Eden Prairie, MN July 2023

The Summer Fun Issue Featuring the Eden Prairie Community Band

ARTS + CULTURE

JERSEY BOYS AT CHANHASSEN DINNER THEATRES

SPORTS + RECREATION

HI-FIVE SPORTS ZONE

ENTERTAINMENT SHAKOPEE

FOOD + BEVERAGE

FREEZIAC

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Dan Geisler Todd Loudenslager

Hot Dog! It’s the Summer Fun Issue!

Hello Eden Prairie Lifestyle Readers,

Water the azalea bushes, light the citronella candles, and fill up the propane tank – it is high summer in Eden Prairie! We’ve put together a magazine that perfectly complements the smell of brats grilling, the sound of bees bumbling happily through the air, and the sneaking suspicion that your kids are lurking just around the corner with fully loaded Super Soakers. This is the summer fun issue!

What better way to celebrate Minnesota’s least inhospitable season than by listening to live music? In this issue we are proud to feature the Eden Prairie Community Band, which is presenting its 50th anniversary concert this month at Staring Lake Park. Go and see why Eden Prairie’s musical prowess is revered the world over!

The tunes continue at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, which is presenting Jersey Boys throughout the month of July. Maybe you were one of the first to own Sherry & 11 Others when it came out on vinyl in 1962. Or maybe you are … a millennial (heaven forbid). In either event, you will love the inspiring story of The Four Seasons! And if you would like even more hot jams, make certain to find yourself in Shakopee during the city’s upcoming Rhythm on the Rails concerts, which turn downtown's Lewis Street into the Twin Cities’ premier destination for live music.

Music always makes for great summer fun, but what about Minnesotans’ second favorite thing – dairy? Never fear! We’ve got that covered too. Just head on down to Freeziac’s convenient location in Eden Prairie for life-changingly delicious frozen yogurt. And if you’re willing to make the two-hour pilgrimage to Brooten, there you will find indescribably good cheese by Redhead Creamery.

Are you worried about your kids gathering dust this summer? Read on to discover Hi-Five Sports Zone, where former Harlem Globetrotter Reggie Perkins and his team of coaches are standing by to instill a love for athleticism in youngsters!

I’d like to thank you personally for making Eden Prairie Lifestyle possible. It’s because of your readership that we were able to celebrate our third anniversary in print last May. And 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,

July 2023

PUBLISHER

John Lee | john.lee@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

David Scheller | david.scheller@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Bill Scheller

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Eric Mueller, Rich Ryan

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

Wellspring Health Center Cuts the Ribbon

No surgeries. No medications. Just results. Wellspring Health Center offers immediate access to a compassionate team of physical therapists and musculoskeletal specialists who work together to evaluate, diagnose and treat the root causes of back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, knee pain, and much more. Contact Wellspring today for a free consultation and to learn more about their integrative, holistic approach that combines hands-on and hightech therapies with whole-body movements! wellspring-hc.com

Healthy Kids Running Series Superhero Day

Every Healthy Kids Running Series event features a special theme to get kids even more excited about tearing across the grass like enthusiastic greyhounds. Staring Lake Park recently hosted a healthy assortment of pint-sized Spider-Men, Batmen, Wonder Women and Elsas – each one eager to learn the spirits of community, camaraderie and competition. healthykidsrunningseries.org

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

Healthy Kids Running Series of Eden Prairie partnered with Susan G. Komen during the Minnesota Race for the Cure event on Sunday, May 14th. Runners of all ages and skill levels convened at Viking Lakes recreation center in Eagan to raise critical funds that support patients, research, and navigation services for Minnesotans impacted by breast cancer. If you missed out, make sure to put next year’s Race for the Cure on your calendar! komen.org

Pet Evolution Cuts the Ribbon

Pet Evolution is on a mission to give Eden Prairie’s dogs and cats their healthiest, happiest lives! Their shelves are stocked with protein-rich foods and treats that contain fruits, vegetables and humanely sourced meats. Their full-service Groom Room features skilled safety-certified groomers who take pride in creating a calm environment for your best pal. Or you can become the groomer at their self-serve washing stations – no appointment or clean-up needed! petevolution.com

Mosquito Joe Cuts the Ribbon

Mosquitoes. Ticks. Fleas. These outdoor pests aren’t just a buzzkill. They are also vectors for horrible illnesses like Lyme disease and West Nile Virus. Fortunately we have Mosquito Joe to keep our yards bite-free all season long! Contact Mosquito Joe for a natural pest control solution that implements essential oils such as peppermint and lemongrass, a skeeter-defeating protective barrier treatment, or a special event spray that will save your big day! shakopee. mosquitojoe.com

FocalPoint Business Coaching Cuts the Ribbon

FocalPoint certified business coach and trainer Jeff Nelson works with business owners who wish to gain clarity, eliminate obstacles preventing them from achieving their fullest potential, and build healthy, profitable businesses much faster than they could on their own. His wide range of programs and services will help you to understand and implement proven business concepts, strategy and tactics that are guaranteed to generate rapid return on investment.

jeffnelson.focalpointcoaching.com

Want to be featured?

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

Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools Red & Black Gala

The Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools (FEPS) held their annual Red & Black Gala at Bearpath Golf & Country Club last April. Guests enjoyed live music, delicious bites, priceless auction items, and honoring the educators who make Eden Prairie’s schools the best in the world. Here’s looking forward to next year! foundationforepschools.org

2023 Legacy Award winners Erin Webster, Jessica Premo, Hani Abdi and Debbie Plager (with John Lee, publisher)

Eden Prairie COMMUNITY BAND

Celebrating 50 Years of Music in Our Fair City

ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC MUELLER

Kids these days have it easy. When one wants to listen to music, all they have to do is balance the tonearm on their phonograph, make sure its needle is clean, and then sit back and enjoy 23 uninterrupted minutes of Pat Boone or The Andrews Sisters or whichever other pop glop today’s youths go gaga for.

I’m 170 years old, so I remember when music was exclusively available from musicians. Even the ittiest-bittiest hamlet had at least a couple of musically inclined denizens who’d take simple pleasure from entertaining their neighbors. They showed that a healthy community doesn’t merely tend to its members’ physical needs. It also enriches them spiritually by providing delightful proof that we weren’t

cast on this earth merely to survive, but to thrive. Musicians are the incarnations of mankind’s indefatigable desire to pluck beauty out of thin air and share it.

Not all communities create themselves equally. The Eden Prairie Community Band exemplifies that rule. The city of Eden Prairie Parks and Recreation program is composed of over five dozen local musicians, each driven by their pure desire to brighten their neighbors’ days. In addition to the Concert Band itself, the Eden Prairie Community Band includes the Jazz on the Prairie Big Band, woodwind ensembles, and the Prairie Brass quintet. It also features the Prairie Ramblers, which plays the traditional New Orleans style jazz that Minnesota is world-famous for.

None of it would have come to be without Emmett Stark.

“I began my music teaching career in Eden Prairie right out of college,” said Emmett. “It is the only place I have ever taught. During the ‘60s I developed a school band program that had done especially well. Unfortunately, that all changed with the ‘Minnesota Miracle of 1971’ –essentially a piece of state legislation which dramatically altered the way public funds were distributed to schools. To put it succinctly, the effects of the reform were anything but miraculous for larger schools. They ended Eden Prairie Schools’ summer music programs altogether.”

But all wasn’t lost. Emmett soon discovered that the Minnesota Miracle also allowed access to local government funding for musical programs that benefited all citizens – not just students. He presented his plan to the city council. Their vote established the Eden Prairie Community Band in 1973.

“It was a small amount of money, but it was workable,” said Emmett. “At first our band primarily attracted students who could no longer look forward to summer programs. Over time we welcomed increasing numbers of adult members, all eager to share their love of music and live performance. By 1980 enough adults had joined to start their own band, which I had the great pleasure of directing until 1999.”

During Emmett’s tenure as its director, the Eden Prairie Community Band gained the distinction of playing internationally. Germans, Italians and Austrians all marveled at Americans’ mastery of instruments. But acclaim was

never Emmett’s goal. “I only wanted to create something people would enjoy,” he said. “I am blessed to have watched our band become just that.”

The Eden Prairie Community Band presently sits in the capable hands of Tom Muehlbauer. Before becoming its director, Tom played for the Swinging Ambassadors. They were the house band for Diamond Jim's, a private club in Mendota Heights which once featured legends like Lawrence Welk, Ray Anthony and Cab Calloway.

“As far as rehearsals went, Anthony was the toughest son of a gun we ever had to work with,” Tom reminisced. “But Cab? Cab was all smiles. After just 45 minutes of warm-up, he was all set to hee-de-hee-de-hee-de-hee the audience’s socks off.”

The Swinging Ambassadors continued swinging years after Diamond Jim’s final encore in 1980. Tom eventually began working as a music teacher, and started playing clarinet and alto sax for the Eden Prairie Community Band in 1990. He was elected the band’s director in full in 2016.

“What I love most about our band is the wide range of music we perform,” said Tom. “We play classics like ‘Nessun Dorma’ by Puccini and ‘Habanera’ by Bizet. We play lots of cool jazz standards, including a mean cover of Dizzy Gillespe’s ‘A Night In Tunisia.’ We also pull out songs you might not expect from a community band. One of our members recently composed a medley of ‘60s TV theme songs that includes Hawaii Five-O, Green Acres, Mission Impossible and The Dick Van Dyke Show We even made our foray into video game soundtracks with our cover of ‘Baba Yetu,’ the Grammy Awardwinning theme song for Civilization IV.”

“Our versatility is my favorite aspect of our band, too,” added Lyndon Moquist, managing broker for Edina Realty, band council chair elect, and former professional trumpet player. “From Bach to generational pop songs, movie themes, and contemporary rock such as Bruno Mars’ ‘Uptown Funk,’ we do it all. We’re looking forward to performing ‘West of Eden Prairie,’ which was composed by one of our own members, during our upcoming 50th anniversary concert. It depicts the foundation of Eden Prairie, beginning with the departures of the wagon trains and ending with the settlement of this beautiful little patch of land. A fitting celebration for everything we’ve achieved here!”

The Eden Prairie Community Band’s 50th anniversary concert will be held on Sunday, July 23rd 6–7:30pm at Staring Lake Amphitheatre. Please visit epcommunityband.com to learn more about all of the band’s other upcoming performances.

“I only wanted to create something people would enjoy. I am blessed to have watched our band become just that.”

Jersey Boys

The Story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons –Now Playing at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres

David Darrow as Tommy DeVito, Shad Hanley as Nick Massi, Will Dusek as Frankie Valli, & Sam Stoll as Bob Gaudio (photo by Rich Ryan)

ARTICLE BY BILL SCHELLER

It was a sound that came from the streets of the big Eastern cities. It defined rock and roll before there was a British Invasion, before Dylan went electric, before lyrics took a psychedelic turn. And some of its biggest hits were minted by a group out of Newark: The Four Seasons

Jersey Boys, the Tony-nominated play that tells the story of The Four Seasons’ rise from their hometown streets to the pinnacle of success, is the latest production at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. “People expecting another ‘jukebox musical’ will be surprised,” says Michael Brindisi, artistic director at the Chan and Jersey Boys director. “It’s much more than that. It’s a play with music, and it tells an emotionally packed story. It’s about getting out of the neighborhood, about the importance of family – and The Four Seasons were a family, caring about each other, fighting with each other, all the things that families do. And behind the rags-to-riches story, it’s about all of them wanting to get back home, back to where they started. In the words of lead singer Frankie Valli, they were ‘chasing the music and trying to get home.’”

“It’s everybody’s story. People find that even if you achieve success, the simple things are still the most important.”

“We’d been pursuing the play for ten years,” says Michael. “It finally became available for licensing to regional theaters, and we’re delighted to have it.” Jersey Boys opened at the Chan on June 16th.

The non-musical part of the play, known in theater parlance as the “book,” was written by acclaimed playwright and screenwriter Marshall Brickman ( Manhattan , Annie Hall ) and his collaborator, Rick Elice. “It’s emotionally packed,” Michael says. “It’s funny, it’s heartwarming. It really has a lot to say.” Written in four parts – four “seasons” – it gives each member of the group a voice, a chance to give his own perspective on their rise to stardom and the triumphs and tribulations that followed.

A Minnesotan since college days, and a 30-year veteran as the Chan’s artistic director, Michael still feels a strong connection to the East Coast environment that produced The Four Seasons and their music. A native Philadelphian, he grew up in an Italian section of the city where “guys sang a cappella on porches, on street corners, and on summer nights the neighbors would come out and listen.” Michael played in several bands himself, on accordion and sax. His connection to the story runs back to those Philly days – “Of all of my friends in the neighborhood, I’m the only one who got out. Just about everyone else ended up doing the same things their fathers did. For me, what resonates about this story is the inspiration to do something that makes you happy.”

Will that East Coast sensibility resonate with a Midwestern audience? “It will,” says Michael, “because it’s everybody’s story – the story of reaching for success, and finding what you really want is home and family. And for the same reasons, I think it will appeal to a younger audience, not just people who remember the early Sixties.” Back in those days, when Beatles songs were just beginning to crowd the airwaves, The Four Seasons ruled Top 40 radio with songs including “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Dawn (Go Away)” and “Rag Doll.” “Dawn” even scored the phenomenal achievement of rocketing to the number one spot on New York’s biggest rock and roll station the week it came out.

Along with its universal themes, Michael suggests, Jersey Boys has appeal as a period piece, harking back to a time when

Michael Brindisi, Artistic Director

those street-corner a cappella singers and their friends had a certain urban swagger, the kind of attitude that comes across in songs such as “Walk Like a Man.” As one of the band members tells another in the play, it doesn’t mean not walking like a woman – it means not walking like a boy. There’s an old class consciousness, too, evident in lines like “Girl, we can’t change the places where we were born” in “Dawn.” The Four Seasons couldn’t change their Jersey Boy origins, although they came a long way from the streets of Newark.

And what about Frankie Valli’s signature falsetto – that unlikely style of singing that would, at first hearing, sound like anything but mid-century street swagger? Valli pulled it off just fine, with his own style of swagger – and so does Will Dusek, who plays him in the Chan production. “When he auditioned,” Michael recalls, “I made him sing ‘Sherry’ at least 20 times. And I was amazed by his falsetto.”

To learn more about Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, its current production of Jersey Boys and its other fine productions, please visit chanhassendt.com

Photo by Rich Ryan

Shakopee

JUST OVER THE RIVER TO THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION FOR SUMMER FUN

ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER

Its close proximity to Shakopee is only one of Eden Prairie’s many blessings. The pristine suburb just southwest of our own has the Wilkie Unit National Wildlife Refuge, where you can stroll and birdwatch alongside the shores of three lakes and the bank of the Minnesota River. Shakopee’s historic riverside downtown is a joy to meander through, replete with interesting shops and fine dining. There is also Stonebrooke Golf Club, a public course that parallels any elite country club’s challenge and presentation.

But Shakopee’s summer fun isn’t all contemplative. No Minnesota July is complete without a white-knuckle tootle across the Wild Thing, Valleyfair’s screaming-fast roller coaster. And even if you aren’t a gambler, no other spectacle is more bracing than a live horse race at Canterbury Park. Mark your calendar on July 30th, when the track will feature races by the world’s most athletic breed of dog: the corgi.

“We are always improving and expanding on the experience we offer to our guests,” said Michael Kerski, director of planning and development for the city of Shakopee. “We are investing $3 million into streetscaping and storefronts that will make downtown’s River City Centre even more welcoming. The Xcel Energy Mountain Bike Park at Quarry Lake Park turns two this summer, and it has already attracted a devoted following of enthusiasts. For the children, we have recently added a new playground to Quarry Lake Park, as well as another at Huber Park. And if you’d like to play disc golf, basketball, tennis or hockey – or enjoy the beach at the SandVenture Aquatic Park – Lions Park has it all.”

The Shakopee Chamber’s Rhythm on the Rails concert series, which turns downtown’s Lewis Street into the Twin Cities’ premier destination for live music, is already underway. Go there 6–9:30pm on any Wednesday from July 12th through August 9th for family fun and games, delicious food and beer, and outstanding performances by regional headliners!

• Wednesday, July 12th - Xpedition, featuring tributes to Journey, Styx, Kansas and Foreigner

• Wednesday, July 19th - Mallrats, featuring covers of the top hits of the ‘90s

• Wednesday, July 26th - Shane Martin, featuring the hit songs of legendary Southern rock band Alabama

• Wednesday, August 2nd - The Fabulous Armadillos Party Band, featuring hit songs spanning all genres and recent decades

• Wednesday, August 9th - Shakopee Community Spirit Night, featuring Josh Baldwin of Bethel Music and Maryanne J. George of Maverick City

“We were honored by the massive turnout at last year’s inaugural TAP Brew Fest,” said Michael. “That’s why we’re proud to announce TAP 2023. The festival will once again feature more than 40 Minnesotan breweries including Rahr Eagle Brewery by Shakpee’s own Rahr Malting Company, as well as pay tribute to the innovative businesses that have turned Shakopee into

the southwest metro’s economic powerhouse. This year’s featured businesses include Steelhead Outdoors, which designs and manufactures high-tech modular gun safes right here in town, REMastered Sleep, which has developed the world’s first water bottle that fights snoring through tongue exercise, Otso Cycles, which makes versatile, performance-first bikes inspired by the spirit of the Northwoods, and Written Hugs Designs, which creates thoughtful and sensitive greeting cards that are currently available at HomeGoods stores nationwide. They are all testaments to

the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Shakopee forward and continually improves our great city!”

TAP 2023 begins at noon for VIPs and ends at 4pm. At 6pm there will be a chamber-sponsored concert featuring A Salute to the Music of Prince by Chase & Ovation.

Please visit discovershakopee.org to plan your summer vacation just over the river, tap2023.com for up-to-date information about this year’s TAP Brew Fest, and makeitin shakopee.com to learn more about the Shakopee’s meteoric economic development. I’ll see you at the corgi races!

Mark your calendar on July 30th, when Canterbury Park will feature races by the world’s most athletic breed of dog: the corgi.

HI-FIVE SPORTS ZONE

ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER

Teaching Leadership and Building Character Through the Power of Sports

Reggie Perkins isn’t from Harlem. He’s a native of Milwaukee, who played basketball for St. Cloud State before he was drafted by the Rochester Flyers. Fortunately for Reggie, the Harlem Globetrotters will overlook someone’s non-Harlem place of origin so long as they can do preternatural things with a basketball.

Reggie toured the world (or globe-trotted, if you will) with the Harlem Globetrotters from 1993 until 1997. During that

four-year span, Reggie’s team never lost a single game – a feat no NBA team could ever dream of.

Reggie never planned on playing pro ball until he was old enough to collect Social Security. That’s why he founded Hi-Five Sports Zone in Eden Prairie. As an athlete, an entertainer and a father, it’s the perfect place where he can share his love of sports with the southwest metro’s kids.

“I’ve never claimed to be a star athlete,” said Reggie. “What I really am is fortunate. Fortunate to have spent so much time playing basketball as a boy. Fortunate to join great teams and go pro. Fortunate to still count my passion and my profession as one and the same –that’s creating great memories through the power of sports.”

Reggie and his team welcome kids of all ages to their wide range of programs. There is Mommy & Me for babies as young as

10 months. There is Little Ballers, a weekly basketball program for children aged 3 to 6. There are soccer and gymnastics classes, hoops and flag football clinics, basketball, soccer and T-ball leagues, and the after school club. Hi-Five also welcomes drop-ins, which is convenient for parents who would like to run errands without having to explain why Spider-Man couldn’t have saved the dinosaurs from extinction.

“Our coaches use a child-centered approach to create the safe and fun environment where students thrive best,” said Reggie. “The greatest sight in the world is a kid who’s beside themself because they just realized how far they’ve come. But no matter a child’s skill level or the sport they’re picking up, we’re also going to teach them our values: family, friendship, respect, leadership, loyalty and teamwork.

“By the 4th of July, we’ll be about halfway through our summer camp for 5 to 12 yearolds. It’s 9 to 3pm five days a week for eight weeks, with aftercare available to parents on stricter schedules. Each week has a different theme, like MLB, NBA, NFL or Olympics, and a bunch of my old friends from my college and pro days stop by so the kids can learn from the best. And thanks to our partnership with Nativity of Mary Catholic School, we’re able to bring everyone to big green fields whenever the weather is nice.

“My goal for next summer is to begin offering the coaches in training program. It’s designed to help 14 and 15 year-olds sharpen their leadership and communication skills. Those are becoming increasingly rare in this world of social media, which provides kids with zero opportunities to actually challenge each other, team up together, and overcome obstacles as a team. That’s called building character, and that’s ultimately what Hi-Five Sports Zone is all about.”

You can visit hifivesportsclubs.com to learn more about Hi-Five Sports Zone’s upcoming programs, or visit their location at Eden Prairie Center to see them in action. If you prefer, you can reach Reggie’s team by calling (612) 405-6450. Tell them you were formerly a forward for the Washington Generals and you’re looking for a one-onone grudge match.

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FREEZIAC

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Any of them would assuredly be the best part of your day Once garnished with a cherry.

When the summer sun’s hot, and it’s making you frown, And sweat from your brow you’re a-mopping, Just head to the best frozen yogurt bar in town For cool manna buried in toppings.

The Best Frozen Yogurt Bar in Town

ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER

Mark Miller is not from Minnesota. But here is the thing about falling in love with a Minnesotan woman: Once you’ve done it, your chances of living in Minnesota skyrocket.

Mark & Kirsten Miller

Mark founded a video replication business shortly after moving to Eden Prairie, and switched over to software upon sensing a waning demand for DVDs. But when Mark learned that Freeziac – the frozen yogurt parlor just down the street from his kids’ high school, where he and his family had spent many a halcyon summer evening – had gone up for sale, Mark knew he was no longer a software man. A man who has resolved to sell frozen yogurt cannot be deterred by anything.

“My wife Kirsten and I bought Freeziac in August, 2019,” said Mark. “We couldn’t believe how lucky we were to own the ultimate local shop – the only Freeziac in the world, where every ounce of froyo comes courtesy of Minnesotan cows. We knew right off the bat that keeping Freeziac local, fresh and organic to the greatest degree possible was the key to success. Locals became accustomed to our quality since the shop opened in 2008, and it always wins over out-of-towners in the first spoonful.

“We also saw a huge opportunity for growth that didn’t come at the risk of sacrificing our authenticity: wholesaling to concession stands at sports stadiums, pools, and even craft breweries like Eden Prairie’s very own Fat Pants. Our inaugural summer as owners proved that to be an excellent idea! The following summer, for reasons I probably don’t have to elaborate on, did not prove conducive to our new wholesaling operation, but I’m happy to say it’s back at full speed today.”

No amount of global turmoil can eliminate demand for nonpareil locally sourced live culture frozen yogurt. If anything it increases it, which is why Freeziac’s brick and mortar were enough to keep the Millers afloat on their own.

“Kirsten and I are incredibly grateful to this community, and do all we can to support it,” continued Mark. “Part of that includes offering a clean, wholesome neighborhood hangout to teenagers. Our close proximity to Eden Prairie High School has

made us a modern-day equivalent of the ‘50s malt shops where teens once gathered en masse.

“We’re also proud to offer our Freeziac Fishbowl Fundraiser for the benefit of church groups, kids’ sports teams, and other community organizations. They tell us which day they’d like us to place the fishbowl by the cash register. We ask every guest who comes in if they’d like to lend their support at no added cost to them. If they would, we put their receipt in the bowl, and then donate 25 percent of all sales to the organization at the end of the day.”

Go to Freeziac for the philanthropy; stay for the toppings. The Millers put out over 45 of them, including an impressive selection of fresh fruits. A froyo adorned with strawberries,

blueberries, raspberries and blackberries is the truest and purest taste of summer. If you’re feeling a touch more adventurous, try Freeziac’s “popping pearls” – little capsules that burst with the juices of strawberry, mango, pomegranate, passionfruit and rose. And if you had a light breakfast that day, see how high you can stack cashews, peanuts, chocolate covered almonds, graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, cheesecake bites, cookie dough bites, Reese’s Pieces, M&M’s, peanut M&M’s, and crushed Heath bar, Butterfinger, Oreo, Snickers and Reese’s Cups … with hot fudge and caramel, of course.

Freeziac is located at 16532 W 78th Street, Eden Prairie. You may learn more about the best frozen yogurt bar in town at freeziac.com

July Specials

Michelle has been working clinically in the medical field since 1999 A graduate of Normandale College in Bloomington, MN, Michelle’s nursing career has spanned multiple states and disciplines, including laser technology and facial reconstructive surgery

Michelle is dedicated to providing the latest techniques in cosmetic injectables and skin care. Her vision is to assist clients in graceful and effective anti-aging therapies which complement each person’s unique individuality.

Redhead Creamery

ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER

FARMSTEAD, ARTISAN CHEESE –MADE IN MINNESOTA

Alise Sjostrom has always loved cheese. Those who knew her as a fieryhaired child often received impassioned sermons on the virtues of cheesemaking. Whereas many of her peers likely took their 4-H club tour of Wisconsin’s dairies as an opportunity to lolligag, Alise paid more attention during it than a Soviet spy who had infiltrated the Pentagon.

So great a love for cheese was well-placed in Alise. Her father Jerry and mother Linda had founded JerLindy Farms in Brooten, Minnesota in 1983, and they worked their fingers to their bones to keep it running throughout eras which weren’t at all friendly to small dairy farmers. Their fierce Midwestern determination and methodical animal husbandry gradually turned the Jennissens’ small farm and 32 head of cattle into a 240-acre Brown Swiss and Holstein haven.

Thus blessed from birth with a base of operation, Alise proceeded to become a cheesemaker in full. She studied food and marketing at the University of Minnesota and continued on to work for Grafton Village Cheese Company in Vermont – a state Mystery Science Theater 3000 once dubbed “the other, smaller Wisconsin.” And although Alise must surely appreciate many of her husband Lucas’s other qualities, his work for Holstein Association USA could not have counted against him during their courtship.

Alise and Lucas returned to Brooten in 2012, eager to found their creamery.

It was a Herculean task. Permit issues, fickle subcontractors, the immense difficulty of constructing a 40-foot underground milk pipeline, subpar inaugural batches and the explosion of not one but two cheese vats caused Alise to doubt whether cheesemaking was meant to be. But thanks to her parents’ unceasing support, the kindness of strangers to the tune of $41,000 raised via Kickstarter, and her own fierce Midwestern determination, Alise would finally realize her dream. All she had left to do was name it.

“My parents are both brunettes,” said Alise. “Somehow they created four redheaded daughters. Growing up I always kind of resented being different, but when my husband suggested ‘Redhead Creamery’ I knew right away that just had to be the name. And it’s worked out well. People are pretty often able to guess which creamery I own as soon as I tell them I make cheese.

“Most aspiring cheesemakers are nowhere near as lucky as I am, because I was born on Jer-Lindy Farms. My parents had already turned their farm into a paradise for milk cows by the time I was ready to start – and happy cows, as I’m sure you know, give the highest-quality milk. Our 200 cows stay in temperature-controlled housing whenever it’s cold and blustery outside, and they get to lie on soft sand whenever the mood strikes them. They even have their own nutritionist who helps keep them healthy and their milk high in fat and protein.

“We named our first cheese Lucky Linda after my mom. It’s a traditional clothbound cheddar, aged in the cheese caves beneath our farm’s cheese shop for a minimum of six months. That gives Lucky Linda a luxurious smoothness and savory flavor which are unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. After that came Little Lucy – not just our daughter, but also the brie we named after her. She’s older now, so she insists on calling it just ‘Lucy Brie.’

“We try to incorporate other local artisans’ products in our cheeses as often as we’re able. Our North Fork

Whiskey Washed Munster is made with Panther Distillery’s own Minnesota 14, and our Tipsy Tilsiter is washed with Milk & Honey Ciders’ finest. Once in a while we even have a happy little accident, as our heavenly St. Anthony cheese got its start as a glitched batch of Lucky Linda.

Thus blessed from birth with a base of operation, Alise proceeded to become a cheesemaker in full.

“We also make cheese curds, because this is Minnesota.

“Our cheese is currently available at many Minnesotan grocery stores, specialty cheese and meat shops throughout the Midwest, and online through our website. But if you want to enjoy Redhead Creamery at its very best, then you’ve got to come visit our shop just north of Brooten. We offer creamery tours at 12:30pm every Friday and Saturday, so you can see the milking, the cheesemaking, and all of our cute little calves in person. After a generous tasting session, you’ll be able to pick out all of your new favorites in our on-site cheese shop!

“My husband and I consider it a great privilege to continue my parents’ life’s work. We’re hoping our own kids will follow in our footsteps one day. I don’t think that will take any pushing. Dairy farming is in our blood.”

To learn more about Redhead Creamery’s cheese, shop, tours, tasting room, special events and availability for private parties, please visit redhead-creamery.myshopify.com. And remember: No true Minnesotan’s summer plans are complete until they include a visit to at least one scenic Minnesotan cheesery.

“The cow is of the bovine ilk; One end is moo, the other milk.”

– OGDEN NASH

Alise Sjostrom

Chanhassen

3600 Farmhill Drive, Minnetrista

$600,000

Welcome home! Want stunning views of Lake Minnetonka - then this if for you! Your bonus is a color-filled yard of blooming beauty that you never need to replant! Enjoy vaulted ceilings, open flow to the floor plan. Beautiful 8-panel wood doors, new carpet & paint, new/newer SS appliances & all the “big” items have been taken care of recently - water heater, water softener, well tank, windows, roof, furnace, AC - what else is there? Enjoy nearly 4 acres in this amazing location. Ready to make it yours?

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

17460 Windmill Drive, Chanhassen

$625,000

Great Chanhassen location. Quiet street. Amazing yard and 3 season porch. Covered porch that runs the full length of the back of the home. Very well maintained. All bathrooms updated. Walk in master shower with glass surround. Recently finished lower level with large family room. Room in the lower lever for a shop and additional hobby room. A lot of storage.

The Barkleys

612-991-0977 • JackandDeborahBarkley@EdinaRealty.com

Shakopee

1678 Chadum Lane, Shakopee

$299,900

Welcome to this fabulous end-unit townhouse that comes with the convenience of being association maintained yet lives like a single-family home! Walls of windows and vaulted ceilings allow for plenty of natural light to pour in! The open concept main level is perfect for today’s connected living lifestyle! The kitchen features plenty of cabinet and counter space with a large breakfast bar and adjacent dining room with sliding door leading out to the private patio. Here you can enjoy grilling, entertaining or simply relaxing. On the upper level you will find two large bedrooms, two bathrooms, laundry and a cozy loft that is open to below. The lower level is perfect for guests with a bedroom and bathroom as well as a family room that can be used as a theatre room, playroom, or exercise room! Located just minutes from schools, parks, trails, dining, and shopping, with walking paths right out your front door, this one can’t be beat!

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

Enjoy

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

6947 151st Street, Savage

CITY LIFESTYLE

Summer Bucket List

Welcome, summer! As a hyper-local publication, we thrive on helping our readers make connections with the cities they live in, the businesses that make up their communities and the inspiring individuals making a positive mark. Are you ready for your most adventurous, fun summer? Here are summer bucket list ideas for you to accomplish this year. We hope you’ll explore a new neighborhood, spend a lazy Saturday afternoon at a new winery or taste the flavors at a local ice cream shop. Let us know what you discover and enjoy! We’d love to hear.

KIDS

Make the most of this Summer! Check off these activities on our Kids Summer Bucket List as you complete them throughout the summer. P.S. You might need an adult’s help with some of these! Make

Explore a New Local Park Go

Do a Random Act of Kindness for a Stranger

Write a Kind Note to a Friend

Ride a Rollercoaster

Visit a Carnival

Summer is finally here. Take advantage of the season with our Adult Summer Bucket List. Check off these activities as you complete them with your family and friends and congratulate yourself on a Summer well-spent!

Delightfully SUMMER Let's sizzle in style