Setting the tone for your baby’s healthy arrival can be easier when you have lots of options
The Birthplace at Woodwinds Sustains Success
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For some of our patients the goal is winning a national championship. But you just want your wrist pain to go away so you can skate for state. At TRIA Orthopedics, we’ll treat your broken wrist and get you back on the ice. When that happens, it feels like we all win. It’s why you’re treated and how you’re treated by TRIA.
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Dental care for the entire family
Our dentists offer the utmost care to moms, dads and kids of all ages. Park Dental offers three Woodbury locations for your convenience.
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Celebrate the New Year as We Celebrate YOU! May You Have a Happy and Joyful 2024!
GUARDIANS REAL ESTATE GROUP (651) 246-6639 Each Office Independently Owned & Operated
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JANUARY 2024 “Sometimes things change, and the way we always did things isn’t always the best way. Being accepting and receptive to new ways of doing things and being willing to give it a good try, is really important to us.” —Laura France, MD, page 22
PAGE 28
DE PART M E N TS
FE ATU RE S
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22
Move Better, Live Better MN Spine and Sport is an awardwinning sports rehabilitation clinic.
The Birthplace at Woodwinds Sustains Success Setting the tone for your baby’s healthy arrival is easier when you have options.
Tackling Technology New tech repair course at District 833 schools offers hands-on learning and a chance to help fellow students.
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28 Pure Hoppiness Nonprofit offers animal visits to promote wellness and reduce stress. Photo: Chris Emeott
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Paving the Way, One Robot at a Time East Ridge Robotics leads a team of 70 with grace, curiosity and dedication.
January 2024
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Greg Foote Jewelers Personal Jewelry Services
We offer the personal services you’re looking for: jewelry sales, jewelry repairs/ restorations and watch repair done on our premises.
651.227.7324 1075 Hadley Ave. N, Suite 100, Oakdale, MN 55128 gregfootejewelers.com • footeprints@q.com
Mon. through Fri.: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Find a welcome change of place at Saint Therese! ISOLATION & LONELINESS AREN’T NORMAL PARTS OF AGING BUT THEY ARE THE MOST COMMON CONCERNS.
The effects have a devastating impact on well-being including: depression, malnutrition, impaired mobility, high blood pressure, cognitive decline and dementia. Aging-in-place is the biggest cause of senior isolation. Shrinking social circles, poor health, life changes and transportation challenges can confine older adults. SAINT THERESE IS FOCUSED ON HELPING SENIORS STAY ACTIVE, SOCIAL, INDEPENDENT & HEALTHY.
That’s why we’ve taken even the smallest of details into consideration to ensure every day living at Saint Therese is extraordinary. Whether looking for a relaxing, quiet lifestyle, one with endless entertainment and social opportunities or something in-between, at Saint Therese, you’ll find home. Data excerpted from Keeping Seniors Socially Connected. ASHA 2019.
Call today to schedule your personal tour! 651.209.9128 LinkedIn, Facebook & Twitter: @SaintThereseMN
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PAGE 42
Minnesota Oncology
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10 13 37 40 48
Turkish Delights Spitz Mediterranean Street Food puts international taste on the local map.
Editor’s Letter Noteworthy On the Town Gallery Last Glance Photo: Chris Emeott
one common goal – fighting cancer.
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January 2024
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“THANKS FOR YOUR WINNING CARE!”
– Jessie Diggins,
US Ski Team Athlete, patient of Dr. Renee
FROM THE EDITOR Ha iley A lm sted — ha iley@loca lm edia .co
Locally Owned 2 Generations & 50 yrs Serving Woodbury
At Our Patient-Centered Practice, We Do Things Differently — For You “I am genuinely passionate about helping my patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health. This is the philosophy of our entire team at Art & Science Family Dentistry and everyone here is committed to that.” - Dr. Renee Kinney
Art & Science Family Dentistry artsciencedentistry.com • (651)739-1894
On the Cover The Birthplace at M Health Fairview Woodwinds Hospital, photo by Chris Emeott, page 22 See what we’re doing behind the scenes and around town! Woodbury Magazine @woodbury_mag @wburymag Update: The Starken family, whose story ran in our November issue, is happy to say that the elevator is complete and is life-changing for the family, as Mitchell now has access to all levels of the house. To read the updated version of Renovation for a Reason, visit woodburymag.com.
1000 Radio Drive, Ste 240, Woodbury 10
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Photo: Rachel Nadeau
Dr. Allison McMillen & Dr. Renee Kinney
Readers, as we enter into 2024, Woodbury Magazine is proud to be celebrating its 20th anniversary, and we’re looking forward to commemorating over our next 12 issues. One of my favorite parts about being a member of the Woodbury Magazine staff is being able to showcase what our beautiful community has to offer, alongside meeting local residents and neighbors, business owners, restaurateurs, educators and more. Growing up in this community and now being able to embody what it means is an honor. So let’s get into our first issue of 2024, in which we’re excited to be focusing on wellness and education. On page 16, writer Daniel Huss connects with Scott Schreiber, owner of MN Spine and Sport, who shares his perspective on healing and taking care of your body. Then, on page 22, writer Meredith Heneghan talks with the professionals at The Birthplace at Woodwinds—which has received numerous accolades for being a top maternity hospital in the country—about its innovation in the birthing process. Next, we take a peek into Woodbury’s grade A education on pages 18 and 20, which feature a SoWashCo high school course on repairing technology and a look into the East Ridge High School robotics team, respectively. Finally, don’t forget to vote in our annual Readers’ Choice Poll, where you decide the best of the best in Woodbury. Learn more about the Best of Woodbury 2024 on page 13, and vote online now through the end of the month at woodburymag.com. Readers, what memories of Woodbury Magazine do you have from the last 20 years? Send me a note at hailey@localmedia.co. Happy New Year!
VOL. 19 NO. 6 woodburymag.com
publisher Susan Isay
editor Hailey Almsted
managing creative director Renée Stewart-Hester
managing editor Hailey Almsted
digital editor Madeline Kopiecki
copy editors Kellie Doherty Sherri Hildebrandt
staff writers Jody Carey Mollee Francisco Emily Gedde Meredith Heneghan Daniel Huss Jennifer Pitterle Rachel Schuehle Josie Smith Kristie Smith
contributing writers Gretchen McNaughton Patty (Stutzman) Paulus Manali Shah Katie Tomsche
editorial interns Macy Berendsen Elaina Mankowski Morgan McFadden Emma Mehl
editorial advisory board Matthew Johnson, Anew Real Estate Group at Keller Williams, Woodbury Lions Club, Woodbury Community Foundation, Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce Marni Kanne, South Washington County Schools, SoWashCo Community Education Elizabeth Kriel, Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce Elizabeth Owens, City of Woodbury Margaret Wachholz, Woodbury Heritage Society, Woodbury Community Foundation, Woodbury Senior Living
senior managing art director Sarah Dovolos
art director Allison Nolden
graphic designer Yaz Lo
junior designer Jamie Klang
lead staff photographer Chris Emeott
production director Brittni Dye
production manager Lisa Stone
production coordinator Mimi Coz
senior account executives Cynthia Hamre Mary-Catherine Hartel Sara Johnson Abbie Kinn Kathie Smith
president Pete Burgeson
To subscribe to Woodbury Magazine, please visit: localmedia.co. For customer service inquiries, please contact hello@localmedia.co or call 612.208.6248. ©Local LLC 2024. All rights reserved.
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lo c al tip s, tidb its & insi ght s
N OT E WO RT H Y
Vote
YOU’RE INVITED … … to a collective celebration for the Woodbury community, its local businesses and providers that continue to serve and support us in a host of categories. What’s the best way to honor your favorite dining spots, hometown businesses, service providers, shopping haunts, community venues and more? Vote for your favorites in our annual Readers’ Poll—the Best of Woodbury 2024. Our contest is live throughout January at woodburymag.com, where you can vote for your “best of the best” in a number of curated categories. Some of your favorite categories return for another year, including the second annual East Metro segment, which includes a broader selection of area businesses and services that are frequented and appreciated by our readership area. Want to view the categories? Go online—and vote!
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Here’s what you need to know.
Voting is live with a few 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, 2024. 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, 2024. 5. Watch for our much-anticipated Best of Woodbury 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.
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N OT E WO RT H Y
DISCOVER
Breaking Bread CITIZEN OF WOODBURY
MEET A LOCAL CHAMPION
One of the stories that my father, Warren Stutzman, used to love to tell was about growing up on the family farm in Woodbury during the 1920s and 1930s. He would regularly walk home from the one-room school-
If you live in Woodbury and
house (District 28) with his good friend,
attend local events, you are sure
Orville Bielenberg.
to have seen Roger Green. For
After a long school day, they would stop
over three decades, Green has
at the Bielenberg farm and were greeted
been volunteering his time and
with several slices of freshly baked bread
expertise in Washington County.
slathered with homemade butter. Now, as
of the Woodbury Heritage Society, and we
In 2003, Green was tapped
the mother of two boys, I remember how
usually go for a bite to eat before or after
by the Friends of Woodbury
hungry they can get at that time of day and
our monthly board meetings. We like to
and was one of seven people to
can only imagine what a treat that was for
think that our fathers would be pleased
chip in to buy a piano for Central
those young men
that the two of us have also become good
Park—that was the beginning
Bielenberg eventually became mayor
friends and are serving Woodbury in this
for Woodbury Community
of Woodbury from 1967–1982, while my
capacity. The tradition of “breaking bread”
Foundation (WCF), which he
dad worked as an engineer at Honeywell
together continues!
joined in 2011. He served on the
for over 40 years. They remained good
board for 10 years and was the
friends even though my family moved and
chair for the last two.
settled in Richfield. Bielenberg’s son, Tom
Green is proud of the role the
Bielenberg, and I are both board members
Patty (Stutzman) Paulus is a board member of the Woodbury Heritage Society. Learn more at woodburyheritage.org.
WCF plays in exploring issues and needs in the community. “The foundation has taken tremendous strides in the last half dozen years in partnering with individuals and other orgaapproach to meet community needs,” he says.
Manali Shah is a volunteer with the WCF and is an active volunteer in Woodbury and Washington County for over 20 years. Find more at woodburycommunityfoundation.org.
VIEW
Wonders of Winter “This photo was taken early on the morning of April 2, 2023, with the ground still covered in recent snow. a deer carcass and was tracking something smaller when I took this image,” says hobbyist photographer Andy Venn. “This happened in the field on Radio Drive, just south of Five Oaks Church and Jerry’s Foods.” —Hailey Almsted
Roger Green
Photographer: Andy Venn Title: Radio Drive Coyote Equipment: Sony A7iv with 200600mm Sony G Master lens, handheld
To view another Focus on Woodbury photo contest winner, go to page 48. View more at woodburymag.com.
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Photos: Roger Green; Patty (Stutzman) Paulus; Andy Venn
nizations to create a synergistic
loc al tip s, tidb its & insights
First Editions® Bubblegum Pink™ Phlox
Dr. Marc Roehrich Dr. James Erlandson
Where visiting the dentist feels like visiting a friend. GROW
Key Terms for Gardening Success While you don’t need to be a garden
Zone map separates the United States into
scholar to have success in the garden,
different zones based on the average low
there are a few key terms that are helpful
temperature, providing an outline of where
to know. Let’s dive into some essential gar-
a plant will survive. Woodbury is in Zone 4.
dening vocabulary that will help you have
Mulch: A ground cover to conserve mois-
success this upcoming season:
ture, restrict weed growth and protect
Photo: First Editions® Shrubs & Trees
plants from extreme heat or cold. Wood Annual: A plant that will live for only
chips, bark or cocoa bean mulch are great
one growing season.
natural options and help conserve water.
Compost: Rich, organic matter produced
Part Shade: Plants listed as needing part
from decaying plant material that enhances
shade require at least three to five hours
the nutrients in the soil to improve the
of direct sun each day.
development of plants.
Perennial: An herbaceous plant that will
Deadheading: The process of removing
live more than two years.
dead flower heads from the plant. This
Pruning: Trimming or cutting back stems
encourages new or repeat blooms,
to shape a plant or to increase growth
depending on the variety.
and bud development.
Frost Dates: The average date of the last
Transplanting: The act of moving a plant
freeze in spring and the first freeze in fall.
from one spot to another.
Full Sun: Plants listed as needing full
Inside our practice, you may forget you’re at the dentist. We love to laugh and have fun, while still providing high-quality care customized to meet your needs. You’ll feel among friends here.
Always accepting new patients!
CALL TODAY!
(651) 731-1560 WoodlaneDentistry.com
sun require at least six hours of direct sun each day. Hardiness: The ability of a plant to survive freezing temperatures. The USDA Hardiness
January 2024
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Gretchen McNaughton is the communications and content specialist at Bailey Nurseries. Learn more at firsteditionsplants.com.
2185 Woodlane Drive Woodbury, MN 55125 15
ACTIVE LIVING
Move Better, Live Better MN Spine and Sport is an award-winning sports and rehabilitation clinic. By Daniel Huss
THE 50-YEAR-OLD WOMAN,
who developed lower back pain while training for her first-ever marathon, might consider visiting Woodbury’s MN Spine and Sport, an awardwinning sports and rehabilitation clinic. So might the 30-year-old rec league hockey player, who can’t shake a shoulder injury or the 80-year-old man who struggles to get out of his favorite chair. “The initial exam, which can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, attempts to answer three questions,” says Scott Schreiber, D.C., D.A.C.R.B. “What’s going on? What are your individual goals? What’s preventing you from achieving those goals?”
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Answers to these questions can be relatively quick like a chiropractic adjustment or complicated involving multiple modalities (treatment modes). MN Spine and Sport is experienced in acupuncture and dry needling, chiropractic manipulation, cupping, instrument-assisted softtissue mobilization, kinesiology tape, laser therapy, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, therapeutic exercises and traction. MN Spine and Sport has two specialists: Schreiber, who focuses on patients with chronic pain, and Haley Balego, D.C., who focuses on sports patients and injuries. Common conditions treated
include back and neck pain, headaches, car accidents, work injuries, chronic pain, jaw pain, sports injuries, disc herniations, neuropathy, tendonitis and bursitis. “People see going to a chiropractor as getting an adjustment and getting out,” Schreiber says. “That works for a lot of people but not for everyone.” Schreiber goes on to use an oldtimey rotary phone as an analogy. He asks, “It works, but is it best?” Best, oftentimes, can be a combination of treatment methods: chiropractic manipulation and acupuncture, for example, or therapeutic exercise and kinesiology tape. “The model is a three-legged stool,”
January 2024
woodburymag.com
Schreiber says. “One leg is science. One leg is provider experience, and one leg is patient values.” Changing Places
Motivational speaker Wayne Dyer once said, “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” Schreiber is an advocate for change, as is his MN Spine and Sport practice. “If you don’t keep up with the latest and greatest, you’re going to be left behind,” he says. Acupuncture and dry needling are perfect examples. While the practice itself is more than 2,000 years old, its use in the United States is relatively new. Many holistic practitioners believe that acupuncture can assist in restoring positive energy. In Western medicine, it can be used to decrease pain and swelling, relax muscles and reduce stress and anxiety. Cupping, or the placement of glass or plastic cups on the skin to create negative pressure (suction), brings blood and nutrients to the injured area. The practice has been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years. MN Spine and Sport uses silicone cups in its cupping therapy. Not only are these cups more conforming, but they can be used during functional movement. Schreiber says results can include a decrease in muscle tightness, decrease in pain and an increase in range of motion. Another modality of healing includes kinesiology tape, which Schreiber has been using for more than 15 years. When applied correctly, he says the tape helps restore posture, decreases swelling and inflammation and prevents muscles from over contracting. For more information, visit woodburymag.com.
Photo: Tom Dunn
Consult your primary care physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment. MN Spine and Sport, 8360 City Centre Drive Suite 120; 651.459.3171; mnspineandsport.com MN Spine and Sport @mnspineandsport
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ENLIGHTEN
Tackling Technology New tech repair course at District 833 schools offers hands-on learning and a chance to help fellow students. By Jennifer Pitterle
SOUTH WASHINGTON COUNTY SCHOOLS (SoWashCo), like many
districts, hurried to connect students in the early remote-learning days of COVID-19: with a device for every single kid. “We have approximately 19,000 students, and every single student has their own district-issued device,” says Amber Sorenson, the district’s technology integration coordinator. Those devices (mostly Chromebook tablets/ laptops) mean students can access resources easily and do some work from flexible environments—but they also mean lots of repairs. “We noticed that our tech department just couldn’t keep up with the number of repairs we were seeing,” Sorenson says. “We needed a sustainable solution.” Enter the SoWashCo device repair course, where high schoolers learn about computers and tablets and how to repair them. Then, they get hands-on experience working with fellow students’ devices and lightening the load for the district’s professional tech folks. “They get career-relevant skills, like problemsolving, critical thinking, collaboration and real-world experience helping their community repair devices,” Sorenson says. Ajulo Awow, who graduated from South Washington Alternative High School last May, says the repair course gave her a new focus for her career path. “I had taken a robotics class and was very interested in tech,” Awow says. She had planned to dive into electrical engineering at college but found she really loved the hands-on work of
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tech repair. “Becoming an electronics technician has become interesting to me,” she says. “So I’m trying to hone in on that.” Awow is now studying electric technology at Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis. The course launched with a pilot at the Alternative High School in the spring of 2023 and rolled out to East Ridge, Park and Woodbury high schools later that term. Coordinators, including Sorenson, designed the first iteration as an independent study with a few dozen students participating. During the first part of the pandemic, companies that manufacture Chromebooks—like Acer, Lenovo and Dell—had published its own repair guides aimed at student-led repair programs. “I knew we had lots of kids who would be interested in that,” Sorenson says. “We partnered with a company in St. Paul called Vivacity Tech, [which] wrote the curriculum for
the course.” Students who completed the course received a certification from Vivacity Tech for Chromebook repair. Awow says she liked the variety of repairs, from fixing broken keys to replacing motherboards and wiring. “We might see broken screens to replace or power issues with devices not charging,” she says. Devices in need of repair were ticketed at their own schools and then routed to one of the four high school repair shops depending on location. The reach of the course has turned out to be long. Some students, including Awow, got paying jobs with the school district or local tech companies when they completed the course. “It has really provided a glimpse at opportunities for our students, because we didn’t have something like this before,” Sorenson says. “It’s a springboard to be able to go into [a field] like this and understand that it’s a viable career option.”
January 2024
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Discover the Difference
STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics
Now E
nrollin
ALL g age group s!
Stepping Stones Early Learning Center’s specially designed STEAM classes teach children how Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math overlap by exploring and testing new ideas with fun, interactive, and hands-on projects. STEAM Themes include: Catapults & Pendulums, Solids & Liquids, Shadows & Light, Volcanoes, Weather and much more. Your child will have so much fun learning about real world concepts!
Infant/Crawler • Our all-inclusice approach to care includes infant formula, diapers, baby wipes and wholesome infant purees freshly prepared by our on-site chef. • Baby rooms are the perfect environment for little ones to discover their physical abilities as they learn to roll over, crawl, pull up and eventually walk. We focus on your babies’ growth and development by creating strong bonds and learning through play. • Screened-in porch designed specifically for getting infants and crawlers outside to enjoy new sights, sounds and fresh air. • Over-sized rooms include full sized cribs for each child, gross motor equipment and large windows for maximum amounts of natural light. • Procare Connect parent app allows for notifications of diapering, naps, meals and daily photos of your child to be sent directly to your mobile device.
Waddler/Toddler • Our all-inclusive approach to care includes diapers, baby wipes and wholesome meals and snacks freshly prepared by our on-site chef.
Photo: South Washington County Schools
• Sign Language, Spanish, Character Education, LANA & Music enrichment classes included in tuition.
And as the course grows, coordinators plan to keep making changes based on student feedback. They hope to move it from an independent study to a coursecatalog option with a dedicated instructor and to grow the number of high schoolers who can participate at each of the four high schools. Sorenson notes that Minnesota has the lowest number of computer technology class offerings for high schoolers in the United States. “This started out as a solution for broken devices, but it’s really turned into so much more than that,” she says. “It’s providing opportunity and experience for our students.” Visit sowashco.org to learn more about the district’s high schools and technology programs.
• Individual attention and caring teachers encourage hands-on exploration and social interaction in a safe and engaging environment. • Our Waddlers & Toddlers progress naturally because they’re constantly encouraged to be creative and curious, to learn and to have fun learning. • Procare Connect parent app allows for notifications of diapering/potty, naps, meals, curriculum and daily photos of your child to be sent directly to your mobile device.
Preschool/Kindergarten Readiness • Our all-inclusice approach to care includes STEAM, yoga, Spanish, LANA nutrition and music enrichment programs; as well as wholesome meals and snacks freshly prepared by our on-site chef. • Character development, community outreach and off site field trips round out our academic curriculum. • Proprietary curriculum designed to nurture the whole child provides a strong academic introduction to literacy, science, math and social sciences while combining social, emotional and physical aspects of developemnt. • Procare Connect parent app allows for notifications of naps, meals, curriculum, enrichment programs and daily photos of your child to be sent directly to your mobile device. • Real time notifications for diapering, naps, meals and other daily activities • Receive daily photos of your child exploring exciting new topics and curriculum • Convenient options to submit tuition payments online • Keep up with school events and news with messages pertaining to your child’s classroom
South Washington County Schools @sowashcoschools
(651) 998-1661 | www.steppingstoneslearning.org 11253 Eagle View Blvd. Woodbury, MN 55129 19
VENTURES
Paving the Way, One Robot at a Time East Ridge Robotics leads a team of 70 with grace, curiosity and dedication. By Rachel Schuehle
The 2023 season competition robot, EnergizERR.
WHEN THE EAST RIDGE ROBOTICS Ominous Raptors team,
ERROR 3130, first started in 2009, there were 10 members and one mentor. Fast forward to 2022, the team consisted of 54 members. In 2023, the team has grown to 70 members. The undeniable growth of the team is to the credit of the students and the success they’ve achieved. Last year, ERROR 3130 competed in two regional events and went on to semi-finals at both. The team won the impact award at regionals, which took them to worlds in Houston. Plus, project management lead Giorgia Mattana, a senior, was a Dean’s List Finalist. The most obvious difference about this extracurricular activity next to others is the heavy focus on remaining student-led. Although the team is equipped with knowledgeable mentors, it’s the students who sit in the steering positions, lead decision making discussions,
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manage the budget and head up the various branches of the team. The seven mentors then take a high level approach to consulting and roadblock mitigation. The team is split into separate branches: building, impact and business, each of which has a captain and team members who focus on specific aspects of what the total team does. Those on the building branch learn and leverage coding and work with electronics to build the team’s robot. The impact branch focuses on social media, photography and connecting with the community for both marketing and outreach purposes. And lastly, the business branch manages the finances but also has the enormous task of finding sponsors and applying for grants. It takes $50,000 a year to keep competing. Senior and business captain Andrew Padmanabhan has always felt eager to step up to the financial
challenge, but he claims there’s more to it, and says, “It’s less about raising the money and more about making a system that people can repeat.” Andrew will be reaching out to 450 businesses this year, on top of applying for grants as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Eric Morley, owner of Big Frog Custom T-shirts and More in Woodbury, was unfamiliar with robotics until he received an order for competition T-shirts. “They were one of our very first customers,” Morley says. Sparking his newfound interest, Morley started researching the extracurricular program to understand more, and in turn, get involved. “It’s not only kids building robots, which is already cool, but it’s also a bit like a sport and a competition,” Morley says. “You compete originally, but there’s a component to it about cooperation because later teams must work together, despite having just faced
January 2024
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Photos: Owen Smith; Chinh Dao
bonfe.com off. It gives them real-world, hands-on experience working through problems with others.” Inspired by his findings, Morley became a sponsor for the team, alongside other companies, including 3M and Medtronic. His reasoning? “They are professional, mature kids that give me hope for the future for the next generation,” he says. The start of each year begins in the fall with preseason preparation and training, where the focus is onboarding new students to the team and assigning members to their branches. “You don’t have to have any engineering or robotics experience to join. We teach all of that to incoming members,” says senior and lead Juhae Song. “It’s critical that we delegate efficiently, so the next generation is prepared before the current seniors graduate.” In addition to training new members in high school, ERROR 3130 also mentors younger robotics teams (fourth through eighth grades) at the FIRST Lego League Challenge in South Washington County. From January to mid-April, the team focuses heavily on building and preparing for competition. The robot takes about six weeks to build, but senior and build captain Cody Atkinson admits that generally this is their busiest part of the season, clocking 35–40 hours a week in the shop. Giorgia says, “Our parents always use that bed and breakfast joke … that we’re only home to eat and sleep.” When the school year ends and summer begins, ERROR 3130 gears up for outreach, where every member is involved with events May through August, including an information table at Woodbury Days. Juhae and impact captain Eleanor Johnston, junior, work to facilitate over 30 annual outreach events and reach over 50,000 people in the community each year. Eleanor describes impact as, “what your team does to promote robotics in the community.” The team won the impact award for its work promoting equality and inclusion in the STEM community. There is no shortage of generosity or dedication from these team members. They and their robot are definitely going places. (Their hope? To make it to finals at regionals this year.) ERRORs 3130
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Written by Meredith Heneghan — Photos by Chris Emeott
The Birthplace at Woodwinds Sustains Success Setting the tone for your baby’s healthy arrival can be easier when you have lots of options.
When it comes to deciding where to deliver a baby, it’s nice to know that there’s an award-winning option right here in Woodbury. The Birthplace at M Health Fairview Woodwinds Hospital has been racking up the recognition for years now and was named one of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals in 2023 by Newsweek. It’s held a 4-ribbon rating for two years in a row. Laura France, MD, vice president of medical practice in the women’s and children’s service line at Fairview, says the sustained success of the Birthplace at Woodwinds is due to providers acknowledging that it’s important to learn new skills in order to best serve their patients. She says, “Sometimes, things change, and the way we always did things isn’t always the best way. Being accepting and receptive to new ways of doing things and being willing to give a good try is really important to us.”
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Care Options
Acknowledging that all births are unique, the Birthplace at Woodwinds offers a wide range of care options for people who are expecting a baby. It’s had midwives since the hospital opened in 2000. Additionally, doula support is accommodated for anyone who wants to have a doula as part of their labor and delivery process, and there’s a volunteer program with doulas on call for patients, who are interested, or those who are experiencing financial barriers but would still like that type of care. Further options include acupuncture, essential oils, massage, nitrous oxide and water birth. Having these types of options available creates an atmosphere in which patients have the opportunity to choose how to make their birth experience unique and comfortable. France emphasizes that providers are looking at the patient as the center
of the experience and promoting what’s best for the patients. Two system-wide, long-term goals were established last April to continue identifying ways to promote the utmost care and overall health of birthing patients and families. They want to reduce the rate of cesarean section (C-section) births and reduce the number of readmissions for people who have hypertension. France says, “We want to look at the national data and improve local care.” Why is a natural birth (medicated or unmedicated) preferable to C-section birth from a provider’s perspective? For one thing, France says that the first delivery can set the tone for someone’s reproductive life. “If we have a C-section with the first child, it’s much more likely that we will have a C-section as we have more children,” which she says can lead to a series of potential risks. “If we can avoid that first C-section, we reduce
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all those risks and decrease recovery time.” Additionally, she says, “It’s better for babies. They like vaginal birth, too.” C-sections cannot and should not be avoided at all costs, but turning to alternatives in the labor process and educating patients and providers with the right information can lead to avoiding unnecessary surgical intervention. Education has been at the forefront of accomplishing these goals, with all providers receiving new and updated information on how to provide the best care. On the goal of reducing C-sections, France emphasizes that nurses are educated in more options of how to support people in labor. They are equipped to suggest different positions, offer movement and alternative forms of pain relief. Additionally, they’ve begun using physical models of the pelvis with a doll of the fetus inside to demonstrate what happens during labor and delivery. France says, “Several nurses said that showing that model created an aha moment in the patient, making them more receptive.”
Birthing Plans and Educational Opportunities
Photo: xxxxxxxxx
France acknowledges that, especially for someone having their first child, it can be hard to know what to ask for or how to develop a plan that will result in the desired labor and delivery process. One of the patient education pieces recently developed is a process of defining labor and birth wishes for patients to go through with their obstetrician around the time that they are 32 to 36 weeks into pregnancy. (Patients can also complete this process with a midwife, family practitioner or other provider.) Considerations include questions about analgesics, what positions sound comfortable and appealing, and whether a doula will be present. Involving the nurses throughout the process is important, too, as they should know the answers to the following questions: What mood, lighting or snacks should be available? Are essential oils, massage or acupuncture to be taken advantage of? Who will be in the room during delivery? France says, “That communication piece, especially with a provider beforehand, is a nice resource for people.”
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Setting expectations and creating educational opportunities for both patients and providers is essential. Patients are receiving more materials on prenatal care and preparing for what labor can be like, plus they are offered support throughout the whole process. Providers spent the months preceding the rollout of these efforts learning new skills through simulations and drills, getting comfortable with how to achieve these goals. It will take at least one or two years to start seeing the fruits of this labor. France says they’re just now starting to see some data come in, but that the efforts of the staff at the Birthplace at Woodwinds are strong.
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Complete Healthcare for Women & Their Families
Support at Every Stage
France adds that having a united team of professionals for each stage of pregnancy—including childbirth and postpartum—adds to the overall strength of the services at the Birthplace at Woodwinds. The lactation program includes lactation consultants and nurses trained in lactation care and breastfeeding for both parent and baby. The option for water birth, which includes midwives trained in how to facilitate a successful water birth, is appreciated among patients. Should complications arise, there is a neonatal advanced care provider available, and staff utilize a program called teleNICU, which allows the providers at the Birthplace at Woodwinds to connect with a neonatologist at all times. Moreover, pediatrics colleagues work with families after delivery as well, setting families up for long-term wellness after birth. At the Birthplace at Woodwinds, emerging services and new goals are only as valuable as the people who are behind them, implementing them with care for the patient and belief in the work. As France says, providers have one unified goal that leads the way for everything else they do: “Promote what’s best for our patients.” The Birthplace at M Health Fairview Woodwinds Hospital, 1925 Woodwinds Drive; 651.232.0022; mhealthfairview.org
Maria Vu, MD Christina Werman, DO
Jihan Abbott, DO Kristin Lockhart, MD
FAMILY MEDICINE HAS ARRIVED! We welcome Dr. Vu, Dr. Werman, Dr. Lockhart, and Dr. Abbott. Coordinating care between your primary family doctor and your OBGYN provider is now easier than ever. Our experienced Family Medicine physicians offer a complete range of care in our convenient Woodbury location. We provide Pregnancy and Postnatal Care, Pediatric Medicine, Management of Chronic Illnesses, Diabetes Management, Thyroid Management, Wellwoman Care, Routine Annual Exams, and more. Appointments are available.
Phone 651-600-3035 or visit mnwcare.com
Our locations 2603 White Bear Avenue N | Maplewood, MN 55109 1687 Woodlane Drive | Woodbury, MN 55125 15000 Garrett Ave | Apple Valley, MN 55124
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Photo: xxxxxxxxx
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Pure Hoppiness Nonprofit offers animal visits to promote wellness and reduce stress.
Photo: xxxxxxxxx
Written by Mollee Francisco Photos by Chris Emeott
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With their ultra-soft fur and adorably twitchy noses, it’s pretty hard to resist the allure of bunnies. Jennifer Smith learned this firsthand when she purchased a rabbit for her children on a whim. “I was passing by a pet shop in Excelsior when I saw [the rabbit],” Smith says. “Piper had a calico face. I took
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her home on impulse.” Piper quickly became a part of the family, and Smith just as quickly became amazed at what a bunny could do—so much so that it inspired the next chapter in her life. “I realized how intelligent they are,” she says. “Bunnies are so smart, so trainable. They have the most
delightful personalities and quirks.” Smith started taking Piper to agility classes, and it was there that she was introduced to a companion animal group. Before she knew it, Smith was toting Piper to her first skilled nursing facility to visit with residents. That was soon followed by a homeless shelter,
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“Bunnies are so smart, so trainable. They have the most delightful personalities and quirks.” Jennifer Smith, founder of Bunny Besties
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where children were encouraged to practice their reading skills with the rabbit. “It was such a great way to live in love and kindness,” Smith says of taking the rabbit on visits. It was also a great way to help people, who were facing challenges. Smith, who lived in a nursing facility for a time while recuperating from an illness, says she knew, “It’s a hard place to be.” She vowed to make it better. 651.246.2739 | SadatSells.com A full spectrumAngela@SadatSells.com of care options in a|campus setting for 37 years. In 2012, Smith officially founded Bunny Besties, a Minnetonka- At Woodbury Senior Living, we serve seniors and their families by encouraging them to thrive – by offering a wide At Woodbury Senior Living, we serve seniors and their families by encouraging them and activities while empowering them to live as independently as possible. based nonprofit dedicated to pro- variety of wellness-focused services variety of wellness-focused services and activities while empowering them to live viding impactful animal-assisted Transitional Care Integrative Therapies to Support interactions (by way of rescue the Healing Process Transitional Care Integrative Therapies to Sup Physical Therapy, Occupational rabbits) to support emotional wellTherapy, and Speech Therapy Woodbury Senior Living is pleased to offer a variety the Healing Process Offered for those who need to regain strength and indeness. “Our rescued rabbits havependence a Physical Therapy, Occupational Aandfull spectrum of care options a campus after surgery, injury or illness are in transiof Integrative Therapies toin enhance your well being. setting for 37 years. Therapy, and Speech Therapy from home or hospital. Our experienced clinical team Integrative therapies, also known as complementary therapies, are a unique ability to lower stress oftion the Woodbury Senior is pleased ered for those who need to regain strength indeprovides a spectrum of rehabilitationAt and therapyOff services wide array of healing practices that fall outside purely pharmaceutical Woodbury Senior Living, we serve seniors andand their families by encouraging them to thrive – byLiving offering a wide to offer a va to restore individuals to their fullest potential. Also or illness surgical treatments are intended to complement medical care. pendence after surgery,services injury or and are in but transiof Integrative Therapies to enhance your well b variety of wellness-focused and activities while empowering them to live as independently as possible. humans around them and bringon-site included in transitional care are customized integrative Due to their proven results, their use is growing rapidly around the country. AttionWoodbury Senior andalsotheir from home or hospital. Our experiencedLiving, clinical team we serve seniors Integrative therapies, known as complementary th therapies, wellness and spirituality programs, including The following therapies are free of charge. joyfulness to those in challenging provides a spectrum of rehabilitation and therapyIntegrative services wide array of healing practices that fall outside purely p Transitional erapies to Support social activities, educational and intellectual programs, Care • Guided Imagery: Using your imaginationTh to direct your thoughts towards healing. on-site to restore individuals to their fullest potential. Also or surgical treatments but intended to complement wellness activities, vocationalfamilies programs and spiri- by encouraging • Energy Based Healing Modalities: Gentle, non-invasive treatments that off work toering restore the natural flwide ow them to thrive - by acanaretheir life transitions,” Smith says. physical the Healing Process included to their results, use is growing rapidly Occupational tual services. Visit our website forPhysical a full listTherapy, of services and in transitional care are customized and balance ofintegrative the body’s energy system. In times of stress, injuryDue or illness this proven energy system Therapy, and Speech Therapy special features included in rehabilitation/therapy! become congested, blocked or unbalanced. therapies, wellness and spirituality programs, including The following therapies are free of charge. The nonprofit has 18 rescue rabWoodbury Senior is pleased to offerto a variety Offered for variety those who need to regain strength and indeof wellness-focused activities while • Essential Oils: Extracts of plantsservices that areLiving used to restoreand balance the bodyImagery: and emotions primarily through social activities, educational and intellectual programs, • Guided Using your imagination to direct you pendence after surgery, injury or illness and are in transiof Integrative to enhance your Care well Center being. are extracted from high quality, the sense of smell. The essential oilsTherapies used at Woodbury Health bits, which undergo hundreds of physical activities, spiri-therapies, • Energy Ourwellness experienced clinical teamvocational programs and Integrative also known as complementary therapies,Based are a Healing Modalities: Gentle, non-invasive Memory Care tion from home or hospital. organically grown plants and blended by a certified aromatherapist. provides a empowering spectrum of rehabilitation and therapy services wide and array of healing practices that fall outside purely pharmaceutical tual services. Visit our website for a full list of services and balance of possible. the body’s energy system. In times of s them to live as independently as hours of training over the course of Care at Woodbury Senior on-site to restore individuals their fullest potential. Also or surgical treatments but are intended to complement medical care. Memory Living is available into both special features included in rehabilitation/therapy!Due to their proven results, their use is growing rapidly become congested, blocked or unbalanced. included in transitional care are customized integrative around the country. Estates and Woodbury Health Care Center. Healing Music Th erapy • Essential Oils: Extracts of plants that are used to restor therapies, wellness and spirituality programs, including The following therapies are free of charge. a year before they interact withWoodbury • Atthe Woodbury Estates, this living social option off ers comfortable, specialized care for activities, educational and intellectual programs, • Guided Imagery: Using your imagination to direct your thoughts towards healing. the sense of smell. The essential oils used at Woodbury individuals with memory impairments as Alzheimer’s and other forms of spiriphysicalsuch wellness activities, vocational programs and • Energy Based Healing Gentle, non-invasive treatments that work to restore the natural flow Benefi ts ofModalities: Music Therapy Memory Care public. Together with a 50-memorganically plants blended by a certified ar dementia, while giving their families support and offor mind. tual services. Visit ourpeace website a full list of services and and balance of the body’s energy system. In times of stress, injury orgrown illness this energyand system can • Increase self-esteem & dignity special features included become congested, blocked or unbalanced. • At Woodbury Health Care Center, this living option offin ersrehabilitation/therapy! comfortable, specialized • Gives the resident control in a situation Available at WSL ber volunteer crew, Smith has care for individuals with memory impairment as Memory Caremedical at Woodbury both • Essentialin Oils: Extracts of plants that are used to restore balance to the body and emotions primarily through well as complex needs. Senior Living is available where they seldom have control the sense of smell. The essential oils used at Woodbury Health Care Center are extracted from high quality, Woodbury Estates and Woodbury Health Care Center. the same level of support found within our skilled nursing care, with Memory Care Enhances memory, speech, Healing Music Therapy served more than 26,000 peopleIttheincludes organically• grown plantsattention, and blended by a certifi ed aromatherapist. added benefit of customized activities tailored toWoodbury memory careEstates, individuals. • At this living option offers comfortable,and specialized assisted living, orientationcare for Memory Care at Woodbury Seniorwith Livingmemory is availableimpairments in both individuals such as Alzheimer’s and other formssocialization of • Facilitates positive in educational settings, homeless Benefits of Music Thera Estatesarea andwithin Woodbury Health Care Center. Each memory care unit is locatedWoodbury in a monitored the building. Healing Music • Creates an outletTh for erapy emotional expressionmemory care, TCU dementia, while their families mind. • At Woodbury Estates, living option offgiving ers comfortable, specializedsupport care for and peace of • Increase self-esteem & licensed staff is trained to understand the uniquethis needs of the memory and Alleviates pain,specialized stress, decrease symptoms Erin Heidemann, Michaela Helms, shelters, hospices, libraries andOur individuals with memory impairments Health such as Alzheimer’s and other of option offers• comfortable, • At Woodbury Care Center, thisforms living Benefits of Music Therapy • Gives the resident cont work with each resident and their dementia, family members to customize a personal plan of depression, enhances overall well-being MT-BC MT-BC while giving their families support and peace of mind. • Increase self-esteem & dignity care for individuals with memory impairment as well as complex medical needs. and long term care. to maximize both self-motivation and functional independence. where they seldom hav • At Woodbury Health Care Center, this living option offers comfortable, specialized • Motivator and reward for resident physicalcontrol activity senior living locations through• Gives the in a situation includes the sameaslevel support found within our skilled nursing care, with care for individuals It with memory impairment well asof complex medical needs. • Addresses spiritual needs • Enhances attention, m where they seldom have control It includes the samethe leveladded of support foundtwithin our skilled nursing care, with benefi of customized activities tailored to memory caredisruptive individuals. • Enhances attention, memory, speech, • Decrease behavior out the Twin Cities, including and orientation the added benefit of customized activities tailored to memory care individuals. and orientation • Facilitates positive soc • Facilitates positive socialization Woodbury’s Artis Senior Living. memory care unitarea is within located in a monitored area within the building.• Creates an outlet for emotional expression Each memory care Each unit is located in a monitored the building. • Creates an outlet for em Our licensed staff isOur trained to understand unique needs of the memory and • Alleviates licensed staffthe is trained to understand the unique needs of the memory and pain, stress, decrease symptoms • Alleviates pain, stress, “I see the magic happening with work with each resident and their family members to customize a personal plan of plan depression, enhances overall well-being work with each resident and their family members to customize a personal to maximize both self-motivation and functional independence. of depression, enhanc • Motivator and reward for physical activity Call us today to schedule a tour and learn more! to maximize both self-motivation and functional independence. kids and seniors,” she says. • Addresses spiritual needs • Motivator and reward • Decrease disruptive behavior • Addresses spiritual ne Last July, Bunny Besties opened 651-287-6505 • Decrease disruptive be its first location where Smith hopes Or schedule a tour online at Call us today to schedule a tour and learn more! www.WoodburySeniorLiving.com to add more therapeutic options, 7012 Lake Road, Woodbury, MN including meditation and journal651-287-6505 Call us today to schedule a tour and learn more! Or schedule a tour online at ing in addition to running a store Woodbury Senior www.WoodburySeniorLiving.com to sell supplies with proceeds benLiving ranks #12 7012 Lake Road, Woodbury, MN efiting the organization. She also of 450 top facilities Or schedule a tour online at across 25 states. hopes the new space will help them www.WoodburySeniorLiving.com
Woodbury Senior Living Woodbury Senior
A full spectrum of care options in a campus set
Woodbury Senior Living
Erin Heidemann, Michaela Helms, MT-BC MT-BC
001560802r1
651.501.2105 651-287-6505
001560802r1
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increase the number of volunteers. “The more people, the more we can do,” she says. For visits, Bunny Besties charges service and transportation fees, which go toward animal care and program operations. “We call it ‘bunnies on a budget,’” Smith says. “We’re all run on volunteers’ blood, sweat and tears.” Donations are needed, and Smith would love to see them increase, so Bunny Besties can continue to expand its offerings. She says, “We’re at the point where this could get bigger—I’d love to see this get bigger.”
We use fun learning activities to help your child become school-ready, career-ready and life-ready. Our wide range of programs promote a lifelong love of learning in literacy, science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
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lo c al things to se e an d do
O N T H E TOW N
A BREATH OF FRESH AIR
iStock.com/lechatnoir
First Day Hikes foster community connections with nature on New Year’s Day. E AC H N E W YEAR’S DAY, people around the country rise early to join in on a U.S. State Parks tradition— First Day Hike. At state parks and natural areas across the country, these First Day Hikes aim to create a memorable and enjoyable experience for any age and any hiking skill to enjoy nature in the winter months. Sean Hoppes, a park naturalist at Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), usually leads a snowshoeing First Day Hike. “We enter a winter wonderland that appears sterile at first glance, but by the end, participants are remarking on how much life is still around in the winter if they know where to look,” Hoppes says. Across the river in Wisconsin, nonprofit Wild Rivers Conservatory organizes a free First Day Hike. Conservatory staff will lead groups on a hike or snowshoe at a location near the St. Croix River. “We’ve done them for a number of years now,” says Wendy Tremblay, community engagement manager at the Conservancy. “... We offer hikes to start the new year off with some fresh air [and] beautiful natural scenery.”
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Whether one chooses to participate in a guided event or trek into the woods solo, the tradition of a First Day Hike fosters a connection with nature in the newest moments of each year. “I look at the flushed cheeks of smiling visitors and know that they literally started the year off on a good foot,” Hoppes says. Last year, the Minnesota and Wisconsin DNRs hosted a combined 21 First Day Hikes across both states. Registration is required for some hikes, and anyone is welcome to join for free—though parking and entrance fees at state parks may apply. —Macy Berendsen Wild Rivers Conservancy; 715.483.3300; wildriversconservancy.org Wild Rivers Conservancy @wildriversconservancy Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; info.dnr@state.mn.us; dnr.state.mn.us Minnesota Department of Natural Resources @minnesotadnr
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O N T H E TOW N
Compiled by Morgan McFadden, Emma Mehl and Hailey Almsted
Lake Harriet (Bdé Umá ) Winter Kite Festival
LOCAL EVENTS
RHS Book Club 01/02 Join the R.H. Stafford Library in its monthly book club. January’s book pick is Rogue Justice by Stacey Abrams.
All ages. Free. R.H. Stafford Library Conference Rooms 1 and 2, 8595 Central Park Place; 651.731.1320; washcolib.org
Coin Quest 01/15–01/29 The City of Woodbury hosts its annual Winter Medallion Hunt—keep your eyes out for the coin, hidden weekly. Clues will be posted to Woodbury MN Police, Fire EMS and Woodbury Parks and Recreation Facebook pages. Will you find the hidden coin and win great prizes? All ages.
Free. 651.714.3500; woodburymn.gov
History Day Hullabaloo
filmmakers. All ages. Prices vary. 5 p.m.
Woodbury 10 Theatre, 1470 Queens Drive; 651.731.0606; woodburytheatre.com
something for everyone to experience and admire. All ages. Prices vary. Hours dependent on weather. 12500 82nd Ave. N., Maple Grove; 866.435.2850; icecastles.com
01/16
Trivia Night
The R.H. Stafford Library is hosting a
01/25
Art and Dining After Dark
free History Day research open house,
Enjoy an evening of food, wine and cock-
01/10
where students can receive additional
tails—plus socialization with community
Experience the MIA with this private dining
help on their History Day projects, view
members—at the monthly trivia night,
experience, featuring a multicourse dinner
sample projects, learn more about
hosted by the Woodbury Area Chamber
by Jamie Malone and Paris Dining Club and
History Day or sign up for a mentor-
of Commerce. Ages 21 and older. Free. 6:30–
wine pairings by Bill Summerville. Ages 21 and older. $475, valet included. 6–9:30 p.m. Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400 Third Ave. S., Mpls.; 612.870.3000; tickets.artmia.org
ship. All ages. Free. R.H. Stafford Library
Conference Rooms 1 and 2, 8595 Central Park Place; 651.731.1320; washcolib.org
Community Awards Gala
8:30 p.m. Swirl Wine Bar, 3291 St. Croix Trail S., Afton; 651.578.0722; woodburychamber.org
Winter Recital 01/28
U.S. Pond Hockey Championship
01/19
Join Woodbury’s K&S Conservatory of
01/18–01/28
The Woodbury Area Chamber of
Music for its winter recital featuring popu-
Watch the 19th annual U.S. Pond Hockey
Commerce hosts its annual gala hon-
lar pieces as well as a mystery piece—if
Championship on Lake Nokomis. This
oring community members and area
you correctly guess the title and/or com-
four-on-four tournament celebrates the
businesses. The evening includes a
poser, you’ll receive a prize. All ages. 1:30–
cold with hockey in true Minnesota fash-
wine pull, silent auction and its popular dessert auction. Ages 18 and older.
Prices vary. 6–10 p.m. DoubleTree by Hilton St. Paul East, 2201 Burns Ave.; 651.578.0722; woodburychamber.org
5:30 p.m. Hastings Art Center, 216 Fourth St. E., Hastings; 651.739.7848; kandsmusic.com
ion. All ages. Times vary. Lake Nokomis
AREA EVENTS
Puppy Party Adoption Event
4955 W. Lake Nokomis Parkway, Mpls.; 612.355.9251; uspondhockey.com
01/21
Best of 2023 Film Festival
Enjoy this free event featuring pup-
01/23
Ice Castles
pies from Healing Hearts Rescue, who
Woodbury 10 Theatre celebrates film-
01/01–01/31 (Closed on Tuesdays)
are ready to be adopted or fostered.
makers who completed a short film
The Ice Castles are back and feature
in 2023. A portion of box office
all sorts of attractions from waterfalls
profits go directly to participating
and tunnels, to full structures, there’s
All ages. Free. 2–4 p.m. Lakes & Legends Brewing Company, 1368 Lasalle Ave., Mpls.; 612.999.6020; lakesandlegends.com
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l o ca l t h i n g s to se e a n d d o
Saint Paul Winter Carnival 01/25–02/03 The oldest winter carnival in the United States features various events at Rice Park, the Minnesota State Fairgrounds and around St. Paul. Events include an ice fishing tournament, snow sculptures, a puzzle contest and more. All ages. Free. Times vary. Rice Park, 109 Fourth St. W., St. Paul; 651.223.7400; wintercarnival.com
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Hubbard Street Dance Chicago 01/25
company is touring with the newly appointed leadership of artistic director Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell to bring contemporary dance and choreography to Minneapolis for one night. All ages. Prices start at $24.50. 7:30 p.m. Carlson Family Stage, 84 Church St. SE Suite 013, Mpls.; 612.624.2345; northrop.umn.edu
Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival
lakeelmobank.com • 651.777.8365 Stillwater • Lake Elmo • Oakdale Member FDIC
01/27 Bring your family to see the Lake Harriet (Bdé Umá ) Winter Kite Festival. There will be a free shuttle provided from the Executive Center to the lake to avoid traffic. All ages. Free. Noon–4 p.m. Lake Harriet/ Bdé Umá , 4135 W. Lake Harriet Parkway, Mpls.; 612.230.6400; minneapolisparks.org
651.426.8176 bruggemanexteriors.com info@bruggemanexteriors.com
Bundled Up! Winter Fun Day 01/27
2555 County E Suite 104 White Bear Lake MN 55110
Join the city of St. Louis Park for a day of ice skating, horse-drawn hay rides, sledding, snowshoeing, bonfires with s’mores and hot cocoa. There will be a raffle at 3 p.m. to support the summer concert program. All ages. Free. Noon–3:30 p.m.
Oak Hill Park, 3201 Rhode Island Ave. S., St. Louis Park; 952.924.2500; stlouisparkmn.gov
Roofing Siding
iStock.com/hartfordphoto
Windows To have your event considered: email
Gutters
woodburymag@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.
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GALLERY
One Woodbury More than 1,500 people attended the inaugural One Woodbury at Ojibway Park on September 30, 2023. The event celebrated the diverse people, perspectives, backgrounds and experiences in Woodbury with a goal of intentionally creating a community where all are welcomed and celebrated. NUNNABOVE, a local group that performed on America’s Got Talent, were the featured entertainment. A dozen other local performers graced the bandshell stage. Food trucks with an international flair, a community resource fair and an education walk were also highlighted. The Woodbury Community Foundation, SoWashCo Schools, Washington County, City of Woodbury, the YMCA and the Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce were partners in planning the event with financial support from 16 local business sponsors. —Roger Green
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Photo: Margaret Wachholz
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TA S T E M A K E R S
Turkish Delights Spitz Mediterranean Street Food puts international taste on the local map. Written by Kristie Smith — Photos by Chris Emeott
I M AG I N E T HE P ER F EC T COMB I NAT ION of fresh food found while wan-
dering streets with a best friend on an overseas college adventure. “My brother and his best friend were traveling and kept coming across doner kabab,” says Chris Law, Spitz Mediterranean Street Food co-owner and Woodbury native. Doner kabab, a traditional Turkish dish, consists of spiced lamb, chicken or beef, cooked on a spit and sliced and served on a pita bread, similar to a gyro. The menu at Spitz is “definitely based in Turkish history, with a lot of [favorite dishes] called Berlin,” Law says, noting the most popular item ordered by guests is the Street Cart Doner, a wrap made with garlic aioli, fired lavash chips, romaine, cabbage, tomato, onion, green pepper, cucumber and tzatziki sauce. Law’s brother-in-law, Robert Wickland, and his college friend, Bryce Rademan, returned to Los Angeles after traveling to Berlin and across Turkey 15 years ago. Fueled by the flavors found on
their adventure, they started Spitz, a restaurant they lovingly refer to as a “Famchise”—a name referencing the family members and close friends who’ve franchised Spitz in locations from Arizona, California, Minnesota, Texas and beyond. Franchising was how Law and his wife, Kaitlen Brennan, ended up owning two Spitz spots, first in northeast Minneapolis and eventually bringing the fresh flavor sensation to his old stomping grounds on the site that once housed Famous Dave’s at Radio Drive and Valley Creek Road. The busy pair opened the Minneapolis location on Hennepin Avenue seven years ago and “certainly didn’t intend to take so long before opening in Woodbury,” but COVID-19 slowed down expansion plans. “My family moved to Woodbury in 1981,” Law says. “It was a goal to bring something a little different, fresh, something less traditional, with a fun atmosphere to Woodbury and that’s how we got from signing our lease on Donegal Drive in
At left—Top: Berliner Bowl; Middle: Street Cart Fries, Gyro with Sweet Potato Waffle Fries; Bottom: Doner Basket
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Chris Law
“We’ve been really touched by how many people have said, ‘Thanks for bringing this to Woodbury.’ We’re so happy with how the space turned out, and we’re so happy with the community’s response.” Chris Law, Spitz Mediterranean Street Food co-owner and Woodbury native
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January 2024
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July 2022 to where we are now.” With a dog-friendly patio that seats 30 and an interior designed with a street food flare, Spitz is making an impression in the neighborhood. “We’ve been really touched by how many people have said, ‘Thanks for bringing this to Woodbury,’” Law says. “We’re so happy with how the space turned out, and we’re so happy with the community’s response.” Though the two Spitz locations are Law’s first swing at restaurant ownership, he credits his work at Oakdale’s Toby’s on the Lake when he was a kid, along with other food-related jobs in college, as his foray into the food world.
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Meet the Menu
Law’s personal favorite item on the menu is the Remix Bowl. “With the lemon herb and harissa, I love how these two sauces blend together,” he says. “We do
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Street Cart Fries
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Your Logo Here.
a nontraditional gyro, a unique Spitz approach, with a zesty feta spread and then add Berlin sauce, a complex tomato and pepper combination; then add onions, tomatoes, tzatziki and french fries on top. It’s definitely a favorite!” The vegan options take this menu up a notch. “We created a vegan menu that’s not taking anything away from a nonvegan item. It’s made vegan intentionally, full of flavor,” Law says. “Rather than just removing dairy or animal products, we start with a homemade falafel, for example, and design a meal around that as a protein with intention. We base a lot of what we do around vegan appetites.” Law says they developed the vegan options from customer feedback, creating their bestselling Vegan Wrap, with lemon herb tahini and a bright, fresh flavor. Thought of, by foodies, as a Middle Eastern street food and Turkey’s national dish, falafel is a plant-based protein showcased in many of the restaurant’s items; a deep-fried ball or patty-shaped fritter made from broad beans, ground chickpeas or both. Spitz’ menu features falafel in the Berliner Bowl, the Medi Bowl and the Doner Basket, just to name a few items focused on vegan eats. Fries take the front and center spot COTTAGE GROVE AREA on the menu. The Street Cart Fries are a complement to the Street Cart C EL and EB Rthe ATBerliner I N G 1Fries 5 YEAR S !the Doner, feature Berliner redat sauce, tzatziki sauce, cab-Room 8:00-9:30 a.m. - Held the Cottage Grove City Hall Training bage, carrot slaw, cucumber, tomato, feta, olives, corn and pepperoncini. The fast-casual style eatery offers an online app for ordering, with catering and delivery options, as well. “We offer JOINa buffet US! CottageGroveChamber.org style for delivery that is deconstructed in different containers, so guests can create their favorite versions of our menu items,” Law says. Party platters and “lunchboxes,” which include a wrap, a side order and a drink, are also catering possibilities and a great way to take elevated lunch or dinner on the run.
Women in Business
Spitz Mediterranean Street Food, 1930 Donegal Drive Suite 200;
Your Photo Here. You’ll be in great company with fellow Local small business owners when you join “Vocal About Local,” our exclusive special section. Business Name Address Phone Number Website
COTTAGE GROVE AREA
Women in Business CELEB R A T IN G 15 Y EA R S !
WIB GUEST PASS JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT NETWORKING EVENT FOR FREE!
Women’s networking opportunity—meets on the third Friday of each month from 8-9:30 a.m. at the Cottage Grove City Hall Training Room. Email laurie@cottagegrovechamber.org for more info.
Full-time Realtors with over 40 years experience. We enjoy helping people move.
651.330.7732; spitz-restaurant.com Spitz - Woodbury
@spitzpics
Women in Business 12800 Ravine Parkway, Cottage Grove 651.458.8334 cottagegrovechamber.org
The Joy Erickson Real Estate Team Edina Realty 612.802.7150 JoyTeam@EdinaRealty.com JoyErickson.com 47
LAST GLANCE
Winter Wonder Karl Schroeder captures the beauty of the season.
“My favorite photo subjects are typically landscapes and architecture. I have always wanted to capture an image of an old red barn after a fresh snowfall,” says serious hobbyist photographer Karl Schroeder. “I was fortunate that this one was in my backyard, and the incredible colors of the sunset were an added bonus.” —Hailey Almsted To view other Focus on Woodbury photo contest winners, visit woodburymag.com.
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Photographer: Karl Schroeder Title: Winter Sunset
Equipment: Sony Alpha 1 with a Sony FE 16–35mm f2.8 GM lens, ISO 100, f16, 1/2 second exposure Location: Bridlewood Farms Category: Places Award: Second Place
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