SCHEELS
TRAVEL
CRUISE PLANNERS
LIFE + CULTURE
HOME + DESIGN
DANDY DECKS
REAL ESTATE SHAKOPEE
EDINA REALTY
life. at your summit.
In those crucial moments following an injury, the immediate attention of a skilled orthopedic professional can make all the difference in getting you back to your goals and ambitions. We are always ready with the right treatments at the right time to get you back to living life at your summit as quickly as possible.
IMMEDIATE CARE AT OUR ORTHOPEDIC URGENT CARE. NOW IN EDEN PRAIRIE.
FOR 60 YEARS AND COUNTI NG, YOU CAN BANK ON US .
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.
David Thompson
Tony Seipp Market President
Richard Hawes
Natalie Schultz
Tony Berthiaume
Peter Haugen
It's the Explore Issue – Wow!
Hello Eden Prairie Lifestyle reader,
Have you ever seen Aladdin? Great flick! Funny bird. Funny monkey. Funny genie. But my favorite scene in the whole movie doesn’t have any of those guys in it. It’s the part where Aladdin takes Princess Jasmine on a magic carpet ride. They explore the world together. They sing a nice song together. And by the end of the enchanted evening, they are holding hands: the surest sign of true love there is.
Now, I wouldn’t be so bold as to compare myself to Aladdin or you to Jasmine. The thought alone makes me really uncomfortable. But what I would like to do is have you imagine that this issue of Eden Prairie Lifestyle is your very own magic carpet. It can take you across the seven seas and down all the prettiest rivers. It can take you anywhere the great outdoors beckon. It can even bring you … to Shakopee. So hop on, Eden Prairie Lifestyle reader. I can show you the world!
In this issue we are delighted to feature SCHEELS: born in Minnesota in 1902, now one of the country’s top purveyors of sporting and outdoor goods. Whether you seek heart-racing adventure in remote wilderness – or simply a new 7 iron –SCHEELS has you covered. If you intend to take the most leisurely and civilized mode of transport to the world’s most beautiful places, read on to discover Cruise Planners of Eden Prairie. If you want to cruise before 2026, now is the time to call! But if you would like to be in an especially nice pocket of the world in about 12 minutes, just continue turning these pages. Wampach’s Restaurant, Rhythm on the Rails, The Landing, Canterbury Park, Valleyfair and more all await in Shakopee!
In this issue we are equally delighted to feature OBGYN West, which is dedicated to advancing the quality, value and accessibility of healthcare for all women; Dandy Decks, which has elevated deck design and installation into an art form; Edina Realty, which has perfected the home buying and selling experience; the Eden Prairie Community Foundation, which welcomes you to Prairie Brewfest at Purgatory Creek Park on Saturday, September 7th from 3 to 6pm; and Michael Isaacson: Elementary Teacher of the Year.
Short on space now. Must be brief. Thank you, sponsors! Thank you, readers! Read Eden Prairie Lifestyle!
Best regards,
JOHN LEE, PUBLISHER
July 2024
PUBLISHER
John Lee | john.lee@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
David Scheller | david.scheller@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Michael Kerski, Bill Scheller
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Aly Cross, Emily John
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard Learn
Kibble - Pick a well balanced base for you pet’s needs!
Add wet food - Gives pets a different texture and aroma!
Add a treat - Find something nutritious to top if off like a bone broth, hip and joint treat, etc! Variety -
business monthly
A ROUNDUP OF
Eden Prairie Lions Club Hosts Schooner Days
This year’s Schooner Days was a smash hit! Hosted by our friends at the Eden Prairie Lions Club, the free-admission festival treated guests to thrilling carnival rides, riveting midway games, the kind of gourmet fare that can only be served by food trucks, and endless lively rounds of bingo. This year’s festivities included the family-friendly market fair featuring flea market items, face painting, and insane ice cream creations. Here’s looking forward to next year! lionsclubs.org
RedLadder Provides a Lifeline for Charities
Do you remember the One Red Paperclip project? After just 14 cashless trades, Canadian blogger Kyle MacDonald turned a single paperclip into a house. Inspired by that genius, RedLadder envisions an online trade ladder, where every step – entirely cashless – amplifies value and culminates in generous donations to charitable causes. It’s a fun and engaging way to give back that can’t be properly summarized in 75 words or less. Visit the website to learn more! rladder.org
T-Mobile Fiber Cuts the Ribbon
It’s time to boost your internet experience! If you want massive amounts of megabytes to course into your phone, tablet, computer and television, then T-Mobile Fiber is here to turbocharge your life. Top-notch service. No annual contracts. Competitive flat-rate prices. Power dozens of devices simultaneously without interruption. Download downright preposterous quantities of data – it’s easy when your ISP doesn’t cap your usage. Your ancestors only could have dreamed of having such great internet service! t-mobilefiber.com
HyperCharge Clinic Cuts the Ribbon
HyperCharge Clinic is advancing a new approach to revitalized health, enhanced wellness, recovery, anti-aging and disease management. By targeting the “powerhouse” of our cells – the mitochondria – with non-invasive therapies such as Class IV laser, red light therapy and much more, they are pioneering a new era of precision medicine that promotes faster healing, pain relief, wellness, and human performance. The physician-founded clinic strives to bring you the most powerful and effective wellness modalities! hyperchargeclinic.com
Fresko Coaching & Consulting Cuts the Ribbon
Ignite progress with Fresko Coaching & Consulting! The firm reveals distinct strengths while breaking through situations that block individuals and teams from achieving their goals. Through focused conversation and a unique assessment tool, they are able to provide fresh perspectives in a short period of time. Contact Fresko Coaching & Consulting for individual and leader development, human resource and talent development services, and team and organizational development services. Book your free discovery call today! freskocc.com
Eden Lakes Dental Cuts the Ribbon
Dr. Franny Catibog and the Eden Lakes Dental team offer a full suite of dental services that will help you find your best smile! Keep your pearly whites healthy with cleanings, fillings, and emergency care. Make your already beautiful smile even more beautiful with veneers, whitening, crowns, dental implants or Invisalign. Witness the future of dental care with state-of-the-art laser dentistry. Eden Lakes Dental is now accepting new patients – reach out today! edenlakesdental.com
Office Golf Welcomes
You to the Boardroom
Office Golf stands for much more than fully simulated driving and putting. You can join the Bloomington golf destination for lunch, dinner and happy hour, too! The Boardroom offers a diverse menu and full bar, a picturesque patio for warm-weather socializing, and the ideal spot for gathering with friends and celebrating special occasions. It’s the ultimate in laid-back upscale dining! officegolf.com
EP GIVES 2024
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALY CROSS
Enriching Our Community Through Philanthropy, Collaboration and Leadership
The Eden Prairie Community Foundation hosted EP Gives, their signature annual fundraising event, at Minneapolis Marriott Southwest on April 26th, 2024.
Around 200 attended the 43rd annual gala in support of the foundation’s myriad philanthropic efforts for the people of Eden Prairie. Between the wine pull, live and silent auctions, and generous donations, guests helped raise over $100,000 for nonprofits, organizations, and other worthy causes.
“EP Gives isn’t just about raising money for our programs and grantmaking,” said Greg Leeper, executive director of the Eden Prairie Community Foundation “It’s also about bringing people together for a great time, and showcasing all the impactful work happening in our community. I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to everyone who came out in support of our mission, and welcome you all back to next year’s gala!”
Learn more about the Eden Prairie Community Foundation at epgives.org, or make a charitable donation today by visiting epcommunityfoundation.org/donate.
Phone 952-445-5020 Fax 952-445-5021 JH.Associates.MN@gmail.com
Marshall Road, STE 305, Shakopee, MN, 55379
EDEN PRAIRIE 18315 Cascade Drive, Suite 110 Eden Prairie, MN 55347 952-653-0475
ARTICLE BY BILL SCHELLER
“WE DON’T JUST DO CRUISES, BUT WE DO ... DO CRUISES!”
CRUISE PLANNERS
“Picture yourself in a boat on a river,” the Beatles sang, and many clients of Eden Prairie’s Cruise Planners do just that. It might be the Rhine, with legendary castles along its banks, or the Mississippi, with its Civil War sites and echoes of Mark Twain’s
Barcelona is the port of departure for cruises heading to Italian destinations. And 10-to-14-day South America itineraries, with stops in Uruguay, Argentina, and the Falkland Islands, are drawing an increasing amount of interest. “Stopovers in the Falklands are a big
THE WORLD HAS OPENED UP, AND PEOPLE ARE EMBRACING IT.
steamboat era. Other folks take to the high seas. Either way, travel agents Mark and Helen Rigby, owners of our local Cruise Planners franchise, are happy to help navigate the details.
“The post-pandemic demand for cruising hasn’t leveled off,” says Mark. “The world has opened up, and people are embracing it.” With passenger volume growing year after year, he reminds prospective clients that planning – and booking – ahead is more important than ever. And they’re taking his advice: more than a few clients already looking ahead to 2026.
Where are they off to? Just about everywhere. “The Greek Islands are always very popular,” Mark reports, “with cruises mostly leaving from Athens, and also some from Croatia’s Dalmatian coast on the Adriatic.” At the other end of the Mediterranean,
draw because of the chance to view wildlife,” Mark points out. Seals and sea lions thrive in that distant South Atlantic destination, and more than 200 bird species, including penguins, frequent the islands.
Other tried-and-true cruise routes include voyages leaving from Long Beach, California, and heading to Mexican ports-of-call including Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta. Venturing farther on the Pacific, several cruise lines offer journeys to Southeast Asian destinations such as Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines. For devotees of ocean travel content to stay on board for their entire trip, there’s still the legendary North Atlantic crossing on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2. “That historic journey is still very popular for a specific clientele,” claims Mark.
What about those river cruises? “It depends on what sort of experience a client is looking for,” says Mark. “AmaWaterways, for instance, carries plenty of bicycles, so it’s an appealing option for more active people who want to get off on their own and explore during stopovers.” That’s an especially alluring prospect for river cruisers in Belgium and the Netherlands, known for their extensive car-free bike paths, and flat terrain. Others might be looking for a quiet onboard experience, which makes Viking, with its age-18-and-over rule, a smart option.
River cruising is by no means exclusive to Europe, as Minnesotans living near a certain famed waterway ought to be aware. “The Mississippi is by far the most popular American river for cruising,” Mark notes. “You can travel all the way from St. Paul to New Orleans, a two-week cruise with one-day stops along the way.” These might include Mark Twain’s hometown of Hannibal, Missouri; St. Louis and its Gateway Arch; antebellum plantations and Civil War battlefields – and, at Memphis, Elvis Presley’s Graceland. A shorter itinerary might just traverse the river between Memphis and New Orleans. Long or short, says Mark, “these cruises take in a lot of history.”
THESE CRUISES TAKE IN A LOT OF HISTORY.
Whether for river or ocean, four days or two weeks – or longer – planning well ahead is always key. According to Mark, “the days of the last-minute deal are in the past. A lot of the best deals are the ones you get early on. In any event, you don’t want to have to sacrifice comfort, or settle for leftovers, such as an inside cabin.” For example, those planning a cruise to Alaska are going to want to book early so they can get a starboard cabin with the best views of the coastal mountains while heading north, and a port cabin – for the same reason – on their return. Especially for river cruises, on smaller vessels, it’s essential to book well in advance if you want a specific type of accommodation. So, if you want to “picture yourself on a boat on a river” – or on a cruise ship heading for ports far or near – think ahead at least to 2025, or maybe even beyond. Mark and Helen at Cruise Planners will put that picture into focus.
CRUISE PLANNERS
rigbytravel.com
Daniel Rigby, Helen Rigby and Mark Rigby
SCHEELS
A SHOPPING EXPERIENCE AS GREAT AS ALL OUTDOORS
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
Thousands of lakes, each one a mirror to the heavens. Millions of acres of virgin mountain, woodland and prairie.
Billions of fish in every color of the fish rainbow. Over 500 golf courses, too. This is Minnesota: home of the great outdoors – and birthplace of SCHEELS, which stocks everything Minnesotans need to enjoy them.
SCHEELS was founded by Friedrich A. Scheel in Sabin, MN in 1902. The German immigrant never imagined his humble hardware and general store would one day offer power-assisted kayaks for sale. Today it does, at 34 locations spanning 16
states, under the leadership of Scheel’s great- and great-great-grandsons.
It’s not just a family business. And it’s not just an employee-owned one, either. SCHEELS is a collective of athletes, outdoorsmen, and of course outdoorswomen who all share their guests’ passion for the rinks, links, lakes and trails that make our state a paradise.
“For me, growing up in rural Wisconsin meant playing hockey whenever it was too cold to play baseball,” said Al Henwood, assistant store leader at SCHEELS’ Eden Prairie location. “I only discovered my loves of golf, biking, hiking, fishing and camping later in life. But better late than never. Every time I pick up a new pursuit, it gives me a new way to connect with the people who walk through our doors.”
Al will not live long enough to gain a profound appreciation for every sport and hobby SCHEELS caters to. The 250,000-square-foot store’s 100 specialty shops encompass football, lacrosse, soccer, softball, weight lifting, pickleball, boxing, running, yoga, and everything else that gets Eden Prairians’ hearts pumping.
“Our floors are filled with experts who share ownership of SCHEELS’ success,” said Al. “We want people to have whatever they need to get wherever they dream of going. Whether that’s the Boundary Waters or a family cookout, we’ve got our customers covered with the same products we’d trust our own precious free time to.”
If you spend any amount of time exploring the great outdoors this summer, then you’ll love SCHEELS’ First Lite x NEMO merchandise. The two manufacturers have combined their expertise on hunting apparel and outdoor equipment to create first-in-class tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads. Perfect for adventurers who meet challenges head on and well rested.
SCHEELS tailors to adventurers who limit their explorations to their backyards as well. There you’ll find drinkware you’re allowed to be careless with, cornhole setups you’re allowed to get competitive over, and the sausage stuffer you’ll need to finally grill brats of your own design and creation.
“We’ve grown a lot in the backyard market over the years,” said Al. “One of the highest-demand products in that department is the Solo Stove – the wildly popular portable smokeless fire pit, which we stock in seven sizes and ten different colors. Whether you want to toast marshmallows on your patio table or keep a dozen family members warm on your deck, we’ve got just the Solo for the job.”
“One of the best parts of my job is giving kids access to the outdoorsy pastimes they’ll cherish for life,” said Al. “That might mean preparing Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops for their first overnight forays into the forest, equipping a child for their inaugural fishing trip with their grandpa, or helping junior athletes choose the equipment they’ll need to shine bright on the field. ‘Get them hooked young’ is a healthy attitude to have when creating joy is your specialty.”
If you don’t leave SCHEELS with a camp chair, ice auger, catcher’s mitt, or bag of rawhide dog treats, then you can still take away nice memories. Ride the 45-foot indoor Ferris wheel. Watch reef fish dart around the 16,000-gallon aquarium. Get inspired by an animatronic Herb Brooks. Play mini bowling, have an iced latte, and test out the goods at the archery lanes and synthetic ice rink. It’s all at the south corner of Eden Prairie Center.
SCHEELS recently began showcasing the future of floating technology: the electric-assist pedal-driven kayak by Old Town. It’s a great way for kayakers of all ages to preserve their stamina and keep up with the group, and it frees up an angler’s hands for pressing bass-based objectives.
scheels.com
“WE WANT PEOPLE TO HAVE WHATEVER THEY NEED TO GET WHEREVER THEY DREAM OF GOING.
Dr. Alesha Roach and Dr. Ashley Anderson
(photo by Emily John)
OBGYN West
Premier Women’s Health of Minnesota-OBGYN West is dedicated to advancing the quality, value and accessibility of healthcare for all women. Their passion elevates the obstetrics and gynecology experience by partnering women with medical professionals who are just as invested in their patients’ well-being as they are their peace of mind, empowering women to make informed decisions about their health, and making everything women need to lead their healthiest lives available at multiple prestigious and independent practices throughout the greater Twin Cities area – including OBGYN West’s four locations in Chaska, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka and Waconia.
OBGYN West’s empathetic and skilled physicians pride themselves on caring for generations of women. Many grandmothers take heart knowing that their daughters and granddaughters receive expert preventive, acute and chronic care from the same doctors they entrust their own health to. In this fashion, OBGYN West has remained one of the threads that binds families together since their establishment in 1970.
OBGYN West’s Waconia clinic exemplifies their physicians’ commitment to the communities they serve. The city’s growing population includes many women who are looking forward to starting their own families. OBGYN West will answer their call.
“As an Ob/Gyn, I’m at the forefront of my patients’ childbearing and pregnancy years,” said Dr. Ashley Andersen, who is one of four primary physicians serving women at OBGYN West’s Waconia clinic. “It is a privilege to get to truly know each of my patients, and become someone she can trust with all of her health issues. As a resident of the west metro, I look forward to treating my neighbors today and decades from now. I believe that caring for multiple generations of the same family is the greatest distinction a physician could ever hope to achieve.
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
Health Partnerships for Life
“Our clinicians understand the importance of continuity of care. A patient may not see the same physician during every visit, though she will partner with a single provider over the course of her lifetime. That creates enormous peace of mind for any expecting mother who wants the same specialist at her side during and after her pregnancy – and, needless to say, on the big day itself. By the time I’ve delivered my patient’s second baby, she and I will already have become close friends.
“Continuity of care is also invaluable to our patients who aren’t necessarily planning to have children now, but would like to sometime in the foreseeable future. If motherhood is one of your dreams, then we welcome you to OBGYN West for your annual exams. We’ll help you understand which medications are safe, which vitamins and supplements are most helpful, and which health and wellness decisions you can start making to put yourself in the best possible place when you are finally ready to start a family. And if you do encounter bumps in the road, we’ll be here to help you navigate them the right way. It’s all in service of reducing your stress to the greatest degree possible.
“OBGYN West’s state-of-the-art medical services do even more to allay our patients’ apprehensions. We have excellent and accessible sonography at all four of our locations. We also partner with the Twin Cities’ leading high-risk pregnancy specialists, including the same perinatologists who treat patients for Allina and M Health Fairview.
CONTINUED >
“I’m a mother myself, with a 2-year-old and another new life on the way. I like to think I was compassionate and understanding before experiencing motherhood firsthand, although everything has taken on a new meaning since then. Now that I have weathered the same doubts, challenges and stressors as my patients, I feel I can relate to them that much more genuinely.
“I’m also a millennial, which gives me insight into the unique health challenges faced by other members of the younger generations. I see the same social media content and ads as my peers, and know how to refute the oftentimes wildly inaccurate information they contain. I also understand younger women’s desire to incorporate chiropractic, acupuncture, yoga, and other forms of nontraditional self-care into their pregnancies, and am happy to help them get the most from their added investment in their health.
“I only refer to OBGYN West’s clients as ‘patients’ out of custom. In reality, we treat individuals – each of whom comes to us with her own one-of-a-kind health history and aspirations. I can only do my best work by truly getting to know someone as a person. I am grateful to work at a clinic that lets me do just that!”
Please visit premierwomenshealthmn.com to learn more about OBGYN West’s health partnerships for life, or call (952) 249-2000 to book an appointment at any of their four clinics in the west metro.
SERVICES OFFERED AT OBGYN WEST
• Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery
• Annual Well-Woman Visit
• Birth Control
• Endometrial Ablation
• Endometriosis Treatment
• Family Medicine
• Gynecology
• In-Office Surgery
• Infertility
• Mammography
• Menopausal Care
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Nutritional Therapy
• Pelvic Medicine
• Pregnancy
• Robotic Surgery
• Telehealth
• Weight Management
Edina Realty
EMPOWERING AGENTS AND CLIENTS EVERY STEP OF THE WAY
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
“I entered the world of real estate in 2005,” said Brad Lasser, managing broker of Edina Realty’s Eden Prairie office. “My mother-in-law and I had partnered in new construction and existing house sales back then, and soon joined the top 10 percent of Edina Realty agents.
“After a few years, I was ready for a new challenge. I wanted to manage an office – to help our agents succeed at helping our clients succeed – and that’s exactly the opportunity I received when I became managing broker of Edina Realty’s Minnetonka office in 2020.
“Now that the Minnetonka and Eden Prairie offices have merged, I’m proud to support one of the biggest real estate teams serving the southwest metro. Uniting the two branches earlier this year was a great move, and not just because it gives us power in numbers. Real estate is first and foremost about networking and building relationships. By bringing our agents closer together, we’re reviving the fast-paced collaboration that suffered so much as a result of everything that happened during 2020.
“We hold weekly sales meetings. We stay abreast of the constant changes taking place in our industry, such as municipality requirements, HOA developments, and new financing options. We don’t let any networking opportunity pass us by. And whenever an exceptional house hits the market – by which I mean one that is priced $750,000 or higher – we gather 30 to 50 of our top producers at that property so we can share tangible firsthand experience with it.
“There’s no greater feeling than watching the ink dry on a deal you personally helped put together. But as a dyed-in-the-wool coach, I’m naturally wired to take satisfaction from giving our agents whatever assistance they need to continue growing Edina Realty’s track record of excellence.
“I became a certified Mike Staver coach last year. That means I spent 12 months honing my ability to support our team members through any challenges they might face. Whether an agent needs marketing assistance or simply wishes to increase their number of listings (and by extension their income), they bring me their agenda and we work through it together.
“I’m especially proud to help our newer agents adjust to the insanely competitive world of professional real estate. Staging, positioning the property, achieving a full-price offer as quickly as possible –they’re all great skill sets to foster in novices, as they will directly benefit Edina Realty’s clients for decades to come.
CONTINUED >
Brad Lasser, Managing Broker
“We give our agents even more of the tools they need to excel by backing them with a full-service real estate brokerage. Mortgage, title, insurance, home warranties – if it’s necessary to complete a seamless transaction, we already do it in-house.
“Taking care of everything in-house also lets us save the day whenever something goes haywire in the 11th hour. For example, we recently represented a seller whose buyer encountered financing issues one week before closing. What could have been a nightmare was completely smoothed over by our diligent mortgage department. Our client sold their house and bought a new one in the same timeframe they’d originally planned for. There was another recent occasion where title issues threatened to sour the deal at the last minute. Once again, our title department stepped up to make a horribly inconvenient lien disappear in a matter of only 48 hours.
“Our approach does much more than secure our own agents’ success. It raises funding for the Edina Realty Foundation, which awards grants to non-profits that serve homeless and at-risk individuals throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. It makes rewarding real estate careers available to more members of the community we’re so honored to serve. But above all else, it creates superlative customer satisfaction – the reason why Edina Realty will celebrate its 30th anniversary as a market leader in 2026.”
edinarealty.com
Are you looking out your window and yearning for some more color? If so, our plants of the month are sure to put a sparkle in your eye!
Say Hello to Hibiscus! We offer Tropical & MN Hardy Hibiscus that come in an array of colors. The tropical Hibiscus add bold color to a planter on the deck or around the pool where it radiates in the sun. The MN hardy Hibiscus will be blooming soon so visit us to see how large these flowers are! They may have a short bloom period but they make a big impact.
Mention #JulySpecial to receive 25% off your Hibiscus purchase thru July 30, 2024.
at www.monrovia.com/themustardseed
Angel Eyes Hardy Hibiscus
Photo courtesy of Proven Winners
Summerific Lilac Crush Hardy Hibiscus
Photo courtesy of Proven Winners
Tropical Hibiscus
Photo courtesy of Proven Winners
PRAIRIE BREWFEST 2024
Purgatory Creek Park: Saturday, September 7th, 3-6pm
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
“When you join your family, friends and neighbors at Prairie Brewfest, you’re making a direct positive impact on our community.”
You don’t need a good reason to drink beer. All you need is beer. But friend, let me ask you something: Have you ever raised a glass of the greatest beer there is – namely, one that was brewed right here in Minnesota – in an act of neighborly love? It transforms a hedonistic pastime into a philanthropic deed. Beer, plus benevolence. That’s Prairie Brewfest 2024! Picture this. You’re in Purgatory Creek Park on a serene late-summer afternoon (specifically September 7th between 3 and 6pm). You’re surrounded by the greatest kind of company there is: Saturday-cheerful Eden Prairians. The angelic aromas of woodfired pizza and various fried delicacies lovingly embrace your olfactory senses. The music of Wondercure, a local rock band headed by Dave Lindahl – the same city of Eden Prairie economic development manager who founded Prairie Brewfest alongside Mark Weber in 2014 – romances your ears in ways that only rock can. Only laughter, the rhythmic thunks of cornhole bags, and the expert emceeing of Mayor Ron Case and Senator Steve Cwodzinski punctuate those sweet, sweet jams.
There is also beer. Bent Paddle of Duluth, Castle Danger of Two Harbors, and Utepils of Bryn Mawr will all showcase their best quaffs at Brewfest. So too will Eden Prairie’s very own Fat Pants, as well as Flying Dutchman Spirits. (The latter doesn’t brew beer, although cocktails have been known to stimulate merrymaking in much the same way that beer does). Wine, which is also good, will be poured at Prairie Brewfest thanks to Parley Lake Winery
of Waconia and Carlos Creek Winery of Alexandria. There will even be non alcoholic beverages. Wow!
Prairie Brewfest is presented by the Eden Prairie Community Foundation, which has made our fair city a better place to call home since its establishment by community members and city leaders in 1981. During its lifetime, the foundation has provided over $2 million in grants to more than 100 different nonprofits and organizations serving people who live or work in Eden Prairie.
“When you join your family, friends and neighbors at Prairie Brewfest, you’re making a direct positive impact on our community,” said Greg Leeper, executive director of the Eden Prairie Community Foundation. Our donors and volunteers have enabled us to support PROP, bring the Every Meal Food Program to Eden Prairie Schools, and partner with the Sojourner Project to provide shelter and legal advocacy to the west metro’s most vulnerable women. Their generosity has also funded the Eden Prairie Community Band, made Eden Prairie more accessible to people with disabilities, and supported the construction of Miracle League Field and Purgatory Creek Park’s Veterans Memorial.”
Help guide the Eden Prairie Community Foundation’s efforts to where they are most needed! When you attend Prairie Brewfest, you’ll meet face-to-face with local organizations and nonprofits serving Eden Prairie, and vote on which projects will receive the most grant funding. Winners will be announced at the end of the fête!
Kyle Luebeck
Dan Geisler
Todd Loudenslager
MICHAEL ISAACSON: ELEMENTARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools 2024 Legacy Award Winner Looks Back on 35 Years at Cedar Ridge Elementary School
From 1989 until his retirement this year, Michael Isaacson kept the same little yellow box in his desk at Cedar Ridge Elementary School. Its lid, long ago detached by time and wear, depicts antiquely dressed children walking hand in hand toward a red schoolhouse, with a barking terrier in tow. Michael’s greatest treasure lies just beneath.
“I joined Cedar Ridge the first year it opened,” Michael recollected. “I spent my first 22 years there teaching fourth grade, and the last 13 teaching fifth.
“Children that age live in two different worlds. Part of them wants to stay young, and continue enjoying games, activities and friendships the same way they always have. The other part – which only grows larger over time – wants independence, self-identity, and a place in the world. I’ve watched more children take their first steps toward adulthood over the years than I could count. It’s been a joy to help them on their way.
“My job was to get children ready for middle school. That meant plenty of reading, writing and arithmetic, of course. But just as importantly, it meant teaching them how to adjust to an environment where their peers’ opinions suddenly seem to matter a whole lot more than the adults’: to value what others say, but never at the expense of losing sight of their own uniqueness.
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
“And it’s not always easy. Fifth graders may still be young, but many of them have already mastered the arts of back talk and eye rolling. That’s why it’s crucial to treat them like the individuals they want to become – by conversing with them, instead of merely talking at them – and providing the structure they need to mature in a positive direction.
“My colleagues and former students tend to agree that I’m very structured when things are going well and calm when they aren’t. I believe this combination creates the best environment for learning. Students know what’s expected of them, and accept corrective consequences whenever they fall short of expectations. Give them the space they need to self-correct. They’ll use it.
“There’s one thing I can’t emphasize enough: I could not have been successful if not for Cedar Ridge’s exceptional staff. There is genuine love and respect in that building because there is just as genuine a family inside of it.
I COULD NOT HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IF NOT FOR CEDAR RIDGE’S EXCEPTIONAL
STAFF.
THERE IS GENUINE LOVE AND RESPECT IN THAT BUILDING BECAUSE THERE IS JUST AS GENUINE A FAMILY INSIDE OF IT.
“The children aren’t the only ones who benefit from that. When a mitral valve issue sent me to open heart surgery last fall, Cedar Ridge staff stayed at my side. They took shifts caring for me during the first week following my surgery. They put together a meal plan, drove me to all my follow-up appointments, and made sure my transition would be smooth when I could finally return to work.
“I had always been a pretty private and self-dependent person before then. I believe I still am. But to have felt so much warmth from people who were, at the end of the day, just my coworkers … well, I guess they weren’t ‘just my coworkers’ after all.
“It’s always bittersweet to say goodbye to my students each spring. This past spring, which marked my retirement, was the most bittersweet of them all. I’ll always keep the best parts of my career close to me, in the little yellow school box I started using back when I was in elementary school. It’s filled with notes, letters and updates that students, parents and staff have sent to me over the years. I used to go through these mementos – affirmations, in a sense –whenever I needed to be reminded why I teach. I’ll still go through them from time to time, just so I can relive the most beautiful career a man could ever have been blessed to experience.
“It’s my hope that our community will continue to treasure its outstanding school system. I encourage you to support Eden Prairie Schools in any way you can. That can take the form of donating to the Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools, which does so much great work for our youth. But if your life has ever been touched by one of our teachers, then all I ask is that you reach out to them. Let them know they helped you become the person you are today.”
edenpr.org | foundationforepschools.org
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
When your retirement is at stake, only the soundest decisions will do. Trust Demery Wealth Advisors to provide the insight you need to achieve your unique financial goals. Minimize risk. Maximize opportunity. Build a solid foundation for your financial future.
www.demerywealthadvisors.com
952.837.2687 | kiley@demerywealthadvisors.com
7760 France Avenue S #1100, Bloomington, MN 55435
Revolutionizing The Weight Loss Industry
Our clinic specializes in Semaglutide treatments for weight loss. On average, patients lose 15% of their body weight. This game-changing medicine has given our clinic over 300 local success stories and climbing. No matter what your weight loss goals may be, we are here to help you! Feel free to call or stop by, walk-ins welcomed!
Locally Owned • No Contracts • FDA Approved • Licensed MN Doctors. (952) 900-3994 | www.regnerhealthsolutions.com | bregner@regnerhealthsolutions.com | 5270 W 84th St. Ste. 420 Bloomington, MN
DECKS Dandy
FINALLY – THE DECK OF YOUR DREAMS
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
Your favorite weather. Your favorite people. Your favorite food. Your favorite drink. Even your favorite dog – or dogs, if you have more than one. Where is the best place to be with all of your favorite things, all at once? That’s right: on your deck . Maybe your home doesn’t currently have a deck. What a horrible thought. Maybe your home already has a deck, but it’s bland: a zestless snooze of a platform that keeps your grill and outdoor furniture off the ground and nothing else. Or maybe your deck is so old that you cross your heart each time you set foot on it!
Never fear. Now that you know about Dandy Decks – the southwest metro’s preeminent deck designer and installer, which is locally owned and operated by a Minnesota farm boy who owes all his success to his clients’ complete satisfaction – your new favorite deck is already good as built.
Dandy Decks is a fully licensed and insured general contractor. If you can name some type of professional alteration to your home, including anything involving load-bearing walls, Daniel Hermanson and his men are the team for the job. Why, then, do they specialize in decks?
“Because no other home improvement project gives me more creative freedom,” Daniel explained. “I approach deck building like an artist. Creating the clean lines and graceful angles that fit a home’s backyard like they were always meant to be there is the end goal for every one of my ‘pieces.’
“I’m not a deck snob. If you want a beige, cookie-cutter rectangle, then my team will absolutely knock it out of the park. But if you want a deck that will elevate your home’s curb appeal, complement its architecture and landscaping, and make your neighbors jealous, then you’re going to be glad you chose Dandy Decks.
“We make custom deck design easy. Once I’ve given you a free phone estimate, all you have to do is
“We won’t overlook an opportunity to make your new deck truly yours.”
welcome me to your home. After I’ve taken some measurements, I’ll explain all the artistic flourishes we can incorporate into your deck design. Multiple elevations. Multiple colors of decking. Even the low-voltage wiring and LED lighting that will really make your deck pop after dusk. We won’t overlook an opportunity to make your new deck truly yours.
CONTINUED >
“Once you’ve approved your dream deck’s design, the rest is a cakewalk. I’ve boiled estimates down to a fine science, and can determine a 400-square-foot project’s final cost after spending about 15 minutes at the computer. Deck building is our specialty, and our speed proves it. Just last May, we completed a smaller project from start to finish in only three days. If you’re building a larger and more complicated deck – and the weather has decided not to play along – then we still shouldn’t need more than five weeks to permanently transform your outdoor living space. And thanks to our high-quality craftsmanship, you can count on your deck to stay sturdy and attractive for decades.
“A lot of contractors will build you a deck. Not as many will do a great job. But when you go with Dandy Decks, you can rest assured you’re getting the best of the best. We’re like SEAL Team Six … but for decks.”
Call (763) 229-9864 today to speak directly with Daniel, or visit dandydecks.com to learn more about what the Twin Cities’ deck virtuoso can do for you!
Longevity Medicine
EXTEND YOUR HEALTH SPAN WITH THE INSTITUTE FOR INTEGRATIVE THERAPIES
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY JOHN
The Institute for Integrative Therapies (IIT) isn’t here to help you live longer. If you want that, then you’ll have to speak with a higher authority than a medical doctor. But Dr. Manoj Doss and Dr. Ranji Varghese can help you do essentially the same thing: age more healthily, so you can enjoy more good years down here with the rest of us in Eden Prairie. It’s the power of longevity medicine!
• Weight Loss - Includes Wegovy, Mounjaro, and other injectable peptide treatments that mimic the effects of natural appetite suppression hormones.
• Peptide Therapy - Improves the body’s responses to diet and physical activity, and contributes to the production of human growth hormone which has manifold effects on metabolism.
• IV Nutrient Supplementation - Provides vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that boost energy, bolster immune health, and accelerate recovery from injury.
• NAD+ Therapy - Slows the aging process by enhancing cellular resilience and energy production; also reduces symptoms of addiction and withdrawal.
• Metabolomic Testing - Generates the detailed metabolic fingerprint IIT doctors need to tailor personalized strategies for enhancing health and vitality, and compares biological age to chronological age.
Worried that your insurance won’t cover the cost of prescription weight loss medications? Thanks to their clinic’s partnered compounding pharmacy, Dr. Doss and Dr. Varghese can create generic versions of patented weight loss drugs for a fraction of the cost.
Maximize your health span! Visit iit-mn.com to learn more, or call (651) 280-8774 to book a consultation at IIT’s Eden Prairie clinic.
Dr. Ranji Varghese and Dr. Manoj Doss
classic COMPANY
FINALLY – THE DRIVEWAY OF YOUR DREAMS
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
Are you sick and tired of looking at your crummy old asphalt driveway? Put it where it belongs – in the trash – and embrace the transformative power of concrete!
Classic Company, a locally owned concrete specialist that has served Twin Cities homeowners and businesses since the dawn of the 21st century, is standing by to give you an absolute masterpiece of a driveway. And we’re not just talking in terms of durability and functionality. We’re also talking about peak aesthetics : a driveway that is guaranteed to conform to your vision for magnificence thanks to Classic Company’s 12 different stamps and 40 color options.
“We just finished pouring an Eden Prairie home’s gorgeous new driveway last week, and it’s already become the envy of the neighborhood,” said David Healy, director of marketing and estimator for Classic Company. “Our client decided to take it to the next level with a distinctive New England Ashlar stamp border, colored onyx for eye-popping contrast. It was a more affordable option than a full stamp, but still one that’s going to intensify their home’s curb appeal for upwards of 40 years.”
Worried about shutting down your driveway for weeks on end? That’s reasonable – unless you’ve partnered with Classic Company. “From start to finish, this project took us only seven days,” said Dave. “If you want to wrap up your summer vacation by coming home to the driveway of your dreams, then now is the time to call!”
Call (612) 552-7100 today for your free quote, or learn more at mnconcretespecialists.com .
At Premier Women’s Health of Minnesota-OBGYN West, we’re passionate about delivering high-quality care for the whole you. Our team includes primary care and ObGyn, all under one roof. Discover expert care for pregnancy and after-baby care. Choose from a range of GYN and surgery services when you need them. Move toward healthy with wellness services that include weight management, physical therapy, and mammography.
Minnetonka
Chaska
Eden Prairie
Waconia
Everyone is getting ready for the summer!
Having those reunions in a clean environment means a lot, when it means a safe and healthy place for friends and family. Summer is about enjoyment. Don’t let cleaning get in your way. We’ve been preparing cabins for the summer and it’s never too late to get yours done! Well… that’s until summer is over. Act Now To Get A $40 OFF Your Deep Clean Today! Not looking for a deep clean? No problem. You can still get $20 OFF any other cleaning. Call Now To Reserve Your Cleaning Spot!
Discover Shakopee
ARTICLE BY MICHAEL KERSKI
Shakopee, Minnesota is a town rich with exploration opportunities. Established in 1851 by Thomas A. Holmes as a trading post, this rapidly growing city is set to reach a population of 50,000, yet it retains its smalltown charm.
For those looking to indulge in the best onion rings, as voted by WCCO viewers, Wampach’s Restaurant at 126 1st Ave W in downtown is a must-visit. Music enthusiasts can enjoy Rhythm on the Rails, hosted by the Shakopee Chamber, every Wednesday from mid-June through July on Lewis Street in downtown. This event attracts music lovers from across Minnesota, featuring bands from The Fabulous Armadillos to the Mallrats.
History buffs can step back in time at The Landing, located next to the Minnesota River. Here, visitors can embark on a self-guided tour of Minnesota’s history. Adjacent to The Landing is Memorial Park, historically home to the Dakota people and featuring ancient burial mounds. The park’s original springs continue to feed a large pond.
Shakopee also offers Canterbury Park for horse racing and various events, as well as Valleyfair for family entertainment. Looking ahead to 2025, a new 19,000seat amphitheater will open, promising over 40 concert events annually.
discovershakopee.org
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
JULY 4TH
4th of July Hometown Celebration
16691 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie | 3:00 PM
Celebrate the foundation of the home country of Eden Prairie the right way: by enjoying food, live music and fireworks at the 4th of July Hometown Celebration! Round Lake Park will become the most festive place on earth partly thanks to the efforts of the Eden Prairie Lions Club, which will serve domestic and craft tap beer, wine and seltzers! lionsclubs.org
JULY 14TH
Here Comes the Sun at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
501 West 78th St, Chanhassen | 7:00 PM
It’s a Beatles songfest! Lori Dokken and five of the Twin Cities’ other finest female vocalists will deliver a diverse selection of The Fab Four’s greatest hits, including “Strawberry Fields Forever,” “The Long and Winding Road,” “Across the Universe,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “When I'm Sixty-Four,” “Help,” “Come Together,” “All You Need Is Love” and more! chanhassendt.com
AUGUST 5TH
Eden Prairie Lions Charity Golf Tournament
14490 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie | 10:30 AM
Enjoy the greatest sport on earth – followed by dinner – at Bent Creek Golf Club. Compete for fabulous prizes, including a six-day vacation for two at beautiful Pebble Beach Resort or Hawaii. Take heart knowing you’re doing it all for a worthy cause: our local Lions Club chapter’s philanthropic efforts. Every skill level welcome; cash prizes available to all! ep-lions-golf-tournament.perfectgolfevent.com
“Now
more than ever, who you hire matters.” - RYAN PLATZKE
#1 #1 Home Selling Team in Minnesota for Coldwell Banker since 2015
THE PLATZKE PROMISE
From contract to close, I pledge to listen, deliver, and redefine Real Estate with accuracy, transparency, and guided results, aiming for unrivaled excellence
MARKETING AT A HIGHER LEVEL
Our property specific marketing efforts cannot be duplicated in the markets we serve On average we generate 3-4x the amount of exposure than our competitors
Give me a chance to show you why we are Coldwell Banker Realty’s #1 Home Selling Team since 2015!
Platzke Real Estate Group 952 942 7777
RMPlatzke@CBRealty com
PlatzkeRealEstateGroup com
“Ryan and his team were great Very professional and helpful Staging was perfect and house pictures were amazing Ryan's team hung in there with us during these challenging times The closing couldn't have gone any better, simple and smooth. We would definitely recommend Ryan and his team to help sell your house.”
What is the Yetzer Experience?
It’s our free in-store and in-home design services. It’s our vast selection of inventory, and knowing you can take home anything on our showroom floor the same day you fall in love with it. It’s the freedom to customize the perfect piece of furniture by great Amish brands like Canadel, Fusion, Oakwood or Smith Brothers. If you can dream it, we can create it! And above all else, the Yetzer Experience is high-quality (yet highly affordable) American-made solid wood furniture – not flimsy particle board shipped from overseas like some big box stores sell. You don’t stay in business for over 80 years by selling junk! Come discover the Yetzer Experience at our stores in Waconia or Forest Lake today! – Thomas Wiest, Owner
