St. Croix Valley - August 2026

Senior Spotlight

FROM THE EDITOR

While my memories of middle school are few, I remember it as a time of great change. It was in those formative years that I developed an interest in writing and photography. I kept a journal and brought my little point-andshoot camera everywhere. My grandfather, who shared my passion for photography, invited me to join him at the local camera club. In that community (of which I was by far the youngest member), I joined photo contests and even had an image displayed in my local library. Seeing my work on that wall was a defining moment in my life when I realized that my art could be shared.

To engage with the arts—whether as a creator or an appreciator—is to embrace our collective humanity. Lee Ann Pomplas, arts engagement director at the Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson, Wisconsin, puts it this way: “Art has always been a vehicle … for trying to either find solace or find understanding.” With the recent addition of two galleries, Hudson’s arts identity is stronger than ever. On page 22, we explore each of the three galleries on Second Street (plus the Phipps) to share each of its distinctive approaches in showcasing regional and national art, and upcoming exhibitions and events.

As this is our education issue, we’re also returning to area schools to showcase some spectacular rising seniors. Learn about their passions, career goals and favorite teachers in our interviews with them, shared on page 16.

It takes a village, and the You R You retreat by United Way Washington County-East is a beautiful example. The one-day retreat started last year with a goal to empower young girls headed to middle school in the fall. This August, the event returns, with a focus on topics like body positivity, healthy relationships and overcoming challenges. It’s a remarkable strategy to support young people at a pivotal moment and in a rapidly changing world. Read more about the retreat on page 14.

I wish you well as summer wanes! Let’s enjoy the last of these sun-soaked days with gratitude,

Zoe Yates zoe@localmedia.co

On the Cover: Arianna Twomey, page 16

Photo by: Chris Emeott

Find us online: St. Croix Valley Magazine @stcroixvalleymag

Chris

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VOL. 11 NO. 3

August/September 2026

PUBLISHER

Susan Isay

EDITOR

Zoe Yates

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, Emily Gedde, Maura Keller and Alexandra Tostrud

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sarah Eral, Angie Hong, Rachael Perron, Lori Schaefer and Ben Thietje

DIGITAL INTERN

Danielle Gallus

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Abigail Larson and Kate Thompson

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Heather Logelin, St. Croix Valley Foundation ; Rosetta Peters, Brookside Bar & Grill ; Kristin Rohman Rehkamp, La Vie Est Belle ; and Margie Schmid, Sprout Nutrition and Coaching

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 St. Croix Valley 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.

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Outdoor Education

It’s a sunny day in October and a throng of exuberant sixth graders is spread out along the St. Croix River shoreline, gathering water samples, searching for aquatic macroinvertebrates and filling the air with a joyous sound.

Since 2021, Carpenter Nature Center and the South Washington Watershed District have collaborated to provide watershed education for students at South Washington County Schools. Through this program, the kids participate in hands-on lessons at school and then enjoy a visit to the nature center, where they put their learning into practice.

Research shows that nature-based education promotes creativity and problem solving, improves academic performance, reduces ADHD symptoms, encourages physical activity, reduces stress, and improves social relations and self-discipline. Carpenter Nature Center is one of several local nature centers that offer school and public programming. Looking for family-friendly nature experiences this fall? Check out these destinations:

» Carpenter Nature Center in Hastings and Hudson, Wisconsin

» Belwin Conservancy in Afton

» Dodge Nature Center, Shepard Farm, in Cottage Grove

» Sally Manzara Nature Center in Lake Elmo

» Tamarack Nature Center in White Bear Lake

Angie Hong coordinates the East Metro Water Education Program. Find her on social media @mnnature_awesomeness.

Giving Back Starts Early

When young people discover that their contributions matter and that they are connected to their community, the whole Valley benefits. Through Ponies Care, a program through Stillwater Community Education, students across the district are learning what it means to show up for their neighbors.

A 2025 Youth Enrichment Grant from the Stillwater Area Community Foundation, a local affiliate of St. Croix Valley Foundation, made it

possible to expand the program to reach new grade levels and deepen partnerships that turn good intentions into meaningful action.

Ponies Care introduces service early to elementary-age students with activities like kindness rocks and welcome cards, teaching students that small acts of care can have a significant impact. Middle schoolers work with area organizations, including Community Thread on its Holiday Hope program and

Washington County on foster care projects. Every act of service is shaping a more compassionate generation, one student at a time. “We’re helping grow a generation that leads with empathy,” says Jennifer Andress, Ponies Care director.

Missy Austreng is the marketing communications coordinator at the St. Croix Valley Foundation.

Since the early 1990s, Spokes and Pedals (spokesandpedals.com) in Hudson, Wisconsin, has been home to some furry and fourlegged staff.

One of its current tenants is a fluffy orange rescue cat named Archie, who lives at the shop 24/7. Over the past four years, Archie has brought a welcoming energy to the bike shop, happily meeting customers at the door and catching the eyes of passersby as he sleeps in the window.

Owner Art Doyle hand-picks each shop cat using an adoption service at Angel’s Pet World. “My wife and I are good at interviewing cats to see if they’d work well in the shop,” he says. By playing with them and observing their behavior, they choose cats that will enjoy being around customers every day.

Archie has become a beloved and memorable member of the Hudson community. “He’s just a wonderful shop cat,” Doyle says. “When I’m at work, he ends up just doing what his job is, and I do my job.” —Abigail Larson

In It for the Long Run

Octogenarian Mary Croft has run 235 marathons and shows no signs of stopping.

By Findlay Drabant

On her 80th birthday, Mary Croft celebrated by running 80 kilometers (50 miles) at the Across the Years ultramarathon in Arizona, where runners complete as many laps as possible around a 1.4-mile loop over 48 hours. This was just one more achievement in a running career that spans decades.

The Bayport resident picked up running in her 30s, inspired by a friend who ran daily for her mental health. But it wasn’t until she watched that friend participate in Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth that Croft decided to go for it. Back home, she began a 12-week training plan and signed up for her first 26.2-mile race: the inaugural Twin Cities Marathon.

Since then, she has run more than 200 marathons—in all 50 states and all seven continents—and has no plans to retire her running shoes anytime soon. “I think the exact number is 235,” Croft says. Among her finisher’s medals are 42 from the Twin Cities Marathon—one for nearly every year since the event began in 1982. She has also earned several medals in 50K, 50-mile and 100-mile races.

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ST. CROIX VALLEY RUNNERS

Lisa Potter hears it all the time: “I hate running.” Her response? “Run long enough, and you will love it.”

St. Croix Valley Runners is a free group open to all ages and paces. Potter remembers worrying she’d be too slow to join. “[The fear that] everyone was going to be so much faster than me was absolutely not true,” she says. “There are all kinds of fast, and you’ll fit in anywhere.”

Runners meet on weekends at 7 a.m. in warmer months and 8 a.m. in colder ones. Saturday runs start in downtown Stillwater across the street from The Daily Grind, and are often followed by coffee. Sunday runs begin at the Browns Creek State Trail parking lot, and some members meet during the week too. “It can be as much or as little of your life as you want it to be,” Potter says.

The group also hosts happy hours and holiday events. “It's the nicest group of people you will ever meet … we support each other in running, but we also support each other in life,” Potter says.

When it comes to long-distance running, being comfortable in your own head is essential. Croft says she doesn’t mind the solitude, but she also loves the community running has brought her. “Mary is one of our oldest members,” says Lisa Potter, one-fourth of the leadership team at St. Croix Valley Runners. “She has lived her life fully out loud, and she’s truly, truly an inspiration.”

Aging as an athlete is no small feat. Croft says that it hasn’t been easy watching herself slow down over the years. “I try not to get too depressed and just be grateful that I can still be out there and active and participating as much as I can,” she says.

Croft brought her family along while she ran in the Across the Years ultramarathon, having someone join her for each lap. “I’m kind of their hero, in a way,” she says. “They don’t all aspire to be runners, but they can see what I’ve accomplished, which is rewarding.”

St. Croix Valley Runners

@stcroixvalleyrunners

Building Confidence and Connection

A one-day retreat empowers girls before they start middle school.

By Ashley Cardona

Returning to school after summer break is never easy, and the transition from elementary to middle school brings even more to navigate. The You R You retreat, hosted by United Way Washington County-East (UWWCE) at Hidden Pines Ranch in Stillwater, is designed to catch girls at this crossroads.

“We landed on sixth grade because it’s a year of transition, and that can be really tough,” says Kristin Kroll, executive director of UWWCE. The organization saw a clear pattern emerging in county-wide student surveys and area healthcare reporting: Young girls are struggling. “We wanted to go upstream,” Kroll says. “How can we get ahead of the anxiety and social pressures? How can we make a difference before a crisis hits?”

The answer emerged in the form of a targeted one-day retreat. The event features expert-led sessions on topics relevant to this age group, along with classic summer camp activities like friendship bracelet making and yoga. “From the beginning, we knew it would be important to bring in professionally trained partners,” Kroll says. Representatives from area nonprofits, including FamilyMeans and Tubman, cover three core areas: body positivity, healthy relationships and overcoming challenges.

The commitment to high-quality programming means the girls in attendance leave with practical tools that are immediately useful. At the inaugural You R You retreat in August 2024, a Tubman session on healthy relationships, with “red flag” and “green flag” exercises, offered specific examples of what is healthy and what isn’t—an important framework for navigating the new complexities of middle school social circles.

In a session about coping with anxiety, a mental health specialist from FamilyMeans

and

encouraged girls to try sucking on a piece of sour candy to help reduce anxiety. “I never knew that!” Kroll says. “They’re learning all these tools that, hopefully, help them feel more confident and empowered as they head back to school.”

The retreat is a collaborative effort with UWWCE’s Women United, and around 50 volunteers of all ages come to support 80–100 attendees. Amelia Kozlowski, a co-leader of UWWCE’s Youth United and a rising senior at Stillwater Area High School, served as a peer guide during the retreat. She especially appreciated the body positivity session with The Emily Program, which covered myths about food and weight. “It was just really, I think, shifting a lot of perspectives … [and] preventing these kids from building harmful perspectives when they get to middle school and get exposed to those things,” Amelia says.

Connecting older girls with the younger girls creates an immediate bridge. The high schoolers can share stories—not knowing where the band room was or forgetting their locker combination—which validates the younger girls’ feelings and reminds them they aren’t alone.

The mentorship benefits the older girls too. “It reinforces the value of being part of something larger than themselves,” Kroll says. “Supporting [the attendees’] mental health, their confidence and their ability to say, ‘Yes, it’s new. Yes, it’s different, but I can do it,’ is a really special thing.”

United Way Washington County-East uwwce.org

United Way Washington County-East

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

The future of the Valley is bright.

The St. Croix Valley is home to a collection of incredible schools, with halls filled with young people finding their place in the world. Each year, we invite area school administrators to nominate some of these outstanding students, of which four are selected by committee for this feature.

These students are community volunteers, passionate learners and dedicated leaders who are already making an impact in their schools and broader communities—and there’s more to them than their academic and extracurricular achievements. This year, we gave these rising seniors an opportunity to showcase their personalities, interests and hopes for the future. We wish them all the best as they begin their final year of high school!

Written by Zoe Yates —

“If high school is a chance to explore new opportunities, to build skills, to follow passions and to serve others, Asher Berry has made the most of his high school years … Already an accomplished athlete in both hockey and lacrosse, he decided to try soccer this past fall and was able to contribute at the varsity level. Already serving others through National Honor Society and [Buy A Coffee, Buy A Well], he chose to join Student Council this year to serve his fellow students. Already a good student, he joined the Model United Nations club to build skills in research, debate and politics … Wellrounded would be an understatement. Asher is continually looking for ways to use his gifts and passions to help others and has shown an incredible capacity for work, play, joy and service.” —Jed Moseman, principal

Which educator had the biggest impact on you and why? My art teacher, Mr. Mattson, is the teacher who has had the greatest impact on who I am today. He taught me the true value of creating by emphasizing it’s not about perfection, but rather it’s about passion. He helped me uncover my artistic side that had been suppressed for most of my life, and, through his kindness and passion, I have been inspired to continue to create and be loving to everyone around me.

Where is your happy place in the community? My happy place in the community would be Selma’s Ice Cream [Parlor] in downtown Afton. I grew up going there with my family and friends all the time, and I have very fond memories of getting an ice cream, a Charleston Chew, and going and playing on the playground with siblings or friends. As I’ve grown up, another happy place would also be Afton State Park, where I go hiking and camping to connect with nature, which is one of my favorite activities.

Favorite quote: “How rare and beautiful it truly is that we exist.” —Sleeping at Last, Saturn

Dream job: Architect

Asher Berry

New Life Academy Hometown: Afton

Arianna Twomey

New Life Academy Hometown: Lake Elmo

“Ari’s story is a classic example of ‘When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.’ Ari was a star volleyball player, having played in the high school program since [seventh] grade. By her sophomore year, she’d been a key part of the rotation on two state tournament teams. During the 2024 state tournament, she fell awkwardly and injured her knee, tearing her ACL, LCL, MCL and meniscus and fracturing her femur … Despite missing weeks of school last spring after surgery, she maintained a GPA over 4.0 through her dedication. The recovery was long enough that she was unable to compete last fall. Rather than complain or look for pity, Ari continued in the sport by coaching a club team last

spring and summer and helping coach our C team last fall. She also challenged herself in a new activity by auditioning for and receiving a part in New Life’s fall production of Mary Poppins. Her attitude and gratitude through such a horrific injury and the rehabilitation process has been inspirational.”

Jed Moseman, principal

Which educator had the biggest impact on you and why? My seventh and eighth-grade English teacher, Ms. Baur, has had a significant impact on me. Throughout middle school, she was always my favorite teacher. Her classes were fun, and she made learning exciting. Although she isn’t my teacher

anymore, I still love talking to her as much as I did in middle school. I know that I can go to her about anything going on in my life, and she will be there for me.

What is the best class you took in high school? The best class that I have taken in high school was Honors Intro to Physics and Chemistry. Everyone was engaged and excited to learn, which is what made class so fun.

Favorite quote: “Let all that you do be done in love.” —1 Corinthians 16:14

Dream job: Speech therapist

Linden Taylor

St. Croix Preparatory Academy

Hometown: Stillwater

“Linden is a deeply curious student who approaches others with openness, kindness and genuine vulnerability. He challenges himself while remaining patient and compassionate toward those around him. He is thoughtful, kind and grounded, and I always look forward to what he has to say about our class readings.” —Andrew Sachariason, principal

How do you balance academic demands, extracurricular activities and personal responsibilities outside of high school? I’m of the opinion that whatever gets thrown onto my plate, whatever new responsibility

presents itself, I just have to do it. I’m always trying to improve my mindset of perseverance, because it’s been my most effective tool when trying to balance schoolwork, extracurriculars and personal responsibilities. Telling myself that I “just have to do things” gets boring quickly, but I have an incredible community of friends and family that motivate and challenge me. Their input, encouragement and competitiveness inspire success in the things that I do.

What is something that your peers might not know about you? I live in an intentional three-generation household and am lucky to

have more family that live close by. Growing up in the same house as my grandparents has made my relationship with them incredibly unique. I greatly value the wisdom that my grandparents have passed on and the support they have given me, and I know that they value the energy that my siblings and I bring to our household.

Fictional character you identify with: Hobbes from Bill Watterson’s Calvin and Hobbes

Dream job: Nurse anesthetist

Alexander “Lex” Brown

Stillwater Area High School

Hometown: Stillwater

“Lex is an excellent student and a gifted stage performer. In addition to his success with the fall play and the One Act, Lex had the lead role in a new training video that was filmed and professionally produced by the I Love You Guys Foundation. This foundation developed the Standard Response Protocol, which is used by tens of thousands of schools (including Stillwater Area High School) across the world for crisis response … In an age where school shootings are present and safety is a top priority, Lex’s work will be seen by countless people as they learn how to prepare and respond in the event of a school emergency,” —Robert Bach, principal

Which educator had the biggest impact on you and why? Grif Sadow has been the most influential educator I’ve ever had the privilege to work with. He is the theater coordinator for the Stillwater Area [Schools] district as a whole and the director of the shows at the high school … He has given me a myriad of opportunities and allowed me to consistently prove my theatrical and leadership abilities through my hard work and skills.

What is something that your peers might not know about you? Most people know I’m a huge comic book fan, but not many know how it started. As a kid, my dad had a box of 200-ish comics that I thought was the coolest thing. He let me read What If Doctor Strange Had Never Become Master Of The Mystic Arts? and I was hooked … Now, over a decade later, I go to the comic store every week to pick up the newest books.

Fictional character you identify with: Superman

Dream job: Actor

St. Croix Valley Magazine extends its appreciation to the team at Lowell Inn for its use as a backdrop for our Senior Spotlight feature photo shoot.

COLORS OF HUDSON

THE GROWING RIVER TOWN IS A DESTINATION FOR THE ARTS.

Hudson, Wisconsin, has long been entwined with the arts—and that identity has only strengthened in recent years. With Cream of the Crop Artists Gallery and Hudson Art Gallery joining longtime anchors in the Phipps Center for the Arts and Seasons Gallery, the vibrant river town is emerging as an arts destination in one of the state’s fastest-growing counties. “It is, gosh, just so exciting right now in Hudson,” says Lee Ann Pomplas, arts engagement director at the Phipps. “It just feels like there’s sort of this groundswell of interest and excitement about visual art.”

The saying “a rising tide lifts all boats” is surely true for the town’s arts scene. When the Phipps opened in Hudson more than 40 years ago, it created a foundation that has drawn artists to the area and fostered a sense of community vitality. “I think the Phipps is such a strong element in Hudson, and really, one of the driving forces that we moved here,” says Genie Castro, an artist and curator who has called Hudson home for more than two decades. In 2023, she joined the fold and opened Cream of the Crop Artists Gallery on Second Street.

Two years later, Hudson Art Gallery opened its doors down the block. “There’s a vibrancy to the town itself that’s hard to put into words, but I think people feel it,” says Brianna Seipel, gallery manager at Hudson Art Gallery. “You can see it on their face when they walk through the door, and there’s often this sense of surprise at what they’re experiencing.”

Hudson’s First Fridays, a longtime initiative of Seasons Gallery, has been embraced by the new galleries. Now, each month brings a delightful art crawl that showcases the town’s diverse arts identity—whether visitors find themselves at open hours at Cream of the Crop Artists Gallery and Hudson Art Gallery, enjoying the opening night of a new exhibit at Seasons Gallery or exploring the Phipps’ seven gallery spaces. “There’s a real sense of love in the art community here, and it’s a wonderful thing to be part of,” Seipel says.

Cream of the Crop Artists Gallery

Window shopping in Hudson became all the more vibrant when Cream of the Crop Artists Gallery joined the scene in 2023. Owned and curated by Castro, who is also a printmaker, the brick-and-mortar gallery

Written by Zoe Yates

followed a widely successful booth at the Minnesota State Fair that was created in 2015. Castro represents around 30 artists and features new and young artists in her rotating exhibits. “There’s a lot of really unique pieces in here that are, I’d say, full of love,” Castro says. The “small but mighty” gallery fills every corner and wall of its street-facing space and continues down the hallway. “People really are pretty wowed when they come in here because there’s high ceilings and incredible artwork, and they can look for a long time and discover things that they haven’t seen before,” Castro says. creamofthecropartists.com

Upcoming: Visit Cream of the Crop Artists Gallery at the West End Market at the Minnesota State Fair from August 27–September 7. Following the fair, there will be a reprisal of the exhibit in Hudson through the end of September.

Hudson Art Gallery

Hudson Art Gallery was established in 2025 by longtime Phipps volunteer Tom Adamson. The independent gallery rotates exhibits every seven to eight weeks and donates all proceeds to the Phipps. “[It’s] been really wonderful to be a presence for the Phipps on Second Street,” Seipel says. With a focus on storytelling, Adamson and Seipel conduct informal interviews with each featured artist. “We only show three artists at a time, so we’re trying to show a good breadth of their work and really dig into who they are as a person and share that,” Seipel says. Many

of these artists have had work displayed at the Phipps in the past, and Hudson Art Gallery looks to continue that journey with them.

“There’s this shared sense of responsibility for keeping the St. Croix a wonderful place to live and work, so one of the things that I’ve been thinking about a lot when we curate work is: ‘Does this work feel like home? Does it feel like Hudson?’” Seipel says. artgalleryhudson.com

Upcoming: An exhibit featuring the work of Lisa Buck, Morgan Clifford and Anne Landreman, celebrating artists who teach and inspire, is on through September 11.

Seasons Gallery

More than 25 years ago, Ruth Misenko opened Seasons Gallery on Second Street. Now a staple of the area arts scene, the gallery’s legacy continues under Angel MacMenamin, who took over ownership in August 2020, and gallery director Megan Riley. Seasons Gallery is known for its tradition of opening a new show on the first Friday of every month, and the gallery focuses on highlighting regional, independent artists in a welcoming environment that includes a carefully curated selection of giftable art. “With everything being on the internet and quick and easy and shipped

to your house, it’s important to have an experience,” MacMenamin says. “We have customers come in, and they’re just in for art therapy. They may not buy anything, and they just come in … to take a break. And that’s important.” seasons-gallery.com

Upcoming: Plein Air Hudson will conclude with Paint the Town weekend from August 8–9. The awards reception will take place from 6–8 p.m. on August 10. Work from the event will be displayed at Seasons Gallery, followed by a new exhibit featuring Emily McBride, Amy Monroe and Mel Tudisco, opening September 4.

Top: Artwork by Steve Smith displayed at the Phipps Center for the Arts.

Bottom: Each of the Phipps’ gallery spaces is distinct in size and scope, from little “jewel boxes” to traditional white box galleries, Lee Ann Pomplas shares.

The Phipps Center for the Arts

The Phipps Center for the Arts is a central fixture in the culture and experience of Hudson. Six volunteer arts councils support and direct its programming and activities, which include children’s theatre, dance, drama, music and visual arts. With continued growth, the Phipps is now home to seven gallery spaces that, in the 2024–25 season, featured 265 professional artists in nearly 75 exhibitions. “[These galleries] are an incredible resource for the community,” Pomplas says, adding that they are free and open to the public.

As a nonprofit, the Phipps’ galleries aren’t centered on sales, which allows for more latitude to bring in experiential arts. The audience, too, is unique, with many visitors stopping by after a class or before a performance. “I think people are looking for meaning, especially right now. Some people naturally gravitate toward art and finding meaning in those ways, but to provide that to people who might not be seeking it out is such a special place to be,” Pomplas says. thephipps.org

Upcoming: The Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival will return September 26–27 at Lakefront Park. It is a juried art fair presented in partnership with the Hudson Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau; last year’s event brought more than 10,000 people to view the work of 80 artists and enjoy free activities and demonstrations, a drink tent, food trucks and live music.

WHOLE WOMAN CARE

Obstetrics focuses on pregnancy and childbirth, but that’s not all this specialty can provide.

Written by Elizabeth Millard

Obstetricians, also known as OBs, are physicians specializing in pregnancy, labor and postpartum care. However, women don’t have to see their OBs only during those moments in their lives, says Melissa Kriscunas, D.O., an obstetrician and gynecologist at HealthPartners Clinic in Stillwater. “My partners and I went into OB and gynecology because we want to take care of women across their whole lifetimes, and we’ve made relationships that can span from their teen years to when they’re past menopause,” she says. Here are a few ways these specialists support women throughout their health journeys.

Family Planning and Fertility

Although OBs play a major role during pregnancy, they can also provide significant insight when it comes to family planning, Dr. Kriscunas says. That means they can advise patients on contraception, as well as fertility concerns. For example, there may be conditions that need to be addressed to enhance the chances of getting pregnant, such as endometriosis, obesity, pelvic inflammatory disease, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, polyps or uterine fibroids. Addressing these with comprehensive treatment can help a patient and their OB navigate toward better fertility.

Surgical Needs

Because OBs are trained in surgery, they can often provide care in the form of handling ovarian cysts and fibroids,

managing prolapse repair, performing sterilization, providing hysterectomies and delivering babies through cesarean section, Dr. Kriscunas says. “The benefit is more continuity of care, which often makes patients feel more comfortable,” she adds. “Some patients are surprised when we talk about a surgical procedure, and then they find out I’m the one who will be performing that.” That provides a sense of relief, she says, because there’s already an established patient-doctor relationship.

Risk Management

In addition to addressing many acute or chronic issues related to women’s health, OBs as well as gynecologists can play a notable role in prevention, Dr. Kriscunas says. For those in adolescence and early adulthood, that might include talking about sexual health and mitigating risk of sexually transmitted diseases. For instance, an OB can discuss preventing HPV, the biggest risk factor for cervical cancer.

Throughout the reproductive years, conversations center around preconception counseling that emphasizes health overall. That might mean talking through lifestyle factors that optimize health and fertility. “We work collaboratively throughout HealthPartners to make sure women have what they need, at every age,” Dr. Kriscunas says. “We have women who’ve been coming here for decades. It’s part of the community, and they know we’re here to support them every step of the way.”

HealthPartners Clinic 1500 Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater healthpartners.com/obgyn

ZOE YATES

ON THE GROUNDS AT ST. CROIX NATIONAL

Discover panoramic views and elevated American fare minutes from the St. Croix.

Tucked in the rolling hills of Somerset, Wisconsin, The Grounds Restaurant at St. Croix National Golf & Event Center is waiting to be discovered. Featuring an expansive patio, a from-scratch menu and activities for the whole family, The Grounds has become a destination all its own—golf optional. The full-service restaurant is the passion project of owner and CEO Kristine Botelho, who has curated the atmosphere and menu around her values and taste. “I’ve traveled a lot. I’ve eaten at a lot of great restaurants, and I just want to bring that experience to everyone,” Botelho says.

The Grounds opened in 2023, following a $7 million renovation by Shea Design and Zemen Construction, the team behind Baldamar in Roseville, The Lodge at Interlaken Country Club in Edina, and Spoon and Stable in Minneapolis. Along with the 9,000-square-foot multiuse clubhouse (that includes a pro shop and world-class indoor golf simulators), the renovations included a $1 million open-air patio and a Viking longhouse-inspired event center.

Inside the restaurant, vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows create a spacious feeling. Special attention was paid to the lighting and finishes to ensure guests can settle in and feel at home. “The restaurant [is] going to probably outperform, at one time, the golf, which is surprising,” Botelho says. “It’s very exciting, actually.”

When Botelho purchased St. Croix National Golf & Event Center in 2009, the legacy golf course had few amenities. “Before this build was done, [we had] hot dogs, brats, hamburgers—and that’s it,” Botelho says. While the menu post-remodel still features handhelds popular with the golf crowd, including award-winning burgers, a walleye sandwich and all-new egg rolls, it has been expanded and elevated to appeal to a broader clientele with handcrafted brick oven pizzas and standout entrees like the Shrimp Scampi and select cuts of certified Angus beef, cut on-site by chef Marin Aquila.

The decision to launch The Grounds was as personal for Botelho as it was professional. “I have to eat this food every day, my team does,” she says. As such, the restaurant’s elevated American fare is made with intention—in ingredient selection and sourcing, preparation and presentation.

To get the best possible certified Angus beef, fresh seafood, artisan cheese and crowdfavorite sweet potato fries, the restaurant works with five different food vendors—and these ingredients are prepared with an attention to detail. The steak-topping demi-glaze takes more than 20 hours to prepare. The

fries are made with beef tallow; it’s twice the cost but worth it for a healthier and tastier result, Botelho shares. “I’m very passionate about [the menu]. You’ll find me, a lot of times, walking through the restaurant talking to people, seeing how they feel about everything,” she says.

The Grounds isn’t looking to reinvent the wheel but to offer the best possible version of familiar dishes and craft cocktails. “It’s taking the recipes of what they truly should be and then giving them just a little bit of a boost,” Botelho says.

Top: The putting course is a popular activity for families visiting The Grounds, as it adjoins the restaurant’s extensive patio.

Bottom: Kristine Botelho worked with Shea Design and Zemen Construction to create the 9,000-square-foot multiuse clubhouse.

THE SETTING

St. Croix National is known for its stunning location and topography, as it’s located on the site of the former Snowcrest Ski Hill.

The 19-hole golf course, designed by Joel Goldstrand in 1996, spans nearly 7,000 acres with panoramic views of the Valley—and visitors to The Grounds can enjoy those views from the 100-seat patio, which overlooks the 18th and 19th holes and features a combination of outdoor seating and lounging spaces.

“What’s really amazing is how many people are bringing their dogs out, how many people are bringing their kids. The patio wraps around to the putting course, so the kids are running around. I’ve got bag toss, and the parents can relax,” Botelho says.

Botelho is supported in business by her adult children, Nick Botelho and Lauren Irvine, and the focus on family extends to employees and visitors to St. Croix National alike. She speaks fondly of regulars who bring their out-of-town friends to dine, a neighborhood posse of kids who bike over in the evenings with their parents to enjoy the putting course and couples who settle in for a glass of wine on the patio.

Guests of The Grounds are invited to explore the perimeter of the course and take in the views. “You can grab a cocktail, and you can walk around this hill, and it’s absolutely breathtaking … you’re not going to get hit by a golfer. You’re not going to infringe on their play,” Botelho says.

The Grounds is open for lunch and dinner daily, with brunch on Sundays. “The most rewarding part has got to be building this business that’s showcasing how beautiful the St. Croix Valley is,” Botelho says. “It is a magical land. Every time I [come here], I just kind of stop, and I go, ‘Wow, this is really beautiful.’”

The Grounds Restaurant scngolf.com

The Grounds Restaurant

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A Legacy of German Tradition

Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter hosts traditional Oktoberfest celebrations.

Since 1966, the Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter (gasthausbavarianhunter.com) has been a beloved staple for German tradition in the Stillwater area. The restaurant’s annual Oktoberfest celebrations, started by the Schoene family in 1985, have been central to its lasting legacy. “It was a big community picnic thing, like how it was back in Munich, and they brought that same feeling here, so that the community would come together,” current owner Jim Martin says of the event’s early years.

Following a devastating fire in 1987, the next generation of the Schoene family dedicated themselves to rebuilding. Now, Martin describes the Gasthaus as a “living museum” of German tradition and the legacy of the Schoene family and the St. Croix Valley German immigrant community. “I don’t really run this as a business. I run this as a community good,” Martin says. “I’m more of a steward to this place than I am a business owner.”

This year’s Oktoberfest will take place September 18–20 and 25–27 (5–10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, noon–6 p.m. Sundays) and will feature Hofbräu and Paulaner beer, and snacks from Wir Nuts and the Wooden Paddle Kettle Corn Company. Activities include a flag raising by an active color guard, Hammerschlagen, live music, the tapping of a golden keg and family-friendly activities on Sundays. Guests can also shop for imported German goods, including ancestral items, branded clay mugs and glass boots.

—Abigail Larson

08.02

Art and Farmers Market

Explore the work and creations of local artists and farmers from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Franconia Sculpture Park. franconia.org

08.15

Spelmansstämman 2026

Enjoy a traditional outdoor Swedish folk music gathering from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Gammelgården Museum in Scandia. scandiaheritage.org

08.15

Community Barn Dance

Blue Moon Drive is performing for a night of rock and roll classics and honky tonk fun from 7–10 p.m. at Firefly Moments Barn in Hammond, Wisconsin. fireflymomentsbarn.com

08.22

Carpenter Art Festival

From 10 a.m.–5 p.m., explore creations from nature-oriented artists at the Carpenter Nature Center’s Wisconsin campus in Hudson. Ceramics, jewelry and sculptures, along with food and drink, will be for sale. hastingsmn.org

09.12

Farmers and Artisan Market

Explore work from bakers, botanists, farmers, metal smiths, weavers and more from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. at the new outdoor patio space at Smith + Trade Mercantile in Stillwater. stcroixsplash.org

09.13

The Autumn Trek

Join the 26th annual Autumn Trek bike ride, starting and ending at The Garage Bike & Brews in River Falls, Wisconsin. Choose from four different loops, the 25-mile, 45-mile, 65-mile and 101-mile Century Challenge, and experience the scenic countryside along with rest stops and food. rivervalleytrails.org

09.13

Autumn in the Valley Gala

Raise money to support environmental education programs for youth, protect

wildlife and more at this year’s gala. There will be a dinner, raffle and silent and live auction from 4–8 p.m. at Carpenter Nature Center’s Minnesota Campus in Hastings. carpenternaturecenter.org

09.26–09.27

Art In the Park

Come to the 48th annual Afton Art in the Park, a weekend full of fine art, handmade goods, live music, local food and more. The festivities will take place from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday in Afton Town Square. aftonartinthepark.weebly.com

Compiled by Abigail Larson and Kate Thompson

To have your event considered: email stcroixvalleymag@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.

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Better is Possible

FamilyMeans’ sixth annual Better is Possible fundraiser was the nonprofit’s most successful event yet, bringing in more than $160,000 to support its mission to provide critical support services in the St. Croix Valley. The night at JX Venue in Stillwater included an auction, cocktail hour, dinner, program and a celebration of the 40th anniversary of FamilyMeans’ Caregiving & Aging work.

To have your event considered: send date, time, location, photos, contact information and a brief description of the event to stcroixvalleymag@localmedia.co.

Trolley Double Take

One warm summer morning on a photo walk around Stillwater, Nikkita Berglind of River Falls, Wisconsin, approached two large flower pots. “The sun was shining through all the petals, and they looked alluring, rustling in the breeze. I glanced over and noticed the trolley, and the wind just stopped. In that moment, the trolley almost seemed framed by the sun and the flowers,” Berglind says. “I like that the capture portrays the vibrant colors and warmth I felt in that moment very well.” —Zoe Yates

LENS ON ST. CROIX VALLEY

Photographer: Nikkita Berglind Title: Stillwater Trolley Equipment: iPhone 16 Pro Max

Location: Downtown Stillwater Category: Places Award: Second Place

To view other Lens on St. Croix Valley photo contest winners, visit stcroixvalleymag.com.

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