ARTS + CULTURE
MEET OUR VERY OWN (YOUNG) MAN OF STEEL
Please join us in Downtown Wayzata for
Summer Sip & Sh�p!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10TH / 10 AM - 5 PM
Enjoy relaxed shopping, refreshments and a chance to win a WDD curated gift basket valued over $1,200.00 by visiting each of the 9 shops listed below!
WAYZATA
The Kids & Pets Issue
This issue is always one of my favorites. I guess it’s because I love kids and our furry friends.
Kids are our future; they are the foundation upon which our society stands. Their curiosity and potential have the power to shape our world in ways we can only imagine. Kids represent our hardest work, greatest investment, and challenge. What a tremendous role we can play in supporting their interests and shaping them as best as we can into healthy and happy young adults.
Secondarily, who could forget pets? This special kind of companionship can be a transformative experience for children and adults alike. Pets provide us with unconditional love and the opportunity to learn, grow, and develop essential life skills in a nurturing environment. And who could ignore the bond between kids and their furry friends and the life lessons that it brings?
I have so many wonderful memories of the pets I had growing up and certainly of the three dogs I have now, from Winnie’s loving personality to Shelby’s howling serenades and Godzilla (Zilla) and her mighty determination. One of my favorite dogs, though, was Bella, my German Shepard. Her command of the English language, hunting prowess, and athleticism were the stuff of legend, but my favorite skill she had was as a cornerback guarding my son Chad when he was going out for a pass. She not only was a ballhawk and defended like Deion Sanders, but she tackled like Ronnie Lott.
This is a milestone issue for me as we expand the magazine to 68 pages, and I’m so excited to bring more stories than ever before to the magazine.
Jen writes of Garages and Grad parties. We get an end-of-summer look at all things boating at Erickson Marine in Tonka Bay. We are very excited to highlight multiple businesses banding together as the “Wayzata Design District.” We lean on the professionals and get a glimpse of how to design fun and functional spaces for kids. We check out the favorite vacation destination of my three dogs and revisit Top Dog. Finally, we learn about a young entrepreneur who’s on the cutting edge of a booming business career.
And there is much more!
Enjoy this expanded August issue, and as we enjoy the best summer has to offer, I look forward to seeing you around the Lake!
DAVE ROBERTSON, PUBLISHER
August 2024
PUBLISHER
Dave Robertson | dave.robertson@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Lauren Beaubaire | lauren.beaubaire@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Kristin Schuette | kristin.schuette@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kendra Johnson, Sara Hoeman, Hannah Harms, Graham Johnson, Lauren Beaubaire, Kimberly Blaker, Rebecca A. Hahn, Linda Ditch, and Jen Fortner
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Anna Kostochko, Maria Claire Photography
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster Learn
Proverbs 3:5-6
inside the issue
The Long Road Back to Lake Minnetonka
How Erickson Marine Found Its Way Back to Tonka Bay
Designing Fun and Functional Spaces for Kids
We asked the experts how to create cool bedrooms, playrooms, and bathrooms kids will love
Why Is It Important to Socialize Your Dogs?
We asked the owner of Top Dog Country Club this question. Here’s what she had to say.
Turning Art into Business
At just fourteen years old, Emmett Eitreim is a true craftsman, creating one-of-a-kind handmade knives and launching his business, EJwork
1-7: Setting sail with Paradise Charter Cruises! Departing from The Port of Excelsior, guests came aboard one of Paradise’s luxury boats for a sunset cruise on beautiful Lake Minnetonka. https://www.twincitiescruises.com/lake-minnetonka
Crown College’s Latest Renovation is Complete
Thanks to two generous anonymous donations, Crown College is making some changes! The newest project, updating their East Wing classrooms, is complete and adds to the already nearly $18 million invested into the facility (including a new residence hall and renovations to their welcome center, weight room, and more.) The East Wing project changes the layout of the classrooms, adding a lounge area, new HVAC, and hyflex furniture just to name a few. Congratulations!
Lake Minnetonka Pet Wellness Center Joins Westonka Family
Lake Minnetonka Pet Wellness Center is under new ownership and is now a sister hospital to Westonka Animal Hospital! Located on the north shore of Lake Minnetonka, their newly renovated facility offers wellness appointments, pet dental care, and sick visits for cats and dogs along with a full state-of-the-art laboratory. Staffed by the same expert veterinarians, veterinary technicians, assistants, and customer service representatives as Westonka Animal Hospital, you can be sure your fluffy family member will receive the best care.
Selina Martire & Her State Farm Team is Expanding!
Selina Martire and her team at State Farm are excited to announce their expansion across state lines and are now officially licensed in both Minnesota AND Wisconsin! "We look forward to helping even more people and extending our reach to our neighboring state of Wisconsin! Call, text, or email with any insurance need!" shares Selina. Stop in to their office today to chat with Selina and her team to see how they can help!
Photography by Crown College
Photography by Westonka Animal Hospital
Photography by Anna Kostochko
THE LONG ROAD
MINNETONKA Back to Lake
HOW ERICKSON MARINE FOUND ITS WAY BACK TO TONKA BAY
ARTICLE BY GRAHAM JOHNSON
When Luke Erickson’s grandparents, June and Roger, opened a Gamble’s Hardware store in Hastings, they could have never imagined what that company would become decades later. Today, Erickson Marine sells, services, stores, and hauls boats across the metro with locations in Hastings and now, back in Tonka Bay.
The story of how Erickson Marine came to, left, and finally returned to Tonka Bay goes all the way back to the Gamble’s store. A few years after opening the hardware store, “they started selling a few Lund fishing boats in the store parking lot,” says Luke. In doing so, the couple came to realize that their business growth was coming from selling boats over hardware.
Roger purchased a property just across the Mississippi River from downtown Hastings, where Erickson Marine can still be found today. He continued to sell a wide variety of products through the years, such as ATVs, snowmobiles, television sets, furniture, and, of course, boats. Regarding the move out to the highway location, Luke remarks, “Everyone thought he was crazy,” but the results speak for themselves.
By the 1980s, Erickson Marine had leased a second location on Tonka Bay, but the site was troubled by the severe drought of that time, which made boating in the area extremely difficult. This, unfortunately, led to the unexpected closing of the location. In the mid-80s, Jon Erickson, Luke’s father, began taking over the business from his parents and still runs the company today.
As the third generation in the business, when asked if he had always planned to work in the marina, Luke responds, “It depends on who you ask.” Luke grew up on boats and has early memories of dealer meetings with his family. A seasoned young boater, he even recalls being able to demo the first boat-docking joystick as a child…with an audience. “That sticks with me to this day,” says Luke. But despite how familiar and experienced he became on the water, working at the marina was never a foregone conclusion.
“When we start looking at these boat manufacturers, we say, ‘Why wouldn’t this be perfect for Minnesota boating?’”
According to Luke, it was the pandemic that brought him fully into the business. After an initial slow period for the marine business during Covid, Governor Walz released avid boaters back onto the lakes, and “That’s when business got crazy for us,” says Luke.
CONTINUED
>
Jon Erickson and Luke Erickson
For the first time in months, people trying to escape their living rooms took to the lakes. It took multiple years for the boating industry to “catch up with the demand,” says Luke. For all the hardships of the pandemic, quarantine provided the gift of time for many. During a much-needed Minnesota summer, many families across the state took to the lakes. This surge in boating led Erickson Marine to open an additional sales location at Tonka Bay in 2023. This new sales office is in the very same spot leased by Roger Erickson approximately forty years prior.
The foundation of Erickson Marine has always been, and remains today, providing their customers with
quality boats and outstanding service. The company’s technicians are certified in various popular brands such as Yamaha, Mercury, MerCruiser, and Volvo Penta and provide prompt remote service on everything they sell.
“One of the main reasons we are here today and have been in business this long is a direct result of our wonderful service,” says Luke. Erickson Marine’s technicians have over one hundred years of combined experience in the industry, with many of those years spent at Erickson Marine. “It’s cliché, but we are one big family,” says Luke.
The company has always done business in and around Lake Minnetonka, known simply as ‘The Lake’ to employees. Returning to open a sales office was a way to
better serve that community. The entire Erickson Marine team is excited by the opportunity to have a physical location back on Lake Minnetonka.
At the Tonka Bay sales office, “almost everything there is water-ready,” says Luke, often surprising customers by asking them ‘do you want to go for a ride right now?’ for boats they are looking at on the show floor. Erickson Marine also secured some slips in the marina to display boats for demonstration.
Coming from a long line of boaters, Luke is keenly aware of the weight of history and tradition in the boating industry. Luke and his father travel to boat shows across the country, using those experiences to bring new ideas to their own inventory. They are always looking for unique, exciting, and innovative brands that they feel will fit in the marketplace. A current example is Nimbus Boats, a popular luxury brand started in Sweden that stands in stark contrast to popular boats in Minnesota.
“When we start looking at these boat manufacturers, we say, ‘Why wouldn’t this be perfect for Minnesota boating?’” says Luke.
With the arrival of warm weather here in Minnesota, it is officially boating season. And for anyone looking to get out onto one, Erickson Marine is here to help. https://www.ericksonmarine.com/
Grad party season has come and gone. I love grad party season. No better way to catch up with 300 people you’ve been trying to have coffee with for a year. Some were elaborate affairs with food trucks and event centers and
THE GARAGE DIARIES
multiple photo collages. Some had guest books and commemorative frames to sign and school color-themed balloon arches. Others were in homes or in driveways with tents and homemade treats and clever designated spots to take pictures with the graduate. And a couple of them were in garages. Garage grad parties are primarily a midwestern phenomenon the
Life Minded
internet tells me. I saw a post about it this summer, and comments from people who lived elsewhere couldn’t believe we Minnesotans hosted parties in garages. We do.
One of my dear friends hosted her daughter’s grad party in the garage, and guests spilled out into the driveway and yard and deck, but the garage was the primary venue. While selecting a brownie, an acquaintance said to me, “My garage certainly doesn’t look like this.” To which I replied, “My house doesn’t look like this.” My friend has an impeccable eye for design and has transformed her garage into a swoon-worthy living space. This garage has painted cinder block and a comfortable couch and mood lighting and faux sheep shearlings thrown over leather butterfly chairs. This garage has a darling vintage refrigerator and a table for games or grabbing a bite to eat and a large TV. I would live in this garage.
Because…
Our garage looks like a sporting goods store. No. I take that back. Our garage looks like a sporting goods museum. Not a beautiful, opulent
Minded
museum where they could charge for admission. Our garage is like a museum time forgot in a one-horse town filled with vintage farm equipment. It’s a visual history of all the things we tried and loved or tried and abandoned. Our family of five just couldn’t pick a lane when it came to recreation. Everyone enjoys different things, and we’ve left no stone unturned. We have one runner. One hockey player. One dancer. Three fishermen. Two yogis. One skier. Two who golf. One snowboarder. One lacrosse player. All of us play badminton. Three who played soccer but no longer. And we have had all the things required for all the interests. Nets. Life jackets. Swim goggles. Beach toys. We have bats and balls and sticks and yard games and pool noodles and glow in the dark this and that. And at one point, we had so many cleats for various sports you’d think we were housing a complete team.
We can’t have a party in our garage because nobody wants to have appetizers sitting near the gas cans or the weed whipper. And I have to remind myself, I wanted this. Dreamt of it actually.
When we moved to this house we had enough things to fill two little shelves. Nothing else. We had an old Quik container filled with stray nails and screws. We still have it. We had WD-40 and ant killer. We had two bikes. We had two small cars with ample room between. We didn’t even need to “look for something in the garage” because everything we owned was readily visible.
But I yearned to have this family one day and fill this garage with the things families have. Large cars. Ceramic pots for the garden. Sporting goods. Marked bins filled with things in off-season storage. Stuff. And my dream came true. Titans of industry start businesses in their garages while we just grew our busyness.
Slowly but surely, the garage detritus does lessen. The ski boots are outgrown. We are officially giving up on tennis. I pawned off 50 pieces of sidewalk chalk to the darling neighbor kids. It’s a relief to clear things out, but it also feels odd. A new phase. We aren’t done with all of it quite yet… We’ve just graduated. To the next chapter. Perhaps we should host our very own garage party to celebrate.
BY JEN FORTNER
Jen Fortner is a freelance writer who enjoys asking friends and strangers far too many questions. She spends her spare time sitting in inclement weather watching youth sports, traveling, cooking, and searching for the very best baked goods. She lives in Shorewood with her husband, three children and the most spoiled dog.
COLUMN
WE ASKED THE EXPERTS HOW TO CREATE COOL BEDROOMS, PLAYROOMS, AND BATHROOMS KIDS WILL LOVE
Designing Fun and Functional Spaces for Kids
ARTICLE BY KENDRA JOHNSON
“The approach for a kid’s bedroom is quite different from an adult’s. We’re creating a space that has to be functional and adaptable.”
Turning a house into a home requires safe, comfortable, and creative spaces for everyone, including young children. Creating quiet bedroom spaces, lively playrooms, and pleasant bathrooms can help a child thrive in their own home. So, what considerations should you take when designing these spaces for your child? We asked the experts at Highmark Builders and Ruby+Suede Interior Design Studio, Danberry Building Corp., and Destiny Homes – companies specializing in interior design, new construction, and remodeling.
While each space serves its own function, creating adaptable bedrooms, playrooms, and bathrooms will not only make these spaces great for young kids but will allow the rooms to serve multiple purposes as your children grow.
As we all know, children grow quickly, and their needs change. So creating a quiet bedroom, separate from a playroom, that can easily adapt with their age is important.
“The approach for a kid’s bedroom is quite different from an adult’s. We’re creating a space that has to be functional and adaptable for the child. That child is not going to be at that size forever. They’re going to grow. So that is one of the main concerns,” says Richard Harsdorf, owner of Destiny Homes.
Utilizing the bedroom as a quiet space instead of a playroom can be helpful when it comes to adaptability. Installing softer lighting, cooler colors, and darkening blinds — all things that can easily be updated — can create a calming space for a child to relax and unwind.
“What we’re finding with younger kids — one-, twoand three-year-olds — is that they don’t necessarily have the bedroom as their playroom. They want the bedroom to be where quiet time is,” says Jeff Danberry, owner of Danberry Building Corp.
Kristen Schammel, senior interior designer at Ruby+Suede, adds, “We incorporate what the kids enjoy into their bedroom to create a space where they can get away from the rest of the family, have their own retreat and relaxing space. Simple, unique features like window benches, a special bean bag chair, or a hanging swing from the ceiling are little, easy-to-add elements that make their space their own and distinct from the other rooms in the home.”
Storage and shelving are also easily adaptable features of a child’s bedroom. Ample storage space is perfect for when you need to store diapers, wipes, and books, and then it can be converted as the child grows to meet their changing needs.
In addition to finding fun ways to design your child’s bedroom, it’s also important to consider the safety aspects that play a large role.
In bedrooms, “we add safety elements like rounded or padded corners” that can help prevent potential injuries, Jeff says. Using proper electrical outlets and outlet covers are another huge safety consideration.
Finding ways to make your child’s bedroom their safe space as they continue to grow can be just as important as designing a creative playroom.
It should be noted that playrooms don’t necessarily need to be separate from the rest of the house. Often, play areas can be set up in family rooms.
“We find that kids want to be where the parents are when they’re playing, so those rooms are often just part of the family room,” Jeff says.
There are boundless ways to instill creativity into a playroom, starting with the basics: floors and walls.
Richard says great options for flooring in playrooms include carpet or rubberized flooring. Rubber material is great for when kids are playing or roughhousing. However, if you’re looking for a more adaptable option,
carpet is the way to go. With various colors and textures, you’ll be able to find a carpet suitable for the kids that also looks good when the room eventually turns into something else.
And, in addition to painting a playroom fun colors, turning one or more of the walls into a chalkboard is a great way to help your kids live out their dream of coloring on the walls! Kristen shares, “For one of our projects, the daughter wanted to splatter paint the walls with her favorite colors. The painter got all the paint, we put plastic over everything we didn’t want paint on, and then she splatter painted her own walls, creating a really special space for herself.”
Adding built-in shelving is also a great way to utilize the space in a playroom. The shelves keep the toys and books tidy and give more space for the kids to play.
Safety aspects to consider in the playroom include anchoring furniture to the walls to prevent it from falling if your child climbs or pulls on it. Installing permanent safety gates is also a great option to keep your child safe in their playroom.
Kids getting messy during playtime is a given. So, when it comes time to head to the bathroom to clean up, you can add a few features to make your bathroom practical for your child.
While the large features of a bathroom — bathtub, toilet, sink — aren’t usually made specifically for children, there are plenty of smaller features that can easily make any bathroom functional for a toddler, teenager, or adult.
Installing vanities with built-in stools that can be pulled out to help children reach the faucet is a big help when kids need to wash their hands or brush their teeth. And finding faucets with levers instead of knobs can make it easier for children to turn the water on and off.
When it comes to keeping your child safe in the bathroom, one major consideration is water temperature.
Making sure the water cannot get to scalding temperatures is important for daily use in the bath or handwashing. While simple, these features offer great solutions for making your bathroom child-friendly. And to make the space really theirs, Kristen suggests something simple like changing out the hardware on the cabinets to fit their personality. “In one girl’s bathroom, we added fun, crystal hardware.”
At the end of the day, designing spaces for your child to live and grow should be fun! There are so many ways to design adaptable rooms that will serve the right function regardless of your child’s age.
If you have a baby on the way and want to design their bedroom, have a toddler in need of a playroom, or need to update your bathroom, the experts at Ruby+Suede and Highmark Builders, Danberry Building Corp., and Destiny Homes are experienced and can help you with designing, remodeling or building the rooms you need to make your house a home.
Highmark Builders: highmarkbuilders.com Ruby+Suede: https://rubyandsuede.com/ Danberry Building Corp: http://www.excelsiordesigngroup.com/ Destiny Homes: https://destiny-homes.com
12987 Ridgedale Dr, Minnetonka
Welcome to the Wayzata Design District
YOUR ONE-STOP DESTINATION FOR EVERYTHING HOME DESIGN
ARTICLE BY LAUREN BEAUBAIRE
Timber & Tulip, Photography by Maria Claire Photography
Fox & Willow
Wayzata has quickly become a one-stop destination for everything home design. With a blend of retail shops for finding furniture and decor alongside specialized, bespoke design services, you’ll find everything you need to elevate your style and make your house a home, all on one street. Welcome to the Wayzata Design District.
“Wayzata has naturally become a thriving, diverse community of talented designers and home-focused retail shops,” explains Brianne Rasmussen, owner of Timber & Tulip, offering high-end furniture solutions with unique styles that can be customized to fit your space. “The picturesque setting by Lake Minnetonka and the charm of Lake Street is just the cherry on top!”
“The home design culture is more densely populated in Wayzata,” says Julia Moss, owner of Julia Moss Designs, which hosts The Next Generation of Silver® as well as high-end home decor, gifts, and a wedding registry program. “Downtown Wayzata has a “small town” feel with a wide array of very different design stores with different choices where customers can work oneon-one with an interior designer or retail store, putting looks together for their homes.”
So, instead of running all around the Twin Cities to get your home design needs met, the collection of home stores in the Wayzata Design District allows for an easy home design shopping experience with endless inspiration in each boutique shop you set foot in.
“There is a growing show of support for the new community of designers who want to bring the collective talent together,” says Lisa Robbins, founder and principal interior designer at Brick + Linen, a full-service architectural and interior design firm with two retail shops. “Wayzata’s talent is diverse, and so are the styles of the various designers. Not only are people shopping for their own homes, but interior designers are also bringing their clients to get all those design accents and finishing touches!”
Shara Hoffman, owner and creative director of Fox & Willow, offering everything around the table, from everyday and luxury tabletop products to fashion and decor, as well as wedding registry and gifting services, adds, “For the style maximalists that love color, patterns, and mixing textures, there are so many options from our store to Lucy and Grace Hill. While Brick + Linen, Henri Home, and Timber & Tulip
are a destination must for earthy neutrals and minimalist offerings.”
You’ll find a broad range of styles from lakeside coastal to modern and traditional. All on one walkable street. If you don’t find your style in one store, you’ll likely find it just a few steps further.
“We’re happy to refer customers to each other,” says Molly MacDonald, owner of Highcroft, a luxury boutique specializing in home linens and decor. “We have an understanding and appreciation for the expertise of other businesses.”
“The friendly atmosphere is so supportive. We’re all small, independent shop owners who are creative and open-minded to hear new ideas and join together to enrich our village,” adds Lucy Penfield, principal at Lucy Interiors, a full-service interior design firm.
Ready to discover the Wayzata Design District for yourself?
To make your introduction to this design destination as seamless as possible, Kristi Patterson, owner and creative director at Grace Hill, which offers home furnishings, decor, and gifts, shares, “To make it easier for people to find all the home and interior design-focused shops, we are collaborating to provide an illustrated map in postcard form available at each store. We are also hosting joint events to bring people together and encourage them to stroll from shop to shop so they are introduced to all things home.”
And the first event is coming up! On August 10, head to the Wayzata Design District on Lake Street to enjoy trunk shows, visiting artists, drinks and treats, giveaways, and, of course, everything home design. If you visit every shop, you’ll also have a chance to win a curated gift bundle with goodies from each shop!
“We’re excited to welcome new guests and have them experience our exceptional customer service and see all we have to offer,” says Kim Zitzloff, buyer and manager of Five Swans, a staple in the Wayzata Community since 1966, providing home/gift, hostess gifts, tabletop, bridal registry, and unique gift wrapping.
“I think it will be a really great opportunity to introduce how special the Wayzata Design District is and encourage people to check out each and every shop along the way,” says Jamie Otte, co-founder of Henri Home. “Each shop offers something so unique, and there is something for everyone at each location.”
In
Studio
For
Important Your Dogs? WHY IS IT TO SOCIALIZE
We asked the owner of Top Dog Country Club this question. Here’s what she had to say.
ARTICLE BY HANNAH HARMS
As a former Vice President of Marriott Lodging, Jean’s work demanded constant travel. Usually, her dogs would have a dog sitter while she was away for work, but it wasn’t until her regular sitter canceled that she found inspiration to create Top Dog Country Club. This year, Jean Stelten-Beuning, owner of Top Dog Country Club, celebrates 24 years as the top vacation spot for man’s best friend.
Top Dog Country Club was the first of its kind and has earned international recognition on Discovery Channel’s Animal Planet, The New York Times, and NBC’s Today Show. “My ‘club med’ style vacation for dogs, combined with the service model I learned at Marriott Lodging, sparked an explosion in the industry,” says Jean. After being in business for over two decades, Top Dog is still that one-of-a-kind gem.
The vacation club is nestled on 39 acres just 20 minutes west of Lake Minnetonka. Jean’s team cares for guests between eight weeks and 19 years old, providing them with plenty of fresh air, exercise, socialization with other dogs, and mental stimulation. “It always has been and still is all about the dogs, where they are the number one criteria in every decision we make. That unbreakable promise makes business decisions simple,” says Jean.
Top Dog Country Club offers a variety of services, from boarding to daycare, with a heavy focus on what dogs need most . . . lots of exercise. “Our days are jam-packed with fun. Dogs are in outdoor group play, with 24,000 square feet of artificial turf for up to six hours every day,” says Jean. “The younger dogs learn social skills, and the senior dogs benefit from moving, mingling, and mental stimulation, and all dogs enjoy lots of exercise and fresh air.” The club also offers cuddle time, private training, swimming lessons, private nature walks, spa services like bathing, dental care, and massages, as well as ‘yappy’ hour with freshly baked biscuits and bedtime stories.
The team at Top Dog focuses on socializing the dogs, as it is critical for them to live happy, healthy lives. Too often, dogs that are not well socialized end up in shelters, where their future is grim. They develop abandonment issues, and the cycle continues.
“I am still as passionate today as I was when I opened Top Dog 24 years ago. I love that we are able to provide dog parents peace of mind when they travel, knowing that their dogs are safe, happy, and having the vacation of their lives. That makes it all so worth it.”
Pups socializing and playing outside at Top Dog Country Club.
TIPS TO TRAIN YOUR DOG TO BE AROUND OTHER DOGS AND CHILDREN: Jean reveals her tips on how to socialize your dog and be around others:
1. Proper socialization begins with the puppy’s mom in the litter, so breeding is an important consideration.
2. It’s important to expose them to lots of sights, sounds, and people early on and often. Dogs have a fear imprint period between eight and 11 weeks and again at six to 12 months as part of their cognitive development.
3. Use positive reinforcement to motivate the behavior you want and to desensitize dogs to situations that have made them timid or fearful.
4. Find a well-run daycare for your puppies so they can develop positive interactions with other dogs and build confidence. This will also help them learn to read other dogs’ body language and learn how to play appropriately.
5. Find a vacation club for dogs that focuses on lots of playtime and offers social training for continued socialization through various life stages.
6. Expose dogs to children at a young age, as children can be unpredictable and awkward in their movements, which can be scary for dogs.
7. When a new human baby joins the family, try not to ignore your dog. This new family member can be seen as a welcomed sibling or competition for attention, depending on how the introduction is handled. Keep your dog’s routine and make time for their favorite activities (daily walks, cuddle time) without baby distractions.
8. Teach children to respect dogs and be gentle. This is the most neglected action in socializing dogs and children. Kids tend to want to pull on ears and whiskers, pounce, and hit rather than pet. That can lead to disaster, particularly in fearful or older dogs that may be less tolerant or are in pain. https://www.topdogcountryclub.com/
Tips to Start Your Kids Off On the Right Foot This School Year
LEARN STRATEGIES FOR SLEEP, BALANCE, AND ACADEMIC SUCCESS
The mark of a new school year is often anticipated with a mix of emotions for kids and parents alike, ranging from exhilaration to anxiety. Kids are excited to wear their new clothes, see their classmates, and participate in extracurricular activities. Parents are proud to see their kids reach another milestone and look forward to exciting new experiences for their growing child.
But, the school year can bring about challenges as well that leave kids and parents anxious. So follow these tips to get your kids off to a good start and keep them on course!
KIDS NEED THEIR ZS
Sufficient sleep is essential for proper brain function. When kids are deprived of sleep, it can interfere with their memory, attention, and ability to learn. Kids who don’t get enough quality sleep are also at risk for mood swings, anxiety, hyperactivity, and aggressive behavior.
Unfortunately, because teens’ circadian rhythm keeps them alert later at night, early school start times don’t help. But getting plenty of sleep is crucial. Kids ages 6 to 12 need 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night, and teens require 8 to 10.
To help your kids fall asleep better:
• Remove media from bedrooms at night.
• Set a curfew of 2 – 3 hours before bed for caffeine.
• Keep bedroom temperatures 3 degrees cooler at night than during the daytime.
• Make sure your kids have plenty of blankets.
• Have your child take a hot bath before bed.
• Have kids eat a light, high-carbohydrate snack before bed, such as fruit or white grains.
BALANCE IS ESSENTIAL
During the school year, kids have a lot on their plate. They have family, friends, homework, chores, extracurricular activities, and perhaps a part-time job.
But balance is essential to your child’s well-being. The reason such imbalance sometimes develops is that parents see other families involved in so many extracurricular activities. As a result, parents think they’re not doing their job if their kids aren’t always on the go. Because kids want to make their parents happy and proud of them, kids often don’t speak up when they feel overwhelmed.
Structured activities do provide valuable benefits to kids, but they need free time to play and socialize as well. When kids lack balance in their lives, it can cause them stress and affect their mental wellness.
GET ACADEMIC HELP
Some kids struggle with retaining information, understanding concepts, or have a different learning style. Learning disabilities can affect kids of all intelligence levels and cause academic challenges.
If your child is struggling in one or more subjects, ask your child’s teachers about their observations. Then, talk to the school principal. Public schools are required to provide an assessment upon request. If your child attends a private school that doesn’t offer assessments, you can request it through your public school district.
Whatever the reason for your child’s school difficulties, there are ways to help. First, establish a regular homework time. Set up a quiet, distraction-free area as a homework station and furnish it with a desk or comfortable chair. Kids’ rooms can provide too many distractions.
You can hire a tutor, or some schools offer free one-on-one or after-school group tutoring. Another option is to ask a trusted family member or friend who might be interested in helping.
Hopefully, these tips will help you feel more prepared for whatever the new school year throws at you, from forgotten lunch boxes to last-minute science projects!
“Because kids want to make their parents happy and proud of them, kids often don’t speak up when they feel overwhelmed.”
Dinner served daily 4:00pm - close
ARTICLE BY SARA HOEMAN
TURNING ART INTO BUSINESS
At just fourteen years old, Emmett Eitreim is a true craftsman, creating one-of-a-kind handmade knives and launching his business, EJwork
While most fourteen-year-old boys are focused on video games or after-school sports and activities, Emmett Eitreim is busy refining his knife-making skills and creating a business. “I began making real knives about four years ago by taking my mom’s wheelbarrow apart and using the steel supports to make a knife,” says Emmett. Even at eight years old, Emmett was fascinated with whittling wood and using tools to create. “I made a lot of wood weapons with scraps from house projects.”
Emmett Eitreim
Emmett is laser-focused on honing his craft and continuing to improve his craftsmanship through constant hands-on learning. While his dad taught him how to use many of the tools he needs for this craft, Emmett practiced with plywood at home, trying new things, and also watched videos online. Emmett’s skills have been continuing to improve through a lot of practice and are clearly good enough for an actual business venture. While Emmett didn’t initially set out to sell the knives, he began because he loved the work and was passionate about it. Then, taking on a spirit of entrepreneurship, launching a business seemed like a
natural next step. “I started seriously selling my knives two years ago because I thought they were good enough that adults would like them,” says Emmett. “Before that, I would set up a little stand at the end of my driveway and sell them alongside my sister’s lemonade and art stand.”
Besides learning the art of woodworking and metalwork, Emmett is also learning what it takes to run a business and sell a product— with help and support from his family. “Making knives is the fun part, while the business part I’m not the best at,” says Emmett. “It takes time to build a good business, and I’m learning that there are
a lot of parts that I’d rather hire my sister to do! I’m hoping that the better I get at making knives, the better my business gets.” In fact, Emmett is taking on a little more of the business responsibilities, such as marketing alongside his parents, this summer. “It’s a lot to learn, and I’d much rather be in the shop,” says Emmett. “But I understand it’s an important part to learn as a business owner.”
Even though Emmett is busy working on and owning his very own business, he still makes time for all the other things any fourteen-year-old boy would enjoy. “My favorite activities include mountain biking, snowboarding, fishing and camping, and
hanging out with my friends at youth group.” One thing about Emmett: He loves the outdoors!
Emmett has his sights set on continuing his business and would love to keep doing what he enjoys when he gets older. “I do see myself doing this in the future,” says Emmett. “In fact, this is all I see myself doing. Having my own forge on some nice property in the woods is pretty much my dream job. I’m hoping that I can make a career out of this.”
If you want to check out Emmett’s work, purchase a knife, or learn more about his story, head to www.ejworkman.com.
RAISING KIND AND COMPASSIONATE KIDS
How nonprofit Doing Good Together empowers families to spread kindness through volunteering
ARTICLE BY REBECCA A. HAHN
It seems logical that if a child grows up without parental supervision and interaction, the child will indeed lead a more isolated lifestyle. I am not a sociologist, rather a parent who understands that direct “hands-on” communication with a child is particularly valuable during their formative years, which according to experts, is from birth to age five.
As a youngster, I was one of seven kids with two parents who both worked full-time. I cannot remember either parent showing me how to do anything other than tie my shoelaces, and I am certain I never saw either parent read a book to any of us. Occasionally our grandma would read to us from her Bible. Grandma brought religion into our home, and our parents covered nearly everything else by verbally teaching us “right from wrong.” They would always emphasize the importance of “being nice to each other and doing our best in school.”
They sent us to school for one main reason, to one day become a person who would contribute something special to this world.
Throughout those years we learned strong work ethics, good manners, and how to set goals to one day accomplish. What we didn’t learn was how to give of ourselves to people outside of the family and the inner joy that could come of that! As an 18-year-old USPTA tennis professional, I experienced the joy that came from working with children. Politics, race nor religion had any influence on a tennis court. An ideal environment where all children could experience the fun of learning with other children without prejudice.
I have recently learned of an organization that is a curator for that kind of learning environment. This one is all about teaching parents how to give their children an opportunity to experience the joy of giving of themselves to others while learning
about something that they themselves have an interest in doing. It’s a win-win situation.
The program is called Doing Good Together or DGT. Founded by Jenny Friedman in 2004 and celebrating its 20th year, DGT is now in ten major cities throughout our country. This Minnesota-based nonprofit is fueled by the generosity of time, not dollars. Invested into by thousands of volunteers like yourself, your family, and your friends! “Nearly 95% of our resources are free, including our newsletter, blog, volunteer listings, printables, and parenting webinars,” says DGT’s national executive director, MiaLisa Millares. “Our mission is to empower families to raise kids who care and contribute. We are all about kindness. We curate family-friendly volunteer opportunities through our website, providing opportunities for families who want to volunteer as a family and for anyone else too,” says MiaLisa.
Today’s parents are zealously searching for activities to do with their children. Something as simple as creating hand-painted greeting cards for local nursing homes is time well spent together. Or how about making tie blankets for rescue animals? Precious memories and opportunities for communication are created between parents and kids while they’re making this world a kinder and brighter place!
When my daughter was 13, I asked her to “smile and say hello” to a different person at school every day for an entire month. After the third person, something began to happen. Through the power of kindness, what she thought she was giving to someone, came back to her five times stronger! It was a feeling of happiness. One person can make a difference by planting just one seed of kindness today.
Learn more about how you can get involved and check out DGT’s volunteer events and opportunities: https://www.doinggoodtogether.org/
ARTICLE BY KIMBERLY BLAKER
THEY’RE MORE EMOTIONAL THAN SCIENCE ONCE GAVE THEM CREDIT FOR
FORTHE LOVE OFDOGS
“MRI studies reveal dogs’ brains aren’t much different from humans.”
We get to know our dogs well. Despite their inability to talk, we often understand their emotions and feelings based on their body language. Scientists now know what dog owners have suspected all along. Dogs experience a wider range of emotions than scientists once thought.
The dog brain is substantially smaller than the human brain when accounting for body size, so it isn’t as complex as our brain. Yet, MRI studies reveal dogs’ brains aren’t much different from humans. MRIs have shown the same sections of both the human and dog brain light up based on various types of stimuli, according to a board-certified neurologist, Dr. J.P. McCue, at New York City’s Animal Medical Center, reported in “ Dog Brain Facts: Understanding Canine Cognition .”
It’s also been found that dogs produce oxytocin, the neurotransmitter and hormone that creates the emotion of love in humans. In fact, research reveals that when our dogs stare into our eyes, it activates oxytocin, creating a bond similar to that between a mother and infant.
David Grimm reports on the research of this phenomenon in his article, “ How dogs stole our hearts,” at sciencemag.org. In an experiment by Takefumi Kikusui, an animal behaviorist, and his colleagues, dogs and their owners gazed into each other’s eyes. Their gaze ranged from a few seconds to a couple of minutes. The researchers found that in those dogs and owners who stared longer, the oxytocin levels rose 130% and 300%, respectively. This adds to the growing body of research that supports dogs can feel love and attachment.
“When dogs are feeling affectionate, they might nudge you with their nose, make loving eye contact, or softly groan while lying next to you.”
Just like in humans, dogs’ brains develop as they grow. In humans, the brain reaches full development around the age of twenty-five. But dogs’ brains are fully developed around the age of 6 months. At this point, dogs’ emotional development is equivalent to a two-and-a-half-year-old human, according to researchers.
To gain perspective on what that means in regards to dogs’ range of emotions, Stanley Coren charts the emotions of a two-and-a-half-year-old child in “What Emotions Do Dogs Actually Experience?”
These include joy, love and affection, contentment, excitement, shyness and suspicion, fear, disgust, distress, and anger. At that age, however, children don’t experience feelings that require self-consciousness, such as pride, shame, guilt, and contempt.
HOW TO READ YOUR DOG’S FEELINGS?
Joy. Dogs often express this when a family member comes home or a familiar guest comes to visit. Dogs often run and jump, wag their tails, and lavish kisses. They also express joy when playing by barking or giving a playful bow.
Love and affection. When dogs are feeling affectionate, they might nudge you with their nose, make loving eye contact (as opposed to the threatening eye contact of an unknown dog), or softly groan and sigh while lying next to you. Some dogs will lean their bodies up against you while sitting or standing. They also express their love through kissing, jumping, and rolling onto their backs with a wagging tail.
Shyness, suspicion, fear. These emotions are often quite evident. Dogs might flatten
their ears, avoid eye contact, tuck their tail under, cower, pant, or shake. They can also have dilated, glassy eyes. Pacing, hiding, whining, barking, sneering, nipping, or submissive urination can also be signs of fear or shyness.
Distress. When dogs are depressed, they can experience changes in appetite, behavior, sleep patterns, and reduced activity levels. Emotionally distressed dogs also show this in their posture with downcast eyes and a low-bent neck. They might also lick or shed excessively.
Anger. If your dog has ever ignored you or given you the cold shoulder, there’s a good chance they’re mad at you. But if you’re doing something that makes your dog particularly angry, the signs may be more prominent. Your dog might take a rigid posture, bark loudly in your direction, or make sharp or short barks. This is a warning to stop whatever you’re doing that’s making your dog angry. If your dog begins growling, repeatedly howling with a rising pitch, or showing teeth, it’s prepared to attack.
What about hackles? People often think raised hackles indicate a dog is angry or showing aggression. Sometimes that’s the case. But raised hackles are an involuntary reaction and are most often caused by a host of other emotions. These include excitement, arousal, fear, shyness, defensiveness, or being startled. That said, dogs can bite out of fear, not just anger. The best way to know the meaning behind the raised hackles is to look at other body language that indicates what the dog is feeling.
Now that you know how to better read your pup’s emotions, go make their day with some good belly rubs and a few extra treats!
summer is POPSICLE SEASON
KIDS AND POPSICLES ARE THE PERFECT SUMMERTIME PAIR
ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
As temperatures rise, children race to the freezer for this frosty treat or wait anxiously for the approach of the musical ice cream truck. Making homemade popsicles is a fun, kidfriendly activity. These recipes feature kid-favorite flavors with an added taste twist. The only tricky part is waiting for them to freeze.
SPICED GRAPE POPSICLES
ingredients:
Makes 18 to 24
• 2 quarts Concord grape juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 12 whole cloves
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 3 tablespoons whole allspice
directions:
Put all of the ingredients into a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to barely a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour the juice through a cheesecloth-lined strainer into a bowl or pitcher to remove the spices. Allow the juice to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.
CHERRY LIMEADE POPSICLES ingredients:
Makes 18 to 24
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup lime juice
• 2 cups tart cherry juice
directions:
In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat. Add the cherry juice and taste. Add additional sugar or water if needed. Let come to room temperature and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
AUGUST 1ST
Exhibitions at the Hopkins Center for the Arts
Hopkins Center for the Arts | 6:00 PM
Explore three new exhibitions at the Hopkins Center for the Arts throughout August and at their opening reception on August 1 from 6pm-8pm. Discover Held Within: photography, ceramics, and installation art by Emile Bouvier, Daydreamlike: paintings by Ekaterina Kazachenko, examining the magical world of childhood, and Tigers & Rabbits: paintings by Angel Wagner who specializes in painting women from the female gaze.
AUGUST 3RD
Tour de Tonka Bike Ride
Minnetonka High School | 5:30 AM
Come out for the annual Tour de Tonka bike ride! With six available routes spanning distances from 16 to 100 miles, experience the stunning landscapes of the west metro or come out to cheer on the riders! All ages and abilities are welcome. A portion of each rider’s registration fee is also donated to the ICA Food Shelf. Learn more: minnetonkaschools. org/district/mcec/events/tour-de-tonka
AUGUST 16TH
Mounds View Festival in the Park
Silver View Park | 6:00 PM
Bring the family, and Mounds View Festival in the Park will bring the fun!
The two-day festival kicks off on Friday at 6pm with a parade followed by Family Fun Night at the Splash Down. The festivities continue Saturday at 8am with their annual car show, craft fair, Medallion Hunt, Hasse Family Petting Zoo, pony rides, food vendors, and beer garden, all wrapping up with a fantastic fireworks display.
AUGUST 17TH
Barrel Boss Wakesurf Party & Nautique Regatta
St. Alban's Bay Sandbar & Excelsior Brewing | 11:00 AM
Wakesurf competitors in the Barrel Boss Wakesurf competition will show off their moves with a highlight video release party at Excelsior Brewing from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Come watch, grab a beer, and place a bid at the silent auction benefiting Wake for Warriors. During the day, you can also join in on the fun with a Nautique Regatta (boat tie-up party) at the St. Alban's Bay Sandbar from 11am-4pm.
BUYERS LOVE MY SELLERS’ HOMES
This stately Bavarian Tudor blends elegant craftsmanship, European charm and all the benefits of new construction. One of only a handful of homes designed by iconic Minneapolis firm Magney & Tusler, this executive property offers gated privacy while still being only 3 minutes from the Ridgedale shopping area and 15 minutes from downtown Minneapolis. Many original features have been preserved while newer updates include a wine cellar, newer mechanicals, and closed cell insulation on the roof deck for ultimate energy efficiency. Only available due to relocation. Make this beautiful property yours today!
Property Highlights:
• 7,000+ square feet
• Wine tasting room
• Upper-level laundry
• Titanium roof underlayment
• Four upper-level bedrooms, each with ensuites
WORK WITH A RESULTS-DRIVEN
CHRIS DENNIS, ASSOCIATE BROKER
Lakes Area Realty Excelsior 37 Water Street, Excelsior, 55331 (612) 229-9322 Chris@ChrisDennisGroup.com LakesAreaExcelsior.com
18|8 The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes 12063 Elm Creek Blvd. N Maple Grove, MN 55369 763-400-9124
18|8 The Promenade of Wayzata 340 Engel St Wayzata, MN 55391 952-693-4024
CONTINUED
AUGUST 31ST
On-The-Water Scavenger Hunt
MarineMax Excelsior | 11:00 AM
Gather your crew at MarineMax Excelsior for the Boating Photo Scavenger Hunt! Equipped with your camera or smartphone, compete to complete the scavenger hunt challenges on Lake Minnetonka, searching for hidden gems, iconic lighthouses, secluded coves, and more. Reconvene at MarineMax Excelsior to share your photos, where they'll reveal the winners and award prizes to those with the most impressive captures.
SEPTEMBER 7TH Dachshund Races & Doggy Olympics
James J. Hill Days Dog Park at the Panoway Plaza | 12:00 PM
Show off your pup's talents during James J. Hill Days! Compete in The Dachshund Races on September 7 from 12pm-2pm with Sprints, Hurdles, and Costume Contest. On September 8, the competition continues 11am-2pm with the Doggy Olympics. Each participating pup gets a "Doggie Profile" featured on the Chamber website, social, and displayed at the event. We’re letting you know early so you can start training and register for the games here: https://jamesjhilldays. wayzatachamber.com/event/james-jhill-days-dog-park-activities/
“It's taken me a moment to gather the words to express how grateful I am for Scott and his team. Candi & Scott worked patiently with us as we scoped the market for the past few years to find our dream home. Upon finding it Scott lead us through the entire transaction of buying our new home and selling our old home with solid expertise and impeccable customer service”
- Katie & Kevin | Stabeck Group Clients
2024 SUN Sailor Readers Choice Award Recipient
5th Generation Lake Area Residents
Over 150 Homes SOLD on Lake Minnetonka
Over 1,000 Home SOLD in W. Metro
500 million++ in Sales Volume
Your Boat Club:
We boating! are
These late-model, meticulously maintained fishing boats, ski boats, and pontoons have served our members well. Most of our boats have been in service for only three years and are regularly detailed and refurbished. It is simply time to replace them with brand-new models and find them a new home!
The average age of our fleet is 1.5 years old- meaning our members- and you- get to experience the newest boats in the market. Because our boats are in service, they are cared for better than the average boat.
Especially after the initial depreciation, boats tend to hold their value extremely well. If you are considering buying a boat, why not eliminate the risk of overpaying and save all of that expense?
When it comes to your family’s next great adventure, you can trust Your Boat Club. With decades of experience and an unmatched love for boating, you can rely on us. We are boating! Find out more at www.YourBoatClub.com/buy-a-boat today!