Eden Prairie, MN June 2023

THE GENTLEMEN'S ISSUE

FEATURING

SERGEANT SHORTBREAD

LIFE + CULTURE

PG NARAYANAN

HOME + DESIGN

ROELL PAINTING COMPANY

LOCAL SERVICES

RILEY CROSSING

SENIOR LIVING

ENTERTAINMENT

BEARPATH GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

celebrate in style

Bring the taste of Kowalski’s to your next party or event. Whether outdoors or in, elegant or casual, we’ve got you covered. Give us a call today and we’ll help you plan the perfect menu.

651-313-6870

kowalskis.com

Kyle Luebeck

Dan Geisler

Todd Loudenslager

Oh Boy, It’s the Gentlemen’s Issue!

Hello Eden Prairie Lifestyle Readers,

Iron your spatterdashes, polish your monocle, and wax the tips of your mustache until they’re pointed enough to pop balloons (not the cheap latex kind – the premium foil-coated kind that you see at grocery store checkout counters). You are now reading the gentlemen’s issue, in which we celebrate approximately half of the people who live in and serve our great city.

In this issue we are proud to feature Sergeant Shortbread. The veteran-owned business supplies shortbreads so delicious that you will be done with macaroons, stroopwafels or peanut butter blossoms forever. Order a batch to give away to your clients and they will never want to hear about your competitors ever again!

For this issue we are proud to have interviewed PG Narayanan – a paragon of masculinity who has tirelessly dedicated himself to improving our community. We have Roell Painting Company, whose founder Nick Roell has devoted 25 years of his life to creating attractive and durable coatings throughout the Twin Cities metro. We have Bearpath Golf & Country Club, which is precisely the sort of place where a discerning chappie and his family can find the best leisure. We also have the Eden Prairie Baseball Association, which instills a profound respect for teamwork and sportsmanship in our town’s fine youths.

In this issue we are also pleased to feature Riley Crossing Senior Living, where stimulating daily activities vastly enrich residents’ lives. You must read on to learn about their Lucynt games – I’d have thought they were piein-the-sky futurism if I hadn’t witnessed them myself! We also invite you to learn about PROP’s recent Empty Bowls fundraiser, which is just one of countless examples of our community’s love of benefaction.

As always, I would like to thank all of Eden Prairie Lifestyle’s sponsors, without whose generous support we could not mail our magazine directly to our readers’ homes. I always welcome any feedback or interest you may have in appearing on our magazine’s pages!

Best regards,

June 2023

PUBLISHER

John Lee | john.lee@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

David Scheller | david.scheller@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

AKtionShot Photography, Emily John Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

Proverbs 3:5-6

JOHN LEE, PUBLISHER @EDEN_PRAIRIE_LIFESTYLE

Ready. Set. TCO

New Eden Prairie location ready for you.

Ready with a new Eden Prairie location. Set with more specialty services, including Minnesota’s most advanced sports concussion center. Go to TCO for the care your body needs to keep moving. Like Mara, you can get back to what you love. Schedule an appointment at TCOmn.com

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

All Travel Cuts the Ribbon

No matter where in the world you want to go, All Travel can help you get there. Their personable travel advisors will take the time to answer your questions and listen to your ideas before offering expert recommendations that fit your budget. They believe extraordinary vacations begin with careful planning, and are devoted to ensuring you have the best possible experience – both before you leave and while you’re away. alltraveladvisor.com

Riddle’s Jewelry Opens for Business in Eden Prairie Center

Eden Prairie Center proudly welcomed Riddle’s Jewelry to their upper level last month. “We’re thrilled to add Riddle’s Jewelry to our strong mix of local, regional and national retail, restaurant and entertainment options at Eden Prairie Center,” said Nancy Litwin, the mall’s senior general manager. “We’re confident the experts at Riddle’s Jewelry will help our guests find the perfect pieces to celebrate and delight in life’s sweetest moments!” riddlesjewelry.com

Emily Raguse Realty Cuts the Ribbon

Emily Raguse is a top-producing real estate professional specializing in listings, first-time home buyers, move-up buyers and sellers, global luxury and investment properties. Her clients partner with a driven and enthusiastic Realtor who works tirelessly to deliver their desired results. Emily understands what it takes to win an offer, helps with staging and home preparation to make certain everything looks its best, and expertly vets offers and analyzes terms to ensure ideal outcomes. emilyraguse-minnesota.sites.cbmoxi.com

Want to be featured?

Bombay Pizza Kitchen Cuts the Ribbon

What do you get when two of the world’s greatest culinary traditions collide? Why, you get nothing other than Bombay Pizza Kitchen – Eden Prairie’s very own Indian pizzeria! Visit their restaurant to experience the ultimate fusion of Occident and Orient with pizza flavors including Madras curry, Bombay butter masala and Goa vindaloo. Bombay Pizza Kitchen serves classic pizzas, curry bowls, spiced wings, tantalizing desserts and beer and wine, too! bombaypizza.kitchen

Anytime Fitness Cuts the Ribbon

What makes Anytime Fitness’s 24/7 gym in Eden Prairie special? It isn’t their weight rack or their treadmills – although they certainly do have those things. It’s their people, who are dedicated to helping you tackle anything that stands in the way of a healthier, happier you . Anytime Fitness’s expert coaches are standing by to design a fitness plan that’s perfectly tailored to your unique abilities, physique and goals. anytimefitness.com

Riley Crossing Senior Living

Engaging Activity as a Building Block of Dementia Care

ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER

They’re called the golden years because they are the most precious. We want the best for ourselves as we grow older. And when someone we love requires care, we want the same for them, too.

At Riley Crossing Senior Living, a 138-apartment community in Chanhassen that offers independent living, assisted living, memory care and enhanced care, seniors are doing much more than just living. They are thriving, because they are surrounded by lovely, compassionate staff who are devoted to putting every possible joy within reach.

“As Dimensions manager for Riley Crossing, my job includes making everyday life in memory care positive and rewarding,” said Karli Schneider. “We meet our residents wherever they might be in their dementia journeys,

and tailor enriching activity programs to suit their unique interests and personalities.

“The simplest things bring people the greatest happiness, no matter their age. Riley Crossing is connected to a childcare center with around 103 students. They range from six weeks to five years old, and they regularly visit with our residents. Even when they have forgotten their own children’s names, our residents immediately return to the same mindsets they once had as parents. It is always wonderful to see their eagerness to teach children new things. And if they’re no longer able to speak, they can still connect with the kids by sharing their smiles.

“Our residence welcomes therapy pets. Quite a few of our residents connect best with dogs – an animal that has the ability to

heal by sheer virtue of its sweetness. Ebenezer Management Services, our parent company, is honored to have partnered with MacPhail Center for Music. The school assists with our music therapy sessions, where our residents share conversation and sing songs linked to their favorite memories.

“Seniors aren’t generally known for their love of high technology. The Lucynt, which we added to our community just last year, is the exception. It combines projection and motion tracking technology to turn any flat surface into what is essentially a giant iPad screen, and it is filled with dozens of games that are suitable for players of any mental capacity.

“The children and our residents have spent so many hours bopping brightly colored creatures in Whack-a-Mouse that I’m starting to feel bad for mice. Our card sharks enjoy competing against each other in another game that is appropriately named Playing Cards. And Halfling Land, which depicts beautiful scenery while players wave around monarch butterflies, still provides stimulating entertainment to those who are in late stage dementia.

“Lucynt games have proven to be very powerful therapeutic exercises. They bring our residents together and encourage them to socialize. Moreover, the games keep our residents physically active and interested in the world around them, which are the two healthiest mentalities people living with dementia can have.

“For all the science surrounding it, there isn’t a whole lot of public knowledge about dementia. There’s a prevailing notion that it must negatively affect every facet of a person’s life. And there are certainly many negatives. But whenever I see someone with dementia who is happy – just purely, genuinely happy – I realize that no illness, however severe, can touch the human soul. I am blessed with those moments every day here at Riley Crossing.”

With living arrangements ranging from 55+ senior townhomes to enhanced care, Riley Crossing offers everyone the perfect home where they can age in place. Please visit rileycrossing. com to learn more about their services, amenities, wellness programs and available apartments.

Bearpath Golf & Country Club

The Eden of Eden Prairie

A slice of heaven sits on the east shore of Lake Riley. And that is Bearpath Golf & Country Club – a friendly, family focused golf and country club that welcomes members from all parts of Eden Prairie and surrounding communities as well as those from within the Bearpath neighborhood. And, contrary to general understanding more than 50% of Bearpath’s members hail from outside of the Bearpath neighborhood.

Bearpath’s world class recreational facilities are situated on 465 acres of meticulously managed grounds and offer far more than championship golf. Bearpath is a special place, known for recreation, rejuvenation,

and refuge from busy lifestyles where members can enjoy a friendly tennis match, paddleball, or pickleball (coming soon), swimming in the pool, working out in the fitness center or yoga studio, host a family get-together, or relax with friends or family in the dining room, at The Nick Bar, or at one of the outdoor firepits. Spending time at Bearpath is where our members would most like to be!

But the golf course, of course, is the star of the show.

“Bearpath is the only Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course in the Upper Midwest,” said Greg Olson, general manager of Bearpath. “Jack designed and

Jack Nicklaus

personally oversaw construction of our golf course alongside his design team and architects. Bearpath officially opened when Jack played his inaugural round of golf at Bearpath in August 1996.”

Jack’s vision of championship golf at Bearpath instills a major focus of enjoyment for all levels of golfers. For the low handicappers who are looking for the ultimate challenge of a course over 7,000 yards in 18 holes – or for more casual golfers who would rather keep it under 5,000 yards – you will find all of that and more throughout the course at Bearpath.

At Bearpath, you also find yourself surrounded by natural beauty. The property was originally shared by four neighboring farms, and today – as many years ago –Middle Riley Creek meanders throughout the grounds, the community, and the golf course to form a natural and cohesive environmental setting for future generations to enjoy for years.

This spring, Bearpath will be completing the final phase of its $8.5 million Nicklaus Master Plan golf course renovation, which began with the back nine renovation in September of 2021 and will conclude when the front nine golf holes reopen this June. As part of the comprehensive renovation Master Plan, Bearpath re-grassed all its greens, aprons, and approach areas repositioned and re-lined the bunkers, reshaped fairways, and approaches, added several key greenside boulder rock walls, renovated the practice putting green, driving range and chipping area, and installed a new 18-hole putting course. “It was all part of our commitment to preserving Jack’s vision for our Jack Nicklaus Signature Championship

Golf Course,” said Bearpath’s Director of Golf, Kevin Cashman.

“There are many membership activities available to those who do not play golf,” added Lindsay Ellison, Membership Director at Bearpath. In addition to racquet sports, poolside, and swim team activities, Bearpath offers ongoing youth activity programming all summer long. During the fall and winter months, members participate in outdoor activities including paddleball leagues, ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing to name a few.

Bearpath has separate dining areas for families and adults who would prefer peace and quiet. If members choose to relax and enjoy food and a beverage in a friendly pub setting, then they are eager to head down to The Nick Bar for lead bartender Mo’s signature Mo-Fashion.

Bearpath is also the perfect venue for weddings, birthdays, anniversary celebrations, corporate events, or other special occasions of any size. Bearpath’s gorgeous flower-lined patio and luxurious ballroom can comfortably accommodate up to 300 guests. Bearpath’s own on-site catering team and full-service event planner’s attention to detail will create a memorable party for you and your guests. For those who are not members but are looking to host a corporate event, a family get together, a team building session or a wedding, Bearpath’s meeting and event facilities are available to the public as well. Let them help turn your dream event into a reality!

Bearpath’s three membership tiers grant access to precisely the amenities you would most like to enjoy. You may visit bearpath golf.com or call (952) 975-0123 to learn more about Bearpath, the “Eden of Eden Prairie.”

“I like to make people think when they play golf. That would be my stamp on this course.” – Jack Nicklaus

Eden Prairie’s newest senior living community is designed for older adults who seek an active, socially engaged lifestyle. Our community promotes thriving through friendships, learning, adventure, wellness and simple appreciation for life.

…

Sergeant Shortbread

ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER

MAKING CLIENT APPRECIATION

ALMOST TOO EASY

Picture this scenario: You recently had a pleasant exchange with a professional. Maybe you’ve already done business with them. Maybe they’re warming you up to the concept of one day doing business with them. In either event, that professional gives you a tchotchke with their company’s logo on it, such as a travel mug, tote bag, pen, koozie, lanyard, stress relief ball, or little sheet of silicone that supposedly facilitates jar opening. Something along those lines.

“Thank you!” you say to the professional, because failing to express gratitude at every opportunity is the most profoundly un-Minnesotan thing you can do. You take the trinket home, place it inside the least frequented drawer in your house, and hope that your grandkids will find some use for it after you’ve gone on to eternal life.

But what if that professional gave you something you actually wanted? You would certainly feel more sincere appreciation for their gesture. You would likely form a more favorable impression of their business while enjoying their gift. Why, you might just be more inclined to purchase their goods or services in the immediate future.

Now imagine your reaction if that professional had given you the greatest thing ever to exist: Sergeant Shortbread cookies, which are baked by Eden Prairie’s very own Matt Rosen.

“I fell in love with shortbreads shortly after my discharge from the United States Army,” said Matt. “I was vacationing in Hawaii with my family

Double Berry

when I discovered a local bakery giving them away as free samples. One bite was all I needed to discover my calling. Heck – I bought a whole case right then and there, which just goes to illustrate how effective a marketing tool a single shortbread can be.

“I started out small, kicking my poor wife Sara out of the kitchen whenever I was hired to bake shortbreads for weddings, baby showers, birthday parties, family reunions, and other events that call for perfectly light, perfectly sweet, and creatively flavored shortbread cookies. I eventually graduated to a commercial kitchen with the equipment I need to bake over 50 dozen shortbreads in a single day.

“I may not even have considered the business-to-business angle if not for the good people at Hellmuth & Johnson. First, the Edina law firm ordered my cherry almond, dark chocolate sea salt and toasted coconut shortbreads for one of their internal initiatives. Next, they ordered more to give away to their clients. And wouldn’t you know it? A lot of their clients are business owners, and they wanted to make the same great impression on their own customers.

“Now, I’ve baked shortbreads for businesses all over Eden Prairie and the rest of the Twin Cities metro, including First Western Bank & Trust, C.H. Robinson and Fat Pants Brewing Co. Al Killion of Baker’s Ribs orders a huge batch every year in celebration of his anniversary. Bear Cave Brewing orders individually wrapped shortbreads to give to their patrons. (I’d personally rather dunk them in milk, but to each their own.) I’ve even baked shortbreads for a little magazine called Eden Prairie Lifestyle. You may have heard of it.

“My business clients love Sergeant Shortbread for a lot of reasons. They’re eager to support a veteran-owned business, which I am immeasurably grateful for. They know that such a unique gift is really going to win their clients’ hearts. The convenience of working with Sergeant Shortbread is also a huge plus for busy professionals.

Once you’ve supplied any labels or greeting cards you would like to accompany your client appreciation gifts, I’ll take care of the baking, packaging, and shipping or delivery.

“I’ve even baked shortbreads for a little magazine called Eden Prairie Lifestyle.

You may have heard of it.”

Strawberry Grapefruit

“I think what sets Sergeant Shortbread apart the most are my inventive flavors. A lot of people believe shortbreads are limited to one flavor, but my blueberry lemon, orange dark chocolate, confetti, spicy peanut butter, grapefruit strawberry and double berry cookies are turning that preconception on its head.

“If you order cookies from me, you can rest assured they were approved for human consumption by the most scrutinous taste testers in the great state of Minnesota: my wife and the other labor and delivery nurses she works with. They’re under strict orders to provide thorough feedback – not as strict as the orders I received in the Army, of course, but they know that a wishy-washy report of ‘good’ or ‘okay’ will mean no more future cookies. It’s a cruel threat, but I’m committed to creating a quality product here!”

See why the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce named Sergeant Shortbread the Small Business of the Year in 2022! Whether you’re throwing a party, showing your clients that you love them, or simply in search of an epiphany, you can order any number of indescribably good gourmet shortbreads by visiting sergeantshortbread.com. If you tell Matt that you heard about him in Eden Prairie Lifestyle, then he may just send us cookies. That’s a win-win for everyone in our book.

Photo by Emily John Photography

Mocha White Chocolate

Photo by Emily John Photography

Photo by Emily John Photography

Photo by Emily John Photography Red Velvet

PG

ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER

PG Narayanan moved to Eden Prairie in 1999. ADC Telecommunications needed a new CTO, and PG, who had received his master’s in electrical engineering from Northeastern University before entering the East Coast technology industry, fit the bill.

From a professional standpoint, PG’s move to Eden Prairie bore fruit. Here he would become CEO of Allot Communications, which he helped begin an IPO in 2006. The state of Minnesota next made him its assistant commissioner. Finally, he founded SmiForce, an IT analytics software company, right here in town.

“I’m very grateful to Eden Prairie for all the career opportunities it has given me over the years,” said PG. “But even more than that, I am grateful to its wonderful community. My family found a friendly, welcoming neighborhood to call home here. My two sons went to excellent schools here. And perhaps best of all, I have found many ways to repay my debt of gratitude to this great city.

“I first began volunteering while I was working for the state. I finally had weekends off, and with both of my boys off to college, I had more free time than I knew what to do with. That’s when I discovered Eden Prairie’s Human Rights and Diversity Commission, which identifies and provides solutions to issues faced by seniors, children, immigrants, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups in our community.

“I have lived a blessed life, so I was shocked to learn how many of my neighbors were facing pressing challenges. As commissioner of the Diversity Commission, I committed myself to doing as much good as I could with my business and executive experience.

“I was eventually introduced to the Eden Prairie Community Foundation by Mark Weber, who was its executive director until just last year. I immediately fell in love with its mission: to provide funding and other support to the 85 or so non-profit organizations that so generously serve Eden Prairie. As chair of the board from 2018 through 2020, I oversaw

The Narayanan family at the Eden Prairie Community Foundation's annual EP Gives fundraising event

many of the Community Foundation’s efforts to preserve local non-profits that suffered as the result of the pandemic.

“Ron Case was also a board member at the Community Foundation back then. We were already acquainted during my time with the Diversity Commission, so he asked me if I would like to catch up over a cup of coffee. That’s when he suggested that I run for city council.

“I had never been political before that point. My only motivation in volunteering was exactly that – to volunteer. After talking it over with my family (and some convincing by Ron), I recognized that the city council’s values align perfectly with my own.

“I actually came in second place during the 2018 election. But thanks to Ron’s election as mayor, a second seat on the council also became available. I received a unanimous vote to be appointed to the city council. That made me the first Asian – and first and

only Indian – in that position in Minnesota. In 2020, I won the city council election for a four-year term.

“As a council member, I have had the privilege of assisting our city with many of its important initiatives. We formed the Housing Task Force, a coalition of community leaders, real estate agents and developers dedicated to making affordable housing available in Eden Prairie. We spearheaded the Race Equity Report, and continued the push to become carbon neutral by the year 2050. I also helped expand SouthWest Transit’s services to include rides on demand (SW Prime), as well as lunch delivery to schoolchildren during the lockdown.

“I am truly lucky. I never actively sought out the positions I’ve had the honor of filling. I was just surrounded by good people who recognized my passion for giving back to the community that has been so kind to my family, and who knew which direction to point me in.”

Greg Leeper, Ron Case & PG Narayanan

Brent

Eden Prairie Baseball Association

The Greatest Show on Dirt!

ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER

Volunteers of the Eden Prairie Baseball Association have a simple yet beautiful mission: to share their love for their favorite sport with the youths of this great city. The day that one of their alumni signs with the Twins will be the happiest of their lives. But to coaches like Joe Petersen, baseball is about much more than just baseball.

“This sport is precious to me for a lot of reasons,” said the association’s vice president of community baseball. “It’s a traditional game: hard to get good at, but easy to get into. A ball and a glove are the only price of admission. Baseball also teaches kids teamwork, sportsmanship, and the importance of keeping their negative emotions in check. Resisting the urge to throw your helmet at the grass after you’ve struck out brings you one step closer to adulthood.

“More than anything, baseball builds relationships. Many kindergartners who start playing T-ball with us will make friends that they’ll continue playing with right up through

senior year of high school – and probably even longer. If they’re in our travel league, which runs fourth through eighth grade, they’ll meet their peers all over the Twin Cities metro. We even encourage our more experienced players to come to our rookie camp, which will take place every Saturday this June, so they can practice their own coaching skills on eager preschoolers.

“Baseball forges camaraderie whether you’re losing or winning. I remember when my own son struck out for the first time in a tournament during his last turn at bat. He was being way too hard on himself about it, and was furious about letting that perfect streak slip through his fingers. My own fatherly advice wasn’t cheering him up as much as I’d hoped. But do you know what did? His teammates, who rallied behind him and reminded him of what a great job he had done.

“And it works both ways. We once watched in awe as one of our less skilled players snagged a fierce line drive out of

“We once watched in awe as one of our less skilled players snagged a fierce line drive out of midair just as easily as he would have picked an apple off a tree.”

midair just as easily as he would have picked an apple off a tree. The whole crowd erupted , with parents racing up to the bench and the whole team rushing out onto the field for celebratory high fives.

“Sharing moments like those makes me incredibly grateful to have joined this fine organization. I started coaching T-ball shortly after moving to Eden Prairie in part because I wanted to make my own friends as well. Now it’s rare for me not to run into the parent of a kid I coached at some point over the past five years. Volunteering also lets me enjoy my favorite sport

all year long. Our season only lasts May and June and sometimes part of July, but our board meets every month to discuss how we can do even better for our kids and do even more for our community.

“Some people join the Eden Prairie Baseball Association because they want their son or daughter to have a great childhood. Others just want to make a huge, positive impact on kids’ lives. We welcome them all to come out and enjoy what we like to call the greatest show on dirt! ”

epbaseball.com

Rosemount

6309 York Avenue S #201, Edina

$120,000

Location, location, location! This fresh condo has new paint, new carpet & has recent updates to both the kitchen & bath. Step out to enjoy your 3-season porch - yes, spring is coming! This home is only minutes to Southdale, Galleria, Mall of America & the airport, yet tucked off & peaceful. Can you see yourself relaxing poolside this summer? You will be close to everything - shopping, dining, entertainment & more! Are you ready for your new home? Come & take a look, it is ready for you!

Betsy Ferguson 612-327-9292 • BetsyFerguson@EdinaRealty.com

1415 Mount Curve Ave, Minneapolis

$3,495,000

A Grand-Manor estate home on historic Mt Curve surrounded by leafy grounds; an inviting family haven that offers flexibility to live, work and entertain. The owners have invested more than $2M lovingly restoring the property, honoring its history and craftmanship while modernizing its systems and infrastructure. The primary family spaces on the 2nd floor offer 4 outsized bedrooms plus an office and nursery; A refined 3rd fl offers yet more flexibility with bedrooms and kitchenette. Extensive enhancements include Black Walnut floors and Mahogany carved millwork, ornate grillwork, custom ceilings, 40+ stained glass windows all backed by custom thermo-pane sashes that add efficiency to the authenticity of the originals. A tunnel from the home leads to a Carriage House and heated garage all situated amongst lush gardens and driveways with ample off-street parking. A one-of-a-kind property, re-imagine Downton Abby, efficiently modernized and conveniently accessible to all Mpls has to offer.

Heidi & Brian Wiessner

952-200-2229 • HeidiandBrianWiessner@edinarealty.com

17792 Marsh Court, Prior Lake

$600,000

Great Prior Lake location! 5 bedrooms 4 bathrooms and an oversized 3 car garage. Updated kitchen with solid surface counter tops, double oven, oversized center island with seating and tile backsplash. Large maintenance free deck with stairs down to the backyard. Recently completed lower level with an additional family room, bedroom, bathroom, and storage. This home backs up to paved trail and nature area. Cul de sac location. Close to the neighborhood park and miles of trails. Paved path access to Cleary Lake Regional Park with golf, beach, camping, fishing, and summer camps. Quick access to shopping and schools.

The Barkleys

612-991-0977 • JackandDeborahBarkley@EdinaRealty.com

Savage

$364,900

One of the best locations in the complex! Welcome to Creekside of Savage! Enjoy this beautiful END UNIT townhome overlooking a pond with peaceful wildlife views. The spacious and open main level features walls of windows allowing for tons of natural light to fill the space, soaring 12’ ceilings, living room with gas fireplace, updated kitchen with stainless appliances, lots of storage and large center island, Informal dining space and a deck with scenic views. Upstairs you will find 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and laundry. The spacious owner’s suite includes a walk-in closet and private bathroom. The walk out lower level has a patio, cozy family room, 3rd bedroom and 3/4 bath. This well cared for home is in a great location near schools, shopping, restaurants, and easy access to Hwy 13 and 169.

Heather Gustafson

612-207-2589 • HeatherGustafson@EdinaRealty.com

13840 Adelle Avenue, Rosemount $460,000

This is the one you have been waiting for! Fantastic home with $30K+ in upgrades in the highly sought after Greystone Neighborhood! Great location near the park and walking paths. Finished lowerlevel walks out to the large patio area. Backyard is completely fenced in with 6ft white vinyl privacy fence with 25-year warranty. Larger 3 car heated, insulated garage with side yard access. Epoxy garage floor, huge garage storage system. New paint through most of the home. New carpet on the upper level. Lower-level carpet was just professionally cleaned. High efficiency water softener and reverse osmosis water system. Great home for entertaining.

The Barkleys

612-991-0977 • JackandDeborahBarkley@EdinaRealty.com

Richfield

7609 Dupont Ave S, Richfield

$449,900

Welcome to this completely updated gem that sits on a gorgeous lot in prime Richfield location! Upon entering you will immediately notice the care and attention to detail that was given to every element of this gorgeous remodel. The stunning kitchen features all new cabinetry, appliances, quartz countertops and beautiful LVT flooring. On the main level you will find a bright light-filled living room with cozy fireplace, two large bedrooms and a full bath with gorgeous custom tile shower, tile flooring and new vanity. The lower level has a huge family room, two additional large bedrooms and a ¾ bath with walk-in tile shower, beautiful tile flooring and huge vanity! All new carpet, paint, and light fixtures throughout make this home truly move-in ready! The fully insulated and finished 4+ car garage and the fully fenced large backyard round out this incredible home!

Cristy Willis 952-356-7585 • CristyWillis@edinarealty.com

Elementary, Eden Prairie High School and Round Lake.

Krissie Craig 218-251-4923 • KrissieCraig@EdinaRealty.com

13480 Zenith Lane, Eden Prairie

$175,777

9742 Brighton Lane, Eden Prairie

$299,900

This spacious end unit is nestled conveniently close to shops, restaurants, Starbucks, Jerry’s foods & so much more…Peace & quiet awaits in this lovely 3 bed, 3 bath unit. On the main lvl: A desirable layout for entertaining, Vaulted ceilings, skylights, beautiful wood burning brick FP. Formal/informal dining, hardwood floors, New carpet (March 2023), New range/refrigerator (2021), updated lighting, (21x14) owners ensuite w/ walk-in closet & 3/4 bath, Hallway (Full bath), Freshly painted (Neutral colors). 12x10 deck. On the lower lvl: Shaw timberidge flooring (2019), walkout family room with a cozy wood burning FP with brick surround, 3rd bedroom, 3/4 bath. Step outside & enjoy the private deck overlooking the beautiful green spaces & mature trees. Tuck under double garage w/ add’l storage. Nearby hiking/biking trails, parks. Quick accessibility to hwy 169 & interstate 494, within the top-rated EP schools & a short travel to EP Ctr. The location can’t be beat. Quick close possible!!

6947 151st Street, Savage

Roell PAINTING COMPANY

ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER

“I GUESS YOU COULD SAY I’M A PAINT NERD.”– NICK ROELL

You have nothing against novice painters. You would surely agree that anyone willing to pick up a brush and a can deserves to have a job. But your egalitarian attitude toward painters stops at your front door. Your home’s aesthetics and market value are both far too important to be placed in the hands of an amateur.

Nick Roell has nothing against novice painters, either. He became one when he helped a family friend paint a

mile-long horse fence in Medina in the summer of 1998. He enjoyed the work, and found it easy to take pride in. Although we can only wonder at what might have been going through their heads, the horses were probably impressed by Nick’s work as well.

Nick decided to keep the brush rolling. He went on to run a painting franchise in his hometown of Plymouth while attending college, and ultimately decided to open

Roell Painting Company in 2001. He quickly found that his goals for first-rate customer service greatly exceeded those of his competitors.

“When I was just starting out, I never would have imagined I could one day drive anywhere in the Twin Cities metro and see projects our team has completed,” said Nick. “But to this day, I’m still driven by the same passion I began with 25 years ago: to beautify and modernize my clients’ most valuable possessions.

“We’ve expanded to work with every kind of client over the years. Realtors and home stagers count on us to create spaces that will appeal to buyers both online and in person. We’re especially proud to have partnered with Helgeson Platzke Real Estate Group, the number one Realtor in Eden Prairie. I believe that’s the ultimate testament to our professionalism.

“We also work with many multi-unit homeowner associations, including Eden Prairie’s Bearpath, Old Farm and Heritage Place communities. As a board member of The Wilds, a 712-unit community in Prior Lake, I

understand exactly what our higher-profile clients and associations are after: on-trend aesthetics, delivered in a timely manner by competent, dependable craftsmen –the same things anyone wants at their own home, really.

“Welcome us to your home or community to coat almost any surface, no matter your budget. Our first step is to have one of our project managers learn more about your project and goals, including whether you’re after a simple maintenance coat or a total aesthetic refresh. They’ll take detailed measurements, run the numbers, and then provide a free detailed estimate that shows where every dollar of your investment will go.

“If we’re fortunate enough to earn your business, we can provide a photo rendering of how your interior or exterior will look after we have revitalized it. That removes any guesswork from choosing the best paint colors from your home – perfect if you need help visualizing the finished product. Squinting at swatches is a thing of the past!

Nick Roell & Family

“We couldn't maintain so many prospective clients or ongoing projects in our queue if we hadn't already streamlined every step of our process. That expedites our work, and minimizes inconvenience to our client by letting them know precisely what we will be doing at their property and when we will be there. The only way we can guarantee consistent, long-lasting and predictable results with each project is by adhering to our tried-and-true methods.

“Take kitchen cabinet enameling, for example, which we have boiled down to a fine science. We do the prep work. We make certain each surface is sound, clean, and capable of holding the selected coating. We spray primer followed by multi-coat enamel finish, taking care to sand, Bondo, vacuum, tape and respray as needed. Our exterior painting process is no less refined, ensuring that proper preparation and finishing tasks are completed for an enduring coating system.

“Labor is the most expensive part of any painting project. That’s why our mission to give our clients the greatest possible value includes investing in our craftsmen. We give them the training, supervision and support they need to continually hone their skills. Our craftsmen’s proficiency is the reason why our clients almost universally approve of our work during their final walk-throughs. It’s also why we’ve earned a five-star rating on Google with over 300 reviews.

“Ultimately, the biggest compliments we can receive are referrals. We don’t spend a lot of money on advertising, because word of mouth and repeat business have always been the driving forces behind our growth over all these years. Of course, I owe all of my success to my outstanding team of hard-working colleagues, as well as my wife Maddy and sons Nash and Merrick who give me so much love and support during all the crazy hours I put in each summer.

“This summer is already shaping up to be our biggest yet. I hope we can make your home in Eden Prairie a part of it, because there’s no town my team enjoys visiting more!”

MAKE AN IMPACT FOR DAD

Memorable Ways to Celebrate The Father Figure in Your Life

What do you buy for the man who has everything? Perhaps an experience oriented around what dads value most – time together – is just what he needs. Fathers and father figures are invaluable in our lives. They help shape and mold us. They’re there for us and support us. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!

Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Dad feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your dad, husband, brother or father figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.

LEARN ABOUT HIS FAMILY TREE

Family heritage websites can offer insight into dad’s past and be an interesting way to study the history of your family. Present Dad with a report on his ancestors or dig in together!

GO ON A BIKE RIDE

Find a local trail you haven’t tried before, load up the bikes and set out for a day of riding. Finish off the day with a nice meal out after all your hard work.

GO BIRD WATCHING

Lay out a blanket in your backyard and grab your binoculars for a peaceful, nature-filled day. Make a list of how many different kinds of birds you see and guess if you can identify them.

MAKE A TIME CAPSULE

Dig a hole in your backyard and have Dad help the kids gather items around the house (like a current newspaper or flyers) and put them in a waterproof bag.

GO BOWLING

Bowling is a timeless classic Dad is sure to enjoy. Bonus if the bowling alley has an arcade, chicken wings and Dad’s favorite beverage of choice.

JUNE 1ST

Yetzer's BIG Summer Sale

33 W 1ST ST, WACONIA | 9:00 AM

Yetzer’s big summer sale begins on June 1st! Head over to their Waconia or new Forest Lake location and save like never before on furniture, flooring, blinds and more! Save up to 30% off furniture list and up to 80% off clearance. Twelve-month special financing is available – and custom orders qualify! yetzers.com

JUNE 2ND

Eden Prairie Schooner Days at Round Lake Park

16691 VALLEY VIEW RD, EDEN PRAIRIE | 4:00 PM

June 2nd, 3rd and 4th are Eden Prairie Schooner Days! Ride thrilling carnival rides. Enjoy delicious carnival food – there’s a corn dog with your name on it. Visit the vendor marketplace for a one-of-akind shopping experience, play a riveting round of bingo, and have an ice cold beer at the beer garden. Free admission. Fun for all ages!  epschoonerdays.com

JUNE 4TH

Bonsai Workshop Class at The Mustard Seed

10000 GREAT PLAINS BLVD, CHASKA | 10:00 AM

Are you tired of looking at all the normal-sized trees in your neighborhood? The Mustard Seed Landscape and Garden Center has just the fix: their two-day bonsai workshop class, where you will spend Sundays June 4th and 11th 10am–1pm potting, pruning, wiring and personalizing your new little happy tree friend. themustardseedinc.com

JUNE 14TH

Victoria Classic Car Night

HIGHWAY 5 & VICTORIA

DRIVE, VICTORIA | 5:00 PM

Gorgeous classic cars from all over the metro will descend upon downtown Victoria during the second and fourth Wednesdays of each summer month. Once you’ve finished counting all the cars you wish you owned, enjoy live music at the Charlson Thun Community Bandstand – or head on over to The Burrow for proper good vittles. theburrowmn.com

JUNE 16TH

Power Balladz at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres

501 W 78TH ST, CHANHASSEN

6:00 PM

Loud music. Killer voices. Big hair.

It’s the return of Power Balladz at the Chan, featuring the music of Aerosmith, Journey, Queen, Guns N’ Roses, Bon Jovi, Poison, Heart and more! Put on your most acidicly washed jeans, gas up your IROC-Z, and prepare to do the one thing that matters most in life: rock. (Second show on June 17th) chanhassendt.com

JUNE 30TH

Eden Prairie Community Band Live at Staring Lake Amphitheatre

14800 PIONEER TRAIL, EDEN PRAIRIE | 6:30 PM

Not quite 76 trombones, but close enough to win any music man or woman’s approval! This outdoor concert salutes the veterans with a performance by the Concert Band (6:45–7:30pm) followed by The Prairie Ramblers’ traditional New Orleans jazz (8–8:45pm). It’s in the sunshine. It’s free as sunshine! epcommunityband.com

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/EdenPrairie

AXES

11th Annual

Empty Bowls Fundraiser

A COMMUNITY RALLIES IN SUPPORT OF PROP

Heavy snowfall didn’t prevent Minnesotans from gathering at St. Andrew Lutheran Church on February 21st of this year. They convened to break bread together. To share soup, the most communal of all meals, together. They also enjoyed beverages. But more than anything, they came together as a community in support of PROP Food Shelf.

“We are still in awe at the turnout to the 11th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser,” said Jenifer Loon, executive director of PROP. “A record number of businesses, organizations, faithbased groups and individuals attended the first in-person Empty Bowls we have held in three years. It warmed my heart to see everyone reconnecting over their meals and raising awareness of our neighbors who struggle with food and

economic insecurity. Their generous donations have gone directly toward PROP’s food, financial and wraparound programs.

“We are grateful to our sponsors, the local restaurants which provided the delicious food, and everyone who joyously volunteered to staff the event. We would especially like to thank St. Andrew for hosting us. Pastor Peter Johnson and his church’s many volunteers also held ‘TP for EP,’ a paper goods drive that spanned the whole month leading up to Empty Bowls.

“Whether it takes the form of food, funding, or job opportunities for our clients who are reentering the workforce, we are truly blessed to receive so much support from our community. If you couldn’t join us this year, then I look forward to seeing you at the next Empty Bowls in 2024!” propfood.org

ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AKTIONSHOT PHOTOGRAPHY

There is a lot to consider when choosing a financial institution - such as convenience, technology and products. Perhaps you want a bank that gives back to the community it serves. More than anything, your bank should have familiar, friendly people you know you can count on any time of the day. At First Western Bank & Trust we are all these things and more. You can bank on us.

Business Banking Officer NMLS: 1646104

Tony Seipp

VP Commercial Lender