Eden Prairie, MN September 2023

HOME + DESIGN ACCESS DESIGN + BUILD

HEALTH + WELLNESS

BRILLIANT DENTISTRY

TRAVEL CRUISE PLANNERS

SHOPPING

BILL’S TOGGERY

DREW BESON ART

Follow Casper on his shopping journey..

for the perfect treat! At Pet Evolution we offer a wide variety of treats that will suit all your pet's wants and needs Check out the list of some options below:

Crunchy, soft, or other textures

Animal bones and antlers

Raw and freeze dried Supplements

Casper has chosen a braided bully stick!

It’s Our Annual Style Issue!

Hello Eden Prairie Lifestyle Readers,

I believe it was Giorgio Armani – or perhaps it was Yves Saint Laurent – who once dubbed Eden Prairie “The Style Capital of the Southwest Twin Cities Suburbs.” I believe the title is well deserved because I can’t think of a more stylish city that I personally publish a magazine in.

But exactly which businesses are responsible for making our burb so outlandishly voguish? Well, I’d be remiss not to count Bill’s Toggery first.

If you are a swank gent like me – or if you would like a certain gent in your life to look truly debonair – then Billy will fix you right up at his third-generation men’s clothier. And if you’d rather adorn your walls with beautiful things instead of yourself, Eden Prairie’s own Drew Beson has you squarely covered in the art department.

Do you know what’s especially in style right now? That’s right! Planning thrilling cruises, which just so happens to be Cruise Planners’ specialty. Remodeling your home so it’s ready for aging in place or accommodating of a disability is equally stylish, and also easy with the help of Access Design + Build. And if you are genuinely fashionable, then you will want to furnish an entire room in your house exclusively with Purrniture’s exquisite cat trees. “Here,” you can inform your dinner guests, motioning to the cat tree room with an obsequious gesture, “is where the cat sits.”

Beautiful teeth are an absolute must-have accessory no matter your personal style. Fortunately, Dr. Kevin Bril is standing by to give you your best smile at Brilliant Dentistry right here in Eden Prairie. But I’ve saved the most stylish business of all for the very end of this little missive: First Western Bank & Trust, which provides ideal banking services and personalized financing solutions for any small business, no matter its specialty.

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,

September 2023

PUBLISHER

John Lee | john.lee@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

David Scheller | david.scheller@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Bill Scheller

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

Proverbs 3:5-6

Join us for the Annual Girls in Aviation Day

Saturday, Sept. 23rd • 10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

Flying Cloud Airport, Eden Prairie, MN

Discovery Hanger aerospace themed hands-on activities center around STEM

Exhibit Hall airlines, military universities, flight schools, FAA and more

Crooked Path inspirational stories of several women’s incredible journeys in aviation

Learn more about the MAC and the Flying Cloud Airport long-term planning process and how you can be a part of the conversation at our website.

metroairports.org

THE

TruBlue Total House Care Cuts the Ribbon

TruBlue: a total house care and handyman maintenance company providing services optimized for seniors and busy families living in Eden Prairie, Burnsville, Chanhassen, Edina, Prior Lake, Savage and Shakopee! From senior home modifications to house cleaning, handyman repairs, landscaping and more, TruBlue is your complete solution to home maintenance. All locations are locally owned and operated, so you can support a local business backed by a growing, national company. trubluehousecare.com

BURROW IS YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD GAMING DEN WITH 18 HOLES OF MINI GOLF, AXE THROWING & ARCADES. COME CHECK OUT OUR HOMEMADE PIZZAS, GOURMET BURGERS AND 32 LOCAL TAPS AND CRAFT COCKTAILS.

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Shaina Madrid Photography Cuts the Ribbon

A magical photography experience for Twin Cities metro families! As a parent, Shaina Madrid understands just how busy life can be – and how quickly children grow up. She also knows that making time for family photography can feel like herding cats. That’s why she loves making the complete family portrait process simple and fun. Shaina’s clients enjoy her photography so much that most come back year after year! shainamadridphotography.com

Hines Services Cuts the Ribbon

Hines Services of Eden Prairie is your go-to solution to all your residential and commercial deep cleaning needs! Their team of experienced professionals are dedicated to providing top-notch results and ensuring that your space is clean as can be. Their state-of-the-art equipment and cleaning solutions will leave your space spotless, removing even the stubbornest dirt and grime. Trust Hines Services to deliver high-quality results that guarantee satisfaction every time! hinescleaning.com

WALK INTO LUXURY

WITH A NEW WALK-IN BATHTUB

Every day is like a spa treatment with a walk-in bathtub. Relax your muscles after a run with the hydro jets - set the mood with chromotherapy - stay as long as you like - You’re already home!

Remodel your bathroom so you enjoy living in your home for as long as possible and as independent as possible. You are worth the investment. Our three decades of experience will ensure your walk-in tub is beautiful and customized for you and your home.

Bella Gina Boutique Cuts the Ribbon

Founded by Gina Pellegrini in 2017, Bella Gina Boutique offers a variety of fun, stylish and versatile clothing, accessories, shoes and jewelry by hard-to-find brands like Charlie B, Lulu-B, Tribal, Tagua, XCVI, Joh Apparel and more! Gina and her niece Kristina work closely together to provide guests with exceptional, oneof-a-kind shopping experiences. Stop by today to discover your new favorite thing, or schedule a private themed shopping event for your friends and family! bellaginaboutique.com

Brace Helgeson Celebrates 40 Years in Business

Sixty-five hundred families assisted. One-and-a-half billion dollars in sales! Quite the track record for Brace Helgeson, who just celebrated his 40th anniversary in business. Today the cofounder of Helgeson Platzke Real Estate Group and his 36 agents are Coldwell Banker’s #1 Home Selling Team for Eden Prairie. Brace is grateful for the success that allows him to give back to the community he owes so much. hprealestategroup.com

Cruise Planners

ARTICLE BY BILL SCHELLER

Thinking about a cruise? There are so many ships, so many cruising styles, so many itineraries and destinations, that making your plans should be a snap … right?

Not necessarily. In fact, it’s that ocean of possibilities that can make picking the right cruise difficult. And no matter how good a swimmer you are, you can’t change your mind once you’re on board.

Enter Eden Prairie travel agent Mark Rigby, who with his wife, Helen, is co-owner of the Eden Prairie Cruise Planners franchise. “Our clients tell us what they’re looking for, and we work with them to find the right cruise experience,” Mark explains. “For example, someone might want a family-oriented cruise, while others would prefer a ship with fewer children aboard. And there are foodies, who are expecting something beyond buffets. There are a lot of new options for them, as many cruise lines, particularly the smaller outfits, are going more and more for a fine dining experience. Explorers might want to go on expedition-style cruises, like the ones that head to Antarctica. Based on individual preferences, we can narrow down the options pretty quickly.”

Cruise Planners can even arrange private charters – “A small group, perhaps eight or so family members, might charter a boat and crew,” Mark notes. “They might even want to have a chef on board.”

Where are people cruising to these days? “Lately, we’ve been focused on river cruises,” Mark says. “The Rhine and Danube are always popular, as are smaller rivers like the Douro in Portugal, and the Seine. And there’s a lot of focus on Scotland and Ireland.” The British Isles and Ireland attract interest from travelers who want to cruise around the islands, and from those preferring to take advantage of the land itineraries Cruise Planners represents. Often, according to Mark, these are people who want to delve into their ancestry. Land tours can be privately chauffeured, with a driver doubling as guide. There are even hybrid excursions: “We can set golfers up on cruises around Britain and Ireland, where they dock and play famous courses before heading on to the next links.”

The Caribbean is a perennial draw, Mark says, “especially with Minnesotans in winter. And, at the moment, the Mediterranean and the Greek islands are popular.” Many Mediterranean cruises

“We Don’t Just Do Cruises, but We Do ... Do Cruises!”

Daniel, Helen and Mark Rigby

“As one of the largest travel agency franchise companies in North America, we buy in volume, so passengers can take advantage of economies of scale. Our clients get better prices, and perhaps even prepaid gratuities and other additional benefits.”

originate in Barcelona, one of Mark’s favorite European destinations. He also loves to visit Lake Como, in the northern Italian lake country, and has an extensive knowledge of Germany, where – a native of the United Kingdom – he was stationed for three years with the British Army.

Cruises originating on the West Coast might include voyages from Seattle or Vancouver to Alaska (“That’s about the only place my mom hasn’t sailed to,” says Mark, who reports that his mother goes on a cruise every year). Cruise Planners also represents lines heading out of Long Beach, near Los Angeles, to Hawaii and South Pacific ports. Those are cruises that involve full days at sea, unlike destination-hopping journeys that involve night sailings and days in port. The same goes for round-the-world cruises, and the traditional Atlantic crossings still offered by Cunard Line’s RMS Queen Mary 2, which Cruise Planners can also book.

Sifting through so many options with savvy, professional assistance isn’t the only reason for relying on Cruise Planners and Mark’s years of experience. “As one of the largest travel

agency franchise companies in North America, we buy in volume, so passengers can take advantage of economies of scale,” Mark points out. “Our clients get better prices, and perhaps even prepaid gratuities and other additional benefits.”

Even with help from Cruise Planners, planning requires … planning. “Clients typically plan 12 or 18 months in advance,” Mark advises, “or maybe as far as two years out, for one of the more specialized cruises.” But despite the wisdom of booking well ahead of time, “it’s not unusual for people to want to set sail tomorrow. Especially on river cruises, though, that’s not a good idea, as there’s seldom much last-minute space left.” One bit of Mark’s advice holds true no matter how far ahead cruise passengers book: “If it’s your first time cruising, stick with one of the shorter itineraries, say, three to five nights. That way, you can decide if the cruising experience is for you. There are always plenty of eight- or nine-day options to choose from later on.”

Call (952) 452-8941 or visit rigbytravel.com today to begin your adventure with Eden Prairie’s cruise experts!

Kyle Luebeck Dan Geisler Todd Loudenslager

Purrniture

Furniture for Your Cat, Made by Cat Lovers

To look at the furniture offered by Purrniture is to wish that you were a cat. Personally, I would give anything to be able to hole up in the Fat Cat Cubby for a few precious hours, dig my claws into the length of rope coiled around the Tom Towers, or perch high atop the Chateau de Gato and silently judge everyone around me.

Purrniture offers precisely what a little regal rascal would desire of their furnishings. The St. Paul store was founded by Darryl Michaelson, who as a younger man was motivated by both his love of cats and his tight budget.

“When I was 23 years old I got a couple of kittens named Rufus and Dimitrious,” said Darryl. “I had cats all my life, but I only thought to buy furniture for those two. That’s when I found out that store-bought cat furniture is lightweight and flimsy – yet somehow still expensive. I decided I could do much better.

“One Saturday morning in June of 1990 I set out to warehouses and loading docks in search of old two-by-fours, pallets, and any other wood I could use to make my own cat furniture. By the end of the day I had built a structure the size of a refrigerator and covered it with old carpet I found in my landlord’s basement. It wasn’t an inspired design, but it had a step system, plenty of space for scratching, and most importantly Rufus and Dimitrious loved it instantly. I became hooked on building cat furniture.

“I soon started looking for better materials. I found a pile of discarded electrical spools, which are great because they contain several sizes of plywood discs. Fence companies turned out to be a reliable source for old four-by-fours. I learned that paper companies are always trying to get rid of long cardboard cylinders which are four times thicker than the concrete form

tubes sold at hardware stores. Carpet suppliers especially loved when I came to visit, because I bought up scraps that they would otherwise have had to pay to throw away.

“After a year of making cat furniture just for fun, and realizing there’s an endless supply of materials out there, I figured why not make some money out of it? So I took photos of my designs and drove around town to post flyers at veterinary clinics.

“Just for the heck of it I filled out an application to show my furniture at the Minnesota State Fair. I couldn’t believe when they called back to offer me a spot. The only catch was that I couldn’t show up as a guy who makes cat furniture – I had to be a company that makes cat furniture, with insurance, a tax ID, and a name.

“Those first two things were easy enough, but for the name I turned to my sister for help. She just looked blankly at me for a few

ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER

“I had cats all my life, but I only thought to buy cat furniture for Rufus and Dimitrious. That’s when I discovered that store-bought cat furniture is lightweight and flimsy – yet somehow still expensive. I decided I could do much better.”

seconds and finally said one word: ‘Purrniture.’ I knew it couldn’t get any better than that.

“More than three decades later, I’m still committed to building far higher-quality cat furniture than you could ever find at a big box store. Cats have a lot of energy – especially when they live indoors – so they need a sturdy jungle gym to practice their leaps and bounds on. They’re also hunters, so they prefer perching high above the ground. And I don’t know if you’ve noticed this, but when a cat sits down, it doesn’t do it in the shape of a square. That’s why our pieces of furniture have round sitting surfaces, with circular rims for added feline comfort.

“And there’s more to our furniture than a cat can appreciate. Our designs have a modern look that better complements a home than boxy, uninspired mass-produced cat furniture. Since we buy remnants from the same carpet suppliers that serve landlords and contractors, our furniture is likely to match your carpeting. We’re also a green company, in a sense, because we’re stopping a lot of new production materials from going into landfills. We even offer reupholstering.”

Purrniture is located at 2242 University Avenue W in St. Paul. Go there and see Darryl’s full line of attractive, sturdy and stimulating cat furniture, and take a piece home for your little Bella or Tiger or Luna to wear themself out on. You can also shop online at purrniture.com

Darryl Michaelson

Edina

5708 Wooddale Avenue S., Edina

$600,000

Welcome to your new home in sought-after Golf Terrace neighborhood.

This home boasts original wood floors & great natural light throughout.

Main floor bath has been completely remodeled 2023. Enjoy relaxing in your shaded, fenced-in backyard! This home has been updated in 2022 & 2023 including paint throughout, new water softener, SS micro, stove

NewMarketTwp

9310 E. 280th Street, New Market Twp

$700,000

Welcome to this wonderful rambler on 10 acres!! 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The property includes an oversized 3-car attached garage and a 28x32 pole building, offering plenty of storage and parking options.

Chaska

which can be converted to EV charging. So close to parks, dining, shopping, entertainment & more!

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

Minneapolis

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

On the main level, you’ll find 3 bedrooms, including a Master Suite with a private bathroom. The open living room, dining area, and kitchen provide a spacious and inviting atmosphere, complete with excellent storage and a center island with seating. Another highlight of the main level is the additional family room with a fireplace. The 4-season porch features a vaulted ceiling and access to the deck. The lower level boasts a family room, a bonus room, a 4th bedroom, and a three-quarter bathroom, providing additional space. The property offers ample room to enjoy outdoor activities, enhanced by a huge deck and patio. Lakeville School District. This home truly offers a delightful combination of comfort and functionality.

The Barkleys 612-991-0977 • JackandDeborahBarkley@EdinaRealty.com

Bloomington

2401 Jones Place W, Bloomington

$430,000

Suburban Homestead Retreat! Spectacular and rare find, tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac neighborhood. Not your typical Bloomington rambler-This fully updated property includes an endless list of unique features. 600sq ft addition adds show stopping great room with abundant windows, vaulted ceiling, and stone surround fireplace. Addition also includes an owners suite with full bath offering a peaceful sanctuary. One level living including 3Beds/2Baths and 2 living spaces on the main floor plus, 4th bedroom, bath, rec room, and family room in the lower level-convenience and privacy for all. Updates abound, including New roof, windows, bathrooms, flooring, front porch etc.. The private, fenced wooded backyard feels as though you’ve escaped to the country with organic garden area, charming greenhouse and chicken coop! A garage expansion addition has been thoughtfully incorporated for extra storage or workshop. This Suburban Homestead is a perfect balance of tranquility & accessibility.

Heather Gustafson

612-207-2589 •

8754 Deer Path, Eden Prairie

Delightful 4 Bedroom, 3 bath (full owners suite) walk-out two story with vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors and gas fireplace. Kitchen has updated counters, tile backsplash, new range/oven and refrigerator and hardwood floors. 2nd story loft area is great for in-home office. Finished walkout lower level complete with new bath and kitchenperfect for multigenerational living. Quiet culdesac location with large deck overlooking beautiful Neil Lake Park. The Preserve amenities include 2 pools, new tennis/pickleball courts and wonderful parks and trails!

Hurry on this!

Shakopee

1678 Chadum Lane, Shakopee

$310,000

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

9479 Bandy Lane, Minnetrista

$574,900

Luxurious living in this thoughtfully crafted custom one story walk-out home located in the highly desirable Hunters Crest neighborhood. Bright & spacious open floor plan boasting vaulted ceilings, Beautiful H/W floors, vaulted Sun room w/ in-floor heating, gas FP w/ custom built cabinetry surround, spac great rm, lg breakfast bar, SS appl, Beautiful oak cabinetry, Informal dining, mudroom, maint free deck, Main floor office w/ french doors, Lg owners suite w/ walk-in closet, dbl sink vanity, walk-in shower, jetted tub, main floor full bath, 6 paneled doors throughout, entertainment friendly finished LL, exercise room, billiards

Elementary, Eden Prairie High School and Round Lake.

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

$2995 Per Mo.

ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER

Bill’s Toggery

APPEARANCE ISN’T EVERYTHING, BUT CONFIDENCE GETS YOU PLACES

Bill Wermerskirchen didn’t just enter the men’s clothing business. When he founded Bill’s Toggery in 1931, he entered the men’s confidence business. He made a name for himself by making his clientele appear self-assured, handsome and dapper wherever their paths took them.

“Who made your suit?” was a question commonly passed around by regular chappies of the 1930s, to whom being seen without a suit in public was the equivalent of … well, if standards for clothing still existed, then you might just have

your analogy. Every time they answered that question truthfully, Bill’s customers graciously volunteered as his own brand ambassadors.

Ninety two years later, Bill’s business lives on. Billy Wermerskirchen III continues to imbue men with greater confidence both in mind and appearance, and he does it at Bill’s original location in downtown Shakopee – formerly the bank that loaned Charles Lindbergh the money to buy his first airplane, which is why Bill’s dressing room is a walk-in vault.

With Bill’s tailoring, custom clothing, big and tall clothing, business attire, footwear, sportswear, formalwear and casual wear, there’s no occasion you can’t dress your best for. Maybe you need a clean shirt and new shoes for the country club. Maybe you need a silk suit and black tie for a wedding. Maybe you’ve taken the message behind “Sharp Dressed Man” to heart. Or

maybe you are a lady who doesn’t put effort into her own appearance just so she can be seen around town with a husband wearing a tattered ZZ Top Gang of Outlaws Tour T-shirt. No matter – just go to Bill’s.

“Very few men’s clothiers keep a full-time tailor on staff anymore,” said Billy. “Bill’s is one of them, which allows us to make every alteration a suit could need to look and fit like it’s custom made. Once we’ve taken your measurements the old-fashioned way, with a tape, ordering a bespoke new suit becomes as easy as calling our Custom Shoppe. We also sell premium dress shirts by David Donahue and others, as well as the ties, socks, shoes and accessories that complete any great suit.”

Alterations conform a suit to a man’s physique. They do not compensate for poor quality, which is why Bill’s only sells suits and blazers by highly regarded menswear brands such as Jack Victor of Montréal and Hart

Billy Wermerskirchen, Owner

Schaffner Marx of Des Plaines. Cheap buttons, synthetic fabric, migrating lapels and hard roll lines are all abhorrent concepts to these companies. If those sound like trivial touches, they aren’t. You can just tell when a man is wearing a fine suit. Light bends around him the right way.

But a man doesn’t live at proms, weddings and business meetings. He deserves to feel just as confident at his leisure, which is why Bill’s carries stylish yet comfortable jeans by 34 Heritage, SoCal inspired casual wear by johnnie-O and TravisMathew, refined sportswear by Peter Millar, shoes by Johnston & Murphy, and activewear by Vuori, 7Diamonds and Tasc Performance. Bill’s offers a selection of shirts by Howler Brothers, designed in Texas for men who know how to enjoy life when they aren’t occupying high stations in it. Go to Bill’s for Swiss-made tennis shoes by On, and you will see that orthopedics and aesthetics can live together on your feet in perfect harmony.

“Owning a third-generation business like mine feels as much like I’m passing down a legacy as I am working a job,” said Billy. “I’ve read that the odds of a business lasting as long as Bill’s Toggery are 10 against one. I’ve kept up with modern times without sacrificing a small-store vibe that’s been almost a hundred years in the making. Our success breeds a certain confidence that shines through in every service we provide.”

Bill’s Toggery is located at 138 Lewis Street S in downtown Shakopee. They are open Monday through Saturday and by special appointment. You may learn more about the locally owned men’s clothier at billstoggery.com

ACCESS DESIGN + BUILD

LIVE BARRIER FREE

The saying “Form follows function” is the foundation for many architectural and design focused artists. This is generally a true statement but when we apply that formula to remodeling – it becomes something different. Remodeling to upgrade and enhance your life, to age in place, or out of need for a disability, it changes the formula. So if there is a previous form and the function needs to change – what rule do you follow then?

Over the years, Access Design + Build has built their reputation on incorporating new ideas and trusted methods to customize those rules to fit their clients needs. The founder and principal designer Jeannine Burnett has helped countless people answer the same questions everyone asks:

What can we do with our home to stay here for the next 10 to 20 years? Can it be done for the price we want to pay? Is it worth the investment? On top of design and budget – a multitude of factors contribute to deciding if it is wise to stay

and remodel your home or if moving is a better option. The team of Access Design + Build has been in construction and the housing industry for over 30 years and brings time tested approaches to these challenges.

One such factor for Access Design + Build’s main clientele is how do we live in our house for as long as possible and as safe as possible and still have it feel like a home. In other words – aging in place. Ninety-five percent of all seniors over the age of 65 want to live in their home to the end. However, in the United States, only 1 percent of homes are built with accessibility in mind. That is where Jeannine comes in to help find those solutions whether it’s through a pull-down shelving unit, a bathroom remodel, or an addition, you’ll have the right information to make the right choice.

“Ultimately, saving money is one of the main goals of aging in place. Rather than potentially spending thousands per month on assisted living, our clients want to make

Jeannine Burnett, Owner and Principal Interior Designer of Access Design + Build

smaller, upfront investments in their safety and comfort as they spend their next years in their own homes in the neighborhoods they love. That peace of mind creates the kind of happiness a contractor can rarely take credit for. I’m beyond fortunate to be able to do that for a living every day.”

Jeannine started this business because her clients were asking for age in place design more and more. She looked around and saw not a lot of people doing it or doing it with a style that wasn’t dated. It naturally grew in services to include those who have mobility challenges and with neurological impairments. The common core and all of these needs is that their homes needs to be free from obstacles and barriers. That’s why their tagline is Live Barrier Free!

Many people are worried about remodeling with accessibility in mind, that it will affect their homes value or resales value. Access Design + Build has the option for additional designs and plans that are drawn up to bring it back to selling ready status so anyone can do it. However, they feel that with over one million people over the age of 65 in Minnesota now, that every remodel they do is a selling feature.

One such accessible remodel centered around a kitchen and the homeowner had been a wheelchair user for a number of years and the current one was too small to turn around in much less reach anything and everybody loved to cook. “We were able to move the cabinets – bring things to their level – and create three prep locations so all the cooks could find their happy spot. You can’t even tell it’s accessible it just looks modern!”

“Overall we want our clients to have a fun experience with remodeling, to feel a part of the solution and not the problem. That their special needs are just that, special to their needs and that it looks beautiful as well as functioning for a very long time!”

accessdesignbuild.com

“We were able to move the cabinets –bring things to their level – and create three prep locations so all the cooks could find their happy spot. You can’t even tell it’s accessible it just looks modern!”

REPORTING FOR COOKIE DUTY

CORPORATE ORDERS, FAMILY GATHERINGS, WEDDINGS, BIRTHDAY PARTIES, AND MORE.

Flavors include: Dark Chocolate Sea Salt, Sea Salt Caramel, Blueberry Lemon, Double Berry, and many more!! NEW FALL FLAVORS

BRILLIANT DENTISTRY

Routine Dental Care. Exceptional Dental Clinic.

Your teeth are precious. But so is the rest of you. Whether you observe the twice a year rule for routine teeth cleaning and oral exams – or only visit the dentist when you have a pressing need for their care – you deserve a whole lot out of the experience.

A hospitable environment where you never feel rushed. A staff that treats you with warmth and skill. A dentist who is fully invested in the community he serves, and who spares no effort helping his patients understand their oral health and available treatment options.

Surely, that would be Brilliant Dentistry.

“Simple and direct. At its heart, great dental care can only be these two things,” said Jennifer Mosely, who consults for Brilliant Dentistry founder Dr. Kevin Bril. “We know how incredibly important regular teeth check-ups are, and want to make the process go as smoothly as possible for anyone who walks through our door, no matter their needs.

“You’re likely to find our waiting room totally empty on your arrival. That’s because we only see one patient at a time

“We know how incredibly important regular teeth check-ups are, and want to make the process go as smoothly as possible for anyone who walks through our door, no matter their needs.”

– the best and only way to ensure we devote all of our attention to such a fundamental aspect of their health. If you only come to us to have your teeth cleaned and your gums, mouth, throat and neck examined for any signs of trouble, we pledge to get you in and out again quickly.

“If you have any questions you would like to ask or concerns you would like to raise during your visit, I am here for you. I personally spend 90 minutes with any of our patients when they choose to discuss their oral health. Maybe they dislike the appearance of their smile, and would like to learn how cosmetic dentistry could help them. Maybe they are struggling with TMJ, sleep apnea, or some other condition that isn’t traditionally associated with dentistry. I am equally prepared to discuss their potential treatment options at length.

“Thanks to Dr. Bril’s advanced studies after graduating from University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, he’s able to provide quite advanced care in addition to the routine oral hygiene we perform every day here at our clinic. Even if you’re only marginally curious about the other facets of dentistry Dr. Bril specializes in, he’s available to fully explain your options in plain English. It’s his way of making you a partner in your treatment plan – should you choose to have one.

“Offering everything under one roof is core to our mission at Brilliant Dentistry. Dr. Bril can perform a facial rejuvenation that makes his patient look 10 years younger, but providing convenient and comprehensive preventative oral care is just as important. Detecting diseases of the mouth early and removing plaque before it can cause gum disease are two of the most vital services any dentist can offer.

Dr. Kevin Bril, DDS, LVIF

“And we truly do offer them to everyone. Dr. Bril’s talents have earned Brilliant Dentistry’s place as one of the Twin Cities’ premier providers of cosmetic and restorative surgery. I believe that reputation is well-deserved, but I wouldn’t like it to deter members of our community from seeking our aid for any dental issue they could imagine. We do the simple things too! We just do them in a luxury environment, where you’re given the same gold level of service no matter your reason for visiting.”

Brilliant Dentistry is located at 7727 Flying Cloud Drive in Eden Prairie. Please call (952) 9442052 or visit brilliant-dentistry.com to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Bril.

DREW BESON art

ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER

Abstract /’ab strak(t)/ (adj) existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence

A magazine photo can’t do a Drew Beson painting justice. When you inch up close to one of his pieces, which are usually several feet long and wide enough to command your peripheral, you realize why the Minneapolis-born painter focused on abstract art.

To look at one of Drew’s paintings is to see everything and nothing, folded together again and again till they become as steel or taffy. Your mind, so accustomed to making sense of your surroundings as it is, steps in to thrust order into chaos. Goldfish. Gazelles. Glacial chasms. Nebulous conch shells. Theseus fighting the minotaur – or the face of a three-toed sloth. You might think you see these things in the swirls, speckles, ebbs and diffusions of paint. But they are not there.

Drew paints abstract because his subject is thought itself: never waking in one place; always taking a new face; impossible to define, yet capturable in flowing stillness.

And it looks quite nice hanging on the living room wall: acrylic on panel, often with a finishing layer of crystal clear resin that catches light like the glaze on a fruit tart.

“Recently I’ve been thinking about how bizarre it is that we all go to sleep each night, have what are essentially hallucinations, and then go about life like none of it happened,” said Drew. “We treat photography like it’s the universal tool for capturing reality. And reality is a very big thing – but it is not everything. Light can’t touch the fantasies whirling through the subconscious. Only a painter’s touch gives them form.”

Within a decade of becoming a professional artist, Drew has had paintings showcased in exhibitions and galleries around the country. Much of his work adorns the walls of private collectors, who commissioned Drew’s talents or selected already breathing art.

“About half of my work is commissions,” said Drew. “Many of my clients invite me to their home or office where I can appreciate the space in person. I’m able to be flexible and creative within reasonable confines, and I don’t emerge from my cocoon of solitude without a piece I’d be excited to share and show. There are no intermediaries or bureaucracy – only the trust between patron and artist that has stood firm since the Renaissance."

at (612) 787-2149.

Drew’s 6,500-square-foot studio and gallery are located at 10050 Crosstown Circle in Eden Prairie. You may see his available paintings and read more about a life that couldn’t be contained by so few magazine pages at besonart.com. If you would like to schedule a private showing, Drew welcomes your call

We are honored to announce that Riley Crossing was named “Best Assisted Living” by U.S. News & World Report Thank you to all residents and families who made this possible. Come to Riley Crossing and you’ll enjoy good food, fun activities, new friendships, and a new outlook on life! Schedule your tour today! Call 952-934-7777

620 Aldrich Dr., Chanhassen RileyCrossing.com 2023

Delightfully DELICIOUS

SCAN QR TO SEE YOUR OPTIONS.

From food court to restaurants, with over 15 options, there is something for everybody.

bit.ly/EPCFOOD

you need for your active lifestyle! Memory

Featuring:

• Fitness center and pool

• Outdoor terraces

• Pickleball court

• Putting green

• Access to walking trails along Purgatory Creek

• Close proximity to Eden Prairie Center and local dining

Contact

952-829-6400 | FlagstonePHS.org

8350 Commonwealth Drive

Eden Prairie, MN 55344

Equal housing opportunity. All faiths welcome.

Care • Care Center EDEN PRAIRIE LIFESTYLE ™ CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/EDENPRAIRIE 49 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/EDENPRAIRIE SEPTEMBER 2023

JUST RIGHT FOR BUSINESS

Tony Berthiaume, Senior Vice President Commercial Lender

Tony Seipp, Vice President of Commercial Lending

Natalie Schultz, Business Banking Officer

David Thompson, Market President

First Western Bank & Trust

ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER

Once upon a time, Goldilocks decided to start a small business. The first bank she went to was too small, and couldn’t keep up with an entrepreneur’s fast-paced needs. The second bank she went to was too big, and was unaffected when she took her business elsewhere. The third bank she visited was First Western Bank & Trust: a community bank since 1964, with 17 branches in Minnesota and the Dakotas.

First Western’s full suite of services and personalized financing solutions proved to be just right for Goldilocks’ business. She’s now creating gainful employment in her community, and she’s equally prepared for rapid growth or a bear market.

“Eden Prairie and its neighboring suburbs are where our team calls home,” said David Thompson, market president for First Western’s Eden Prairie branch. “We are personally invested in this community where we own houses and raise children. That’s why we have every incentive to help small businesses excel. Successful clients are good for First Western –this is true – but they’re also good for our own property values, school districts, and outlook on what’s in store for the southwest metro in the future.”

“Great small business banking is about helping people make the right decisions, quickly,” said Tony Berthiaume, senior vice president commercial lender. “If a startup comes to us for an SBA loan, we’re going to ensure everything is structured in such a way that promotes long-term growth for the new company. And because First Western is an experienced SBA lending institution, we offer a streamlined lending program that greatly speeds up the process.

“We’re also small enough to provide key personal touches. For example, suppose one of our clients is

a contractor. If they find a great deal on a truck one Saturday morning, they need to know whether they should buy it that day or wait it out. Because we have built a long-term relationship instead of doing a series of one-off transactions, I know our client’s financial situation well enough off-hand to give them an immediate answer – which they’re welcome to any time, because they have my personal cell number. Try that with a national bank.”

“We have one business client that used to be with a different bank,” added David. “One day they needed some documents notarized – a process which should only take a little longer than using a rubber stamp. They asked their bank to help them out. Their bank said they could fit it in a week from next Thursday. They walked into First Western without an appointment, and we had their documents fully notarized in just 15 minutes. It was all the introduction they needed to bring their business here.”

“If you think you can’t get commercial financing –but have only applied for it at national chains – come to First Western for a more expert opinion,” said Natalie Schultz, business banking officer. “Large banks use a rigid formula when determining who to lend to. We take the exact opposite approach: customizing loan terms so they meet the unique needs of each client.

“I’m reminded of one of our clients who owns a trucking company, and who was initially turned down for a loan by a national chain. Big banks are categorically hesitant to lend to companies like his because so many of them are being affected by the labor shortage. But all we had to do was look and see that he was hiring plenty of drivers. We also learned why: the owner

had set up his business so his drivers would eventually earn ownership of their own trucks. That’s a great policy which creates even more entrepreneurs. I felt proud when we approved his loan.”

“No one knows our local market better than our local bankers,” said Tony Seipp, vice president of commercial lending. “When our clients come to us to finance commercial land purchases, our familiarity with our area lets us pinpoint the right value each time. As anyone who has done it already knows, valuing real estate is impossible to do correctly without considering several subjective elements. A big bank’s loan committee, which is over a thousand miles away and exclusively informed by computers, can’t come anywhere near our accuracy.”

“Ultimately, First Western combines the best aspects of big and small banks,” said David. “We know the name of everyone

who walks through our door – unless it’s their first time, in which case we’ll greet them properly on their second arrival. But behind our small-town personalized service that’s becoming so rare these days sits the weight of a Midwest financial institution. We’re a multi-billion dollar organization, with perfectly streamlined processes, comprehensive online banking services, and the authority we need to approve the loans we issue on-site. Whether you need working capital, equipment loans, employee loans – or simply a business credit card – we’ll make sure our services are just right for your business.”

If you have any need for First Western Bank & Trust’s industry-leading expertise on all financial matters, then you are welcome to meet with their team in person at 100 Prairie Center Drive in Eden Prairie. You may also speak with the bankers by calling (952) 516-7300, or learn more online by visiting firstwestern.bank

“We are personally invested in this community where we own houses and raise children. That’s why we have every incentive to help small businesses excel.”

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

SEPTEMBER 9TH

Shakopee TAP 2023

LEWIS ST, SHAKOPEE | 1:00 PM

Downtown Shakopee will be hoppin’ once again during TAP 2023, the city’s second annual beer tasting and innovation event in the Lewis Street parking lot. Meet the entrepreneurs driving our neighboring city’s economy forward. Drink local breweries’ flagship beers – plus a few others brewed specially for the festival! Reserve your tickets at tap2023.com .

SEPTEMBER 23RD

Fifth Annual Motion

Is Life Fundraiser by Cadence Chiropractic

6409 CITY W PKWY #105, EDEN PRAIRIE | 10:00 AM

Join Cadence Chiropractic in support of Twin Cities Pet Rescue! Dr. Amanda and her fellow dog and cat lovers will convene at Eden Prairie’s chiropractic clinic on Saturday the 23rd at 10am. Choose either the 5K or the one-mile route, and walk or run at your own pace for a great cause. Register at cadence chiromn.com or donate directly at twincitiespetrescue.org

OCTOBER 1ST

An Evening With Pamela McNeill at Chanhassen

Dinner Theatres

501 WEST 78TH ST, CHANHASSEN | 5:00 PM

Join the Chan’s resident singer-songwriter for an evening of fan favorites by Janis Joplin, Stevie Nicks, Ann Wilson, Dolly Parton and more – plus brilliant original numbers including “Mississippi River Song,” “One Night in the Middle of the World” and “Heavy Lifting.” Dinner at five; Pamela and her band at seven! chanhassendt.com

If you can dream it, we can do it!