White Bear Lake - May 2024

Feeling Floral

Create a beautiful cut flower garden with the help of local growers

Urgent Care

TCO Vadnais Heights

Walk in 8 - 8

Ready to serve Vadnais Heights and the surrounding community. Set to be your first stop for sudden, unexpected injuries. Go for more of what you need to keep your body moving. No referral or appointment necessary. Ready. Set. TCO.

“There are always flowers for those who want to see them.” —Henri Matisse, French visual artist

Photo: Scruff Life Photography

from the EDITOR

A few years ago, in a moment of fascination and a bit of boredom, I flipped on the TV show Tidying up with Marie Kondo It was well past the show’s height—when Kondo’s method permeated daily conversation. I was late to the game and, I think, too late to really understand the hype. Yet, in the one episode I watched, Kondo’s mantra to “discard everything that does not spark joy” struck a chord. So, while I don’t file fold my socks (and probably never will), I do find myself pursuing joy and delight, both in my closet and on a daily basis.

In this issue, we’ve compiled a joyous array of stories to usher in the summer. Head out on the water as writer Dan Huss shares the mission and origins of Off the Edge Dragon Boat Team. The all-women group has made an impact on regional dragon boat racing and found fulfillment and camaraderie at the same time (page 16).

Learn something new by diving into our features. This issue, writer Meredith Heneghan connected with area flower farmers to learn more about creating a diverse cut flower garden (page 18); she also spoke with Romina Montanari to learn more about how she’s bringing Italy to White Bear Lake through at-home Italian cooking classes (page 22).

And celebrate Mother’s Day on May 12 with a mimosa! Writer Jen Pitterle worked with Lunds & Byerlys to compile a dazzling array of sparkling drink recipes that are sure to add something special to your gathering.

Have a story to share? My inbox is always open. Drop me a line at zoe@localmedia.co.

Until next time,

Zoe Yates zoe@localmedia.co

CELEBRATING THE WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SINCE 2012.

On the Cover

Feeling Floral, Photo by Chris Emeott, page 18

See what we’re doing behind the scenes and around town!

White Bear Lake Magazine @whitebearlakemag @whitebearlakemag

Photo: Chris Emeott

this is Regions

We deliver greatness, joy, faith, and lots and lots of babies. We fight cancer, sadness, uncertainty and time. We heal hearts, wounds, minds and spirits. Scan to learn more

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PUBLISHER

Susan Isay EDITOR

Zoe Yates

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

Alexandra Eve, Ellie Fuelling, Katie Tomsche, Kia White

DIGITAL INTERN

Zoe Baden

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Findlay Drabant, Grace Knapp

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Lisa Beecroft, Beecroft Marketing ; Kevin P. Donovan, White Bear Rotary ; Kelly

Neeb, Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation ; Lexi Munson, White Bear Center for the Arts ; Russ Reetz, White Bear Lake Area High School

SENIOR MANAGING ART DIRECTOR

Sarah Dovolos

ART DIRECTOR

Allison Nolden

Jamie Klang

You name the place, we’ll bring

the taste.

‘The Joy of Good Food’ truck.

Bring the taste of Kowalski’s to your next party or event. The Joy of Good Food Truck offers some of our best Signature recipes and exclusive products, like our Certified Akaushi Beef Burgers and Hot Dogs, specialty Street Tacos and Pulled Pork sandwiches made with our own Naturally Raised meats.

Call 651-313-6870 to book our truck for your next event!

DANCING THROUGH LIFE

LOCAL DANCE artist Jan Chamberlin is passionate about the profound impact that dance can have in the community. After studying dance in New York City, Chamberlin moved to White Bear Lake and has been teaching ballet and tap classes at White Bear Center for the Arts for over 20 years.

Chamberlin sees firsthand the incredible impact that dance has on the lives of her students. She recounts the many health benefits of dance, including better balance, coordination, muscle strength, endurance and flexibility. But it’s the lesser-known benefits that Chamberlin believes have the biggest impact. Dance positively affects mental health, boosts memory and builds confidence as dancers improve and complete steps.

“Dance is an incredibly mindful experience, so taking a class is practicing mindfulness,” Chamberlin says. “Most importantly, dancing together with a group of people builds empathy and community and has formed many lasting friendships.”

Over the years, Chamberlin has formed a joyful dance community in the White Bear area and hopes the group continues to grow.

Ellie Fuelling is the communications manager at WBCA. Learn more about classes, programs and events at whitebeararts.org.

Photo: White Bear Center for the Arts

Jan Chamberlin’s ballet barre class.

READ Birding to Change the World

This time of year always puts me in the mood for books that feed the excitement to spend as many hours as possible outside again.

Birding to Change the World by Trish O’Kane is an informative and heartfelt memoir of an “accidental ornithologist” whose path led her from investigative journalism (which is evident in her writing) to becoming an environmental studies professor. O’Kane artfully weaves personal stories with scientific knowledge and social justice commentary to chronicle the powerful connections that can be forged from a shared love of birds.

The issues surrounding conservation can often feel huge and daunting, but O’Kane shows us that we can each play an important role starting right here in our own community.

This book will have you digging out your binoculars and heading outside!

Kia White is an employee at Lake Country Booksellers. Find Birding to Change the World at Lake Country Booksellers or your local library.

TASTE

Bloody Mary Burgers

Make Mother’s or Father’s Day brunch extra special with these over-the-top burgers inspired by the classic cocktail. The flavorpacked patty provides the perfect foil to the best part of a Bloody Mary: an impressive skewer of tasty garnishes.

Bloody Mary Burgers

Makes 4 burgers

Preparation time: 30 minutes

» 1 pound ground beef

» ¼ cup onion, diced

» ¼ cup blue cheese-stuffed olives, chopped

» 2 Tbsp. ketchup

» 1 Tbsp. Lunds & Byerlys Bloody Mary Seasoning

» 4 brioche buns, for serving

» Bloody Mary garnishes, for serving, such as cheese, celery, beef sticks, cornichons, pickled carrots, sprigs of herbs (like parsley or cilantro), cherry tomatoes, hard boiled eggs or jalapeños

Mix beef, onion, olives, ketchup and seasoning together, and form into four patties. Grill or pan fry for 3–5 minutes per side, until cooked through. Remove from heat, and place burgers on the buns.

Get creative with your favorite Bloody Mary toppings. The possibilities are endless! Add the toppings to a skewer, and stick the skewer through the finished burger and bun to serve.

Katie Tomsche is the content manager for Lunds & Byerlys. Taste more at lundsandbyerlys.com.

Photo: Belén Fleming of Belu Photography

STYLE

Airport Style

When it comes to travel and airport style, striking the right balance between fashion and comfort is key to making a stylish statement. Airport style has evolved beyond professional and restrictive styles with fashion-forward travelers embracing looks that seamlessly merge trendiness with ease.

Start with the basics—opt for breathable fabrics like cotton or knitwear. Pairing a chic oversized sweater or cardigan with stretchy leggings or relaxed-fit jeans is an airport fashion mainstay.

For footwear, ditch the heels for comfortable sneakers or stylish flats. Slip-on shoes are not only convenient during security checks but also provide a laid-back yet fashionable touch to your ensemble.

Accessorizing is the key to elevating your airport look. A trendy backpack or a spacious tote will prove practical for carrying travel essentials. Throw on some oversized sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat for an added touch. And don’t forget to bring along a versatile scarf or shawl; not only do they add to your outfit, but they also double as a cozy blanket during chilly flights.

Alexandra Eve is a local stylist and wardrobe consultant. To learn more about travel fashion and get packing support this season, visit alexandraeve.net.

Photo: Alexandra Eve

Living the Scruff Life

Photographer has devoted her career to capturing pets and their humans.

By Emily Gedde

PHOTOGRAPHER Lauren Joarnt often has her hands full with her clients. They must be on a leash. They sometimes drool, and they’ll even occasionally let out a bark.

But they’re the most loveable subjects. Joarnt, owner of Scruff Life Photography, specializes in capturing the bond between people and their pets. As an animal lover herself, she knows how precious time with pets can be, which inspired her to offer a

unique service. “I know I have a lot of photos of my dogs, but I’m often not in the photos,” Joarnt says.

That was the key for her.

When Joarnt and her fiancé brought home their third dog, she realized the photos she was taking on her cell phone weren’t the quality she wanted, and she was rarely in them. After borrowing a digital camera, Joarnt worked to develop her skill and knowledge. She started her pet-focused photography

business less than a year later. “I love capturing the love and joy pets and their owners bring each other,” she says. “It’s unconditional love.”

Joarnt offers photo sessions for pets at all stages, including playful everyday portraits, wild adventure sessions and celebration shoots for end-of-life. She has even photographed dog-powered sports for athletic pets in areas like agility, snow sports and flyball.

White Bear Lake resident Brittany

Michelle Lussky and Lucy, a rescue from the Animal Humane Society.

HELPING ANIMALS IN NEED

Professional photos can aid shelter animals looking for their forever homes. Lauren Joarnt partners with two other pet photographers in the Metro area to support local animal rescue organizations. “We take photos of the pets to help them get adopted,” she says. “It’s a lot of fun and really rewarding.”

In 2023, Joarnt estimates the trio helped about 40 animals get adopted and is hoping to grow that number in the future. “We’d like to partner with more rescues,” she says.

North, owner of dog training company North Paws Wilderness, hired Joarnt to capture photos of her senior dog, Apache. At the time, Apache wasn’t doing well, so the moment felt somber for North.

“I was a mess and teared up several times just not knowing how much time we’d have left with Apache, but [Joarnt] knew all the right words to say to help put a happy smile on my face for the photos,” North says. (Apache has since recovered and is happy and healthy.)

Not all pets come to photo shoots ready to cooperate—a reality Joarnt is ready for. Pets will be on a leash for most of the session (Joarnt works her magic to edit the leash out of images.) “I can make a dog look like a perfect angel, and they don’t have to be,” she says with a laugh.

North can attest to this special skill, “[Joarnt] is beyond talented because Apache notoriously will not look at a camera, and she was able to get him to look at her the entire photo shoot.”

Joarnt encourages pet owners to take advantage of the valuable time they have with their pets—and have those moments captured.

“It’s something you’ll never regret having ... and having photos with you in them is important,” she says. “You’ll be glad you have them.”

Scruff Life Photography; scrufflifephotography.com

Scruff Life Photography @scrufflifephotography

Whatever your needs, White Bear Eye Clinic has you covered from comprehensive eye exams to the latest frame styles! Call today for an appointment.

Photo: Scruff Life Photography

PORTRAIT

On the Road Again

Tracey Tischler shares her van life adventures to inspire the over-50 crowd.

By Jennifer Pitterle

TRACEY TISCHLER is embracing life’s second half in a big way: on the road. In late 2021, the then-56-year-old White Bear Lake resident left behind suburban life and embarked on an adventure in her live-in van, traveling across the country and making her home in just 19 square feet.

“I had been thinking about van life for a while,” Tischler says. She watched YouTube videos of people—mostly in their 20s—who opted for the vagabond lifestyle, renovating their vans in real time for their followers and taking viewers along on cross-country adventures. But Tischler wasn’t sure she was ready to make the leap. She felt tethered to her family in White Bear Lake— including her 94-year-old mother, Joy, and her 22-year-old daughter, Jessie— and wasn’t ready to retire.

But her longing for the freedom of van life won out. Tischler especially wanted to honor many of her family members who never made it to their golden years, including her sister, Chris, who passed away from cancer at age 42. “I remember being in the room with her as she was dying,” Tischler says. “I remember thinking, ‘I wonder what she

Tracy Tischler shares her adventures on social media and now coaches fellow van lifers.

Tracey Tischler

wishes she would have done.’ After that, that’s how I’ve lived my life. Doing the things I love.”

“I bought my van. I started selling everything. I felt freer,” she says. “I got through that fear.” She spent about a year remodeling Charlene (the name of her beloved van), selling her possessions and getting rid of her permanent landing pad. The van is equipped with a small kitchenette and a toilet, and Tischler has a gym membership that gives her access to regular showers. She works part time at a pharmacy when she’s home in White Bear Lake and stays connected to her past jobs as a makeup artist and esthetician to work on photo shoots and events. Those gigs help pay for life in Charlene.

“My first adventure was going to NASCAR in Phoenix, Arizona,” Tischler says. “I didn’t even know where I was going to park. Ignorance is bliss!” She started her YouTube channel, Ad-Van-Tures Over 50, mostly so Joy could keep up with her travels. “When I left the driveway, I had 56 followers,” she says. “Now, I have 31,000.” The certified life coach shares her travels with her followers on social media, writes a blog and even coaches fellow van lifers, especially women and folks over 50.

Tischler says it’s easiest to start out by staying near friends or family members when you travel. She usually opts to park at a truck stop overnight—her favorites are Love’s and Pilot, which are clean and well lit. “For safety, I also carry mace and a loud horn and have a security system,” she says.

She looks back fondly on her first solo trip out west, through Montana, Wyoming and Utah. “I would literally have to stop and get out of the van and just stand there. It was so beautiful,” Tischler says. “It’s not something I could ever capture. All the good stuff is on the other side of fear. Now, I get to enjoy the scenery.”

Photos: Tracey Tischler

Off the Edge

Local dragon boat team pursues paddling synchronicity.

By Daniel Huss

A FOUR-PERSON ROWING SHELL and a 20-person dragon boat are each 40 feet long. Oars propel rowing shells; paddles move dragon boats.

Biggest difference?

“You face forward in a dragon boat, and you can see where you’re going,” says Karen Anderson, coach and pacer for the White Bear Lake-based Off the Edge Dragon Boat Team.

Dragon boats and dragon boating are said to have originated in China some 2,000 years ago. Legend has it that these boats were used to celebrate the fifth day of the fifth lunar month in the Chinese calendar. Its purpose, according to that same legend, was to turn aside misfortune while encouraging rain and prosperity.

A dragon head fronts the dragon boat’s bow; a tail protrudes from its stern. Paddles moving through the water symbolize the creature’s claws. The beating drum pacing the paddlers represents the dragon’s heartbeat.

Anderson and Lisa Ender spent much of the 1990s leading women on outdoor adventures. On an excursion to a Dragon Boat Festival in Grand Marais in 2001, they were hooked.

Eleven years after that first exposure to dragon boats, they formed Off the Edge—an all-women’s group that would become the premier dragon boat team in the region. They coach, paddle and steer. They also lead dragon boat community education classes for women in White Bear Lake and Mahtomedi.

There are 10 rows of benches in a dragon boat. Paddlers sit side by side. The front three benches house the quickest paddlers. Speed is a must; rhythm is a given. The strongest and most powerful paddlers sit in the middle seats and serve as the boat’s engine.

Paddlers, called rockets, launch from the rear. Their mission is to control choppy and churned-up water. A drummer beats from the bow. The steerer, standing on the stern, directs with a 15-foot oar.

“It’s empowering,” Ender says. “You’ve got every person and every position doing the exact same thing at the exact same time.”

Races are sprints, typically 200 or 500 meters long. “It’s all out,” Ender says. “You’ll want to stop halfway through, but you won’t. If you can stand when the race is over, it means you haven’t given it your all.”

There is also a 2-kilometer oval race that Anderson describes as a roller

derby with paddles. Needless to say, 40-foot paddle-powered boats aren’t very maneuverable. “Oval races are a riot,” Anderson says.

When Anderson and Ender formed the Off the Edge Dragon Boat Team in 2012, they didn’t have a boat. Today, the club rosters 29 women, with ages ranging from 32 to 72.

In season, members meet on the water three days per week. Many members attend off-season camps. A frequent off-the-water exercise is to run stairs in Stillwater.

In 2023, the team competed at five festivals. It placed first in the women’s division at Winnipeg, Canada, Chicago and Superior, Wisconsin. They finished

Off the Edge Dragon Boat Team at the 2023 Minocqua Dragon Boat Festival.

second at Minocqua, Wisconsin, and third at Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Big picture, the club has its sights set on competing in the U.S. Club Crew National Championships in Sarasota, Florida, in 2025. If the group places in the top four, it qualifies for the World Dragon Boat Racing Championships.

Training for the 2024 season began shortly after ice out. “We used to have a month where we didn’t talk about dragon boating,” Anderson says. “Now, we don’t do that.”

Off the Edge Dragon Boat Team; offtheedgewbl@gmail.com; wbldragonboat.com

Off the Edge Dragon Boat Team

Do you have a group of friends, family, or coworkers who like to cook and are interested in a fun, quick, and rewarding volunteer opportunity?

We have just the thing for you. Be a Cooks in the Kitchen Volunteer!

Opportunites Now Available At Our White Bear Lake Location!

What is Cooks in the Kitchen?

Cooks in the Kitchen is a meal program for the individuals we support in our group homes.

We make it easy to volunteer! Gather your group and pick a date. We supply the recipes, groceries, and equipment. While the time commitment is only 2.5 hours from start to finish, the impact of the meals last much longer.

Scan the QR code for more information or go to Hammer.org/CIK to learn more!

Photo: Geri Miller, Minocqua Dragon Boat Festival

James, supported by Hammer & NER, and Cooks in the Kitchen volunteers from the Lacek Group, take a break from cooking to pose for the camera!

FEELING FLORAL

Create a beautiful cut flower garden with the help of local growers.

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

WRITTEN BY MEREDITH HENEGHAN

Flowers are a summer delight, bringing color and whimsy to any environment. There’s something so exciting about a bright bouquet sitting on your kitchen table for no reason other than your own enjoyment or bringing a jar of blooms to a friend’s house for dinner.

Starting a cut flower garden might seem like a big commitment—gardens need tending, and not everyone has a lot of extra time. But what if creating a small space with some exciting flowers wasn’t that intimidating after all?

We reached out to local flower farmers to get their insight into creating a cut flower garden of beautiful blooms—without a lot of complicated steps.

Staci Andro, owner of Hazel and Goose, an urban flower farm in White Bear Lake, offers sustainably grown fresh-cut flowers, flower subscriptions, seasonal bouquets and handcrafted home decor, all grown at her home garden and sold from her studio on Third Street.

Similarily, Taryn Menne and Renee Neeser are a sister team who own T and Nae Flower Farm, offering florals, seasonal markets and curated events. Their flowers are grown on their grandparents’ farm in Hugo, making them third generation farmers bringing new life to their family land.

Andro, Menne and Neeser generously shared their recommendations for creating an abundant flower garden.

It’s All About Attitude

If you want a garden, you just have to start one. With basic starter supplies, anyone can create a little corner of the yard for flowers destined for bouquets. “Don’t take it too seriously,” Menne says. “We’ve had multiple trays of flowers that we’ve started from seed that don’t come up ... our first garden was all seeds from the Dollar Tree and the checkout from Menards. It doesn’t have to be anything too serious. You can just start!”

Andro agrees. “It’s easy—you just grab a packet,” she says. “You can start indoors, but you don’t have to get those fancy seed trays. It doesn’t have to be expensive. I use [recycled containers], just wash them and repurpose them.” Not everything will be a success, and that’s OK! In fact, that’s normal. “At the end of the day, you’re going to kill a lot of plants no matter what,” Andro says.

Some Flowers are Easy to Grow

Maybe you already have some flowers in your garden that make great bouquets and are easy to grow: Zinnias and cosmos are reliable and beautiful choices when it comes to cut-andcome-again flowers. But what if you want further variety?

Menne and Neeser suggest snapdragons and Teddy bear sunflowers, among other favorites, to add a dimension of excitement to your bouquets. Menne says, “Strawflower is a mustgrow for me.” Strawflowers create stunning blooms and are easy to dry, too, bringing color into dried arrangements. The sisters also suggest bachelor buttons. “They’re gorgeous, nice and soft,” Menne says.

Andro has another suggestion: Rely on your perennials. “Delphinium is a great flower, and it blooms two or three times per season,” she says.

Fancy Flowers are for Everyone

Dahlias are decidedly “in” right now. They’re dramatic stunners that make you stop and look. As tubers, they require a bit more figuring out, but the reality is that with a little bit more effort, anyone can do it. As Andro says, “You gotta try!”

There’s plenty of information out there for beginner gardeners. “You’re not the only one thinking of a question or wondering what to do,” Andro says. She suggests the Facebook group Cut Flowers 101

Something with a little more effort on the front end, like a dahlia, can be rewarding to

Photos: Chris Emeott

Staci Andro

Petals and Paper

Interested in digging deeper?

Here are some of Staci Andro’s favorite books on the topic: Cool Flowers by Lisa Mason Zigler

Cut Flower Garden by Erin Benzakein

Cut Flowers by Su Whale

The Flower Farmer by Lynn Byczynski

Specialty Cut Flowers by Alan M. Armitage and Judy M. Laushman

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

Taryn Menne and Renee Neeser

Photos: MKT Photography

grow. Menne says, “ It can be pretty addicting once you see that beautiful flower. You feel really proud.”

If dahlias still seem out of reach, Andro says that there are some fanciful varieties of zinnias that scratch the itch. “There are a lot of great hidden varieties—the Queeny Series has a redlime, a lime-blush and a lime-orange. They have so many petals that they almost resemble a dahlia,” she says.

Keep it Interesting

Flowers don’t have to be fanciful to make a statement in a bouquet. Neeser says, “I love gomphrena, and they make a great dried flower as well. They come in different color palettes and have a little ball on top to add a different shape.” Her sister’s favorite lately is the dara, a variety of flowering carrot. “It’s kind of a whimsical sprouted flower with a lot of dimension,” Neeser says.

Feverfew (similar to chamomile) and bluestar are Andro’s unique picks, both of which bring a mystical, almost fairytale vibe to a bouquet.

Fantastic Fillers

Each flower farmer gets excited talking about fillers—they don’t serve as the

focal point of the bouquet, but they are important to the overall look. They’re the greens, like eucalyptus, or other smaller flowers, like carnations or dianthus, that bring the bouquet to the next level.

Andro, Menne and Neeser all mention herbs, which can pull double duty in your garden in bouquets and in the kitchen. There are different varieties of basil that can be both beautiful and aromatic—cinnamon basil and lemon basil receive shoutouts. Dill is another fun, funky filler herb.

Make Arrangements

There’s a difference between a handful of flowers and a true bouquet, and it all starts with a focal flower: a dahlia, peony or rose are common options.

Andro laid out the different layers of the bouquet: focal, filler, line and form. She says, “Your focal flower is more round and flashy, a little bit above the filler flowers. Then, filler [including] carnations, feverfew, tweedia. Then a line flower—snapdragon is a great example. Finally, a form flower: tulips, lilies, irises, clematis. With the different heights, you’re creating that dimension within the arrangement.”

Dahlias are a favorite focal flower of these local growers. For beginners, the Queeny Series of zinnias is an easy alternative.

Menne and Neeser stress the importance of having fun when you’re arranging your bouquet. Last summer, they created weekly themed bouquets ( Barbie and sunset were two memorable ones), inviting a sense of fun into the process. “We get to create and play—we don’t do that enough in our adult lives, so we try and bring that aspect into our bouquet making,” Neeser says.

Whether you’re working with a garden plot, a few pots on the porch or a raised bed, a cut flower garden is well within reach. Make sure the flowers receive plenty of good sunshine and the right amount of water. Keep the gardens in full view, so you’ll be encouraged to go out and pay the flowers a visit. As Menne says, “Start small, be realistic—and optimistic— and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”

Hazel and Goose, 2186 Third St. Studio 103; staci@hazelandgoose.com; hazelandgoose.com

Hazel & Goose @hazelandgoose

T and Nae, 15815 Elmcrest Ave. N., Hugo; tandnaellc@gmail.com; tandnae.com t.and.nae @t.and.nae

Photo: Chris Emeott

Bringing conviviality to the table

ROMINA MONTANARI CREATES AUTHENTIC ITALIAN EXPERIENCES IN LOCAL KITCHENS.

Written by Meredith Heneghan — Photos by Chris Emeott

Romina Montanari is a passionate teacher of Italian food traditions. Her Italian cooking and travel business, Italy with Romina, brings the flavors of her home country to her community in White Bear Lake through homemade pasta-making classes and boutique food and wine tours of Italy.

Montanari’s specialty is sharing her knowledge of Italy’s various food and wine regions. Being from Modena, located in Italy’s “food valley,” she says that food is an undeniable and central part of Italian life. As she says, “It’s always about food.”

Montanari’s description of each region’s specialty is a journey in itself—balsamic vinegar from Modena, tortellini from Emilia Romagna, Grana Padano cheese from Lombardia and truffles from Piedmont. Montanari says, “I like to teach region by region because I want to emphasize that Italy is really special because it’s so tiny, but there are 20 little worlds inside. Twenty regions that are food and wine paradises.”

Minnesota and Modena don’t have many similarities, and Montanari says the only time she feels like she could be in either place is when she hears church bells. Despite the differences, one of her goals as a teacher and host is to enliven Minnesotan tables with the atmosphere of sitting down for an Italian meal. She uses all Italian ingredients, and says the

produce is best when it is local and comes fresh from a farmers market. Making authentic food with proper ingredients is one goal, but the Italian experience goes far beyond what ends up on the plate. She says, “The other part that’s important is sharing the table, a communal table— the conviviality. That is something that I love.” It’s not an Italian meal without this sense of togetherness. “It’s so nice to get together,” she says.

Her memories of growing up with homemade food from her mother are the foundation of these goals. She says, “I woke up in the morning, and the first thing—almost before coffee—you’d smell ragu, the meat sauce for lunch, and everybody would come home to a warm meal. I grew up with the tradition of food being the most important thing in your health.” Montanari also emphasizes that Italian food often takes hours to prepare, only to be devoured in moments at the table. “What I’m trying to do is keep the traditional foods alive, the ones that take a long time to prepare,” she says. “Making pasta from scratch takes you a long time, and you eat it in one second, but everybody loves it because the taste is so good!” Montanari is a people-person. Her countenance is decidedly friendly, and she’s drawn to teaching. “When I’m teaching, I’m interacting with the people, and that part is what I like,” she says. It was while teaching

Italian language classes that she saw an opportunity to bring homemade Italian food into Minnesota homes. Montanari’s pasta classes are hosted in people’s kitchens with a group of friends. This setup creates a warm and comfortable environment where it’s easy to ask questions and pick Montanari’s brain. “I knew that people would love it if I brought this experience of not only making fresh pasta, but learning about the region and Italy all together. People are really entertained. It’s fun, they’re learning a new skill and they’re eating a wonderful meal at the end.”

Romina Montanari

Romina Montanari prepares tortelloni pasta with ricotta and spinach filling. Tortelloni is a larger version of tortellini with a cheese-based filling, originating from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.

ORECCHIETTE WITH SCHIATTARICIATI SAUCE

Serves four

Ingredients:

» 14 oz. orecchiette pasta

For the Schiattariciati Sauce:

» 1 package of Italian mild sausages

» 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

» 4 garlic cloves, whole with the skins on

» 2 lbs. cherry tomatoes

» 20–25 basil leaves, plus more for garnish

» 3/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, grated

» salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot, bring about 8 cups of water to a boil, with a generous amount of salt. In another deep sauce pot, add the olive oil and whole garlic. Over medium heat, heat the oil until it starts to bubble. Add little pieces (hazelnut size) of the Italian mild sausages in the oil to cook. Once the sausage is cooked, gently place the whole cherry tomatoes in the oil. Cover the saucepan with its lid, letting the tomatoes “explode” under the lid. Add the salt and pepper, to taste, and basil leaves. Cover until you’re ready to add the pasta. Once the tomatoes have burst, put the pasta in the boiling water. Boil for 3 to 4 minutes, it should be extremely al dente when you remove it from the water. Add it to the sauce; the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce. Off the heat, add the grated cheese, and toss until the cheese has coated all the pasta. Garnish with fresh basil. Buon Appetito! ITALY WITH ROMINA italywithromina@gmail.com italywithromina.com @italywithromina

HOME & GARDEN Collection

SO, WHY ARE WE ON THE ROOF?

The first thing we learned when we moved Preferred Kitchens to White Bear Lake almost 30 years ago was that its residents were deeply rooted in their community. The Northeast Metro area in general shares a high level of “team spirit” in supporting local schools, community resources and business.

At Preferred Kitchens, we are on the same page. Our success is dependent on being a valued asset to this community, and that is top of mind every time you call, visit or email us.

OK, we are on the roof standing in our solar garden harvesting “green” energy as part of our commitment to being responsible neighbors of our community and the planet.

We are real life renovations for your real life. Thanks for your support.

PREFERRED KITCHENS, INC., 4706 HIGHWAY 61 N., WHITE BEAR LAKE; 651.429.1212; PREFERREDKITCHENS.COM PREFERRED KITCHENS, INC. @PREFERREDKITCHENS

Head farmer Christen Kriesel, vice farmer Jacob Kriesel and rainmaker Mark Klosterman.

PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN & LAWN CARE SERVICES

Your yard is a personal extension of your home, and each customer and property we serve is unique. Green Oasis specializes in providing customized lawn care and landscaping services by listening to your needs. Our experts get to know you and how you envision your outdoor spaces to look, feel and function. Our designers are trained to accommodate your requests and exceed your expectations by delivering complete satisfaction. With over 45 years of experience, we have seen it all! Trust the experts at Green Oasis to create and maintain your oasis.

GREEN OASIS , N8232 945TH ST., RIVER FALLS, WISCONSIN ; 715.832.0800;

GREENOASIS.CO GREEN OASIS SERVICES @_GREENOASIS

Roofing, siding and windows are more than just functional components of your home—they define its aesthetic appeal and protect it from the elements. With Hoffman Weber Construction, you can trust that every aspect of your project will be handled with the utmost care and professionalism. Whether you need a roof replacement that guarantees long-lasting durability, new siding that adds elegance and curb appeal or windows that enhance energy efficiency and beauty, our team is here to bring your vision to life.

Why choose Hoffman Weber Construction?

• Unmatched craftsmanship and attention to detail

• Superior quality materials for lasting results

• Dedicated team of skilled professionals

• Transparent communication and exceptional customer service

• Commitment to community involvement

Now Serving Brainerd Lakes Area!

Spring Fizz

Add some sparkle to your Mother’s Day brunch with a collection of crowd-pleasing Mimosas and Bellinis.

Written by Jennifer Pitterle — Photos by Chris Emeott

ON MOTHER’S DAY , many families around White Bear Lake will gather for that quintessential springtime meal: brunch. 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 included 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 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 beverage.

Classic Orange

» ¼ cup orange juice, freshly squeezed

» 3/4 cup Champagne or sparkling wine

» Cara Cara orange slices, for garnish

Orange Mango

» ¼ cup Santa Cruz organic orange mango juice

» 3/4 cup Champagne or sparkling wine

» strawberries or orange slices, for garnish

Pomegranate

» ¼ cup RW Knudsen Just Pomegranate juice

» 3/4 cup Champagne or sparkling wine

» strawberries or pomegranate seeds, for garnish

Blueberry

» ¼ cup RW Knudsen Just Blueberry juice

» 3/4 cup Champagne or sparkling wine

» blueberries or raspberries, for garnish

Sparkling Grapefruit Vanilla Mocktail

For the 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. 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.

Peach Bellini

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

» 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, 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,” Katie 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.

Elderflower Prosecco

Elderflower has long been beloved in Scandinavia and across northern Europe, partly because its appearance signals the arrival of spring. St-Germain is the most recognized elderflower liqueur. 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.

Lunds & Byerlys, 4630 Centerville Road, White Bear Lake; 651.653.0000; lundsandbyerlys.com

Lunds & Byerlys White Bear Lake @lundsandbyerlys @lundsandbyerlys

A SUMMER SAMPLING

Theme weeks bring a unique element to Marketfest.

MARKETFEST IS NEARLY HERE! Starting in early June, each Thursday will bring a dazzling display of vendors, activities and entertainment to downtown White Bear Lake—with a unique thematic twist on Fourth Street.

“There are sponsorship opportunities to have a dedicated theme on Fourth Street during Marketfest each week,” says Marketfest director Lisa Beecroft. “You plan whatever is happening on the street that night. It can be demonstrations; it can be booths; it can be entertainment.”

The theme weeks activate Fourth Street and help create a cohesive sense of celebration through all of downtown, Beecroft adds.

Take a peek into this year’s theme weeks: Marketfest begins on June 13 with Ave for the Arts, Manitou Days Kickoff and Kiddie Parade. Ave for the Arts is sponsored by Lakeshore Players Theatre and Children’s Performing Arts and includes performances, live demonstrations and giveaways.

June 20 brings White Bear History Night with exhibits and carnival games, and on June 27, White Bear Lake Area Schools will host its first ever theme week.

Public Health & Safety Night is back on July 11, hosted by local fire and police departments. “They usually do the jaws of life at the intersection of Fourth [Street] and Banning [Avenue] … that always pulls a huge crowd,” Beecroft says.

Then, Marketfest wraps up with two beloved theme weeks: the third annual Science and Agriculture Night (sponsored by AFSA K–12) on July 18 with kid-centered activities and booths, and the Environmental Resource Expo (run by the City of White Bear Lake) on July 25. “It’s a great resource,” Beecroft says of the expo. “They’ve been with us for 20 years.” —Zoe Yates

info@marketfestwbl.com; marketfestwbl.com Marketfest

@marketfestwhitebearlake @marketfest

Photo: Lisa Beecroft

Take advantage of special daily rates on our Certificates of Deposit!

Interest rates are consistently changing, so to ensure we’re always offering our best CD rates, each morning we will publish our “Best Rate of the Day.”

Visit our website for today’s BEST CD RATE!

STRAWBERRY

SEASON STARS MID JUNE TO EARLY JULY

C’mon out... This is the place to make you smile.

Crazy about Strawberries

Come to Pine Tree’s Strawberry Heaven and enjoy Minnesota grown strawberries. Call for harvest update after June 10. And those fresh strawberry pies and other treats from our own bakery ... Oh my!

Pine Tree Apple Orchard 651.429.7202 | www.pinetreeappleorchard.com

North of White Bear Lake off East Hwy. 96

Fresh apples and pies available in August.

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LOCAL EVENTS

Dog Days WBL 05/18

Show off your favorite furry friend at this event in downtown White Bear Lake, where pups can sink their teeth into some free treats, cool off their paws in a doggie pool and wag their tails for some free dog swag. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. White Bear Lake; info@downtownwhite bearlake.com; downtownwhitebearlake.com

Memorial Day Cookout Buffet 05/26

Enjoy the tastings of the Dellwood Country Club and its grilling buffet just in time for Memorial Day. All ages. $8.95–$19.95. 4:30 p.m. Dellwood Country Club, 29 East Highway 96, Dellwood; 651.426.3218; dellwoodcountryclub.com

10-Minute Play Festival 05/30–05/31

Watch 10 never-before-seen plays and cast your vote for 2024’s best 10-minute play. All ages. Prices vary. 7:30 p.m. Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake; 651.478.7427; lakeshoreplayers.org

Manitou Days 06/15–07/04

This beloved annual event is a three-week celebration of the White Bear Lake community. The festival will include multiple parades, a dance on the beach, a medallion hunt, a community garage sale, fireworks and more. All ages. Free. Times vary. Locations vary; manitoudays.com

Manitou Triathlon 06/23

Enjoy biking, swimming and running? Try your hand at this triathlon, featuring distance options to suit varying experience levels. All ages. $105–$350. 8:30 a.m. White Bear Lake County Park, 5050 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake; 651.440.9625; mnraces.com Compiled

Nicollet Island Spring Market 05/05

Farm-fresh produce, artisanal gifts and sunshine are all on the menu at this oneday spring market. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power St., Mpls.; 612.230.6400; minneapolis.org

Sculpture Garden Art Fair 05/11–05/12

Stop by the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Art Fair, featuring 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 and 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

For a weekend, Doors Open Minneapolis invites you to peek behind the scenes at some of the most interesting, eyecatching, and historic buildings the city has to offer. All ages. Prices vary. Times vary. Locations vary. doorsopenminneapolis.org

PNC Women Run the Cities

05/18

Fall in step with the Twin Cities’ female running community at this race, where participants can run 5K, 10K or 10-mile distances. 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 whitebearlakemag@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.

Children’s Discovery is a local, family owned child care. Our mission is serving families through the exceptional care and education of children. Discover the difference, today!

Children’s Discovery Academy Vadnais Heights | 651.653.9871 Little Canada | 651.484.4931 childrensdiscoveryacademy.com

It’s the TRUST we earn each and every day from our patients that makes us a TOP

One Giant Leap for Kid-Kind

Award-winning photo captures summertime fun.

On a warm summer evening at the Schneeweis family home—a cherished spot that’s been passed down for generations—Jane Schneeweis captured this photo of her grandchildren jumping off the dock on the east shore of White Bear Lake. “They playfully entertained the youngest one, humorously pretending she could push them all in,” Schneeweis says. She recalls a contagious bout of laughter that swept through the whole family. “This image serves as a poignant reminder of the profound love and appreciation I hold for the simple yet meaningful moments with my children and grandchildren,” Schneeweis says. —Findlay Drabant

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

Photographer: Jane Schneeweis

Title: Little Dynamo

Equipment: iPhone 8

Category: People

Award: First Place