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A business banking team you can count on.
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David Thompson Market President
Tony Berthiaume SVP Commercial Banker
Tony Seipp VP Commercial Banker | NMLS: 888672
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Kowalski’s Certified Akaushi Beef comes from the largest purebred group of Akaushi outside of Japan. You won’t find a more tender steak. Our Certified Akaushi Beef is hand-cut and fork-tender with ribbons of creamy white marbling for a rich, buttery taste you won’t forget! A supreme steak built for the ultimate steak lover!
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It’s the Ladies’ Issue. How Ladylike!
Dear Eden Prairie Lifestyle reader,
I remember way back when I was just a small, cute boy growing up in Wisconsin. One year my elementary school held this big magazine publishing contest. Whoever made the best magazine would win cheese, brats, and a bunch of winter clothes with Packers logos on them – the only three things known to motivate Wisconsinites until they turn legal drinking age.
I worked really hard on my magazine, which I titled Totally Awesome Magazine for Cool Dudes. There was an exhaustive review of the bicycle I got for Christmas. An exclusive interview with my next-door neighbor. I even made ads using labels torn from cheese packaging.
I was beaming with pride when I turned TAM4CD in to my teacher. I was so sure I would win, I could almost taste those brats. Imagine my dismay when the winning entry was announced: Roger Lynch’s Reasons Why Teachers Deserve Raises and Better Dental Plans.
I wasn’t capable of ugly-crying at the time (too cute), but man was I ever bawling when I returned home from school that day. My mom noticed right away and stooped down to console me. Once she finally got me to spit it all out, she uttered a loving “tsk” and tousled my (back then full head of) hair.
“Oh, Johnny,” she cooed. “That’s just life sometimes, doncha know. But you can’t let these little setbacks stop you from pursuing your dreams. You think the Packers would have won the Super Bowl in ‘67 and ‘68 if they just went and gave up whenever the going got tough?”
I looked up at her through big, dewy blue eyes. “Snffft. No, ma’am.”
“Darn tootin’ they wouldn’t have. Now, you go on ahead and make yourself an even better magazine. But before you do, hurry up and eat your dinner: brats and cheese, just the way you like ‘em.”
That was a pivotal moment for me. It’s why I dedicated my life to magazine publishing, and went on to publish what I believe to be the greatest magazine of all time. It’s better than anything Roger Lynch ever made. He’s not even a publisher these days – just the CEO of something called “Condé Nast.” Pfft! Sounds French.
But I digress. I only told that extremely true and not remotely made up story because I want to dedicate this year’s Ladies’ issue to the one I owe everything to: Ma.
Best regards,
JOHN LEE, PUBLISHER
May 2025
PUBLISHER
John Lee | john.lee@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
David Scheller | david.scheller@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Kelly Morlock
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Emily John, Kemmetmueller Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas Learn
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business monthly
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Brazin Is Now Kevin's Italian Bistro
Ooh, mama mia! That’s-a fine Italian cuisine! If I didn’t know any better, I would have sworn Kevin's Italian Bistro was plucked straight from the most Italian block of an already predominantly Italian neighborhood and resituated right here in Eden Prairie. If you want food that somehow manages to taste like a Sinatra song, then Chef Kevin’s got something you’re really going to like. Now open at 6399 City West Parkway! (952) 600-5192
Nothing Bundt Sweetness for Mom on Mother's Day
Make this Mother’s Day the sweetest to date! Nothing Bundt Cakes bakeries “Bring the Joy™” in the form of delectable handcrafted heavenlies, including Bundtinis®, miniature Bundtlets, and 8” and 10” Bundts. Nothing Bundt Cakes’ delicious and beautifully decorated Bundts are always a home run at any celebration or otherwise special occasion. Visit Eden Prairie’s very own Bundt virtuoso and say “Hey! Show me the Bundtlets,” or order online at NothingBundtCakes.com.
X-Golf Cuts the Ribbon
Experience the future of golf at X-Golf Eden Prairie! With seven state-of-theart golf simulators, mouthwatering shareable menu items, a huge selection of craft brews and cocktails, “X-leagues” and tournaments, golf lessons, space for up to 75 people, and everything you need to host corporate events and private parties, X-Golf truly has it all. Go play a round at 12577 Castlemoor Drive, or visit PlayXGolf.com to learn more!
SCAN THE QR CODE
CLASSES, CAMPS, LEAGUES
Rebekkah Hartmann, Merrill Financial Solutions Advisor Cuts the Ribbon
Merrill Financial Solutions Advisor
Rebekkah Hartmann will take the time to understand what’s important to you, and then help you develop strategies to pursue all your short-, mid- and long-term goals. Let Rebekkah serve as your resource for everything from general investing to retirement planning to saving for the unexpected, as well as provide ready access to Bank of America’s leading experts on banking, credit, home financing and small business. (952) 404-5916
Discover which RevSports programs your kid can join this spring and summer!
Waterford Dental Cuts the Ribbon
Everyone deserves top-quality care in a comfortable and convenient setting – and that’s exactly what Waterford Dental provides. With over 25 years of combined experience, their highly skilled and extensively trained experts offer comprehensive services across all areas of dentistry. Waterford Dental is one of few practices capable of keeping most procedures in-house, thereby reducing the need for referrals and making patients’ lives more convenient. Patients of all ages are welcome! DentistInEdenPrairie.com
THE LEGAL MAMA
“The most important case of my career wasn’t even one of my own,” said Sarah Breiner, estate planning attorney. “I watched it all unfold from the gallery – at first in disbelief, and finally in horror.
“A traffic accident had incapacitated the parents of a 2-year-old. Both pairs of grandparents were present and able to care for the child. On the mom’s side were two particularly well-respected members of the community: a retired sheriff for that county, and a retired social worker who had served that very same city for over 30 years. Coincidently, their daughter – the child’s aunt – had just recently been approved to foster by child protective services.
“Despite all this, the judge still ordered two days of testimony before deciding whom the child should go to. The court scrutinized the competency of every family member who had enthusiastically volunteered to become a guardian. Fair enough. But the focus then shifted to the competency of the parents themselves, as though their being in traction somehow entitled the court to pass judgement over them.
“And the court most certainly did. The judge ruled the parents – and by extension everyone else in their extended family –unfit to care for the child. They instead placed the child in foster care: surrounded by perfect strangers, where they stayed until their reunion with their sobbing parents two years later. Victims of a legion of legal professionals who were just so darn certain they were all doing the right thing.
“I had practiced law for over a decade when I first started following that case, though all my experience up until that point had been in litigation. As a new mother myself, I had to ask one of my mentors, an estate planning specialist, if there was anything the parents could have done to avoid so much trauma and heartbreak.
“‘Yes,’ she explained. ‘All they had to do was create temporary legal guardianship documents. If they had those, child protective services couldn’t have gotten involved. End of story.’
“I mentioned that I’d never heard of those documents before. ‘I’m not surprised,’ she said. ‘It’s not standard practice to offer them. The bar doesn’t require it.’
“I asked how neglecting to bring up something so important didn’t constitute malpractice. ‘It’s like I said,’ she answered. ‘The bar doesn’t require it.’
“And that’s when a switch flipped inside of me. I realized my true calling: not as a litigator, but as The Legal Mama, whose mission is making sure parents and their children are fully covered under any contingency – and fully protected against the worst excesses of the law.
“Wills. Trusts. Powers of attorney. Advanced healthcare directives. Breiner Law Firm has created all the estate planning essentials since its foundation in 2012. What truly distinguishes the firm is its legacy planning services, which ensure that our clients’ children and other surviving family members would all be taken care of in exact accordance with their wishes.
“I REALIZED MY TRUE CALLING: NOT AS A LITIGATOR, BUT AS THE LEGAL MAMA, WHOSE MISSION IS MAKING SURE PARENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN ARE FULLY COVERED UNDER ANY CONTINGENCY –AND FULLY PROTECTED AGAINST THE WORST EXCESSES OF THE LAW.”
“If you have minor children, then you can’t go without legacy planning. It names would-be guardians, as well as their substitutes in the event of a truly worst-case scenario. It informs those guardians of how you would like your children to be raised vis-à-vis your culture, values, and spiritual beliefs. You can even instruct which musical instrument and second language you would prefer your children to learn.
“I’ll distill the spirit of your parenting style into your own personalized Guardian Guide™, complete with a legally recognized emergency wallet card. It identifies precisely whom you want to care for your children in the event of a crisis. Not the government. Not a family member who can’t be trusted to water your houseplants, let alone raise your baby. Not some other family member who passes every background and credit check possible, but who has got all the warmth of a wild turkey.
“Your wishes. No one else’s. That’s all that matters to The Legal Mama.”
Protect what you cherish most. Visit LegalMama.com today to schedule your free 20-minute phone consultation, life and legacy session, or estate plan checkup and review.
Schooner Days
MAY 30TH, MAY 31ST AND JUNE 1ST AT ROUND LAKE PARK
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GARY STEVENS
I’m at the carnival, playing midway games and losing my gourd riding thrilling rides.
I’m in the vendor marketplace, perusing neat stuff and ignoring Jenny Craig’s advice on delicious food
I’m under the big top – the best thing to be under, because beer and bingo are there – and I’m feeling absolutely A-OK
Where am I? Some sort of heavenly Midwestern fairground? That’s right! I’m at Schooner Days, which returns to Round Lake Park this year on May 30th, May 31st and June 1st.
“Schooner Days is the Eden Prairie Lions’ premier fundraising event,” said Nancy Vest, volunteer. “Every dollar spent at the carnival, vendor marketplace and big top directly benefits our philanthropic efforts.
“The vendor marketplace is the newest addition to Schooner Days. This is only its third year, but it has already become a huge hit with local businesses, which claimed over 80 percent of available spots as of March. Alongside our increased marketing efforts, the marketplace has helped quintuple annual attendance. We welcomed 15,000 last year!”
Arts? Crafts? Toys? Jewelry? Clothing? Henna body art, face painting, and personalized gifts? They’ll all be for sale at the marketplace. I personally like to buy a 3D-printed dragon from War Forged Printing every year. It’s a funny thing to repeatedly claim as a business expense.
Schooner Days has Grandma’s Cookies. Schooner Days has Eggroll Queen. It has Smokestack Express, Rollin Nolen's BBQ, Granite Rock Stone Fired Pizza, Discreetly Greek, Chick-fil-A, Wanna’ Hava Shave Ice, Badger Kettle Corn, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and Baja Smoothies, too. Eat something from each in one sitting if you want to feel like the main character in a Zantac commercial, or savor just one or two. You are the boss at Schooner Days.
“We were all pleasantly surprised by Pierogi2Gogi’s breakout popularity last year,” recalled Terry Eggan, Lion. “Clever fairgoers soon realized how well potato pancakes go with beer – one of the two main attractions under the big top, where we serve the ice-coldest by Fat Pants, Unmapped Brewing, Grain Belt and Coors. There’ll be wine, hard seltzer and soft drinks there, too.”
Don’t go far with your beer. Stay and play bingo instead! “The whole thing is a blast, with up to half a thousand players vying for prizes, sharing a laugh at local celebrities’ inspired ball calling, and getting fired up over the high-stakes cover-all games which start at 10:30pm on Friday and Saturday,” said Terry.
CONTINUED >
“The carnival and midway games provide plenty of wholesome kid-friendly entertainment. But if you want your child to truly have the time of their life, let one of our volunteers give them a vision screening. It’s a free demonstration of the Lions KidSight USA Foundation’s state-of-the-art technology, which takes only two seconds to determine whether a child should see an eye doctor.”
“Helen Keller once dared the Lions to become ‘knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness,’” added Nancy. “They accepted her call, which is why we primarily serve the visually impaired to this
day. In addition to Lions KidSight, which helps children avoid serious health issues worldwide, money raised by Schooner Days supports the Minnesota Lions Vision Foundation, the Lions Gift of Sight program, Can Do Canines, Leader Dogs for the Blind, and several other life-changing nonprofits.”
Admission to Schooner Days is free as sunshine. So too is the constant shuttle service which makes parking quick and easy. Visit EPSchoonerDays.com for individual attraction hours, the complete list of vendors, and a map of all the exciting places where you can park your car.
May 12-18th
Lavender is a well-known and desired plant with bright purple flowers and soothing fragrance. You may also add the buds to foods, use them in a potpourri, or steep them in tea.
Lavender can be found in various health and beauty products as it may help with insomnia, headaches, anxiety, dry skin and more.
We love it so much we are celebrating it with Lavender Week, May 12-18th Visit our Garden Center to catch a whiff and snag a deal.
EDEN PRAIRIE figure skating club
LOVE, STEEL, AND REFRIGERATION
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEMMETMUELLER PHOTOGRAPHY
Want to see humanity at its finest? Simply refer to the photo to the left. Any of these bright, promising kids could grow up to become the next Boitano or Yamaguchi. Barring that, they may become something almost just as impressive as an Olympic gold medalist: an Eden Prairie Lifestyle reader.
“Every kid has their own goals for figure skating,” said Shelby Hagedorn, Eden Prairie Figure Skating Club (EPFSC) coaching director. “As coaches, it’s our job to learn what each one wants from the sport. A fun activity to share with friends? An intense passion that will take them to competitions? Wherever their ambition lies, we’ll show them the way forward.
“And we’ll treat them to a happy, rewarding childhood while we’re at it. Figure skating helps children grow in every right way. Grace. Athleticism. Confidence. The psychological fortitude to pick yourself up after you’ve fallen down. Figure skating teaches kids to believe in themselves, and to have a whole lot of fun while they’re at it.”
“Figure skating certainly taught my own daughter resilience,” said Meg Villarreal, EPFSC board president. “Judging is relatively subjective at lower-level competitions. Whereas one judge might place a premium on power or artistry, another might favor skaters who showcase the best technique. It may sound capricious, but it puts healthy pressure on kids to develop well-rounded skills, and to meet challenges head-on and keep charging ahead.
“The EPFSC is a group effort: the kids, their parents and other family members, the coaches and volunteers, and anyone in our community who attends our live shows. We’re hugely thankful to everyone who came out to Dreamworld on Ice, our Barbie-inspired show last March, and hope you’ll check out our upcoming performances on EdenPrairieFSC.org .”
Do you believe you (or your child) could become the next Dorothy Hamill? There will be classes for all ages during summer skate school at the Eden Prairie Community Center. Registration starts June 5th at EdenPrairie.org
•
• The problem is finding where to begin... Starting it is the best approach
• What to save, toss, or donate... We make sure to throw out the junk
• The reward is... More time to think or go on vacation
We know how embarrassing it can get, we don’t judge. If you decide a vacation is needed, we can start you off with places to consider - with a free hotel stay. Call Us Now to find out more details!
PREMIER MEDICAL SERVICES • THE NEW SOUL OF HEALTHCARE
LX HEALTHCAREMedical
物の哀れ : “mono no aware.” To the Japanese, it’s a special kind of beauty that can only be found in the ephemeral. Cherry blossoms. A full moon. Life itself. They’re precious because they’re impermanent; fleeting glimpses of the Creator’s finest work.
You are one fine piece of work indeed. If medical science could devise a way to make you live forever – or at the very least longer – then I wish it would already. But until that day comes, LX Medical shall offer you the next very best thing: not an extended lifespan, but the elevated healthspan you need to properly cherish this happy, happy world.
“My background is in emergency medicine,” said James Riggen, certified physician assistant and president of LX Medical. “My wife Aundria, who is also a certified physician assistant in addition to being our CEO, began her career in urgent care, primary care and orthopedic surgery.
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
“After spending around 12 years in our respective fields, Aundria and I had both become exasperated. We were barely given enough time to put Band-Aids on our patients, let alone address the root causes behind their health concerns. It was a terrible way of practicing medicine, all in all.
“We dreamt of a better way … a full-spectrum healthcare ecosystem, which puts each patient’s needs above all else, provides both urgent and primary care during traditional house calls, and makes any type of specialist physician almost immediately available. It would be the way we wanted to practice medicine – or, as one of the physicians we work with once called it, ‘the new soul of healthcare.’
“We made our dream a reality right around the time reality became very strange. LX Medical was founded a few weeks before the pandemic, when demand for house calls skyrocketed. It was a baptism by fire, of sorts, but we weathered the storm and helped a lot of good people who otherwise wouldn’t have received medical care.
“Once the world calmed down, we were able to retrain our focus on what we’re most excited for: proactive care. Unlike primary care, which primarily addresses health concerns as they pop up, our proactive care encompasses virtually everything our patient can do to stay healthier, longer. It doesn’t matter how futuristic a treatment might seem, or whether or not insurance covers it. So long as it’s provenly safe and effective, we pride ourselves on making it available.
HEALTHCARE
“Take peptides, for example. They’re a ground-breaking new treatment, which enhance intercellular communication to yield health benefits ranging from better sleep to faster weight loss. Whether your health goals include building muscle, reducing inflammation, or aging with confidence, we’ll help you identify and receive the best peptides for the job.
“Before we can begin advising pathways toward better health, we have to know exactly what we’re working with. That’s why we developed the Predictive 360 Assessment: an in-depth study of more than 50 biomarkers which reveals the state of the biological processes going on inside your body. Your organs. Your hormones. Your Inflammation, macronutrients and cardiometabolic performance. That’s only scratching the surface of what such exhaustive bloodwork can teach us.
“Once we’ve performed your Predictive 360 Assessment, we’ll help you understand everything you can do to achieve greater overall wellness and reduce the effects of time on your body. It doesn’t matter if elevating your healthspan requires peptides, advanced therapeutics, regenerative medicine, or even cellular messaging. We’ll be behind you every step of the way. It’s all in service of securing your best possible outcome: optimal health – and, hopefully, more time with which to enjoy it.”
Skip the lines. Eliminate uncertainty. LX Medical removes every barrier to premium concierge medical services. Visit LX-Medical.com to learn more, or call (651) 565-9633 to schedule your initial consultation at your home, your workplace, or LX Medical’s clinic in Edina.
Aundria and James Riggen
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!
CADENCE chiropractic
To Dr. Topher, Motion Is Life
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
Dr. Topher Atwood and Dr. Amanda Haeg
How do you measure the worth of a city? Is it its GDP? Average property value? Per capita income? No! All wrong. A city’s real worth is determined by one thing and one thing only: its number of chiropractors.
That’s why Eden Prairie became all the richer last year when Cadence Chiropractic doubled its number of chiropractors … to two. Dr. Topher Atwood has arrived to help make us better!
“I’m a Minnetonka kid, born and raised,” said Dr. Topher, whose acclimation to Eden Prairie’s alien culture and customs is nothing short of laudable. “My introduction to chiropractic wasn’t quite so dramatic as Dr. Amanda’s. To her, it is the miracle
which restored her ability to walk normally after a devastating football injury. To me, it just seemed to be the best path forward after shadowing under a few doctors in college.
“I had narrowed my options down to physical therapy, occupational therapy and chiropractic while studying kinesiology at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The main reason chiropractic won me over is its model of patient care. Traditional medicine exclusively focuses on what’s wrong with the patient. But in true holistic fashion, chiropractic expands its view to the whole patient: not just what’s wrong with them, but what’s going right for them as well.
“A chiropractor sets a high standard for themself. Removing their patient’s pain is never enough. They can’t claim a true success story until they’ve helped their patient resume doing what they love. I think that gives me a sunnier worldview. It’s never ‘Wow, you’re in a lot of pain,’ but always ‘Wow, you have so much potential to heal .’
“I couldn’t be more fortunate than to begin my career at Cadence Chiropractic, where I’ll learn so much from Minnesota’s sole practitioner of the Pierce Results System. Dr. Amanda’s empirical approach to healing combines traditional X-ray, video X-ray and thermography to pinpoint the exact sources of pain – not just between bones, but within the autonomic nervous system itself. It expedites analysis, guides precise corrections, and delivers fuller and faster results.
“I’ve also happened into one of the best job perks ever: free access to Cadence’s own on-site Contrast Suite. Detoxification. Improved regulation of my emotional state. Better overall mental wellness. It’s amazing how much healthier I’ve felt after just a few sessions with the suite’s infrared sauna and cold plunge tub.
“The Pierce Results System and contrast therapy are both excellent tools for improving functionality of the spine and nervous system. But just as importantly, they can help anyone attain a better state of well-being. However healthy you might already feel, you could always do with a little maintenance care for your mind, body and spirit!”
“I couldn’t be more fortunate than to have welcomed a new doctor to the clinic who’s just as passionate about healing as I am,” added Dr. Amanda Haeg. “A bigger team means we’ll help even more people recover from injury and stay well.
“Dr. Topher’s arrival at Cadence also means I now have a protégé of sorts. I’m content to remain Minnesota’s sole practitioner of the Pierce Results System for the time being, but I’m also heartened to know I’ll be passing down such a potent healing modality to – and it doesn’t make me feel any younger to say this – the next generation of chiropractors.”
Get better and stay that way at Cadence Chiropractic! Call (952) 855-7656 to book your initial consultation at 6409 City West Parkway #105 in Eden Prairie, or visit CadenceChiroMN.com to learn more.
“It’s never ‘Wow, you’re in a lot of pain,’ but always ‘Wow, you have so much potential to heal.’”
Kyle Luebeck
Dan Geisler
Todd Loudenslager
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
THE INDEFATIGABLY GOOD NEIGHBOR
LISA TOOMEY
Lioness. Optimist. PROP Shop treasurer. Meals on Wheels executive director. Eden Prairie Crime Prevention Fund president. Lisa Toomey is (or has been) each. She is an
in our community. Once you’re elected, you’ll enjoy serving it that much more.’ That’s all I needed to hear.
“The following year was a strange one to campaign during. No large events.
“I THINK CITY COUNCIL HAS DONE A LOT TO ENHANCE PEOPLE'S LIVES.”
indefatigably good neighbor, whose civic pride has borne her close to the peak of local politics.
“I’m originally from Connecticut, and lived in San Diego and Australia for some time before moving to Eden Prairie,” said Lisa. “Like many others, I learned that marrying someone from Minnesota means you’re also destined to live here someday.
“And what a lovely place to live in! So much so, in fact, that I felt compelled to start earning my place in it soon after arriving here in 2001. Volunteering at local nonprofits was my way of giving back, as well as making friends with the kindest and most empathetic people I’ll ever meet.”
Lisa’s self-imposed mission of being extraordinarily nice to the world at large would eventually gain a certain elected official’s attention. “I got a phone call from Mayor Case in 2019,” recalled Lisa. “‘Run for City Council,’ he advised. ‘You’re already so involved
No doorknocking. Instead I had to rely mainly on mailers and lawn signs. You wouldn’t believe how cutthroat those signs can be! Between convincing homeowners to let you place them and replacing the ones that get stolen (seriously, what do people even do with them?), they really are a full-time job.
"But it's totally worth it. I won in 2020 – and again, in 2024 – which is why I now have the honor of helping the City Council advance a lot of great initiatives. Making the city of Eden Prairie an altogether better place to live, work, and raise a family in. It's all in a day's work for our team.
“Two groups we’re especially passionate about are our city’s police officers and firefighters. We’re incredibly fortunate to be protected by such dedicated and highly trained individuals – people who have given more of themselves during a single shift than I have after volunteering for over two decades.
“THE BEST PART OF
THE JOB? HELPING ANYONE
“My service for the City Council is a natural continuation of my work for the Crime Prevention Fund, which provides scholarships to Eden Prairie High School students who are considering careers in law enforcement, and which also pays for outreach programs, K-9 units, and more of the tools cops need to do their job.
“Of all my proposals so far, my absolute favorite is Sparklefest: the city’s own drone show, which debuted last year on July 3rd. We showcased the future of aviation to a city that has always thrived on it, and treated a lot of people with sensory issues to their first-ever patriotic light show. My dog Hector, who can’t stand fireworks, really seemed to appreciate it, and he’s already looking forward to the return of Sparklefest this year.”
I CAN.”
Hector the Dog Bravely Confronts a Woodland Interloper
Are Your Feet Ready for Sandal Weather?
From mild discomfort to debilitating injuries, Family Podiatry Clinic treats it all. When there’s trouble afoot, just call!
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Callus • Plantar Fasciitis • Plantar Warts
Tendonitis • And Everything Else
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DARREN R. COWL, DPM (952) 934-9000
WWW.FAMPODCLINIC.COM
761 W 78TH ST, CHANHASSEN, MN
What if that someone was you?
maybe
but you know someone who could
EDEN PRAIRIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WOMEN'S COMMITTEE
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
“I wanted to rub elbows with local professionals, make friends outside of my once-narrow social circle, and do good for my community,” said Kat Calhoun, independent sales representative for Park Printing. “I found all that and more in the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce Women's Committee.”
Business Baronesses Becoming Bosom Buddies
“You’ll root for each other. You’ll celebrate big achievements. You’ll start ‘lifing’ together!”
“I fell in love with the group’s vision and energy almost as soon as I joined it,” said Erica Roelike, owner of Elevate Results Consulting. “I’d started to feel disengaged from the world during my first busy year as a business owner, and quickly appreciated how many convenient opportunities to socialize the Women’s Committee provides.”
Networking breakfasts. Business luncheons. Golf clinics. Annual celebrations, like the fascinator-packed Kentucky Derby happy hour. If it brings women closer together so they can form friendships, forge alliances, and inspire one another – whilst simultaneously advancing some philanthropic mission, such as raising money for PROP Food Shelf or Eden Prairie Schools –then the Women’s Committee is already all over it.
Of course, one particular quarterly event reigns supreme.
“It doesn’t matter if you don’t know anyone when you first show up,” said Kat. “It doesn’t matter if you
don’t give a fig about commerce. It doesn’t even matter if you don’t like purses. Purse Bingo always fills up Fat Pants Brewing Co. before the first ball is called, because it is always a blast!”
“This probably comes as no surprise, but the Women’s Committee mainly focuses on women-centric programming,” added Erica. “With that being said, we’re always happy to welcome any man to our events – especially to Purse Bingo, where he may just discover his newest favorite fashion accessory.”
I have been to Purse Bingo and confirm it is an absolute hoot: an evening steeped in premium suds and fraught with good-spirited competitiveness, where there are multiple examples of what I have been given to understand are highly desired purses up for grabs. And although my own body glows white hot with it at all times, I did note a distinct lack of male energy in the room.
“Speaking strictly from my own experience – and as someone who works in a traditionally male-dominated industry – I’ve found that I come out of my shell a little more easily at women-focused events,” said Kat. “It’s like … everyone’s actually listening instead of just waiting for their turns to speak, you know?”
“Surface-level connections are easy to make,” said Erica. “The Women’s Committee specializes in creating those much rarer and more valuable deep connections. Show up as a stranger, and it won’t be long until you count a lot of new people as friends. You’ll root for each other. You’ll celebrate big achievements. You’ll start ‘lifing’ together!”
“I encourage anyone to come check out any of our events,” added Kat. “You’ll surround yourself with people who want you to succeed and are eager to help you do it. The entrepreneurial energy we radiate is just so inspiring. It’s the perfect cure for the alienating times we all live in.”
Reach out to Kirsten Barott at kirsten. barott@epchamber.org or (952) 944-2830 for information about the Women’s Committee or to join the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce. Visit EPChamber.org to learn more!
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
Sergeant Shortbread
REPORTING FOR COOKIE DUTY
Matt Rosen will tell you his service to the U.S. Army was nothing to do with shortbread cookies. Personally, I don’t believe him. I theorize that Matt was actually a member of the black ops baking unit known (unofficially) as “Scrumdiddlyumptious Squad,” which fought 11th-dimensional warfare through the power of supreme treats. How else could it be that a seemingly normal guy can whip up such delectable shortbreads?
I say let Matt maintain his ruse. Let’s just be grateful he’s on our side.
Photo Credit: Emily John
You no doubt recall the entire plot of Rambo: First Blood Part II. Believe it or not, the situation you’re currently in is just like it. You are Agent Cô Ph ượ ng Bào – but instead of fighting for Vietnamese freedom, you want to give gifts that people will actually enjoy and remember. Matt, of course, is John Rambo, but instead of explosive arrows and an M134 Minigun, he helps out with his commercial-grade kitchen and genuine love for his craft.
I’m pretty sure I remember everything going well for Agent Cô. And it will for you too, regardless of whether you decide to give boxes of splendid shortbreads as gifts to your clients, employees, family members, or local magazine publishers.
SergeantShortbread.com
Peanut Butter Krispie Treat
Blizzard Bark
Sea Salt Caramel
Toasted Coconut
Double Berry
Lingonberry
Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Shortbread
Blueberry Lemon
Lemon Poppy Seed
CERTAPRO PAINTERS of SW METRO
A fresh coat of paint isn’t just about changing a color – it’s about transforming a space into something that truly feels like home.
My wife, Sara, and I know how much your home or business means to you because we feel the same way about ours. As owners of CertaPro Painters, we take a personal approach to every project. It’s not just about the look – it’s about making sure our neighbors in Eden Prairie feel comfortable, happy, and at home.
MORE THAN JUST A PAINT JOB – IT’S ABOUT YOU
Every home tells a story, and we’re here to bring yours to life. Whether it’s a bold statement wall, a cozy retreat, or a fresh, inviting storefront, we tailor each project to match your vision. Sara specializes in color consultations, helping you find the perfect shade to set the right mood. We don’t believe in one-sizefits-all solutions – just high-quality work, attention to detail, and a commitment to making the process easy and enjoyable.
Bringing Joy to Every Brushstroke in Eden Prairie
ARTICLE BY KELLY MORLOCK
With over 800 residential and more than 50 commercial projects completed – including offices, banks, shopping centers, and golf courses – we’ve had the privilege of bringing color and joy to so many spaces. The best part? Seventy-five percent of our business comes from referrals and repeat customers. That’s proof that our neighbors trust us to treat their homes as if they were our own.
A FRIENDLY, STRESS-FREE EXPERIENCE
Home improvement projects can feel overwhelming, but we make them simple. From your first consultation with Sara to the final brushstroke, we guide you every step of the way. Whether you need help choosing the right color or want a hassle-free experience with clear communication and a smooth process, we’ve got you covered.
Our team treats every home and business with care and respect – just like we would our own.
PAINTING HAPPY: BECAUSE YOUR HOME SHOULD MAKE YOU SMILE
“Painting Happy” isn’t just our tagline – it’s what we believe in. The right colors brighten a space, lift your mood, and make your house feel even more like home. Whether you’re refreshing one room or reimagining your entire space, we’re here to make sure you love the results.
As part of the community, we’re proud to support Eden Prairie High School sports . Like great teams, great spaces are built on passion, dedication, and teamwork.
Ready to transform your space? Sara and I would love to help bring color and joy to your home or business. Call me at (612) 759-3785 or visit SouthWestMetro.Certapro.com to get started!
Kelly and Sara Morlock
flying dutchman spirits
Home of Eden Prairie’s Hardest-Working Party Maven
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
It’s the source of Eden Prairie’s best (and only) locally distilled liquor, which it sells by the bottle and serves as most thrilling cocktails.
It’s a speakeasy without traffic or passersby; nearby, yet sealed off from the world.
It even serves pizza.
But these blessings alone haven’t made Flying Dutchman Spirits our town’s nicest spot to host
parties in. Katie Nelson, its events and experiences director, has.
“My husband Jonathon and I were delighted to buy Flying Dutchman last June,” said Katie. “Maintaining the distillery’s high standards for its rum, gin, vodka, and other fine spirits has always been our priority. So too has managing its cozy, well-lit cocktail lounge, where there’s live music, light dining, and a large patio.
“With that being said, my biggest focus –not just in business, but in life – is throwing parties. It has been since I was old enough to host high tea for my stuffed animals and grandma (the latter of whom being a great source of encouragement). Whether they’re my own or my client’s, I love bringing great ideas for parties to fruition. And now that I’ve got the perfect place to do it in, I feel complete.”
A “diaper party” for a father-to-be, where revelers were served Moscow mules, pizza, and cookies shaped like Moscow mules and pizza. A lady’s big 40th, all done up in pink lights and flowers with cocktails to match. A “no more splinters sipper” honoring a man’s retirement from carpentry, successfully planned without the jolly good fellow’s knowledge.
“And wedding receptions, corporate happy hours, and a whole lot of birthdays, too,” added Katie. “We’ve hosted them all over the past year, and this next one looks to be even busier”
Katie’s limitless enthusiasm for special occasions also compels her to manage pop-up events with local vendors, including classes for floral arrangement, cookie decoration, and pet painting (portraiture; not the paint-on-dog variety).
“Flower arranging taps into my other great passion: decorating,” said Katie. “It’s fun, brings joy to people’s lives, and readies our versatile cocktail lounge for any type of get-together, regardless of its tone or purpose. If you really want to see me go all out, come to Flying Dutchman around Christmastime and ooh and ahh at the five trees I decorate. Visit during any of the other major holidays for an equally memorable experience, too!”
Flying Dutchman Spirits is tucked away at 6801 Flying Cloud Drive in Eden Prairie. Visit FDSpirits.com to learn more.
Katie Nelson, Vice President, Events and Experiences
Care for the whole you, in Eden Prairie
At Premier Women’s Health of Minnesota-OBGYN West,
Our team includes primary care and ObGyn, all under one roof. Discover expert care for pregnancy. Choose from a range of GYN services when you need them.
that include weight management, PT, and mammography.
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.
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7760 France Avenue S #1100, Bloomington, MN 55435
SCHEELS
MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS SHE’LL ACTUALLY LOVE
They kiss our boo-boos and make everything better. They make Kraft dinner and let us watch VHS tapes. They forgive us for backing their Mercury Sable into the retaining wall. Twice.
I am speaking, of course, about mothers: a group of women so important that they deserve many extraordinary gifts from SCHEELS.
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
WOAH! Time out! Isn’t SCHEELS a sporting goods store conveniently located in Eden Prairie Center, where it’s open 9:30am to 9pm Monday through Saturday and 10:30am to 6pm on Sunday?
It is. But SCHEELS isn’t just packed to the hilt with things athletes and adventurers need. It’s also equally packed to the hilt with the types of gifts ladies appreciate way, way more than boring old junk like designer shoes, gold jewelry, or luxury vehicles.
“I’d accept any of those as gifts if you offered them to me,” said Amy Dahlquist, assistant store leader. “But as a mom who spends so much of her time on the go (as so many do), my favorite gifts are ones that help me look and feel great anytime, anywhere.”
If SCHEELS’ sales numbers demonstrate anything about Eden Prairie women, it is their inordinate fondness for Birkenstock sandals. “Young or old. Stylish or laid-back. Birkenstocks hit the mark for everyone,” Amy explained. “They’re available in so many styles and colors these days, it’s impossible not to find a pair you’ll love. And even though footwear designers spend millions developing newand-improved foam midsoles each year, nothing will ever top the spongy-yet-durable comfort of real cork. Perfect for moms who go the distance!
“Birks pair especially well with apparel by Varley. The London-based designer sources fabrics from Italy to create comfortably casual yet effortlessly elegant sweaters, knitwear, shorts, club dresses and more. It’s house clothes you can wear to the country club … or maybe it’s the other way around? Either way, in Varley, you look like you belong wherever you are.
“If we continue in the vein of voguish yet practical, then I must recommend giving mom a fab new pair of sunglasses. My own husband knows to only buy me ones by Maui Jim – a trendy brand, which offers a wide assortment of shades to suit any Lake Riley beach girl’s style. I appreciate how well Maui Jim protects my eyes, too. Their PolarizedPlus2 lenses eliminate UV radiation, and also minimize glare to make boating more comfortable and driving much safer.
“Our Bogg Bags are especially popular among the boat set, but anyone would fall for their light-hearted and ever-lasting design. Bogg Bags remind me of a certain brand of sandals named after an aquatic reptile. They're even made of the same tough material (ethylene-vinyl acetate, or ‘EVA’), which means there’s no amount of summer fun they can’t stand up to. Trust me: There’s no such thing as ‘too waterproof’ when you have kids. We also offer neat Bogg Bag accessories, like water bottle holders and extra pouches.
“Want to knock it even farther out of the park this Mother’s Day? Check out our huge selection of home decor. Everyone adores brightly colored and uniquely patterned tea towels by Geometry. And if she enjoys creating an ambiance that pleases all the senses – or just hopes to cover up dog stank –get her a Pura. It’s a Wi-Fi enabled natural fragrance diffuser that you can preset or control from your phone!”
Thank your mom for putting up with you all these years. Thank the mother of your own kids for the same. Go to SCHEELS and buy presents! And buy something nice for yourself while you’re at it. You deserve a reward for being thoughtful. SCHEELS.com
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
From Stem To Vase:
TRANSFORMING FLORALS INTO ART
Flowers have a rich history of symbolic meanings.
As far back as the 19th century, they were used to convey secret messages. Stories throughout history recount how flowers were used to send hidden messages between people. French publishers began producing flower dictionaries that cataloged the many floral codes that had been gathered over time. Some of these meanings were linked to the flower’s root name, often derived from mythology, while others were drawn from the flowers themselves. The colors, medicinal properties, and even the superstitions
associated with these flowers all contributed to the creation of this secret language.
In addition to their symbolic significance, flowers bring natural beauty to any interior, enhancing spaces with their color, texture, and mood-boosting qualities. Floral arrangements not only create a cozy atmosphere but also infuse a room with personality, elevating the overall ambiance. There are multiple ways to creatively integrate florals into your home, and whether using fresh or artificial flowers, creative displays can make quite the statement piece.
Hanging Florals
Florals and Fruit
Add an extra burst of color and texture to your floral arrangement by layering fruit around the edges of your vase. To achieve this, place a smaller vase inside a larger one, ensuring the flowers stay contained in the inner vase to preserve their shape. Fill the surrounding space with water and then arrange sliced fruit along the vase’s outer sides. For a fresh touch, add ice cubes to keep the fruit looking vibrant longer and to hold them in place. Not only will the flowers’ fragrance fill the air, but the citrus notes from the fruit will add a refreshing scent.
For a dramatic effect, try creating a hanging floral display. Floral cones are available for this style, or you can craft your own for a more personalized, organic look. The contrast between long-stemmed white flowers and a dark wall creates a striking visual impact.
No matter how you choose to display them, flowers are a wonderful addition to any room. They boost mood, improve air quality, spark creativity, and bring a decorative charm to any space.
Flower Frogs
Using a frog to display flowers creates a minimalist yet elegant look that highlights the individuality of each bloom. It helps the stems stay in place. To set it up, place the frog on your chosen display base, whether it’s a vase, bowl, platter, or any container you prefer. Then, simply insert the flower stems by gently pressing them into the prongs. Tip: Flowers with sturdy stems and a lighter top work best in a frog, as delicate blooms tend to lose their shape more quickly.
PORTRAITS
events
MAY 4TH
Spring Petting Zoo at The Mustard Seed
10000 Great Plains Blvd, Chaska | 11:00 AM
The extremely cute, gentle and pettable animals of Hasse Farms Family Petting Zoo are returning to The Mustard Seed! Featured guests may include donks, goatlets, sheepsies, buns, oinkers, and “alpacas.” May 4th will feature food by Tacos La Catrina. Go to the encore appearance on May 11th 11am-3pm for food by Eagle Concessions (corn dogs, mini donuts, et al.) instead! TheMustardSeedInc.com
MAY 22ND
Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce Ladies’ Golf Clinic
14490 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie | 4:00 PM
Let’s hit the links, ladies! The Chamber will take you from “What do I do again?” to confident golfer in only an hour. This relaxed, unintimidating golf class includes drills and games that help build confidence, instruction that will quickly improve your game, and tons of fun playing alongside fellow duffers! EPChamber.org
MAY 30TH
Schooner Days
16691 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie | 4:00 PM
The Eden Prairie Lions’ signature fundraising event will return in full force! Go to Round Lake Park on Friday, May 30th 4-11pm, Saturday May 31st 11am-11pm, or Sunday 11am-5pm for fun carnival rides, the vendor marketplace, delicious food, bingo under the big top, the beer garden under the big top, and tons more fun! EPSchoonerDays.com
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