KIDS & PETS Issue
MEET OUR PETS
LOCAL GIRL GETS HER SPECIAL WISH GRANTED
KID GRINS PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY IS ALL SMILES
For the Fountain of Youth & Love of Pets
Not a lot brings more focus to how precious life is than when we interact with children and animals. Innocence, vulnerability, pure love, and the unexplainable need to capture every special moment helps to keep us going as adults. As we all know by now, adulting is not always fun, but these two special groups can bring smiles and laughter when we need it the most.
At the core of both children and pets is a simple truth—they need us. Our care and attention shape who they become, and in turn, they shape us. Our annual August Kids & Pets issue helps celebrate both, and is dedicated to the kids and pets who fill our homes with joy and love.
Behind the professional, hard work of Dr. Mitchell Loeb, is a fun, hidden gem of a pediatric dental space. Kid Grins is packed with a colorful personality and caring team to help get children on track for a lifetime of oral health.
How much love and self-care do we give to ourselves? Some may do it better than others, but there has always been such a large focus on how we treat others. While this remains very important, local resident Jessica Faith Graham, had an “a-ha” moment during the pandemic which inspired an important message for our youth.
Make-A-Wish has been making dreams come true for many years, and the Edina Lifestyle team couldn’t wait to share the one granted for a young girl right here in our own backyard. Wanting a special tree house was something that came true for her when Twin Cities (TC) Siding & Roofing collaborated to make it happen.
Last, but not least, we wanted to share some of our team’s most precious treasures. Ollie, Charli, Peanut and Rio make up a large part of the Edina Lifestyle Team’s happiness while keeping us laughing and young.
Wishing the entire Edina community a safe and happy August,
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Alexandra Patty | alexandra.patty@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sarah Knieff | sarah.knieff@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Susan Shannon | susan.shannon@citylifestyle.com
MARKET SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Kassi Miranowski | kassi.miranowski@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sue Baldani, Sarah Knieff
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Lucy Hawthorne
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 Hannah Leimkuhler
ALEXANDRA PATTY, PUBLISHER @EDINA_LIFESTYLE
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
Evolve Fashion Show 2025
Now Open: Woof Gang Pet & Grooming
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming is the new neighborhood pet store. "Our pet grooming services, butt scratches, and nose boops are the best in the industry," the store states. "We pride ourselves on creating a warm, loving, and fun environment for pets and their owners to enjoy. Visit . . . to see our paw-mazing selection of delicious handmade, oven baked treats, premium food, and other products, or book an appointment with one of our groomers." woofgangbakery.com.
Sweet Ivy To Expand
This September
Galleria Edina announces the expansion of beloved local brand Sweet Ivy, an elevated retail experience arriving in early September. The new location, in a larger space across from Starbucks and next to Cov, will bring its two current Galleria stores, Littles by Sweet Ivy and Sweet Ivy together in one storefront. Owner Becky Leffler will merge the playful spirit of childhood with the modern sophistication of today’s woman — all in one space. shopsweetivy.com
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Premier Spike: Unleash Fun
Perfect for all ages, the Premier Spike Kit helps families unleash fun at the next outdoor gathering. The kit is designed for easy set up, learning and enjoyment. With a round net and smaller ball, the game is often described as a combination of volleyball and four-square. It's easy to pick up and kiddos love it! Check out premierspike.com for purchasing options and tutorials.
PRO TIP by Andrew Vick
Grad Booth Seniors
Headshots Family
A COMMUNITY EFFORT TO BRING JOY TO A LOCAL CHILD AND HER FAMILY
Wishing Upon
a Star
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI
In 1980, Chris Greicius, a 7-year-old boy battling leukemia, had a wish to be a police officer. His Phoenix community joined together to make his wish come true. This remarkable act would ultimately inspire the founding of the Make-A-Wish® Foundation, which has granted wishes to hundreds of thousands of children battling critical illnesses.
One of those wishes recently came true right here in Edina. “Our marketing manager, Summer Stieglbauer, used to work with Make-A-Wish, and she inquired to see if there were any projects that we could help with,” says Hayden Northup, production manager with Twin Cities (TC) Siding and Roofing.
Make-A-Wish Minnesota did indeed need help granting a wish for a little girl living in Chanhassen. “Ada is eight years old and wanted to have a Spy Tree House, which is very unique and exciting for us,” says Victoria Schrantz, its director of marketing and communications.
When Summer presented this wish to Hayden to see if it was something the company could accomplish, he immediately said yes. He also knew his team would be on board.
“I've always felt strongly that companies need to do their part within the community that supports them,” says Hayden. “From the moment this project was brought to us on January 16, 2025, it took 124 days of determination, planning, coordination, and heart to bring it to life, culminating in five incredible days of on-site construction. During that time, we poured in more than 285 combined labor hours and over 100 combined hours of planning and coordination - all freely given, all fueled by purpose.” CONTINUED
Ada knew exactly what she wanted; she even drew a picture of her wish. “We put an escape hatch in the floor so she could hide it underneath a carpet square,” he says. “Then, we added a ladder rope that drops down from the ceiling of the inside of the structure, which is elevated about 10-feet, so she can drop right down into her backyard, which looks out onto a beautiful prairie.”
Hayden and the team also learned that Ada loved looking at the stars through her telescope, but there was an issue with having an open window. “She's allergic to bugs, so we put a skylight in the ceiling so she could look out with her telescope,” he says.
While Twin Cities Siding and Roofing has done other team-building experiences in the past, this one, says Hayden, was the most impactful. “Ada is one of the most incredible kids I've ever met, and throughout the process, we kind of treated her as our project manager. She was just so excited, and every time she got off the school bus, she would run as fast as she could to see the progress. Everybody on the team got a chance to meet her, talk to her, and see how their efforts were impacting her and her family.”
Adds Victoria, “This wish provided a lot of hope, something to look forward to throughout her [medical] journey, and now that it's come to fruition, it's a way of celebrating everything that she was able to fight through and being on the other side of it. Now she has this incredible new space that she can enjoy with her friends and sister, and get to be the best spy she can be in her very own tree house. It was great to be able to work with local community partners.”
It really did take a village. While another company built the structure, the TC team handled everything else. “Using very high-quality materials, we provided roofing, siding, windows, a door, skylight, and a catwalk with a deck,” says Hayden. “It's a beautiful structure, and we all came together and got it done.”
He encourages others to get involved, either with Make-A-Wish Minnesota or with other organizations that support the community. “When customers invest in us, we want them to know that we're investing right back into their community.”
While medical professionals work hard to help children going through critical illnesses physically, MakeA-Wish helps with the psychological part. “We get to provide some additional hope, to enjoy something else to think about other than what they're going through medically,” says Victoria.
Make-A-Wish Minnesota grants, on average, 250 local wishes a year. “It takes a lot of different kinds of wish makers to make these wishes possible,” she says. “We can't do what we do without community members and organizations coming together to help make these wishes come true.”
To find out how you or your company can help bring a smile to a child’s face, go to mn.wish.org, and to learn more about Twin Cities Siding and Roofing, go to TCSidingAndRoofing.com .
Meow! Woof!
EEMED PETS O F THE EDINA LIF
The Edina Lifestyle team isn’t just a crew of talented editors and publishers – they’re also a squad of devoted pet parents. Behind the scenes (and often on the keyboards) are a handful of charismatic, quirky and completely spoiled furry companions who run the real show. From toy-naming prodigies to fashion-forward felines, these pets have plenty to say about their pampered lives. So let’s hear it – straight from the paws that run the place.
ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF
Charli
Charli
Spokes-cat for Editor Sarah Knieff
Let me make one thing very clear: I’m royalty. You may call me Queen Charli, Feather Connoisseur. My hobbies include executing three a.m. hallway zoomies and flinging feather toys like I’m stalking prey in the Amazon – although I do it with far more grace, obviously. My favorite indulgence? CATNIP TREATS. They turn me into a goofy goddess and then knock me out for a cozy six-hour nap. My go-to lounging spot is wherever the sunbeam hits just right – bonus points if it’s on top of clean laundry. You’ll find me out on the deck in my stroller (yes, stroller – I am a lady of luxury). My mama is the absolute best, despite the fashion crimes she occasionally commits by dressing me in silly outfits. I’ll allow it, for five minutes. I’m also incredibly gifted. I can knock anything off a table without breaking eye contact. And my purr? It’s a tactical weapon. That broken vase? Gravity’s fault, darling. Not mine.
Charli
Charli
Peanut
Self-Proclaimed Neighborhood Monitor for Publisher Alex Patty
Hi! I'm Peanut, and honestly—I am the fun. I take walk patrols very seriously, ensuring all dogs (and squirrels, leaves, or oddly placed cones) follow the rules I invent on the spot. I’ve trained my mom well; these days, I get a treat for just looking at her with my signature side-eye. When it’s nap time, I rotate between my many beds, but my fave spot? On the sunny patio, or snuggling on the loveseat with Mom. I avoid the car unless I know it’s Grandma’s house or the cabin – we're talking 50/50 odds here. Mom is my ride-or-die. She gets me, spoils me, and even lets me snuggle like the bottle-fed baby I once was. I also adore Grandma – she’s all love, no rules. My talents? I know my toys by name. Sharkey, Pierre Bear, Raffie – you call it, I fetch it. I'm also a seasoned boater and paddle boarder, and always ready to suit up in my adorable lobster costume for Halloween. Spa day? Love it. Snuggles? Constant. I'm basically living the dream.
Olly
Feline-in-Chief for Publication Director
Susan Shannon
Please, call me Olly. Mister Olly if you're new. I spend my days in dignified solitude -- except during my sacred morning cream ritual with Mother. I supervise this ceremony daily, often needing to alert her through operatic reminders. My most prized possession? A catnip squirrel, which I methodically dismantle in private. As for rest, I’ve curated the cashmere drawer as my personal retreat; the humans’ surprise at this is laughable. Outdoors? A dismal experience. I far prefer overseeing household operations from a wool-blend throne. My staff (Mother) tends to my every whim, though the secondary human is showing promise. Promotion pending. I maintain discipline within the household, particularly where the canine is concerned – swift paw swats maintain order. My talents include appearing wherever I am least expected and dictating the wardrobe rotation by claiming drawer space. I am not a pet – I am the curator of this home. Now, please close the drawer gently on your way out.
Olly
Peanut
inviting and fun for children
HAPPY AND HEALTHY SMILES
Dr. Mitchell Loeb’s career path was largely influenced by watching his parents care for their patients in healthcare roles. Now, following in their footsteps, he reflects, “I was in the seventh grade when I decided I wanted to be a dentist, and I never deviated from that.”
In 2023, Dr. Loeb accomplished his goal of having his own practice when he took over Kid Grins Pediatric Dentistry in Edina. “I care deeply about creating positive experiences for children and doing everything I can to ensure they enjoy going to the dentist. Becoming the owner of Kid Grins has allowed me to do that.”
Following dental school, Dr. Loeb completed two specialty residencies in Prosthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry. He is dualboarded certified by the American Board of Prosthodontics and the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. As one of only three in the country with this specific dual specialty, he strives to apply his unique expertise to provide exceptional care for his patients.
The Kid Grins’ approach centers around meeting each patient where they are. “There are a lot of children who are anxious about visiting a dentist, and my team and I work to put them at ease as best as possible,” Dr. Loeb says. “Part of that is spending time really getting to know our patients, not just simply jumping straight into their mouths to take a look.”
Dr Mitchell Loeb
He first saw the impact of this philosophy in high school when he worked at a camp for children aged five to eight. “I enjoyed the interactions, and by being intentional about getting to know the kids, some of them transformed from being very shy to confident, engaged and outgoing. It was pretty amazing.”
Today, when patients walk in the door of Kid Grins, they are greeted with a bright office that includes colorful collages on the wall and a sign welcoming them for their first visit. The most popular is the tree house with a slide in the waiting room that draws kids in. The main open bay, with its four dental chairs centered around a tree, carries the theme throughout.
“Every day is quite fun,” he says. “There was an 11-year-old who came into the office for the first time, and her eyes completely lit up when she walked in.”
Beyond the physical office, Dr. Loeb and his team strive to make it a friendly and comfortable place for all ages. The aim is for kids to be excited to visit the dentist and build a strong foundation of healthy dental habits, starting from their very first appointment.
“Part of the reason I chose the giraffe as our logo is because I want our patients to walk tall with healthy teeth. As kids continue to walk and grow taller into their teenage years and adult years, I want their associations with the dentist to be as positive as possible.”
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental appointment at age one or when the first tooth erupts. Dr. Loeb generally sees patients up to the age of 25, but will also see older patients who have special healthcare needs.
Dr. Mitchell Loeb and team
“There's a ton of gratification in getting to know children and families from when they are super young and as they grow older,” he says. “On the opposite end of the spectrum, specifically connecting to my other specialty of Prosthodontics, there are patients who have had decreased function or have had missing teeth over time. Restoring their smile is also very satisfactory for me.”
“I CARE DEEPLY ABOUT CREATING POSITIVE EXPERIENCES FOR CHILDREN AND DOING EVERYTHING I CAN TO ENSURE THEY ENJOY GOING TO THE DENTIST.”
Dr. Loeb is deeply grateful for the immediate support he has received from Kid Grins’ patients and their families, both old and new, over the past two years. This support is exemplified by comments left from families, such as “Dr. Loeb and the whole team at Kid Grins is fantastic! They are warm, patient, and energetic. My two kids LOVE going to the dentist!”
“To work so hard to fulfill your dream, and to see it come to fruition with an office full of smiling kids…it’s hard to put into words how meaningful that is to me,” Dr. Loeb says.
Extending beyond the office, Dr. Loeb and Kid Grins are proud to invest in local organizations that serve children, including recent sponsorships for Kids Run for Justice, Cornelia Elementary STEAM Program, and International Spanish Language Academy.
Originally from Kansas, Dr. Loeb has established deep roots in Minnesota with his wife, Dr. Rosemary Lelich who owns Family Orthodontics in St. Louis Park, and their 18-month-old daughter. “I'm incredibly biased, but I think my daughter has the most beautiful, happy smile I've ever seen.”
She, of course, loves visiting her dad’s office, sitting in the chairs, and going down the slide in the waiting room. “Her next dental visit is coming up in August, and we are all excited to see her in the office.”
To learn more and book an appointment for your child, visit KidGrins.com
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI
A LOVE LIKE No Other
HELPING OURSELVES ALLOWS US TO HELP OTHERS
While being kind and compassionate towards others is important, people often fail to extend that same grace to themselves. Jessica Faith Graham of Edina wants to change that, and it all began when she realized she wasn’t taking care of her own needs.
“During the pandemic, I was home with my three young kids,” she says. “After about a year, I was pretty much going on autopilot, focusing on my kids and their schedules, and I had forgotten about the joy and passion in my own life.”
Jessica decided to make some changes. “In the same way that I would look at my kids and think, ‘What is it that they need right now?,’ I started doing that line of questioning with myself.”
She created a morning self-care routine that included meditation, journaling, and walking. “I was much more fulfilled throughout my day, and felt so much better. This allowed me to be able to give more to all those around me.” She wanted to share this self-care philosophy with others, especially children.
“I asked my oldest, who was about 7-years-old at the time, how she was kind, compassionate, and loving to herself?”
Jessica Faith Graham and Son
“I asked my oldest, who was about 7-years-old at the time, how she was kind, compassionate, and loving to herself? And while she could tell me how she could be this way with others, she wasn't talking about doing these things for herself. So, I set out on a mission to teach this to my kids, and decided to write it in a book for them.”
Jessica leveraged her experience as a mom and combined it with her degrees in counseling, psychotherapy, education, and fine arts, as well as her certification as a mindfulness mentor. She also relied on her experiences in AmeriCorps and with school districts. Her book, “The Love Inside,”a selflove book for kids, was published in February.
Instead of just helping her children, this book is now available to help kids everywhere. It can be found in local bookstores such as Cream & Amber in Hopkins and the Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul. It can also be purchased from Amazon and on her website.
“I recently did a library reading in my hometown, and it was well attended by both adults and children,” she says. “A retired teacher, who has four grandchildren, said one of the most interesting things that happened when she read it to two of her grandsons was that it opened up a conversation about how they feel about themselves and how they can honor themselves. She told me the book helped her have a conversation with them and how important that was.”
Jessica loves doing in-person events and plans to do many more, especially this fall. “I’ll be doing storytime Q&A sessions for schools, which are completely free. I'm also willing to work with anyone and am always open to new ideas to teach these mental health concepts. It’s important to me to help our community.”
While the book focuses on children, she also wants it to have an impact on adults. “While they’re reading it to their children, I want them to think about how we can create a healthier, more peaceful, loving earth just by taking care of ourselves,” she says. “And I want the children to understand and connect with themselves a bit more deeply, to recognize their needs, who they are, and develop a strong acceptance of love for themselves simply by being who they are.”
Today, Jessica’s children, 11-year-old Kate, 9-yearold Juliana, and 6-year-old Henry, are excited to tell others about mom’s book. “I asked the illustrator of the book if she could put likenesses of my children somewhere in it, and she did,” she says. “They feel a very special tie to it because they know where they are in the book, and they're so proud to show people.”
CONTINUED >
“While they’re reading it to their children, I want them to think about how we can create a healthier, more peaceful, loving earth just by taking care of ourselves,”
She also utilizes her online presence to share parenting tips, discuss real-life truths, and offer encouragement to others. Local speaking engagements for parents, caregivers, and youth leaders, centered on the concept of self-love, are listed on her website. She is also currently accepting new therapy clients for children and adults.
To learn more about Jessica and “The Love Inside” visit JessicaFaithGraham.com . “There is something inside of you so special and unique, and it can change the world!”
AUGUST 2025
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
SUNDAYS
50th & Fun
4:30 PM
Enjoy songs, jokes, stories and bubble making at the Plaza at Nolan Mains on Sunday afternoons this summer! After the event, stop in our district businesses and dine local to support your community. 50thandfrance.com
THURSDAYS
Farmers Market
Centennial Lakes Park | 3:00 PM
The Centennial Lakes Farmer’s Market is the perfect place to find high-quality produce, freshly baked goods, and unique foods sourced directly from farmers, growers, and producers. This year, the market will feature live music on the plaza, an Edina Liquor wine and beer garden in Hughes Pavilion, and a variety of ready-to-eat food vendors along the boardwalk. edinamn.gov.
AUGUST 4TH
Rockin' Woody
Maetzold Amphitheater | 7:00 PM
Rockin' Woody is a solo musician with 25 years of performing under his belt, including as a part of the Rockin' Hollywoods until 2013. He plays music from the 1930s through present, from Ella Fitzgerald to Chris Stapleton, and everything in between. edinamn.gov.
AUGUST 13TH
Art Together
Cornelia School Park | 5:00 PM
Join Edina Police, Edina Fire and other public safety partners for a free, fun evening of creativity and connection through visual arts! Kids and families are invited to take part in an engaging art project alongside first responders. There’ll be snacks, supplies, and plenty of community spirit! All are welcome. This event is sponsored by the Edina Crime Prevention Fund. edinamn.gov.
AUGUST 16TH - SEPTEMBER 28TH
Renaissance Festival
12364 Chestnut Blvd.
The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is celebrating its 54th Season! Come and be a part of this long-standing tradition by visiting the festival grounds in Shakopee. The festival is open weekends and Labor Day, rain or shine. renaissancefest.com.
AUGUST 21ST - SEPTEMBER 1ST
The Great Minnesota Get-Together
State Fair Grounds
A cherished end-of-summer tradition, the Minnesota State Fair welcomes over 2 million guests annually to a showcase of agriculture, entertainment, food, art, science and industry. Check its website for the latest updates. mnstatefair.org.
