Lake Minnetonka, MN November 2022 by City Lifestyle

The Thankful Issue

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Thankful

November 2022 PUBLISHER

Dave Robertson | dave.robertson@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Lauren Beaubaire | lauren.beaubaire@citylifestyle.com

I always write my publisher’s letter a week before the issue deadline. By then we have the stories, local experiences, and business monthly’s well in hand and I have a feel for the overarching theme and direction of the issue. This November is different. I’ve been thinking about it a long time. I’ve been thinking about all the blessings we’ve had in a short amount of time. The magazine is successful after launching almost two years ago. On a personal level, as some of our children have left the nest, but not strayed too far, we’ve added more pets to our household to keep it bustling with activity. We’ve welcomed two new grandchildren from our oldest that are always a surprise and delight. I’m blessed by my wife’s grace, continued love and support. My faith journey is deepening and sustains me in life’s everyday challenges. In a word: I am “Thankful.” This issue then is dedicated to the stories we’ve uncovered in our community to be thankful for. In it, I hope you'll learn about some causes and organizations that are making a difference. There are many businesses in the Lake Minnetonka community that are paying it forward in special ways. With only so many we can represent in our pages in each issue, we will try to bring their stories and their “why” to light in the coming months. November is the time we celebrate Thanksgiving in this country. We reflect on our blessings and find solace in them. It often leads us to gather with family and friends, eat too much and enjoy our bounty. While we celebrate and gather, making treasured memories for those of us that have been truly blessed, let’s be mindful of those in our Lake Minnetonka community and beyond that could use a helping hand. Most of all, as we move into the fall toward the business of the holiday season, let's be Thankful. And as we bustle through the coming months with plans and our busy lives, try to take note of your blessings and have an abundant heart.

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Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Lake Minnetonka area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered

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to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

“

Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude. - A. A. Milne

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inside the issue The Thankful Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

16 Thanks and Giving

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Local Experiences

Inspired By

Park Nicollet Foundation brings breast cancer awareness to the community with

Our Town

the Mammo a-go-go Program.

Must See

Giving Back

Local’s Choice

Local Limelight

Hosting Tips

Realty Report

Events

Gift Guide

How THEE Alliance helps families get out of medical debt and get their lives back

22 Be Pink: Sharing Hope and Outreach Within the Community 28 There’s No Place Like Home

How the 141 Project is changing lives one home at a time

36 A Turkey Day Tradition

Why the Tonka Turkey Trot will be your new favorite Thanksgiving tradition

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city scene

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1: Great local vendors turned out for James J. Hill Days. 2: Enjoying the rides. 3: Playing carnival games. 4: Enjoying fresh roasted corn on the cob from Corn Hole Foodie. 5: Cub Scouts and Scouts from Troop 283 in the James J. Hill Days parade. 6: Refueling for more fun with a sweet treat. 7: Having fun well into the night.

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Fazendin Realtors Launches A New Foundation Fazendin Realtors is proud to announce the launch of the Fazendin Realtors Foundation. Executive Committee Co-Chair Andy Fazendin is "excited to have the Foundation as a way to organize and increase the giving Fazendin Realtors has been doing for decades." The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that will provide financial support to members of the Twin Cities community in need of safe shelter or housing. Visit fazhomes.com/foundation for more information. Photography by Fazedin Realtors

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Red Sauce Rebellion's Rebel Room Makes the Holidays a Delight Take the stress out of the season and enjoy the holidays by booking the Rebel Room at Red Sauce Rebellion. Perfect for family gatherings or holiday office parties, the Rebel Room offers an intimate and private dining setting with bar service and a plated dinner option for parties up to 18 guests or family style or buffet that are great for holiday cocktail parties. You'll love our entrée selections like grilled ribeye and chicken parmesan. Visit: redsaucerebellion.com NOVEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/L A K E M I N N E TO N KA

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local experiences The best places and things to do in our area.

The holidays are here, and it's time to enjoy all that Lake Minnetonka has to offer to celebrate this time of the year. From holiday markets and festive lights, to pop up shops and establishments to warm up with a glass of wine, baked good, or a firepit, we have you covered to help get you in the holiday spirit!

Seasonal Pastimes SCHR AM VINEYAR DS WINER Y & BR EWER Y: Start the holidays off right with

wine tasting at picturesque Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery. Each tasting includes at least 5 of their award-winning wines. 8785 Airport Road, Waconia UNION DEPOT: A favorite annual pop-up holiday market at Union Depot, MN Christmas Market showcases homegrown brands and makers where a percentage of sales goes to Santa's College Fund. 214 4th Street East, Saint Paul MINNETONKA OR CHAR D: With decorative lights, holiday hayrides, and warm hot cocoa, Minnetonka Orchard brings the holiday cheer with cheese and wine classes and photos with Santa! 6530 County Road 26 , Minnetrista NINETWENTYFIVE: Cozy up at ninetwentyfive for live music every Thursday, great wine and whiskey collection, and when the weather gets cold, dine in their outdoor igloos. 925 Lake Street East Wayzata TR EE LIGHTINGS: From a parade of lights down Lake Street to tree lightings in Chaska and Waconia, enjoy the beauty of season with tree lightings all around town.

Scan for more photos and the full list. Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery

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THANKS AND GIVING HOW THEE ALLIANCE IS HELPING FAMILIES GET OUT OF MEDICAL DEBT AND GET THEIR LIVES BACK ARTICLE BY JEN LARSEN FORTNER

I NSP IR E D BY | LOCAL SERVI CE S

November. A month associated not only with gratitude but also with giving. THEE Alliance Forgiving Medical Debt is an organization that has the rare opportunity to help turn giving into exponential giving and, as a result, grow gratitude in abundance. One day in the summer of 2019, Skip Lieser was in his car driving and was moved to turn on the radio. He tuned in to the station KTIS and happened upon hearing about an organization called RIP Medical Debt, a non-profit dedicated to buying and forgiving medical debt. Skip was intrigued. Having been in finance his whole career, he went home and did some research, calling the founder, and found that RIP had been able to buy up medical debt for pennies on the dollar, releasing families from this burden forever. Inspiration struck. Skip spoke to his pastor at Lord of Life Church, clergy at other churches, friends and former

colleagues, and an idea began brewing. Medical debt has always been a challenge that congregation members have faced. Churches are also often a place where families seek help during hardship. THEE Alliance, under the direction of Skip and with the support from his pastor, experienced their first big success when Lord of Life generously donated $15,000, which paid off an astonishing $1.6 million in debt for 472 families. Kris Wenker, a former colleague of Skip’s and fellow member at Lord of Life church, serves on the advisory committee. This model of philanthropic giving is different than others. Kris explains, “It’s always exciting when some charity you care about gets a match. This is 100 to 1 match dollar to dollar. Because RIP is a 501c3 charitable organization, there is no tax owed on it. If you are a hardship family and by some stroke of luck a portion is forgiven, the family still owes taxes on it.” But not in this case.

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When a debt is forgiven through the donations of THEE Alliance and the expertise of RIP Medical Debt, families receive a letter in a yellow envelope that notifies them that their debt has been forgiven. This debt is also erased off their credit record. It’s a fresh start in every way. “I think the key thing is unlike any other debt, house, credit card, those are all things you take an action that resulted in it. Nobody tries to take on medical debt. You just got sick,” Kris says. By the summer of 2021, an interfaith group was assembled. THEE Alliance has an even broader mission than a single church or group of related churches doing good work. Kris says, “One church raising funds can do great work. But a partnership of churches in alliance… Skip’s vision is what drives the alliance.” This power of collective effort extends to all faith communities. Skip explains, “I’d like to see more churches involved but also any and all faith communities. We all have giving and helping our neighbors in common.” Fast forward to 2022, THEE Alliance can now direct funds to specific states (Minnesota!) and even specific zip codes. Kris says, “It’s a tremendous opportunity for local Minnesotans to help one another. If ever there was a time, now is it.”

I NSP IR E D BY | LOCAL SERVI CE S

So far, the 17 members have forgiven $38 million for over 29 thousand families. While no one has a crystal ball, we all have dreams of future accomplishments. Skip says, “I just have a vision that someday in the future, maybe I could open up the paper and see a headline of $100 million of debt forgiven. That would help 50,000 families or more.” Ambitious goals driven by a man with a big heart. “Medical debt was not a choice for them but forgiving it is a choice for us.” When Skip retired from corporate life in 2009, he knew he had more time to spend with family, enjoy grandchildren and serve on boards. But his wife mentioned at his retirement event that perhaps he would find something new he enjoyed doing. Possibly something that would be even more important to him. So I had to inquire… was she right? “Yes. She absolutely was. I mean, I really loved my career. Many great years. But this… whereas this, well, this is all about the families. All about the families. I followed an inspiration, and it’s been amazing to see what we can do when we come together. I give all the credit to our team of pastors, hospitals, donors, all the partners.” To read more about THEE Alliance and their big dreams or find a way to get involved, visit their website at: https://www.theealliance.org This Thanksgiving, you could give in the spirit of loving thy neighbor, and the recipient could be your actual neighbor.

“Medical debt was not a choice for them but forgiving it is a choice for us.”

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Be Pink: Sharing Hope and Outreach Within the Community The Park Nicollet Foundation has taken breast cancer awareness to the community with the Mammo a-go-go Program. ARTICLE BY SARA HOEMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY JOHN Even though October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, awareness, screenings, and funds to help fight this deadly disease are necessary year-round. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 264,000 women in the US are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, and 42,000 women die from the disease. Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate. Women from every walk of life are at risk, and every woman should begin getting routine mammogram screenings beginning at age 50. Giving women access to these lifesaving screenings is often half the battle in early diagnosis, which leads

O UR TOWN | WEL L N ESS

to better outcomes. However, not all women have the same access to these screenings. The Park Nicollet Foundation noticed a need in the community and launched an annual fundraising campaign to support the Park Nicollet Jane Brattain Breast Cancer mobile Mammo a-go-go Community Outreach Program. “Since the 2014 inception of the first Mammo a-go-go truck, there are now two trucks, and the outreach program has hosted nearly 600 community events and over 10,500 women have received mammography screenings,” said Kim Cassens, the Be Pink Committee Chair and Board Chair for Park Nicollet Foundation.

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The program is named after Jane Brattain, a two-time breast cancer survivor and long-time donor of the foundation. Jane and her husband, Don, had donated money to purchase a state-of-the-art biopsy machine as a way to non-invasively screen for cancer. Jane was the first one to use the new screening machine, and she now continues to share her passion for early detection throughout the state. How does it work? The Mammo a-go-go program partners with local non-profit organizations and community groups to not only provide screenings, but also breast health education and follow-up services. Additionally, if an interpreter is needed in any of the communities, that is provided as well. The goal is to support as many women as possible throughout Minnesota, regardless of income. “It brings awareness, accessible lifesaving no-fee mammography screenings, interpretive services, follow-up diagnostic services and breaks down barriers by bringing these services to these communities in a place they can trust,” said Kim. Often, minority communities and immigrants face barriers in accessing these services, such as insurance, income, or transportation. By helping to bridge the gap within these communities, breast cancer mortality can decrease, and education can become accessible. How can you help? The foundation kicked off its big October fundraiser in late September with a Be Pink fundraising breakfast. “The 2022 fundraising goal is $200,000,” said Kim. “Anyone can get involved in several different ways: donating directly to the

O UR TOWN | WEL L N ESS

The Mammo a-go-go program brings awareness, providing accessible lifesaving no-fee mammography screenings.

Be Pink website or calling the Park Nicollet Foundation office, volunteering for the Be Pink Committee, or becoming a Pink Raiser to raise awareness within your own circle of influence and collaboratively to raise funds.” Donations to support the Be Pink Campaign are welcome anytime throughout the year. Visit https://fundraise. givesmart.com/e/HCR k xQ?vid=uh8q5 for the foundation’s fundraising page and more information.

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E’ ER

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HOW THE 141 PROJECT IS CHANGING LIVES ONE HOME AT A TIME

HOME

ARTICLE BY LAUREN BEAUBAIRE

M UST SE E | HOM E + D ES I GN

On a trip to Guatemala 20 years ago, Lake Minnetonka builder Sven Gustafson met the two women who would change his life. He met his wife, Anna, and Betty Merida, a woman who runs a mission, working with local pastors in the community of Sumpango, a suburb of Guatemala City. And it was through his connection with Betty that Sven was able to start a project that would change many lives: the 141 Project. The idea for the 141 Project came about when Sven, founder and CEO of Stonewood, which builds custom luxury homes in Lake Minnetonka, was round-tabling with a group of builders. The question came up: what do you give your clients as a move-in gift? Sven recalled, “A lot of really run-of-the-mill ideas came out like, we give them a toolset or fill their refrigerator with food. To give a client a bottle of wine or a set of screwdrivers seemed trivial given the scale of the project that we’d just completed. As upper bracket home builders, building multi-million dollar homes, clients have everything they need. I felt we could do something more meaningful." Inspired by his trip to Guatemala and seeing the housing crisis, Sven knew how he and other builders could help. Instead of a bottle of wine as a move-in gift, for every home they build in the US, they would build a home for a family in need in Guatemala. “Reflecting on how appreciative the families in Guatemala are as they see their new home being built, I can’t think of anything more meaningful to do for our clients as a move-in gift. The blessing of building a home for a family here and then doubling that blessing by building a home for a family who would otherwise never have one,” says Sven. And the 141 Project began. One home for one home. Working with Betty alongside her organization, Breaking Cycles in Guatemala, Betty has now become known as the one who can give people homes. “They’ve got a long list of people interested. A pastor will go around and determine if they’re truly a family in need who qualifies for a home,” explains Sven. To qualify, the families need to have children, and often, being a single-parent family is one of the qualifying factors. They need to own the land and be able to pay a small percentage of the cost of building the home so that they are invested in the project. CONTINUED >

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“For us Americans,” says Sven, “home doesn’t seem like the right term for it. The homes we build are 12x15 feet, with a window and a door, concrete floor and walls, corrugated tin ceiling, and white plaster on the exterior.” But home is exactly the right term. Typically, they’re replacing a structure made of corn stalks or collected sheet metal or sometimes only cardboard, where a family of four or six were living and all sharing one bed. As a part of the mission, Breaking Cycles also provides bunk beds for the kids to give them a separate space from the rest of the family. Having this home is life-changing. It provides safety, protection from the weather, improves the health of the family, and allows for children to attend school. Sven shares the story of Celeste. “Not only did we build her family home, but we’ve been sponsoring her to go to school. Now because her mother doesn’t have to worry about where they live, she can work and send her children to school instead of needing them to work alongside her to help make ends meet.”

M UST SE E | HOM E + D ES I GN

The partnership between 141 Project, Betty, and Breaking Cycles enables kids to take a different path in life where, otherwise, they wouldn’t see it as an option. In partnership with the 141 Project, Breaking Cycles has helped build over 150 homes for Guatemalan families. “We’re hoping that’s a small milestone,” says Sven. Looking forward, they’ve been working with partners in Haiti and elsewhere with the hope to expand into other countries in need. “The 141 Project has become part of our company’s culture. It inspires our employees and increases our collective passion for what we do, building and remodeling homes,” says Sven. “We’re working to draw in builders around the country to join the 141 Project and donate a home with every home they build. We have several local and national builder partners like Highmark Builders in Savage that share our vision.” You don’t have to build a home to donate a home. Learn how you can donate at: the141.org

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NON PROFITS IN YOU R OW N BACK YA R D Planting the Chaya tree.

MATTER The mission of MATTER is to help people launch projects that improve communities, from improving access to health care and nutrition to tech for the underserved in the Twin Cities and beyond. Vicki Bachmann, the VP of Business Partnerships at MATTER, is working to advance MATTER’s mission domestically and internationally by connecting businesses and giving them opportunities to serve. One current project is the Chaya Project in Zimbabwe. The Chaya tree, native to Mexico and South America, thrives in the warm climate of Zimbabwe. Chaya is a highly nutritious food source and easy to propagate. So far, MATTER has been able to plant 75,000 trees to help children in Zimbabwe suffering from drought conditions and food insecurity. Vicki says, “The next phase in providing better nutrition and health outcomes is to train the women to grow and harvest the Chaya, using the plant to produce and sell products, building a micro economy.” On a local level, MATTER has a variety of programs, including MATTER Box, an initiative providing a win for recipients in need of healthy food kits and the volunteers who assemble them. MATTER sells volunteer kits to individuals, families, groups, and corporations. Everything needed to assemble 50 healthy snack packs is contained in an individual kit. Volunteers can distribute them themselves or can bring them back to MATTER for distribution in the community. “These kits find their way into shelters, police departments, school athletic programs, mental health facilities, and centers that offer after-school programming. A few hundred thousand of these kits are made and distributed each year,” Vicki says. MATTER encourages people to come see what they’re about. Vicki says a great way to learn about MATTER is to take a tour. “We are open arms. We invite you to visit our facility and learn how to engage with us. There are many ways to be involved." Get involved at: https://www.matter.ngo/get-involved/

G IV IN G BAC K | LOCA L SERVI CE S

WINGS FOR WIDOWS Speaking with a Wings for Widows financial planner

Certified Financial Planner Chris Bentley had always been in the business of assisting clients with making important financial decisions. But after he lost a colleague unexpectedly in 2017, his eyes were opened to a new population that needed guidance. His co-worker’s wife, Liane, newly widowed, had joined a grief group and asked Chris if he would speak with them about their financial concerns. That experience prompted Chris to create Wings for Widows, a non-profit that steps in at a critical time to assist widows with financial matters. Chris says research finds 86% of widows didn’t make financial decisions on their own before their loss. This new responsibility, being the sole decision maker and navigating their own financial goals, can be overwhelming for widows. Chris had a very productive pandemic writing a book that now serves as a roadmap for those new to widowhood and a framework when clients seek the services of Wings for Widows. Wings for Widows offers free, one-on-one virtual coaching, matching clients with a financial planner. These personalized sessions, delivered via Zoom, can reach families in need wherever they are. Candidates complete an online “wellness check” and then are assigned a coach. They are fortunate to have over 60 volunteer CFPs who give back to their communities by lending their expertise in helping clients work through myriad administrative, financial, and legal issues. Chris aims to add many more volunteers, including additional coaches. “We are a growing organization to meet a growing demand.” Also on their wish list are sponsors and monetary donations to expand their awareness and serve more clients. They desire to be a valuable resource in area churches, with hospice caregivers, community grief groups, and more. Wings for Widows is about getting down to brass tacks and providing professional financial advice, but there is a valuable ripple effect. Chris says, “People really can’t start their grief journey until they have financial clarity. We provide that and confidence and peace of mind to gently set widows and widowers on the road to recovery.” Learn more: https://wingsforwidows.org/ CONTINUED >

NOVEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/L A K E M I N N E TO N KA

The Hope House

Hope House is exactly that, a place that offers both shelter and hope to youth in the southwest metro. Rod Provart, executive director of Hope House, explains it isn’t merely a ‘facility’ but an actual house. Located in Chanhassen, Hope House is a three-way partnership between Westwood Community Church (who owns the land), the Open Hands Foundation (who serve as project managers), and 180 Degrees (who operates the shelter). “One thing we hear over and over again, is that it is a home. The teens live communally, sitting around a kitchen table… there is a fireplace. It really is a home.” Since 2015 Hope House has been able to serve 600 local teens. Unfortunately, they have also had to turn away 1,000 requests. Some need a respite for a short time, maybe a few days. Others need longer stays to get back on track with school or reunification with their family. The need is there. Rod says the board is eager to explore an opportunity to seek a larger house. “Demand is high, and our shelter cannot currently keep up with the demand.” Hope House is staffed around the clock and provides basic needs like meals and clothing, taking care of immediate physical and mental needs first. Beyond that, they assist with navigating school, helping teens take the necessary steps to graduate, gain employment, and secure affordable housing. Rod dreams of future opportunities for Hope House and the youth they serve. Perhaps someday, a steady stream of volunteers to teach basic cooking skills, auto repair, financial literacy — all the skills teens and young adults need to survive and thrive are taught to them by members of their own community. Rod says, “The heart of Hope House is love. Love is what we do. When they come to Hope House, some of the teens are just lost. We meet every teen with love. We treat them with dignity. We offer them a home.” Find out more at: https://www.openhandsfoundation.com/the-hope-house

G IV IN G BAC K | LOCA L SERVI CE S

HOPE HOUSE

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WHY THE TONKA TURKEY TROT WILL BE YOUR NEW FAVORITE THANKSGIVING TRADITION

LOCA L’S CH OICE | FITNE S S

A TURKEY DAY TRADITION Whether it’s your mother’s legendary pumpkin pie or, no matter how old you get, the time-honored squabble between siblings over who gets to break the wishbone, these traditions make the holidays. This year you may want to add one more tradition to your Thanksgiving day: the Tonka Turkey Trot. Decked out in Thanksgiving-themed costumes, runners and walkers dressed as turkeys and chefs gather at the Dome outside Minnetonka High School to begin their Thanksgiving day with a 5K run/walk, helping raise funds for the Minnetonka Track and Field and Cross Country Association. “I never knew turkey costumes even existed before this race,” laughs Tonka Turkey Trot co-chair Ingrid Steele. “It started as a whirlwind brainstorm idea of a fun way to raise money for the Track and Field Association and the track and cross-country teams,” explains co-chair Bonnie Sons. “The first year it was this small event with about 50 runners following a course that snaked around the baseball field onto the trail behind the high school. But now, run on a certified course, it draws in around 2,000 people and has become a fun Thanksgiving tradition for families and the whole community.” Ingrid and her co-chair Bonnie got involved years ago when their kids were in the track and cross-country programs. And

even though their kids are grown and out of college, their love for running and wanting to give back have them showing up every year to participate in this community-favorite Thanksgiving tradition. “We’re either dedicated or crazy, I’m not sure which,” says Bonnie. “But I don’t think we or the other volunteers would give up our Thanksgiving morning year after year if it wasn't so much fun.” Now celebrating its 12th year, the Tonka Turkey Trot is run by all volunteers and with the support of local businesses who sponsor the event, helping keep race fees down. Ingrid explains, “We don’t want prices to get to the point where a family of four or five can’t participate because it gets too expensive.” And no one in the family will want to miss out. Between the Turkey Scoot, a 100-meter non-timed fun run for kids to race with turkey mascots, photo booths, DJ, refreshments, and cheering on participants, there’s something for everyone. If you’ve never done a 5K before, the Tonka Turkey Trot is the perfect place to start. Ingrid recalls, “For some who were a bit intimidated at first but decided to give it a shot, it inspired them to run other 5K races moving forward in life.” Inspiring someone to create those new healthy habits is just one of the many benefits of the event. The other, of course, is the funds that help the high school athletes. CONTINUED >

ARTICLE BY LAUREN BEAUBAIRE NOVEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/L A K E M I N N E TO N KA

The funds raised have helped with a new pole vault pit, hurdle replacement, and adding more coaches, which is invaluable for a program with over 100 kids. The Tonka Turkey Trot also partners with ICA Food Shelf. “When you register, you can donate to ICA. Last year, we donated well over $2,000,” says Bonnie. “When you go home to a nice turkey dinner with your family, it feels good to know we’re helping people in the greater community who maybe aren’t as fortunate.” Whether you want to run, walk, scoot, volunteer, or cheer, learn how to get involved at www.tonkaturkeytrot.com.

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BLESSING OTHERS THROUGH CREATIVITY HOW ART 2 HEART IS USING THEIR GIFT SHOP AND ARTISTIC TALENTS TO GIVE BACK

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | SHOPPI NG

In a bright turquoise house in Hamel, Minnesota, you’ll find Art 2 Heart (A2H), a small gift shop filled with unique, beautifully handcrafted items made from around the world, from local Minnesotans, and the 51 volunteers at A2H who dedicate their time and talents to bless others through creativity. “That is our main mission at Art 2 Heart,” explains Executive Director Jeanine Viani, “to bless others through creativity.” A2H is an all-volunteer-run nonprofit ministry, donating 100% of net proceeds from their gift shop to 25 ministries and outreaches across the globe and locally at home. The idea formed 18 years ago when artist Lori Westling

NOVEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/L A K E M I N N E TO N KA

ART 2 HE ART

decided to use her creative talents to help others. She began making and selling beaded flatware locally and donating all proceeds to a village in Zambia she and her friends had adopted through World Vision. “With the format of our shop, we gave away around $48,000 last year,” says Jeanine. You can see the impact of their donations with two of their personal care product lines. The soaps, lotions, and shampoos are made by organizations helping women escape trafficking. The women make the products, and all sales at A2H go directly back to support those organizations and women. Along with selling products made by their partners, A2H’s talented volunteers craft many of the items through their Creative Hearts crafting group. Tuesday mornings, a group of women gathers upstairs at the shop to create one-of-akind handcrafted products. “We used to make goods for the shop but have pivoted to find places in need where we can create items to fill a direct request,” says Jeanine. “One request we filled was with the Robbinsdale Women’s Center. They loved the tote bags we use at the shop to bag up customers’ purchases, and so the Creative Hearts group made bigger ones to use as diaper bags for the women at the center.” Jeanine assures you don’t have to be crafty to volunteer. “We like to ask all our volunteers, ‘what brings you joy?’ So I like bookkeeping. I’m not crafty,” laughs Jeanine. “We have volunteers who love marketing or cooking or others who love photography. When you do what brings you joy, everyone’s happy to show up and excited to work.” A2H also shares its creative work through its HEartReach prayer program. Upon request, volunteers will send prayers and gift packages to encourage and comfort. During the pandemic, A2H volunteers hand-wrote thousands of cards with notes of appreciation and encouragement to front-line workers, including local fire stations, nurses, and 911 operators. “We also have a little blessing kit with 10 handmade postcards for people to send an encouraging note themselves. You can pick one up in the shop for free,” says Jeanine. Through the talents of the volunteers at A2H, they hope to give away even more and continue to bless others through creativity. Learn more about their partners, stories, and how you can volunteer at: ourart2heart.org/

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NOVEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/L A K E M I N N E TO N KA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Your Autumn Dinner Party Is Served Catering experts Chef Kyle and Hannah Williams, owners of Savor & Swirl culinary company, create an outdoor dinner party with chef-driven perennial dishes served in beautiful seasonal settings. For this alfresco Autumn Dinner Party, Chef Kyle draws on favorite fall recipes updated for a modern palate and paired with wine selections to complement the bountiful feast. Hannah creates an iconic autumn ambiance using artisanal table settings and mixed flannels for each guest to blanket any chill on a brisk evening. Whether for Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving or a new November tradition, it’s time to get outdoors again surrounded in sweater-weather coziness while sharing bites and clinks with family and friends.

Insider Tips for Hosting: • Build a menu around the season. “In November, people crave turkey, sage stuffing and cranberry sauce,” Chef Kyle says. “Autumn dinners mean bigger-course meals with varied proteins, like turkey, duck and sirloin, hearty starches, and good fall produce, especially root vegetables such as butternut squash and pumpkin.” • Always greet guests with a beverage and appetizers. “Offer champagne for wine-lovers or a sparkling drink or signature cocktail. It’s all about serving guests to the highest caliber,” Kyle says. • Draw inspiration from the season’s changing colors, cooler temps and lower humidity to move back outdoors. “Think flannel blankets, wooden tables, fire pits, open grills, string lights and candles to create a really cool environment you haven’t been able to do all summer.”

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Want to see more? For this fall dinner party, Chef Kyle created the perfect dinner menu to tantalize guests’ taste buds. For a complete list of recipes, scan the QR code.

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N OVE MBE R 2 0 2 2

realty report A sample of recently sold properties in Lake Minnetonka. A D D RES S

Y EAR BU ILT

SOL D P RIC E

B DRM S

B AT HS

TOTAL F SF L IST ING B R OK E R

20590 Park Place

1900

$4,450,000

3,292

Coldwell Banker Realty

980 Tonkawa Road

1997

$3,675,000

5,371

Coldwell Banker Realty

3025 Brooks Lane

2010

$3,495,000

8,577

Coldwell Banker Realty

240 Minnetonka Ave S #303

2016

$2,250,000

2,212

Coldwell Banker Realty

2920 Casco Point Road

1998

$1,995,000

3,959

Coldwell Banker Realty

2617 Casco Point Road

1920

$1,950,000

5,059

Coldwell Banker Realty

1776 Jones Lane

1985

$1,560,000

4,675

Coldwell Banker Realty

1195 Prairie Meadow Road

1962

$1,400,000

3,275

Coldwell Banker Realty

4880 Lodge Lane

1957

$1,450,000

4,710

Coldwell Banker Realty

19645 Manor Road

1992

$1,250,000

3,438

Coldwell Banker Realty

1905 Heritage Drive

1971

$1,112,500

4,132

Coldwell Banker Realty

Information obtained through Heartland Multiple Listing Service 9-1-22 to 9-30-22. List and sold price reflect one selected home within the respective subdivision.

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events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area. EVERY WEEKEND THR OUGH DECEMBER 18TH

European Christmas Market

ST. PAUL UNION DEPOT | 4:00 PM Experience the most authentic traditional holiday market of its kind in Minnesota at the European Christmas Market. Offering a unique shopping experience outside in an open air market, the whole family will enjoy great food, entertainment, and intercultural activities. Peruse vendors for handmade European crafts, unique gifts from local vendors, drink Glühwein (spiced mulled wine), and taste European inspired delicacies. NOVEMBER 5TH, 12TH, AND 1 9 T H

Hopkins Winter Farmers Market

SELL WITH A RESULTS-DRIVEN REALTOR HEIDI OARE, REALTOR

Lakes Area Realty Excelsior 37 Water Street, Excelsior, 55331 (763) 670-9638 Heidi@ChrisDennisGroup.com LakesAreaExcelsior.com

CHRIS DENNIS, ASSOCIATE BROKER Lakes Area Realty Excelsior 37 Water Street, Excelsior, 55331 (612) 229-9322 Chris@ChrisDennisGroup.com LakesAreaExcelsior.com

EVE N TS

H O P K I NS AC T I V I T Y C E N T E R | 9 :0 0 A M The Hopkins Farmers Market moves indoors for their winter market. Shop fresh produce from local farmsteads like Smith Farm and Dancing Gnome Farm and meat, poultry, and eggs from ForageScape Farm. You'll also find unique handcrafted goods and artwork plus plenty of jams, sauces, and seasonings to stock up your pantry. Enjoy live music by Brad Cattadoris and Stringbeans Band. NOVEMBER 12TH

Minnetonka Winter Market

MI NNE TO NK A C O MMUN I T Y C E NT E R | 9 :0 0 A M Enjoy live music while you shop for local foods and handmade gifts from local vendors at the Minnetonka Winter Market. For one day only from 9am to 1pm, stock up on delicious goods and get your holi-

day gift shopping done early! Kids can enjoy a scavenger hunt around the market and seasonal crafts. N OV E M BE R 2 5T H

Light Up the Lake

DEPOT PARK AN D PAN OWAY P LAZ A PARK | 4:30 PM Light Up the Lake this winter with reindeer, letters to Santa, cocoa, treats, music, magical wagon rides on Lake Street, and a candy cane hunt. There will be a tree and town lighting ceremony with the mayor and a parade of lights down Lake Street. The event will also be accepting toy donations for Toys for Tots. N OV E M BE R 2 5T H

Waconia Tree Lighting

C IT Y SQ UARE PARK, WACON IA | 6: 0 0 PM Create some of the best family memories for the holidays at Waconia's Tree Lighting in the Park. Stay toasty sipping hot cocoa by the warm fire and join in caroling with holiday characters. Santa will arrive just in time to light up City Square Park at 6:30pm. New, unopened toys for the Waconia Toy Drive are welcomed. N OV E M BE R 2 5T H , 2 6TH , AND 2 7 TH

2022 Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt

EXCELSIO R EAST PUBLIC PARKING BE H IND EXCELS IOR B REWING | 10 :00 AM Celebrate the holiday season at Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt festival! Delight your senses with German/Alpine Christmas traditions such as German sausages and potatoes, sweet & savory strudel, KinderCocoa, and “Gluehwein’’ (a warm, sweet spiced wine). Enjoy music, shop vendors for handcrafted goods, and the kids will love KinderWorld and the NorthPole Trolley, live Reindeer, tea parties with Frozen Princesses, parades, and more!

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Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

612.590.8099 | Ador-Homes.com | LIC #761771 NOVEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/L A K E M I N N E TO N KA

ARTICLE BY LAUREN BEAUBAIRE

Host Gifts for the Holidays A ROUND UP OF GREAT GIFTS TO SHOW YOUR GRATITUDE If you’re heading over to friends or family for the holidays, you don’t want to show up empty-handed. We’ve rounded up great host gifts to show your gratitude (perhaps you’re most grateful not to be the one hosting this year!) and included a few options that are easy to throw in a suitcase if you’re traveling for the holidays.

Your host will love wrapping themselves in a comfy throw blanket and forgetting all about those dishes still to do. Head to Lake Effect and Faribault Mills for great cozy throws. They have Lake Minnetonkathemed blankets too!

Because chocolate. Check out Truffle Hill Chocolates, which offers everything from delectable truffles to chocolate turtles. Keep an eye out for their Chocolate of the Month Club coming soon.

Get them a gift card to their favorite Lake Minnetonka restaurant, like Coalition or COV. After preparing a holiday feast, the last thing they’ll want to do is cook another meal.

They’ll appreciate the 6-bottle olive oil gift set from The Smiling Olive with specialty flavors like Tuscan Herb, Lemon, and Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar.

Fill that glass alllll the way to the top. Give your host their new favorite piece of stemware – a wine glass that holds an entire bottle of wine. Check out brands like the Big Swigger or Big Betty.

The holidays can be stressful. Treat them to a massage at Bella on the Bay or gift them a great body butter which, naturally, now comes in pumpkin spice for the season.

G IF T GU ID E | SHOPPIN G

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