Issuu

Wayzata’s Highcroft offers high-end signature perfumes for anyone on your gift list

A NOSE FOR LUXURY

LD SO

DEEDED ACCESS ON LAKE MINNETONKA! Come enjoy the Lake Minnetonka lifestyle in Boulder Bridge! Recently updated main floor with a gourmet chef’s kitchen. 4 br’s up stairs. The lower level features the 5th bedroom with ¾ bath and full 2nd kitchen off the walkout family room/rec area. 5br, 5 ba, 4,850 sq ft, 4 car. $1,695,000

Candi and Scott Stabeck 612-747-5863

NEWER CONST NEAR EXCELSIOR!

LOTUS LAKE MASTERPIECE! Charming Cape Cod Style home designed by architect Mike Sharratt and carefully crafted by Robert Craig Homes. This luxury lake residence sits on arguably the best lot on Lotus Lake with approx 139ft of lakeshore on a private 1.23 acre peninsula. 6br, 6ba, 6,787 sq ft. 5 car garage. $2,650,000

Candi and Scott Stabeck 612-747-5863

POOL PARTY YEAR ROUND!

Peaceful setting on just under 1 acre. Open concept main floor with hardwood floors, a spacious Chefs kitchen. 4 bedrooms and laundry up. Enjoy the finished lower level with 5th Bedroom and 3/4 bath. Minnetonka Schools. 5br, 4 ba, 3,742 sq ft, 3 car. $925,000

Enjoy One-Level Living on a Wooded Lot and a 4-Car Garage. With over 5,000 Square Feet, There is Plenty of Space to Entertain! $899,900

Candi and Scott Stabeck 612-747-5863

Awesome Wasems 612-964-4679

Marie Marie Suchy Suchy Licensed Realtor Licensed Realtor Minnesota Minnesotaand and Florida Florida

White Bear Lake Office | Hwy. 61 & 4th St. | 651.426.7172

612-599-9661 612-599-9661 www.mariesuchyhomes.com www.mariesuchyhomes.com mariesuchy@edinarealty.com mariesuchy@edinarealty.com 1000 Superior 200 MN 55391 1000 Superior Blvd., Ste.Blvd., 200,Ste. Wayzata, Wayzata, MN 55391

More urgent care ready for you.

Ready with more doctors. Set with more specialty services and orthopedic urgent care locations open 8 — 8 daily. Go for more of what you need to keep your body moving. No referral or appointment necessary. TCOmn.com

View urgent care locations

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

Warm Wishes and Gratitude from my Home to Yours. Looking forward to supporting your real estate journey in the coming year. Mimi Morrison Bendickson Founding Executive Agent 612.695.8321 mimi.bendickson@compass.com www.mimibendickson.com Mimi Bendickson is a real estate licensee affiliated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

Inspiration Begins in Our Dign Showr L E T ’ S C R E AT E Y O U R D R E A M S T O D AY

ISPiRI.com

MN LIC. BC627402

EDINA DESIGN SHOWROOM

5009 FRANCE AV S | 952 999. 7720 | ISPiRI.com

D E S I G N B U I L D R E N O VAT E

DECEMBER 2023 “The joy of brightening other lives becomes for us the magic of the holidays.” —W. C. Jones

PAG E 2 2

DE PART M E N TS

14 Green Thumb Take a turn at creating some vintage-inspired holiday décor.

16 As the Wood Turns Minnetonka resident transforms Minnesota hardwoods into solid art.

FEATUR ES

18 Meaningful Travel Local family provides supplies to mothers and babies in Guatemala.

22 Sage Shopping One Minnetonka mom offers nontoxic, eco-friendly products for babies and kids in her online shop.

27 The Family That Plays Together … Think out of the (gift) box when planning holiday experiences.

32 A Nose for Luxury Highcroft offers high-end signature perfumes for anyone on your gift list.

December 2023

lakeminnetonkamag.com

PAGE 1 4

TAST E M A K E R S

Photos: Chris Emeott

French Love Affair A children’s book series provides the idéal recipe for Excelsior baking business.

I N E V E RY ISS U E

6 9 39 48

Editor’s Letter Noteworthy On the Town Last Glance

FROM THE EDITOR

New Location, Same Great Care!

NOW OPEN! 10150 Niagara Lane N, Suite 100 Maple Grove, MN 55369 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.

Renée Stewa rt-Hester — renee@loca lm edia .co

I don’t know what it is about this time of year that makes me have all the “crafty feels.” As if the season isn’t full enough of To Do Lists, parties to host and attend and all the rest of the holiday hullabaloo. But making a special seasonal craft can be an ideal way to push pause for a bit and give yourself time to exercise some creative muscles. You might come up with meaningful gifts to give, a craft piece could graduate to being a treasured holiday décor item or you might just have a moment to yourself. (Now, that’s worth a trip to the craft store.) Get inspired on page 14 with Editorial Advisory Board member Laura Bray’s take on a craft with decidedly vintage vibes. Creating memories also takes center stage this month as we gather with family and friends to celebrate the holidays or mark the end of the year. We’ve discussed here before the way in which traditions change as children get older, and the ways in which holidays are celebrated take a shift, too. Make no mistake, when our children return for the holidays, I go to great lengths to decorate, bake and menu plan to ensure that home feels and tastes like home. But we’re also a group of doers and like to plan activities away from the house to give us a chance to try something new, visit a different area of the Metro and, most importantly, strengthen our family bond that connects us through shared memories and miles that separate us during the rest of the year. We’re always looking for the next new experience. Are you the same way? For inspiration on how to add a little something extra to this year’s holiday fun, discover on page 27 some ideas, which were inspired by some of my family’s favorite activities and others offered to us by the editors of our sister publications throughout the Metro. Be sure to tag us in Instagram at @lakeminnetonkamag with photos of your local holiday adventure. Enjoy your time together,

Our compassionate team works tirelessly towards

On the Cover Highcroft, photo by Chris Emeott, page 32 See what we’re doing behind the scenes and around town! Lake Minnetonka Magazine @lakeminnetonkamag @lmtkmag

mnoncology.com 6

Decemeber 2023

lakeminnetonkamag.com

Photo: Chris Emeott

one common goal – fighting cancer.

VOL. 18 NO. 8 lakeminnetonkamag.com

publisher Susan Isay

editor Renée Stewart-Hester

managing creative director Renée Stewart-Hester

managing editor Hailey Almsted

digital editor Madeline Kopiecki

copy editors Kellie Doherty Sherri Hildebrandt

staff writers Jody Carey Mollee Francisco Emily Gedde Meredith Heneghan Daniel Huss Jennifer Pitterle Rachel Schuehle Josie Smith Kristie Smith

contributing writers Hollie Blanchard, Kate Doubler, Laurel Famigletti, Alison Feik, Tracy Hvezda-Lehtola, Sarah Jackson, Dan Keegan, Spencer Olson, Kirsten Pardoe, Rachael Perron, Aaron Person, Raela Schoenherr, Lisa Stevens, Katie Tomsche, Liz Vandam

editorial interns Macy Berendsen Elaina Mankowski Emma Mehl Morgan McFadden Lily Schlobohm

editorial advisory board Laura Bray, board member, Friends of the Excelsior Library Brooke Beyer, director of community events and marketing, Wayzata Area Chamber Mary Cornelius, Communications Specialist, Minnetonka Public Schools David Decker, House Novel Kelly Olsen, Olsen Global Michele Phillips, blogger, writer, photographer Amanda Zielike, House Novel

senior managing art director Sarah Dovolos

art director Allison Nolden

graphic designer Yaz Lo

junior designer Jamie Klang

lead staff photographer Chris Emeott

production director Brittni Dye

production manager Lisa Stone

production coordinator Mimi Coz

senior account executives Cynthia Hamre Mary-Catherine Hartel Sara Johnson Abbie Kinn Kathie Smith

president Pete Burgeson

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

N OT E WO RT H Y

READ

Photo: Chris Emeott

EXCELSIOR FROM A TO Z ALL OF THE C HA R M and whimsy of Excelsior comes to life in Amanda Pesek’s new children’s book, E is for Excelsior! The Excelsior resident was inspired to create a local alphabet book after a trip to Seaside, Florida, two years ago. “I saw an alphabet book and thought I could probably come up with a fun book,” she says. Pesek was right. She sat down, completed a draft in two days and went in search of an illustrator. She contacted her husband’s cousin’s wife, Annmarie Wedin, an art teacher at Minnetonka High School, to gauge her interest. Wedin says, “I was really excited about it.” The Orono resident says working with Pesek made her first illustration experience even better. “Since

December 2023

lakeminnetonkamag.com

we already knew each other, communication was second nature,” Wedin says. She visited locations in Pesek’s book to illustrate from sight. She created delightful illustrations for Excelsior’s most iconic locations, including Licks Unlimited, Maynards, The Commons and Water Street. “It was a very fulfilling experience,” Wedin says. Both women enjoyed the experience so much that they are already at work on their next books. —Mollee Francisco

E is for Excelsior! can be found at amandapesek.com and in Excelsior at Excelsior Bay Books, Pip & Pal, Lake Eﬀect and Kowalski’s Markets.

N OT E WO RT H Y

GROW

In December, it seems everywhere you turn,

only for its ornamental beauty, but also to

bracts turn red in the month of December

you’ll find poinsettias. The plant has become

be used as a reddish-purple dye for cloth

due to longer nights. Nurseries keep the

a staple of the holiday season. Originating

and cosmetics. The white, milky latex in the

plant in the dark 14 hours a day for 40 days

from the regions of Mexico through Central

sap was used medicinally to treat fevers.

to bring on these bright colors.

America, the plant naturally grows into a

In 1825, the first U.S. envoy to Mexico, Joel

In the U.S., 70 million poinsettias are sold

tall, woody bush with spindly branches,

Roberts Poinsett, sent these plants home

each year. Last winter, I waited until spring

reaching up to 13 feet tall.

to his greenhouse in South Carolina.

and planted mine outside in the garden.

The Aztec people associated the plant

Poinsettias are unique in that the colored

with purity. In Nahuatl, the language of the

portion that attracts our attention are not

Aztec people, the plant is called cuetlaxo-

flowers but rather bracts, a leaf-like por-

chitl, meaning “mortal flower that perishes

tion of the plant that evolved to surround

and withers like all that is pure.” How poetic.

the flower and draw awareness to the small

The plant was originally cultivated not

yellow blooms. In its native habitat, the

Alison Feik of Excelsior has a degree in landscape architecture and holds a wealth of knowledge about local plants and gardening. Grow more at beingstronginnature.com.

December 2023

lakeminnetonkamag.com

iStock.com: chabybucko; chang

History Roots Run Deep

l o ca l t i p s , t i d bits & in sig h ts

G G

GRIEGER GROUP WHEN SUCCESS MATTERS

SIP

Prost! The Sleigh Rye’d » 2 parts Dampfwerk The Rabbit in the Rye (German-style herbal liqueur) » 1 part amaretto » splash of cherry juice » cherry, for garnish » spring of rosemary, for garnish Mix rye and amaretto; add a splash of cherry juice. Pour mixture over ice. Garnish as you wish. Cheers.

SOLD

minnetonka beach

Minnetonka

OFFERED AT $4,895,000 5 BED, 4 BATH, APPROX. 5,857 FSF

OFFERED AT $789,000 4 BED, 3 BATH, APPROX. 3,258 FSF

This chic oasis sits in a quiet neighborhood in coveted Minnetonka Beach on approximately 1.2 acres with approximately 150 feet of lakeshore. Close to parks and trails the landmark property oozes with character and features worldclass landscaping. Renovated and updated throughout with the perfect contemporary touches, the home is classic, yet stylish and hip.

Located in the coveted Highgate/Sparrow Road neighborhood, this charming ranchstyle home has three main floor bedrooms and sits on .61 acres. Convenience and tranquility coexist in this location which is private, but close to the elementary, middle, and highschool, shopping, and downtown Excelsior and Wayzata.

SOLD

minnetonka

deephaven

OFFERED AT $1,199,000 5 BED, 4 BATH, APPROX. 4,344 FSF

OFFERED AT $1,295,000 4 BED, 4 BATH, APPROX. 3,524 FSF

This handsome home is immaculate, and pride of ownership is everywhere. Deephaven Elementary. Ideal location close to elementary, middle, and high schools, Lake Minnetonka, Carson Bay boat launch, swimming beaches, Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail, shopping, restaurants, and more!

Set two blocks from Lake Minnetonka and two blocks to Deephaven’s flagship Thorpe Park this charming home was designed, crafted, and lovely cared for by the current owners. Huge windows flood the space with natural light; a perfect blend of luxury, convenience, and natural beauty. Just a short distance to downtown Excelsior and Wayzata!

Dan Keegan owns Glenlake Wine and Spirits in Minnetonka. Sip more at glenlakews.com.

G G

TRUSTED REAL ESTATE EXPERT 612.382.4952 M A R KG R I E G E R @ C B R E A LT Y. C O M G R I E G E R G R O U P. C O M

N OT E WO RT H Y

TA S T E

Oh, Goodie!

This recipe might not be what comes to your mind when you think

Crockpot Candy

of candy, but you’ll keep eating one after the other—Crockpot Candy. Think of a Nut Goodie bar (Pearson’s Candy); the butterscotch chips

» 8 oz. German chocolate, roughly chopped

in this recipe truly make it.

» 10 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips

In addition to the chocolate, cinnamon brings warmth to the treat.

» 11 oz. butterscotch chips

As for the chili powder, it doesn’t make the candy spicy; it opens up

» 20 oz. almond bark, roughly chopped

your taste buds’ receptors and brings out the other flavors. This is

» 1 tsp. cinnamon

true for Mexican hot chocolate with chili powder, which enhances

» ¼ tsp. chili powder

the drink’s flavor.

» 16 oz. peanuts

This simple recipe is always a holiday favorite at our family gather-

» white chocolate, to drizzle (optional)

or knife are required—it’s also a nice little dessert before bed. But the fun doesn’t stop there; experiment with your favorite chocolate—dark or bittersweet—and infuse some mint.

In a crockpot over low heat, add all the ingredients (except peanuts and white chocolate). Once ingredients are melted, add in peanuts. Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, scoop candy mixture onto a parch-

Spencer Olson, who is from the area, continues to expand his cooking repertoire. Taste more at thewoodenspoonchefs.com.

ment-line cookie sheet. Once cool, drizzle candies with white chocolate. Enjoy.

December 2023

lakeminnetonkamag.com

Photo: Spencer Olson

ings; it’s easy to make and serves up simple snacking food. No fork

l o ca l t i p s , t i d bits & in sig h ts

2020

Clover

Court

709

Brenden

Court

Tis the season for Gratitude!

1500 Knob Hill Lane 2909 Fairway Drive DISCOVER

1077 Symphony Lane 20405 Linden Road

Then and Now

3600 Northome Road 20595 Park Place 5601 Dewey Hill Road #304 3901 W 58th Street 101

Many thanks for another great year! Center

4777

Street

Lyman

Court

278

5985

Lake

Street

Highway

17821 Comstock Road 17412 Sanctuary Drive 2325 Sheridan Hills Road 283 Bellwether Path

We appreciate your trust & support!

5587 Orchard Cove 4295 Trillium Lane W 122 Chevy Chase Drive 3810 Xenium Court N One might think the holidays were celebrated very differently 100 years ago, but a look through the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society’s archives found fewer differences than expected. Lake Minnetonka newspaper articles from December 1923 announced holiday music programs, school and charity bazaars, caroling and religious pageants, much like today. And they were filled with helpful gift suggestions. Wistrand Motor Co. in Excelsior advertised a Ford Tudor Sedan ($590), suggesting readers, “The Tudor Sedan is a gift every member of the family will share. It adds to daily happiness.” The Minnetonka Electric Construction Co. encouraged shoppers to, “Make this an electrical Christmas,” with electric percolators, curling irons and Christmas tree sets with eight lights ($2.25). Like today, the

5387 Barrington Way 27585 Brynmawr Place 4865 Ferncroft Drive 125 Wildhurst Road

Wishing comfort & Joy for you & your family this holiday season!

8587 Woodstone Glen 7100 Rolling Acres Road 17821 Comstock Road 17412 Sanctuary Drive 2325 Sheridan Hills Road 283 Bellwether Path 5587 Orchard Cove 4295 Trillium Lane W 2325 Sheridan Hills Road 283 Bellwether Path 5587 Orchard Cove 4295 Trillium Lane W 122 Chevy Chase Drive 3810 Xenium Court N

Minnetonka Record urged readers to “shop Photo: Lake Minnetonka Historical Society

local” at Excelsior stores, saying, “It is not necessary to go away from our hometown to secure any ordinary requirement in the way of Christmas gifts this year. The shopper avoids the discomforts of department store crowding, saves transportation, buys at reasonable prices, deals with people who are his friends and neighbors and knows that the profits the merchant earns

K R I S T I W E I N S TO CK REALTOR® C. 612.309.8332 kdweinstock@cbburnet.com weinstockgroup.com 19400 Highway 7 Excelsior, MN 55331

will be spent directly or indirectly in the building up of his hometown ...”

Contributed by Kirsten Pardoe of the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society. Discover more at lakeminnnetonkahistory.org.

The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2021 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are 2125C5-DC_MN_12/21 independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

December 2023

Green Thumb Take a turn at creating some vintage-inspired holiday décor. By Renée Stewart-Hester

’TIS THE SEASON to create memo-

lakeminnetonkamag.com

ON DISPLAY Use the ornaments as they were originally intended, and hang them on a vintage-inspired holiday tree. Consider placing them in a grouping in a dish or clear or decorative vessel. Add other elements, including greens (faux or real), smaller ornaments in complementary colors or miniature holiday objects. They can also be randomly placed on a bookshelf or on cabinet shelves to add color, texture or the right touch of holiday spirit.

Photos: Chris Emeott

ries and some unique holiday décor for the keeping. While browsing around social media, I noticed local resident Laura Bray made a charming craft that translates well for this time of year and beyond—depending on its presentation. Bray, one of our Editorial Advisory Board members, discovered this idea

on Instagram (@mycreativedays), and she added some minor adjustments and recommendations. “I have always loved vintage pieces,” Bray says. “One of my favorites is jadeite, but I usually don’t want to pay the price for real jadeite.” When discussing jadeite in terms of kitchenware, one is generally talking about the milky-green glassware that was developed during the Depression, rather than the semi-precious gemstone of the same name. The kitchenware from the 1930s is quite collectable and can be found at plenty of antique and vintage shops, and there are several current makers that have hopped on board to create reproductions. Now, some crafters have come up with fun ways to duplicate “the look.” After finding this craft, Bray knew she wanted to give it a go. “I am not a very crafty person, but I felt this looked easy enough for me to try it,” she says.

ABODE

W AY Z AT A J E W E L E R S

JADEITE ORNAMENTS • Plastic ornaments, preferably with texture (You can find these anywhere, including the dollar section at a local store, at a hardware store or online. Bray says there’s no need to spend a lot; less expensive ornaments will do just fine.) • Green craft paint (Find a shade that best replicates jadeite in a matte color. Bray used Apple Barrel’s Spring Green, or try DecoArt’s Jadeite.) • Rub ’n Buff, Antique Gold • Foam brushes (Bray says these result in fewer visible brush strokes.) • Skewers • Cotton swabs • Ribbon, color of your choosing, but consider holiday-inspired patterns or colors.

Custom Design|Manufacture|Repair|Diamonds|Gemstones

1250 Wayzata Blvd E | 952.473.2131 wayzatajewelers.com

Remove the tops of the ornaments. Place each ornament on a skewer to allow for ease during painting. Apply the Rub ’n Buff to the tops with a cotton swab. (This step is optional. If you prefer the original color/finish of the tops, go with it.) Set aside to dry. Use a foam brush to apply paint to the ornaments. Once done, keep them on the skewer and stand them in a tall jar or glass while they dry, making sure there is space between each ornament. (Do a second coat if needed.) Once dry, add the tops back on, and tie the ribbon to the top.

Laura Bray

The returns on certain investments are incalculable. As a community bank the time and effort we invest in our community doesn’t show up on a spreadsheet, it shows up in our hearts. It’s why you’ll find us helping pack meals for Every Meal, a local volunteer organization dedicated to filling food gaps for school-age kids. Because being able to have a positive impact on kids’ lives is what making the possible, possible is all about. To ﬁnd out how you can get involved visit everymeal.org.

A R T S & C U LT U R E

As the Wood Turns Minnetonka resident transforms Minnesota hardwoods into solid art. By Mollee Francisco

FOR ROBERT CLAGUE , every piece

of wood is an intriguing mystery just waiting to be revealed. The Minnetonka woodturner and artist describes himself as a “maker of vessels.” His collection of pieces includes wooden bowls, boxes, vases and Christmas ornaments along with an assortment of abstract artistic pieces. And while Clague will be the first to acknowledge that sometimes a bowl is just a bowl, many of his pieces are a reflection of what is not only inside a tree, but what resides within the artist himself. “It all starts with a piece of wood and being curious about it,” he says.

Clague has been a wood hobbyist for the last 35 years, but it wasn’t until he left a career in IT to be a stay-at-home dad that he got his hands on a lathe. Though he had not delved into woodturning before, the process intrigued him. “I made a few good cuts, sent some shavings flying and I was hooked,” he says. Today, Clague has made the transition from hobbyist to artist. He sells his pieces online via his website, at select craft shows and at Local World Gallery in Wabasha, Minnesota. He also accepts commissions and is especially fond of turning trees, which have special meaning, into artistic pieces. “There’s

tremendous beauty inside our trees,” he says. “I love revealing that.” Clague says that almost any tree or wood can be turned. He generally starts with a log and cuts it up into large chunks with a chainsaw. During those cuts, he will decide on form and grain orientation. “There’s a lot of standing and staring at logs,” he says. Clague then refines the shape with a band saw. At that point, the wood is mounted on the lathe and goes through a rough turn. After a second turn, the wood is coated with wax and allowed to dry. Clague says that the drying process can take from six months to a year. Once

PRAIRIE DUST Clague produces a large volume of shavings and sawdust while creating his pieces. What does he do with it? He says he gives it to two friends, who live off-grid near Winona and have created a very large and successful prairie resto-

Subscribe to your community’s magazine or purchase additional copies at localmedia.co

ration. They use the shavings in a variety of ways that become part of the prairie. “This makes many beings happy,” Clague says.

Photos: Robert Clague

dry, the wood is loaded back onto the lathe where it will get its final, exact shape. He then sands and finishes the piece, and, in some cases, will add texture or color to the piece. Sometimes, Clague will be well into the process before he knows just what he’s making. “I love the revealing of the subconscious,” he says. “The wood is always offering something. We don’t always want it.” Most of the wood Clague works with comes from the street he lives on, so the majority of his pieces are native Minnesota hardwoods. “There’s always a story—at the very least about the tree and how I came to have it,” he says. Clague is especially fond of working with cherry for its scent and box elder for its tendency to produce dramatic colors. He says, at any given time, he has 40–100 finished pieces with another 300-plus drying, more if he has a show coming up. “If I’m not creating, I get very unhappy,” Clague says. “I’m very lucky to be a creative person.”

robertclague.com Robert Clague Woodturning @claguewood

December 2023

lakeminnetonkamag.com

PHILANTHROPY

Meaningful Travel Local family provides supplies to mothers and babies in Guatemala. By Rachel Schuehle

IMAGINE EMBARKING ON A TRIP

across the globe, but instead of bringing a suitcase with clever outfits, iPhone chargers and tasty snacks, your travel bag is stuffed with reusable cloth tote bags, bottles of ibuprofen and bars of body soap. For the last 20 years, that has been the reality for Christine Valerius and her children, Maddy and Cristian Fisk. It all began when Valerius owned a local market and gourmet coffee shop in Mound. Countless vendors provided connection and business to Valerius, although the friendships with coffee farmers in Guatemala were one-of-akind. Drawn to the country and its people, Valerius started on the journey in 2001 of adopting children from Guatemala. In November 2001, Valerius took her first trip to Guatemala to meet Maddy and Cristian, who were, at the time, 1 month and 5 years old, respectively. Throughout the next few months, Valerius faced many road bumps in the adoption process, but she found moments of appreciation for the country. “I fell in love with Guatemala when I visited my children,” she says. “Even though these people have nothing, they’re so happy. They’re happy to see us, to just be. It’s such an uplifting feeling.” While Valerius brought her two children back to the United States in July 2002, their connection to Guatemala wasn’t ending—it was only just beginning. When Valerius was in Guatemala waiting for the adoptions to go through, she spent time serving at a small medical clinic in the rural village of San Rafael El Arado. The clinic, Hands of Hope Medical Mission, was established by Gregory and Anita Giagnocavo in 1998 (running it out of school bus for a time), and the organization now serves 10,000 Indigenous Guatemalan people, who would otherwise be without medical and dental care. Encouraging locals to visit the clinic was (and can still be) problematic. The

December 2023

lakeminnetonkamag.com

To Advertise

sara johnson 952.250.1859 | sara@localmedia.co

Photos: Christine Valerius

roads to the facility are difficult to travel, and, especially in the beginning, locals had negative connotations about medical personnel. Going to the doctor, in their minds, led to negative outcomes, but those impressions are evolving into more positive notions. Getting patients to the clinic was the first step, and inspiration struck when Valerius noticed a few local children playing. “You see a lot of kids, but one day I noticed three of them playing in the dirt on the side of the road and realized none of them had shoes,” she says. Over the course of several months, Valerius collected 5,000 pairs shoes through local donations and had them sent to Guatemala. She then helped fit shoes onto the feet of children. For children who had infections on their feet, their shoes were marked with their names, so they could retrieve them when they came to the clinic for treatment. Over the past four years, the Valerius and Fisk family has raised funds and put together Mother’s Bags, which are reusable cloth tote bags filled with essential items for mothers-to-be and their newborn babies. Soap, sanitary napkins, toothbrushes, toothpaste, a washcloth, baby wipes and ibuprofen are only a handful of the items patients will likely find in a Mother’s Bag. When expectant

Top left: Over 20 years ago, children gather to receive dontated shoes, thanks to the efforts of Christine Valerius and donors. Bottom left: These children in Guatemala provided early inspiration for Christine Valerius.

December 2023

lakeminnetonkamag.com

Top: Maddy Fisk and her mother, Christine Valerius, visit with a young man, who they have spent time with during their visits to Guatemala. They bring him painting supplies to support his art.

polovitzgroup.com 612.743.6801

Bottom left: Filled with kindness, 100 Mother’s Bags have been prepared for donation. Bottom right: Maddy Fisk prepares a Mother’s Bag with necessities for new mothers.

mothers first come to the clinic for an exam, they are given prenatal vitamins. Those who continue to seek regular medical care throughout their pregnancy are then gifted a Mother’s Bag after the baby is born. The Valerius and Fisk family now takes at least one annual trip to Guatemala to serve at the medical clinic, walk through the villages and visit with people. “Maddy is fluent in Spanish, so she really connects with them,” Valerius says. Maddy and Valerius constructed and donated 150 Mother’s Bags last year and are hoping to surpass that number for their trip this month. (Cristian is unable to make this trip due to awaiting the arrival of his first child.) Maddy graduated from Mound Westonka High School in 2020 and is enrolled in classes at Grand Canyon State University in Phoenix, studying marketing and advertising. She hopes to leverage her education and give back to those in Guatemala. “I realize how blessed I am, so I just want to continue giving back,” she says. “I love the people of Guatemala.” Maddy’s even considered starting her own business in Guatemala to help locals build professional skills and secure steady, meaningful jobs. To make a donation or receive

Photos: Christine Valerius

additional information, email Valerius at cmvalerius@cbburnet.com, or call her at 612.272.1772. hands-of-hope.com Hands of Hope Medical Mission @HandsOfHopeGT Discover more by following Valerius on Instagram at @cmvalerius.

Shop with us ! In-Store or Online

14401 Highway 7 in Minnetonka www.generalstoreofminnetonka.com

VENTURES

Sage Shopping One Minnetonka mom offers nontoxic, eco-friendly products for babies and kids in her online shop. By Jennifer Pitterle

December 2023

lakeminnetonkamag.com

Michael and Elissa Lynch with their children, Sage and Mason.

Photo: Chris Emeott

ELISSA AND MICHAEL LYNCH

both grew up in Minnetonka, graduating from Hopkins and Minnetonka high schools, respectively, and knew it was where they wanted to raise their own family. “We moved back home in 2014,” Elissa says. “It’s great to be locals.” Now, with two boys—Sage, 4, and Mason, 2— they are busy with all that comes with parenting young children. In the summer of 2022, Elissa decided to turn her mom-expertise into a business—one that would offer handpicked products that are safer for babies, kids and parents. That September, she launched her online boutique, Fairly Sage. It features clothing, toys, blankets, nursery décor and other items for babies and kids, all with a focus on materials that are nontoxic and environmentally friendly. “Our goal is to only consider items that are as close to low tox and chemical-free as possible,” she says. “Since we’re parents ourselves, we care about what children are exposed to, and their health matters to us.” Elissa noticed the increased research and media attention that’s shining a spotlight on toxic substances in everyday products. Flame retardants, phthalates, PFAs and other chemicals appear in countless household products and are said to disrupt endocrine systems and have other physiological effects. When she’s curating products for Fairly Sage, Elissa says she always asks about materials. “There are a lot of dyes that are really toxic to your hormone system,” she says. “I ask about ingredients and shelf life for things like baby wash—usually a product that lasts three or four years probably has a preservative that I’m not going to love.” She also stocks fragrance-free products and those that have a small environmental footprint. She says, “If things are being shipped all over the world, that’s not very fair to the environment.” That’s the genesis of the boutique’s name, too. “Fairly” refers to products

Serving The Mpls Area In All Weather Conditions For Over 40 Years. 952.230.2502

Les Jones Roofing | 941 W 80th St, Bloomington, MN 55420 | 952-230-2502

CHILD-FRIENDLY GIFTING Holiday shopping for little ones can be really fun, but if you’re overwhelmed by options for your tiniest giftees, Elissa says it helps to focus on a few versatile, heirloomquality items that will last through the baby years and even beyond. Here are a few of her Fairly Sage picks this season:

• Organic Footie Pajamas. “I think every parent appreciates when pajamas have zippers!” Elissa says. These cozy jammies transition perfectly to daytime play, too.

• Wooden Spelling Box. “My 4-year-old, Sage, loves this,” she says. The box features flashcards and alphabet blocks for spelling simple words. • Magnetic Tangrams. Elissa’s toddler, Mason, uses this magnetic set in the car. “It’s super nice that it’s not electronic for travel,” she says. • Wooden Swing. This sweet, handmade swing can be easily installed in a toddler’s room for gross-motor play. (And it’s adorable!)

December 2023

lakeminnetonkamag.com

Photos: Chris Emeott

that are “fair to nature and to our kids,” Elissa says. “Sage” is an homage to her oldest son. “Kids don’t get a say in what we’re dressing them in or using in the home. Anything I can do to prevent chemical exposure, dye exposure— that’s what’s going to be fair,” she says. If running an online shop isn’t enough, Elissa is also busy with a cause close to her heart. “I was a fellow with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation from 2018 until 2020,” she says. “The fellows represent veteran and military caregivers. We advocate for them.” Her husband, Michael, is a U.S. Army veteran, who was injured in Afghanistan in 2013. “Ever since then, I’ve been caretaking for him,” she says. Serendipity connected her to former U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole, whom she now considers a dear friend. “My father-in-law worked for a limo service, and he met Dole while driving her,” Elissa says. Dole told him about the foundation, and the rest is history. Elissa travels to Washington, D.C., almost every year to advocate for veterans and their caregivers and works with Hidden Heroes, an online community that offers support and resources to caregivers. fairlysage.com Fairly Sage – Organic Baby + Kids @fairly.sage Fairly Sage – Baby + Kids

Less banking. More wow! Your life isn’t dull ... your banking shouldn’t be either. At CorTrust, we believe in living life bold. Ready to bank bold?

Raise Your Expectations

4625 County Rd 101 • Minnetonka (952) 933-9550 • CorTrustBank.com/More-Wow Member FDIC

Th y l i m e Fa

at Plays Toget

he r …

Think out of the (gift) box when planning holiday experiences. Written by Renée Stewart-Hester

When guests come to town over the holidays, hosts can be hard-pressed when it comes to planning “things to do.” And a similar situation can be had when adult children return home for the holidays. While the excitement of having full beds and occupied seats around the dining table rarely takes a dip, there can be times when a little infusion of excitement and fun out of the house is needed. There are many opportunities throughout the Metro to take a little holiday field trip. Let’s take a look at places to go and things to do that can put a whole lot of merry and happy in your holiday season. (We realize this is by no means a complete list. Hopefully, we can inspire you to discover new places.)

Exercising a bit of creativity is good for everyone’s soul. Visit the easily accessible art exhibits at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts, 2240 N. Shore Drive, Wayzata; 952.473.7361; minnetonkaarts.org.

Check out the public open skating schedule at the Plymouth Ice Center in preparation to carve ice with fellow skaters. 3650 Plymouth Blvd., Plymouth; 763.509.5260; plymouthmn.gov.

December 2023

lakeminnetonkamag.com

Charcuterie boards continue to be an entertaining fixture. Learn what takes a board from good to “grate” with the help of The Grater Good, 13315 106th St., Norwood Young America; 952.334.3225; thegratergoodmn.com.

If you’re hungry for a new culinary challenge, cooking classes can satisfy your hankering. Visit The Abundant Kitchen, 223 Water St., Excelsior; 952.401.3682; abundantkitchen.shop.

For those who want to get their Canadian on, try our northern neighbor’s other winter sport—Crokicurl, a hybrid of curling and the board game, Crokinole, where players flick small discs on an octagonal target to score points. Up your aim game at Central Park, 12000 Central Park Way, Maple Grove; 763.494.6474; maplegrovemn.gov.

NOTE: The program received the 2022 award for innovative programing from the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association.

If you missed being a member of a winter Olympic team, play the part by taking group curling lessons at the Chaska Curling Center, 3210 Chaska Blvd., Chaska; 952.227.2475; chaskacurlingcenter.com.

TIP: This is very popular, so you might The holidays can bring stress to families when they gather, and this can include when adult children are welcomed back into the household for a visit. Tai J. Mendenhall, Ph.D., LMFT, reminds parents that their children are now adults. “The manners in which they do any variety of things may be different than the ways that you would do things (e.g., cook, hang a towel in the bathroom, drive), but your job as a parent is no longer to guide, teach, discipline, etc., like it was when they were young,” he says. “Pick your battles, and remember that the visit is temporary. Enjoy time together—visiting, sharing, playing games, seeing shows, exchanging gifts, etc.” Adult children also have some things to bear in mind. “Remember that your parents are still your parents, and that you are staying in their home,” Mendenhall says. “Respect that. Don’t change the thermostat without asking them if it’s OK first. Clean up after yourself. Engage with them in authentic conversations—not while you scroll through social media and watch TV.” And he reiterates the importance of picking battles, recognizing the visit won’t last forever, enjoying that time together and employing the age-old adage—don’t sweat the small stuff.

have to book this for 2024.

Increase your knowledge of making spirits by dipping into a distillery, including J. Carver Distillery, 1320 Mill Lane, Waconia; 952.442.2433; jcarverdistillery.com.

Don’t leave out your furry guests. If you’re not the only one suffering from cabin fever, bring your four-legged friend to an indoor dog park like Brew Park Plymouth, 2605 Fernbrook Lane. N. Suite J, Plymouth; 763.337.4433; brewparkplymouth.com.

December 2023

lakeminnetonkamag.com

Photo: Lucky Aspyn Photography

IT TAKES TWO

Embrace the Bold North with downhill

and Nordic skiing, tubing and more thanks to incredible programming at the Three Rivers Park District, locations vary; 763.559.9000; threeriversparks.org.

TIP: Be sure to check trail and hill accessibility and conditions and equipment rental.

KEEP ’EM GUESSING Add a little excitement or mystery to your hosting duties. Rather than telling family members where the upcoming field trip will take them, make a game of it by offering clues. The first to guess the destination can be the first in line, get the primo seat or even receive a small treat associated with the activity.

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

The Grater Good

December 2023

lakeminnetonkamag.com

MORE TO THE STORY One might assume that family bonding happens early in a child’s life, and no more effort is required after a certain point. All relationships, including those between child and parent, need continued engagement. “Relationships require ongoing work, maintenance and nurturing,” says Mendenhall. “… the reality is that most relationships that fail do so because of neglect. We’re ‘too busy’ with other things to authentically nurture our relationships. We begin to take each other for granted.” In some households, family members stop engaging beyond routine interactions, which can include the ubiquitous queries of: How was your day? When will you be home? And the like. There’s a risk that this can happen between family households. “We don’t call each other just to check in, say ‘Hi’ or just share something great that happened at our child’s school or in our work,” says Mendenhall, a professor at the University of Minnesota and medical family therapist with M Health Fairview. “We experience visits as a chore and distraction from the things that we really want to do.” Mendenhall reminds that family bonding should continue to be tended to maintain healthy connections. “Early attachment processes between infants/children and their caretakers (parents, grandparents, etc.) continue throughout the life course,” he says. “Relationships change and evolve, of course, as parents and children go from parent/child relationships to more adult/adult relationships, and this takes effort. Spend time together. Call each other. Have family Zoom calls every Sunday night for 30 minutes. Help each other with something around one of your respective homes. Don’t take each other for granted.” “Cultivating and maintaining connections across generations is key in continuing family legacies, stories and related narratives,” Mendenhall continues to say. “Closeness, support and sense of belonging are basic human needs—and most of us receive (and offer) these things within family contexts.”

10.

Want to escape? Find out how well your group thinks on its feet during a stop at Breakout Games, 12369 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka; 952.300.6230; breakoutgames.com.

11.

Who doesn’t love a great holiday light show, especially from the warmth and comfort of your car? Check out the Magic of Lights at Viking Lakes, 2685 Vikings Circle, Eagan; magicoflights.com/minneapolis.

12.

Lose yourself is wintry fun by navigating an ice maze. Try your cold-weather orienteering skills at the Minnesota Ice Maze, 2645 Vikings Circle, Eagan; 612.254.8330; minnesotaicemaze.com.

13.

How does this sound? Ice skate around 10-acre “lake,” spread out among three ponds, which are connected by winding canals and give a decidedly “unsuburban” vibe at Centennial Lakes Parks, 7499 France Ave. S., Edina; 952.833.9580; edinamn.gov.

14.

Test your collective courage without leaping out of an airplane during indoor skydiving at iFly, 12415 Wayzata Blvd. Suite 15, Minnetonka; 612.444.4359; iflyworld.com.

TIP: The photos ops alone are worth it.

December 2023

lakeminnetonkamag.com

15.

Snowshoe through 11 miles of trails along more than 1,200 acres of woodland, prairie and open fields at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska; 612.624.2200; arb.umn.edu. TIP: Be sure to check on trail accessibility and equipment rental.

iFly

16.

Who in your group is the holder of the most information (useless or otherwise) or is in constant pursuit of all things trivia? There are plenty of breweries and dining spots around the Metro that feature these questionable nights of fun.

17.

Sip with a purpose during a

wine tasting or tour of a local winery. Try Fountain Hill Winery & Vineyard, 731 County Road 30 SE, Delano; fhwandvineyard.com.

Photo: xxxxxxxxx Photos: Snack Media; iFly

Minnesota Ice Maze

“Play is essential for mental health, and it can be a powerful way to bond (between friends, couples, family members, anybody). Board games, yard games … community events, sports, etc.—any and all of these things: Do them!” Tai J. Mendenhall, Ph.D., LMFT

December 2023

lakeminnetonkamag.com

18.

Immerse yourself in the Westin Edina Galleria’s Winter Village. Throughout a three-month installation, the team offers weekly spirit and wine tastings, private dinners hosted by local chefs, special activities through its Weekend Wonders program at 3201 Galleria, Edina; 952.567.5000; marriott.com.

Before you head out the door, be sure to check venues’ or activities’ availability. Scheduling can change after this issue’s publication.

Written by Jennifer Pitterle — Photos by Chris Emeott

A NOSE FOR LUXURY Wayzata’s Highcroft offers high-end signature perfumes for anyone on your gift list.

For years, chic Wayzata shoppers have turned to Highcroft—a beloved Lake Street boutique—for luxury sheets, towels, pillows, candles and other touches. Since March 2022, the shop has offered one more sensory experience for discerning noses—several lines of luxury perfumes. “We wanted to offer perfume for a few different reasons,” says owner Molly MacDonald. “There used to be a perfume store in Wayzata, and memories are long! People would ask us about it.” MacDonald knew the shop had enough space to add personal fragrances (It already offered home fragrances and linen sprays.) and was drawn by the fascinating backstories of luxury scents. “We’re used to selling things with a story. Our store is really experiential, with beautiful textiles and home fragrances.

This is a great tie-in,” she says. Store buyer Emma Swanson got to work, and she and MacDonald ultimately selected 12 perfume lines for Highcroft. “We went through samples from 50 different lines,” Swanson says. “A lot of smelling. We had our own personal favorites, which inspired us to bring those in.” They also focused on perfumes with aesthetic appeal, with beautifully crafted bottles and boxes that look like tiny works of art. When it comes to personal fragrance, most customers want something unique and special—a signature scent, MacDonald says. “They want something they can wear every day and not feel like others have the same scent,” she says. With luxury fragrances like these (Most bottles in the shop run in the $100 to $300 range.), the expert perfumers behind them are “incredible makers,” MacDonald says. “It’s all about the nose behind the scent.” One favorite line— Santa Maria Novella—has its history in the garden of an Italian monastery, founded in 1221.

December 2023

lakeminnetonkamag.com

FAVORITE FRAGRANCES We asked MacDonald and Swanson for some of Highcroft’s bestselling perfumes. If you’re shopping for a holiday gift, give one of these time-tested favorites—each with a compelling story—a try.

• Pas Ce Soir by BDK Parfums: This sweet, gingery scent is perfect for the winter holidays. “Seasonality is important,” MacDonald says. “Some scents feel warmer and a bit more cozy.”

• The Original by Eight & Bob: Created by Parisian Albert Fouquet in the early 20th century, this unisex fragrance was reportedly a favorite of President John F. Kennedy. The perfumers still use the original formula, which had been hidden from the Nazis at the onset of World War II.

• Papyrus Moléculaire by Maison Crivelli: “This is similar to a popular Le Labo scent but with a pretty twist,” MacDonald says. “It has this really beautiful papyrus note.”

Highcroft also stocks perfumes from Vilhelm Parfumerie, MEMO Paris, Annick Goutal and other lines.

December 2023

lakeminnetonkamag.com

GIFTING GOODNESS Especially if you’re purchasing perfume for someone else, engage in a little homework ahead of your visit to Highcroft. MacDonald shares a few things to consider when selecting a fragrance gift:

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

The Officina ProfumoFarmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella traces its roots to 1221 in Florence.

December 2023

lakeminnetonkamag.com

• Current Scents: Does your giftee wear the same signature scent every day? Maybe he or she prefers to switch it up, depending on his or her agenda or mood. Bringing the names of the giftee’s current bottles to Highcroft can help MacDonald and Swanson find a new fragrance that fits naturally into his or her collection. • Seasonality: Think about whether your recipient will wear this fragrance yearround or whether it can be a little cozier (fall and winter) or tropical (spring and summer). That can help you narrow down scent notes to include or exclude. • Sillage: This refers to the scent trail a perfume leaves as the wearer walks through a room. How much will your giftee want? “Some people want a lot of compliments on their perfume, and some want it just for themselves,” MacDonald says. • Longevity and Projection: As these terms imply, they denote how long a fragrance lasts on your skin and how far into the room it’s noticeable. As longevity decreases, so does projection. • Where to Wear: Think about whether your recipient likes to wear fragrance as an accessory for a night out or whether he or she wants something for every day, at-home use. “There are some sexy going-out scents, but there are some great cozy ones for homebodies, too,” MacDonald says.

LINEN LOVE

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

In addition to personal and home fragrances, Highcroft is known for its selection of luxury bath, bed and table linens. Shoppers can select from in-store stocked Italian percale and sateen sheets from Sferra in a variety of price points. A myriad of colors, prints and embroideries for linens are available via special order in Highcroft’s in-store design space. Some of staff’s favorites include luxury cashmere blankets for colder months or linen blankets for the warmer seasons or for those who prefer a cooler sleep experience. Highcroft, 770 Lake St. E., Wayzata; 952.746.5826; highcrofthome.com Highcroft

@highcrofthome

December 2023

lakeminnetonkamag.com

Joy. Full. When you put as much food on as many tables as we do, you learn a thing or two about giving thanks. So we’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to our customers for shopping here, to our employees for working here, to our partners for growing and making great products and selling them here. Thank you. Thank you for your friendship and loyalty. It is an honor to be your grocer at this time of year and all year long. May your holiday season be full of happiness, kindness and, most of all,

the joy of good food.

11 Twin Cities Locations

KOWALSKIS.COM

The Fine Art of Creating Exceptional Exteriors. Replace. Repair. Restore. Roofing Siding Windows Gutters Decks

License #BC751852

For your complimentary consultation, connect with us: 952.295.3425 www.allstartoday.com

St. David’s Center’s Early Childhood Education Program –

your child’s home away from home. Choosing who will care for your child is a really important, and sometimes difficult, decision. How do you trust someone with your child’s happiness, health, and development? How will you know a center’s quality is as good as they promise? At St. David’s Center: • our campus is located on 10 acres including a school forest,

wetland boardwalk, outdoor classrooms, and two playgrounds supporting at least three hours of outdoor play every day; • our teachers love children and deeply understand development,

and you can see it in every interaction; and • we are trusted partners on your parenting path.

Learn more, visit our campus in Minnetonka, and see why St. David’s Center is the best choice for your family.

For more information, visit www.stdavidscenter.org/preschool or contact Whitney Frisch at wfrisch@stdavidscenter.org.

Toddler classroom enrollment for 2024-25 begins in January!

lo c al things to se e an d do

O N T H E TOW N

HISTORY NOTE(S) Relive one of music’s greatest jam sessions.

I F YO U N E E D A M ILLIO N D O LLAR

Photo: Old Log Theatre

I D E A for getting out with friends and fam-

ily, head over to the Old Log Theatre for its production of Million Dollar Quartet, which runs through February 17 at the theater, 5185 Meadville St., Excelsior. Directed by Christine O’Grady Roberts, the musical marks December 4, 1956, when rock ’n’ roll greats Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley came together at Sun Records’ storefront studio in Memphis, Tennessee. It is believed this was the only time that the four legends played together, and it

December 2023

lakeminnetonkamag.com

has come to be known as one of the greatest rock jam sessions of all time. Performances are held at 1 p.m. Thursdays (general admission); 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and 2 p.m. Sundays. Student rush tickets are $20 and must be purchased the night of performance at the box office with a valid student ID. Small, hand-sized receivers are available for those with hearing loss. Reservations can be made calling the box office. —Renée Stewart-Hester

David Beukema, Armando Ronconi, Eric Sargent, Kyle Baker, Myia Ann Butler, Elijah Leer and Mitchell Dallman perform in Old Log Theatre’s Million Dollar Quartet. Can you guess who made up the original rock ’n’ roll quartet?

For additional information, visit oldlog.com, or call the box office at 952.474.5951.

O N T H E TOW N

Compiled by Elaina Mankowsi, Morgan McFadden and Emma Mehl

LOCAL EVENTS

Christmas in Excelsior 12/02, 12/09, 12/16 The Excelsior Chamber of Commerce brings Saturday events throughout December. All ages. Free. Times vary by day. Downtown Excelsior; 952.686.6046; excelsiorlakeminnetonkachamber.com

AGAPE Mini Market 12/03 The market returns to bring the community’s talents forward and to give back to disaster relief and mission efforts. All

ages. Free. 10 a.m–noon. Trinity Lutheran Long Lake, 2060 Country Road 6, Long Lake; 952.473.8577; trinitylonglake.org

All Shook Up 12/07–12/09, 12/12–12/16 Join local youths as they rock and roll to Elvis classics live on stage. Ages 5 and older. $49-$95. Times vary by date. Blue Water Theater, 605 Rice St. E., Wayzata; 952.855.9147; bluewatertheater.com

Winter Farmers Market 12/09 Local vendors sell fresh and local goods just in time for the gift-giving season.

All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Minnetonka Community Center, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka; 952.939.8311; minnetonkamn.gov

Petite Concerts 12/09 Discover new instruments with early child-

UGLY SWEATER CRAFT SHOW

5 years old and maximum of two caregivers. Free. 10–10:45 a.m. Excelsior Library, 337 Water St. Excelsior; 612.543.5669; hclib.org

AREA EVENTS

This craft and gift show features more than 30 local artisans, display-

Star Watch Astronomy

ing and selling a variety of handmade gifts, including sweaters, mit-

12/01, 12/02, 12/15

tens, jewelry and more. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Minnetonka American Legion Post 398, 2333 Wilshire Blvd., Mound; allevents.in

hood music specialists. Children up to

Enjoy the night sky through one of the largest telescopes in Minnesota. Ages 8 and

December 2023

lakeminnetonkamag.com

iStock.com/FTiare

DECEMBER 3

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

WOMEN’S HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN THE TWIN CITIES older. $12 per person. 7–8:30 p.m. Eden Prairie Outdoor Center, 13651 Staring Lake Parkway, Eden Prairie; 952.949.8479; edenprairie.org

At OBGYN West we are passionate about delivering high-quality women’s health care.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

No matter what stage of life you are in, our

12/01–12/31

physicians are here to provide individualized,

Join the Children’s Theatre Company

compassionate care. Our physicians and phy-

for this classic performance. All ages.

sician assistants provide a variety of services

Prices vary. Times vary. 2400 Third Ave. S., Mpls.; 612.874.0400; childrenstheatre.org

including adolescence care, pregnancy care, screening mammograms, infertility, menopause, urinary incontinence, sexual health,

Summit Avenue Artisan Festival

pelvic pain and genetic cancer screening.

12/02 Discover local artisans, a bake sale, a silent auction and crafts for kids. All ages. Free.

Matthew T. Bigos, MD

Eric J. English, MD

Wesley R. Grootwassink, MD

Terri S. Johnson, MD

Christine M. Larson, MD

Deborah Brown, APRN, CNP, RDMS

new baby’s on the way or you’re facing the

10 a.m. 900 Summit Ave., St. Paul; eventbrite.com

Field and Festival Holiday Market

Whether it’s your teen’s first annual exam, a special challenges of middle age, OBGYN

Rebekah A. Roverud, PA-C

Jennifer L. Smolinski, MD

Sarah M. Talbott, PA-C

Gregg A. Teigen, MD

West is with you ever step of the way. Katie J. Toft, MD

Matthew A. Weinrich, MD

12/02, 12/03, 12/09, 12/10, 12/16, 12/17 Shop for the holidays from local farmers, foodies and makers. All ages.

10 a.m.–2 p.m. Wagners Garden Center, 6024 Penn Ave. S., Mpls.; fieldandfestival.com

Winter Wonderland Tour 12/03 Meet picture book author Jan Brett, who talks about her research in Alaska and will demonstrate an illustration related to her bestselling book, Cozy. All ages.

$20. 5 p.m. O’Shaughnessy Education Center, University of St. Thomas, 2115 Summit Ave., St. Paul; eventbrite.com

Cathedral Christmas Concert 12/07–12/08 Come enjoy Steven C performing the sev-

Our providers offer personalized compassionate care for all your women’s healthcare needs. This includes adolescent care, infertility, obstetrics, gynecology, incontinence issues, weight loss, ob/gyn physical therapy, and menopause. Maintaining strong, caring relationships with our patients is important. At OBGYN West, you will find a provider that will be with you every step of the way.

obgynwest.net 952.249.2000

952-249-2000 · obgynwest.net We offer convenient evening hours at all of our locations.

Minnetonka

14001 Ridgedale Dr., Ste 200 Minnetonka, MN 55305

Chaska

Two Twelve Medical Center 111 Hundertmark Rd., Ste 410 Chaska, MN 55318

eden Prairie

800 Prairie Center Dr., Ste 130 Eden Prairie, MN 55344

WaConia

Ridgeview Medical Center 560 S Maple St., Ste 220 Waconia, MN 55387

enth annual Christmas Together concert with guest artists and a children’s choir.

All ages. $10. 7 p.m. Cathedral of Saint Paul, 239 Selby Ave., St. Paul; eventbrite.com

Twin Cities Holiday Princess Ball 12/10 Enjoy a family-friendly day of magic and dancing for all Disney lovers. All ages. $20–

$35. Times vary. Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan; eventbrite.com

To have your event considered: email lakeminnetonkamag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. 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.

Amanda Pesek

TA S T E M A K E R S

French Love Affair

A children’s book series provides the idéal recipe for Excelsior baking business. Written by Mollee Francisco — Photos by Chris Emeott

A MA N DA P ESEK can trace her love of Paris all the way back to her childhood. As her parents read her Ludwig Bemelmans’ series of tales about Madeline, a bold, young, red head attending a convent school in Paris, Pesek instantly fell in love. Pesek read the books on a daily basis, imagining Madeline’s life “In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines lived 12 little girls in two straight lines ...” The stories stuck with her. As she grew up, she began decorating her home

December 2023

lakeminnetonkamag.com

with Parisian-inspired photography and collecting Paris-themed books for her coffee table. And when it came time to name her burgeoning baking business, the Excelsior resident had the perfect name: Macarons by Madeline. “I loved the alliteration,” she says. Pesek began baking in her 20s, starting with cupcakes and truffles, but she soon wanted to challenge herself. That’s when Pesek learned about a macaron class offered at Amy’s Cupcake Shoppe in Hopkins. “I always liked to bake and

wanted to try macarons,” she says. Pesek signed up for a class with a friend in 2018. Despite being notoriously difficult to perfect, Pesek says that her first attempt at baking the delicate sandwich cookies was a success. It was love at first bite. “I decided I wanted to try it at home,” Pesek says. “I kept practicing and trying different flavors.” Her coworkers in the audit department at Target

Corporation’s headquarters became the lucky recipients of her practice efforts. Before long, they started asking her to make macarons for baby showers, birthdays and more. In March 2019, Macarons by Madeline was born. In her home kitchen, Pesek whips up a dizzying array of traditional and unique flavors of macarons. For the December holidays, Pesek has created

a seasonal nutcracker box, containing a mix of cinnamon roll, Andes mint-chocolate, hot chocolate-flavored macarons, as well as a gingerbread macaron called Not My Gumdrop Buttons. In the summer, Pesek’s fruit-themed offerings included: a strawberry macaron with homemade whipped cream and strawberry jam filling; a peach macaron with homemade whipped cream and brown sugar roasted peach jam filling; and a blueberry macaron with homemade whipped cream and blueberry jam filling, cleverly dubbed the Violet Beauregarde, referencing one of the spoiled children in author Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. “One of my favorite parts is coming up with new flavors,” Pesek says. Around Easter, Pesek offers carrot cake macarons alongside macarons with robin egg candy and Peeps. For Cinco de Mayo, she has a margarita flavor, featuring a key lime macaron with salted tequila-lime buttercream frosting. Other alcohol-themed offerings include

December 2023

lakeminnetonkamag.com

mimosa, chocolate Guinness and a boozy shamrock shake. Pesek’s other creations, which include sugar cookies, sweet rolls, pies, cupcakes and custom cakes, are all available for order from her website. They can also be found seasonally at the Minikahda Club’s holiday boutique in Minneapolis and the Visitation School Christmas market in Mendota Heights. “The dream would be to do it full time and open a bake shop in downtown Excelsior,” Pesek says. “I’m definitely

a little ways from that.” Until then, Pesek will continue to help both her Madelines grow—the macaron business and her young daughter, who was born after Pesek started the business—as she dreams of a day when she can visit her old literary friend’s stomping grounds. She says, “I keep joking that my husband needs to take me to Paris.” macaronsbymadeline.com

COOKING UP A GOOD READ If you whisked by our Noteworthy section to go straight to dessert (AKA our Tastemakers pages), turn to page 9 to see what other creative endeavors Pesek is undertaking.

Macarons by Madeline macaronsbymadeline

December 2023

lakeminnetonkamag.com

Bundl Home is trusted to provide house cleaning, specialty cleaning and home maintenance for 100s of refined homes. Experience the difference. Have time for what truly matters!

Bundl Home 763.531.9100 bundlhome.com

Comfort Keepers® is here to help seniors thrive safely while living independently at home. Our empathetic caregivers are specially trained to provide uplifting care and support. We’re here to help! Comfort Keepers 5798 Lincoln Drive 763.273.4207 comfortkeepers.com

Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or an amazing grooming experience, The Top Shave Lounge has got you covered. Book your appointment online or stop in for quality products.

Wayzata Bay Car Wash is locally owned and operated in the heart of downtown Wayzata. We strive to lead the industry in top-of-the-line equipment and exemplary customer service.

The Top Shave Lounge 12993 Ridgedale Drive Suite 134 612.284.7227 thetopshavelounge.com

Wayzata Bay Car Wash 143 Lake St. E. 952.473.4033 wayzatabaycarwash.com

LAST GLANCE

Lens on Lake Minnetonka Agreeable labradoodle strikes a winning pose.

This photo of Yeti, an Australian labradoodle, took first place in our photo contest’s Pets category. “Yeti was trying to rest, and I kept making him pose,” Stachia Fey says. “It was so funny because I would put him in different spots on my bed, and all he wanted to do was lay his head down to sleep. In the photo I submitted, he has sleepy eyes, yet he is still trying to entertain my requests to look at the camera. It really was so much fun taking the shots.” Fey appreciates seeing the pads on Yeti’s paws against his light coat and the pop of color from the pillows and plants. She says, “I’ve been working extremely hard for many years on many projects to master depth of field while shooting in manual mode, so there is the perfect amount of bokeh for the shot.”

Photographer: Stachia Fey Title: Yeti

Equipment: Nikon D5600 camera with a Tamron 70-200mm lens. Natural sunlight. Location: Orono Category: Pets Award: First

—Renée Stewart-Hester

To view other Lens on Lake Minnetonka photo contest winners, visit lakeminnetonkamag.com.

December 2023

lakeminnetonkamag.com

NO ONE BUILDS LIKE NOR-SON Nor-SonCustomBuilders.com MN LIC.#BC001969

Lake Minnetonka - December 2023