Woodbury - June 2026

Made on Manning

A local farm stand offers fresh-baked goods and flower bouquets

Best Steak

Grilling season is here, and Kowalski’s is your local butcher with all the best cuts. We offer the freshest, highest-quality meats possible by sourcing naturally raised product from sustainable family farms, along with knowledgeable, friendly customer service. Kowalski’s is one of the few grocers that still cuts 90% of the meat sold in the service case, allowing us to create custom and specialty cuts at any time for our customers. Stop by and see us today!

$1,295,000

After 62, you have more choices than ever—renting, owning a condo or townhome, or staying where you are.

But not all options offer the same balance of financial security, simplicity, and connection.

and out

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monthly costs that simplify finances •

for connection and belonging

TUESDAY, JUNE 9 | 3:00 PM

Unique solutions for living.

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FROM THE EDITOR

’Tis the season—for fresh flowers! Readers, I have furry friends at home, so my flower choices are more limited than not. But that doesn’t stop me from strolling the endless aisles of fresh blooms at local garden nurseries or the grocery store. I’ve been yearning to keep a bright bouquet front and center on the kitchen island as a piece of happy-go-lucky energy, if you will.

I’m grateful to explore the weekly Woodbury Farmers Market on Saturdays, which offers much more than just plants; I also enjoy the variety of fresh flower stands that are popping up left and right in Woodbury. In our last issue, we met the Heng family who operates Jolly Ollie’s Flower & Produce Stand, a business started by young entrepreneur Ollie. (Learn more at woodburymag.com.) Similarly, in these pages, I spoke with Sarah Olfelt, whose Made on Manning farm stand offers not only beautiful cut flower arrangements but also baked goods including scones, sourdough and seasonal offerings. Discover it all on page 28.

Now, our annual family issue wouldn’t be complete without shining a light on the people who make Woodbury home. Local mother/daughter duo Elizabeth Weiss Verdick and Olivia Rae Heerman discuss their recently released children’s book, Hi Worry, Bye Worry!, which marks the last in their Little Laugh & Learn series. Learn how the pair pursued authorship together on page 14.

For the past 34 years, Jim and Liz Midtlien have lived in this community, raised their son, Jack, and built businesses. Most recently, Jim has brought Nostalgia Vintage & Things, LLC, to the neighborhood. Read all about the antique store and how to incorporate such finds into your home décor on page 22.

No matter where you find yourself this June, I hope you enjoy connection, laughter and plenty of time with those who matter most.

See you next month!

Hailey Almsted hailey@localmedia.co

On the Cover: Made on Manning, page 28

by:

August 28-30, 2026

OJIBWAY PARK

www.woodburydays.org info@woodburydays.org

VOL. 21 NO. 11 June 2026

PUBLISHER

Susan Isay

EDITOR

Hailey Almsted

Volunteers Volunteers

WE NEED YOU! WE NEED YOU!

150 opportunities for groups or individuals to help out: Parade Bingo Taste Tent Welcome Crew and many more!

Get to know our community as you grow leadership skills with our scholarship program! Candidate Registrations due by June 15th Join the Woodbury Ambassador Program

Make a positive impact while building lifelong friendships!

MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Renée Stewart-Hester

MANAGING EDITOR

Hailey Almsted

DIGITAL EDITOR

Madeline Kopiecki

COPY EDITORS

Kellie Doherty and Sherri Hildebrandt

STAFF WRITERS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angie Hong, Mark Lange, Rachael Perron and Katie Tomsche

DIGITAL INTERN

Danielle Gallus

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Abigail Larson and Kate Thompson

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

and Alexandra

Shawn Hogendorf, South Washington County Schools ; Michele Magistad, Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce ; Sue McKeown, Resident ; and Shelly Schafer, City of Woodbury

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

ALMA FLOR ADA & MACHETE COCINA CARE ABOUT WOODBURY

In the heart of Woodbury, two vibrant Latino enterprises are making a remarkable impact by fostering community, culture, and education. Machete Cocina Mexicana and Alma Flor Ada Spanish Immersion Early Learning Academy have joined forces to provide fresh, authentic, and nourishing meals for students, creating a unique blend of culinary delight and educational enrichment.

Led by Lucilla Dávila, Alma Flor Ada Early Learning Academy is dedicated to enriching the Woodbury community through a holistic Spanish immersion program. “The academy blends early childhood education with a strong focus on cultural awareness and socialemotional growth,” explains Lucilla.

Making an Impact Together

Alma Flor Ada partners with Woodbury restaurant owner Julian Ocampo and Machete Cocina Mexicana to provide fresh lunches for both nutrition and to enhance the educational experience.

“With a commitment to using fresh, authentic ingredients, Julian and his team craft homemade dishes that not only satisfy, but also nourish, the minds and bodies of children at Alma Flor Ada,” explains Lucilla.

This collaboration highlights the importance of healthy eating in early childhood development and the fusion of language, culture, and STEM education enriches the curriculum, providing lasting benefits for students.

Strengthening Community Connection

“Alma Flor Ada recognizes the vital role of the Woodbury Community Foundation in fostering connections, creating a nurturing environment where individuals and businesses thrive together,” says Lucilla. “This collaboration exemplifies the power of local leaders coming together to build a better community.”

Their dedication towards creating supportive environments for families and young learners is inspiring.

803 BIELENBERG DR, SUITE 108, WOODBURY, MN 651.478.7511 MACHETECM.COM

The Mighty Mango

Mango, one of the world’s most popular fruits, is used often to enhance a variety of savory dishes, providing a balance of acidity, sweetness and a punch of vibrant color. Curious on how to find a good mango? Shopping for one is easy when you know what to look, feel and smell for. The most important thing to know when selecting a mango is that they continue to ripen once harvested.

Appearance: Mango varieties come in a multitude of colors, shapes and sizes, so when you choose one, don’t focus on color. Contrary to popular belief, the pretty red blush that appears on some varieties isn’t an indicator of ripeness.

Texture: Squeeze it gently. A ripe mango will give slightly, a medium-ripe mango will be somewhat firm and an unripe mango will be very firm to the touch. They can be enjoyed at all levels of ripeness, and flavors range from sourtart for unripe to sweet for ripe mangoes.

Scent: Ripe mangoes will sometimes have a fruity aroma at their stems, so don’t be afraid to give your mango a whiff!

Rachael Perron is the culinary and branding director for Kowalski’s Markets, where she specializes in product development and selection, culinary education and communications.

Find the recipes for Mango Salsa (pictured) and Tropical Coconut Rice and Black Beans at woodburymag.com.

Savoring Summer

“My dog, Wrigley, spent the summer chasing a rabbit that had taken up residence in my backyard. Wrigley would investigate the landscaping until she found the rabbit,” hobby photographer Julie Joyce says. “She looked so cute poking her head out of the bushes, so one day, I grabbed my camera to take a couple photos of her.” View more Focus on Woodbury photo contest winners at woodburymag.com. —Hailey Almsted

Photographer: Julie Joyce

Title: In the Bushes

Equipment: Nikon camera

Category: Pets

Place: Second

Let’s Lego

Bricks & Minifigs is the newest toy store in the area, having opened its Woodbury doors in December. The shop is unlike any other in the area, offering a variety of sets and services.

Most notably, the “trade-in” program allows families and collectors to swap old Lego sets for new ones. “Other stores will only sell new in box,” says Charity Bahr, Bricks & Minifigs event coordinator. “We offer prebuilt and retired sets that customers can’t find at other stores.”

Bricks & MiniFigs (bricks andminifigs.com) hosts birthday parties, minifig swap days and themed nights. The events are very popular, giving Lego enthusiasts a place to connect and celebrate their collective hobby. The response from Woodbury has been overwhelmingly positive, with customers coming from near and far. “We couldn’t be more grateful for this community,” Bahr says. —Kate Thompson

Submit Your Wedding

This beautiful time of year brings coral bells and wedding bells! And, as you know, every wedding celebration starts with a special announcement. We are pleased to announce that plans for our stunning, annual wedding issue are currently underway.

We’re ready to showcase your extraordinary nuptials in our special wedding issue, which will be published in February 2027. Your celebration could be featured alongside articles highlighting other premier wedding industry members and details important to other couples planning their upcoming ceremonies and receptions. Our pages brim with artfully and intentionally

curated weddings that stand out and inspire.

Was your wedding (or one you coordinated, hosted or photographed!) an elegant celebration? Were guests treated to a blacktie affair, a lavish destination event or a curated soirée? Bespoke décor. Breathtaking venues. Couture fashion. One-of-a-kind touches. We’re interested in all of it!

To be considered, wedding gallery submissions are accepted from June 1 through September 1, 2026, for weddings that took place from September 1, 2025, onward.

Visit woodburymag.com to learn more about how you can submit wedding galleries for consideration.

Guided

Making Space

breathwork supports the nervous system through difficult experiences.

By Ashley Cardona

Grief doesn’t ask for permission; it simply shows up. Being unpredictable is partly what makes grief so unwieldy, but the other challenge is the widespread cultural preference for avoiding it entirely. Navigating difficult life transitions is also stressful, but underneath the stress, transition also involves loss. The grief of what might have been is different from the acute grief of losing a loved one, which is profound and heavy. “Sometimes life is just hard, and we all need support—and different kinds of support,” Lulu Song says. Song is the founder of LuLuKuMu, which offers breathwork and partners with sound bath practitioners for group sessions. For her, the realization that breath could be a powerful tool of support came from an experience she had while attending a yoga and meditation retreat in Thailand. “Breathwork? But I already breathe!” she says, explaining how she responded at the time. As someone who has regularly practiced yoga and meditation, she reasoned that the attention on breath was already embedded, not something that warranted its own focus. Prior to her first breathwork session, she describes feeling a heaviness or a tightness in her chest. “I was stressed and uncertain—I was lost. I expected it to be relaxing, but it was transformative,” she says. “In just one hour, I felt lighter, clearer, as if I had been reset.”

“Focusing on breath gives the mind something to anchor to.”

LuLu Song

The emotional release that occurs through breathwork isn’t ethereal, it’s physiological. “For me, everything needs to be rooted in science,” Song says. Her education and training is evident in her thoughtful explanation. Certain techniques activate different functions of the nervous system. Slow, nasal breathing and structured practices like box breathing (breathing in, holding and breathing out, each for a count of four) activate the parasympathetic nervous system and signal the body to relax, reducing blood pressure, cortisol levels and heart rate.

Apart from the immediate benefits for stress reduction and overall wellness, the guided breathwork sessions with Song provide a safe and supportive environment to process grief and trauma. Grief work involves what is referred to as “pain sitting,” Song says, which is the intentional choice to remain present with discomfort rather than avoid it. “Focusing on breath gives the mind something to anchor to,” she says. That steadiness allows difficult emotions to rise to the surface, and the breath itself signals safety to the body. This makes it possible to “drop the armor,” Song says.

Grief-focused breathwork requires deep respect and compassion, not to mention in-depth training. In addition to her background in psychology and biochemistry, Song is trained in trauma-informed care practices and is certified in clinical hypnotherapy. She feels a tremendous responsibility to every person she works with. “No one has it all together,” she says. “We all struggle.” Being human is beautiful but also challenging and messy; instead of masking the grief or dismissing it, the invitation is to share it. Through that invitation and through the support Song provides, it is possible to make space for both grief and gratitude.

LuLuKuMu

lulukumu.com @lulukumu_

A Creative Bond

A mother/daughter duo release the final book in their series.

By Emily Gedde

For Elizabeth Weiss Verdick, watching her daughter, Olivia Rae Heerman, follow in her footsteps of becoming a published author is a dream come true. Collaborating on a children’s book together is even better. The motherdaughter duo from Woodbury recently released Hi, Worry, Bye, Worry!, the sixth and final children’s book in the Little Laugh & Learn series from Free Spirit Publishing.

“I’ve published more than 50 children’s books, but this one is extremely special,”

Weiss Verdick says of writing with her daughter. Heerman agrees. “This was such a wonderful experience,” she says.

Weiss Verdick has been writing since the 1990s, and says she always knew her daughter would someday be a good writer. Growing up, Heerman watched her mother publish both fiction and nonfiction books for children of all ages, leading Weiss Verdick to think she’s “had it in her since she was little,” she says.

Heerman, a 2015 Woodbury High School

graduate, admits she didn’t originally seek out a career in literature. With her sights set on work in the medical or veterinary field, she says she quickly realized it wasn’t for her.

“I wasn’t emotionally strong enough for that kind of career,” she says. Heerman pivoted to focusing on majoring in English, eventually pursuing librarianship. For the past six years, she’s worked as a children’s librarian at Park Grove Library in Cottage Grove, which is currently closed for renovations. In the

meantime, Heerman is working in the temporary library space at the Cottage Grove Service Center and at Woodbury’s R.H. Stafford Library. “I always knew I wanted to make my home in this area,” she says. “I love our culture in Minnesota. We take good care of our kids in how we raise them and how they experience life in schools and in our libraries.”

The Little Laugh & Learn series focuses on helping early-elementary aged children navigate feelings. Hi, Worry. Bye, Worry! serves as a guide to managing anxiety, something both women are familiar with. “When you write for children, you must tap into the child you once were,” Weiss Verdick says. “I grew up with anxiety, and I remember that clearly. Olivia was similar in a lot of ways, even though I tried hard as a mom to give her all the tools she would need for her social and emotional development.”

During the writing process, the women say they reminded each other of experiences they had as mother and daughter. “It felt really good to go back there,” Weiss Verdick says. “We were able to incorporate what it’s like to be children today. Brainstorming together was a lovely process.”

The book, released last August, has already gained positive feedback from readers and their families. Heerman says the Park Grove Library inspired some of its pages—libary programming such as worry jars are featured in the book. “Families love that they can come pick up kits to create worry jars to help children manage their feelings,” she says.

And while this book is the final in the series, the duo is just getting started. “We have a lot of ideas for more books for different age groups,” Weiss Verdick says. “There’s no stopping us now.”

Elizabeth Weiss Verdick

elizabethverdick.com

Elizabeth’s Books for Kids

Olivia Rae Heerman

thechildishlibrarians.com

@the.childish.librarians

Trips and Tours

SoWashCo Schools Community Education offers curated itineraries to encourage lifelong learning and social engagement.

Written by Emily Gedde

After just finishing a holiday lights tour, a bus full of travelers participating in a South Washington County (SoWashCo) Schools Community Education program burst into song, wishing one of the participants a happy birthday. The moment sparked laughter, joy and connection.

The group was part of SoWashCo Schools Community Education’s Adults 50+ Trips and Tours program, an effort designed to explore the Metro area and beyond. The curated trips offer an opportunity for participants to experience lifelong learning and social engagement in a supportive, community-based setting. “From single-day outings to multiday trips, we offer a wide variety of experiences that enrich people’s lives,” says Angel Schak, adult education coordinator. “Whether it’s a cultural attraction, a behind-the-scenes experience or a quick getaway, the goal is to make each trip memorable and easy to enjoy.”

The effort allows adults to participate in excursions without the stress of planning or navigating unfamiliar areas of a city. The program started several years ago with a few trips per year but has become so popular that it now offers monthly outings and two overnight trips each year. Schak notes partnerships help make a variety of outings possible. The organization works closely with Rob Halberg, Hastings Community Education coordinator, to plan joint trips.

“By sharing a luxury coach bus, both programs can offer monthly day trips and

Top: For the SoWashCo Schools Community Education Adults 50+ Trips and Tours program, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum made for a lovely spring day trip.

Bottom: Guys and Dolls is a grand spectacle of music and comedy to delight audiences of all ages— including Trips and Tours attendees.

BREAK THE ICE

This year’s lineup for SoWashCo Schools Community Education’s Adults 50+ Trips and Tours program includes various activities ranging from day trips and lunches to overnight tours. Adult education coordinator Angel Schak encourages anyone thinking of going on a trip to give it a try. “Let the trip leader know you are new and don’t know anyone, and they will be happy to introduce you to some people to break the ice,” she says.

The next excursion takes participants to Minneapolis for Nobody’s Perfect with a buffet lunch at the Scottish Rite Temple Auditorium on June 11. This performance, written by Simon Williams, follows single dad and aspiring novelist Leonard Loftus on his journey to getting his book published—under a female pen name instead. Learn more at sowashco.ce.eleyo.com.

seasonal overnight trips, keeping travel affordable and expanding opportunities to explore new destinations,” Schak says. “We take turns serving as trip leaders, and for especially popular events, like the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, we each run our own bus. Together, we offer a balanced mix of tried-and-true favorites and new experiences each year, including theaters, concerts, outdoor activities, boat and train rides, and sporting events, giving participants plenty of variety to choose from.”

While there is a lot of planning behind the scenes, the effort pays off the moment participants take their seats on the bus. “These trips help older adults stay social, curious and enriched through fun experiences shared with others,” Schak says. “Day bus trips give participants a chance to get out, engage with others and enjoy activities together, often leading to new relationships that extend beyond the trip.”

Elmer, a Trips and Tours participant, says the effort has helped him become more social and make friends. “The tours are wonderful because you don’t have to make reservations or plan an itinerary,” he says. “You meet a lot of interesting people and get to talk to them, hear their life stories and you can share your experiences with them, build friendships and make more friends. [The trips] give you an opportunity to meet people you wouldn’t originally meet.”

SoWashCo Schools Community Education sowashco.ce.eleyo.com

South Washington County Schools Community Education

Written by Findlay Drabant — Photos by Chris Emeott

A Moment for Mah Jongg

Local residents share their passion with a growing community of players.

Every Monday from 1 to 4 p.m., the Prairie Room at Woodbury’s Central Park fills with the sound of clacking tiles and friendly chatter as players gather for a weekly Mah Jongg meetup. Jennifer Gori, founder of the Woodbury Community Mahjong Group, says the welcoming atmosphere keeps new players pulling up chairs to the group. “Everybody was a beginner once,” the Woodbury resident says. Group member Mary Boss says they haven’t needed to actively market it— people just show up.

Gori and Boss both describe the game in the same way: “It’s creating order out of chaos.” In American Mah Jongg, the version played by the group, players begin with a disparate set of 13 tiles and work to match

them to one of the patterns printed on an official Mah Jongg card. Gori says there are roughly 100 possible hands. Once a hand finally reflects one of those combinations, players call out “Mah Jongg.” “It’s luck and strategy,” Gori says. Games can last anywhere from eight to 15 minutes and can be played with two, three or four players at once.

MAH JONGG HISTORY

Mah Jongg gained a following in the United States in the 1920s when a group of Jewish women in New York fell in love with the game and began sharing it with others. From there, the game quickly soared in popularity. In 1937, the National Mah Jongg League was formed and began publishing the official Mah Jongg card still used today.

“The card changes every year, so it keeps it fresh,” Jennifer Gori says. Only hands printed on the current card can make a winning combination.

While American Mah Jongg has become a social staple in many communities, the game itself originated in China, where it has been played for centuries. Though the name is the same, the American and Chinese versions of the game differ slightly. Chinese Mahjong, for example, does not use a printed card to determine what makes a winning hand. Instead, players learn patterns and scoring rules rather than relying on a fixed list of hands. American Mah Jongg also includes jokers, while Chinese Mahjong does not. Today, many countries have developed their own variations of the game, and at many tables, players incorporate their own house rules. Chinese Mahjong, however, remains the oldest and most widely played version.

Top: Jennifer Gori learned Mah Jongg during COVID-19. She and Mary Boss have since gone on to teach classes across the Metro.

Bottom: Mah Jongg can be played with two to four players and games last from eight to 15 minutes.

Gori first learned how to play Mah Jongg during COVID-19, taking group lessons with three other beginners in Uptown Minneapolis. Boss learned the game over a single weekend while visiting a friend at her cabin. “I’ve only been playing for five years, but my husband would say I’m addicted,” Boss says.

The two met years ago at a Mah Jongg tournament and became fast friends. Since then, they’ve taught countless Mah Jongg classes together across the Metro, utilizing a teaching method designed to ease beginners into the game. They also offer private lessons for those interested in more individualized instruction. Drawing on her professional background as a career trainer, Boss developed a step-by-step method that makes Mah Jongg less overwhelming for newcomers. “I immediately saw some interesting ways that I could teach and make it a little easier for people to learn,” she says.

Gori and Boss cite social connection as one of the game’s main benefits. “It’s a way to see friends that doesn’t involve eating,” Boss jokes, while Gori says, “I enjoy exposing people to something that’s going to be very social for them in a world that’s all about being on your phones.”

Mah Jongg also gives the brain a workout, engaging strategic thinking that Boss and Gori say many more seasoned players don’t use as often in their day-to-day lives. “It’s a very tactile and a very strategic game,” Gori says. “It’s using our brains at an age where we need to be using our brains more.”

Although the game has traditionally been favored by older women, Boss has noticed more younger players attending her classes than ever before. “It’s very trendy right now,” she says.

For Gori, teaching Mah Jongg is ultimately about fostering connection. “I hope that if I teach somebody, they’re going to meet with other women, seek out community and be social,” she says. Boss concurs and says, “You can sit at home and play Sudoku by yourself, or you can get out, meet new people, play Mah Jongg and keep your mind sharp.”

Woodbury Community Mahjong Group

Woodbury Community Mahjong Group

KEY FACTS ABOUT INTERNAL MEDICINE

Here are some insights to help you decide if an internist is the best fit for your health needs.

Written by Elizabeth Millard

Although “primary care clinician” seems like its own medical specialty, it is an umbrella term for health care professionals who are the first point of patient contact. Family medicine falls within this area, as does OB/GYN and geriatrics. Another key specialty for primary care clinicians? Internal medicine.

“There’s a perception that you need a referral for an internist, or that we focus only on certain conditions, but we’re actually primary care clinicians you can see immediately, and we address a wide range of issues, including chronic or complex conditions,” says Leah Williams, M.D., an internist at HealthPartners Clinic Woodbury (8450 Seasons Parkway). Here are some top facts to keep in mind if you’re considering making the pivot to an internist for your health care.

1. Internal medicine differs from family medicine. As the name implies, family

medicine practitioners provide care for all ages, from newborns to older adults. Internal medicine focuses on adults only, Dr. Williams says, so they aren’t the right choice for children and adolescent needs. “Internists go more in depth with adult medicine, and, like family medicine, we provide comprehensive primary care, which means disease management, preventive screenings and handling acute illnesses,” she adds.

2. Internists can be a good fit for chronic or complex conditions.

Internists deal with a high degree of complexity when it comes to issues affecting a patients’ internal organs and systems in the body, Dr. Williams says. That’s important because internists coordinate with multiple specialists, when needed, as a central point eof contact. “There is certainly a rise in chronic and complex conditions, such as dealing with metabolic syndrome, which involves type 2

diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol,” Dr. Williams explains. “There are also quite a few autoimmune issues that can affect the way certain organs like the heart and kidneys function, so it’s important to know how one condition may be contributing to other challenges.”

Part of that management is helping patients navigate the potential effects of multiple medications and to ensure they’re being treated in the right way without the risk of overmedication.

3. Patients might transition toward internal medicine. Some patients come to an internist after seeing a family medicine doctor while growing up, while others might turn to internal medicine because they develop a chronic condition or have a complex issue, Dr. Williams says. “Internal medicine is helpful for both preventive care and comprehensive care, no matter what might be going on for you,” she adds.

HealthPartners Clinic Woodbury, 8450 Seasons Parkway healthpartners.com/care

Memory Lane

A collected look—that’s how Jim Midtlien describes his home. From authentic Murano glass pieces hailing from Italy to 1920s and 1930s French woodwork, the Midtlien home is a curated space of treasured items. It’s pieces like this that one might find at Nostalgia Vintage & Things, LLC, an antique and vintage store owned by the Midtliens.

Jim and his wife, Liz Midtlien, have lived in Woodbury since they married in 1992. (Liz grew up in Woodbury and attended Royal Oaks Elementary.) Here, the couple have raised their son, Jack, a 2016 Woodbury High School alum, grown businesses and celebrated life—and now, Nostalgia is their next adventure. The store, located at 9242 Hudson Blvd. N. Suite 300, works with more than 25 antique and vintage dealers to stock all types of items. “We have the gamut,” Jim says. “You can find anything from a Staffordshire mantel dog from England to a vintage football jersey to silver coins to vintage purses. We have it all.”

Acquiring the store came out of the blue for the Midtliens. Although they have always been occasional antiquers (“It wasn’t a huge passion, but we enjoyed doing it … maybe a weekend or two a month,” Jim says.), owning and operating such an antique shop was

never in the sightlines. The store originally opened over 20 years ago in Lakeland before it moved to Hudson, Wisconsin. Then, in summer 2023, as Jim was perusing Facebook Marketplace, he stumbled upon a listing— Nostalgia was up for sale. “I turned to my wife and said, ‘What do you think about me buying an antique store?’ She said, ‘Shouldn’t you start with a booth?’” Jim recalls. “I said, ‘That’s not how we operate.’”

Jim inquired early that summer. It was pending sale. A few months later in October, he heard back—the sale fell through, and Jim had ownership as of that December. Knowing its lease in Hudson wasn’t going to be renewed, Jim moved the business to its current location last June. (Coincidentally, it was also in the middle of an agreement before it had a falling through, allowing Jim to secure the new space.) It has been a welcome surprise to Woodbury, a city that

Jim Midtlien, owner of Nostalgia Vintage & Things, LLC, is quite the antique and vintage collector himself. Notable items from his personal collection include a French woodwork table, an antique tea set and Murano glass from Italy.

An area store curates a collection of antique and vintage items.

A Harmonious Home

Jim Midtlien of Vintage Nostalgia & Things, LLC, finds that people of all ages are shopping for antique and vintage home decor and housewares. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, Jim answers a few questions on how to seamlessly incorporate these pieces alongside modern items.

For someone who’s never bought vintage before, where should they start?

It depends on where you are in your journey and what you’re looking to do

[and] how much space you have. Not everyone has space for larger items, so it might be small treasures that they’re collecting … Embroidery is popular, [and] Tupperware was huge for a while. [It’s] things like that, which you can have on your countertop that are quality, bring great memories and bring joy.

What’s the easiest way to mix antique pieces into a modern home?

The best thing that older pieces can do is give you that collected look. There’s

Right: An authentic piece of Murano glass from Jim Midtlien’s personal collection. It is handcrafted on Murano Island, Italy, using centuries old techniques.

no rules against mixing modern with an antique. You can go to a [regular store] and buy a ceramic ginger jar, then come to our store and find a beautiful brass antique lamp with a black shade, a handful of 1920s hardcover books, throw a 1930s Staffordshire bowl on top of the books, and you already have an incredibly

beautiful look. I don’t think modern and old fight with each other anymore. I think it depends on how it’s displayed.

What are your thoughts on refinishing or modifying antique furniture and decor? It’s completely up to the buyer. They know their home. If a piece will look better as a painted piece, that’s their choice. If there’s a beautiful wood piece of furniture in pristine condition, I would hate to see it painted or changed. But, there’s older furniture that’s damaged, and it’s best to fix it and paint it. What I like about that is that you’re changing the look of it with paint or a stain, but you’re still getting the beautiful quality of the item.

has longed to have a shop like this one, Jim says. “We always hear, ‘We’re so glad you’re here. We’ve never had this in Woodbury, and we’ve been needing it for a long time.’ And I couldn’t agree more,” he says.

According to Jim, avid antique shoppers and newcomers alike enjoy the offerings, which includes everything from furniture and home décor to clothing and collectibles. If it’s marked as antique, it’s at least 100 years old; if it’s vintage, it’s at least 25 years old. But there are a few items that don’t meet those thresholds—those items are sought after collectibles deemed worthy enough to adorn the shelves.

“We have everything for anybody,” Jim says, noting that he regularly sees younger and younger people walking through the shop. “We have a big portion of our clients who are in their late teens, early 20s and 30s.” Jim finds that these shoppers are typically

At Nostalgia Vintage & Things, LLC, customers can peruse a variety of items such as antiques (items that are 100 years or older) and vintage pieces (which are 25 years or older).

looking for high-quality items that last and often find pieces that remind them of childhood. “People are starting to understand and appreciate the value of those things,” he says.

Whether visitors hope to find a new piece of decor, hunt for a collectible item or simply stroll the isles, Nostalgia is waiting in Woodbury at last. “We’re so happy to be here,” he says. “Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a wonderful trip down memory lane.”

Nostalgia Vintage & Things, LLC

Nostalgia Vintage and Things LLC

Made on Manning

A farm stand offers fresh-baked goods and flower bouquets.

Written by Hailey Almsted

Never in her wildest dreams did Sarah Olfelt think she would own and operate her own business. Then, two years ago, her passion for creating turned into Made on Manning, a full-fledged farm stand stocked with baked goods, cut flower bouquets and more. It started in July 2024, when Sarah’s garden

was overrun with flowers. “I was at the point where I couldn’t give away enough flowers,” she says. “I thought, ‘If I make a little stand, pull it to the end of the driveway, then people will stop and want to buy a bouquet.’

It was something simple.” Over time, she began stocking the farm stand, located at

Sarah Olfelt (pictured at left) and her family stock their farm stand with baked goods, cut flower bouquets and more. The stand began in 2024 and is lovingly named Made on Manning as an ode to her Woodbury street.

her home on Manning Avenue, with baked and canned goods, such as homemade jams and jellies. “It quickly became bigger than I ever thought it would,” Sarah says. She started an Instagram account called Made on Manning—a nod to her Woodbury street— and the business took off.

Last summer, Sarah and her husband, Paul Olfelt, who met at New Life Academy as teenagers, opened the farm stand in June; it was their first full summer serving

customers. “Now, I have this base of customers who will come weekly, and I’m still wondering, ‘How do I best serve them? What are they looking for?’” Sarah says. “This summer will be exciting because I’ve done this for over a year now.”

What started as cut flower bouquets quickly grew into offering fresh-baked sourdough bread. (“I have found that people really love sourdough, so that’s a staple,” Sarah says.) and seasonal offerings, such as raspberry scones or apple hand pies. On Friday mornings, Sarah wakes up between 3 and 4 a.m. to start baking. The farm stand is full of goodies by 8:30 a.m., and then it opens at 9 a.m. “I have cars parked and lining up around that time,” she says. “I make so much—my kitchen is covered, my tables and counters are covered—and in two hours [the stand is] empty.”

Sarah homeschools their four children and notes that they all, including Paul, love to

Made on Manning is a full-fledged family affair for Paul and Sarah Olfelt and their children. “Everyone has a part. They feel proud of their contributing factors, especially when you can find something to give them ownership in,” Sarah says of her children assisting in the business.

We’re proud of the relationships we’ve developed over the years. We’re committed to our customers, employees, and communities now and far into the future. We didn’t just move into this community we have spent 115 years helping

help get the farm stand up and running.“For summer, we typically do take a break [from homeschooling], but the amount they’re doing, learning and participating in is more than I was learning on summer break,” Sarah says. “Here I am doing grams, weights, measurements and multiplication, and I have my fifth grader check my math for me.” Even their youngest, at 4, helps put stickers on the bags—making Made on Manning a fullfledged family affair. “Everyone has a part. They feel proud of their contributing factors, especially when you can find something to give them ownership in,” she says.

Although Sarah doesn’t put out the farm stand in winter, she offers monthly pick-ups and even hosted a Makers Market on her property this past holiday season. “We have an 1800s barn that is beautifully built … We’ve hosted backyard weddings for family members and even our class reunion. We turned that space into a place where we can do that,” she says. “So I always had in the back of my mind [an idea] to fill the space with like-minded small businesses who create things with their hands.” Hundreds of shoppers attended the two-day market, which showcased 14 locallyowned small businesses. “It was a beautiful display of faith and trust, and a willingness to try this out,” Sarah says of the business owners. “And the community had a beautiful response in showing up and being respectful and kind, being on our property.”

Over the next few months, Sarah will once again put out the farm stand and offer all kinds of baked goods and bouquets.

Case Study:

Joel and Rachel raised the kids and made a lot of wonderful memories in this home, and now it’s time to move on to a new home and make new memories...

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“Angela and her team were both friendly and professional. They walked us through a process we hadn’t been a part of for over 18 years. There was never any pressure to make a decision we weren’t comfortable with. Angela’s tie to the community was very helpful when we needed references to other services (moving, home repair, loan o cers, etc). We highly recommend this team and would use them again!”

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She will also be mindful of slowing down and continuing to create with love. “It’s easy to say that I can make more the next week and keep making more, but it’s also a quick way to lead to burnout and not enjoy what I’m doing anymore,” she says. “There’s something special in the slowness of it, and not ramping up production and giving more and more.”

However, Sarah also knows that the future of Made on Manning is endless—and she doesn’t quite know where it will go. Whether her children will be homeschooled or not plays a large role, as Sarah says she is mom first and foremost, and therefore the business structure could change year over year. “Knowing I’m already living in something that I thought wouldn’t exist, knowing where I started and where I already am, and where the Lord could take this, is a huge, infinite possibility,” she says. “It feels like I’m at the beginning of it and figuring out what it is and could be. The potential seems incredible.”

Any time of year is the right time to enjoy the comfort, convenience, and peace of mind that come with independent living at Saint Therese of Woodbury. Nestled in one of Minnesota’s most vibrant communities, our campus is a welcoming retreat where seniors can focus on what matters most, without the burden of home maintenance.

Step outside your door and into a vibrant community offering:

• A warm saltwater pool and fitness center

• On-site bistro, library and Club Room

• Chapel and spiritual support

• Salon, barber shop and boutique

• Serene gardens and a therapeutic labyrinth

If your health needs change, a full continuum of care is available within the same familiar campus.

Come see for yourself why Saint Therese of Woodbury has been a trusted choice for 10 years.

Honor Juneteenth

The City of Woodbury hosts commemorative trail walks.

Last June, a routine stroll through the park turned into an unexpected learning experience for many Woodbury residents. The community had the chance to encounter history where they least expected it, along a familiar path transformed into a self-paced lesson. This year, locals will have more opportunities for education as the City of Woodbury (woodburymn.gov) hosts the Juneteenth Trail Walks for another year.

The City of Woodbury’s community relations coordinator Genesis Sudderth reflected on the goal of the event. “We

wanted this to be an educational opportunity, offering a little bit of history on the holiday while people enjoy the beauty of our parks and trail system,” she says.

The self-guided trail walks feature informational signs at City Hall, Colby Lake Park and Ojibway Park, allowing participants to explore on their own time. Designed to be accessible and informal, the experience blends learning with convenience. “People can drop in at their leisure and learn about Juneteenth at their own pace,” Sudderth says. The signs will be up and trails open from June 1–22. —Kate Thompson

06.01

Scholarship Golf Tournament

The Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce’s 40th annual event starts at 10 a.m. at Prestwick Golf Club and supports local youth education and funds future tuition expenses. woodburychamber.org

06.06

Mud Run

Woodbury Parks and Recreation hosts this muddy, mile-long obstacle course for kids aged 6–12 from 9–10 a.m. at Hamlet Park in Cottage Grove. woodburymn.gov

06.06

Yoga in the Park

Recharge in nature with a free morning yoga class and coffee. From 8–9 a.m., Flostate Yoga will host a complimentary lesson in Central Park. woodburymn.gov

06.06–06.07

Safety Camp

Campers entering grades three through five will meet firefighters, police officers and more professionals in safety from 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. at Carver Lake Park during this two-day program. Registration is required. woodburymn.gov

06.11

Starlight Cinema showing

Zootopia 2 will be shown under the stars on a two story-sized inflatable screen. Entertainment begins at 7 p.m. and the film will start at 9:15 p.m. at Ojibway Park. woodburymn.gov

06.25

Performance in the Park

From 6:30–7:30 p.m., enjoy the music of Minnesota’s Mandolin Orchestra. The performance will be at Central Park, and the event includes the Eggroll Queen food truck. woodburymn.gov

Compiled by Abigail Larson and KateThompson

To have your event considered: email woodburymag@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.

Saint Therese Celebrates its 10th Anniversary

The Saint Therese (sainttherese.org) community celebrated its 10th anniversary with a full day of activities. It began with donuts and coffee, followed by a cake and Champagne reception, honoring the 31 residents, known as Pioneers, who moved in when the building opened, and a ribbon cutting ceremony alongside the Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce. A musical performance and dinner topped off the momentous day.

Butterfly Magic

“On this particular day, I was walking around where I knew people put out different plants for the pollinators,” hobby photographer Steven Meisel says. For Meisel, a good photo vs. a great photo is the background. “It’s the yellow and purple of the flower against that brownish-orange background; that contrast is what makes it work,” he says.

Meisel is a multitime Focus on Woodbury photo contest winner; on his awards, he says, “It means other people see what I see, and see the beauty in the world around us.” —Kate Thompson

FOCUS ON WOODBURY

Photographer: Steven Meisel Title: Butterfly Magic Category: Wildlife Award: Second Place Equipment: OM-1 with an Olympus 150–400 mm lens

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

THE BEST IN THE FIELD. FOCUSED ON YOU.

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