White Bear Lake Magazine - January 2023

OLD STEWART

Couple creates a home from historic church building

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food mAtters truth mAtters

These days, the world is engaged in a serious discussion on how to affect positive change on our agricultural lands – how to leave them better than we found them and, in some cases, even repair some of the damage we’ve done. Today’s forwardthinking farmers are paving the way to a reimagined industry, developing systems to build soil fertility, sequester carbon and create biodiversity to regenerate the earth.

Beyond “reduce, reuse, recycle,” regenerative agriculture is the way forward for our planet, at least according to an increasing number of farmers and ranchers. It’s about old ways becoming new again and relying on Mother Nature to do what comes, well, naturally.

Regenerative farming is not new; in fact, it’s pretty old. Long before early American settlers established homesteads in the Midwest, bison used to forage these plains, aerating soil and dispersing native grass seeds with their hooves while naturally fertilizing the soil. The land lived in perfect balance with the animals,

taking what it needed from them and giving back lush, grassy, green pastures for their next grazing season.

Kowalski’s is proud to partner with farmers and ranchers engaging in regenerative agriculture. Beyond the benefit to our precious natural resources, these “old-fashioned” agricultural techniques are producing foodstuffs that taste the way they’re supposed to taste – really, really good. You’ll find chicken, beef, eggs and lots of locally grown produce in our markets that are produced in harmony with nature, and we continue to add more such products every day.

“There isn’t going to be an overnight change that improves the health of our soil, water, and animal and plant life,” says Kowalski’s Meat & Seafood Director Troy Schmeling. “The answer on how to affect change is complex. It starts with educating ourselves about and being aware of what’s going on in farming. A good second step is to support agricultural products that have regenerative and sustainable initiatives behind them.”

“Young or old, disability or not, there are no limitations to make something beautiful.” —Shannon Walsh, from Joy on Wheels, page 28.

DEPARTMENTS

14 — Creating Comfort

Woolly Bear Knits crafts cozy knit beanies for winter adventures. 16 — Mindful Motherhood Services support and nurture new mothers during “Fourth Trimester.”

18 — Healthier, Higher Ground

Brazilian jiu-jitsu studio in White Bear Township brings a safe way to stay fit.

FEATURES

22 — Old Stewart

Couple creates a home from historic church building.

28 — Joy on Wheels

Art bus offers creative outlet for children with life-limiting illnesses.

TASTEMAKERS

36 — Flavors that Fuel Nutritionist suggests foods to soothe the winter blues.

Photo: Becca Haugen, Twelve Ten Photography

FROM THE EDITOR

ZOE DEAL — ZOE@LOCALMEDIA.CO

Wellness is hard to pin down. Every person has a different approach to their overall health—from prioritizing food or fitness to weekly visits to a therapist or chiropractor—that suits their goals and lifestyle. As an active young person, I’m privileged to not have to put much thought into doctor’s appointments or pill minders. But I do spend time considering my mental wellness and the health of my family members and neighbors, especially as the holi days come to a close and we all cozy up in our own little nooks of the world.

In this our Wellness, Beauty and Style issue, I recognize that not every article will be for you, but it will be for someone in your community. Having the knowledge and empathy to relate to another’s passions, hardships and successes is, I think, an impor tant part of our own wellness. I feel excited to share this enlightening issue with you (a year after I wrote my first Editor’s Letter for this publication!) and continue to share the community-focused, informative pieces that I know area readers value.

Within these pages are stories of meaningful change—a mother supporting other new mothers (page 16), a couple saving a historic church building (page 22), an initia tive to bring art to children with life-limiting illnesses (page 28)—alongside introduc tions to enterprises new and old. And because many of us will reconsider our own health practices in the new year, writer Emily Gedde connected with local nutritionist Amber Hanson of Whole You Nutrition to discuss healthy and filling meals and ingre dients to boost our mood. Don’t miss her yummy and inventive recipes on page 36.

You are deserving of so much joy this year and every year. Find it and share it. Until next time.

On the Cover Old Stewart, photo by Chris Emeott, page 22

See what we’re doing behind the scenes and around town! White Bear Lake Magazine @whitebearlakemag @whitebearlakemag

Emeott

Photo: Chris

WE HAVE AN IDEA …

… LET’S STEP INTO 2023 with a spirit of grati tude and support for White Bear Lake and the local businesses that have served us all so well over the previous year.

What’s the best way to say, “Thank you,” to your favorite dining spots, service spaces, shopping venues and more? Vote for your favorite local businesses and community venues in our annual Readers’ Poll— this year’s Best of White Bear Lake 2023.

Our contest is live throughout January at whitebearlakemag.com, where you can vote for your “best of the best” in a growing number of categories.

While some of your favorite categories return for another year, our editorial team has included a few more sections that further embrace our retail and business communities. Curious? Go online to vote!

Here’s what you need to know: Voting is live with three simple rules*:

1. One entry is allowed per person; each ballot needs to include an email address.

2. Ballots must be completed by 5 p.m. January 31, 2023.

3. Voters need to vote in at least five categories to ensure their ballot is counted.

4. The top three finalists will be announced online on March 1, 2023.

5. Watch for our much-anticipated Best of White Bear Lake in the July/August issue, where the winners and runners up will be revealed—along with Editor’s Picks and a host of other community highlights.

*Any rule not adhered to may result in entire surveys being discarded, and all results are subject to editorial discretion.

MANO

One of White Bear Lake’s creatives has returned to her roots. Artist, ceramicist and business owner Louisa Podlich has turned her entrepreneur ial energy toward White Bear Center for the Arts (WBCA), where she has recently taught student artists how to add watercolor to ceramics and create a thriving business from their work. Podlich sells original artwork through her company A MANO , which means “by hand.” Her colorful vision can be found in a variety of ceramic creations like dishes, earrings and rainbow ornaments as well as beautiful cloth napkins. Podlich’s work is available at the WBCA retail area and online at weshopamano.com. It is inevitable that Podlich will find more than one way to inspire you!

Karna Holub is the gallery coordinator at White Bear Center for the Arts. Learn more about WBCA offerings and events at whitebeararts.org

MOVE

Starting Small

It is a new year, and many readers aim to improve their nutrition, get back into the gym and be healthier starting in 2023. At BearFitness we like to say, “Think big, start small and be specific.” What does this mean? Getting healthy is a great goal, but it’s not measurable and can sound overwhelm ing. Instead, try to begin with a small goal, such as drinking 80 oz. of water per day. Once you feel comfortable with that, move to the next goal, such as incorporating 1 cup of vegetables per day into your meals. The same applies if you want to work out more—start simple. An example could be going

on two 1-mile walks per week, and maybe your next goal is participating in two group fitness classes per week. We recommend scheduling time in a calendar to work out and putting goals somewhere you can check them off. Small wins will keep you motivated and feeling accomplished.

Jake Wandersee is the owner of BearFitness, a White Bear Lake fitness center offering results-focused training and CrossFit coaching. Learn more at bearfitnessmn.com

Photos: Louisa Podlich

Just Breathe

Breathing. It is something we all do but don’t think too much about. In the awardwinning book Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, author James Nestor shares the knowledge he has gained from traveling the world and studying the process of breathing. He discusses, in a very readable, entertaining style, how breathing works, how it has changed over time and in various cultures and how we can improve our approach. This popular book leans into both science and self-help and may be just the boost you need to kick-start a happy and healthy 2023.

Therese Sonnek is the branch manager of Ramsey County Library - White Bear Lake. Visit rclreads.org to learn more about library programs and locations.

WELLNESS

Radiant Winter Skin

We all know winter in Minnesota can be a beautiful sight, but it can also be downright damaging to our skin. Between the subzero temps, frigid winds, dark days and spending more time indoors, it’s common for skin to become dehydrated, irritated and lack lus ter. Consider some of my top tips to main tain a luminous complexion year-round.

Skincare Regimen

» Use a cream-based cleanser in place of a foaming gel cleanser that often strips the skin of its natural oil barrier.

» Add dry brushing to your weekly routine to benefit from increased lymph flow and gentle exfoliation.

» Try adding CBD into your skin care regi men, as it is a wonderful anti-inflamma tory ingredient that can decrease skin

irritation and calm redness.

» Always wear SPF 30 or higher on the face, neck, ears and hands. The sun’s rays are magnified by the reflection from snow and ice and can still cause severe burns.

» Avoid or limit using products with high levels of astringents or alcohols, as these ingredients are drying in nature.

Diet

» Increase your intake of antioxidant-rich foods like kale, berries, avocado, spinach and citrus for extra protection against winter’s harsh elements. Eat foods that are rich in omega fatty acids 3, 6 and 9 to maintain healthy skin cell membranes.

» To help balance the microbiome of the skin, try adding probiotics to your morn ing routine to decrease inflammation and

keep things running smoothly.

» Drink plenty of water throughout the day. If you normally run cold, try drinking liquids at room temperature so it’s easier on the system.

Lifestyle

» Avoid seasonal breakouts by keeping hats and scarfs clean and routinely laundered.

» Run a humidifier in the bedroom at night so your skin can revel in some humidity while resting and repairing.

Jamie Tatreau is the owner of Sweet Mana Natural Botanicals, a sustainable, small batch skincare company based in Maplewood. Learn more at sweetmana.com.

FACES

SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY

When Peg Black’s youngest son went off to school in 1975, she decided to get herself a job. Cerenity Senior Care, then known as White Bear Lake Care Center, was in the neighborhood. “I thought, ‘Well, I’ll go over there and get a job until I find something I like better,” Black says. Now, 47 years later, she’s leaving Cerenity with a lasting legacy.

After working as a nursing assistant and in the activities department at Cerenity, Black spent 20 years as the volunteer coordinator. When Cerenity embarked on a $17 million renovation and expansion project in 2009, Black was tapped to take on the role of development director. “I thought, ‘Well, I haven’t done that before, but I’ll certainly give it a try.’ And that’s what I’ve been doing ever since,” Black says.

Overall, Black says her time with Cerenity kept her connected to White Bear. “White Bear is a small community in many ways, and there’s almost always someone I know coming in through our transitional care unit, or somebody’s mother lives here,” Black says. “We’re an extension of the community and the community is highly supportive of us.”

In retirement, Black is looking forward to traveling and enjoying time spent golfing, sailing and hiking with her husband. The newly minted snowbirds plan to live two-thirds of their year out in California, where their youngest son now lives. “Like many folks, we’re going spend a good part of the year somewhere warm,” Black says.

By Madeline Kopiecki. A full version of this story is available at whitebearlakemag.com.

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Photo: Peg Black

Creating Comfort

Woolly Bear Knits crafts cozy knit pom pom beanies for winter adventures.

By Susie Eaton Hopper

IF THE ADAGE ‘BUSY HANDS ARE HAPPY HANDS,’ IS TRUE , Emily Sheehan must be one of the most joyful people in White Bear Lake.

As the owner of Woolly Bear Knits, a thriving White Bear Lake-based Etsy shop, she knits about 400 wool beanies and accessories a year. During her busy season, September through November, she can handcraft up to five pieces a day. That’s 5,670 stitches a day and 453,600 a year—not counting warmweather months spent stocking up for the winter rush.

Over lattes at Anchor Coffee House, Sheehan shared how she started and what it takes to run her successful online business, started in 2019.

Sheehan grew up in Elk River, Minnesota, went to Bethel University for undergraduate studies and the University of Minnesota for a graduate degree. She and husband John (who owns Roam Bike Shop) lived here after they were mar ried, then Colorado and California before moving back in 2016. Corporate human resources jobs led to burnout, so she started knitting.

“My grandma was very crafty. I learned to crochet and knit from her as a kid,” Sheehan says. She turned to YouTube to refresh her skills. As the couple’s son napped and played, she would knit.

“At first, it was just for fun,” she says, but with a strong business background, knitting hats for everyday adventures soon turned into a livelihood.

The name for her business comes from Sheehan’s love for the woolly bear caterpillars that appear each autumn. She honed the brand with minimalist designs, simple textures and classic styles meant to last.

Sustainability is a key principle in her enterprise. Sheehan uses only the high est quality, ethically-sourced Peruvian and merino wool natural fibers. “The wool I use is very soft, not scratchy; it’s body odor-resistant, moisture-wicking and breathable. You’ll stay warm but not overheat,” she says. Another feature of natural fibers is minimal hat hair. Her hats should last a lifetime, though wool is biodegradable.

As an animal lover, she sources yarn from mulesing-free companies (mulesing is the painful removal of skin from the backside of the sheep to prevent fly

infestation). She makes her pom poms from faux fur.

Sheehan has learned much in four years. She’s more efficient, batch-creat ing marketing, social media and admin istrative tasks one day a week. She has many more options to sell now, appearing at local Twin Cities area retailers, includ ing Upsy-Daisy, Roam Bike Shop and seasonal craft fairs. Her Instagram has grown to almost 32,000 followers, many of whom come for her knitting patterns.

The family resides in downtown White Bear Lake and enjoys summer water activities including boating and biking. This time of year, they snowshoe at Tamarack Nature Center and walk as much as possible. Her hats and cowls keep them perfectly outfitted.

She loves the flexibility her business gives her lifestyle. “My parents taught me to work hard. I put a lot of effort into this. I don’t want to sell things I am not proud of,” Sheehan says.

Woolly Bear Knits; woollybearknits.shop woollybearknit Woolly Bear Knits

@woollybear_knits

Photos: Becca Haugen, Twelve Ten Photography

Emily Sheehan uses ethically-sourced natural fibers for her knit wool beanies and accessories.

Mindful Motherhood

Services support and nurture new mothers during

By Mollee Francisco

“Fourth Trimester.”

THE DAYS AND WEEKS following the birth of a child can be full of magi cal moments—feeling the warmth of a baby lying on your chest, watching a child slumbering peacefully in the bas sinet, inhaling the indescribably sweet smell of a newborn’s skin—but they can also be wrought with pain, anxiety and a host of physical and mental issues that are difficult for a mother to pre pare for, much less deal with while trying to care for a new babe.

It’s an issue that Megan Hadley of Minneapolis sought support for dur ing her first pregnancy. “I was seeking energetic and mental health support,” says Hadley, who turned to Maria

Bossert, founder of Happy and Healthy Therapy in White Bear Lake, to help manage her anxiety and stress.

“I appreciated this support so much that I signed up for a postpartum pack age with Maria, ensuring both baby and I received some gentle support in the immediate days and weeks after birth,” Hadley says.

It’s Bossert’s life's work to support women through all stages of mother hood—a service she feels should be con sidered essential. “Moms deserve more than we’re offering,” Bossert says. “We’ve created a black hole where a lot of women don’t feel support.”

Bossert’s personal experiences led her

Photos: iStock.com/Rawpixel; Happy and Healthy Therapy

Maria Bossert

to found Happy and Healthy Therapy in 2020, where she offers support for clients throughout pregnancy, postpartum and matrescence (the process of becoming a mother). “I had a variety of experiences with pregnancy and birth, including mis carriage and birth trauma, that pushed me in this direction,” Bossert says.

Bossert, an occupational therapist by trade, also felt something was missing from her own care after her children were born. Now she fills that gap for local families by providing holistic and func tional services that support both mother and child. Her packages are designed to tackle the physical, psychological and emotional toll of childbearing—from relieving discomfort through light touch to helping moms adjust to routine and lifestyle changes.

During the 12-week period after a child is born (what Bossert calls “The Fourth Trimester”), a mother’s health and well ness should be top of mind, Bossert says.

“Healthy mothers raise healthy families. We should put our resources towards mothers,” she says.

When Hadley hired Bossert again fol lowing the birth of her child, it turned out to be much needed care. “My body had gone through a major trauma and trans formation in the birth process,” Hadley says. “I was in pain, uncomfortable and needing some relief physically, mentally and emotionally.”

Both Hadley and her baby received cranial sacral therapy, a form of light touch intended to relieve tension in the central nervous system. “After sessions with Maria, I noticed my symptoms of anxiety had lessened. I was able to get some rest,” Hadley says.

Bossert treated the duo in the same room throughout Hadley’s in-home postpartum care. “It helps mother and child bond,” Bossert explains.

“I felt such gratitude for the connec tion my kiddo and I had with Maria,” Hadley says.

Bossert hopes to see services like hers become the norm. “Women should be given permission to rest, to seek body work, to have nourishing foods, to heal and, ultimately, to come into motherhood in a mindful way,” she says. “I want moth ers to understand that they deserve it.”

Happy and Healthy Therapy, 2025 Fourth St. Suite 100; happyandhealthytherapy.com

Happy and Healthy Therapy @happyhealthytherapy

ACTIVE LIVING

Healthier, Higher Ground

Brazilian jiu-jitsu studio offers lessons in self-defense and gives back to the community.

By Kira Schukar

Photos: Chris Emeott

A

TYPICAL NIGHT AT

HIGHER GROUND BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU in White Bear Township starts with a fundamentals class: Students—many of them new to jiu-jitsu—gather around the mat to start with a series of warmups.

“I always say the warmup is like the first obstacle,” says head instructor and co-owner Chris Golv. “We’re practic ing getting to the ground safely, moving around on the ground effectively and efficiently and getting up safely.”

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a martial art built on the idea that a smaller or weaker person can defend themselves against a larger or stronger person using tech niques and leverage. “It’s really meant for regular people—young, old, athletic or those who are completely new to sports,” Chris says.

The sport has been around since the 1920s, when two Brazilian broth ers experienced in judo decided to invent a new fighting style focused on self-defense. In recent years, a rise in Brazilian jiu-jitsu gyms across the coun try has made it the second-most popular form of martial arts in the country.

Chris and his wife, Anna Golv, opened Higher Ground in August 2021. Anna runs the administrative side of the business while Chris leads teaching and training at the gym. Although Chris has practiced Brazilian jiu-jitsu since college, Anna started the sport when the gym opened.

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Husband-and-wife team Chris and Anna Golv, Higher Ground co-owners

4750 Washington Square • White Bear Lake, MN 55110

Already a regular runner and weight lifter, Anna immediately noticed the physical health benefits when she started jiu-jitsu. “I’ve had genetically high cholesterol my entire life,” she says. “But [once] I started jiu-jitsu, I actually have ... the lowest cholesterol numbers that I’ve ever had.”

From a health standpoint, jiu-jitsu is an incredibly well-rounded activity— the physical movement strengthens an athlete’s core and provides a hefty cardio workout, and the sport’s technicality can improve mental health.

“Fitness is so attached to our mental health,” Chris says, adding that when he’s practicing jiu-jitsu, “it’s very difficult to think about anything else other than those steps in the moment. It’s an incred ible stress reliever.”

Higher Ground offers a variety of classes for all experience levels and ages, whether visitors are looking to learn the fundamentals of self-defense or work toward competing in tournaments.

Anna and Chris also find ways to give back to their local community through the gym. Last year, Higher Ground part nered with the We Defy Foundation, a nonprofit that sponsors disabled vet erans for one year of Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes. Although We Defy hasn’t paired Higher Ground with any athletes yet, Chris has volunteered with the nonprofit for several years.

“Those mental and physical compo nents of jiu-jitsu allow these veterans to come back and be a part of a community,” he says.

The biggest takeaway, Chris says, is that jiu-jitsu is for anyone. “If there are people reading this article and they're like, ‘Oh, no, I couldn’t do jiu-jitsu,’ … show up and let's have a conversation.”

Higher Ground Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu MN, 5960 US-61 Suite 2; 651.724.9088; hgbjjmn.com

Higher Ground Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu MN @highergroundbjjmn

OLD STEWART

WRITTEN BY ZOE DEAL PHOTOS BY CHRIS EMEOTT

In the winter of 2019, partners and music aficionados Kelly Clement and Steve Bucher stumbled across some thing grand. It was the realization of a dream that was years in the making. For Clement, an expansive barn turned residence and stage “for garage-jams” had marked her daydreams. Bucher envisioned his ideal future in a mod ern home crafted within the ruins of a European castle. But the two eventually found everything they could ever want in something they never envisioned. A historic church. A friendly commu nity. The perfect home.

The Carpenter Gothic Church has seen many iterations since its construction in 1889. Nestled on Stewart Avenue in the heart of downtown White Bear Lake, the oldest standing church in town has seen additions and remodels, stained glass win dows removed and rows of theater seats installed. It has been painted and stained.

A home to Lutherans and Baptists, actors and theater goers. It is a place with a rich history, and when Clement and Bucher (then Minnetonka residents) learned the building was set to be torn down, the path forward became clear.

“Neither one of these things [garage jam house or English ruins] was going to happen, and this sort of fit somewhere in between,” Bucher says.

They negotiated and purchased the building, hired Elk River-based Legacy

Contracting to head the renovation and set off on what would be a nearly twoyear project to create the untraditional home and community gathering place they dubbed “Old Stewart.”

RESEMBLING ITS PAST

While still grand in many aspects, the sto ried building retained few of the original elements by the time Clement and Bucher stepped through the front doors. Over nearly 50 years as the home of Lakeshore Players Theatre, it had transformed.

In a video shared on the Old Stewart Instagram page, the contracting team stands beside rows of theater seating as they tear layers of plywood and insula tion from tall windows. From behind the camera, Clement gasps as the sun illumi nates the building’s interior for the first time in decades.

“Opening up these walls and exposing the windows was really cool because we didn’t know if there was still stained glass underneath it,” Clement says.

While the original stained glass was found to be taken by the First English Evangelical Lutheran Church upon their move in the 1950s, the duo replaced the remaining colored-glass with authentic 120-year-old Munich-style stained glass windows, made by Ford Brothers Glass Co., and salvaged from a Minneapolis church.

The contracting team spent three months and nearly 40 dumpsters gutting

Couple creates a home from historic church building.

the interior before beginning the long process of restoring Old Stewart to its former glory. After starting anew with the essentials (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, sheetrock) and hiring a structural engineer to fix the sagging walls, Clement and Bucher began to build their dream home piece by piece.

And while the pair disagree on whether there was an ultimate vision or plan for the place from the start, they agree that they wouldn’t change a thing.

“A lot of times people ask, ‘Well, did it go according to plan?’ And I just laugh,” Bucher says. “There was no plan. These were all just tactical decisions in real time. ‘Oh, we found a bar, let’s see if we could make use of that. We found these windows, well what could we do with these windows?’ There was no plan.”

“That was a piece of cake. He doesn’t think the same way I do,” Clement says. “When I walked in here, it’s like, I could see what this is.”

Today, the building has become a three bedroom, four bath home, sporting a deep blue exterior and a roof lined with solar panels. The main room (complete with a large center stage, modern kitchen, koi pond and a plethora of velvet sofas and chairs) is Clement and Bucher’s liv ing area. An industrial staircase leads from the entryway to their bedroom and, downstairs, a refinished basement is a space for their young adult children. A side yard featuring a fountain and hot tub can be accessed from a cozy sunroom (which Clement calls the “dogs’ room”).

As the pair walk through the space, sharing the stories of each piece that makes up one beautiful whole—from the original Douglas fir floors to the antique chandelier from the Minneapolis Club ballroom—it’s clear that the building has been remodeled to resemble the best of its past. “Even though it looks a lot dif ferent, there’s some recognizable pieces still,” Bucher says.

FINDING COMMUNITY

As the project went on, the pair were sur prised by the sheer number of passersby that came to their front door. “Every day, Monday through Friday, over the course of the past two years, we have had at least two or three people that have stopped by every day from the community. And they’re like, ‘Oh my gosh are you saving it? What are you doing with this? What’s going to happen?’” Clement says. They are neighbors and locals, many of whom have connections to the historic building

A HISTORY

Old Stewart has a layered history as the oldest standing church building in White Bear Lake. Here is a glimpse into the congregations, organizations and families that have called it home:

1889

The Carpenter Gothic Church is first constructed to house the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church, later renamed the First English Evangelical Lutheran Church.

1939

The building’s footprint doubles with the addition of a transept and new alter area.

1950

Further remodeling is done to the exterior with the installation of the midcentury stone façade and bell tower that are still present today.

1959

The First Baptist Church (later renamed Eagle Brook Church) takes up residence.

1971

The building is sold to Lakeshore Players Theatre.

2018 Lakeshore Players Theatre vacates, and the building is sold to a developer with plans to tear it down.

2020

The building is sold to Kelly Clement and Steve Bucher and undergoes renovation to turn it into a private residence.

through church and family gatherings, weddings, funerals and the theater. “There’s a lot of memories that go along with the place,” Clement says.

While Clement and Bucher’s dream had initially been a personal one—a place to live and play music together—as the community came knocking at their door in droves, the pair realized that keeping their home to themselves wasn’t in the realm of possibility. So, they embraced it.

“The building, for 130 years, has been a community gathering place, and it still wants to be,” Bucher says. “… The com munity wants the building to be acces sible to them, and so we’re trying to make sure there’s a way for that to happen.”

“It’s basically welcoming people into our home,” Clement chimes in.

They began by planning a series of open houses featuring musical guests— first for their contractors, supporters and friends, then for the broader community. At one of these events, they met Patty Hall, the founder of local nonprofit H20 for Life. The nonprofit would go on to be the beneficiary of Old Stewart’s first fundraising event in September 2022.

When Clement and Bucher aren’t exploring their new community in White Bear Lake, entertaining friends and strangers or enjoying their cottage in Ireland, you can find them playing a variety of instruments together on the Old Stewart stage. The pair are also busy planning their upcoming wedding that, yes, will take place in Old Stewart. And they wouldn’t have it any other way.

“The neighbors and the community have been fabulous and support what we’re doing,” Clement says. “… Every time we turn around, we’re meeting someone new, and everybody is very welcoming. It’s a very inclusive community.”

Joy on Wheels

Art bus offers creative outlet for children with life-limiting illnesses.

Written by Paige Schuller and Hanna McDaniels

Art has long been used as a form of healing the mind, body and soul. For some Metro children, creativity and restorative care come by way of an art center on wheels.

Six-year-old Tobias Walsh of Hugo was born with monosomy-6 trisomy-18, a rare genetic disorder that also impacted his brother, Landon, who passed away in 2013. Parents Shannon and Jon Walsh share that they are grateful for every day they have with Tobias. “He just has the best attitude. He wakes up with a smile every day,” Shannon says.

It’s the same smile that lights up his face when crafting with Ziggy’s Art Bus, a program that serves children with life-limiting illnesses by indulging their creative minds.

Ziggy’s Art Bus founder Gina Zaffarano knew this artful idea had to come to fruition when she was introduced to Crescent Cove, a respite home and care facility for children in Brooklyn Center. “I realized when working at Crescent Cove that there was not a lot of space for creative endeav ors for these children,” she says. “… Art is such an equalizing experience for everyone… and it is some thing that takes people out of their heads and into their hearts.” In 2019, the art bus became a reality, making artistic expression as accessible as possible for these children.

The art bus travels year-round to three health centers, including Fairview Children’s Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House and Crescent Cove. The projects provided by Ziggy’s Art Bus are cre ated and developed by an artist on the Ziggy’s Art Bus team, Richfield’s Vicki Craig, who has made, curated and manufactured around 80 projects for the bus throughout the years. Some projects that kids have enjoyed have been butterfly, caterpillar and cloud making. “We want to bring joy to chil dren with life-limiting illnesses. That is our sole foundation for Ziggy’s Art Bus,” says Zaffarano.

The Walsh family first came across Ziggy’s Art Bus at a back-to-school event at Crescent Cove. Shannon says she looks forward to the surprise of seeing what Tobias creates with Ziggy’s Art Bus each time he stays at Crescent Cove. “It’s sweet we never know what he’s going to come home with,” Shannon says.

When the bus arrives on location, volunteers are there to help facilitate the art-making process for the children. Sometimes it is very hands-on for volunteers, and sometimes the kids take over the projects themselves. “We generally curate these art projects based around the demographic of kids we are seeing that week,” Zaffarano says. “For example, with [the Ronald McDonald House], we have preplanned art projects we bring that week. Crescent Cove is very different though. Many kids we serve

there aren’t able-bodied … In that case, it is very volunteer dependent, and we look to them to create a beautiful experience for the child.”

Although the crafts are pre-planned at the Ronald McDonald House, the volunteers often adapt the experience to fit the needs of each child participating. Sometimes this goes beyond the art project. Part-time Mahtomedi resident Pat Whelpley has been a volunteer with Ziggy’s Art Bus since its inception in 2019 and is well acquainted with the positive impact Ziggy’s has on the children and their families.

Each Monday, Whelpley volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House, located on the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities campus. “We some times just turn on music and dance with the wheel chairs. We just do what the kids like to do,” she says.

Whelpley describes the bus as a “place of refuge” for the families staying at Ronald McDonald House, who come from all over the world for care. Many of the children Whelpley works with are siblings of children with life-threatening illnesses. “When you have a handicapped child, they get more attention because they need it,” Whelpley says. At Ziggy’s Art Bus, the siblings are also able to participate and experience individualized support.

Photos: Chris Emeott

Mahtomedi resident Pat Whelpey volunteers weekly with Ziggy’s Art Bus.

SHANNON WALSH

The Walsh family cherishes that Ziggy’s Art Bus includes each of their children in the process of creating. Tobias’ sister Bella, 11, also loves crafting. The family looks forward to events at Crescent Cove for the opportunity they offer for the siblings to create memories in a safe and inclusive environment.

“One of the things that I love about Ziggy’s Art Bus is that everyone has a chance to create something,” Shannon says. “Young or old, disability or not, there are no limitations to make something beautiful.”

This adaptability is what makes Ziggy’s Art Bus so enjoyable for children in all situations, from children with extremely limited communication and mobility, to the siblings of children with life-threatening illnesses. Tamara Cairns, Ziggy’s Art Bus managing director, explains that this flexibility is fueled by the program’s mission of “focusing on the joy.” No matter what a child is experiencing, the ultimate goal is a joyful experience, “involving a child in any way they can be involved,” Cairns says.

As inclusive and inviting as the staff are, the atmosphere of the bus itself evokes a feeling of security and wonder. Inside the bus is a “magical place where children can really escape” Cairns says. The colorful setting is visually appealing to children of all ages and is a place where children can feel safe to process and heal. “When these kids get together, they open up to us and talk about things they are going through,” Whelpley says.

Ziggy’s Art Bus team hopes that every piece of art made by the children will become a legacy project that they can look back on, knowing that they created a little piece of sunshine—for everyone.

Ziggy’s Art Bus; ziggysartbus.org @ziggysartbus

“Young or old, disability or not, there are no limitations to make something beautiful.”

Photos: Chris Emeott, Ziggy’s Art Bus

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Building Strong, Confident Leaders through Small Class Sizes and Individual Attention

Grades K–8 Schedule a Tour Today!

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HOCKEY DAY MINNESOTA

IF MINNESOTA IS A STATE STEEPED IN HOCKEY HISTORY, White Bear is the epicenter. Since the early 20th century, the City of Lakes and Legends has been home to many firsts—for both players and teams. Long ago, a com munity hockey team became one of the first in the state, with area resident Moose Goheen becoming the first local to put the area on the Minnesota hock ey map. It is this legacy and the efforts of Jon Anderson, former Gopher hock ey forward, and Corey Roberts, owner of The Minnesotan, that have brought Hockey Day Minnesota to White Bear Township at long last.

From January 26–29 at Polar Lakes Park, state high school and college teams will compete for glory, with some highly anticipated area hockey rival ries. And for the first time ever, Hockey Day Minnesota will feature a NCAA Division III game between Saint John’s University and Augsburg University on Friday, January 27. An estimated 20,000 visitors will gather over the course of the week, with a 16-hour tele vision broadcast by Bally Sports North featuring all matches followed by the Minnesota Wild vs. Buffalo Sabers game from the Xcel Energy Center.

Between matches at Polar Lakes Park, visitors can enjoy live music, vendors and food trucks. The festivities on Saturday, January 28 will include a military honor guard, flyover and fireworks display. Sunday is “Hockey Changes Lives Day,” which will high light the Hendrickson Foundation, MN Warriors and Shine-a-Light organiza tions. Net proceeds from the event will be donated to White Bear Lake Area Hockey Association to support youth hockey. —Nicole Berglund

Tickets are available for purchase at hockeydaymn.com.

Photos: Hockey Day Minnesota

White Bear Township to host 17th annual hockey event in Polar Lakes Park.

things to see and do in and around White Bear Lake

LOCAL EVENTS

The Niceties

01/06–01/15

This production stars Zoe, a Black liberal arts college student who experiences a political conflict with her white profes sor. All ages. $20. Times vary. Lakeshore Players Theatre, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake; 651.478.7427; lakeshoreplayers.org

Family Storytime

01/13–01/27

Bring the whole family for songs, sto ries and more activities to develop your child’s literacy skills. Ages 2–5 rec ommended. Free. 10:30–11 a.m. Ramsey County Library, 2150 Second St., White Bear Lake; 651.724.6007; rclreads.org

Polar Plunge 01/28

The 22nd annual Polar Plunge returns to White Bear Lake! Bring some friends

and plunge to benefit Special Olympics Minnesota. All ages. Noon. White Bear Lake County Park, 5050 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake; 763.270.7119; plungemn.org

Mary Poppins Jr.

02/03–02/12

Bring the whole family to enjoy this Disney classic as a live musical. All ages. Prices vary. Times vary. Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake; 651.478.7427; lakeshoreplayers.org

BEAR’ly Open Golf on Ice 02/05

Step out onto the ice for a round of winter golf to raise money for the local food shelf. The realistic golf course features real pine trees, challenging holes and a guaranteed fun time. All ages. $125 for a team of four. 11:30 and 1 p.m. White Bear Lake County Park, 5050 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake; 651.983.5202; bearlyopen.org

Newsies Jr! 02/24–02/25

Join the students of Lincoln Elementary as they perform this Tony-Award winning Disney musical. All ages. $10. First show at 6:30 p.m., second show at 2 p.m. District Center Auditorium, 4855 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake; 651.653.2820; lincoln.isd624.org

AREA EVENTS String in the New Year 01/01

Celebrate the New Year with the Minnesota Orchestra at Orchestra Hall. Bring your loved ones to listen to clas sical music as recent and memorable works are played. All ages. Starting at $47. 2 p.m. Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Hall, Mpls.; 612.371.5600; minnesotaorchestra.org

Yukon Challenge 01/14

Put your running shoes on and get ready to race the five mile Yukon Challenge at Gold Medal Park, which raises money for the ACBC Food Shelf in Anoka. All ages. $35.50. 8 a.m. Gold Medal Park, Second St. and 11th Ave. S., Mpls.; 612.904.5607; yukonchallenge.net

St. Paul Winter Carnival 01/26–02/05

Join the community in scavengers hunts, sledding, parades and more. All ages. Free. Times vary. Locations include Rice Park, Vulcan Snow Park, the Landmark Center and the Minnesota State Fairgrounds; 651.223.7400; wintercarnival.com

To have your event considered: email whitebearlake@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication.

Due to the fluidity being experienced in the current environment, please note that some events/dates and even some business operations may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.

Photo: Polar Plunge

Polar Plunge

Compiled by Nicole Berglund and Megan Hegenbarth

Flavors that Fuel

White Bear Lake area nutritionist suggests foods to soothe the winter blues.

Written by Emily Gedde Photo by Chris Emeott

STEPPING INTO THE NEW YEAR in Minnesota can be a struggle. The days are cold, wet and dark, and the holidays that once brought light and community are gone. In these seem ingly endless weeks, it’s common for one’s mental and physical health to falter. So, if you’re craving a solution to the winter blues, you’re not alone.

We turned to Amber Hanson of Whole You Nutrition, a licensed nutritionist and certified nutrition specialist practitioner and intuitive eating counselor, to learn more about how we can shift our New Year’s resolutions from harmful dieting to improving our overall rela tionship with food.

With a passion for helping clients find peace with food to support health and happiness, Hanson says rather than thinking about food in terms of calories or macronutrients, it’s impor tant to consider the role food plays in a person’s total health, including mental health. Things like texture and flavor can be just as impactful for mental health as the properties and nutrients of an ingredient are for physical health.

“Food brings pleasure and comfort, and if we’re really restricting certain things, we’re missing out on those mental health benefits of seeing food in its full capacity,” Hanson says. “Warming and comfort food doesn’t have to be bad for you.”

Boost the mood

While each person is different, and comes from a variety of health histories, Hanson often starts clients off with education on functional nutri tion. Functional nutrition is not a one-sizefits-all discipline. It helps make the connection between what you eat and how you feel. It works to address the root cause of a situation rather than only treating symptoms.

So, what are the ideal nutrients the human body needs to boost one’s mood during the winter months? What ingredients should we incorpo rate into our diets for a healthier body and mind? Here are some of Hanson’s favorite options to level up your winter meal prep:

Vitamin D: May decrease incidence of depres sion and seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

» cod liver oil, egg yolks, salmon, sardines, tuna, liver, fortified cereals, fortified milk, orange juice

Magnesium: May reduce symptoms of major depressive disorders and common mood swings

» leafy greens, legumes, nuts, seeds, dark chocolate

Omega-3 fatty acids: May decrease the symptoms of both anxiety and depression » salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring

Tryptophan: May reduce fatigue, increase positive emotion and enhance sleep quality » meats, eggs, cottage cheese

Vitamin C: May lower anxiety and stress by reducing cortisol, a stress hormone » citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, broccoli

Fermented foods: Shown to improve digestive health and provide natural sources of probiotics, eliminating the need to use supplements » sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt, kombucha

B Vitamins: Low levels can create a mix of anxiety and lethargy

» B12: Meat, fish, eggs, nutritional yeast

» B6: Salmon, meat and poultry, sweet potatoes

» Folate: Leafy greens, legumes

Listening to your body

While it’s important to fuel the body with health ful foods, Hanson warns of the harmful impact restriction can have.

“The way the human mind reacts to restriction is wanting the thing it can’t have,” she says. “This often leads to white knuckling through several weeks of not having whatever that thing is ... Then losing it and going through a binge cycle of having that thing.”

Restriction can also impact social gatherings. Hanson says people tend to avoid situations where it might be more challenging to resist the foods they’ve put restrictions on.

INSTANT POT TURMERIC COCONUT CHICKEN THIGHS

Courtesy of Amber Hanson

The Instant Pot can make quick work of cooking up a batch of flavorful protein. For chicken, I like using thighs as they tend to be a little more juicy than super lean breast meat. This recipe is full of warm spices and creamy flavor, perfect for cooler weather. Serve it up on cauliflower rice, and garnish with a sprinkle of green onions and chopped cilantro for a bit of freshness. Makes 6 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 1 1/2 tsp. salt

• 1 tsp. ground black pepper

• 1 Tbsp. coconut oil

• 1 Tbsp ground turmeric

• 2 tsp. garam masala

• 1 tsp. ground ginger

• 1 tsp. garlic powder

• 1 tsp. fennel seeds

• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

• 1 (13.66-oz.) can coconut milk

• cauliflower rice, to serve

• green onion and fresh cilantro, to garnish if desired

Directions:

1. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper; set aside.

2. Select the sauté function from the Instant Pot control panel. Add coconut oil to insert; melt. Add spices; cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

3. Whisk in coconut milk and bring to a simmer.

4. Add chicken; coat completely in coconut milk mixture.

5. Twist Instant Pot lid on and switch valve to sealing. Select manual pres sure and set for 10 minutes. Allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before carefully quick releasing any remaining pressure.

6. Remove chicken and shred with 2 forks. Sauce can be reduced using sauté function if desired. Return chicken to the sauce.

7. Serve over cauliflower rice and garnish with chopped green onion and fresh cilantro, if desired, stir to coat evenly. Let cool completely before storing.

ABOUT AMBER HANSON

Prior to entering the nutrition field, Hanson worked as a chef, food product developer, recipe developer and food stylist. Her passion for cooking carries over to her work as a nutritionist where she develops new recipes. Hanson’s education includes a master’s degree in applied clinical nutrition from Northeast College of Health Sciences in upstate New York, a bachelor’s degree in food science and nutrition dietetics from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities and an associate degree in applied science in culinary arts from The Art Institutes International Minnesota. She started Whole You Nutrition in 2018.

Photos: Amber Hanson; Veronica Browning

A DAY OF MOODBOOSTING MEALS

Breakfast: Egg bake with broccoli, turkey sausage and sweet potato with avocado

Lunch: Grilled salmon over leafy greens with dried cherries, toasted walnuts dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, kombucha

Dinner: Turmeric coconut chicken over a blend of chickpeas and cauliflower rice

“During [winter months] when [SAD] can be at the highest for people, they might avoid social interactions with people,” she says, noting that socializing is important for mental health. “It feels too hard to meet up with friends if you’re restricting certain foods.”

It’s important for people to work with their bodies to make sure they’re getting a variety of food on a regular basis, espe cially from a mental aspect.

“That restrictive or detailed diet plan is exhausting,” Hanson says. “My approach to the work is more getting to the point that your body will tell you what it needs versus me telling you what you should be doing.”

See Hanson’s recipe for Crunchy Chickpeas at whitebearlakemag.com. Find more recipes, subscribe to Hanson’s monthly newsletter and get in touch with her at wholeyounutrition.com.

Whole You Nutrition; wholeyounutrition.com

FIRST PLACE: COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

Level Up

Local photographer captures fitness at all levels and ages.

BEAR FITNESS MEMBER TAMIKA GARSCIA captured this photo during a group workout last May. “This photo captures several members completing the first run of a workout called ‘Murph’ on Memorial Day. The workout is to honor war veteran lieutenant Michael Murphy and all other veterans who have paid the ultimate sacrifice,” says Jake Wandersee, owner of Bear Fitness. “We love this photo because it shows all ages and fitness levels coming together to support each other’s health and wellness goals and honor a fallen soldier.”

Photographer: Tamika Garscia

Title: Fitness for All Levels and All Ages Equipment: Canon R6 Location: Bear Fitness

To view other Lens on the Lake photo contest winners, visit whitebearlakemag.com.