Edina - May 2024

California

Dreaming

Backyard renovation brings Beverly Hills to Edina

BACK PAIN

For some of our patients, the goal is playing on a winning team. But you just want your back pain to go away so you can keep your business on track. At TRIA Orthopedics, we’ll treat your back so you can be there for your team. When that happens, it feels like we all win. It’s why you’re treated and how you’re treated by TRIA.

Opening May 30 in Edina!

When you come to Kowalski’s, you’re shopping for joy. And we go to great lengths to make sure you find it.

Joy motivates us to offer hand-cut meats at the butcher counter that are Naturally Raised and Certified Humane. Joy prompts our partnerships with local farmers and ranchers to bring you the freshest quality produce possible. Joy inspires us to partner with up-and-coming community brands and small businesses that bring variety and distinction to your table. Joy even drives us to search for foods that can help make the world a better place.

When we pursue joy in everything we do, that joy spreads and multiplies. You don’t just experience it while you shop. You take it home with you and share it with your friends and family.

Find your joy at Kowalski’s.

MAY 2024

“I have this inherent need to create. It doesn’t go away. I can’t turn it off.”

—Kamlika Chandla, artist (page 34)

Photo: Chris Emeott

Kamlika Chandla, page 34

May has always had a vibrant essence. It’s the month when we are almost guaranteed sunshine and beautiful weather. (I say almost because there have been a few years when we get a freak snowstorm.)

Our outdoor living and art issue unfolds with tales of transformation and resilience. We hope you find inspiration in how one couple turned their unassuming backyard into a stunning homage to the Beverly Hills Hotel (page 28).

We also share the tale of local artist Kamlika Chandla, whose transformation from psychology student to artist extraordinaire is a testament to the power of following one’s dreams (page 34).

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we highlight two teens who created an innovative app designed to track emotions, fostering a deeper understanding of wellbeing (page 22).

We also celebrate Mother’s Day with an array of recipes for Mimosas and Bellinis, adding a touch of sparkle to this month that is dedicated to honoring all the incredible women in our lives (page 40).

Join us in celebrating the harmonious blend of outdoor living and art, where each page invites you to explore, reflect and revel in the beauty that surrounds us.

Wishing you a month of inspiration, creativity and renewed focus.

CELEBRATING

On the Cover

SINCE 2004.

California Dreaming, Photo by Chris Emeott, page 28

Photo: Chris Emeott

The Cedar Roof Man

STRAIGHT TALK FROM STEVE KUHL

Let’s face it. Cedar roofs look great but owning one is a little scary. “Has it been damaged by hail?” “Will it blow off in a storm?” “I hear something chewing up there!” But despite what you may hear, your cedar roof is still one of the most beautiful and long-lasting products on the market. The only catch is you have take care of it.

That’s where I come in. My free, written estimate includes a thorough analysis of your roof. Bringing over 25 years of experience to the table, I will evaluate its’ condition to determine whether or not maintenance, repairs or replacement is the best option for you. Worst case scenario you get a free inspection from a true expert. Best case, we work our magic on your roof and add years to its lifespan.

In fact, Kuhl’s Contracting is looked to for the evaluation and restoration of cedar roofs by more insurance companies, home inspectors, realtors and architects than any other company in Minnesota. Not to brag, but we are pretty awesome. Don’t take my word for it. Check out our talents at www.kuhlscontracting.com. Or ask around. We have probably done work for someone you know.

Five

I started this company in 1987. Since that time we have worked on thousands of homes around the Twin Cities. My approach to business has never wavered. Be honest, be reliable and do great work. As a result our list of happy clients grows daily. Call us today to schedule your free estimate: 952-935-9469 Before

signs your cedar roof may need some

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ZDERCHUK + SMITH

VOL.

PUBLISHER

Susan Isay EDITOR

Feroza Mehta

MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Renée Stewart-Hester

MANAGING EDITOR

Hailey Almsted

DIGITAL EDITOR

Madeline Kopiecki

COPY EDITORS

Kellie Doherty, Sherri Hildebrandt

STAFF WRITERS

Kelly Cochrane, Mollee Francisco, Emily Gedde, Meredith Heneghan, Daniel Huss, Jennifer Pitterle, Rachel Schuehle, Josie Smith

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Heidi Bausch-Ryan, Alison Perrier Briggs, Maire Katyal, Maureen Millea-Smith, Laura Westlund

DIGITAL INTERN

Zoe Baden

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Findlay Drabant, Grace Knapp

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Alison Perrier Briggs, Edina Community Foundation ; Daphne Edwards, Edina Public Schools ; Greg Hoyt, Rustica Bakery ; Shelly Loberg, Edina Chamber of Commerce ; Rebecca Sorenson, 50th & France Business Association ; Jasmine Brett Stringer, Carpe Diem with Jasmine

SENIOR MANAGING ART DIRECTOR

Sarah Dovolos

ART DIRECTOR

Allison Nolden

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR

Jamie Klang

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Yaz Lo

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

VERDANT AND VIBRANT

FOR 70 YEARS, the Edina Garden Council (EGC) has been making our community beautiful by planting, pruning, weeding and caring for the many parks and public spaces that we all enjoy.

Composed of five garden clubs, the EGC oversees seeding through planting at sites across the city. You’ve probably seen its work in the urns in front of city hall and the countless accent gardens in our parks. Members start the next summer’s plantings with planning in the fall and greenhouse growing during the winter.

“You do not have to live in Edina to join,” says EGC member Maire Katyal. “You definitely don’t have to be an expert. Few members are master gardeners. Most just love to plant, want to learn more about what to plant in this zone or like to keep gardening after downsizing.”

The nonprofit’s annual fundraiser is a plant sale held on Mother’s Day weekend. You’ll find a large and interesting variety of flowers, vegetables, houseplants, herbs and hanging baskets.

Many thanks to the EGC for its significant efforts and dedication to keeping Edina bright and verdant.

Edina Garden Council Plant Sale, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. May 10 10 a.m.–1 p.m. May 11

Arneson Acres Park, 4711 W. 70th St.; edinagardencouncil.org

Photos: Julie Condon; Maire Katyal

A Primer on Tequila

Over the last few years, tequila has experienced an elevated evolution in the culinary world. In the past, mainstream America may have associated tequila with headaches and sugar-heavy margaritas. Today, top Michelin restaurants and craft cocktail enthusiasts are celebrating this ancient spirit.

What exactly is tequila?

Tequila is a spirit made from 100 percent Blue Weber agave, a huge succulent that takes seven to nine years to mature. It must be grown in the Mexican state of Jalisco or in certain parts of Guanajuato, Nayarit, Michoacán and Tamaulipas to be classified as tequila. If the spirit is produced outside of this region, it is called mezcal or bacanora. Tequila is a branch on the agave booze family tree. For wine aficionados out there, think of it like this: All Champagne is considered sparkling wine, while not all sparkling wine gets to be classified as Champagne.

Why is tequila trending?

One reason is that it could be branded, “healthyish.” Tequila is carb-, gluten- and sugar-free. An average serving has less than 100 calories. If you find a well-made brand, it is usually very low on additives.

Are you ready to branch out from the Cuervo of yesteryear?

Give the below a try.

• Good Value Plata and Reposado for Mixing: Hornitos, $18

• Nice for Mixing: Maestro Dobel Diamante Tequila, $39

• Delicious Splurge: Clase Azul Tequila Reposado, $150

• Organic Line: 123 Organic Tequila, $58 and up

Salud, Edina!

Contributed by Alison Perrier Briggs, a level two sommelier and an Edina resident.

A QUICK OVERVIEW OF AGED TEQUILA

LABELED AS Plata (sometimes called silver, blanco, white) Reposado (rested, aged)

BARREL AGED Not

Vodka or gin

Two months to a year

Rum

Young and vivid, a little stronger and citrus

Slightly rounded, caramel and vanilla

Bloody Mary, Skinny Margarita, Fresh citrus and water

Manhattan, Old Fashioned, Sidecar neat or rocks

Anejo (vintage, extra aged)

One to three years

Scotch or bourbon

Nuts, honey and coffee

Neat or rocks

(Try subbing it out in your favorite cocktails!)

Breaking the Stigma

When it comes to pre and postpartum depression, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Heidi Bausch-Ryan, PsyD, of CARE Counseling shares how to foster understanding in prioritizing maternal mental well-being.

What are the signs of postpartum depression (PPD)?

Bausch-Ryan: PPD emerges within the first year after childbirth and is characterized by persistent and often overwhelming feelings of sadness, hopelessness, irritability and a loss of interest or joy in activities that are meaningful to the person. PPD goes beyond the natural and transient “baby blues” that many new parents experience.

What about the lesser-known postpartum anxiety (PPA)?

BR: PPA is when new parents can experience constant worry and racing thoughts, feeling that something bad is going to happen, irritability, restlessness and sleep struggles. The pressure to be a perfect parent, concerns about the baby’s well-being and overwhelming responsibilities can contribute to PPA. Some people experience physical symptoms, such as increased heart rate, shakiness, dizziness, hot flashes and nausea.

How would you convince moms that it’s OK to reach out for help?

BR: Because of how common and treatable PPD and PPA are, healthcare professionals are more experienced, understanding and open than what the story of stigma tells us. Identify a support person to accompany you at an upcoming appointment. Write down depression- and anxiety-related symptoms you are experiencing to share with your OB-GYN.

Find our full interview at edinamag.com and more information at postpartum.net.

Heidi Bausch-Ryan, PsyD, is affiliated with CARE Counseling, which has offices across the Twin Cities, including one in Edina. Find more at care-clinics.com.

READ Forgiveness, Grace and Sacrifice

Decades ago, I met Alice McDermott after a talk that she gave about being an Irish American writer. She was delightful and pragmatic. That Night had been published to great acclaim. The National Book Awardwinning Charming Billy was yet to come.

Reading Absolution , McDermott’s latest work, I feel that the arc of her wonderful early novels leads to this very book. In it, two women recall their time in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) in 1963.

We meet our two protagonists in the present day. Tricia Kelly is widowed and living in a senior community. Recentlyretired Rainey was 7 or 8 years old when she met Tricia at a garden party. Sixty years after the war, they share their memories in letters, focusing on Rainey’s mother, Charlene.

The Vietnam War is not quite yet the war in 1963—it is an intervention. Not even a year married, Tricia has traveled to Saigon with her husband. Peter is an engineer and lawyer on loan to the government. They are also Roman Catholic, like the presidents of both countries. Tricia meets Charlene, a mother of three, whose husband, Kent, seems to be with an oil company or intelligence, or both, at the party.

Charlene aims to do good while in Vietnam. She enlists Tricia in her do-gooding. This involves Barbie dolls and Macy’s, hospitals, a leper colony and breaking rules when necessary. This novel is a marvel.

Maureen Millea Smith is a retired librarian and a Minnesota Book Award-winning novelist.

Combatting the Invaders

Most of us are looking forward to relaxing in the yard with friends and family. But with the beauty comes the beast—viral plant invasive species. Here are ways you can take an active approach to keeping trespassing plants out.

Identification

The first step is finding invasive plants. Buckthorn’s life cycle kills native trees including your favorite oaks, maples and pines. It also gives birds diarrhea and poisons fish. Garlic mustard chokes native species by producing chemicals that change soil composition. This inhibits normal growth of plants and helps garlic mustard to reseed by the thousands. Japanese Barberry is one of the top host plants for ticks.

Removal

For buckthorn removal, use a shovel or rent one from the Edina Public Works department. Removal is a marathon and will require multiple passes.

Nonpoisonous removal for mid-size/ larger stumps:

1. Cut down, leave 4 to 8” above ground, seal in dark plastic/duct tape.

2. Cut down, leave 4 to 8” above ground, let new growth reach 12 to 18 inches.

3. Repeat cutting several times to weaken and eventually kill the plant.

Spending time on your yard is part of the home ownership bargain—make it count so you can enjoy it for years to come. See you outside.

Maire Katyal is co-president of the Normandale Garden Club, part of the Edina Garden Council. Grow more at edinagardencouncil.org.

Spring cleaning tackles dust bunnies, but what about unseen air pollutants? Dust, pet dander, bacteria, mold…

Today’s homes can harbor a surprising range of airborne irritants. Thankfully, there are indoor air quality solutions that can be installed with your existing HVAC system to help filter out these unwelcome irritants. They tackle the unseen, filtering out allergens, dust, and even mold and bacteria for a fresher, cleaner home.

Breathe easy, we’ve got you covered.

Sienna Dhariwal

STYLE

Embracing the Goddess

Within

Body-positive swimwear brand rides the tide of sustainability.

By Feroza Mehta

HAVE YOU EVER BOUGHT a bikini, packed it among several one-pieces for a beach holiday only to never wear it at all? Have you opened your suitcase and pondered, “Why did I purchase this?”

Do you believe the notion of donning a bikini demands an extraordinary level of self-confidence? One Edina teenager wants to put an end to all the bikini second-guessing and anxiety with a boutique line of sustainable and bodypositive swimwear called Bikini Blend.

“Our main message is that all bodies are bikini bodies,” says Sienna Dhariwal, founder of Bikini Blend. The 16-year-old is a junior at Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield, and founded the company three years ago when she was in eighth grade. It was part of the Edina Chamber of Commerce’s Youth Entrepreneurship Academy, where teens could submit a business plan at the Shark Tank-type event. The winners receive funding to launch their business. Sienna won second place and used the prize money to launch Bikini Blend.

“A lot of women tend to think, ‘I’m supposed to fit in a bikini.’ It really should be the opposite way around,” Sienna says. “The bikini is supposed to fit on us.”

Sienna is a third-generation entrepreneur. Her father, Ashok Dhariwal, owns YogaFit, which has four locations in Minneapolis. His parents owned a clothing store, deli, gift shop and drug

Photo: Chris Emeott

stores in New York City. Business is in her blood.

“I wouldn’t be able to have Bikini Blend where it is today without all their support,” she says of her parents. “They come to all my events and help set up and take down. They really stressed the importance of hard work.”

Another aspect of importance is having her company be environmentally friendly. It was important to her to find a company that could make the swimsuits out of recycled materials.

“I really wanted to incorporate sustainability into Bikini Blend,” she says. “I looked locally. However, not many companies have recycled material for fabrics … especially in the Midwest region.” She looked at places around the world and finally found one in Indonesia.

“We’ve been working together ever since,” she says. Sienna designs the swimwear, and the company makes them. So far, Bikini Blend has three collections. The first one, Sunset, had three different types of tops and bottoms to mix and match. The Ocean and Island collections also have three sets of bikinis.

Five percent of proceeds from sales goes to various charities, including ocean preservation and relief efforts in Ukraine.

Giving back in many ways is important to Sienna, but her main emphasis is on body positivity. “I go back to the message that when we’re on our deathbed, we’re not thinking, ‘I should have lost more weight,’ or, ‘I shouldn’t have worn that bikini.’ We should live our life to the fullest,” she says.

Bikini Blend; bikiniblend.com

@bikini_blend

Sunset, The Ocean and Island Collections

“I knew I wanted to sell a product and a service that is sustainable and incorporates women empowerment that could be helpful to young girls with body images.”

Sienna Dhariwal, founder of Bikini Blend

Photos: Chris Emeott

From Ordinary to Extraordinary

Utility boxes get a facelift.

By Daniel Huss

THE END GAME for Edina’s Utility Box Art Competition was simple— beautify five big unattractive metal boxes. Mission accomplished.

The city-sponsored contest was run through Edina’s Arts and Culture Commission and modeled after a similar program in Bloomington. Artists and nonartists alike could submit works from any medium, with a maximum of three designs per applicant. Proposed design concepts included Edina-related art, organics and recycling, sustainable living and student art.

The response to the call-out was louder than expected, as 76 contributors submitted a total of 145 possibilities.

Laura Westlund, chair of the Arts and Culture Commission, was thrilled. “There was a lot of enthusiasm, which made it fun,” Westlund says. She and two other commission members picked the winners.

Their focus was visual rather than symbolism. “We considered the location and how it would be viewed,” she says. “Designs couldn’t be too intricate, as most would be seen while driving.”

Each of the three commission members independently reviewed all 145 submissions. They then met and whittled their lists down to 20 before visiting each site. Not knowing how specific pieces would work on the boxes, they picked first- and secondchoice finishes for every location. “In the end, I believe all our first picks worked,” Westlund says.

A collage of animals created by Cornelia Elementary School fifth graders was chosen as the winning design for the utility box that sits outside the school. The installation is called We Are One Family, and it sits on the corner of Cornelia Drive and West 70th Street. The idea was submitted by art teacher Shannon Steven.

“The pieces I picked represent the diversity of our students,” Steven says. “Some of the animals are native to Minnesota, and some are from other parts of the world … One of my goals is to get our district’s art into the community. This does that.”

The process to move the art from the page to the box is also interesting. Artwork is transferred to a durable vinyl material before it is attached to the box.

“Even though the students didn’t know this was going to happen when they were painting their animals, I

“I like to think of this as a legacy they left behind … For the younger kids in the school, it’s inspirational.”

Shannon Steven, art teacher at Cornelia Elementary

like to think of this as a legacy they left behind,” Steven says. “For the younger kids in the school, it’s inspirational.”

The four other winning designs include Faces Today by Sophia Adams (West 77th Street and Computer Avenue); Handprints of Our Block by Chelsea Mielke and Family (West 78th Street and Cecelia Circle/ Delaney Boulevard); Rooster by Amy Bounds (West 70th Street and Metro Boulevard); and Urban Spirit by MollieRae Miller (West 78th Street and Cahill Road).

We are One Family and Faces Today were installed in 2023. Handprints of Our Block and Urban Spirit are set to grace our streets this spring. Rooster is on West 70th Street where it branches off Metro Boulevard, west of Highway 100. City of Edina Recreation Supervisor Laura Fulton predicts the painting will become a landmark.

“You’ll turn at the Rooster,” Fulton says. “When I grew up, you’d use landmarks for directions. You’d take a left at the white church and then right at the red barn.”

kno ledge

At Crown Bank we are a team of knowledge seekers. Gaining deep knowledge into our clients’ businesses, plans, needs, and opportunities is what brings us to work every day. Because the more we know about our clients the more we'll know how to help them succeed. It's how we make the possible possible.

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Photos: Edina’s Utility Box Art Competition

Faces Today by Sophia Adams (left) and Rooster by Amy Bounds (right).

VENTURES

Frame of Mind

Teens create innovative mental health app.

By Rachel Schuehle

WE OFTEN TALK about the importance of being able to regulate our emotions—keeping everything in check and staying calm throughout life’s emotional ebbs and flows. But healthy regulation requires a large dose of selfawareness and a toolkit of emotion management skills.

High school students Taara Verma and Siena Pradhan recognized that practicing emotional awareness, especially for teens like them, could be a huge benefit for mental health.

“I came up with the idea based on my own experiences in therapy,” says Taara, a senior at the Blake School. “We’d start off each session by identifying what I was feeling in the moment … it was helpful for the session and also to know what to do with that feeling.”

With her newfound realization, Taara approached her friend Siena about her idea for an app—an emotion tracker that prompts users to log daily feelings and build emotional awareness over time. Next, they focused on researching the market. “We noticed there was a resurgence of simple apps,” says Siena, an Edina resident who attends Andover, a boarding school in Massachusetts. “[Other apps] are straightforward, no bells and whistles, so we honed in on that first.”

Simplification and ease were priorities as the app was designed, taking users less than a minute to complete their daily log. “It’s geared toward people with busy lives … and unlike meditating or taking a walk, checking in takes so little time,” Siena says.

Photos: Amy Sundby Jeanchaiyaphum; Soni B Photography Taara Verma Siena Pradhan

Randomized prompts, reminding users to check in, allows the app to build a data set with a large sample size, capturing a picture of users’ emotional health as a whole.

Accessibility was also a consideration throughout the process. As a free download and ad-free product, the tool is available to anyone and everyone. The pair also pored over each feature to ensure inclusivity. “We put a lot of thought into figuring out what language was best to use for the app. What’s the best way to talk about mental health and feelings?” Siena says. “We aren’t trying to market it toward girls or boys, but to teenagers.” From font choices to color schemes, they considered every detail.

Now with more than 7,000 downloads, Feel Now gives users more than just a virtual emotional check-in, but a long-term, high-level scope to their emotional health as a whole.

Taara says, “It’s for general better self-awareness, but also it’s important to then figure out what to do with [the feeling]. Pinpoint what the feeling is, and then decide what action may be needed. If you’ve been feeling sad for a prolonged period of time, then you can see that trend and take action or get help.”

And what would an app be without a social aspect? “Feel Now incorporates components of social media,” Siena says, “So you can have friends who can see whether or not you’ve checked in with yourself yet or not.” Although friends don’t see a friend’s specific check in response, the feature provides a sense of camaraderie and connection.

Although semi-new to the app scene, Taara and Siena plan on taking a breather after launching Feel Now before jumping into their next project. On the horizon? They hint at the possibility of new features to the app that help spark joy on the spot.

Feel Now; feelnowapp.org

@feelnowapp @feelnow4

Legacy

Beloved elementary school principal retires.

WRITTEN BY FEROZA MEHTA

“When I visited my grandma in this small town, there was this little red schoolhouse right across the street. It was always unlocked, so I’d go and play in the little red school house from a century plus ago,” Dahlquist says. “It became an aha moment for me.”

Dahlquist’s life is a series of aha moments that have contributed to her success as an educator. She is retiring after a career that’s spanned almost 40 years, 24 of which were at the helm of Creek Valley Elementary.

Dahlquist’s last day is June 30.

Switching Gears

That schoolhouse was always in the back of her mind. As a high school student at Edina West, any opportunity to teach was a welcome one. She worked with students with disabilities and was a camp counselor. It wasn’t a surprise to anyone when she went to St. Olaf College in Northfield for a degree in secondary education. But after that, she was drawn to elementary school. After all, her mother was the media specialist at Countryside Elementary.

“I went to the [University of Minnesota] and picked up my elementary education degree,” she says of her master’s and eventually a Ph.D. in education. “I just loved the creativity and

the breadth of knowledge as opposed to focusing on one subject area.”

Dahlquist started as a paraprofessional at Concord Elementary in 1985 and became a classroom teacher the following year. She taught there for 15 years and embarked on her tenure as principal of Creek Valley Elementary in 2000. “I was interested and curious to see how the big system worked,” she says. “When you’re a classroom teacher, your classroom is your world. When you are a principal, your building is your world.”

Preparing Children for the World

Dahlquist cares about her students and is dedicated to producing the next generation of leaders. Navigating school

Photos: Chris Emeott

Kari Dahlquist’s journey into the realm of education began when she was a little girl.

Kari Dahlquist

and life is part of her mission. Under her tenure, and with the help of assistant superintendent Randy Smasal, Dahlquist established Creek Valley as a Leader in Me school. The program is based on Steven Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. It’s ingrained into the very fabric of Creek Valley, which took the habits and transformed them into principles to encourage kids to be happy and foster leadership skills.

Dahlquist incorporates these into school life in various ways. “I just read to a kindergarten class this morning,” she says. “I’ll go read a story a month. Each story is about a habit. They’re great things to help you be organized and successful.”

The seven habits sit on a bulletin board in the main hallway of the school. To reinforce them, the school has monthly Pride Days where students wear matching T-shirts with Creek Valley’s motto: Go Out and Make a Difference (GO MAD). They emphasize the importance of empowering students to make positive changes in their lives and the community.

GO MAD and the seven habits are the pillars that then breed understanding and mutual respect. Dahlquist’s gift in life is to help others feel seen. She emphasizes inclusion and kindness.

“Education is the path to world peace,” she says. “If we would just listen to each other. We don’t have to agree with each other. We don’t have to like each other. But if we respect each other, the world would be a whole lot better. I’ll talk about that with the kids. At recess, go out and smile at someone, or ask them to play or include them. You don’t have to be their best friend. You don’t have to spend every day with them, but occasionally that will make a big difference. I remember people from high school or college that were kind. Instead of saying, ‘I’m saving this seat for somebody at lunch,’ say, ‘Please do, please join us.’ Those little things, and they are little things, but if everyone did those little things, we’d have a better world. It sounds contrite, but I think it’s true.”

With those lessons in mind, Dahlquist is confident the future will be bright with Creek Valley students leading the way.

“Edina is a community in which many graduates return,” she says. One of those is Carah Hart, Creek Valley’s music teacher. She was once a student

at the school, now is a staff member and her children also attend the school.

“They’re in the school that I went to,” Hart says. “They are under her leadership. We are singing the same Bobcat Song that we sang when I was here. I’m grateful that they’ve been able to experience her leadership and the joy and energy that she brings to the school. It’s so unique, and I am so grateful that they’ve been able to witness that.”

She is also impressed by Dahlquist’s leadership skills. Many of the teachers who were on staff while Hart was a student are still working there today.

“She is a truly remarkable leader. She is very approachable and authentic,” Hart says. “She is so conscientious, validating and affirming. She will regularly leave us voicemails or notes saying, ‘You’re doing a great job’ … She’s very intentional about making sure that people feel affirmed and appreciated.”

Dahlquist is also intentional about letting families know to affirm and appreciate their children. On kindergarten information night, she always shares this little piece of advice: “Don’t compare your child to other children because everyone’s unique and different. Celebrate your child’s strengths,” she says. “Everyone has, for lack of a better word, their issues. Everyone is struggling with something. You might want to look at a family, and you might say, ‘Oh, they

look perfect,’ but everyone has their thing. Be kind to each other. Support each other.”

Seek First to Understand

Dahlquist’s office walls are covered with photos of children from around the world. “I love to travel. It breaks down barriers,” she says. “I try to take advantage of those international educational travel experiences.”

While in college, she was a student teacher in India. She is constantly learning, and while she was working as a teacher, she was awarded the prestigious Fulbright-Hays grant that allowed her to explore teaching in Guatemala and Mexico. Other international trips were to Australia and Istanbul, Turkey.

“One of my favorite things about my career was in 2004. We hosted students from Beijing Primary School. They lived with Creek Valley families for a couple of days, and then some of our Creek Valley families went to visit them in China,” she says.

“I am so very fortunate to have chosen a career in education,” she says. “It has allowed me to work with children my entire life and build strong relationships with … students, staff and families. Lucky me!”

Hart says we are the lucky ones. “She is wonderful. She will be deeply missed,” she says. “It’s big shoes to fill.

Steven Covey’s seven habits are displayed in the main hallway of the school.

California Dreaming

WRITTEN BY Feroza Mehta

PHOTOS BY Chris Emeott

MODEL: Reily Werness APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES: Serge + Jane WARDROBE STYLING: Carol Werness

Backyard renovation brings Beverly Hills to Edina.

Oasis: Something provides refuge, relief or pleasant contrast.

That Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines the very essence of Jamie and Casey Carl’s backyard. Once you pass through the horizontal-slatted fence of this home in Edina’s Morningside neighborhood, you are instantly transported from a suburban street to Beverly Hills. The focal point is a white, pristine pool that sits flush to the ground surrounded by a foot of white sparkly marble-like framing on an elegantly manicured lawn. A large deck sits in the background which leads to a beautiful all-season porch with floor-to-ceiling glass accordion doors. The overall effect is jaw-dropping.

“We spent a lot of time in California for spring breaks and breaks from school,” Jamie says. “So we decided to recreate the pieces of California that we love here, even though we can only use them for three months at a time.”

The Carls love the Beverly Hills Hotel so much that they used the hotel’s licensed wallpaper. “I knew I wanted to use the wallpaper either just in the bathroom if we didn’t have a big enough wall space,” Jamie Carl says. ”But then when we got the wall out there, and that quickly became the wallpaper wall for the palms.”

“We wanted it to feel like it was a concrete floor a little more to tie into the concrete of the pool, a little more Southern California vibe,” Jamie says. “But we knew we couldn’t do concrete in here and keep it from getting slippery.”

Varnish Design determined a chunkier tile wouldn’t have that issue and would give the vibe the Carls wanted.

Summer Style Trend Red, White and Blue

“Where 2023 was more about the pastels and definitely transitioning to bubble gum pink with the Barbie movie, 2024 is saturated primary colors—blues, yellows, reds,” Jamie Carl, owner of Serge + Jane, says.

“From Memorial Day into the Fourth of July, closing it out with Labor Day, we as Minnesotans get such a short summer period that we always just want to wear the red, white and blue because it feels so summery. That’s a staple for us.”

Serge + Jane, 4532 France Ave. S.; 612.315.4638; sergeandjane.com @sergeandjaneshop

Jason Strodl, Adapture Design Studio, 4021 Vernon Ave.; 702.629.7222; adapturedb.com @adapturedb AdaptureDB

Varnish Design, 4402 ½ France Ave. S.; 702.606.3162; varnishdesign.com @varnish_design

Prestige Pools, 87 County Road C W., St. Paul; 651.490.1399; prestigepools.com Schaefco LLC, 612.817.5483; schaefcobuilt.com; @schaefcobuilt North Elevation, northelevation.com @northelevation

The overall vision for the backyard was achieved with the help of Jason Strodl of Adapture Design Studio. Originally from Las Vegas, he lives a few blocks away from the Carls, and works in Minnesota, Las Vegas and California. The Carls say he was the ideal person to achieve their vision of bringing the Southwest to the Midwest. “We thought he was a great partner to try and understand what we were trying to look for in the green simple yard and the flat pool, the cement look to the pool,” Jamie says. The tile around the pool gives a marble effect, but it’s made of cement. “It is just colored cement. It’s meant to look as white as we could get it,” she says. “When you look close, it’s got a little bit of sparkle to it to give it a little bit of texture but to try to make it look cleanly white from a distance.”

That sentiment is a testament to Jamie and Casey’s personality. The owners of Edina’s Serge + Jane boutique have a certain joie de vivre and live each day to its fullest. Why not build your dream backyard even if you can’t use it in the winter? What matters is it can be used and enjoyed to the fullest in the summertime. Their main source of inspiration was the Beverly Hills Hotel and its iconic palm tree wallpaper.

“The Beverly Hills Hotel’s pool is definitely one of my happy places,” Jamie says. “Casey and I spent a lot of time out there. That hotel and pool is what I was trying to recreate when we started the project.”

It was a project that was years in the making.

“We bought the house 17 years ago,” she says. She always wanted a pool, but they kept putting off the decision to install one. “We had a big backyard. During [COVID-19], like most people, we decided to do this … We should have done this 10 years ago. We decided to go for it because this is our forever home.”

Jamie is so happy with the results that she encourages other people who dream about their ideal yard to make it happen. “I wish I would have done it sooner. I definitely would encourage anyone who wants to do it, to do it. It’s been totally worth it.”

Summer Style Trend Chains and Metal

“The ’90s still continues with some of the trends: the low-rise jeans and the belly chains,” Jamie says. “We’re interpreting that as chained belts [and] chunkier chain necklaces. We’re not leaning fully into the belly chains as yet. We find a lot of people don’t want to show their midriffs, so we’re doing it on the outside of the denim.”

She also says mixed metals are in. “In the past, people have been all gold or all silver jewelry,” she says. Look for subtle and delicate bracelets that have a mixture of silver and gold beads.

Photo: Chris Emeott

THE INNER LIGHT

Artist’s life mission is turning visions into reality.

Written by Mollee Francisco and Feroza Mehta

Kamlika Chandla working on Fire and Grit in her studio.

The light gracefully pours through the floor-to-ceiling windows that encase Kamlika Chandla’s art studio. Nestled in the heart of her home, the studio is a treasure trove of sculptures, elegant portraits and breathtaking landscapes.

“I have this inherent need to create,” Chandla says. “It doesn’t go away. I can’t turn it off.”

The sunbeam highlights her latest work-in-progress, a stunning painting of wild horses. “I call it Fire and Grit,” she says of the 6-by-4-foot painting. “Horses in themselves are symbolic of high energy and high mojo, like tenacity, and that’s also representative of who I am as a person. I don’t give up. I’m a go-getter I would say … the fight is with myself. I like chasing excellence. I have very high standards for myself.”

Fire and Grit is an image that has been living in her mind since she was a child, just begging to be transformed for a vision into a work of art. “It was so compelling and desperate for me,” she says. “As a kid, I thought, ‘I want to be able to paint big horses, so what will I have to do throughout my life to become skilled enough?’”

HONING HER TALENT

Chandla always felt the pull of art. A psychologist by training, she dove into the creative world in 2012. She started by taking art classes at Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Arts in Chicago. “Until that point, I hadn’t studied art formally,” she says. “I felt some classical training would help … You have to really master your craft. There’s no shortcut to that. Mastery opens doors.”

In her quest for technical mastery,

Top left: Reflective Painter is a portrait of Chandla’s first mentor, artist Mark Carder. Oil on canvas.

Bottom left: Peonies From My Garden Oil on panel.

Top right: Venezia Gondolas (Venice Boats). Oil on canvas.

Bottom right: Burdened is a still life composition symbolizing the weight of materialism and capitalism. Oil on panel.

Chandla started traveling. “Wherever I was, I sought out established artists and begged them to take me in,” she says. She trekked to Italy to study at the Florence Academy of Art and to Austin, Texas, to apprentice under Mark Carder, who has painted U.S. Presidents and dignitaries. During this period of her life, Chandla had a daughter, and the family moved to California. As her daughter grew up, Chandla found her art attracting the attention of other mothers. “Moms wanted portraits of their children,” she says.

Photos: Kamlika Chandla

Photo: Chris Emeott

In Search of the Light. Oil on canvas.

THE NEXT GENERATION

While making her own art, Chandla began to teach, and life changed forever. “I have found the most joy in the teaching of art,” she says.

In 2019, Chandla and her family moved to Edina. She spent the first six months setting up a studio in Minneapolis only to shutter it when COVID-19 began. She began teaching classes online and helped people tap into their own passion for art. “It’s the greatest satisfaction when people find meaning and are moved,” she says. “I can take people to the point where they let it out.”

While she just opened a new gallery and studio space in Eden Prairie, Chandla holds group, private and summer workshops in her home studio in Edina. “There’s been no looking back from teaching,” she says.

FULL CIRCLE

And there has been no looking back from creating. To any one person, Fire and Grit would seem to be complete. But Chandla keeps putting finishing touches on the legs and the horse’s skin.

“I can’t tell you for how long I’ve been chasing this idea. Because I thought to myself [completing this] is when I would have ‘arrived,’” she says. “The dream that you’ve been chasing is about to come true … then what’s after that?”

That pull to create Fire and Grit is now manifesting itself into sculpture. Chandla says she is honing her sculpturing skills in preparation for her next act. She says she was raised to pursue excellence and is fueled by her mantra: “Work in silence; let success be your noise.”

Kamlika Chandla Fine Art, 7525 Mitchell Road Suite 105, Eden Prairie; kamlikachandla.com

Kamlika Chandla Fine Art @kamlikachandla @kamlikachandla

A cornucopia of cocktails awaits you this Mother’s Day.

Right: Orange Ginger Prosecco Fizz

TASTEMAKERS

Spring Fizz

Elevate Mother’s Day brunch with crowd-pleasing Mimosas and Bellinis.

Written by Jennifer Pitterle — Photos by Chris Emeott

MOTHER’S DAY is when many families gather for brunch, that quintessential springtime meal we all know and love. And nothing goes better with eggs benedict, French toast and omelets than a fizzy, fruity bevvy. Enter the Mimosa, darling of the brunch cocktail menu and—we’d argue—springtime in a flute.

“Brunch beverages are arguably the most fun part of the meal,” says Katie Tomsche, content manager at Lunds & Byerlys. We asked Tomsche to share some of her favorite Mimosa recipes, so you can create a festive beverage spread in the comfort of your own kitchen. And, she says, don’t forget the Mimosa’s close cousin. “Bellinis tend to be made with prosecco, an Italian sparkling wine, while Mimosas tend to be made with Champagne,” Tomsche says. But that’s just a technicality. Tomsche advises making any of the drinks here with your favorite sparkling wine, no matter from whence it hails. (And if you need another reason to celebrate, it’s National Mimosa Day on May 16.) Cheers!

MIX-AND-MATCH MIMOSAS

A traditional Mimosa is composed of one part orange juice and three parts sparkling wine. To wow your brunch guests, mix up one of the following combinations, using juice, and add—the best part—fresh fruit. Or, set out a few bottles of your favorite sparkling wine and a selection of juices, and let guests mix up their own.

Classic Orange

• 1/4 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed

• 3/4 cup Champagne or sparkling wine

Garnish with Cara Cara orange slices.

Orange Mango

• 1/4 cup Santa Cruz organic orange mango juice

• 3/4 cup Champagne or sparkling wine

Garnish with strawberries or orange slices.

Pomegranate

• 1/4 cup R.W. Knudsen Just Pomegranate juice

• 3/4 cup Champagne or sparkling wine

Garnish with strawberries or pomegranate seeds.

Blueberry

• 1/4 cup R.W. Knudsen Just Blueberry juice

• 3/4 cup Champagne or sparkling wine

Garnish with blueberries or raspberries.

PEACH BELLINI

This classic cocktail, which originated in Venice, Italy, features fresh peaches instead of fruit juice and can be made in a batch to quickly serve a crowd.

• 4 ripe peaches

• prosecco (for a true Bellini) or your favorite sparkling wine

Peel peaches and blend in a high-speed blender until smooth. Add a few tablespoons of water if needed. Strain the mixture, and refrigerate until cold. To serve, pour 1 oz. of peach puree into a flute glass, and top with prosecco. Stir gently to combine.

ELDERFLOWER PROSECCO

Elderflower has long been beloved in Scandinavia and across northern Europe, partly because its appearance signals the arrival of spring. These days, St-Germain

is the most recognized elderflower liqueur, and it’s made in France from fresh elderflower petals.

• 1 oz. St-Germain elderflower liqueur

• prosecco or your favorite sparkling wine

Pour 1 oz. of elderflower liqueur into a flute, and top with prosecco. Stir gently to combine.

ORANGE GINGER PROSECCO FIZZ

“With freshly squeezed blood orange juice and spicy ginger beer, this gorgeous sparkling wine cocktail will be the talk of brunch,” Tomsche says.

• 1 oz. blood orange juice, freshly squeezed

• 1 oz. ginger beer

• 3 oz. prosecco or your favorite sparkling wine

Mix all ingredients together in a glass. Garnish with a ribbon of orange peel.

SPARKLING GRAPEFRUIT VANILLA MOCKTAIL

For kids or anyone who’s abstaining from alcohol, this mocktail is a tasty addition to the spread. Prepare the syrup ahead of time, so it’s ready to pour for brunch.

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup water

• 3 rosemary sprigs, plus some for garnish

• ½ tsp. vanilla extract

• 3/4 cup pink grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed

• 3/4 oz. lemon juice, freshly squeezed

• ice

• splash of sparkling water

Prepare the rosemary-vanilla syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, water and rosemary sprigs. Cook for 5 minutes or until simmering, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Stir in the vanilla extract, remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes. Discard the rosemary sprigs, transfer syrup to an airtight container and let cool in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

Blueberry Mimosa

To make one mocktail: In a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice, combine the pink grapefruit juice, lemon juice and 3/4 oz. rosemary-vanilla syrup. Shake until chilled through. Strain into a glass filled 1/3 of the way with ice. Top with sparkling water. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and pink grapefruit slice.

Basket of Bubbles

A gift basket is a great offering for Mother’s Day (or any other spring occasion). Put together a DIY, Mimosa-themed basket with items you can easily pick up at your local grocery store.

Here’s what you might include:

Bottles of sparkling wine, fresh fruit juice or sparkling fruit sodas

A wine stopper

A pretty juice carafe or pitcher

A springtime dish towel

Champagne flutes (Try stemless ones for a modern touch.)

Fresh citrus fruit, including blood oranges, grapefruits or navel oranges

Fresh berries or pomegranate seeds

Lunds & Byerlys, 7171 France Ave. S.; 952.831.3601; 3945 W. 50th St.; 952.926.6833; lundsandbyerlys.com @lundsandbyerlys @lundsandbyerlys

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A COLORFUL TAPESTRY OF INSPIRATION, CREATIVITY AND CONNECTION

IT ISN’T OFFICIALLY SUMMER until the Edina Art Fair takes over the streets of 50th & France. The annual celebration of creativity is a vibrant art gallery that showcases a vast array of artistic expression, ranging from paintings and sculptures to innovative crafts, jewelry and photography. Art enthusiasts and even casual visitors will encounter seasoned and emerging artists all in one weekend. Lose yourself in a wonderful maze of carefully curated booths and enjoy live music and a plethora of food trucks. —Feroza Mehta

All ages. Free. Times vary between May 31–June 2. 50th & France Business District; 952.491.0001; edinaartfair.com

Compiled by Findlay Drabant and Grace Knapp

LOCAL EVENTS

Trivia Night at Wooden Hill 05/01

Hosted by Trivia Mafia, enjoy general trivia with friends. Teams can be up to six people. Ages 21 and older. 6:30 p.m. Wooden Hill Brewing Company, 7421 Bush Lake Road; 952.960.9663; woodenhillbrewing.com

Kentucky Derby Twin Cities Party 05/04

Celebrate the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. Enjoy live bluegrass music and food and participate in the “best dressed” contest. All ages. 1–7 p.m. The Westin Edina Galleria, 3201 Galleria; kentuckyderbytwincities.com

Bavarian Musikmeisters 05/05

The 35-member wind instrument band, Bavarian Musikmeisters, performs in town. All ages. Ticket included in entrance fee. 6–7 p.m. Edinborough Park Amphitheater, 7700 York Ave. S.; musikmeisters.com

Drawing Portraits From Photos 05/07, 05/14, 05/21

Join the three-week-long class taught by award-winning artist instructor Louise Gillis and learn how to draw portraits from photographs. Ages 16 and older. $175. 1–4 p.m. Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Square; secure.rec1.com

Brio Brass 05/12

Brio Brass band, home to over 60 musicians, will perform fluid ballads, pop, show tunes, funky rock and jazz. All ages. Ticket included in entrance fee. 6–7 p.m. Edinborough Park Amphitheater, 7700 York Ave. S.; 651.324.7613; briobrass.com

AREA EVENTS

Nicollet Island Spring Market 05/05

Farm-fresh produce and artisanal gifts

Photo: Edina Art Fair

Artist Carla Bank chats with festival goers about her paintings, which are known for their vibrant colors.

are on the menu at this one-day spring market on Nicollet Island. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power St., Mpls.; 612.230.6400; minneapolis.org

Hobby Show and Sale

05/11

The Model Railroad Museum will host its semiannual Model Railroad Show and Hobby Sale. All ages. $7 for ages 8 and older. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Minnesota State Fairgrounds Education Building, 1265 Snelling Ave. N., Falcon Heights; 651.647.9628; exploreminnesota.com

Sculpture Garden Art Fair

05/11–05/12

Stop by the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Art Fair to shop the creations of over 150 artists. All ages. Free. 10 a.m. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, 1600 S. Lyndale Ave., Mpls.; homespunevents.com

Yoga in the Gardens

05/16

Yin Yoga & Sound Healing is a 60-minute yoga class led by local instructors in the Sensory Garden. All ages, $7.50–$22.50. 6 p.m., Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska; 612.624.2200; exploreminnesota.com

Doors Open Minneapolis

05/18–05/19

Take a peek behind the scenes at some of the most interesting, eye-catching, and historic buildings in the city. All ages. Prices vary. Times vary. Locations vary. doorsopenminneapolis.org

PNC Women Run the Cities

05/18

Participants can run a 5K, a 10K or a 10-miler. All ages. Prices vary. 8:30 a.m. Minnehaha Falls Regional Park, 4801 S. Minnehaha Drive, Mpls.; 651.289.7700; tcmevents.org

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

GALLERY

Celebrating Local Businesses

It’s not often you see Edina’s movers and shakers decked out in all things plaid. Flannel and comfort were the themes of this year’s Up North Social, Edina Chamber of Commerce’s annual soirée. Held at the Westin Galleria on February 8, more than 200 people mixed and mingled. To view more pictures from this event, as well as other events, visit edinamag.com.

To have your event considered send date, time, location and contact information to edinamag@localmedia.co

Photos: Edina Chamber of Commerce

Cynthia Hamre, senior account executive at Local. Feroza Mehta, editor of Edina Magazine

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7201 Washington Ave. S.

612.438.2288

goddardschool.com/schools/mn/edina/edina

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612.353.4535

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Mainstream Boutique is known for a unique apparel and styling experience. Our mission is to love, strengthen and celebrate women— lifting them up and helping them feel beautiful.

Mainstream Boutique of Edina

7523 France Ave. S.

952.303.4530 mainstreamboutique.com/pages/edina

Images of Edina

How do you (and your camera) view local life?

A New Day in Edina by Burton Hanson won last year’s Readers’ Choice award. Under a vast expanse of blue sky stands the top of the Edina Mann Theatre’s marquee, a beloved landmark in our city.

Each May and June, Edina Magazine and the City of Edina invite readers to submit their favorite photos to our Images of Edina photo contest. From the novice to the hobbyist to the professional, photographers of all abilities and ages are encouraged to share their unique, creative perspectives. Scroll down your digital files or flip through your film—whatever it takes. Submit photographs that capture the beauty, essence and spirit of this community.

Categories include: Activities & Events, Businesses, People, Places in Edina and Plants & Animals.

Judges reserve the right to recategorize submissions if they feel the photographs are better suited to a different category. —Editorial Staff

The Details:

• Submissions are accepted between May 1 and June 21, 2024 at edinamag.com.

• Entrants must live, work or attend school in Edina.

• Entrants may submit up to five photos, with no more than three in any category.

• Photos should be taken in Edina.

• Generally, photos should have been taken within a year of the submission date.

• Readers’ Choice voting is open July 1–31 on our website.

• Winning images could be featured in Edina Magazine, its website and social media platforms. Images could also be featured in the City of Edina’s social media, website and at events.

• The results of the contest will be posted on edinamag.com by October 20.