Waconia, MN April 2023

The Explore Issue

TR AV E L

A TRIP TO M I N N ESOTA CABIN COU NTRY F O O D + B E V E R AG E

B O DE GRAY ' S TRANSFO RM ATIO N E N TE R TA I N M E NT

E XPERIEN CE WACO N IA' S WIN E COU NTRY LI F E + C U LTU R E

H OW O N E WO M AN GAI N ED CO N FIDEN CE WITH STO CK & BARREL’ S SU PPO RT

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Explore The Possibilities

April 2023 PUBLISHER

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

Emily McKeever | emily.mckeever@citylifestyle.com

Spring is such an exciting time of year. It’s a season for exploring, trying new places and things, and getting lost in thrilling opportunities to expand our day-to-day experiences. The weather gets warmer and all around us, growth is happening. There is beauty in times that are unstructured and open-ended, where the space exists for connections to be made, friendships to be fostered and beautiful memories to be built. This defines our Explore issue.

Growing up, I recall creating magnificent forts in my backyard with my sisters using branches, twigs and moss. We created stories and ideas in our minds of grand adventures and faraway lands. Now, as an adult, my intention is to create grand adventures, although a bit differently, with my family and friends.

For me this year, it’s experiencing my first mother-daughter camp retreat and traveling to Bali with new friends. The possibilities of what you can experience are endless but what matters the most are the connections created and the memories made along the way. It brings my life great meaning and joy.

I've even learned that "adventures" and “exploration” don't have to be something big and crazy. It can be playing a board game out on the patio, walking a new trail or going to a new restaurant or place we've never been before.

Our hope is that this issue encourages you to make room for exploration.

To prioritize time away from the regular schedule of life. To lose yourself or find yourself, whichever way feels right. To book that trip you’ve been thinking about, to make time for the things that matter most to you, but often come last on the calendar.

If April showers bring May flowers, make time to play in the rain (watching my kids do it is my favorite). Here’s your reminder to - and I say this with warmth in my heart - get lost! ;) Happy April!

SOCIAL MEDIA COOR DINATOR

Natalie Finazzo Fox | natalie@nataliefinazzofox.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Lutie Ronglien, Alison Lee, Emily McKeever CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Maria Claire Photography, Maren Delaney Photography

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

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/ WACONIA |

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

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

the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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APRIL 2023

inside the issue The Explore Issue

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12

22

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

12 From Teacher to Restaurateur

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Lifestyle Letter

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City Scene

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Business Monthly

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Local Limelight FO O D + B EV E R AG E

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Must See ENT ERTA I NMENT

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Road Trip T R AV EL

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Inspired By LI FE + C U LT U R E

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Events

Jared DeWolf went from classroom to upscale pizza place with the opening of Bode Gray’s

18 Time to Wine Down Experience Waconia’s wine country

22 Lifelong Memories Made on the Road

Travel back to the simple pleasures of summer with a trip to Minnesota cabin country

28 Gaining Confidence; Living Beyond Fear

How one woman gained fortitude and awareness around personal safety with Stock & Barrel’s support

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Maren Delaney Photography Bode Gray’s speakeasy, The Brass Hat, pays homage to the VFW with its octopi design and branding, as a “brass hat” is a high-ranking officer in the armed forces.

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APRIL 2023

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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1: Fox 9’s Ian Leonard joined the over 600 plungers raising money for Special Olympics Minnesota. 2: This group and many others raised more than $200,000 at the Waconia Polar Plunge. 3: The event was successful due in part to all the generous and hard-working volunteers.

Photography by Alicia Schroeder

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @WaconiaCityLifestyle

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C I T Y SC E N E

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APRIL 2023

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

Carver County Historical Society Opens Material Pulses: Seven Viewpoints

The Annual Waconia Wine Hop Comes Hopping Back to Town

Starting April 6th, Material Pulses: Seven Viewpoints, a new exhibition at the Carver County Historical Society, aims to revive the spirit and strength of textile works. Curated by Nancy Crow, a renowned artist and teacher, this exhibition focuses on the art of quilt-making and highlights seven fiber artists’ approaches and visions.

You will be wowed by the scale of beautiful quilts, mixed media, and installation work. Don’t miss this unique celebration! Learn more at www. carvercountyhistoricalsociety.org

Nothing says spring like a festival celebrating a drink that comes from a crisp, delicious fruit. On April 8th from 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm join Waconia’s 3 beautiful wineries: Schram Vineyards and Winery, Parley Lake Winery, and The Winery at Sovereign Estates for the annual Waconia Wine Hop. Enjoy food and wine specials along with 4 wine tastings at each location. For tickets, check out the websites of the wineries above.

Pins for a Purpose for the Ridgeview Foundation Pins for a Purpose is a new event that combines many enjoyable things.

Bowling, delicious food and drink, good company, and raising money for a good cause. On April 21st bring the family to Bowlero from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm for bowling and family-oriented activities or do date night during their adult bowling session from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm to throw a few strikes, have a drink, and enjoy a bowling-inspired buffet. Register here! https:// e.givesmart.com/events/uxx/

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

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From Teacher

to Rest aurateur Jared DeWolf went from classroom to upscale pizza place with the opening of Bode Gray’s

ARTICLE BY LUTIE RONGLIEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAREN DELANEY PHOTOGRAPHY

You may have noticed; there’s a new place in town.

Bode Gray’s opened in early February in what used to be the VFW in downtown Waconia. Owned by Greg and Bria James (owners of Iron Tap, the Main Scoop, and Bakery on Main), Jared and Trisha DeWolf, and Jon Boetel, the restaurant offers a unique new dining option in Waconia.

Jared DeWolf was a visual arts teacher at Bayview Elementary School for 15 years before taking a leap of faith and becoming a restaurateur. The idea of the restaurant never seemed to go away and when the time and location were right, the pieces fell into place.

“This community is growing at a rapid pace,” Jared says. “There have been new fast food restaurants, but the number of sit-down establishments is very limited.”

Jared says he and Trisha would often go out for a date night in Excelsior, Wayzata, or Minneapolis.

He wanted to offer something in Waconia, so people didn’t have to leave the city for a night out. “We wanted to bring in another restaurant for families or for date nights and we feel we accomplished that with the restaurant and speakeasy.”

The menu features a mouth-watering variety of Italian food, including rigatoni Bolognese, pomegranate salad, and the VFW’s namesake, the VFW meat raffle pizza complete with fennel sausage, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, and grande mozzarella, to name a few. The classy bar and dining area on the main level are above The Brass Hat, a swanky New York 1920s-era speakeasy on the lower level. The speakeasy is adorned with octopi and has a beautiful black

Jared DeWolf, a former visual arts teacher at Waconia’s Bayview Elementary, decided to leave teaching to start a new Waconia restaurant and speakeasy with his wife Trisha, partners Greg and Bria James, and Jon Boetel.

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

T O P : The Carpaccio includes aioli, Parmigiano, quail egg, arugula and is served with ciabatta R I G H T: You’ll find the Charred Greens salad in both the lunch and dinner menu

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and teal blue color scheme that’s influenced by the ocean. The design and branding also pay homage to the VFW as a “brass hat” is a high-ranking officer in the armed forces.

The speakeasy honors Waconia’s Sunset Inn, located on Coney Island 100 years ago, which secretly offered alcohol to the residents of Waconia.

Although no password, special knock, or code is required, a limited number of memberships, which offer special benefits and discounts, were available; they sold out quickly. No reservations are necessary for the speakeasy, and it’s a great spot to meet with friends for a drink. Every Thursday night you can hear Jazz DJ Lance perform from your cozy, dimly lit seat, adding even more ambiance to the experience.

Bringing the building from its former VFW look to the warm and artistic style it is now was not an easy transition. “This is basically an entirely new build with the exception of the foundation and frame,” Jared says.

“Everything inside is new.”

T O P : Enjoy delicious fare in Bode Gray’s dining area

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

The building was added onto several times over the years, so layers of construction materials needed to be peeled back to get to the bones of the building. “As we were taking down two levels of ceilings on the upper level, we discovered there had been a fire in 1893,” Jared says.

The owners paid homage to that fire by naming a cocktail the ‘1893’ and repurposing the burned beams as a backdrop on the wall in the waiting area on the main level.

The transformation that DeWolf has made from teacher to restaurateur is now part of the rich history of the space that Bode Gray’s and The Brass Hat now occupy. This new experience of dining and gathering in Waconia, and how it came to be, is one that will undoubtedly have an impact on our local community and bring people together, far and wide, for years to come.

T O P : The Brass Hat is adorned with unique décor L E F T: Pictured from left to right: Greg and Bria James, Jon Boetel, and Trisha and Jared DeWolf

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RIDGEVIEW FOUNDATION INVITES YOU TO

FRIDAY APRIL 21 BOWLERO EDEN PRAIRIE

Enjoy a fun family night while supporting Ridgeview’s Women & Children program!

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ARTICLE BY ALISON LEE

time

TO WINE down

Waconia is home to three charming, welcoming, and award-winning tasting rooms each with its own unique character, atmosphere, and flavor. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Waconia’s lakes and land, these distinctly different wineries pour out the essence of a Minnesota spring and summer.

Voted Minnesota’s Best Winery in 2022 by the Star Tribune’s Readers’ Choice, taking silver in Best Fall Destination and bronze in the category of Best Day Trip, at Schram Vineyards you’ll get a taste of award-winning wine, friendly service, and unique offerings and events. With indoor and outdoor seating options, tastings, food, and entertainment, you’ll want to carve out plenty of time to sip, savor, and socialize. This season, Schram is introducing wine blending workshops that allow you to work side by side with their winemaker to create your very own red blend. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll sample various red varietals and learn about barrel aging, the qualities of different grapes, and how they interact with each other. You’ll then bottle your own crafted wine, create a personalized label, and take it home to share!

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Experience Waconia’s wine country

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M UST SE E | EN TERTA INME NT

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If you’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting Parley Lake, you know they have an affection for the arts and love to weave them in with their wine. It’s not unusual to see artists leisurely roaming the 128-acre property as they capture their best impressions of the winery through painting and sketching. Music is another favorite pairing. They will continue to host their Concert in the Vine, a ticketed series of talented, local, and regional musicians that offer up an impeccable blend of tune and taste. Parley Lake will also open its tasting room and welcome more live music for the town’s traditional Waconia Wine Hop on April 8th. Otherwise, look for their road to open on May 5th as they welcome another season filled with art, live music, and tasteful wine!

Located on sprawling grounds with picturesque views of Lake Waconia and unending rows of lush green vines, you’ll find The Winery at Sovereign Estate. This elevated destination for wine drinkers showcases the quality and elegance that comes from their prowess and experience. Reserve an open aired cabana, relax picnic style under the shaded grove, or attend a fine wine and dining experience at Gia at the Lake complete with visiting chefs. A new, on-trend Rosé to be unveiled this year is geared towards the yacht and boating community and their numerous events and festivals could fill your entire season. Take in a tribute concert from their vintage music series in the ambient Marquette Pavilion and save space in your schedule for their popular Fine Wine and Art Finds. As you fill your calendar, fill your senses with Sovereign’s award-winning wines that appeal to all lifestyles.

Whether you’re planning your very first trip or 100th, you’ll experience what sets these wineries apart in the passion and beauty they pour into every sip and why Waconia has been put on the map as a wine lover’s destination.

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R OA D T R IP | TR AVEL

ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY BUFFALO MEDIA GROUP

memories the road LIFELONG

MADE ON

Picture it, summer 1980-something. It’s blazing hot and your mom busts out the slip-n-slide as you cool down with another popsicle.

You’re carefree, barefoot and have nowhere to be. If there’s a plan, it’s to be outside from when cicadas start buzzing to when the streetlights come on. Summer vacation was just different from any other time of the year. You relaxed in the summer, you took your time in the summer and you partook in quite possibly one of the most American as apple pie experiences, a getaway to Minnesota cabin country.

In recent years, trends have reemerged (hey, scrunchies and neon!), elementary-age kids know all the lyrics to ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’, and Maverick and Charlie are back on the big screen. So whaddya say to throwing it back to those simpler days and hopping in the wooden grocery-getter, or your minivan will do, and pack that cooler like you’ll be stranded in the wilderness for weeks?

Prepare your list of fight pickers for the car, aim for at least 10-15 “are we there yets?” and get ready to ‘flash ‘em your Coppertone tan’ because fun is about to be had.

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TRAVEL BACK TO THE SIMPLE PLEASURES OF SUMMER WITH A TRIP TO MINNESOTA CABIN COUNTRY AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / WAC O N I A

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If ever there was a time to escape, frolic in the fresh air and let your stresses fade like a bad dye job, it’s now. In addition to busy jobs, our social lives are fuller than ever. If we’re not playing taxi, we’re “catching up”, and when that never-ending list never ends, we’re working hard to stay connected to friends and family. Not only are the kids TikToking 24/7, but they’re also working, playing, and signed up for a gazillion activities. Modern life is exhausting and demanding; the hustle and bustle is real.

But when you unpack your bags in that quaint bedroom smelling faintly of campfire, and your toes hit the sand, something inside of you lets go.

Parents let go of worry as their kids walk to the rustic lodge in hopes of filling their bags with penny candy or grabbing that Push-Up that’s sure to melt down their arms in the sun. Kids let go of the need to be the last man standing in a Battle Royale and instead compete for who can skip rocks the furthest.

Like our closely connected circles at home, there is a community of cabin life. The Community of Minnesota Resorts’ sole mission is to highlight and support family-owned and operated resorts and campgrounds in Minnesota so they can help you make lifelong memories. And much like getting a book recommendation from the resident librarian, many resort owners live in communities surrounded by tourism, making them experts in lake living.

There are many things about a 1980s summer vacation that you can’t recreate. Eating watermelon and watching how far you can spit the seeds doesn’t evoke the same excitement it used to. But a common thread that runs deep is the careless magic a summer vacation holds. As parents, we pray our kids love it enough to carry on the same tradition with their own families. We endure the days of packing, road trip bickering, and mountains of laundry because nothing tastes better than a grilled hotdog eaten on a checkered tablecloth under a Red Oak. Soaking in the sun and beauty with loved ones on a mirror-like lake…

Best. Summer. Ever. And when the kids ask, “are we there yet?” for the fifteenth time you’ll exhale as you reply, “yes, we are.”

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Gaining Confidence; Living Beyond Fear How one woman gained fortitude and awareness around personal safety with Stock & Barrel’s support ARTICLE BY LUTIE RONGLIEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA CLAIRE PHOTOGRAPHY “My husband was traveling for work,” Jane says. “I was having trouble sleeping because my kids were in bed with me. The windows were open since it was a nice spring night. I thought I heard someone jostling the sliding glass door under our bedroom window. The next thing I heard was the house alarm going off. I called 911 before the alarm company could even call me.”

Fortunately, the alarm was enough to scare the intruder away. The police arrived quickly and made sure no one was inside the home.

“It was the scariest three minutes of my life,” she says. “I don’t think I slept until my husband returned home from his work trip overseas a few days later.”

After the incident, Jane wanted to learn how to improve her personal safety. She found out that Stock and Barrel Gun Club (an upscale and inviting club offering a shooting range, training facility, and pro shop) offers safety classes for women that focus on surviving a home invasion. The class helps students develop a plan to minimize the threat while maximizing their chances of survival.

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“You don’t necessarily have to take a class on firearms, but don’t be afraid to learn how to protect yourself.”

“The first time I went there, I sat in my car in the parking lot for 45 minutes, trying to convince myself to go in,” Jane says.

Randy Ferris, General Manager of Stock and Barrel Gun Club, showed Jane some tools to use for protection, including a small flashlight. “I was surprised when he told me it could be used for self-defense,” she says.

Jane wasn’t initially comfortable around firearms. She didn’t grow up with exposure to hunting or shooting. Then she met her husband, who liked to trap and target shoot. She tried firing a single round one time with him but didn’t like it.

“From the moment I walked into Stock and Barrel, the employees made me feel comfortable and relaxed,” she says. “The fear I had turned into respect. I didn’t feel intimidated at all.”

Stock and Barrel looks more like an alpine version of a country club than your dad’s sparse shooting range of the past.

Originally started as a place to “shoot and smoke cigars” (according to their website), it’s become a place where people can feel at ease learning about and enjoying firearms.

Adorned with comfortable leather chairs, large-screen TVs, featuring a laid-back lodge style, Stock and Barrel looks like it belongs somewhere in the mountains.

Jane took a handgun safety class, which gave her the confidence to try target shooting with her husband. Now the two have competitions to see who’s the better shot. She’s taken several classes at Stock and Barrel, including those focused on self-defense, gun safety, and conceal and

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I NSP IR E D BY | L IFE + CULTURE

carry and she encourages others to get educated about their personal safety.

“You don’t necessarily have to take a class on firearms, but don’t be afraid to learn how to protect yourself,” she says.

She also encourages parents to teach their children how to respect guns, whether parents own them or not. Her son took the Minnesota Youth Hunter Safety Course, and her daughter, coming up on 11 years old, is almost old enough to take it.

“A child should know what to do if they ever find a gun,” she says. “They should know not to touch it and to find an adult.”

Ferris says the most popular classes at Stock and Barrel are Introduction to Handgun Safety and Permit to Carry. They offer several classes that aren’t solely focused on firearms, like Less Lethal Defense Training, Surviving an Active Shooter, Travel Safety and Security, and Surviving a Home Invasion. They also periodically offer free seminars on topics such as firearms history, strategies for protecting your children, and mental health. Ferris urges parents to talk to him or another staff member to determine appropriate training for children. Their training is the most comprehensive program available to civilians in the Twin Cities.

Stock and Barrel offers memberships, but the public is also welcome. The staff enjoys working with new shooters while giving them a safe and comfortable environment. Like Jane, many people go to Stock and Barrel simply because they’re concerned about their personal safety.

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

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APRIL 2023

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

A P RIL 1 ST

Have a Hopping Good Time at the Shop Hop DOW N TOWN WACON IA | 9:00 A M Here comes Peter Cottontail, hopping down the Downtown Waconia bunny trail! The Easter bunny has been busy dropping off eggs filled with prizes at participating businesses. From 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, fill your favorite Easter basket and shopping bags with all the great deals! This springtime favorite event is put on by the Waconia Chamber of Commerce.

A P RIL 2 N D

Easter Egg Hunt at City Square Park

CITY S QUARE PARK | 12:30 PM Visit City Square Park at 12:30 pm to catch a glimpse of the Easter Bunny after his busy morning of hiding eggs in the park. The hunt starts at 1:00 pm so be sure to bring your sneakers and biggest Easter basket. Thanks to the Nate Matousek State Farm Agency and Trinity for putting on this exciting community-wide event.

A P RIL 10 T H & 2 4 T H

A P RIL 1 3T H

Lego Lab

WACON IA LIBRARY | 3:30 PM Calling all school-age Lego Masters 7 and older! Swing into the Waconia Library from 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm and let your creativity run wild with space to build and Lego bricks provided. Have fun putting together the fastest car, the most colorful town, or a crowd of unique minifigures. No registration is required, just some imagination. tinyurl.com/waconialibrary

Candlelight Yoga in The Barrel Room

SC HRAM VIN EYAR DS W IN ERY & B R E WE RY | 6 :1 5 P M Meet Annie Hayes Wellness on your mat for yoga in Schram Vineyard Winery & Brewery’s barrel room. From 6:15 pm - 7:15 pm feed your soul as you breathe through guided yoga poses, then enjoy 20% off bottles of wine and the company of other yogis. As Annie says, “all humans and levels are welcome.” Get tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/candlelight-yoga-in-the-barrel-room-tickets-479968718357.

A P RIL 1 4 T H

Grunge Unplugged: Live at Schram Haus!

SC HRAM HAUS BR EW ERY | 6:00 P M Dig out your Girbaud jeans and Doc Martens or grab them from the front of your closet (we won’t tell) and let Grunge: Unplugged ‘take you back’ with Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Sound Garden, and many more. From 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm grab a beer and watch your mood ring switch to blue as you reminisce and enjoy. https://www.facebook.com/ events/837984054309201 A P RIL 1 5T H

2023 Dancing Like the Stars Show

GL EN COE CITY CEN TER | 5:30 P M Cheer on your favorite small-town celebrity couple at the 2023 Dancing Like The Stars Show, an annual gala to benefit suicide prevention and mental health awareness. 12 star couples will perform choreographed dance numbers to earn your vote and a talented group of nurses from Ridgeview will also perform but not compete. Meet the couples and buy tickets early! tinyurl.com/dancelikestars

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