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The Love Local Issue F E B R UA RY 2 02 3

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Love Local

February 2023 PUBLISHER

Amy Janzen | amy.janzen@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR S

Welcome to the month of love! And what better way to share love than to highlight local stories and new ideas for your Valentine’s Day? The question is: To do a Valentine’s Day date out or enjoy a cozy night at home? To buy a card or just say a kind word? I usually land somewhere a little in between. We’ll each arrive at different answers based on our preferences and personalities, but what we hold in common is an opportunity to make sure those around us know we love them. And regardless of how you choose to celebrate, we hope the pages of this month’s magazine will help you with just that as we highlight what’s to love in our local community. There are so many incredible things I love about this community. It lit my heart to see how Legacy Village brought joy to others on Christmas Eve with hundreds of luminaries in their neighborhood. And I loved reading the article about Waconia’s Show Choir this month. This community brings joy to others in inspiring ways that are contagious and captivating. I’m excited to share a few this month with you. While we teeter between the chill of January winter and the excitement of spring (fingers crossed sooner than later), we hope you’ll be inspired to take a moment to come together with the people in your home, in your neighborhood and in our community. “Love Local” means your local businesses and those in your community. It also means loving what’s near, those under your own roof included. So grab a coffee and muffin at Mocha Monkey and head home for a game night around the fire with the family. Or snag a bottle of wine from Schram and some cheese from Mackenthun’s and indulge on a movie night in. We’ve always believed what we can do together is so much more than what we can do apart. And we continue to see that demonstrated through the many stories told in these pages month after month. Thanks for letting us be a part of the life you’re building, whatever that may look like. Our hope is that we inspire you to love it just a bit more than you did before. Happy February!

Emily McKeever | emily.mckeever@citylifestyle.com Natalie Finazzo Fox | natalie@nataliefinazzofox.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Jesse Bergstrom, Emily McKeever, Lutie Ronglien CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Maria Claire Photography, Roxanne Kuerschner, Janie Jones

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

AMY JANZEN, PUBLISHER @WACONIACIT YLIFEST YLE

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Waconia City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Waconia 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 Waconia City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 3

inside the issue The Local Love Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

12 Discovering a Well-Cultured Taste

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Back Stage

How To

Must See

Fashion Forward

Events

Locals Only

Tasting teamwork in every bite

18 Valentine’s Day In

Create lasting memories this Valentine’s Day at home with traditions new and old

24 Still Putting On a Show

Waconia’s show choir continues to entertain and impress in its 25th year

34 Local Makers

Get to know these artists that bring life to our community

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Janie Jones Share your love this month with a homemade Valentine’s Day.

FO O D + B EV ER AGE

A RTS + C U LT U R E ENT ERTA I NMENT ST YLE + B E AU TY

LI FE + C U LT U R E

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city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

WACONIA CHAMBER

WACONIA BREWING COMPANY

WACONIA CHAMBER

3 ROXANNE KUERSCHNER

WACONIA CHAMBER

WACONIA BREWING COMPANY

ROXANNE KUERSCHNER

1: The Iron Tap crew wore their orange loud and proud for D.E.A.R day! 2: D.E.A.R day is one of Waconia’s favorite events hosted by the Waconia Chamber of Commerce. 3: The Stash of Waconia team was excited and ready for a busy day! 4: The Waconia Brewing Company team dressed the part when Santa visited the taproom. 5: Big, little, and furry kids all came for a picture with Jolly Old St. Nick. 6: People come back year after year for this exhilarating performance of holiday music. 7: The Yuletide Festival featured nearly 500 talented high school choir and band students.

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C I T Y SC E N E

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business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

DandyLions Frozen Fairway Open Join the Waconia DandyLions for the 2nd Annual Frozen Fairway Open at Island View Golf Club on February 4th! This event is open to the public so form a team with your golfer and nongolfer friends and use your own stick of choice to play snow golf with tennis balls! This fun day is a fundraiser for the DandyLions and this year’s charity of choice, The Hope House, a safe place for teens in crisis.

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Bode Gray's Opens The much anticipated Bode Gray’s and The Brass Hat Dive Shop speakeasy is open! Greg James and Jared DeWolf have poured heart, attention, and creativity into this space, transforming the former VFW into a new and unique dining experience. Swing in for an artisan pizza baked in a custom brick oven, then journey downstairs to the speakeasy for specially poured cocktails. You’ll agree that the mouthwatering food, classy drinks, and ambiance have been worth the wait!

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Ken Norman Memorial Radar Run On February 11th from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Lola’s Lakehouse is hosting the Ken Norman Memorial Radar Run. “Kenny” was a beloved father, husband, and friend who loved to be on the ice racing snowmobiles or at the gun club shooting trap. Above all, he loved to be with his family and friends. Join Lola’s Lakehouse in honoring Ken, who passed away last year, with family fun activities, food, and awards for race winners.

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Discovering a Well-Cultured Taste From dishwasher to chef, Evan Freeberg has worked hard to be where he is, creating delicious and positive experiences for his guests.

Tasting Teamwork in Every Bite

ARTICLE BY JESSE BERGSTROM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA CLAIRE PHOTOGRAPHY

B ACK STAGE | FOOD + BEVE RAGE

Evan Freeberg knows the secret ingredient in creating delicious meals that guests keep coming back for, and he should, as he has been creating dishes for hungry diners for 27 years. Evan caught the bug as a dishwasher at fourteen years old and would get chased out of the kitchen by the cooks for trying to discover that secret ingredient. He explored what it meant to work in a kitchen by starting out as a line cook but he wanted more, so he entered Scottsdale Culinary Institute. Upon graduating, he worked with some of the greatest culinary teams in the Twin Cities. Still, it wasn’t until he landed at Lola’s Lakehouse in October 2019 that he was finally able to put the secret ingredient he discovered along the way to work. That special ingredient you taste mixed into every dish at Lola’s Lakehouse is a culture centered around positivity. As executive chef at Lola’s, Evan found the kitchen staff to be talented and hardworking. Together the team has infused positivity into everything you eat, drink, and see at Lola’s. Offering guests a positive experience starts with a warm welcome that leads into the incredible culinary adventure that is Lola’s. The culinary team prides itself on bringing guests back time and time again through the food that they create.

The Truffled Shrimp and Lobster Risotto is a chef and guest favorite. This complex ‘plat delicieux’ takes a team working in unison to make it come to life. The art of this dish starts with meticulous planning by ordering the right food to be delivered at the right time. Then Josh Moonen, “Foodie”, Lola’s diligent prep cook, blends just the right flavors to create the creamy lobster sauce. Having a reliable, consistent prep cook means the dish will taste the same every time a guest comes in. Once ordered, one of the night cooks gets to work building this rich delight with its nutty, sweet roasted butternut squash, fresh spinach, savory roasted tomatoes, and Foodie’s heartful contribution, that delectable sauce. This beauty is then sautéd to perfection right before it gets to the expo station where final garnishes are added to complete this taste and texture-filled masterpiece. Finally, it is ready for the server to present to the guest. Evan stresses how important it is to have a balance between texture, flavor, and presentation in every dish. You eat with your eyes first, then when you’re hit with a combination of multiple flavors, they have to work in unison just like the team serving you.

“That special ingredient you taste mixed into every dish at Lola’s Lakehouse is a culture centered around positivity. As executive chef at Lola’s, Evan found the kitchen staff to be talented and hardworking. Together the team has infused positivity into everything you eat, drink, and see at Lola’s.”

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Pictured left to right: Brandon McVey, Christian Waver, and Evan Freeberg

As a destination restaurant, Lola’s is often much busier in the summer when more people travel to spend time on our wonderful lake, but Evan wants you to know that Lola’s is a must-visit all year round. In the winter, the warm food and cozy atmosphere are often overlooked gems. Let one of the chairs by the fireplace envelope you as you warm yourself from the inside out with a glass of your favorite wine or cocktail. You will undoubtedly find the charm in yet another snowfall when you watch it through the large windows that face the shimmering frozen lake. When spring arrives, celebrate deck opening so you can smell spring’s sweetness come to life as you spear yourself a forkful of one of their colorful and delicious salads. In Minnesota, we’re raring to go when the ice is out, and we can enjoy all our well-deserved sun. Food just seems to taste better when it’s eaten outside and the experience on Lola’s deck is akin to dinner and a show. Relax with a few appetizers and drinks while you gaze out at the boats bobbing in their slips. And there’s nothing like taking in one of Waconia’s famous sunsets over the lake. The beginning of sweater weather pairs nicely with the beautiful dining area complete with a firebrick oven and nautical décor. You’ll be ready to indulge in some clam chowder or a flatbread pizza as you say farewell to summer. As the seasons change, the service and heart that goes into all you experience at Lola’s Lakehouse will not. Yes, the ambiance and food are second to none but the teamwork and the love for their guests and craft are what is so inviting, almost as inviting as the Truffled Shrimp and Lobster Risotto.

B ACK STAGE | FOOD + BEVE RAGE

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Chef Evan Freeberg presents the visually and taste bud appealing Truffled Shrimp and Lobster Risotto

B ACK STAGE | FOOD + BEVE RAGE

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Valentine’s Day In

ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Create lasting memories this Valentine’s Day at home with traditions new and old

H OW TO | A RTS + CU LTU RE

Reservations were made, the card was signed, and gifts oozed with romance. Then kids entered the picture. At this stage of life, energy can be low, and time can be short so flowers and candle-lit dinners might take a backseat. But that doesn’t mean Valentine’s Day has to stay there. While it’s still important to spend alone time with your significant other, a simple shift in thinking can shed new light on St. Valentine and all his “Be Mines’’ and “Forget

Me Nots.” Get creative with sweet new family-friendly Valentine’s Day activities at home and watch new traditions unfold. Americans will spend $24 billion on Valentine’s Day this year but that doesn’t mean you have to. Instead of digging in your pockets for an overpriced stuffed animal or a box of mystery chocolates, dig into your scrap paper bin and put together a tear-out coupon book for each other. Do you remember doing

this as a kid? Mom will be so excited to turn in her coupon for a tech-free day together and if Dad doesn’t have to run the garbage out for a whole week…sold! And don’t forget about the kids. We all know a teenager who will come out of their room long enough to turn in their ‘get out of chores free’ coupon for 24 hours or a little guy or girl giddy to use their half-hour later bedtime on a Friday night. Proof love and fun don’t have to cost a penny! CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / WAC O N I A

Have you heard the expression eat your feelings? Well in this case eat a little love and tenderness with heart-shaped pancakes whisked, buttered, and flipped assembly line style in your kitchen. Add food coloring to make them extra ‘heart-y’, then pile on all the delicious toppings: chocolate chips, sprinkles, and whipped cream. Or slip into your fanciest duds for fine dining right in your own dining room. Create an eloquent restaurant atmosphere complete with candles, fancy dishes, and a little, “Pardon me, do you have any Grey Poupon?” conversation. And, since most holidays are an excuse to make cute and delicious treats, finish up the meal with a goodie board filled with candy, fruit, and all things sweet (and pink). Whether you’re an ambitious crafter or a crafting wannabe you don’t have to look far for red and pink do-it-yourself creation ideas that everyone can appreciate and pull off. Go treasure hunting around the house for supplies, get a little messy and then marvel at the Valentine’s Day ornament that you made (or laugh when you didn’t quite ‘nail it’) Or go OG and make homemade Valentines with all the glitter (gasp!), conversation hearts, and stickers you can manage. Pick a few favorites then spread the love with homemade surprises made from the heart showing up in grandparents’, aunt’s, and cousin’s mailboxes. The idiom “home is where the heart is” is one that’s used often when talking about feelings, so being home on Valentine’s Day just makes sense. Planning a special day at home is a perfect opportunity to unwind, create happy memories, and enjoy each other’s company. It’s also a chance to tell your kids what love means to you and how much you love them. Nobody said the Cupid myth was limited to that chubby little baby in his diaper, flowing sash and fluttery wings shooting his arrow through the hearts of romantic partners as they fell head over heels. If he is who we believe him to be, a guy whose wounds inspire love, then he knows that ultimately this day should be about celebrating all the love in your life.

H OW TO | A RTS + CU LTU RE

“Planning a special day at home is a perfect opportunity to unwind, create happy memories, and enjoy each other’s company.” CONTINUED >

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H OW TO | A RTS + CU LTU RE

SWEET TREAT TABLE Surprise your children with a sweet treat table. Keep it simple with a few favorite snacks and candies like Valentine’s Day mini cupcakes, chocolate-dipped Oreos, or cookies. Or for a more extravagant display, use fresh flowers and create a handmade centerpiece.

VALENTINE TREE To create this easy and eye-catching centerpiece, collect fallen branches and paint them white. We used a thrifted, repurposed white ceramic jar to assemble the branches for the base. Use a floral foam to stabilize the branches, and place moss at the top of the jar.

VALENTINE’S DAY ORNAMENTS Create heart ornaments to hang on your Valentine’s tree centerpiece. These ornaments can be used as clue cards for a kids’ Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt. Instruct

children to find their picture on the tree and hunt for the hidden treasure in the house. We used recycled shipping boxes to create the heart base and painted them red. We then used a hole punch to create a lace-like edge to complete the look.

DINNER FOR DATE NIGHT AT HOME For this look, we decided to set the table in a non-traditional casual setting—the coffee table in the living room. Layer pillows and cozy blankets on the ground for comfortable seating. We used two layers of fabric for the runner and added a handmade floral arrangement as the centerpiece. To achieve this look, use a two-layer serving tray and layer flowers and stems to adorn the tray. Add grapes or berries to give a fuller and textured look. For a romantic ambiance, add candle sticks, a bottle of wine, and a fancy drink for the kids, then ask Alexa to play the “Greatest love songs” playlist.

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Waconia’s Show Choir Continues to Entertain and Impress in its 25th Year

M UST SE E | EN TERTA INME NT

STILL PUTTING ON A SHOW ARTICLE BY LUTIE RONGLIEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROXANNE KUERSCHNER You may not know this, but one of the largest and best of its kind arts programs is right here in Waconia. Maybe you’ve never been to a show choir event, but you watched the television show Glee. That gives you an idea of what’s involved in show choir (without all the drama), but not the whole picture. If you’ve never seen the Waconia Show Choirs perform, you’re missing out. Started by director Aaron Olson in 1998, the Waconia Show Choir has become one of the most respected and well-known high school arts programs in the country. Show choir involves a group of lively and talented kids singing and dancing to a well-choreographed routine. What many people don’t realize is that the music the students are performing to is from a live band behind the stage, also completely comprised of students. They play everything from piano and electric guitar to drums and horns. The collective talent of these kids is amazing to see. Make no mistake; these are kids, but this is no amateur-level performance. The show is a result of countless hours of hard work and is highly competitive. The kids spend months rehearsing and perfecting their show, then compete against other show choirs at various competitions across the Midwest. Historically, Waconia has won many first place trophies and

is highly regarded as one of the top show choirs in the United States. Olson says that while trophies are nice, they’re not the reason he does it. In fact, he doesn’t even keep track of their winning record. “Trophies are fun for a few hours,” Olson says. “But the experience, friendship, and memories are what we value most.” Sara Swoboda, Waconia Choir Boosters president, emphasizes how important this program is to the kids, parents, and members of the community. “This program offers an option in the arts for kids who aren’t passionate about sports,” says Swoboda. “It gives students an opportunity to showcase a different skill set than many other high school programs. These kids represent Waconia in such a positive light with their respect to all other show choir teams and confidence in themselves.” This year, there are 113 high school kids in the program and 60 in the middle school program. There are 28 kids in the band. The middle school program does not compete, but gives younger kids a taste of what it’s like to perform on stage in front of an audience while singing and dancing in a choreographed routine. Both the junior varsity level (The Current) and the varsity level (Power Company) hold tryouts in the spring of each year. Varsity-level practices every CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / WAC O N I A

M UST SE E | EN TERTA INME NT

weekday from October through their last performance in March. The experience and camaraderie these kids share goes with them far beyond high school. Although some of the kids continue with a music career, involvement in the program benefits them going into any profession. Jenn Bostic is a former student who’s now a country and Christian singer and songwriter. AnnMarie Powers has performed with the Radio City Rockettes and continues to entertain internationally. Swoboda says the experience in show choir provides kids a hard work ethic, integrity, teamwork, and “a ton of pride.” Alumni students and parents come back year after year to watch the next generation of show choir students perform. It’s something that sticks with them far beyond their time in the program. There are even parents whose children graduated a decade ago who still volunteer at events or behind the scenes. It seems the program touches the parents as much as the kids. Although the program took a small hit with participation numbers during the pandemic, Olson has strong hopes for the future. “We’re working hard to rebuild our numbers.” Olson says. “I’m hopeful we can continue to see more and more students interested in participating. The foundation is in place for a strong program well into the future.” Where else can you see professional entertainment at a budget-friendly price? You can catch their performances at a couple of upcoming events. There’s still time to get tickets for Star Power February 18, which is Waconia’s competition, hosting show choirs from several states. Quite possibly the most exciting event of the year is the Spectacular March 3 and 4 at Waconia High School Performing Arts Center. Here you can see all the Waconia show choirs perform, along with students showcasing their talent by performing solo and ensemble acts. For tickets, go to https://waconiachoirs.org/events.

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M UST SE E | EN TERTA INME NT

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ELEVATE YOUR CLOSET 5 WAYS TO O R G A N I Z E A N D

Every woman dreams of an organized and beautiful closet space, but it often comes last on the list of places that get their time and attention. Follow our five tips for transforming and elevating your closet as you Spring clean and declutter for a more peaceful, inspired space you absolutely love. A sneak peek inside the closet of active mom and entrepreneur Keri Tarantino of Leawood, KS reveals a dressing room that rivals celebrity homes in Beverly Hills. But it didn’t come easily. Keri painstakingly planned, designed and curated the space with care. When we first stepped inside, we gasped as our eyes beheld the glory. No detail went unnoticed in this dreamy dressing room. Here are some guiding principles that can be drawn from her exquisite taste and vision. How you organize your closet will of course differ based on the size of your space, the size of your wardrobe, and the kind of life you lead. But applying the guidelines Keri used in her space will result in a much more organized and aesthetically pleasing space.

USE R EAL ESTATE W ISELY Reserve the front and middle of the closet for clothes worn most often. For someone who gets dressed for work each morning at 6 a.m., work clothes should be at the front of the closet. Store lesser-worn items like formal wear and out-of-season clothes toward the back and on the upper shelves. The large mirror and counter with chair provides the perfect spot to select jewelry and finalize finishing outfit touches. While every closet is different, the key here is everything has a home.

FASH ION F OR WA R D | STYLE + BE AUTY

ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSANDRA CASTANEDA

INJECT ST YLE INTO YOUR SPACE

ORGA NIZE BY K IND A ND COLOR

Group clothes by kind first and color second. This ensures quick location of that favorite shirt when it’s needed. Bonus - it’s easy on the eye. Group like with like: Gather belts, sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, work pants, dresses, button-down shirts, jeans, shorts, etc., and decide the best place to store each item as a group (e.g., hang pants in the closet, fold and stack sweaters in a bureau). Working with groupings will help you figure out how much space you need and the best way to store each type of item.

03 04 05 NEGATIVE SPACE

Using space efficiently is important, but keep in mind every good design includes some negative space. For instance, consider adding built-ins on the long wall of your closet but keep the short wall open with a mirror.

FACE CLOTHES THE SA ME DIR ECTION

It may seem silly, but when dealing with a small space, little things count. Hanging all clothes the same direction is a no-brainer for continuity in your closet.

UPGR ADED HA NGERS

The simplest and fastest way to make a BIG difference in your closet organization is to get matching hangers that go beyond the traditional plastic or wire hangers. And for sure ditch any with paper from the dry cleaner! Here’s a few of our favorite elevated hangers:

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F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 3

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

D E C E M BE RM A RC H

F E B R UA RY 5T H

The Ice Palace at Fountain Hill Winery

FOUN TAIN HILL W IN ERY AN D V I NE YA R D Next time you watch Frozen you’ll be rooting for Elsa once you experience an ice palace up close and personal. Buy tickets to this true winter wonderland and walk through ice tunnels, take in a fire show, glide down ice slides, and enjoy warm treats. For hours, FAQs, and to buy tickets go to www.theicepalacefhw.com

Kids Aerial Play

T HE HIVE, BOUTIQUE MEN TAL H E A LT H A ND WE L L NE S S | 1 2:30 P M Kids Aerial Play is a unique experience that’s a must-try for children 3-15. During this half-hour session, they’ll be guided and assisted by Shred with Shannon’s Shannon Turek as they climb, flip and swing their energy out. This is an amazing opportunity for your children to see what their bodies can do! Registration is required at tinyurl.com/kidsaerialplay

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Ice Cribbage Tournament

LAKE BEN TON IN COLOG N E | 1 1 :0 0 A M The 4th annual Ice Cribbage Tournament isn’t just about a unique tournament played on Lake Benton. Enjoy other activities like door prizes, raffles, snow sculpture contests, and ice fishing for kids. There will also be food, drinks, and so much more! All proceeds from this wintery fun day benefit the Benton Lake Watershed Conservancy. Check it out at www.facebook.com/ICECribbage FE BRUA RY 1 1 T H

Waconia Polar Plunge

LAKE WACON IA | 11:00 AM Calling team Lederfrozen, Polar Power, or Shock and Thaw! For the third year in a row, Waconia is hosting the Polar Plunge. A day when brave individuals plunge into Lake Waconia for a great cause. Form teams, raise money for Special Olympics Minnesota, and coordinate team outfits. Registration opens at 11:00 am and plunging begins at 12:00 pm. www.plungemn.org/events/waconia/#down F E BRUA RY 1 2 T H

Galentine's Yoga Retreat

MIN N ES OTA LAN DS CAPE A R B O R E T UM | 7 :0 0 A M Grab your bestie and treat yourselves to a yoga retreat on Galentine’s Day at the picturesque Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. You will stack, push, and breathe through 5 individual 45-minute yoga classes led by Yoga in the Gardens. Delicious lunch and dessert will be served before the day concludes at 1:00 pm. All levels are welcome. arb.umn.edu/events/galentinesyogaretreat F E BRUA RY 1 8T H

Waconia Star Power 2023

WACON IA HIG H S CHOOL One of the premiere high school show choir events in the Midwest is being held here in Waconia! This all-day event will showcase more than twenty choirs in an exciting and entertaining competition. Come cheer on our talented high schoolers! Tickets only available at the door and are first come, first served. More details can be found here waconiachoirs.org/events/star-power-competition-copy-2/

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Help prepare for your future while earning 5.75% Accumulate money for your long-term goals at a safe and steady pace—with a guaranteed interest rate for two years.1 A Thrivent Security One Fixed Annuity with bonus rate with a premium payment ranging from $100,000 to $249,999 offers you: • A guaranteed 5.75% interest rate for two years. • Tax-deferred growth. • Protection of principal. After two years, a renewal rate applies.2 However, all your subsequent rates will not change more than once every 12 months—and won’t be less than the guaranteed minimum interest rate of 2.50%.3

Now may be the perfect time to invest in an annuity: a longterm savings vehicle for your retirement. Martin L Cole, CFP®, ChFC®, FIC Wealth Advisor Freedom Financial Group 129 W. Main St Waconia, MN 55387 952-999-7686 Connect with me:

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. The bonus rate provides a higher interest rate for two full contract years. Choosing the bonus rate results in a longer surrender charge period and no return of premium. Rates are current as of January 1, 2023, and are subject to change at any time. 1 Interest rates for Security One contracts are guaranteed for two years from the premium receipt date. 2 Interest rate after the initial two-year interest rate. The renewal rate is not guaranteed. The interest rate in all years will be greater than or equal to the guaranteed minimum interest rate. 3 Guaranteed minimum interest rate is based on the contract issue date (application signed date). Guarantees based on the financial strength and claims-paying ability of Thrivent. If you surrender the contract, you’ll receive the premium paid, less any withdrawals and surrender charges. Surrenders are taxed as ordinary income on the gain portion only. Surrenders prior to age 59½ may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty. Thrivent is the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Insurance products issued by Thrivent. Not available in all states. Licensed agent/producer of Thrivent. Thrivent.com/disclosures. If you would like a free buyer’s guide for more details, call 800-847-4836. Contract forms: A-AS-SPDA (04) Series, A-AS-SPDA ID (04), A-AS-SPDAN TX (06), A-AS-SPDAB TX (06), A-AS-SPDANI WA (04), A-AS-SPDABI WA (04) © 2022 Thrivent | All rights reserved. 27771A R11-22 Thrivent.com • 800-847-4836 Rev. 1-23 FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / WAC O N I A

Local Makers G E T T O K N O W T H E S E A R T I S T S T H AT B R I N G L I F E T O O U R C O M M U N I T Y ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER Living among artists does many things, but in a tight-knit town, it fosters connection. The painter of your wall art is at morning drop-off and the crafter of your vase lives down the street. This makes

us appreciate the way artists bring life to the community through the beauty they contribute and the pride they have in their craft. They offer undeniable charm and Waconia is in abundance.

Amy Sabatier Designs - Jeweler

Deb Zeller - Sculptor

Jon Schmidt, a.k.a Jon the Potter - Potter

A M YSA BATI E R D ES I G N S .CO M

ZE LLE RSTU D I O.CO M

JO N SC H M I DTP OT TE RY.CO M

Ragtown - Musicians

The Wood Guys - Wood Artists

R AGTOW N M US I C .CO M

FAC E BOO K .CO M / TH E WOO D

Mike Tibbetts - Children’s Author and Illustrator M I KETI B B ET TS .W E E B LY.CO M

G U YS WACO N I A M N

LOCA LS ON LY | L IFE + CULTURE

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / WAC O N I A

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