EXPLORE EXCITING STEM OPPORTUNITIES FOR KIDS, SMARTER DOG CARE, PLUS A HEARTWARMING RESCUE ROUNDUP INSIDE.
Showroom now open in Edina
Fragile Pillars of the Family
Wow – August already! Where do our summers go? Hopefully, yours has been packed with lots of love, laughs and fond memories.
This is the time of year when we honor our children and pets. I have been fostering a rescue dog, and we have spent the last few months introducing him to a safe and happy life. It’s a lot of fun watching him love his dog bed, new toys and lounging on the back patio. This experience has reminded me of how fragile we really are, and each of us can never really take precious moments for granted. Whether it’s our kids or our pets, these two groups need extra care, attention and patience. When they get what they need, it’s amazing to watch them flourish.
This month, we spoke with Jeremiah and Katie Talamantes, a husband and wife team who took a dream and turned it into reality with the help and input of their children. Coder’s Clubhouse is now open in Edina and hosting an array of great classes with technology at the core. Equipped with an engaging curriculum, Coder’s can be a fabulous environment to learn and grow amongst peers who share this passion.
Sonja Tengdin, Edina Rotarian and 25 year business owner of Scoopy Poo, shares her story and passion for keeping dogs happy and backyards clean all year round. If you’ve never noticed their cute Mini Cooper or “Mini Scooper” vehicles around the city, now you will. Sonja and her team keep it light hearted when it comes to dealing with a lot of crap.
There are great local animal rescues in Minnesota and the surrounding areas. This month, we share a bit about a few you might want to check out. Whether it is fostering, adopting, donating or volunteering, these non-profits can always use the assistance.
Finally, you might relate to or want to check out Trey and Katie Kennedy. Trey has made a career in comedy and now the two juggle business, parenting and the day to day with a laugh here and there.
Wishing you, your family, and furry friends a wonderful rest of the summer,
ALEXANDRA PATTY, PUBLISHER
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Alexandra Patty | alexandra.patty@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sarah Knieff | sarah.knieff@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Susan Shannon | susan.shannon@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sue Baldani, Kali Kasprzyk, Sarah Knieff
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Janie Jones, Bryan Struble, Andrew Vick
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
With City Lifestyle’s co-branded print + digital packages, your business captures attention wherever our community is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page, and drive immediate action online.
Katie and Jeremiah Talamantes of Coder's Clubhouse with their children.
Photography: Bryan Struble
Ask Susan
Founder / CEO Stiles Financial Services, Inc.
Dear Susan: Can a Family Pet Teach Children About Financial Responsibility?
Susan:
While a family pet won’t teach a child how to invest or build a budget, it can help develop habits that support future financial responsibility.
Feeding, walking, grooming, and caring for an animal teaches consistency, accountability, and commitment. Children also begin to understand that caring for something they value requires resources, planning, and ongoing expenses. Pets aren’t free. Those early lessons can help shape behaviors that support future success, including planning ahead, honoring commitments, and recognizing that every choice comes with responsibilities.
Snap the QR code below for my follow-up video discussing the importance of establishing early financial building blocks your child will carry with them throughout their adulthood.
Send “AskSusan” questions to: AskSusan@stilesfinancial.com.
Caring for Young Minds in Edina
When a young person is struggling, the last thing a family needs is to navigate a fragmented system. Vantage Mental Health, a clinician-led nonprofit, offers integrated outpatient care for youth facing both mental health and substance use challenges. Led by Sara Polley, M.D., the clinic provides expert co-occurring psychiatric treatment alongside therapists who specialize in adolescent mental health and substance use. They accept insurance, welcome new patients in person and virtually, and offer easy online scheduling. vantagementalhealth.org
Twin Cities Siding Wins James Hardie Award
Twin Cities Siding and Roofing (TCSR) was awarded the prestigious James Hardie President’s Club Award, placing them in the top 1% of James Hardie siding installers nationwide. This recognition reflects TCSR’s continued growth, driven by deep expertise of James Hardie products and a seamless installation process. TCSR is honored to receive this award and remains committed to delivering exceptional craftsmanship to local homeowners as a leading James Hardie Elite Preferred Installer. tcsidingandroofing.com.
Coming Soon: Foxwell Finds a New Home at Galleria
Beloved local design destination Foxwell Studio x Shoppe is bringing its signature blend of interior design and curated home décor to Galleria this September. Founded by Heather and Brad Fox, the new west-side location marks an exciting next chapter after several years at 44th & France. Shoppers can look forward to Foxwell's warm, organic-modern style, thoughtfully selected furnishings, gifts, and décor -- all in an inspiring new space designed to help every home feel beautifully lived in. thefoxwell.com
HERE’S the scoop
PICKING UP AFTER YOUR DOG IS THEIR CALLING
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW VICK
According to recent statistics, over 50% of U.S. households have at least one dog. Most pet owners consider them part of the family and are willing to provide them with the best care possible.
One responsibility no one likes, though, is picking up after the dog, especially in their backyards. Parents are often busy, and kids don’t want to go near it. Sonja Tengdin knows this well. When her children were young, it was a challenge to get them to do the job, even though the dogs were technically theirs.
Already a businesswoman working in the financial industry, she had what she calls a “lightbulb” moment. If this was something her family was struggling with, she knew many others were as well.
In 2002, she launched ScoopyPoo DoggyDoo PickUp in Edina, and now, almost 25 years later, she has 500 to 600 weekly customers and is the self-acclaimed Grand Poo Paw. “Scooping poo is not necessarily a funny subject, but we make it funny,” she says. “We're not serious about it on the front end with the clients, but we're very serious about it in the office.”
While other similar companies have come and gone, Sonja used her business skills to establish a successful long-term company. “ScoopyPoo was started with research and a business plan, and we have the complete package of knowing how to handle bookkeeping, marketing and everything else that comes along with running a successful business.”
It also took hard work and perseverance. “Minnesotans are people who do it on their own,” says Sonja. “They feel that you shouldn’t have a dog unless you're willing to scoop the poop.”
Instead of giving up, she changed her focus to senior citizens, who found it much harder to keep up after their dogs, especially during the winter. “We offer a senior discount because I think having a dog is more important than having to go out and scoop the poop.”
Sonja Tengdin
The next focus was on families with children. “They're out on Saturday mornings playing sports and doing other things. Or maybe they just had a baby, but their dogs are still very important parts of their lives.”
While some people may view this service as a luxury, others consider it a need. And at less than $20 a week, it’s not a luxury item. It actually adds up to less than that daily fancy drink from a coffee shop.
“They absolutely can't live without us, because they can now plan their time otherwise,” she says. “It's something they don't need to ever worry about.”
When a scooper is done, he or she always leaves a bag that says, "You've been scooped." This bag contains a tootsie roll for the pet parent and treats for the dog, and even a cute poo haiku. Poo haiku # 26 – “Our life here is short. A lesson, small grasshopper. Let others scoop poo.” She and her staff used to make them all up, but now customers are also sending in their own.
walking their dogs and not picking up, so we would go do both a spring cleanup and a fall cleanup.”
Over the years, more and more apartment buildings started allowing dogs, and bin and bag stations were installed. “They thought their maintenance people could handle it, but they didn’t want to handle it. So now we do a lot of bins.” Even with the bins, some people don’t use them, so ScoopyPoo does the cleanup around these properties.
“Scooping poo is not necessarily a funny subject, but we make it funny. We’re not serious about it on the front end with the clients, but we’re very serious about it in the office.”
— Sonja Tengdin
ScoopyPoo has continued to evolve over the years, and Sonja and her team keep adapting to the ever-changing needs of the community. “Beginning around 2013, we started getting calls to handle apartment buildings,” she says. “They had people
One of the things Sonja cherishes the most about being in business for so long is the relationships she’s established over the years with customers, some of whom have been with her almost since the beginning. “I believe it’s because of how we treat them and their dogs, and they know they can rely on us for the long term,” she says.
Sonja and her scoopers truly care about the pet parents and their dogs. “I have scoopers coming back all the time and saying, ‘Oh, I got to play with so-and-so.’”
Protocol Officer Ragnar, a golden retriever who’s now a senior citizen at 11 1/2, and Chief Pooper, Rollo, a 10-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog, also help keep things running smoothly. “We just love dogs here,” says Sonja.
ScoopyPoo.net | (612) 374-3000
Coding, Creating and Connecting
Coder's Clubhouse is helping young innovators build tech skills, confidence and friendships through hands-on STEM experiences.
ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRYAN STRUBLE
Katie and Jeremiah Talamantes accompanied by their children
In a world where technology shapes nearly every aspect of daily life, one Edina family saw a gap—and decided to fill it. The result is Coder’s Clubhouse, a new STEM-focused learning center that opened its doors in April 2026 with a mission to give kids a place to learn, create, and connect through technology.
For co-founders Katie and Jeremiah Talamantes, Coder’s Clubhouse began with a simple challenge close to home. Their son loved coding and technology but struggled to find a place where he could learn alongside other kids who shared his interests.
"We wanted him to be around like-minded kiddos who had similar interests," Katie says. "We tried a local coding center, but it just wasn't the right fit for him. When we started looking for other options, there really weren't any."
What started as a search for opportunities for their own child quickly became a three-year journey to build something entirely new. Drawing on Katie's background in education and Jeremiah's 25-plus years in software engineering and cybersecurity—including experience as a Microsoft senior engineer—the couple designed a learning environment that combines real-world tech skills with a welcoming community atmosphere.
"We saw that there was this need," Katie says. "The community was lacking opportunities for kids to explore STEM in a way that felt engaging and supportive."
Unlike many coding programs that focus primarily on gaming, Coder's Clubhouse teaches students real programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, and HTML. Its flagship PATH Program features a curriculum developed entirely in-house, allowing students to move at their own pace while receiving guidance from instructors along the way.
“What we love is that every student can start where they are. Nobody feels behind, and nobody feels bored.”
Students watch short lessons through their personalized learning portal before applying what they've learned by building websites, games, and coding projects. Because classes remain intentionally small, children receive individualized support while still enjoying the social benefits of learning alongside peers.
The program also adds an element of fun through a gamified rewards system. Students earn experience points for completing challenges, helping classmates, and participating in events. Those points can be redeemed for prizes or used to climb the Clubhouse leaderboard.
"What we love is that every student can start where they are," Katie says. "Nobody feels behind, and nobody feels bored."
For kids who prefer building with their hands, the Makerspace Program offers an engineering-focused experience. Students work on projects involving circuitry, soldering, electronics, and 3D printing, creating everything from working fans to custom-designed inventions. Most importantly, they leave with something they built themselves.
Beyond weekly classes, Coder's Clubhouse is becoming a gathering place for young tech enthusiasts. Monthly Clubhouse Social events invite kids to connect through gaming, Minecraft, Roblox on private servers, movies, music, pizza, and collaborative projects. Birthday parties, graduation celebrations, and special events bring even more families through the doors.
The center also looks ahead to future careers through its Grace Hopper Program, which connects high school students with local organizations seeking technology support. Participants gain valuable hands-on experience while developing both technical and professional skills.
Throughout every program, the focus remains the same: helping kids discover confidence, creativity, and community.
After classes, Katie and Jeremiah often find themselves talking about the students and the breakthroughs they witnessed that day.
"The joy is contagious," Katie says. "When they have those aha moments and realize they can do something they couldn't do before, it's incredible. Seeing them meet other kids with similar interests and really find their people—that's why we're doing this."
In an age when technology can sometimes feel isolating, Coder's Clubhouse is proving that coding can do something unexpected: bring kids together.
codersclubhouse.com | 7101 France Ave S Ste 109, Edina | (612) 424-8085
Second Chances Start Here
Four local animal rescues changing lives through compassion, community and countless happy tails
ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF
Every adoption story begins with a second chance, and behind each one is a dedicated team of volunteers, foster families and animal advocates working tirelessly to change lives. Across the Midwest, rescue organizations are doing far more than finding homes for dogs and cats – they’re providing medical care, educating communities, supporting
Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue
Founded in 2010, Coco's Heart Dog Rescue has become one of the region's largest foster-based rescues, placing more than 23,000 animals into loving homes. While dogs remain at the heart of its mission, the organization also rescues cats, pocket pets and even farm animals. Every animal receives quality veterinary care and lives with a foster family before adoption, allowing volunteers to learn each pet's unique personality and match them with the right home. Powered almost entirely by volunteers and generous donors, Coco's Heart continues to prove that compassion, dedication and community can transform thousands of lives.
Ruff Start Rescue
RUFFSTARTRESCUE.ORG
Ruff Start Rescue believes every companion animal deserves a safe, loving home. Since 2010, the foster-based nonprofit has rescued thousands of dogs, cats and small animals from neglect, abandonment and overcrowded shelters. Beyond adoptions, Ruff Start focuses on education and providing resources that help families keep their pets healthy and together. The organization also offers extensive veterinary care before adoption and relies on an incredible network of foster homes and volunteers throughout Minnesota. Its mission extends beyond rescue – it's about building stronger communities where both pets and people can thrive together.
COCOSHEARTDOGRESCUE.ORG
pet owners through difficult times and ensuring that animals receive the love and attention they deserve. Whether rescuing abandoned puppies, helping senior pets, caring for animals with special medical needs or keeping families together during times of crisis, these nonprofits are making an incredible impact every day. If you’ve been
Underdog Rescue MN
For more than two decades, Underdog Rescue MN has been giving overlooked dogs a fresh start. The organization specializes in rescuing former breeding dogs and local shelter animals, providing medical treatment, rehabilitation and the patience needed to prepare them for forever homes. Every adoption is made possible through dedicated volunteers, foster families and supporters who believe every dog deserves another chance. With thousands of successful adoptions and a commitment to individualized care, Underdog Rescue continues to transform the lives of both animals and the families who welcome them home.
The Bond Between
Formerly known as Secondhand Hounds, The Bond Between has evolved into a unique animal well-being organization focused on strengthening the connection between people and pets. Along with rescuing tens of thousands of dogs and cats, the nonprofit offers community programs including pet food support, respite foster care and veterinary resources designed to help families stay together during challenging times. Through adoption, fostering, volunteering and outreach, The Bond Between recognizes that caring for animals also means caring for the people who love them – creating healthier communities for everyone involved.
considering adding a furry family member or are looking for a meaningful way to give back, these four Minnesota organizations offer countless opportunities to adopt, foster, volunteer or donate. Every contribution helps write another happy ending – for both animals and the people whose lives they enrich.
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
AUGUST 1ST
MN Food Truck Festival
SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
420 Main St. SE, Minneapolis | 11:00 AM
The MN Food Truck Festival brings together over 40 of the Twin Cities’ most popular food trucks for a day of nonstop flavor, live music, craft beverages, and family-friendly fun along the riverfront. Guests can explore global eats, enjoy games and giveaways, and experience one of the region’s most popular free summer celebrations. mnfoodtruckfestival.com
AUGUST 3RD
Curl Camp 2026
Galleria | 9:00 AM
Celebrate curls at the Galleria with Lili Salon Spa’s Curl Camp, a hands-on styling experience designed to help you embrace and enhance your natural texture. Learn expert techniques from professional stylists, discover personalized curl care tips, and explore products tailored for waves, curls, and coils. Whether you’re new to your curl journey or refining your routine, this educational event offers salon-level guidance for every style goal. galleriaedina.com.
AUGUST 6TH - 16TH
Minnesota Fringe Festival
Various Locations
The Minnesota Fringe Festival transforms the Twin Cities into a citywide stage, showcasing hundreds of short, bold, and experimental performances across dozens of venues. From comedy and drama to dance and multimedia works, artists push creative boundaries in an open-access format that celebrates risk-taking, diversity, and discovery. Audiences can experience nonstop, one-of-a-kind storytelling. minnesotafringe.org
AUGUST 7TH - 9TH
Uptown Art Fair
Lake of the Isles + The Mall
The Uptown Art Fair transforms the neighborhood into a vibrant outdoor gallery featuring hundreds of juried artists, interactive installations, live performances, and creative experiences for all ages. Visitors can browse original works across painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media while enjoying local food, entertainment, and the energetic spirit of one of Minneapolis’ most iconic arts celebrations. uptownminneapolis.com
AUGUST 8TH
5k Fun Run x Forgotten Star Brewing
Forgotten Star Brewing
The 5K Fun Run brings a relaxed, community-focused experience where participants of all abilities can run, walk, or jog a scenic course before celebrating at the finish with a local craft beer. It’s an untimed, welcoming event that emphasizes connection, movement, and post-run fun with friends, neighbors, and fellow runners and great local craft beer. forgottenstarbrewing.com
AUGUST 27TH - SEPTEMBER 7TH
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
