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W O O D B U R Y MAGAZ I N E AUGUST 2022

SENIOR SPOT LIGHT

GIVE A NOD TO THESE STELLAR SOON-TO-BE GRADUATES

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TORN ACL

It’s the sticks and stones of everyday life that bring you to TRIA. Like the wake that made your knees shake. Whether you’re a professional athlete or weekend wake boarder, you’ll receive the same expert orthopedic care and attention you need to get back in the game. It’s why you’re treated and how you’re treated by TRIA. SCHEDULE ONLINE AT TRIA.COM

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Michael Pelke DDS. Emily Wernberg DDS. Stephanie Wenzel DDS. David Augustson DDS

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We’ve Moved! Moving March of 2022 We’ve Moved! Moving March of 2022 215 Radio Drive, Suite 201 215 Radio Drive, Suite 201 Woodbury, MN Woodbury, MN 651-739-7910 651-739-7910

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BASH FOR BRAINS CARES ABOUT WOODBURY On a mission to eliminate Alzheimer's disease, Woodbury sisters Leah Huxtable and Eva Thompson created the Bash for Brains, a fundraising event now in it's 9th year. The event raises money for the Alzheimer's Association as well as the Bash for Brains Fund -- a partnership with the Woodbury Community Foundation. The Fund goal is to provide much-needed relief from the neverending daily tasks of caring for a loved one with dementia. Grant recipients benefit from the fund through financial assistance toward professional caregiving. Previous events have raised well over $480,000 collectively! "It is humbling to see, each and every year, how the event grows because of our community's compassion, generosity and outreach," says Leah. "Last year we awarded our first grant of

$10,000 to local family struggling with the costs of caregiver support, and this year we are hoping to award at least four grants." The fundraiser is held in Huxtable's backyard, and features live music, silent auction, raffles, food trucks, unique cocktail offerings and more. The 2022 Bash will be held on Saturday, September 10 with a goal of raising $200K to help #endalz. "Tell your friends, invite your adult family, so that together we can bring an end to a disease which touches far too many, " adds Eva.

Tickets are on sale soon and sponsorships are also available. For more information see bashforbrains.com.

EVENT DATE: 9.10.22 EVENT LOCATION: HUXTABLE RESIDENCE 7568 GLEN ALCOVE WOODBURY, MN 55129

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AUGUST 2022 “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” —Malcolm X

DEPARTMENTS 18 — Building Relationships Northern Tool’s donation builds local tech program.

20 — Swimming to Win Woodbury athlete participates in 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.

22 — Sitting Timeless By the Yard designs maintenance-free and sustainable outdoor furniture.

FEATURES 24 — Gold Star Status Four SoWashCo teachers are nominated for the Minnesota Teacher of the Year award.

28 — Keeping Anna Alive Kristin Rohman Rehkamp and her daughter are turning family emergencies into children’s mental health advocacy.

32 — Senior Spotlight Give a nod to these stellar soon-to-be graduates.

TASTEMAKERS PAGE 24

44 — A Fresh New Face

IN EVERY ISSUE

PAGE 22

10 13 39 42 48

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Editor’s Letter Noteworthy On the Town Gallery Last Glance

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Photos: Chris Emeott; By the Yard

Crisp & Green brings buildyour-own salads and more to the community.

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F R O M T H E E D I TO R Hailey Almsted, hailey@localmedia.co

rowing up, back to school season was one of my favorites. As a “Type A” person, I reveled in buying new pens, pencils, folders, notebooks and planners—don’t get me started on my love for a fresh planner! This back to school season is a little more special for my family, as my younger brother is off to start his senior year of high school and will soon be a graduate and off into the world. Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of chatting with a few other soon-to-be high school graduates, and they offered a glance into what high school looked like during the pandemic, how they overcame challenges and what they’re looking forward to during their senior year of high school. Woodbury High School 12th grader Anna Adamson says, “I’m really excited to be able to take all the things I’ve learned from other leaders, captains and seniors, and be able to give back to the teams I’ve been on or the groups I’m in.” Karen Nakamura, Math and Science Academy 12th grader, shares that sentiment. She says, “... Now, I am a junior coach, teaching little kids how to ski, and I hope that they see me the same way as I did.” For their advice to incoming students and to meet more graduating seniors, go to page 32. We’re also giving a nod to four South Washington County Schools professionals who were nominated for the Minnesota Teacher of the Year award—writer Ava Diaz spoke with teachers from East Ridge High School, Park High School and Cottage Grove Middle School about their experiences in the district. Read the feature on page 24. Readers, we’d like to see your #BackToSchool status. Tag us on Instagram with #WoodburyMagazine to share your new school year look with us. See you next month.

WOODBURY MAGAZINE

@WOODBURY_MAG

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On the Cover Kamaal Morris, photo by Chris Emeott

Correction: In our June issue Three to Beat department, Spenga’s email address and three pillars of fitness were misprinted. The pillars include cardio, strength training and flexibility. Spenga can be reached at hello@spengamn.com. We regret these errors.

August 2022

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Photo: Rachel Nadeau

See what we’re doing behind the scenes and around town! WOODBURYMAG.COM

VOL. 18 NO. 12 woodburymag.com

publisher Susan Isay

editor Hailey Almsted

managing creative director Renée Stewart-Hester

managing editor Hailey Almsted

digital editor Madeline Kopiecki

copy editor Kellie Doherty

staff writers Ava Diaz Daniel Huss Madeline Kopiecki Hillary Streitberger Staci Perry Mergenthal

contributing writers Alexandra Eve John F. Farrell III Margaret Gardner Margaret Wachholz

editorial interns Emily Deutscher Hanna McDaniels

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

senior managing art director Sarah Dovolos

art directors Allison Nolden Emily Handy

lead staff photographer Chris Emeott

production director Brittni Dye

production manager Lisa Stone

production coordinator Mimi Coz

senior account executives Brooke Beise Katie Freemark Cynthia Hamre Sara Johnson

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president Pete Burgeson

SUBSCRIPTIONS Woodbury Magazine is published 12 times a year. Rates Rates $25 for 12 issues. Back issues $8.95. For subscription and customer service inquiries, please contact hello@localmedia.co or call 612.208.6248. ©Local, LLC 2022. All rights reserved.

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N OT E WO RT H Y

loc a l t ip s, tidb its & insights

FAC E S

MEET PAUL HUFFMAN

Photo: Kelly Lombardi of Lombardi Portraits

PAU L H U F F M A N , a retired nuclear submarine officer and Woodbury local, is taking on the role of the new Woodbury Days president. Huffman expresses his love for Woodbury Days that has brought him, his family and the community together in past years. “It was a tradition for our children to go to Woodbury Days and enjoy when they were younger, and it’s an event that brings everyone together in one spot,” he says. “I really believe the more we can bring people together to share common places and experiences, the stronger our community is. Woodbury is a great place to live, a great place to work and a great place to raise children.” Huffman knew this was a great opportunity for him to initiate his love for the community and Woodbury to make this event successful and enjoyable for everyone. Huffman says, “We want to sustain the things that have worked really well in the past and make sure we have a carnival that has events and rides that appeal to a lot of people, especially young people. We also love the Taste of Woodbury because that is always a great opportunity to showcase some of the great restaurants in town.” With the nostalgic, fun and traditional past Woodbury Days offers, Huffman also voiced an exciting event that will be new this year. He says, “We are planning on having an escape room, which is very fun.” Besides the Woodbury Days goers, he also wants the coordinators to feel like they aren’t overloaded, and they are participating in something meaningful—Huffman appreciates Woodbury’s values and wants not only the businesses, but the citizens to feel the sense of community through Woodbury Days. —Hanna McDaniels Woodbury Days; All ages. August 19–21; Ojibway Park, 2695 Ojibway Drive; woodburydays.com

August 2022

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N OT E WO RT H Y

TASTE

Air Fried Everything I recently moved and, in the course of packing, went through the process of cleaning out my kitchen cabinets. I was particularly focused on weeding out small appliances. I like a lot of clear counter space for working, and when there’s an Instant Pot on your counter, it sure doesn’t feel “small.” Because most of my small appliances don’t get daily use, I relegate all but the essentials (espresso machine and toaster) to the pantry. I keep it pretty lean, but in nearly 20 years in one place, one tends to accumulate at least a few items that don’t deserve a spot on the moving truck. Packed away on a back shelf I found a breakfast sandwich maker I’d never used and an electric skillet that I received as a wedding gift. I parted ways with both. One appliance I had no question about was my air fryer. You know, this machine-of-the-moment isn’t truly “frying” at all? You know, it’s really just a small convection oven, right? But I don’t care. I bought one for my office and became so obsessed with it that I ended up buying the exact same one for home. Just about everything I’ve thrown in it has been incredible. And I do mean everything. I’ve put ravioli in there and meatballs, salmon, taquitos, empanadas, hand pies, tater tots, chicken tenders, wings and pork chops. I also created the most delicious Air Fried Garlic Butter Pork Bites. Needless to say, the air fryer secured a spot in my new kitchen. The bread machine and vacuum sealer, on the other hand, did not.

Rachael Perron is the culinary and brand director for Kowalski’s Markets, where she specializes in product development and selection, culinary education and communications. Find Perron’s recipe for Air Fried Garlic Butter Pork Bites on our website at woodburymag.com.

Photo: Kowalski’s Markets

August 2022

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REA D

Lived Experiences

Discover the Difference *See website for details

In the graphic novel Mom Milestones: The True Story of the First Seven Years, Grace Farris paints a literal picture of motherhood. As adults we tend to focus on baby milestones, but what about mom’s growth and “firsts?” Farris details her experience chronologically in phases of motherhood (newborn mom, infant mom, etc.), which at points is painfully honest. Each phase depicts likes and dislikes, plus her expectations and realities. As a new mom, I appreciate Farris’ honesty and humility. In drawing her lived experiences, Farris strives to comfort new parents and acknowledge that motherhood can be beautiful and exciting but simultaneously isolating and lonely. Too often society encourages new parents to enjoy every second, but that sets up unrealistic expectations and can lead to a sense of guilt when parents are at their peak stress. I’ve grown to appreciate the graphic novel format because it often lends to quick reads. I raced through Mom Milestones because it’s heartfelt, clever and relatable. I was surprised to learn this is Farris’ first book, and I recommend it to any parents looking for a good laugh, plus validation

Infant/Crawler • Our all-inclusice approach to care includes infant formula, diapers, baby wipes and wholesome infant purees freshly prepared by our on-site chef. • Baby rooms are the perfect environment for little ones to discover their physical abilities as they learn to roll over, crawl, pull up and eventually walk. We focus on your babies’ growth and development by creating strong bonds and learning through play. • Screened-in porch designed specifically for getting infants and crawlers outside to enjoy new sights, sounds and fresh air. • Over-sized rooms include full sized cribs for each child, gross motor equipment and large windows for maximum amounts of natural light. • Procare Connect parent app allows for notifications of diapering, naps, meals and daily photos of your child to be sent directly to your mobile device.

Waddler/Toddler • Our all-inclusive approach to care includes diapers, baby wipes and wholesome meals and snacks freshly prepared by our on-site chef. • Sign Language, Spanish, Character Education, LANA & Music enrichment classes included in tuition.

that you are not in this alone.

• Individual attention and caring teachers encourage hands-on exploration and social interaction in a safe and engaging environment.

Margaret Gardner is the senior library manager at the R.H. Stafford Library in Woodbury. Find more to read at washcolib.org.

• Our Waddlers & Toddlers progress naturally because they’re constantly encouraged to be creative and curious, to learn and to have fun learning. • Procare Connect parent app allows for notifications of diapering/potty, naps, meals, curriculum and daily photos of your child to be sent directly to your mobile device.

Preschool/Kindergarten Readiness • Our all-inclusice approach to care includes STEAM, yoga, Spanish, LANA nutrition and music enrichment programs; as well as wholesome meals and snacks freshly prepared by our on-site chef. • Character development, community outreach and off site field trips round out our academic curriculum. • Proprietary curriculum designed to nurture the whole child provides a strong academic introduction to literacy, science, math and social sciences while combining social, emotional and physical aspects of developemnt. • Procare Connect parent app allows for notifications of naps, meals, curriculum, enrichment programs and daily photos of your child to be sent directly to your mobile device. • Real time notifications for diapering, naps, meals and other daily activities • Receive daily photos of your child exploring exciting new topics and curriculum • Convenient options to submit tuition payments online • Keep up with school events and news with messages pertaining to your child’s classroom

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N OT E WO RT H Y

Dr. Dan Ehrmanntraut, DDS

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

Services Include: • Preventative • Restorative • Cosmetic • Invisalign Braces

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Here’s the secret to wine education: Drink wine. It is that easy. There are two rules to follow. Drink what you like. Someone might tell you how special, elite, unique or expensive a wine is, but if you don’t like it, you don’t like it. Try new things. Even if you say, “I don’t like chardonnay,” I bet you have not tried all of the thousands of types from around the world. Chances are, you will find one you like. One of my favorite sayings is: “Travel the world of wine, and your corkscrew is your passport.”

pranillo from Spain (El Circo); rosé from Croatia (Korta Katarina rosé or plavac mali and zinfandel grapes); and white wines from the Rhône region of France, including Chapoutier blanc.

John F. Farrell III is vice president | of sales and merchandising with Haskell’s The Wine People. Find more at haskells.com. See Carlson Capital Management’s Form ADV Part 2A for a complete summary of services and a discussion of the limitations on services.

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Evaluate your wine education: Try some of these varieties: tem-

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With the many illusions of social media, TV streaming, gaming, we can have a sense of belonging and the universe centering around us, while not even realizing nobody truly knows us. We may be taking for granted how important the forces of true friendship, family and love are, and the importance of questions like, “Why are we here? Is there a purpose?” As we became more and more technologically sophisticated, it was perhaps easier to dismiss spiritual yearnings.

Discover the Pregnancy Care of Your Dreams.

But we are no closer to answering these questions than civilization was 10,000 years ago. Although society and technology have evolved, the human condition has not changed nor has our DNA. The brighter side has been denied the attention it deserves, primarily due to ratings, and that is on us, the viewer. We all know that when we go to the shop, people are not like what is portrayed on TV. We are equally equipped and capable of love, friendship, cooperation and all the other virtues. It is rare, in my experience working with the elderly, that people hold onto hate. Death unites and is the great

Every woman deserves a pregnancy and birthing experience that’s extraordinary, distinctive, and personal. Our Pampered Pregnancy Care is exactly that. We are here to listen, respond to your individual needs and wishes, and make this a most satisfying prenatal experience. This is your care, your way. We want you to feel empowered with our thoughtful care and childbirth classes and comforted by our exclusive amenities. Our Pampered Pregnancy Care includes:

prompter. It’s intensely personal, and we recognize our mortality and frailty. Not to scoff at our modern era with our incredible advances—we are safer, we live longer and most countries have greater freedom. Technological advances and the world market have provided

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us with more wealth and leisure than any blacksmith had 200 years ago. But we cannot assume that it will forever progress. Let us let go of that “us versus them” and take some time to be at peace and to wonder.

Margaret Wachholz is the campus senior director at Woodbury Senior Living. In her column, she shares observations and wisdom about aging and senior living in Woodbury. Find more at woodburyseniorliving.com.

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DOING GOOD

Building Relatioships Northern Tool’s donation builds local tech program.

YOU CAN SAY Northern Tool +

Equipment is in the business of fixing and repairing things. The company, founded and based in Minnesota, operates 120 stores across 20 different states and offers some 100,000 different tools for sale. You can also say Northern Tool + Equipment is in the business of building things, relationships included. In December 2021, and as part of the Minnesota launch of its Tools for the Trades program, which empowers students to pursue careers in the trades, Northern Tool + Equipment made a $5,000 donation to Woodbury High School’s career and technical education program. The donation included a JET

floor-mount drill press, Klutch mini milling machine, Milwaukee panel saw, Bosch dual-bevel glide miter saw and an Exxo nail punch set. “The donation is part of a larger program of supporting technical and trade programs across the country,” says Todd Allard, senior vice president of marketing. In Minnesota, Northern Tool has made similar donations to Burnsville High School, Forest Lake High School, Minnetonka High School, Rogers High School and White Bear Lake High School. The immediate result is to put professional-grade tools into the hands of learning students. End results might be bigger. “In the United States, 2.4 million skills

jobs are going unfilled,” says Allard. “That’s becoming more problematic as [baby] boomers are stepping away.” Notice the difficulty in finding someone to replace a deck, remodel a kitchen or run new wiring? How about building a house? Programs like the ones found in Woodbury’s technical education department are hammering away at those problems, as are apprenticeships and experiences. In a video highlighting the Northern Tools donation, instructor Amanda Davis expressed the school’s gratitude by saying that she’s thrilled with the partnership and that Northern Tool’s generosity will make a difference in 100s of kids’ lives every year.

August 2022

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Photo: Northern Tools + Equipment

By Daniel Huss

advertise with

WOODBURY MAGAZINE

Contact Brooke Beise 612.205.9115 brooke@localmedia.co

HYOUNSOO LATHROP A name that is hard to say but easy to trust

“It’s just amazing,” she says. Davis went on the say that kids are finding their spot in the trades and in the hands-onlearning they do in Woodbury’s tech ed department. One student says that she loves her class and that it gives her a hands-on-experience for what she ultimately wants to do, auto collision repair. This didn’t surprise Allard in the least. “Our audience is 40 percent girls and women,” he says. Lastly, the students at the donation announcement received Northern Tool + Equipment gift cards. “It adds to the event,” says Allard. Most likely, it adds to their work benches, tool boxes and tool belts, too.

#1 Listing Agent Coldwell Banker Woodbury 2021 #1 Buyers Agent Coldwell Banker Woodbury 2021 Top 1% Agent Coldwell Banker Realty Worldwide 2021

Hyounsoo is awesome. She made the process of selling our home extremely easy and low stress. She knows the market, she is flexible, she has great attention to detail, she gives excellent staging ideas, and she is very reassuring. I'd gladly recommend her to anyone looking to sell a home!

Scan the QR Code to Read More and See How I Can Help You! HYOUNSOO LATHROP, REALTOR Cell: 651.233.8527 HLathrop@CBRealty.com www.HyounsooLathrop.com Operated by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC

Swimming to Win Woodbury athlete participates in 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. By Staci Perry Mergenthal

“I DON’T LET MY DISABILITY

hold me back,” Sydney Sexton says. This past June, the Woodbury High School 2018 alumna participated in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, Florida, with more than 5,500 athletes and coaches. The 22-year-old is the youngest on her Special Olympics Minnesota (SOMN) swim team of eight. “I always loved the water,” Sexton says. “I started on the high school swim and

August 2022

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Photo: Chris Emeott

FA C E S

dive team in eighth grade, and I fell in love with it, so I just continued my passion for swimming throughout the years.” Since her first SOMN competition in 2014, Sexton has earned 12 gold, nine silver and one bronze medal for swimming. “I just push myself really,” she says. In 2019, Sexton had the fastest times in her events, qualifying for the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. However, for equality, SOMN conducts a random drawing from all qualifying athletes, and Sexton was drawn as runner-up. Sexton’s athletic abilities and identifying autism make her eligible to compete in Special Olympics. Julie Sexton says her daughter embraces the challenges that come with it. “Sydney works twice as hard as everybody else to get what she wants,” Julie says. “That’s how she got her driver’s license, and is able to go to college. She pushes herself because she really wants to succeed.” Her definition of success is a moving target. “She’ll have a goal in mind, and as soon as she hits that goal, she goes for the next higher level,” Julie says. “She doesn’t want her disability to stop her from doing everything she wants to do.” Kristin and Dale Nelson, My BodyShop Fitness Center owners, are her 2022 coaches for SOMN. “Sydney thrives on competition and has a clear path to her pursuit of success,” Kristin says. Kelly Monicatti, SOMN director of programming, says, “Sydney always gives her best effort and is such a committed athlete. The 2022 USA Games will be her first opportunity to showcase her skills on such a big stage, and we cannot wait to see her hard work and dedication pay off.” In addition to training, Sexton studies for her medical assistant degree at Century College, works at Jerry’s Foods in Woodbury and moderates the SOMN Facebook group. “She doesn’t give up, and I think that’s why she has become such a strong person in general—in life,” Julie says. About her autism, Sexton says, “I’m proud of it, actually. I think of it as a gift. I’m very open about talking to people about my autism. Some people keep it to themselves, but I’m one of those people who is open to talking about things— about the struggles and the strengths and weaknesses with their disabilities.” specialolympicsminnesota.org Special Olympics Minnesota @sominnesota

@SOMinnesota

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SCENE

Sitting Timeless By the Yard designs maintenance-free and sustainable outdoor furniture. By Staci Perry Mergenthal

WHETHER GATHERING FRIENDS

around a lakeside fire table, entertaining family on the poolside deck or sipping coffee on the porch, we like to do it in style and comfort. But after a summer of enjoying the outdoors, the last thing we want is highmaintenance patio furniture that we must tarp or stack into winter storage. So we talked to Leah Steidl, director of marketing of By the Yard, which just opened its newest showroom at Woodbury Lakes. By the Yard is diverting plastic from U.S. landfills and making durable, sophisticated, maintenance-free outdoor furniture at its production facility in Jordan, Minnesota. “By maintenance-free, we mean you don’t have to cover or store it, and you will never paint, stain or seal it,” Steidl says. “It will not splinter, rot or crack. It’s made to set it and forget it, to live outside in all climates from the tundra of Ely, Minnesota, down to coastal Florida.” Designing nearly 400 commercialgrade styles in nine colors, the company sells outdoor loungers, gliders, Adirondacks, dining and bar chairs and tables, rockers, portable bars, fire tables and planter boxes, with ergonomically contoured seats and family-friendly rounded edges. “We engineer the furniture to stand the test of time—to withstand your toddler to somebody who is seven feet tall and 300 pounds,” she says. The nonporous surface is vital too. “I’ve spilled a bottle of wine on my table, and it didn’t stain. It’s 100 percent bleach cleanable, so the color isn’t going to come up and it doesn’t fade,” she says. By the Yard uses a proprietary recipe

of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) from recycled plastic milk jugs and water bottles, to make the engineered lumber with UV stabilizers, so it’s guaranteed minimal fading backed by a 35-year warranty. To further reduce waste, it recycles the manufacturing scraps from plastic sawdust and shavings to capture the heat from machines to heat the building. Because the furniture doesn’t require storage, it easily transitions from one season to the next. “When I think of fall, I think of chilly nights gathered outside with friends sitting in Adirondack chairs and cozying up with a blanket around the open flame of a fire table,” Steidl says. Founded by Deb and Roger Anderson in 1995, the family-owned company has

PLANTER BOX MAKEOVER Since they can stay outdoors all year, make a statement with By the Yard planter boxes. Fill with seasonal arrangements of pumpkins, foliage, birch, seedpods, pinecones, willow twigs, evergreens, dogwood branches and berry sprays for cheery backdrops on your deck. Planters also make great outdoor Christmas tree collars for a little extra twinkle on your front porch. Or do like Leah Steidl does and fill with ice and beverages for summer entertaining.

August 2022

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He’s discovering

tHe magic of cHildHood

call today! woodbury

651-350-0500 • GoddardSchool.com

The Goddard Schools are operated by independent franchisees under a license agreement with Goddard Systems, Inc. Programs and ages may vary. Goddard Systems, Inc. program is AdvancED accredited. License #1093592-1-CCC. © Goddard Systems, Inc. 2022

Photo: By the Yard

showrooms in Woodbury, Jordan, Maple Grove and the outskirts of Milwaukee and Chicago. A portion of sales is donated to multiple local child hunger organizations. “We pride ourselves on classic, timeless design and colors,” Steidl says. “We have a lot of repeat customers because you can purchase pieces now, and, five years down the road, you can add to your collection. We don’t discontinue our designs or colors, and, since it’s UV stabilized, it’s going to match.” By the Yard, 9140 Hudson Road Suite 515; 651.386.1485; bytheyard.net By The Yard - Outdoor Furniture @bytheyardinc @bytheyard

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Four SoWashCo teachers are nominated for the Minnesota Teacher of the Year award.

Written by Ava Diaz Photos by Chris Emeott Celebrating excellence in education for 58 years, the Minnesota Teacher of the Year Award recognizes educators for their contributions to enriching the future generation. Highlighting the talent in our community, we turned to students and co-workers to share what makes these outstanding nominees so deserving.

ANDREA WELVAERT School: Cottage Grove Middle School Subject: Special Education Years: 18

Andrea Welvaert began her teaching career with the intention of going into physical education. After graduating in the winter, she hopped on board as a paraprofessional, aiding students with special needs. In this role, she developed a taking toward students with autism and decided to go back to school to earn a license specializing in developmentally and cognitively delayed children—and eventually her masters degree with a concentration in autism spectrum disorder. “For me, it is seeing these students who are kind of not seen as normal and are isolated, and many people think of them as weird and different,” she says. “These children might not be able to communicate or interact with typical peers the same, but they are so smart, and they are so loving and it is an eyeopening experience to see the challeng-

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GOLD STAR STATUS August 2022

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Mackenzie Hildahl School: East Ridge High School Subject: Honors English 9 and English 11 Years: Six

As a hairdresser for nearly five years, Mackenzie Hildahl felt she was not living out her true passion. Going back to school to become a teacher, she says she always loved connecting with kids and wanted to become a resource for their development as individuals. “I need them just as much as they need me,” she says about her relationships with her students. What makes Hildahl’s teaching approach so unique is her attention to measuring success through growth beyond just a letter grade. “It is not always about achieving. It is about working hard to get to that point and watching the process overtime,” she says. It is this mindset that makes her classroom such a positive and engaging atmosphere, says former student Brooke Bailey. That is why she nominated Hildahl for the award. “She was one of the first people to come to mind because I have had such great experiences with her, and everyone I know loves her,” she says about Hildahl. “The more I got to know her, she was super genuine, has such a good heart and is always looking after people.”

Kiersten Jaeger School: Park High School Subject: Spanish Years: 26

With a love for embracing other cultures that differ from hers, Kiersten Jaeger takes pride in her experiences studying across the globe in her younger years as a former business professional. Partially influenced by her parents, who were both teachers, she realized that she too wanted

to use her outlook to open doors for students and provide resources to expand their global perspectives. “Meeting their energy and their enthusiasm for learning and them wanting to know more and hearing stories is what sucks me back in again,” she says. “I can’t remember having a bad day at school once I get with the kids.” Her willingness to match their energy is what excites student Susan Mbu. “She is bubbly and fun and tries to get the class engaged [through songs and games]. She really tries to get to know everyone,” Susan says. “I think she got nominated for the kindness of her heart. She is so sweet and easy to talk to. Plus, she has a great sense of style.”

Yonnie Eiden-Giel School: Park High School Subject: IB history, IB psychology and U.S. history Years: 25

For Yonnie Eiden-Giel, teaching runs in the family. However, it wasn’t what she initially intended to do. Originally starting her journey as business major, she soon realized she wanted to combine her love for history with her passion for connecting with like-minded individuals in the classroom. “I started on that path and never really looked back,” she says. Inspired by her math teacher from grades seven through 12, she says she admired what he did to make a difference in her and other students’ lives through strong relationships. To her colleagues, she emulates exactly what she strived to achieve. “Our new mission is for our students to be bold, be seen and be heard, and she definitely embodies that in her classroom,” says colleague Walter Newcomb. Recognized for her ability to create a positive and inclusive environment, Eiden-Giel says she wouldn’t be the teacher she is today without the knowledge she has gained from her counterparts. “My first thought was that I don’t deserve this anymore anybody else who has been in a classroom, especially in the last two years,” Eiden-Giel says. “I will do this on behalf of all the people that I work with, knowing in my head that I am only as good as I am because of the people that I surround myself with and the people that I get to work with.”

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es they face just to come to school.” Co-worker and partner in crime for 15 years, Pam Horihan says Welvaert is amazing at creating a welcoming environment to foster trustworthy relationships with the students and their families. “She is a team player,” Horihan says. “I am thrilled that a special ed teacher is getting recognized. So often we aren’t because our students cannot write in the submissions … I am glad that one of us is [recognized].”

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Andrea Welvaert

Mackenzie Hildahl

Kiersten Jaeger

Yonnie Eiden-Giel

Kristin Rohman Rehkamp and her daughter are turning family emergencies into children’s mental health advocacy. 28

KEEPING ANNA ALIVE Written by Staci Perry Mergenthal Photos by Chris Emeott Two years ago, Kristin Rohman Rehkamp was at the height of her career, having held vice president and management positions at Target, Optum and Nelson. Her daughter, Anna, had lots of friends, was a competitive dancer and an A-student in accelerated classes. Kristin and her husband, Tom, were raising Anna and their two younger children in a nice house in a friendly and safe Lake Elmo neighborhood. On September 16, 2020, at a routine 11-year-old well-child check, Anna suddenly experienced a panic attack that triggered acute anxiety and severe panic disorder. Her body never recovered from it. She showed no precursors for mental illness. “From that point on, she was terrified of having another panic attack, and that terror created panic attacks since her body and sensory system went into this malfunction that she couldn’t get out of,” Rehkamp says. Within two weeks, Anna was incapacitated—she could no longer do school or dance; she couldn’t leave her room, and she talked about wanting to die. “It wasn’t dying because, ‘I hate my life and want to end it,’ it was, ‘What is happening to my mind and body? I am so scared, and no one seems to be able to help me. I would rather die.’” Since then, it’s been a cycle of rushing Anna to the ER, extended hospital stays, doctor appointments, counseling, medications, panic attacks, suicide watch, crying, screaming and desperation of a family being plunged into the terri-

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fying unknowns and unpredictability of living with a mental illness. “It is an illness,” Rehkamp says. “People don’t choose it. It’s not about a demographic or financial background.” Sleeping with her daughter to prevent suicide, she says, “I pulled my laptop out one night and Googled, ‘How do we make sense of this? How do I make this beautiful? How do I find happy again?’ And I found la vie est belle, which means ‘life is beautiful’ in French. It’s about choosing your path to happiness and inspiring others.” Pivoting from her corporate career to care for Anna and her other children, Rehkamp pulled herself from the low she was feeling by redirecting her interior design and retail expertise to open her online boutique, La Vie Est Belle, with a mission of inspired giving and beautiful living. Offering meaningful gifts, home décor, jewelry and complimentary local delivery and gift wrap, she donates 20 percent of net profits to PrairieCare Fund, a nonprofit that fosters mental health and wellbeing among youth and families. Rehkamp moved to Lake Elmo from St. Louis Park three years ago. Next, she discovered writing as a therapeutic outlet, which eventually turned into blogging. “I’m a mom whose heart was breaking,” she says. “I started telling the story for others like me because I had wished there was a resource—just to not be alone.” Wanting to change the paradigm for youth and families with mental illness, Rehkamp has started public

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES According to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately 20 percent of youth ages 13 to 18 experience severe mental disorders each year and an estimated 13 percent of ages 8 to 15. The Surgeon General says early diagnosis and appropriate services for children and their families can make a difference in the lives of children with mental disorders. • Washington County Sheriff’s Office Coordinated Response Team: Responds to active mental health crisis calls; 651.430.7824; matthew. ohara@co.washington.mn.us. • Woodbury’s Community Support Team: Establishing connections with those teams while not in crisis can develop rapport, address needs and build service connections, trust and ongoing plans to improve outcomes during a crisis; adam.sack@woodburymn.gov • Washington County Crisis Response Unit: Mental health professionals respond 24/7 to crisis calls, and law enforcement responds if the situation involves a risk of safety to the person in crisis or family members; 651.275.7400 • Sexual Assault 24-Hour Crisis Number, Washington County: 651.777.1117 • Crisis Text Line: Text “MN” to 741741 • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call, text or chat 988, or call 1.800.273.TALK (8255).

La Vie Est Belle; lavieestbelle.live La Vie Est Belle Gift Shop @lavieestbellegiftshop La Vie t Belle, LLC PrairieCare Fund; prairiecarefund.org

speaking and authored a book titled Finding Us: A Memoir of Braving Mental Illness with Her Young Daughter, which will publish this fall. “[It’s about] how I had to find myself as a woman and a mom in the messiness of Anna’s mental illness, to give and show my daughter courage and tenacity—and yet she showed me just as much,” she says. “Together, we empower each other and hope to inspire change so badly needed for others that brave the same journey.” Rehkamp hopes people lead with empathy and stop sham-

ing children with mental illness. “They have the same hopes, dreams and aspirations as any child who might have a cold, broken leg or cancer,” she says. “We tell our story to empower our daughter first,” she says. “Yes, we hope people find empowerment and inspiration from our story to get help, to not be ashamed but at the end of the day, the reason I do all of this is to keep my daughter alive. I do it to show her to be brave. I do it to empower her. I do it to give her a voice and purpose in this. And she does have purpose in this.”

The Rehkamps raised $15,000 through GoFundMe to design a stuffed bear for a Brooklyn Park hospital. Every child admitted to pediatric mental care receives a bear with a note from Anna attached. It starts by saying, “I walked in your shoes. Do not be afraid …”

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A Message from Anna

Anna shares excerpts of a Q&A session between her and Rohman Rehkamp in Finding Us. What has been the hardest thing to understand as it relates to your mental health? I changed from “normal” (a word we no longer often use in our home) to someone with a severe panic disorder over the course of a few days. I am confused about why my body and mind will no longer let me do things I could easily do in the past. My panic disorder sometimes will not let me go to dance (for example). I love dance. I cannot always control my body’s reactions, which are often different than how I feel. It can be so frustrating and overwhelming. I literally cannot control my behavior or my body’s physical responses … I am often embarrassed and understand my behavior is not always OK. I often end up in tears. Not being able to control your body and your feelings is frightening. Most people do not understand or can’t relate to the irrational nature of it all. Has it taught you to appreciate other things/people differently? I now know what it feels like to feel “different” and have a disability or something that can be disabling in some situations. My tolerance for friends/family/people treating others unkindly or unfairly is low. My mom tells me this is one of my superpowers, and it makes me feel strong. I often will say something or step in to help. I am not shy because I know how it feels to have something you cannot control or choose to have. I know how those being unfairly mistreated feel. I want to be a voice for them. And I guess … despite the really hard year … a year I never want to repeat … one year later … I do know I am a stronger version of me.

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Anna Adamson Justin Luan

Kamaal Morris Karen Nakamura

S E N I O R S P OT L I G H T Wr itten by Hailey Alm sted — Photos by Chris Em eott

Give a nod to these stellar soon-to-be graduates. For students of the graduating class of 2023, it’s their ability to adapt that’s propelled them forward. From a two-yearlong “spring break” to distance learning, Plexiglas barriers and cancelled events, these students have had a high school experience like no other. I admire their strength, resilience and courage—and for that, I say congratulations on your well-deserved success to the entire class of 2023.

JUST IN LUAN

East Ridge High School Ask East Ridge High School’s (ERHS) principal James Smokrovich about Justin Luan, and he has nothing but positive things to say. “[He] is a positive leader within our East Ridge community, as well as a top academic student,” Smokrovich says. Though Justin is enrolled in just about as many Advanced Placement (AP) classes as possible, he says it’s sports that are his true passion. “I would say some of the highest points during high school have been performing really well in golf during the high school season,” Justin says. “I went to state in eighth and 10th grade and usually place in the top five in events.” Justin also notes his success with the math team, where he’s captain. “I made it to the American

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Invitational Mathematics Competition twice—only the top two to five percent of math team students make it. I made it in 10th and 11th grade,” he says. With college applications nearing completion, Justin says he’s looking forward to “more freedom” during his senior year at ERHS. (Though, it’s important to note that Justin is enrolled in AP literature, AP statistics, AP physics I, AP macro and biomedical invasions classes—talk about busy!) Justin’s post-graduation plans aren’t set in stone, though he’s interested in competing in golf at a professional level. “My goal is to go to school for sports [and] to get a good education,” he says, noting his interest in biomedical engineering. His current top contenders include Northwestern University in Chicago, Duke University in North Carolina, University of California, Berkeley and University of California, Los Angeles. “If it comes down to it … I would also play golf for an Ivy League,” he says. For incoming ninth graders, Justin says, “It’s all about planning your daily schedule; what you’ll do, when you’ll do things … Life becomes easier when you plan around when your clubs meet. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you can lose yourself.” Now, I think that’s great advice for just about everyone.

KAREN NAKAMURA H

Math and Science Academy

H HOOL

JUS

AST RID GE — E

Favorite song: Destiny by Nefex

Oakdale. My friends and I have over 10,000 tickets ...

Favorite TV show/movie: The Big Bang Theory and Hobbs and Shaw

Extracurricular activities: Top high school golf player, captain of math team, co-captain of debate team, orchestra (cello), piano, drums

KAREN NAK Favorite hangout spot: Chatime, a bubble tea store. My friends and I always go there and just sit on the couch and talk.

AC A D E M Y

Favorite TV show/movie: Arcane and Atonement

Favorite song: First Love/ Late Spring by Mitski

AT H A N — M D

Favorite hangout spot: The Big Thrill Factory in

Extracurricular activities: Captain of Nordic skiing, captain of cross country running, National Honor Society, outreach officer for SWEnext Club, Minnesota Youth Ski League junior coach, Link Crew, Shotokan karate instructor, science fair, intern for Cancer Research Laboratory at the University of Minnesota

Math and Science Academy’s (MSA) Karen Nakamura likes to try everything. “I fully enjoy a wide range of activities,” she says. From varsity cross country running and Nordic skiing to Skotokan karate, hiking and nature photography, the MSA senior does it all. But, Karen says people may be surprised to know that she hasn’t always been as active as she is today. “When I was little, I had asthma, which prevented me from bouncing off the walls like the other kids. Fortunately, as I got older, I grew out of it and started participating in sports,” she says. “I remember in elementary school, I joined the Minnesota Youth Ski League and admired how fast the high school coaches were. Now, I am a junior coach, teaching little kids how to ski, and I hope that they see me the same way as I did.” From teaching younger students to winning sectional championships, Karen says it’s her time in varying sports that’s been her favorite throughout high school. “My high point was when the girls’ cross country team won sections and went to state … I remember screaming at the top of my lungs and embracing my teammates when we heard, ‘... And the first place goes to Math and Science Academy!’ That moment is forever engraved in my mind,” she says. Speaking on the subject of enjoying various hobbies, Karen says, “... Follow your curiosities, and don’t compare yourself to others. High school is an amazing place to explore different paths prior to college … However, don’t do something just because you see other people doing so …. Don’t forget that high school is meant to be enjoyed.” Karen plans to attend college for biological studies. “I have been really interested in neuroscience lately,” she says, noting that neither her college nor major is set in stone quite yet. “The only thing I know is that I’m going to pursue a career in STEM!”

KAMAAL MORRIS Park High School

Kamaal Morris sees high school as an investment in his future. The Park High School (PHS) senior has spent the last three years learning how to trade in the stock market and cryptocurrency and says his goal is to become an entrepreneur.

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“I like to create vision boards and watch my aspirations come to fruition,” Kamaal says. Though investing is one of Kamaal’s passions, he has also enjoyed football and track and field at PHS (a recurring knee injury put him out of both sports his 10th grade year) and being a motivational speaker for younger students. “I enjoy volunteering with D.E.L.O.R.E.S. Works and speaking to youth about why they should take school seriously and hang out with the right crowd,” he says. “I also talk to middle school students about peer pressure and negative influences.” Kamaal appreciates these opportunities to gain exposure to differing cultures and opinions and says it’s allowed him to expand his network and prevent social limitations. However, he was unable to participate in these activities throughout a portion of high school because of COVID-19. “I thrive on relationships, and being a box on a screen was difficult for me,” he says. Another challenge? “... [staying] in the ‘now’ and slowing down. Sometimes my brain would move faster than I could keep up with—I am so excited about the future that I want to get there now,” Kamaal says. Kamaal’s inspiration comes from Tesla founder, entrepreneur and investor Elon Musk. “He’s influential and inspires me to beat all odds and build any vision I’ve got,” Kamaal says. “Despite his challenges, and while I may not agree with him 100 percent of the time, I can respect how hard he’s worked.” It’s Musk’s work ethic that Kamaal mirrors in his own life—Kamaal has big dreams post-graduation, including majoring in entrepreneurship, continuing to invest in stocks and cryptocurrency, adding real estate to his investment portfolio and wanting to start a large-scale solar panel manufacturing company.

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ANNA ADAMSON Woodbury High School

Woodbury High School’s (WHS) Anna Adamson says her high school experience has been largely different than generations before her—from socially distanced learning, hybrid classes, virtual speech meetings and more, the senior says it’s been her biggest challenge throughout high school. “Last spring—[2021]—was the hardest point as a student in general,” she says. “I could tell my mental health wasn’t

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PA R K IS — HI G

KAM

Favorite song: Last Call by Khalid

hearing the waves. It is so relaxing.

Favorite TV show/movie: Rick and Morty and Rango

Extracurricular activities: Football, track and field, AVID, mentoring through D.E.L.O.R.E.S. Works, Lead Program attendee at Howard University

OODB — W UR

HOOL

AD ANNA

Favorite TV show/movie: Bridgerton and Disney’s Tangled

Favorite song: I can’t pick one!

Favorite hangout spot: The beach. I love …

Favorite hangout spot: Sencha. I go there way too much. It’s so good. Extracurricular activities: President of Key Club, varsity cross country, speech team, narrative team for MN350

great, and a lot of other students felt that, too.” But the warm community in the WHS speech team gave Anna a sense of hope. “… Last year was virtual, and we did our speeches over Zoom calls, but our team really did make the most of it,” she says. “Between rounds or at the end of the day, we could have moments together in the library, socially distanced, of course. We still found a sense of community, even when everything was virtual.” Through her 2021 speech, which was centered around “eco-anxiety,” Anna discovered MN350, a nonprofit organization working toward a future in clean energy. “[Eco-anxiety is] the impact that climate change and that crisis has on mental health and young people and also how it affects marginalized communities,” she says. Though Anna received fourth place for the speech, it ultimately led her to a passion for ending the climate crisis. She says, “Hearing the bad stories about [the crisis] is worth learning about. It can be overwhelming, but finding those small moments of excitement is really empowering.” And empowerment is her motivation for her senior year. She says, “I’m really excited to be able to take all the things I’ve learned from other leaders, captains and seniors and be able to give back to the teams I’ve been on or the groups I’m in.” “For incoming students, I would say get involved. It doesn’t have to mean joining a team or starting a club. It could mean going to events put on by the school or the community,” she says. “… Spend the time on what you like doing and what you’re good at. I’ve found so much joy in different team dynamics, and I love being a part of something that maybe I wouldn’t have found if I was pigeonholing myself into a box.” It shouldn’t be a surprise that Anna is interested in potentially studying political science or journalism, though nothing is decided quite yet. “In elementary school, anyone that knew me knew that I wanted to be president one day,” she says. “I don’t know if I’ll go that route anymore, but I would love to go to Washington, D.C. I’ve always loved that city.”

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Chuck & Don’s is unlike any pet experience in the world. We’re a community of experts from pet foodies to groomers to behaviorists dedicated to holistic pet wellness.

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An updated full service men’s grooming salon. Offering the most up to date styles in a relaxed, family friendly setting

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Looking for an exciting and intentional approach to fitness and movement? FlowFit is the perfect combination of mobility, power yoga, strengthening and recovery. Get ready to see and feel dramatic results with us! First class free, book today! FlowFit Yoga and Fitness 8302 Third St. Oakdale 651.730.1498 flowfityogaandfitness.com

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Find a welcome change of place at Saint Therese! ISOLATION & LONELINESS AREN’T NORMAL PARTS OF AGING BUT THEY ARE THE MOST COMMON CONCERNS.

The effects have a devastating impact on well-being including: depression, malnutrition, impaired mobility, high blood pressure, cognitive decline and dementia. Aging-in-place is the biggest cause of senior isolation. Shrinking social circles, poor health, life changes and transportation challenges can confine older adults. SAINT THERESE IS FOCUSED ON HELPING SENIORS STAY ACTIVE, SOCIAL, INDEPENDENT & HEALTHY.

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O N T H E TOW N

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

25TH ANNIVERSARY

Compiled by Emily Deutscher and Hanna McDaniels

iStock.com/AlekZotoff

Woodbury YMCA celebrates with an honorary ribbon-cutting ceremony. OUR LO C A L Y M C A is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a celebratory ribboncutting ceremony on August 30. Mike Lavin, YMCA vice president of operations, expresses his excitement for this special ceremony and is proud of how much the gym has grown within the community. “The mission of the YMCA is to strengthen communities. The YMCA opened its doors in 1995 with a mission to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to realize their potential,” he says. “The YMCA connects kids, families, adults and seniors to life-changing programs and resources.” Lavin notes that the ribbon-cutting ceremony is in honor of the 25 years that the YMCA had an impact in every community within childcare, mental and physical well-being, aquatics and outdoor adventures. Lavin says, “The YMCA is committed to working together with the Woodbury community to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive for the next 25 years.” That’s definitely worth celebrating. There will be special events and activities surrounding the ribbon-cutting ceremony as the date gets closer. Check ymcanorth.org for more information. —Hanna McDaniels

LOCAL EVENTS

Woodbury Days Kickoff Dinner 08/04 Join Woodbury Days and the Woodbury Royal Ambassadors as its kickoff to the festivities commences. There will be an auction of yummy homemade desserts and baskets and a social hour follow by a dinner. All ages. $45/person. 6–9:30 p.m.

5880 Omaha Ave. N., Stillwater; support@woodburydays.com; woodburydays.com

Tiny Tot Triathlon 08/06

All ages. 11 a.m.–noon on August 31. Woodbury YMCA, 2175 Radio Drive;

Immerse your toddler in an experience of

651.731.9507; ymcanorth.org

a lifetime in health as they participate in a

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O N T H E TOW N

Centered on God, our mission is to feed physical hunger, spiritual hunger and our hunger to be in community.

triathlon just for athletes their age. They will be able to run, bike, swim and receive a sticker and medal from a firefighter or police officer. There will also be other fun activities after they cross the finish line. A family member over 12 must assist them. Free. Ages 11 and under. M Health Fairview Sports Center, 4125 Radio Drive; 651.714.3500; woodburymn.gov

The ’70s Magic Sunshine Band Live 08/11 Get into the groove, and take yourself back in time while watching The ’70s

Visit our website for worship times, education for ages 3–adult, small groups, and more!

www.kingofkingswoodbury.org kingofkingswoodbury

KofKLuthChurch

1583 Radio Drive • Woodbury, MN 55125 • 651-738-3110

Magic Sunshine Band perform. There’s plenty to do before the event. Shop before the show around Woodbury, or grab a lawn chair and relax. The stage is located between Jos. A. Bank and American Eagle. All ages. Free. Woodbury

Lakes, 9120 Hudson Road; 651.251.9500; woodburylakes.com

The Second Annual Live Brave 5K + 1 Mile Run 08/13 In this 5K mile race, support a preven-

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disorders. The donations for this race go directly to the nonprofit WithAll, and runners receive a swag bag and T-shirt.

All ages. $35. 8–9 a.m. Colby Lake Park, 9715 Valley Creek Road; 651.335.2657; runsignup.com

Woodbury Days Car Show 08/20 Stop by the Woodbury Days Car Show during the weekend festivities. Viewers will see unique and antique cars while enjoying a variety of food vendors, bingo and carnival rides. All ages. Free. 8 a.m.– 2:30 p.m. Ojibway Park, 2695 Ojibway Drive; support@woodburydays.com; woodburydays.com

Glow-in-the-DarkSummer Camp 08/29 Give your child a memorable, glowing experience as he or she practices artistic skills when the lights go out. There will be many different mediums the children can work with, including glow-in-the-dark paint and clay. Ages 4–9. $180. Kidcreate

Studio, 1785 Radio Drive; 651.735.0880; kidcreate.com

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Woodbury Days Car Show

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AREA EVENTS

Riffs, Rails and Cocktails 08/04 The Union Depot has partnered with the Twin Cities Jazz Fest to create an entertaining night full of music. Special pricing will begin at 5 p.m., and live music begins at 6 p.m. Ages 21 and over. Prices vary.

5–7 p.m. Union Depot, 214 St. E., St. Paul; 651.202.2700; uniondepot.org

Eagan Food Truck Festival 08/12 Try out your classic, favorite food or dive into something new as you taste your way through the Eagan Food Truck Festival. There will be 23 different food trucks with a variety of food, beers and drinks available. All ages. Free. 4–9 p.m. Eagan Festival Grounds, 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan; 651.675.5000; cityofeagan.com

To have your event considered:

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email woodburymag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. Due to the fluidity being experienced in the current environment, please note that some events/dates and even some business operations may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.

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G A L L E R Y — Photos by Tom Dunn

Woodbury Friends Fest 2022 The Woodbury Community Foundation hosted its annual Friends Fest on May 6. The special event, which was themed “Flashback Friday,” included an auction, DJ, caricature drawings, food trucks and more. To have your event considered: send date, time, location, photos, contact information and a brief description of the event to woodburymag@localmedia.co.

August 2022

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Save the Date Opening Doors and Inspiring Change

09.09.2022

THE DEPOT

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Join Secondhand Hounds as they open the doors to a memorable event filled with incredible food, inspiring stories, and a live auction to support animals in need! buy tickets online at boneappetitmn.com 43

TA S T E M A K E R S

Photos: Crisp & Green

A Fresh New Face Crisp & Green brings build-your-own salads and more to the community. WRITTEN BY MADELINE KOPIECKI

August 2022

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New On the Block Crisp & Green isn’t the only new restaurant Woodbury has to look forward to. Smiley says his most recent restaurant venture, Paco & Lime, will open its doors to the Woodbury community within the calendar year. “Paco & Lime essentially is built to be a modern-day version of Chipotle,” Smiley says. “I’m not alone in the sentiment that Chipotle has gone far too long without a national competitor …” Paco & Lime looks to take over where the fast-casual Tex-Mex brand has left off, but like Crisp & Green and Stalk & Spade, its menu will be a healthfocused one, featuring both meat and plant-based meat burritos, bowls, tacos and more. “We expect that to be our fastestgrowing brand that we’ve ever had,” Smiley says, noting that they’ve already sold franchising agreements before so much as opening their first location.

WH EN CRISP & GREEN founder Steele Smiley sold his Steele Fitness brand in 2004, his noncompete meant he had to give up the world of fitness. “Healthy eating was really the only other business I knew very, very well,” Smiley says. “So going with healthy eating was very natural for me.” The idea for Crisp & Green, a fast-casual restaurant specializing in salads, grain bowls and smoothies, came from Smiley’s own lackluster experience finding fast,

healthy food options for himself. “I’d go to the local grocery store, and I would get a salad through the salad bar, which at the time was $20,” Smiley says, noting that was far too expensive. It was at this point he decided to build his own brand and “dive in head first.” Crisp & Green opened its flagship location in 2016 in Wayzata, next to where Smiley opened his first gym over a decade before. From the jump, the concept was popular, which Smiley attributes to his

time in fitness. “I’d never opened up a restaurant before but to some degree, never having opened a restaurant gave me a competitive advantage,” he says. “I rewrote the rules on how to do it.” In Smiley’s view, the old restaurant playbook of “open your doors and wait for people to show up” isn’t enough anymore. “I think you ultimately have to engage in the community,” Smiley says. “I couldn’t charge for fitness, so I decided to give away fitness in all of my stores.” Now, nearly every day across Crisp & Green locations nationwide, the restaurant provides people with the opportunity to further their fitness goals through complimentary classes and fitness events. Whether it’s a smoothie or açaí bowl after class is up to the customers, Smiley says. For him, fitness is his gift back to the community. Fitness hasn’t been his only gift. Recently, Smiley has embarked on a project to bring commissioned art to his storefronts, starting with his Wayzata stores. “This is a personal endeavor of mine through the foundation,” Smiley says.

TA S T E M A K E R S

Bowl Boost Smiley says something else to keep an eye out for is the launch of Crisp & Green’s new açaí program. “One of the challenges with açaí in general, what most people don’t realize, is it’s incredibly full of sugar,” Smiley says. The Instagramable “sugar bowl” is getting a remix at Crisp & Green to create a lower-calorie option, which will be launched at the new Woodbury location. “It actually tastes the same, looks the same, visually has all that excitement to it, but it’s just a better-for-you product,” Smiley says.

“People will have the opportunity to have a local artist do something special either outside on the wall or maybe inside.” There’s still a hint of fitness about these art installations too, encouraging pedestrian traffic to visit photo-worthy walls in their own neighborhood. “It’s something I feel very strongly about,” Smiley says. “About our ability to give back to the community, not just through health and wellness but also through the visual arts, which is where my personal passion lies. It’s nice to be able to do that.” Putting Down New Roots From less than 10 locations in early 2020, Crisp & Green has since grown to over 175 stores either already built or currently in development. One of these new spots opened in Woodbury this April at the Valley Creek Plaza. “The answer to ‘Why Woodbury?’ is kind of the obvious,” Smiley

says. “We’ve had over a thousand people either direct message us [or] send us emails asking for a location in Woodbury.” Smiley says that the community is such a wellness hub already that opening a Crisp & Green felt like a no-brainer. And where a Crisp & Green opens, it’s safe to say a Stalk & Spade will soon follow. Stalk & Spade is a plant-based burger, chicken and ice cream fast-casual concept that launched in April 2021. “It’s your classic McDonald’s from the 1960s—you know, when McDonald’s used to be great— remixed and all plant-based,” Smiley says. With lower calories and higher protein content than traditional fast-food spots, Smiley says the idea for Stalk & Spade grew out of his own craving for fast-food favorites. “I’ve been plantbased since January 1, 2014,” Smiley says. “I’m certainly making it a lot easier to eat the classic favorites that I miss,”

he says, noting that he ate his last hamburger from a chain in 2013. “It’s nice to have that variety, and I think people want to have different options and know that they’re healthy.” From classic cheeseburgers to chick’n nuggets, Stalk & Spade’s menu appears to have given even carnivores a run for their money. “We’re very fortunate our first Stalk & Spade location has been so incredibly busy, the one in Wayzata,” Smiley says, referencing the location less than a hundred feet from his two previous businesses on Lake Street. Its popularity sees Stalk & Spade expanding to North Loop and Edina this spring, with a Woodbury location to follow shortly, Smiley says. Crisp & Green, 7030 Valley Creek Plaza; crispandgreen.com CRISP & GREEN

August 2022

@crispandgreen

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Spenga offers a well-balanced approach to fitness.

lacing equal emphasis on the three pillars of fitness (cardio, strength training and flexibility) in one workout is unique, and Woodbury’s Spenga is committed to offering the ideal program. At Spenga, workouts begin with 20 minutes of spin to help improve cardiovascular health, as well as increase endurance and overall energy throughout the day. Spin is followed by 20 minutes of strength training to help maintain and build lean muscle mass and to keep metabolism running high, which helps maintain a healthy weight. The final 20 minute-segment features yoga to restore the body and allow for quicker recovery between workouts, reducing the risk of injury. “Members love Spenga’s 20-20-20 format,” says Patty TenBroek, co-owner. “The 20-minute segments are not only boredom- and plateau-proof, but they also allow members to push harder in each segment.” Spenga is an unrivaled fitness experience where everyone is welcome and everyone is challenged. “No matter where our members are in their fitness journeys, we are a judgment-free zone and a place where members come together with the same goal in mind—to live healthier, happier lives,” says Kristen Braun, co-owner.

To personalize the workouts, Spenga hosts only one workout group at a time with the same instructor leading the class throughout each segment. (Parents are invited to utilize the supervised kids’ room, so they can focus on their personal wellness.) Post workout studio amenities include: private shower rooms, lockers, Spenga’s signature aromatherapy and more. Spenga’s local ownership team is eager to share Spenga’s mission with area residents. “We both have a passion for fitness and helping people live their best lives,” says TenBroek. “When we found out about Spenga, we knew we needed to share it with our city.” Open in Woodbury since July, plans are in the works to open other locations across the Twin Cities.

425 Commerce Drive Suite 101, Woodbury 651.615.3300 • woodburymn.spenga.com

LAST GLANCE

By Hanna McDaniels

SECOND PLACE: PETS

Puppy Love Photographer and artist honored in Woodbury’s photo contest.

FO R EMERGIN G A RT I ST Loriene Pearson, taking pictures of her English setter, Bella, is a favorite among her and her friends. When Pearson described this May Day, she says, “Bella loves our daily park visits. She considers Ojibway Park her park. She will sit obediently for me to get the shot, quivering and waiting for the ‘OK’ to be released and then leaps to chase nearby rabbits and squirrels. On this spring day in May, the trees were blossoming and matched the white of Bella’s coat, while petals and dandelions decorated the grass. Bella let me take the shot, but her priorities were definitely elsewhere.” Pearson’s camera is always set, whether Bella is ready or not.

Photographer: Title:

Bella

Equipment:

Loriene Pearson

iPhone 12 Pro Max

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

August 2022

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H I RE A PR OV EN RE A L E S TAT E A GE NT T O SEL L Y OUR B IGGE S T I NVE S T ME NT.

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