit with their family traditions.

TO P G I F T S

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FROM THE EDITOR H AILE Y ALM STED — HA ILEY@LOCA LMEDIA .CO

Photo: Rachel Nadeau

his issue of Woodbury Magazine closes out 2022, and we’re ending the year on a high note. In this issue, we’re celebrating the season of giving back and the joy of tradition. Speaking of tradition, I started a new one in my family last year, one that I intend to keep for quite some time. I’ve never had the duties of hosting holiday gatherings—we tend to do a rotation cycle of hosting duties, so it may be awhile until it’s my time—but I always bring a tasty gift for our host or hostess. Last year, I created what I call Christmas Tree Bread, a warm and cheesy appetizer that only lasted a few minutes before being devoured. It was so good that I’ve since made a couple of variations of it; for the Superbowl, Easter and just because. Find the recipe for Christmas Tree Bread on page 44, along with a few more recipes from our Editorial Advisory Board. And, in the mood of giving back, we’re sharing the stories of a few locals, who have given back in big ways. On page 22, Vickie Snyder of Basic Needs Thrift Shop shares how the nonprofit organization has assisted families in need from Washington County. She says, “Success is seeing our clients receive the support they need, instilling self confidence, empowering them and helping them achieve self-sufficiency.” And writer Zoe Deal connects with three local Girl Scouts who’ve brought a sense of purpose to one of Woodbury’s senior living communities. Read Cultivating Connection on page 34. Top off your holiday cheer with Phil Thompson’s annual charity album— released earlier last month. Thompson shares the details of his newest album, how the traditional album got its start and more on page 18. From our team to your family, Happy Holidays!

On the Cover Phil Thompson, photo by Chris Emeott, page 18 See what we’re doing behind the scenes and around town! Woodbury Magazine @woodbury_mag @wburymag

December 2022

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VOL. 19 NO. 4 woodburymag.com

publisher Susan Isay

editor Hailey Almsted

managing creative director Renée Stewart-Hester

managing editor Hailey Almsted

digital editor Madeline Kopiecki

copy editors Kellie Doherty Sherri Hildebrandt

staff writers Zoe Deal Ava Diaz Daniel Huss Hanna McDaniels Staci Perry Mergenthal Kira Schukar

contributing writers Nancy S. Collett Alexandra Eve Rachael Perron

editorial interns Nicole Berglund Megan Hegenbarth Hanna McDaniels Paige Schuller

editorial advisory board Matthew Johnson, Anew Real Estate Group at Keller Williams, Woodbury Lions Club, Woodbury Community Foundation, Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce Marni Kanne, South Washington County Schools, SoWashCo Community Education Elizabeth Kriel, Jerry’s Foods Elizabeth Owens, City of Woodbury Margaret Wachholz, Woodbury Heritage Society, Woodbury Community Foundation, Woodbury Senior Living

senior managing art director Sarah Dovolos

art director Allison Nolden

junior designer Jamie Klang

lead staff photographer Chris Emeott

production director Brittni Dye

production manager Lisa Stone

production coordinator Mimi Coz

senior account executives Brooke Beise Cynthia Hamre Sara Johnson Kathie Smith

president Pete Burgeson

LOVE Happy Holidays from

N OT E WO RT H Y

lo c al tip s, tidb its & i ns i ght s

READ

THE SPECKLED BEAUTY

S P E C K I S N OT A N AV E R AG E FA M I LY PET.

He came into Rick Bragg’s life as a scrawny, starving, disobedient animal prepared to wreak havoc. Bragg’s ode to Speck is both lighthearted and melancholy, but the bond between dog and owner is clear. I listened to the audiobook of The Speckled Beauty after getting the recommendation from a literary podcast. I can’t imagine the printed book conveys the story as fully. Bragg has a charming Southern accent and drawl that results in a moving, sincere tale. I felt as though I knew Speck. I appreciated him despite his penchant for digging up graves, rolling in manure and howling at the moon. I highly recommend listening to The Speckled Beauty if you’re in the mood for a playful and honest narrative of man’s best friend. Margaret Gardner is the senior library manager at R.H. Stafford Library. Find more to read at washcolib.org.

December 2022

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N OT E WO RT H Y

TA S T E

I’m a fan of many, many world cuisines, and

Swedish and 25 percent Norwegian. Foods

I plan to serve Swedish Meatballs for

I’m lucky to have the opportunity to explore

like lutefisk, rye bread and kringla show up

Christmas, with sweet and sour cabbage,

the foods and recipes of other cultures as

at family gatherings at holiday time, but I’ve

hasselback potatoes and pepparkakor, skip-

a part of my job. Over many years, I’ve tried

never really dug into them at home.

ping lutefisk in favor of lingonberries. Happy

and tasted food from Central and South

This season, I decided to rectify my over-

America, Southeast Asia, Europe and the

sight and developed some Scandi (or at least

Middle East, among other places. Along

Scandi-inspired) recipes to share with my

the way, I’ve discovered favorites and tech-

kids and my husband’s family. My 100 percent

niques that have changed the way I shop,

Swedish mother-in-law taught me how to

eat and cook at home.

make kringla and was thrilled to share both

Surprisingly, a type of cuisine I haven’t

her childhood food memories and her opin-

spent a lot of time studying is Scandinavian,

ions on my first ever attempt to make lefse

even though my husband is 50 percent

(I know, mom, it’s Norwegian, not Swedish!).

(hygge) holidays to all!

Rachael Perron is the culinary and brand director for Kowalski’s Markets, where she specializes in product development and selection, culinary education and communications. Find more at kowalskis.com.

December 2022

woodburymag.com

Photo: Kowalski’s Markets

HYGGE HOLIDAYS

Swedish Meatballs Serves 4 » ⅔ cup plain breadcrumbs » ½ tsp. kosher salt, plus more for seasoning the sauce » ½ tsp. garlic powder » ¼ tsp. freshly ground Kowalski’s black peppercorns, plus more

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for seasoning the sauce » ½ tsp. ground allspice, divided » ½ tsp. ground nutmeg, divided » ¾ cup milk » 1 lb. Kowalski’s certified humane 93 percent lean ground beef » ½ lb. Kowalski’s naturally raised ground pork » 1 egg » ¼ cup finely chopped onion » 1 Tbsp. finely chopped parsley, plus more for garnish, if desired » Kowalski’s extra virgin

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olive oil cooking spray » 4 Tbsp. (½ stick) Kowalski’s unsalted butter » 3 Tbsp. flour » 2 cups beef broth » 1 cup heavy cream » 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce » 1 tsp. Dijon mustard Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together breadcrumbs, salt, garlic powder, pepper, ½ the allspice and ½ the nutmeg. Stir in milk; let stand for 10 minutes. Add meat, egg, onion and parsley to the bowl; using your hands, thoroughly mix until well blended (do not overmix). Form 20–22 1 ¾- to 2-inch balls, using slightly wet hands; arrange on parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Spray meatballs with cooking spray; bake in preheated oven until done (about 25 minutes). Set aside; keep warm. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat; whisk in flour until smooth. Cook, and stir

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for 1 minute; slowly whisk in broth and cream. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, mustard and remaining allspice and nutmeg. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer until sauce starts to thicken. Season sauce with salt and pepper to taste; add cooked meatballs to the skillet, Cook until hot (1–2 minutes).

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You have countless options.

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Toast Worthy I love to entertain—whether it be during a planned dinner or an impromptu gathering. As we roll into the holiday season, here are some go-to wines that make hosting really easy. I keep a bottle of good sparkling wine in the fridge—just in case. Consider Louis Bouillot sparkling rosé (around $20).

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I hope this holiday season is filled with joy, love and peace! Here's a song for you! wine on hand, too. Try Louis Martini cab-

Your neighbor,

ernet sauvignon, Fog Mountain cabernet,

Hyounsoo

Fortant chardonnay and Vina Robles chardonnay (all around $10–$15). In my view, the best pinots come from France’s Burgundy region, from a simple Bourgogne (around $18) to a single vineyard, like a Savigny-lès-Beaune (around $24). Both provide ideal selections.

John F. Farrell III is vice president of sales and merchandising with Haskell’s The Wine People. Find more at haskells.com.

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FAC E S

’Tis the Season to be Harmonious Phil Thompson shares his musical endeavors through annual charity album.

THE HOLIDAYS bring out jolly good feelings, and, for acclaimed pianist and vocalist Phil Thompson, it brings out his desire to give back with an annual charity album. Thompson, a Woodbury native, fell in love with music at an early age. He started playing piano when he was just 4 years old. “My first piano teacher really instilled a love for music in me. She let me play the songs I wanted to play,” Thompson says. From there, he took his passion for music into middle school and high school, playing the piano at Woodbury High School, where he graduated in 2003. After graduating from the University of Minnesota with a degree in entrepreneurship, Thompson still knew he was bound to music, so he transitioned the passion into a full-time endeavor. He started playing at corporate events and locally for the Woodbury Community Foundation, Woodbury Lions Club, at the Woodbury Rotary Miracle Field and Connecting With Woodbury events. “I always want to stay in touch with the community I grew up in,” he says. One thing led to the next, and Thompson began to play on larger stages, such as the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament in New York City, and overseas in Macau, Shanghai, Beijing, Australia and New Zealand. However, Thompson says his talent always rooted itself back in Minnesota, where he created his first charity album. Similar albums are released every year A Minnesota Holiday Vol. 14 features several area musicians, including Phil Thompson.

December 2022

woodburymag.com

Photo: Phil Thompson

By Hanna McDaniels

LINDAHL FAMILY DENTAL P.A.

before the holiday season and feature some of Minnesota’s top names in music. “I’ve always been impressed with how much musical talent we have in the Twin Cities, but we did not have a good showcase for the local music scene at the time,” Thompson says. Fourteen years ago, he created the first album, A Minnesota Holiday; now, it’s a tradition to release a beloved album each year. “I really wanted to have a charity component within every album. Musicians are always really great about giving back to causes, and I thought it was a great way to tie in local music together within a good cause,” Thompson says. This year, the funds received from the charity album will go to Second Harvest Heartland. “One in 12 people face hunger in Minnesota; it’s really dire,” Thompson says. “We’ve worked with other charities over the years like Be The Match and Union Gospel Mission, but since these last few years with the pandemic and food cost, we thought it was important to continue to partner with Second Harvest Heartland.” This year’s album, A Minnesota Holiday Vol. 14, was released on November 14, featuring a line-up of musicians, including Brian Setzer, Lorie Line, Kat Perkins, The Blenders, three-time Grammy Award winning Sounds of Blackness, Jennifer Grimm, Mick Sterling, Eagle Brook Music and Thompson. Listeners can find the album at Kowalski’s Markets, where copies include bonus gifts.

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SCENE

Brotherly Love All district PWER Alpine Ski Team looks forward to this season. By Hanna McDaniels

THERE’S NOTHING BETTER than a

fresh blanket of snow, creating ideal conditions for a welcomed race down a local ski hill. For the LeVander family, skiing has turned into not only a beloved hobby, but a family sport. The PWER Alpine Ski Team is made up of roughly 80 students from Park High

School, Woodbury High School and East Ridge High School. Woodbury natives and brothers Bennett, 16, and E.J., 13, LeVander are ready to take on this season on the PWER team—Bennett has been on the team for three years and made it to state for the 2021 season. For E.J., this is his first season hitting the slopes as a

member of the team. “I’m looking forward to beating my brother this season,” E.J. says with a smile. “But I’m so excited to join this team.” The LeVanders’ ski legacy starts with Eric LeVander, Bennett and E.J.’s father, who joined the PWER Alpine Ski Team during his time at Woodbury

December 2022

woodburymag.com

Photo: PWER Alpine Ski Team

Bennett LeVander at the 2022 PWER Alpine Ski Team sections race.

READY, SET, BAKE! When it comes to holiday baking, we have you covered. For our favorite festive recipes, visit: LundsandByerlys.com/HolidayBaking High School. He was a state champion in 1989 and recalls how the team has always offered a great experience for skiers. Scott Melander, coach of the PWER Alpine Ski Team and Woodbury Police Department sergeant, says the team is built like a family. “There’s no rivalry between the Woodbury, Park and East Ridge athletes. Everyone cheers for each other and their individual races no matter what age. If you want good competition and a lot of fun, you join a high school ski team,” he says. This family dynamic has brought the team to state for the last two years. Melander says, “Of the six varsity teams … [the boys] have a very good chance of going to state this year, as all but one of last year’s team members have returned.” “Our practices are laid out based on skill. Some kids will already be at the gates focusing on their racing time. Other kids will just be practicing basic skills,” Melander says. Bennett notes how making it to state is his favorite memory—when you work hard you get to spend more time with your team. “Everyone gets along, [and] there’s tons of great coaches. I just really love my team,” Bennett says. Melander shares this sentiment. He says, “With state, we travel together, eat together and are with each other all the time. It’s like a vacation for all of us.” “For me, it’s fun to see my boys be on the exact same team I was and having so much fun doing what they love,” Eric says.

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DOING GOOD

For the Community Basic Needs Thrift Shop helps families in need.

FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS, the cities of Woodbury, Cottage Grove and other surrounding communities have had a secret Santa of sorts—Basic Needs Thrift Shop, a nonprofit organization founded in 1996, which was created to provide aid and resources to disadvantaged families in the South Washington County area. “We started as a community-based thrift store to resell gently used goods at deeply discounted prices, then grew our programming to meet the needs expressed by our customers,” says executive director Vickie Snyder. Following

COVID-19, Snyder notes the increase of food insecurity, substance use and poor mental health. “In 2021, the board of directors made several changes, which included the change of our mission and the expansion of our programs,” she says. “[It] includes addressing housing concerns, addressing food insecurity, our Voucher Program [for] clothing and other coordinated activities, such as gas cards, repair help and special events.” Programs, such as the voucher system, allow individuals to find resources through its food pantry, thrift shop and

community events. In the past year, Snyder says it provided 56 vouchers to families—totaling to more than $6,500. “It’s providing food security, so they can afford their rent or mortgage or pay for life-saving medication,” she says. “It’s hearing personal testimonies from customers who can afford winter clothes or new shoes for their children from our thrift store. We see our impact on a daily basis when voucher clients arrive feeling overwhelmed and leave our store with everything they need in hand.” Basic Needs works with a variety of

December 2022

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BY THE NUMBERS Over the last 25 years, Basic Needs has provided over $1.3 million in clothing, bedding, furniture and kitchen items. In the last two years, Basic Needs has:

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little pantry, a holiday gift program, sponsored Thanksgiving meals, a community garden and has served monthly meals to families in need.

individuals, including people without housing, domestic violence survivors, college students and families with young children, newly employed adults, veterans and more. “... Success is seeing our clients receive the support they need, instilling self confidence, empowering them and helping them achieve self-sufficiency,” Snyder says. It also partners with a variety of businesses and charitable organizations, including the Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce, South Washington County Schools, county libraries and more. “The impact of our efforts is felt when community members open up to us about their needs, the help they require and the references they make about our services,” Snyder says. Basic Needs Thrift Shop, 6990 80th St. S. Suite 200, Cottage Grove; 651.458.9786; basicneedsmn.org

Happy Holidays

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PERSPECTIVES

Healing and Hoping The Angel of Hope Memorial provides a space for parents to honor their lost children. By Hailey Almsted

December 2022

woodburymag.com

Photo: Lynne Sonnek

“THE FIRST GIFT OF CHRISTMAS

was love. A parent’s love. Pure as the first snows of Christmas,” writes Richard Paul Evans in The Christmas Box. In The Christmas Box (Simon & Schuster, 1995), a woman mourns the death of her daughter by visiting her grave, marked by an angel statue. Following reports that grieving parents were searching out the statue, Evans had one commissioned in Salt Lake City in 1994. Now, there are more than 120 statues across the nation. Natalie Ann Valitchka, daughter of Julie and Jeff Rageth, passed away at age 32 in 2020. She attended school in Duluth, a city she loved. “She was fun-loving, beautiful and, simply put, a most wonderful person,” Julie Rageth says. To honor Natalie’s birthday in June 2021, Rageth and her sister, Jill Strand, as well as Jill’s daughter, Samantha, visited Duluth. “Jill, Samantha and I took a walk … It was a beautiful morning across from Lake Superior. Up on the right were beautiful lilacs and a statue of an angel with a girl’s face,” Rageth says. “We noticed the children’s names around the angel, and we were really touched by it. We painted a rock and put Natalie’s name on it, and left it by the angel.” Andra Sonnek, daughter of Lynne and Rick Sonnek, passed away at the age of 24 in 2019. “She was spirited, passionate and kind hearted,” Lynne Sonnek says. Rageth and Sonnek connected at Strand’s gym, UpLift Guided Fitness, where the two connected on a deeper level. “... You build a greater connection when you lose a child,” Rageth says. “They were very excited about the angel,” Sonnek recalls. “The feeling you get when you get up to the angel is just awe and comforting, and peaceful knowing that there’s somewhere you can go to read the children’s names and remember them … So we decided to go to the City of

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Woodbury, and that’s where it started in spring of last year.” The trio went to the City of Woodbury to gauge interest in building an Angel of Hope in the community and partnered with the Woodbury Community Foundation, who assisted in obtaining 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. The process began with a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting; “Everybody thought this idea was something that our community needed and would want, and thought it would be a blessing,” Rageth says. “In this last year, so many Woodbury children have passed,” Rageth says. “... We want to keep working on reaching out to other families who lost a child.” She notes that the statue is intended to honor children of all ages, who have passed away too soon, and serves as a place to gather. “Grief conversations are really hard, and if you have someone who understands it in a different way or in a way like you, it’s very helpful. It’s comforting,” she says. “One of the taglines we’ve heard is, ‘Everyone is a child of someone.’ So be it an infant, child, grown adult, it will just be nice to recognize all that are passed,” Sonnek adds. The angel, created by the same sculpture artist who made the first angel and every angel after that, stands at 4-feet, 3-inches tall and has a wingspan of 5-feet, 3-inches. “It has ‘hope’ written in the left wing and ‘hope’ written in two other places, which is a mystery from the sculptor,” Sonnek says, noting that it takes three to four months for the statue to be finished. Parents of children who have passed away will also have the opportunity to purchase a remembrance plaque for their child, which will be on display with the angel. The three have been fundraising to bring the statue to Woodbury—which started in January 2022. On September 17, they held the Angel of Hope Walk in

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Jill Strand, Lynne Sonnek and Julie Rageth

December 2022

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COMMUNITY CEREMONY Angel of Hope Memorial communities around the nation gather annually to participate in a candlelight vigil. The ceremony typically takes place on December 6—the date in which the mother in The Christmas Box would bring a candle to the angel—but Rageth and Sonnek have yet to set a date for Woodbury’s annual ceremony.

Convenient morning and evening hours

“For [other angel sites], it’s December 6, and it’s so beautiful, and the flowers will

Easy online scheduling

be great and everything is OK

We have three locations in your area:

… We anticipate having it [in]

Radio Drive

spring, summer or fall,” Rageth

651-735-9057

says, noting that Minnesota’s

Woodbury

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to hold a candle lighting vigil during the season. “It will be a nice place where people can

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gather, and we will say every child’s name,” she says.

City Hall, where the completed angel statue sat. The angel and memorial site are currently slated to be completed in June 2023 and will become one of many Angel of Hope Memorials in Minnesota. “It’s a place to honor or remember that isn’t a grave site,” Rageth says. “It’s going to be a beautiful place. Jill said, ‘It can be for anyone to go and find peace,’ and she’s right. That whole area will be a memorial … We really want to get the word out to parents to know that we’re here, too.” For those interested in donating to the Angel of Hope Memorial or to purchase a plaque, go to woodburycommunity foundation.org. To see where all Minnesota Angel of Hope locations are, visit woodburymag.com. angelsofhopememorialwoodbury@gmail.com woodburyfoundation.org

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Take the guesswork out of the process while still offering great quality When holiday decorations go back to their storage and our regular décor stories return for another year of living and entertaining, our abodes might call out for a change in the narrative. But developing a home design refresh can feel intimidating. Help is around the corner. Retail Blackbook is a subscription-based home design

business that offers customers a wide breadth of furniture, home décor and lighting pieces online and under one roof—enabling customers to easily create their next vision for their home. Owner Danielle Ferch of Woodbury has a strong passion for fashion and design. She developed those interests into a business after she noticed a

driving trend during the recent pandemic—“Everyone wanted to redecorate their homes,” she says. And she’s right. Feathering the nest went to the next level with homeowners reevaluating how they wanted and needed to utilize their homes, including entertaining, work and learning, and outdoor living spaces. Ferch’s growing business

offers members the opportunity to create the homes of their dreams without breaking their budgets. “People love

shopping on our website, but we offer a showroom because we know that people also like to come in and see, touch and feel the quality of fabrics and construction of our products,” she says. Who shops at Retail Blackbook? “My customer is ANYONE, who is in the market for any type of furniture, lighting and other décor accessories” Ferch says. Interior designers, Realtors and home stagers have also discovered the benefits of shopping at Retail Blackbook when they’re charged with making a first or lasting impression in a home. Becoming a member is easy; just sign up online. Members can then shop the website or make an appointment for a consultation with Ferch. “I strongly believe in building my relationships, and appointments allow me the opportunity to provide customers with my undivided attention and give them the full-service experience that they deserve,” she says. And they’ll benefit from her keen sense of style and ability to put ideas into action. “We just purchased new light fixtures for our kitchen, countertop stools and a beautiful kitchen table and chairs,” Allison Crandall says. “We are so excited for this room transformation and could not be more pleased with our experience.”

Ferch’s enthusiasm in assisting members is what motivates her, and she enjoys helping customers with their design questions, finding the finishing touches for their spaces and providing the ins and outs of getting the most for their dollars. “I guarantee the best prices possible or a money back guarantee for the membership” she says. “I was able to save over $5,000 in my first purchase alone,” Simona Borissova says. It’s true—time is money, and Ferch is able to take the guesswork out of the process while still offering great quality. “I offer the highest quality options with brands that run the scope from Four Hands, Dovetail and Ashley furniture lines and much more,” Ferch says. And she continues to keep her finger on the pulse of the home furnishings industry by attending four tradeshows a year. “If a member is searching for something I don’t carry, I can always find it while I am shopping the market at these trade shows!”

“My customer is ANYONE, who is in the market for any type of furniture, lighting and other décor accessories” Danielle Ferch, owner

2350 Hastings Ave., Newport 651.242.0704; retailblackbook.com

EMERSON TALLENTS ADVOCATES FOR HERSELF AND TEENAGERS WHO STRUGGLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH.

Photos: Mesa Cole

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

WRITTEN BY BY KIRA SCHUKAR December 2022

Emerson Tallents started 10th grade at a new school—Hill-Murray School—earlier this year. She plays soccer, helps lead children’s ministry at her church and loves animals. Until recently, Emerson had one mini poodle, two geckos, a rabbit and a tank full of fish. But two years ago, she started doing research on another type of animal: psychiatric service dogs (PSDs). She wanted a dog that would help her cope with her social anxiety and depression. At first, Emerson’s mom, Jill Tallents, wasn’t keen on having another dog in the house. “We as parents really poo-pooed it because we thought, ‘... No, we don’t need another animal,’” she says. “And then we got to the point this [past] year where [Emerson’s] anxiety really became debilitating.” Emerson’s social anxiety means that she has trouble being in crowded spaces, including school. Emerson, her parents and her therapist have worked on developing coping strategies—including talk therapy, medication, a specialized diet and meditation—to help her manage her anxiety. But even with these tools, Emerson began to miss school in 2021. It got to the point where she would stay home four out of five days in a week, multiple weeks in a row. That’s when Emerson’s parents started to take Emerson’s idea of a PSD more seriously. As Emerson explains, a PSD is different from a therapy dog or an emotional support animal (ESA). Whereas ESAs don’t require specialized training, PSDs are taught to perform specific tasks to help their handlers cope with mental health disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety. For Emerson, a service dog might create a space around her in crowded areas or lay on her to calm her down, which is a technique known as deep pressure therapy. These dogs wear vests to let other people know that they’re working. As with guide dogs, it’s important to not pet a PSD while they’re working, as the attention can distract the dog from helping their handlers. The Tallents decided on a breeder who they met through another family at Emerson’s former school. The breeder—who lives in Pennsylvania—was already sending a golden retriever puppy named Arlo to Minnesota for training and interviewed Emerson to find out if she and Arlo would be a good match. “He asked her specific questions,” Jill says. “‘What do you like to do? What brings you a challenge? What gives you joy?’” Once the breeder decided that Arlo was a good fit for Emerson, the Tallents set up a GoFundMe to raise money for the dog. Within a few weeks, friends and family members had made enough donations to fund Arlo. But with the GoFundMe available online, other students at Emerson’s school caught wind that she was getting a service dog, and they started asking

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Emerson questions about Arlo and her mental health. “In a smaller school, talk travels quickly,” Jill says. Emerson got used to explaining what a PSD was and why she needed one. “I think there’s a lot of stigma and stereotypes around that,” Jill says. “Usually the biggest [question] was like, ‘Why do you need a service dog?’” Emerson says. “After a while, it got really easy to be like, ‘I have anxiety and social anxiety, and so it’s really hard for me to be in really packed places.’” For Emerson and other kids with mental health disorders, this type of curiosity from their peers isn’t uncommon. Emerson says that other students—and even teachers—don’t always understand why her anxiety is different from typical teenage stress. “We got a lot of like, ‘Well, what’s wrong with her?’” Jill says. “Just a lot of people not knowing how to ask her [and] not knowing social etiquette around people with differences.” Emerson has learned to explain to teachers why she sometimes needs to leave class early (navigating the halls during passing time elevates her social anxiety) or why she might need a break to go for a walk and sit in the counselors’ offices or a quiet space. Unfortunately, Emerson isn’t alone in her struggle with mental health, especially depression and anxiety. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry reports that suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 24 years old. Jill—who’s a social worker in St. Paul—researched the high rates of suicide and

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Photo: Photo:xxxxxxxxx Chris Emeott

Photo: Photo:xxxxxxxxx Mesa Cole

depression among kids while she was studying for her master’s degree. According to Jill, this problem “was only expedited with COVID-19 [because] kids were isolated for long periods of time, not having social interaction,” she says. Even though Jill and Emerson both believe that mental health awareness has come a long way, they want to see more formalized education about mental health taught in schools. This could be as simple as teaching students the warning signs for depression and anxiety and encouraging them to reach out to peers who seem to be struggling. For Jill, it’s all about prevention. “I think that we need mental health practitioners in our schools,” she says, not just counselors or psychologists, but more social workers. “What are we doing to prevent kids getting to the point where they feel like they don’t have any help or they don’t have any options?” she says. Part of the reason that Emerson switched to Hill-Murray School was an institutional lack of support at her last school. Although she had a group of teachers who checked in on her, Jill

says that the institution was not equipped to support all of her needs, especially Arlo. “We really needed to find her a place that would kind of foster and accept the dog and accept what comes with that,” Jill says. “Hill-Murray is kind of moving in the direction of making sure that they meet the needs of students not only educationally, but with [their mental health].” At 9-months-old, Arlo wasn’t ready to start school with Emerson in September, but the Tallents hope that he’ll be able to join her in just a few months after he finishes his training. (Arlo is currently being trained and will join Emerson in February.) As for Emerson, her biggest hope for mental health awareness is that kids learn to support each other and approach each other with empathy. “You never know what’s going on behind closed doors,” she says. “So always just try your best to be nice. Try your best to understand. Try your best to be supportive.”

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; aacap.org

December 2022

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Photo: xxxxxxxxx Photos: Erin Rippentrop

C U LT I VAT I N G C O N N E C T I O N Three Girl Scouts bring a sense of pride and purpose to a senior living community.

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

Written by Zoe Deal

For the residents at Artis Senior Living of Woodbury, summers will look a bit more colorful (and fragrant) courtesy of a group of local Girl Scouts. Troop #58006 cadettes Saahithi Maddukuri (14), Kiera Potvin (13) and Penelope Rippentrop (14) completed their Girl Scout Silver Award project— two raised garden beds featuring vegetables and flowers—in June of this year with the aim to create a relaxing outdoor atmosphere for seniors.

“We wanted to make people happy and do something for the community,” says Penelope, an eighth-grade student at Oltman Middle School alongside Saahithi. It was Saahithi’s passion for serving local seniors that led them to settle on Artis Senior Living. “My grandparents live in India, so, whenever I see a senior or someone who looks like grandparent, I always want to go hug them and meet them and talk to them, so I was thinking I want to do something that involves

“The main mission [of Girl Scouts] is giving them these opportunities to be brave about trying something new and then gaining the confidence to do it again ... and change the world around them.” Moira MacKay-Brown, Girl Scout troop leader

them,” Saahithi says. “We thought of senior homes and how we can kind of talk to them like how their grandchildren would.” With the help of their troop, community and parent mentor (Penelope’s mother, Erin Rippentrop) the girls began planning in August 2021. They toured Artis Senior Living, presented their ideas with a slideshow and decided on a plan and budget for the project. The staff at Artis Senior Living was immediately enthusiastic about the prospect of bringing an outdoor opportunity to residents. “We have a number of residents here that love being outdoors, gardening, being around kids, so I thought it would be a perfect way for us to all get together,” says Amber Magnuson, Artis Senior Living’s life enrichment director. The Girl Scout Silver Award project is one of three tiers of projects—bronze, silver and gold—that participants can choose to pursue at various points in their time in Girl Scouts. The Silver

Award project is open to girls at the cadette level, in grades six, seven and eight, and requires 50 hours of work per scout on a project that is sustainable (outlasting the girls’ time in scouts) and brings the community together. Though these projects aren’t required for scouts, troop leader Moira MacKayBrown feels passionately about the community and character-building opportunities they bring. Two other groups for Troop #58006 will soon complete their own Silver Award projects. “I emphasized it a lot in the group just because I want the girls to make a connection with the community,” MacKayBrown says. “The main mission [of Girl Scouts] is giving them these opportunities to be brave about trying something new and then gaining the confidence to do it again … and change the world around them.” Fundraising was one of the most difficult parts for the girls, Erin shares. “They fundraised at a football game

by offering to take pictures of families and their football players in return for donations. Flyers were used to get this message across,” Erin Rippentrop, Penelope’s mother, says. “I definitely got out of my comfort zone,” Penelope says. “I’m pretty shy, so for me it was talking to people and meeting new people [that was difficult].” With the help of the Woodbury community and a generous donation from Custom One Landscaping, the girls were able to extend their plans from one raised bed to two. The girls designed, built and stained the beds on their own, then journeyed to Gertens to pick out the flowers and vegetables, and a lot of dirt. “[They] balanced having fun with getting the work done, which was really great to see,” Erin says. “I think sometimes adults forget that work can be fun.” “This is the first collaboration that we’ve had here at Artis Senior Living with volunteers coming in and doing something for the residents,” Magnuson

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says. “This was a very special thing.” When the girls arrived at the center in June, a group of residents gathered on the patio, watching them cart dirt, plants and other materials to the raised beds. “It was a lot of heavy lifting,” says Kiera, an eighth grader at Woodbury Middle School. “There was this one lady who helped fill a lot of the planters and gave us some tips on how to do it. They were smiling the entire time.” And when the real work began, a dozen residents came to plant alongside the girls. “It was really fun. All the older people living there were really happy to see us and helped out with planting,” Penelope says. Saahithi fondly recalls one resident teaching her how to properly transplant the flowers into the bed. And, for Kiera, the best part was hearing the stories of the residents. “A few of the people were kind of nervous to start talking to us, and I was nervous, but once we started talking, we started talking a lot,” Kiera says. “They would … tell us stories of when they were little kids, and you could see the resemblance of their life and

your life together.” The cherry-stained raised garden beds stand tall on wheels and are centrally located on the back patio, surrounded by community seating and tables. Alongside colorful blooms, vegetables and herbs from the garden are used by Artis Senior Living’s culinary director to craft many of the residents’ favorite meal: pizza. And with the help of a group of residents that have taken up responsibility for the garden—watering, tidying and weeding (one resident, Liz, waters the beds every day)—the garden will thrive for years to come. “A number of our residents grew up on farms or had gardens, so this is a way to get residents together and give them purpose, to go out and still be able to water things and pick tomatoes and feel like they’re taking care of something,” Magnuson says. Looking back, Saahithi says, “It was of course a lot of work, but … when the day finally came, I was like, ‘Wow’ ... After it was all done, we could see how far we’d gotten, and I just [cherish] that memory with everyone.”

MORE THAN JUST COOKIES The crux of Girl Scouts is “building girls of courage, confidence and character,” MacKay-Brown says. There are over 65 Girl Scout troops and 400 scouts in Woodbury alone, all exploring their communities in new ways from learning opportunities and community projects to outdoor activities and friendship building events and camps. You can join Girl Scouts at any point from kindergarten to 12th grade. Learn more about joining a troop or becoming a member of eTroop, a virtual Girl Scouts program, at mygs.girlscouts.org.

December 2022

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O N T H E TOW N

th in g s to se e a n d do in and aro und Wo o db ury

HOLIDAY TEA PARTY The cast of Madeline’s Christmas hosts a Christmas party for kiddos. of Madeline’s Christmas, treat your children to a holiday tea party. Children will be able to meet the cast members before they perform at The Loft Stage. At Madeline’s Petite Patisserie Party, kids will be able to dress up as their favorite book, movie or TV character while helping themselves to delectable snacks. Barbe Marshall Hansen, executive director at the Merrill Arts Center (MAC), notes that the party features Bundtinis from MAC sponsor, Nothing Bundt Cakes, along with other snacks, a choice of juice or water, coloring pages and photo ops. Madeline and the cast are also expected to sing a few songs before taking to the stage for the show.

Photo: Nothing Bundt Cakes

P R IO R TO T H E P E RFO RM ANC E

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“It is so fun to see two dozen little princesses, superheroes, Tiggers, Madeline’s, Betsy and Tacy, etc. cosplaying it up while sipping ‘tea,’ coloring, meeting real live royalty and singing with Madeline’s Christmas cast. Watching the grown-ups taking pictures is really fun, too,” Hansen says. Madeline’s Christmas has performances on December 6–8 and 13–15. In the musical adaption of Ludwig Bemelman’s children’s story, Madeline and her schoolmates are sick on Christmas Eve. With the help of a magical rug merchant, Madeline brings her friends on an unforgettable journey. For details on Madeline’s Petite Patisserie Party or for tickets, visit merrillartscenter.org. —Hanna McDaniels

O N T H E TOW N Compiled by Nicole Berglund and Megan Hegenbarth

Plus, prize drawings will start at 8:30 p.m. before the big countdown. Ages

3 and up recommended. $12 for preregistration, $15 at the door. 6–9 p.m. M Health Fairview Sports Center, 4125 Radio Drive; 651.714.3740; woodburymn.gov

AREA EVENTS

Holidazzle Craft Market Through 12/18 This recurring event is family-friendly with Santa visits, food and drinks, handcrafted items and live entertain-

Candle Making Experience

ment, including an interactive art

Good Morning, Woodbury

to follow along. Ages 0–6. Free. 10:30– 11 a.m. R. H. Stafford Library, 8595 Central Park Place; 651.731.1320; washcolib.org

Old-Fashioned Holiday Bazaar 12/01–12/03

12/01

Holiday Spectacular

Handcrafted items from Metro art-

Join the Woodbury Chamber of

12/10

ists are available for purchase, includ-

Commerce for coffee and light breakfast

Aspire Music Academy will host its

ing jewelry, wood pieces, paintings,

before work while connecting with local

sixth annual Holiday Spectacular at

chamber members. Ages 18 and over. Free.

Woodbury Middle School. This family-

soaps and plenty more. All ages. $5 for adults, free for kids under 12. 10 a.m.– 7 p.m. Landmark Center, 75 W. Fifth St., St. Paul; 651.292.3225; landmarkcenter.org

8–9 a.m. Helzberg Diamonds, 9140 Hudson Road Suite 519; woodburychamber.org

friendly Jukebox Holiday Party will

Cookies and Crafts with Santa

Woodbury Middle School, 1425 School Drive; 651.900.9919; aspiremusicacademy.com

12/03

feature holiday favorites for everyone to enjoy. All ages. $12. 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

A Christmas Carol 12/01–12/31 The biggest grouch of Christmas is

While Santa visits from the North Pole, bring the kids to decorate cookies,

Performance in the Park

back in A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie

make holiday crafts and take photos.

12/11

Theater. Ebenezer Scrooge meets the

Ages two and up. $15 per child, free for adults. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Eagle Valley Golf Course Banquet Room, 2600 Double Eagle Lane; 651.714.3740; woodburymn.gov

Nancy Olson will perform holiday folk

ghosts of Christmas past, present and

music at the Woodbury Central Park

future. Ages 8 and up. Tickets $15–$134.

Baby Storytime

indoor amphitheater. All ages. Free. 2 p.m.

Woodbury Central Park, 8595 Central Park Place; facebook.com/folkmusicianolson

Times vary. Guthrie Theater, 818 S. Second St., Mpls.; 612.377.2224; guthrietheater.org

Candle Making Experience

12/05

New Year’s Eve Celebration

Connect with other families for books,

12/31

Bring up to three friends to make a cus-

songs and early literacy training. The

This kid-friendly event will have inflat-

tom candle at Roseline’s Place. While

whole family is welcome, and sib-

ables and obstacle courses, ice skat-

you wait for your candle to dry, enjoy

lings are encouraged to bring a toy

ing, music, crafts and a photo booth.

the venue’s restaurants and brewery.

12/01–12/31

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, 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.

December 2022

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iStock.com/MariellaMcNeany

LOCAL EVENTS

installation. All ages. Free. Fridays, 5– 9 p.m.; Saturdays, noon–9 p.m.; Sundays, noon–6 p.m. Loring Park, 1382 Willow St., Mpls.; 612.376.7669; holidazzle.com

All ages. $30. Times vary. Keg and Case Market, 928 Seventh St. W., St. Paul; 612.355.6900; linktr.ee/roselinesplace

Christmas Ballet 12/02–12/03 The performance of Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at the Orpheum Theatre will be filled with large puppets, incredible acrobatics and extravagant costumes.

All ages. Tickets starting at $33. Times vary. Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; 612.339.7007; hennepintheatretrust.org

Holiday Flower Show 12/03–01/08 Como Park Conservatory features a holiday flower display. Elegant white poinsettias are complete with other arrangements for a unique viewing experience. All ages. Free; reservation

required. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park, 1225 Estabrook Drive, St. Paul; comozooconservatory.org

The Dinner Detective 12/03, 12/10, 12/17 At this interactive murder-mystery comedy show, enjoy a full-course dinner while solving a murder mystery. And watch out! The criminal may be nearby, and you might be the prime suspect. Teenagers

and up. $69.95. 6–9 p.m. Courtyard Minneapolis Downtown, 1500 Washington Ave. S., Mpls.; thedinnerdetective.com

Elf 12/17–12/18 Listen to John Debney’s rendition of Elf while the film plays on the big screen.

All ages. Tickets starting at $50. 2–4 p.m. Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Ave., Mpls.; 612.371.5656; minnesotaorchestra.org

The Ghosts of Christmas Eve 12/23 Rock out with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra during its holiday tour. The show will feature an impressive light display and festive music. All

ages. Prices vary. Shows at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Xcel Energy Center, 199 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul; trans-siberian.com

TA S T E M A K E R S

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

Christmas Tree Bread

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On a Roll Our Editorial Advisory Board gets into the holiday spirit with their family traditions. Written by Hailey Almsted

Photos by Chris Emeott

AT T HE R OOT O F S O MA N Y HOL I DAY C E L E B R ATI O N S stands

tradition—and every tradition has to start somewhere. Year after year, you may decorate the Christmas tree with age-old ornaments; bake the same cookie recipes that your grandmother used to bake; sing holiday songs that have been sung for generations. New traditions are always welcomed, too, and can be thrown into the rotation next year. The Woodbury Magazine editor and Editorial Advisory Board members are no exception. We all have our beloved memories, and they’ve let us in on their favorite traditional breads that are served around the table each year.

Christmas Tree Bread

Recipe courtesy of Hailey Almsted, editor

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

“The holiday season is, perhaps, my favorite time of the year. One of my most treasured holiday traditions and fondest memories growing up is the start of the Christmas Advent calendar on December 1. (Yes—I still treat myself to an Advent calendar each year!) A new tradition that I’ve started is baking Christmas Tree Bread. Although I don’t have hosting duties, I enjoy bringing Christmas Tree Bread to family celebrations—almost as much as my family members enjoy eating it up! This cheesy appetizer is best served warm and is usually enjoyed in a matter of minutes.” —Hailey Almsted • • • • •

13.8 oz. package Pillsbury Classic Pizza Crust 16 oz. cream cheese 1 cup mozzarella cheese 1 cup Parmesan cheese 2.5 oz. organic spinach

• • • • • •

1 clove garlic 2 Tbsp. olive oil pepper and salt, to taste 2 Tbsp. butter 1 tsp. parsley 1 tsp. garlic powder

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. For filling: Over medium-high heat, combine olive oil and garlic; add spinach until wilted. Mix in cream cheese, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, salt and pepper until everything is well combined and melted. Remove from heat. Roll out pizza crust until flat, slice from bottom left edge to top middle and from bottom right edge to top middle, forming three even triangles. Press together the two outer triangles to form one triangle—make sure it’s the same size as the large one. Lay it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread filling on bottom triangle, sprinkle more cheese on top of filling and top with remaining triangle crust. Slice both sides of the tree into small strips; twist each strip three or four times. Bake for 20 minutes. While baking, melt butter; add parsley and garlic powder to butter until well combined. Once finished baking, brush with garlic butter and enjoy. Fruit Cake/Christmas Pudding

Recipe courtesy of Margaret Wachholz, Editorial Advisory Board member “It’s a time of year I enjoy remembering people through food, and I crack out the family recipe that distinguishes our holiday season. This is a living tradition, and it requires tending—tending to the aromas and tastes, which have created so many memories and conversations with family and a wee bit of grand indulgence. [It’s]

the making of the Fruit Cake/Christmas Pudding.” —Margaret Wachholz • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

6 oz. self-rising flour 1 tsp. mixed spice 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg 8 oz. white breadcrumbs 12 oz. dark brown sugar 1 lb. currants 8 oz. raisins 8 oz. sultanas, also known as golden raisins 4 oz. mixed dried fruit 4 oz. cherries, halved 2 oz. almonds, blanched and chopped finely grated rind of 1 orange finely grated rind of 1 lemon 8 oz. margarine, melted and slightly cooled 3 large eggs 2 Tbsp. brandy, rum or whiskey 1/2 pint Guinness hot custard, whipping cream, brandy and orange sauce, or whiskey and spice sauce, to serve

To prepare: Prepare two greased 2-pint pudding bowls. Cut large circle of parchment paper for the tops, and grease well. Make pleats crosswise in the paper. Cut a large circle of foil for each bowl, and make pleats similar to the parchment paper. To make pudding: Sieve the flour and spices into the large mixing bowl. Add the breadcrumbs, sugar, prepared fruits, nuts, lemon and orange rinds, and mix thoroughly. Make a well in the center, and pour in the melted margarine, eggs, rum or whiskey and Guinness. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon. Cover,

and leave in the refrigerator overnight. Mix well again before filling the pudding bowls. Place the mixture into the prepared bowls. Cover tightly with the parchment paper, and tie down securely, under the rim of the bowl. Cover with foil, and tie down again. Put a loop of string over the top to facilitate removing pudding when cooked. Place the pudding in a steamer 2/3 full of boiling water. Cover with a tight-fitting lid, and steam or boil for six hours. Keep the pressure of steam up all the time, and keep topping with boiling water. When the pudding/ cakes are ready, remove carefully from the saucepan or steamer. Allow to cool completely. When cool, remove damp papers and recover with fresh parchment paper, and store in a cool, dry place. On Christmas Day, recover with greased parchment paper and foil, and steam for another two hours. Serve with one of the suggested sauces, such as hot custard or whipping cream. Kaffe Brød (similar to Swedish Coffee Bread) Recipe courtesy of Marni Kanne,

Editorial Advisory Board member

“My grandmother, Lois, would make loaves and loaves of this every year and gift it to family and friends. It’s not quite Christmas without it. She isn’t physically able to make this bread anymore but has passed the tradition on to a few of her grandchildren. She turned 100 this past January.” —Marni Kanne • • •

2 lbs., 4 oz. unbleached flour, plus some for the board later 1 cup sugar 3 Tbsp. yeast

• • • • • • • • • • •

2 tsp. salt 3 eggs 1 tsp. cardamom 1/2 cup butter 1 cup evaporated milk 1 1/2 cup water 1 cup raisins 1/4 cup candied citron 1/4 cup candied red cherries 1/4 cup candied green cherries 3/4 cup slivered almonds

To prepare: On low heat, melt butter while measuring other ingredients. Weigh 2 lbs., 4 oz. of unbleached flour into a container. Add milk and water to butter; heat until warm. In a mixer bowl, place about 3 cups of flour, 1 cup sugar, 2 tsp. salt, 3 Tbsp. yeast and cardamom. Add the warmed butter/milk mixture. Mix well, and beat about 4 minutes at medium speed. Add eggs and 1 to 1 1/2 cups flour, and beat well for at least two minutes. Add fruit and almonds, and mix in well. Change to dough hook. Add remainder of flour. On lowest speed, mix in well, and knead until dough sheets well. Put into a sprayed bowl for rising. When double in bulk, knead down. Let rise second time until double in bulk. To make loaves: Place dough on floured board and knead air out. Divide dough. Approximately 1 lb., 6 oz. per three large loaf pans. Flatten each piece to slightly longer and wider than the pan. Cut the dough lengthwise into 3 equal pieces and braid. Place into sprayed pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and more slivered almonds. Let rise until doubled. Bake 15 minutes at 350 degrees F. Cover with foil, bake an additional 20 minutes. Cool on rack. Enjoy.

December 2022

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Photo: xxxxxxxxx

Kaffe Brød (similar to Swedish Coffee Bread)

LAST GLANCE

By Hanna McDaniels

FIRST PLACE: PETS

Dreaming of Summer Photographer captures bittersweet memory. IN JA N UA RY 2 02 1, hobby photographer Lorrie Burdeski watched her dog create a sweet moment she had to capture. Burdeski says, “One of the small silver linings of the pandemic was being able to be home with our dogs more. On a cold day in January, Elmer was watching out the window, seemingly daydreaming of summer. Sadly, our boy would be gone a few months later, so this has become a really treasured photo and memory.”

Photographer:

Lorrie Burdeski

Title: Daydreaming Elmer Equipment:

iPhone 11 Pro

To view other Focus on Woodbury photo contest winners, visit woodburymag.com.

December 2022

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Woodbury Magazine - December 2022