Lake Minnetonka - August 2026

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

Students bookmark the important moments of their high school careers

PRIVATE OASIS ON LAKE MINNETONKA

Janet Boschwitz

612-804-8720

A thoughtfully renovated and updated property in a demand neighborhood featuring 128 ft of south-facing shoreline, a sparkling swimming pool, lush landscaping, and sweeping lake views. Inside, you’ll find a large open entertaining spaces, main floor primary suite and office, 6-car garage, workshop, and the comfort of geothermal in-floor heating and cooling.

4 Bedrooms | 6 Bathrooms | 5,987 Finished Sq. ft.

MINNETONKA WALK-OUT

Lezlie and Les Bork 612-396-3887

Move in ready, 4 bd/4bath, high-end finishes Minnetonka walk-out rambler, set on a serene 1-acre private lot with an additional 4 acres of protected city preserve, this exceptional home offers a rare blend of tranquility and accessibility. Central, close-in metro location just minutes from premier shopping and dining–giving you the best of both peaceful living and vibrant community life.

LAKE TIME STARTS HERE

The Hermann Group 612-221-7561

Make the most of every season on Lake Minnetonka. With 104 feet of shoreline, effortless main-level living, and exceptional spaces for gathering and entertaining, this 4-bedroom, 5-bath residence is designed for relaxed lake days and unforgettable evenings.

GATHER, RELAX, ENJOY

The Hermann Group 612-221-7561

Beautifully remodeled and expanded, this exceptional home offers 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, mainlevel living, open entertaining spaces, a charming screen porch, refreshing pool, and deeded dock on Stubbs Bay. Orono Schools.

FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to our annual education issue, showcasing our Senior Spotlight students, who were nominated by their schools for being exemplary leaders in and out of the classroom. Our Editorial Team meets each year to review the nominations and are continually impressed by our local students. For as long as I have been a part of this process, the final decisions of who to feature in our pages has always been difficult. This community has such strong educational institutions and community programming that yield so many impressive and inspiring young people. Grade: A+

When I reviewed the nominations alongside my colleagues and later learned more about our featured students, I felt a nudge—a gentle push in my mind to do more, learn more. These students continually challenge themselves to open up to new activities, ideas and skills. Given their busy (underscore busy) schedules, we asked the featured students if there was a new skill they wanted to learn. Despite a full slate of classes and activities, they all had something on their must-try docket.

What about me? What am I doing to broaden my horizons? It should come as no surprise that I’m a reader. I come from a family of booklovers, and I placed a high value on our children’s reading world when my husband and I had a family of our own. And that commitment continues. (Our basement table tennis table has been replaced with a bookcase, brimming with childhood classics and cozy reading nooks for the next generation—grandchildren!) Books—fiction or nonfiction—expand our worlds beyond measure.

But that’s not enough for me, so I have made a quiet commitment to seek out new learning opportunities and experiences to broaden my scope of discovery. What about you? Write me at renee@localmedia.co and share what you’ve discovered in this community that helps expand your horizons. I’d love to share in these pages ways in which we all can continue to be active learners. Who knows, by sharing your world, you might just open a door to a new space of joy and awe for someone else.

Until next month,

Renée Stewart-Hester renee@localmedia.co

On the Cover: Marley Jack, page 24

VOL. 21 NO. 4

August 2026

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 and Sherri Hildebrandt

STAFF WRITERS

Kassondra Burtis, Ashley Cardona, Findlay Drabant, Mollee Francisco, Emily Gedde, Maura Keller and Alexandra Tostrud

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Andrew Akhaphong, Hollie Blanchard, Emily Carriveau, Stephanie Herrick, Jessica Hilde, Lynette Kalsnes, Emily Maxson, Spencer Olson, Rima Parikh, Molly Rivard, Raela Schoenherr, Lisa Stevens, Katie Tomsche and Mariah Wise

DIGITAL INTERN

Danielle Gallus

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Abigail Larson and Kate Thompson

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Mary Cornelius, Minnetonka Schools ; David Decker, House Novel ; Sue Gartner, Crown Warehouse & Delivery Service ; Kelly Olsen, Olsen Global ; Michele Phillips, blogger, writer and photographer ; Anna Skemp, Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce ; and Amanda Zielike, House Novel

SENIOR MANAGING ART DIRECTOR

Sarah Dovolos

ART DIRECTOR

Allison Nolden

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR

Jamie Klang

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Yaz Lo

LEAD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Chris Emeott

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Brittni Dye

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Lisa Stone

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Mimi Coz

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Laura Bjorgo, Cynthia Hamre and Sara Johnson

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Rochita Chatterjee and Gina Neumann PRESIDENT Pete Burgeson

To subscribe to Lake Minnetonka Magazine , please visit localmedia.co. For customer service inquiries, please contact hello@localmedia.co, or call 612.208.6248. ©Local LLC 2026. All rights reserved.

Now, Hear This

Through Ahoy, Minnetonka!, Minnetonka Public Schools shares podcast conversations with the many different individuals who power the district forward—and those who, through their experiences, are empowered to be changemakers in the local and global community.

Throughout the fall, listen for stories that celebrate collaboration and highlight

the community’s commitment to studentcentered excellence. Together, we’re building schools where everyone feels connected, empowered and inspired. Episodes dive into academic programs, extracurricular opportunities and community events. The podcast’s schedule also includes regular updates with Minnetonka Schools superintendent David Law, who

Renaissance Woman

Martha Van de Vere Larkin (1869–1967) was a Minnetonka woman of note. Martha and her husband, John, farmed the land that the Dayton company purchased for the development of Ridgedale Center. Martha was a fabulous cook and had many hobbies, including millinery, photography, reading, singing and notably, painting— all while she and John raised six children.

She became known locally as an artist, showing some of her paintings, including for exhibits at the Downtown Foundation (Minneapolis) in 1952, the 35th Annual Exhibition of Twin City Artists in 1949 at the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Hennepin County Fair, where she won a First Premium Ribbon (year unknown).

In 2022, the City of Minnetonka Historical Society received a donation of one of Martha’s murals from a Minnetonka couple. When the donors purchased their home in 1975, the painting came with the residence. Since they weren’t interested in displaying the art, the mural was stored for decades until they donated it to the historical society.

Learn more during Martha Van de Vere Larkin: A Prolific, Yet Unknown Minnetonka Artist at 1 p.m. August 27 at the Minnetonka Community Center. Registration is required. Call 952.939.8393 for details.

Barb Lindgren is City of Minnetonka Historical Society board member. Discover more at cityofminnetonkahistory.org.

shares about the progress of district initiatives, as well as updates on timely topics.

Episodes are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever podcasts are offered. Find the latest details at minnetonkaschools.org/ahoy.

Mary Cornelius is the communications specialist with Minnetonka Schools.

Community Driven

Growing up, Jenny Bodurka was heavily involved in school activities and her community, inspiring her career path. For 11 years, Bodurka has dedicated her efforts toward Minnetonka Community Education (MCE). Over the past two years, she’s served as its director.

Bodurka’s work was recognized this year by LERN with a Top Community Educator Award for 2026. LERN is the largest international organization that supports community and lifelong learning programs.

After earning a LERN Community Program Planner certificate in 2008, Bodurka leveraged the organization’s resources to support MCE’s foundational knowledge and training efforts.

“I have had the pleasure of working with [Bodurka] since she started at [MCE],” says Louis Weir, MCE marketing specialist.

“[Bodurka’s] dedication, passion and authentic care for students, families and colleagues make her an outstanding leader here at MCE. When I think about [her] impact on [MCE], I think about her connection and knowledge of each department she manages and her commitment and passion for providing high quality programs for the community.”

Bodurka has achieved many accomplishments in her tenure, but she is especially proud of MCE’s growth over the last decade. It has allowed her to serve more people, grow the team and, most importantly, broaden the impact and education opportunities for learners of all ages. —Abigail Larson

Beefed up Burgers

Ground beef is one of the most popular and versatile items in Kowalski’s Markets’ meat department. But “ground beef” is a common term often used to speak about a group of similar products that have some key differences: ground chuck, ground round and ground sirloin

Ground Chuck is a flavorful, juicy choice made from chuck roast, which is why it is beloved for hamburgers. Burgers made with beef that’s 85 percent lean or more will hold together better than fattier blends. Tip: USDA Choice or Certified Akaushi 85 percent lean ground chuck are excellent choices. Try them in Killer Burgers. (Find the recipe at lakeminnetonkamag.com.)

Ground Round is made from top round and is slightly less flavorful than sirloin. It’s close in leanness to sirloin, meaning it holds together

nicely, and because it’s more tender than sirloin, it’s great for meatballs or meatloaf or for heavily seasoned dishes like tacos and chili. Tip: I recommend USDA Choice 93 percent lean ground round for its balance of beefy taste and lower fat content.

Ground Sirloin is named for the cut it’s made from—top sirloin, which is the leanest type of ground beef. Typically, this product has a lean point above 92, giving it a pronounced beefy flavor without a greasy mouthfeel. It shines when it’s browned quickly over high heat and crumbled, especially in saucy dishes. Tip: Kowalski’s Certified Akaushi 92 percent lean ground sirloin is the healthiest choice in this category.

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

Buy the Numbers

Gray Duck Art offers paint sets to creatively capture pet portraits.

By Renée Stewart-Hester

Grannycore is picking up steam. Sometimes known as analog hobbies, activities and crafts typically associated with grandmothers are gaining popularity with folks who are interested in finding antidotes to screens—large and small—and the stressors of life.

The return to traditional hobbies (think: baking, canning, fiber arts, gardening, letter writing, painting and more) are providing a growing number of people a chance to unplug, rewire their minds and slow down. Ready to get started? Gray Duck Art, launched in 2017 by Maddy DePaul, offers paint-by-number sets, especially for pet lovers. Send in a photo of a pet, and the team creates a personalized paint-by-number kit.

DePaul recommends using natural light when taking submission photos. “Pictures with no shadows work best, but we can

always work with whatever pictures you have and/or are your favorite,” she says. “A lot of customers do memorial paintings of their pet, so we try not to have super strict guidelines [for] photo submissions because sometimes people can’t go take new photos.”

While about 75 percent of the kit requests are for dogs, other pets are represented, as are some other unique asks, including kids’ stuffed animals. “We market our kits as paint-by-number kits of pets, but our artists can really do just about anything. If you purchase a pet kit and submit a photo of a tractor instead of your dog, great! We can make you a kit of your tractor.” A team of five artists hand-draws each kit. “Most people think that our kits are made by [artificial intelligence] or a computer program, and they are not,” DePaul says.

Kits come in 12x16-inch and 16x20-inch canvases with paint and brushes included. “The detail level of our paint-by-number kits varies slightly depending on the breed,” DePaul says. “For example, a multicolored brindle dog will have more detail because of its fur pattern than, say, a black [Labrador].”

Jocelyn Herby of Minnetonka originally ordered a kit of her dog, Summit. “When we brought a second dog, Leo, home, I needed to have his picture done too,” she says. Herby ordered another kit of Leo and other sets as Christmas presents for family, so they could paint them together.

While many customers paint on their own, DePaul offers group painting events around the area. (Back Channel Brewing Co., Spring Park, and Excelsior Brewing Company, Excelsior, have hosted events.) The events’

“I love how personal they are,” says customer Joceyln Herby. “My dog, Summit, has since passed away, but when I look at his painting, it’s him.”

vibe is more “open workshop than a class,” she says. Participants receive a prepared canvas (from an image participants provided weeks earlier) and painting supplies. “I will be there to give some tips and tricks, but mainly it’s a hang-out, paint with a friend or relax and have a mindless introvert and paint day,” she says. Wherever customers paint their kits, DePaul ensures that painting by number is not difficult. “I am trying to convince the world that people are actually creative,” she says. “I truly believe everyone has the ability to create an awesome painting, and paint by numbers meets people wherever they are in their painting journey.”

Gray Duck Art grayduckart.com @grayduckart

Tail of Transformation

Mariah’s Way frames one dog’s story as a healing tool for foster and adoptive children.

By Findlay Drabant

By the time Molly DePrekel adopted Mariah—a 10-month-old black Labrador–Staffordshire terrier mix—the dog had already been returned by three previous owners and written off as “untrainable.” Nine years later, Mariah would defy that label— going on to be named runner-up for therapy dog of the year in 2007 by Pet Partners, a national organization that registers and supports volunteer therapy animals.

DePrekel, a Minnetonka local, is a psychologist at Cairns Healing and Amidst the Trees and partners with dogs and horses to counsel clients through animal-assisted therapy. After extensive training, Mariah played a large role in this work, assisting those in various stages of trauma recovery and mental health challenges. She worked in DePrekel’s private practice office, in schools and at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota, helping teach students communication skills. “She ran the gamut,” DePrekel says.

Mariah had an innate ability to help ground clients who were feeling dysregulated—those struggling to manage intense emotions and their reactions to them. DePrekel recalls instances when Mariah, simply by sitting beside clients whose nervous systems were on edge, helped bring them back into the present moment.

Though Mariah passed away in 2013, her story lives on in a book DePrekel co-wrote with Mary Schoessler, a transition coach and energy healer from St. Louis Park. Published in 2025, Mariah’s Way: Finding a Forever Home is a story about a rescue dog turned therapy dog.

For DePrekel, Mariah’s journey—a dog who bounced from place to place before finding her forever home—resonates with the experiences of many foster and adoptive children who may be navigating trauma, instability and the search for a sense of belonging.

“It’s a metaphor for how to work deeper with kids who struggle with their own trauma,” DePrekel says. Questions in the back of the book help facilitate conversations with

children, who are navigating foster care and adoption, about topics, such as the hardships they’ve overcome, the families they’ve stayed with and how they view themselves.

The story is aimed at children ages 10–18 and the adults who support them. DePrekel believes Mariah’s Way can serve as a tool for anyone involved in the lives of adopted or foster children, including educators, families, social workers and therapists.

DePrekel hopes the book will encourage adults to model healthy regulation for the children in their lives, even when there’s difficult emotions. Teaching mindfulness, presence and play were also central goals she had in publishing Mariah’s Way. “[Mariah] was a dog that I really worked with to bring her gift into the world,” DePrekel says. “This [book] was my way of saying thank you.”

Amidst the Trees amidstthetrees.com

Amidst the Trees

Cairns Healing cairnshealing.com

MINNETONKA, GOLDEN VALLEY, EDEN PRAIRIE, PRIOR LAKE AND PLYMOUTH

With a legacy of architectural, design and construction accolades, our talented team is dedicated to surpassing your expectations. Let’s bring your vision of Rambler Villa living to life — contact us today. info@ronclark.com • RonClark.com • Je 612-799-5057

Reimagining

THOUGHTFUL DESIGN HONORS A FAMILY’S LEGACY OF LAKE LIFE LIVING.

Home

Some homes are more than structures; they are chapters in a family’s story. For Jill and Troy Zangs, their Lake Minnetonka residence reflects this notion; it’s a place layered with decades of memories, thoughtfully reimagined for a new generation.

In 1942, Jill’s grandfather purchased the house, which was used as a cottage, welcoming family and friends over the years. Her father and uncle were raised in the home next door. When her grandparents passed away in 1982, Jill’s parents and siblings moved into the larger home. In 1984, her uncle took down the cottage and built his home, resulting in the two brothers living side by side. The Zangs took ownership of Jill’s uncle’s property in 2025. (History will repeat itself one day when Jill’s brother and his family move into what is now their parents’ home next door.)

“The two homes shared a lawn that became the heart of countless family gatherings,” Jill says. “Years later, that same front lawn—now ours—became the place where my husband and I were married. We spent so many summers on this property with our own children that it felt only natural to return when the opportunity came [in 2025].”

Over the decades, the home evolved from a small lakeside cottage to a midcentury structure and, finally, into a bright, transitional retreat. The transformation required a delicate balance: preserving the property’s soul while creating a modern space for living and gathering.

When it was the Zangs’ turn to reimagine the home, the redesign focused on their lifestyle. “One of our top priorities was taking full advantage of the lake view,” Jill says. “We chose an open floor plan to maximize sightlines and create a seamless connection to the outdoors.”

Lead designer Kimberly Fletcher of Boyer Building Corporation worked closely with the homeowners to execute this vision. “The initial concept began with opening up the previously closed-off kitchen,” Fletcher says. “We refined layouts and improved the overall flow, ensuring the home draws the eye toward the water.”

At the center of the home is a kitchen designed for effortless connection. The design team introduced a pass-through window with a fold-down bar, creating a dual-purpose space perfect for serving drinks to the deck or functioning as an indoor buffet. “This element helped blur the line between indoor and outdoor living,” Fletcher says. Large

Written by Maura Keller — Photos by Landmark Photography

sliding doors further enhance the effect. “We imagined conversations flowing with no real boundary between inside and out,” Jill says. “Just one continuous space centered around the lake and the people we love.”

Transitioning the home from midcentury modern to a softer, traditional lakeside aesthetic required careful editing. “Striking the right balance between preserving original elements and introducing a lighter aesthetic was a challenge,” Fletcher says.

The history remains tangible through the original stone fireplace, wood beams and custom front door. However, white-painted ceilings and shades of blue furniture and accessories brought a sense of airiness. One of the most transformative decisions was painting the original cedar ceilings in the kitchen. “It’s a bold move, but it helped brighten the space,” Fletcher says. Jill agrees, “What once felt heavy suddenly felt full of light.”

Every design decision—from window placement to material selection—was made to honor the environment. A new wraparound deck expands the living area, while vertical cable railings ensure unobstructed views.

The lower level was also reimagined with lake life functionality in mind. “We prioritized durability for people entering from the water,” Fletcher says, noting the convenient sink and easy outdoor access to handle sandy feet and wet towels.

This stunning transformation honors the home’s deep family roots by evolving its 1960s midcentury bones into a bright, transitional sanctuary centered on the lake view. By finishing the original vaulted cedar ceilings in white enamel and adding strategic skylights, the space was modernized into an airy, light-filled hub that reflects the water just beyond the windows, according to Kimberly Fletcher, lead designer at Boyer Building Corporation. The redesigned layout features a curated palette of crisp whites, soft blues and stone quartz countertops with wave-like movement, she notes. The navy blue island serves as the kitchen’s central anchor and a fold-down bar at the window, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor serving connection perfect for entertaining.

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The living area preserves the original wood-planked ceiling and stone fireplace, maintaining an appreciative connection to the past. The sunken layout anchors the space for intimate family gatherings, while high-contrast elements, like warm wood flooring and deep blue seating, provide a textured, lived-in feel, explains Kimberly Fletcher, lead designer at Boyer Building Corporation. For the stairwell, the dated brass and glass railing was replaced with custom woodwork and slender black iron spindles, prioritizing transparency and light, she explains. Paired with a dramatic cascading globe fixture and grand vaulted proportions, the space feels both nostalgic and intentionally designed for a contemporary lifestyle.

Above: The exterior represents a dramatic shift from dark midcentury stains to a bright, high-contrast facade that feels expansive against the natural shoreline. This fresh aesthetic is anchored by preserved stonework on the towering chimney, maintaining a physical link to the property’s history while updated windows and grand sliding doors frame the lake as the central feature. Outdoor living is elevated by a sprawling wraparound deck, featuring vertical cable railings for uninterrupted views and a clever passthrough window with a bar-style countertop, explains Kimberly Fletcher, lead designer at Boyer Building Corporation. This design erases the boundary between the kitchen and the outdoors, supporting a seamless flow of activity for long days spent by the water.

A photo of the home from the 1940s illustrates the depth of its transformation.

Beyond aesthetics, the property serves as a multigenerational hub. The shared lawn has hosted countless family gatherings, and following in the footsteps of her father and uncle, Jill is continuing a tradition of family proximity. “Living next to my parents has been an incredible privilege,” she says. “Some of my favorite moments are simple ones, stepping out onto our deck and seeing them enjoying the view from theirs, then walking over to join them.”

From adding bedrooms for visiting family to creating open spaces, the home was designed for longevity. “We wanted a place our adult kids would always want to come back to,” Jill says. “A place that feels easy, full of life and connected to the lake we love.”

Boyer Building Corporation boyerbuilding.com @boyerbuildingcorporation

BED, 6 BATH, APPROX. 6,581 FSF

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

Students bookmark the important moments of their high school careers.

Written by Renée Stewart-Hester — Photos by Chris Emeott

We are pleased to feature this year’s Senior Spotlight students in our annual review of local high schoolers, making an impact on their school and home communities. Local schools nominated a wide breadth of impressive students, and our team was wholly impressed by the nominees’ academic excellence, extracurricular talent and personal drive. All are deserving in their own way. The outstanding Senior Spotlight members our committee chose to highlight represent themselves and their schools in inspiring ways and underscore the sheer quality of students and educators that are part of our communities.

Visit lakeminnetonkamag.com to learn more about how these bright lights are spending time in and out of the classroom.

“Hannah Bubb, a standout junior at The Blake School, represents the pinnacle of academic excellence and civic dedication. Her selection as one of only 15 students nationwide for the USA Development Debate Team underscores her analytical prowess, yet her impact transcends her competitive accolades. Hannah is defined by her exceptional character and a leadership style rooted in integrity and inclusivity. As a veteran leader on the Blake Debate Team, she doesn’t just win rounds; she fosters a culture of rigorous intellectual curiosity and mutual respect. Recognizing that a legacy is measured by what one leaves behind, Hannah is currently helping with the development of a middle school debate program … This initiative highlights her selfless commitment to the community and her vision for long-term institutional growth … Hannah embodies the spirit of a true community member—one who uses her individual success to elevate everyone around her.” —Shane Stafford, debate coach, The Blake School Hannah points to Stafford as making an impact on her life. “When I joined Blake debate, I lacked confidence in my voice. [He] saw that I had something to say and cared enough to listen,” she says, gaining trust in her power and learning to advocate for herself and others. “That education is a gift, which has changed my life for the better,” Hannah says. “And, when debate becomes

about anything other than education, I live by [Stafford’s] words: ‘Learn, and have fun.’”

With her academic, extracurricular and life pursuits, Hannah meticulously organizes her schedule but says she couldn’t do it without the support of family and friends. “It is easy to get absorbed by academics and forget why you are working so hard in the first place,” she says. “So, sometimes, the best way to manage [being overwhelmed] is to connect with the people who matter most to you.”

HANNAH IN THREE

Best High School Class: “Every week in Advanced Seminar, my classmates and I analyze rich sources of history, investigating a variety of perspectives and forming our own opinions about complex events … At the end of the week, we have a full class discussion about what we learned. As a debater, this class is not only fun but a great way for me to tackle topics experimentally, outside of a win/lose situation.”

Favorite Motto or Quote: “Be brave, not perfect.” —Reshma Saujani

Skill to Learn:

American Sign Language to “bridge gaps in communication that can feel extremely isolating.”

“I love to feel a part of the rich community of Lake Minnetonka through unique and engaging events like James J. Hill Days and the annual Chilly Open,” says Hannah Bubb. “These gatherings not only give me fun things to do with my friends, but they also help me anchor myself in larger Minnesota culture. Whenever someone visits from out of town, local functions are the first thing on our to-do list because the way people show up makes me proud to live [near] Lake Minnetonka.”

The community brims with wonderful places and open spaces. Marley Jack has her favorite—Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail. “I love just going on bike rides during the summer and seeing where I end up on the trail,” she says.

MARLEY IN THREE

Best High School Class:

“AP Pre Calc! It made me love math again, and it had the right amount of challenge vs. joy for me!”

Favorite Quote:

“This too shall pass.”

Self-description:

“Witty, hardworking and passionate”

“Marley Jack is an exceptional young leader whose impact is felt across academics, athletics and her school community. She balances a demanding schedule of advanced courses and PSEO college classes while competing at a truly elite level in track and field. Her coach highlights her remarkable achievements: an All-State runner, a Nike Nationals competitor and a school record holder. Despite these accomplishments, Marley remains a humble, dedicated teammate … In Spanish IV, she sets the tone for the classroom through her kindness, respect and maturity … Her commitment to academic rigor is impressive, but it is her empathy and character that elevate her even further. Beyond the classroom, she is a steadfast community leader. Marley contributes meaningfully to the Black Student Union, helps organize the Cultural Fair and competes in both soccer and track. She consistently gives more than she takes, modeling what it means to uplift others. She is a true self starter and a shining example of how to engage with one’s community with purpose and heart.” —Monica Jones, school counselor, Minnetonka High School

Marley has a full plate of academic demands and extracurricular activities. How does she keep it all in check? “I make an egregious amount of lists! I’ll take a look at my week … and I make lists for high priority tasks, tasks that I have more time with, tasks for clubs, etc.,” she says.

Through her experiences, Marley points to Jones, who nominated her for Senior Spotlight, for having a major impact. “She has looked out for me since I have met her,” she says. “She’s nominated me for countless opportunities and has checked in on me when she knew I had a lot on my plate. She has guided me in so many more ways, even though she is not my counselor. She has made me want to be better, just because she believes I can.”

JACK IN THREE

Best high school class: AP U.S. History

Favorite Quote: “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”

Happy Place in the Community: “The Excelsior Commons during the summertime.”

Jack

describes himself as curious, passionate and spontaneous—qualities that he clearly brings to the classroom, activities—and life.

“Jack Errington is an exceptional communicator and a natural leader. This fall, he was a member of the winning team for our VANTAGE Public Policy Education Policy Sprint, a competitive, fast-paced program that challenges students to research, develop and present policy recommendations … Additionally, he has a deep commitment to the arts, frequently being cast in featured or lead roles … Finally, his service to his peers as a writing coach exemplifies his generosity and pedagogical skill. He has served in the Writing Center since his sophomore year, conducting regular one-on-one writing conferences, offering constructive feedback and helping his fellow students develop stronger final projects for their courses.” —Theresa Exenberger, school counselor, Minnetonka High School

The busy life of a high schooler can be overwhelming. To stay on course, Jack organizes his tasks, using reminder apps as visual cues. “Beyond just this, it always helps me to remember who I am working for,” he says. “While I may get stressed at times, I can at least know that I’m making my parents, teachers and friends proud.”

While organization is important, having an inspirational person in one’s life is key. Jack points to Trent Boyum, Minnetonka Theatre’s artistic director. “He has always been able to cultivate a space where I can escape all the stresses of my life outside of performing,” he says. “While in rehearsal, although I am technically playing someone else, I really feel free to actually be myself. Trent always talks about how theater is the most collaborative art form, and through Minnetonka Theatre, I have met some of my best friends who are just as passionate as me. That wouldn’t have been possible without Trent’s unceasing love for the theater.”

One might be surprised about Jack’s other interest—sports, having tried his hand playing baseball, basketball, football and soccer. “I found that I certainly wasn’t going to be a pro at any of them. However, I still follow most of these sports,” he says, participating in fantasy teams and dabbling in pickleball. “All this to say, although the world views those into theater and those into sports as separate, I prove that these interests can coexist.”

When asked which fictional character or celebrity she identifies with, Chloe Kern says, “I identify with Nancy Drew because she didn’t let others’ expectations limit her abilities or aspirations.”

“Chloe Kern is a born scholar, quick to notice details, make connections and add nuance. In a class of outspoken students who frequently debate historical topics, Chloe impresses with the quality—rather than the volume—of her contributions … Beyond her clear academic skills, Chloe demonstrates a willingness to foster intellectual curiosity in others. For a midterm project, she wrote a nonfiction picture book about the War of 1812 that introduced complex themes and basic research skills to middle grade readers in an accessible way … she also created the illustrations, demonstrating that she is a gifted artist. In an art history class, she created a dream gallery based on the theme of Memory, asking the question, ‘What do we choose to remember?’ With this question she connected 20th century artists who are rarely, if ever, grouped together. Chloe is a scholar, artist and creative thinker who cares about people and finds new connections among us.” —N’Jai-An Patters, social studies teacher, The Blake School

Chloe’s classmates are likely aware of her classroom and extracurricular activities (Ask her about Sotheby’s art crime summer program!), but she has another tool in her academic toolbox: studying Norwegian for six years. She attends Bemidji’s Concordia Language Villages’ Norwegian village, Skogfjorden , and works with a tutor during the school year. While learning the language and culture have obvious benefits, studying Norwegian enabled Chloe to find and translate primary sources for her sophomore year research project. (She also studies French and Latin!)

While Chloe’s academic pursuit away from The Blake School has been important to her, her time in high school has left a lasting impact. She points to Bill Colburn, visual arts teacher, who has helped inform her art and outlook on life by challenging her to “view the world in novel ways,” she says. “He always encourages his students to reflect on the world we inhabit and pushes them to constantly rethink the way they view it. My time at Blake and the way I approach art and life in general would not be the same without his influence.”

CHLOE IN THREE

Best High School Class: Global Power and Resistance

Happy Place in the Community:

“I love to walk on the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail with my dog!”

Self-description:

“Curious, driven and enthusiastic”

A Full Plate

Written by Mollee Francisco and Renée Stewart-Hester —

Say goodbye to the lazy, hazy days of summer when schedules run a bit loose and even mealtimes ebb and flow. Back-toschool time serves up a return to classrooms and scheduled-to-the-hilt calendars. It can also equate to getting back into cooking routines, especially for dinners. Having help with meal prep can go a long way in making this time of year a little bit less frenetic, especially when homework and after-school activities come into play.

Natalie Allesee, who grew up in Minnetonka, understands that extra help

in the kitchen is welcome at this time and year and anytime individuals or families want meal prep options. As founder and owner of Rowan & Dough, the 2006 graduate of Minnetonka High School loves cooking for people—including several families in the Lake Minnetonka area.

Allesee, now of St. Paul, is all about creating exceptional food experiences. Minneapolis’ Rowan & Dough launched in 2023, offering culinary classes, meal prep services and private dining opportunities. “I love the creativity and flow of putting food

together,” she says. (The name is a combination of Allesee’s favorite things: her golden retriever, Rowan, and dough.)

Since launching the business, Allesee has added two employees and creates weekly meal prep kits for more than 50 families throughout the Metro. The set menu changes weekly, and the team customizes meals to suit just about anyone, including those who are autoimmune restricted or who follow a low-FODMAP diet, have celiac disease or are vegan. “We take the time to learn all about people’s palates and preferences,” she says.

Shorewood’s Jade Hannon and her young family has been using Rowan & Dough for more than a year, and “it’s become an integral part of our weekly routine,” she says. “We usually serve Rowan & Dough three to four times a week. Most often it’s for dinner, but we’ve also ordered some of the breakfast and snack options, which have been really nice to have on hand.”

Hannon discovered the meal service while looking to gift her sister with meals postpartum. “Around the same time, I found out I was pregnant myself, and—between the nausea and exhaustion—cooking just wasn’t happening,” she says. “Once we started using them, we loved how easy it was to have healthy, fresh meals ready during a really busy season of life with little kids, and we’ve stuck with it ever since.”

CAREER MENU

Natalie Allesee has a wealth of restaurant experience under her belt, but her love of food and entrepreneurial spirit go back much further. “I was the kid trying to sell cans of soup on my front lawn,” she says. “I was always trying something.” In college, Allesee joined the rugby team but found more joy in cooking elaborate meals for her teammates than studying, so she traded the University of Minnesota–Duluth for Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Mendota Heights (now closed).

Allesee landed her first restaurant gig at The Signature Cafe in Minneapolis’s Prospect Park (now closed). “It’s fascinating to have a job where you never stop learning,” she says. She went on to work at Trotter’s Cafe in St. Paul (now closed) and then the Birchwood Café in Minneapolis (now closed). “Everything was locally sourced there,” she says. “I met so many of the farmers I still use to this day.”

From there, Allesee worked at Lenny Russo’s James Beard Award-nominated Heartland in St. Paul (now closed). “That’s truly where I fell in love with food,” Allesee says. With its daily-changing menu, she learned how to create dishes based on “intuition, feel, taste and pure adrenaline,” she says. “It was a high-octane environment.” She further notes, “We were always creating something from scratch. You had to be vigilant about making sure the food not only tasted good but sounded good … Talk about really putting love into something.”

Not long after Heartland’s closing and working at the Hewing Hotel, Allesee took a break from restaurants but not from cooking, and moved to Duluth. “I read cookbooks and played with recipes,” she says.

After stints in Duluth and coastal Maine, COVID-19 brought Allesee back to Minnesota in 2020, when she started working as the executive chef at Waldmann Brewery & Restaurant in St. Paul. There, she helped develop a Community Supported Brewing Program, akin to Community Supported Agriculture programs, in which Allesee prepared four weekly take-home meals to be paired with a crowler of beer. “That planted the seed for what a prepared take-home meal can be,” she says.

After two years as executive chef at The Lynhall’s two locations (Edina closed.), Allesee missed cooking, so she resigned. “A friend asked me to come in and cook dinner for them,” she says. “And then they referred me to someone else. I kept saying, ‘Yes.’”

Home cooks know that satisfying younger taste buds can be challenging. “We have a 4 year old and a 1 year old, and I think Rowan & Dough does a great job with younger palates,” Hannon says. “It’s been a really gentle way to introduce new flavors and different kinds of food without pressure. There’s a great mix of meals inspired by different cultures, which we love, along with some more familiar options that our kids naturally gravitate toward.” The family’s favorites include Rowan & Dough’s Braised Pork Belly Bowl; Creamy Eggplant Curry; New Orleans Style Jambalaya; and any of the salmon dishes. “She somehow always cooks the salmon to perfection,” Hannon says.

Maureen Lindgren of Wayzata was motivated to use the service for mealtime options for her son, who has celiac disease and other medical issues. “It was really hard to find easy options that were celiac safe and nutritious,” Lindgren says.

“[Allesee] is so accommodating with children and goes above and beyond to modify menu items,” Lindgren says. “She even made my son a large batch of his favorite pasta sauce and a gluten-free holiday cookie kit. We also had a catered family party at our house recently where all of the young children enjoyed her food!”

Allesee hopes to grow Rowan & Dough’s presence in the Twin Cities, adding to her meal prep options and taking on more private dinners. She also dreams of opening a storefront with a small event space that could host dining pop-ups. For now, Allesee is focused on her clients. “I don’t need to be the biggest,” she says. “I want to be the best.”

Rowan & Dough

rowandough.com

@rowananddough

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MORE THAN THE RECORD BOOK: MADDYN GREENWAY CHAMPIONS A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP.

Written by Kassondra Burtis and Renée Stewart-Hester

BEYOND THE BUCKETS

Great high school athletes come and go, but the ones who make a big enough impact to change a program and leave a legacy are truly special. Such is the case of Wayzata’s Maddyn Greenway. The Providence Academy (PA) basketball 2026 alum and University of Kentucky (UK) freshman student-athlete has a special level of talent—and work ethic—that her PA coach, Conner Goetz, spotted early on.

“She’s the kind of player that makes you look like a good coach just by how talented she is,” Goetz says. “And it’s really nice when the most talented player on your team leads by example and works the hardest because the expectation is set, and no one else has an excuse.”

The standout athlete was the starting point guard for the Lions all six years of her varsity playing career. Goetz saw something special in Greenway from the moment he started coaching her in her seventh-grade year; he just didn’t know how special and impactful

she would become on and off the court. And it’s not just athletic prowess she brings to the court that makes her unique—it’s the way she treats everyone around her. Greenway has three younger sisters, and that informed how she related to her PA teammates. “I think that would be one of the first ways she identifies herself—as a big sister,” Goetz says. “She was just really caring, especially toward younger players, seventh and eighth graders. Where it could be an intimidating presence, she was just so welcoming and wanted everyone to feel included. She’s been nurturing, but she balances it so well with her competitiveness.”

The team-first, big-sisterly case in point: When Greenway identifies her favorite memory from her honor-filled basketball career, it doesn’t come from her own list of impressive individual and team accomplishments. She points to when her younger sister Beckett, a sophomore basketball player at PA, hit 1,000 career points last February. “The

records and championships are really cool, and I’m beyond proud of them,” Greenway says. “But being able to be part of my sister’s accomplishments is amazing.”

Part of the talent is in her genes. Greenway’s mom, Jenni Greenway, was a standout University of Iowa (U of I) Division I cross country and track and field athlete, and her dad is former Minnesota Viking Chad Greenway, who played collegiate football at U of I. But the other part of the talent is drawn from her love of basketball. While she also excels at soccer and track and field (Her parents assist in coaching

Maddyn Greenway was the starting point guard for the Providence Academy Lions during her six-year varsity career. The team was the Minnesota State High School League Girls Basketball Class AA Champions in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026.

her.), Greenway is drawn to basketball in a different way. “I fell in love with seeing my work and success grow with every practice and every game,” she says. “Falling in love with the process made me love it even more.”

As a freshman student-athlete at UK, Greenway is already hitting the basketball court as practices for the upcoming season are well underway. Though she considered attending U of I, following her parents’ successful collegiate careers, Greenway decided to forge her own path. She credits her decision to the trust she built in UK’s coaching staff through the recruiting process to help her grow as a basketball player and person.

As she’s moved on from her high school career, Greenway has had great mentors in her coaches and parents and has been a mentor to those around her. It’s an attribute that Goetz says will be part of her legacy at PA, which she’s exhibited through her focus on team building. Above all else, she keeps her words of advice to

her younger sisters and teammates fairly simple. “Stay confident and true to yourself,” Greenway says. “With success comes a lot of pressure, but staying true to yourself and keeping those close to you close is crucial.”

Stepping up onto a larger basketball stage can add to that pressure. “Yes, there [are] a ton of nerves, and because of the success I have had, there is a ton of pressure, but I think I am in the best situation [at UK] to play like myself and thrive in that environment,” Greenway says.

With her precollegiate success, what is Greenway looking forward to as she takes the court in Lexington, Kentucky, as a Wildcat? “I am most excited to grow my game in ways I haven’t yet,” she says. “I think the coaches at [UK] will turn me into the best player I can be but also the best person I can be.”

Great athletes are goal driven. Wins. Stats. Championships. For Greenway, setting records and racking up achievements is in her DNA. As she begins another chapter, she sets her sights on more accomplishments. “My future goals in basketball are to win SEC Freshman of the Year and [be named to the] all-freshman team and, obviously, a national championship would be a huge goal of mine,” she says. “I also want to be able to grow as a person through my experience and become a better person and leader because of it. In life, I want to have a successful career and become a mom—that is something I really want out of life.”

BASKETBALL

• 5,621 career points, most in Minnesota boys and girls high school basketball history

• Gatorade Minnesota Player of the Year (2025 and 2026)

• MaxPreps Minnesota High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year (2025–26)

• MaxPreps Female National Athlete of the Year (2025–26)

• McDonald’s All-American (2026)—10th Minnesota girl to receive the honor

• Minnesota career assists record for boys and girls basketball (1,339)

• Minnesota State High School League Girls Basketball Class AA Champions (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026)

• Miss Basketball Minnesota (2026)

• Nesmith All American Second Team (2026)

• Minnesota Star Tribune AllMinnesota Girls Basketball Player of the Year (2025 and 2026)

• USA Women’s U19 National Team (2025)

SOCCER

• Minnesota High School record for all time goals in girls soccer (214)

• Minnesota State High School League State Girls Soccer Class A Champions (2024 and 2025)

• Miss Soccer Class A (2025)

TRACK AND FIELD

• Minnesota State High School League Girls Track and Field 4x4 Champion (2022, 2025 and 2026)

• Minnesota State High School League Girls Track and Field 300 Hurdles Champion (2024, 2025 and 2026)

• Minnesota State High School League Girls Track and Field State Tournament: placed in four events (2025)

• Providence Academy record holder in four events

This is a partial list and does not include all of Maddyn Greenway’s accomplishments.

A Wayzata Tradition

Relish summer evenings with music on the Great Lawn.

For years, the City of Wayzata and the Parks and Trails Board have teamed up to bring music and entertainment to Sunday evenings into late summer. Growing in popularity, this beloved get-together now draws roughly 200–300 attendees each week.

Sunday Music in the Park features a dynamic mix of local and regional bands, spanning a range of musical styles. Enjoy four music-filled nights 4:30–6 p.m. August 2 (Wailing Loons),

9 (Salsa Del Soul), 16 (Potluck String Band) and 23 (Power of 10 Quartet) on the Great Lawn near Lake Street. The vibrant green space offers a perfect backdrop for an evening of live music and community gathering.

Bring blankets and chairs, gather with friends and family and soak in the evening during the final moments of summer. Visit wayzata.org for additional information. —Abigail Larson

08.01, 08.08, 08.15, 08.22 and 08.29

Saturday Morning on the Farm

Experience seasonal farm activities from 9:30 a.m.–noon Saturdays at Gale Woods Farm in Minnetrista. go.threeriversparks.org

08.06–08.09 and 08.13–08.16

Bring It On

Come watch grades eight through 12 put on Bring It On: The Musical at 7 p.m. Blue Water Theatre Company in Wayzata. bluewatertheatre.com

08.11

Art and Circular Motion

Explore this drop-in arts program for kids in kindergarten through third grade from 10 a.m.–noon at the Excelsior Library. hclib.bibliocommons.com

08.18

StoryTime Trolley

Ride the Excelsior Streetcar Line with Miss Debra to explore the August theme: When I Grow Up. Tickets are available online only for rides at 5 or 6 p.m. excelsiorlakeminnetonkachamber.com

08.22

Corks for a Cause

Enjoy an evening of chef-crafted bites, live music, local wine tastings and vineyard views from 5–8:30 p.m. at Everly Farms in Minnetrista. This year’s benefit will go toward Crescent Cove, a nonprofit for children with shortened life expectancies. everlyfarmswinery.com

08.26

Concert in the Commons

Come listen to a live lakeside concert from 6:30–8:30 p.m., featuring Rumours & Dreams, a Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band, in Excelsior Commons Park. excelsiorconcerts.com

OVERNIGHT LICENSED CAREGIVER SERVICING LAKE MINNETONKA, WAYZATA & EDINA CLIENTS

Compiled by Abigail Larson and Kate Thompson

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 may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.

Experienced, affordable, happy-go-lucky licensed caregiver seeks an individual who needs overnight help. Male/female clients have included those diagnosed with Alzheimer's, end-stage cancer, Parkinson's, brain tumors and chemical addiction issues, Availability immediately between 7 PM - 7 AM, Monday-Sunday. Looking to help your mom, dad, aunt or uncle. © References available upon request.

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Never miss an issue of Lake Minnetonka Magazine with free, anytime access to our digital editions. Full screen viewing on your digital device allows easy cover-to-cover reading. Share your favorite Lake Minnetonka Magazine articles with friends and family.

Summer in a Photo

Capturing the essence of a hot summer day along Lake Minnetonka with the spirit of childhood is what drew our photo contest panel to this image taken by Amy Frye, who enjoys taking photos in and around Excelsior, Deephaven and Wayzata.

“The light was perfect, and it seemed like summer in a photo,” Frye says, noting that she took the image as she looked toward the fishing dock at Deephaven Beach. Her grade school-age son, Axel, and several of his neighborhood friends took joyful advantage of the day’s heat by leaping into the ready, refreshing lake water.

—Renée Stewart-Hester

LENS ON LAKE MINNETONKA

Photographer: Amy Frye Title: On the Count of 3, Jump! Equipment: iPhone 12

Location: Deephaven Beach Category: People Award: Second Place

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

The Cedar Roof Man

STRAIGHT TALK FROM STEVE KUHL

Let’s face it. Cedar roofs look great but owning one is a little scary. “Has it been damaged by hail?” “Will it blow off in a storm?” “I hear something chewing up there!” But despite what you may hear, your cedar roof is still one of the most beautiful and long-lasting products on the market. The only catch is you have take care of it.

That’s where I come in. My free, written estimate includes a thorough analysis of your roof. Bringing over 25 years of experience to the table, I will evaluate its’ condition to determine whether or not maintenance, repairs or replacement is the best option for you. Worst case scenario you get a free inspection from a true expert. Best case, we work our magic on your roof and add years to its lifespan.

In fact, Kuhl’s Contracting is looked to for the evaluation and restoration of cedar roofs by more insurance companies, home inspectors, realtors and architects than any other company in Minnesota. Not to brag, but we are pretty awesome. Don’t take my word for it. Check out our talents at www.kuhlscontracting.com. Or ask around. We have probably done work for someone you know.

I started this company in 1987. Since that time we have worked on thousands of homes around the Twin Cities. My approach to business has never wavered. Be honest, be reliable and do great work. As a result our list of happy clients grows daily.

THE BEST IN THE FIELD. FOCUSED ON YOU.

At Summit Orthopedics, we’re proud to be Minnesota’s only top-ranked orthopedic and spine outpatient surgery center as recognized by U.S. News & World Report. And while our expertise sets us apart, it’s how we care for people that defines us. Even after thousands of procedures, we treat each patient like the only one.