Edina - August 2023

CELEBRATE SOME OF OUR CITY’S CREATIVE, GENEROUS AND DRIVEN HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

PHYSICAL THERAPY

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“What is sustainability? Does it just mean how we affect the Earth, or does it mean how we live as humans as well?” —Rachel Bartling, owner and architect of The Zen House, page 32

Photo: Chris Emeott

DEPARTMENTS

12 — Edina Educator Named Social Studies Teacher of the Year

Christopher Griggs’ passion for social studies seeps into lessons.

14 —A Reusable Coffee Cup?

There’s an App for That!

Two “eco-preneurs” develop a sustainable alternative to single-use disposables.

16 — Natural Connections

Elsa Litecky inspires the next generation of naturalists.

18 — The Wildling Gives Kids a Voice

Founders believe that storytelling in its simplest form boosts self-esteem.

FEATURES

22 — Senior Spotlight

Celebrate some of our city’s creative, generous and driven high school seniors.

32 —The Zen Box

Local architects renovate their home with sustainability in mind.

TASTEMAKERS

44 —Making a Roar in the Restaurant Scene

Muddy Tiger Indian Bistro brings South Asian street food to our own backyard.

FROM THE EDITOR

AMY OVERGAARD — EDINAMAG@LOCALMEDIA.CO

Every August, we focus on education throughout the pages of our magazine. Our annual Senior Spotlight feature (page 22) is a big part of this—but we also look at education from different angles. This month, we’re celebrating a local teacher (page 12) and introducing you to a local nonprofit that uses storytelling to build confidence in youth (page 18). We’re also exploring sustainability and what we can learn about taking better care of our environment in two different stories—one about coffee cups and one about home design. And, in chatting with area naturalist Elsa Litecky, we’ve discovered the delight that can be found in learning from nature (page 16).

This month—my last as editor of Edina Magazine—I’m also personally reflecting on all I’ve learned during my time with the magazine. I can assure you that it’s in good hands—and you’ll meet the new editor next month, if you haven’t already met her out in the community!

But in the meantime, I want all of you, dear readers, to know how much it’s meant to me to be the editor of this community publication. I’ve learned so much about this city and the people who call it home. I’ve experienced firsthand the generosity and warmth of so many of you, through coffee meetups, email exchanges and impromptu chats at local shops or events. I’ve had fun, been challenged and am walking away with a hopefulness for the future through meeting so many impressive young people in this community who are intent on making the world a better place.

Thank you for letting me learn about what matters to you and for trusting me to tell the story of this community over the past two years. And please stay in touch. You can find me on Instagram @amyovergaard. I can’t promise to post often—but if you send me a message, I promise to respond!

Correction: In a recent issue of Edina Magazine, we ran an article about Swimply. We want to make note about local regulations pertaining to Section 36—1254, which prohibits this type of rental in the city of Edina. For additional information, please visit edinamn.gov.

Photo: Chris Emeott

publisher Susan Isay editor Amy Overgaard president Pete Burgeson

WEARY COOK’S SAVIOR

SHEET PAN DINNERS are such a favorite in our house that I’ve committed Thursdays to them on our weekly menu. By Thursday, I’ve usually lost most of my motivation in the kitchen, so I need something quick and easy to get us through the week.

Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

• 1 red bell pepper, stem and seeds removed, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, stem and seeds removed, sliced

• 1 red onion, sliced

• 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 3 Tbsp. olive oil, divided

• 2 tsp. chili powder

• 2 tsp. cumin

• 1 tsp. garlic powder

• 1 tsp. dried oregano

• ½ tsp. paprika

• ½ tsp. salt

• ½ tsp. pepper

• chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream and shredded cheese, for topping

• 8 fajita tortillas

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, salt and pepper. In a medium bowl, add the sliced peppers and onion, 2 Tbsp. olive oil and half of the seasoning mixture, about 3 tsp. Mix well; spread out onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, combine remaining spice mixture with the shrimp and 1 Tbsp. olive oil. After 10 minutes, add the shrimp to the baking pan; bake for another 10–12 minutes, until the shrimp and veggies are cooked through. Serve on tortillas with cilantro, sour cream and cheese.

Taylor Ellingson’s blog, Greens and Chocolate, has recipes ranging from healthy dinners and sides to desserts and drinks. You can also find her cookbooks on Amazon. Greens and Chocolate @greensnchocolate

Photo: Taylor Ellingson

Be Kind in the Skies

My mom was a stewardess “back in the day,” as she refers to it. Air travel was an experience to be enjoyed and one in which travelers tried to put their best foot forward. Today, it seems that air travel is simply a means to get us to our destination as quickly as possible. Let’s all try and put our best foot forward with these three ways to be kinder while traveling.

Mind Your Manners

Adhere to the customs, social norms and etiquette of the place you are visiting. Respect the local culture and show consideration for the people you encounter, and, more importantly, make sure to say, “Please” and “Thank you.”

Remember the Art of Small Talk

Don’t be afraid to engage in friendly conversation with fellow travelers or locals. (I know about this tip; I met my husband in baggage claim.) Small talk can help you create connections, build new relationships and make your

travel experience more enjoyable. One of the easiest ways to practice small talk is to use the names of the people you encounter while traveling. Everyone has a name tag these days.

Tip

Tipping is an easy way to show appreciation for services provided. I often pick up $5 coffee shop gift cards to give to people at the hotel or to flight attendants, who have been kind or provided excellent service.

It doesn’t take much to be a kind traveler, and it can lead to you and your loved ones having a more pleasant and enjoyable experience.

Contributed by Edina’s Jasmine Brett Stringer, professional keynote speaker, on-air lifestyle expert, author and founder of Carpe Diem with Jasmine and #ShareTheMicMN. Find her on Instagram @carpediemjbs or at jasminebrettstringer.com.

Jasmine Brett Stringer

Jasmine Brett Stringer’s mother (middle) in an “enhanced” airline advertisement.

READ A BlueRibbon Read

Snow cones! Corn on the cob! Baby animals! Midway games! Get your young readers ready for the Great Minnesota Get Together with Astrid and Apollo.

This chapter book series from Minnesota author V. T. Bidania consists of 16 titles, featuring Hmong American twins Astrid and Apollo and all kinds of classic Minnesota childhood adventures—including this installment about a trip to the fair.

In Astrid and Apollo and the Family Fun Fair Day, the twins embark on a scavenger hunt, which guides their family’s path around the fairgrounds from the butterfly garden and the grandstand stage to Midway games and animal barns, with plenty of stops for food.

This book is a wonderful way to prepare children for a visit to the fair or reminisce about past trips. Kids might love the chance to read the book independently or aloud to the family.

Cheerful full-page color illustrations by Evelt Yanait support new readers and make a nice bridge from picture books. Brief definitions and facts about Hmong culture and history are included in the back matter.

From the shuttle bus to the giant slide, this book is as delightful as a day at the fair for the new readers in your life.

Contributed by Edina’s Megan Maynor, children’s book author, Minnesota Book Award Finalist and Minnesota Youth Reading Awards Nominee. Find her books at meganmaynor.com.

Edina Educator Named Social Studies Teacher of the Year

Christopher Griggs’ passion for social studies seeps into lessons.

By Hanna McDaniels

EARLIER THIS YEAR , Christopher Griggs, an Edina High School (EHS) teacher, was honored as the High School Social Studies Teacher of the Year by the Minnesota Council for the Social Studies. However, he wasn’t always a teacher. Before his career change, Griggs worked in financial services—but teaching was always at the back of his mind. “I had really great social studies teachers in high school, and they made an impression on me,” Griggs says. “So, at the end of the day, I think that’s probably how … all those years I always thought about teaching.”

Griggs teaches U.S. Government and Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. Government at EHS, primarily to ninth graders, and his biggest inspiration is his students. “There’s never a dull day in teaching. It’s something new and unique— the students are so interested in making the world a better place and collaborating with each other,” he says. He also mentions that even though his students have encountered so much adversity throughout their education with COVID-19 and distance learning, they are constantly looking for ways to collaborate.

Thinking critically about the world around you is a skill that is extremely important for Griggs in his teaching lessons. “Social studies is the best subject

Christopher Griggs

to teach students how to think critically about the world they live in and especially in this world that we all are inhabiting right now, when information is coming at us fast and furious from everywhere,” he says.

Griggs teaches his students how to navigate online information and understand that the information presented is coming from a certain perspective or certain viewpoint—and knowing that some articles with crucial information may have bias. “Sometimes the information is false, or it’s misleading. It’s a huge challenge, but it’s a worthwhile one for the future of our democracy,” Griggs says.

Griggs and his students also work closely with historical documents, and he teaches them a process called “historical inquiry.” “The goal here is to think critically about the past as we attempt to understand the actions and the motivations of historical figures and the actions they took,” Griggs says. “I like to do that as much as possible, while also encouraging collaboration and trying to encourage students to work together to solve problems and ask questions.”

Griggs has been teaching for eight years, and he says there’s no slowing down. Not only does the outside world and the way his students interact with it keep him energized, but his colleagues do, too. “Everyone at Edina High School is inspiring, motivating and so, so supportive of one another. They’re all so bright, and we all expect high standards from one another,” he says.

While receiving the High School Social Studies Teacher of the Year award, Griggs says he still is blown away and honored by being chosen. “It’s an honor, certainly … it’s humbling. I think there are lots of great social studies teachers throughout the state and throughout the country. I’m still trying to wrap my head around [receiving the award]. It’s very special, and I am grateful for it,” Griggs says.

With the award displayed in his classroom, Griggs is using it as a teaching tool. “I want to show students that if you work really hard, people will take notice, and fantastic things can happen,” he says.

Photo: Christ Emeott

VENTURES

A Reusable Coffee Cup?

There’s an App for That!

By Kristie Smith

THEY SAY if you want to help future generations, model good behavior. And if you have passion, put it to work. Entrepreneurs and Edina residents Michelle Horan and Melissa Seeley are doing both with their new company Good to Go Cups, a business focused on sustainability that puts their love of coffee front and center, with a focus on grinding things up in the single-use cup economy.

The two began their journey together when they volunteered to help launch the organics recycling program for Edina Public Schools. Fast forward more than a decade, and Horan and Seeley are both still passionate about recycling and sustainability.

In 2021, they took an online course from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. For both women, the class was a lightbulb moment. “We [had] spent all these years advocating for recycling and composting/organics. … The Ellen MacArthur Foundation advocates for the circular economy,” says Seeley, who shifted her focus to reduction and reuse rather than just end-of-life waste management. “The foundation helped us realize we can’t recycle our way out of a waste problem.”

That same year, Hennepin County offered a waste reduction grant. The two women applied and received the funding. And that’s how Good to Go Cups got its start. “We focused on reuse by designing a ‘to-go’ coffee cup that can be used up to

Photos: Chris Emeott

Two “eco-preneurs” develop a sustainable alternative to singleuse disposables.

Michelle Horan and Melissa Seeley

50 times [and] is recyclable and compostable,” Seeley says.

Good to Go Cups are made of an innovative polymer, which is high-heat tolerant and compostable. Horan says they were very intentional about their material selection, seeking to find a way to keep materials in use. When a cup reaches the end of its life cycle, it’s sent back to the manufacturer, where a majority of the old material will get ground up and turned into new cups. Any residual material that can’t be reused can be composted. Each cup’s life cycle is monitored in the Good to Go Cups app, where customers can sign up, see where the cup is and track their number of uses.

In contrast, traditional, single-use cup production uses a “take-make-waste” model; taking natural materials to make a product that ends up in a landfill. Each single-use coffee cup is used for an average of 13 minutes; it’s estimated that at least 2.5 billion single-use coffee cups are thrown out each year. This waste problem was the topic of Seeley’s 2022 TEDxEdina talk.

Once the app and final product were developed, the two “eco-preneurs” set out to build a market. “We needed to get cups in shops and put the ownership on customers rather than the businesses themselves,” Seeley says, noting they wanted to make sure it was as easy as possible for the coffee shop employees. “We give the cups to the shops for free to make it lowrisk and encourage reuse.”

Customers can either enjoy their coffee in the shop and leave the cup there, or take it with them and exchange the used cup for a clean one next time they visit a participating shop. Most participating coffee shops offer a discount for people who use Good to Go cups.

Customers can access Good to Go cups in coffee shops from Maple Grove to Minneapolis—and even at a few shops in Arizona. At Jones Coffee in Linden Hills, owner Anthony Jones says staff and guests are welcoming the program.

About her new business, Horan says, “My new mantra: Don’t let perfection get in the way of action. We just need to start somewhere.”

Good to Go Cups; goodtogocups.com

Good To Go Cups

@goodtogocups

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Natural Connections

Elsa Litecky inspires the next generation of naturalists.

By Hanna McDaniels

ELSA LITECKY HAS ENJOYED the beauty of the natural world since she could start climbing tree stumps. That early passion inspired her career as a naturalist—with a long-term plan to conduct research in northern Minnesota. But she quickly fell in love with connecting people to nature. “It was my third year [as a naturalist], and I needed to develop more skills, so that I could be more marketable and also so I could be a better teacher,” Litecky says. “So I started looking at ways to do it.”

Litecky began by making blog posts and YouTube videos as EcoElsa to educate people about nature. As her online presence grew, she received an immense amount of positive feedback and a push for classes; from there she had to choose between her role as a traditional naturalist or taking nature education full time. Litecky chose the latter and took the leap to turn EcoElsa into a career.

“I love connecting people to nature. That’s kind of what got me into being a naturalist instead of heading Up North and doing research,” she says.

“Basically, my job is to help connect people to the outdoors, and I do this through games and activities, especially with younger kids, but I also do this through hikes and guided tours,” says Litecky, who offers classes through Edina Parks & Recreation, as well as others throughout the Twin Cities. “Most of my time is spent outdoors in the field, teaching and finding ways of making that material more accessible to people.”

Litecky believes that there is something outdoors for everyone and that is why the motto for EcoElsa is “Teach Anything Outdoors.”

“Learning nature helps connect us to the world more,” she says. “It helps us learn about ourselves more—and when we do this, we have a better

understanding of how to protect these things, whether it’s our local park or it’s our environment on a larger scale with the choices we make.”

But it also has broader personal and societal benefits. Litecky says spending time in nature improves both mental and physical health, and studying nature can lead to scientific breakthroughs that benefit humans through biomimicry. “This all in turn can make the world a better place,” she says.

Litecky describes EcoElsa’s classes as “multidisciplinary fun-ducation.” She has developed more than 30 classes in the past five years. “We develop activities that are not only fun and help people connect to nature, but also allow people to learn about other subjects like history, engineering or art, for example, while practicing soft skills, like teamwork, communication and problem solving,” she says.

Each class has several core activities,

Photos: EcoElsa

Elsa Litecky

PROTECTING MOMENTS LIKE THIS

From the field to the court and beyond, you’ve worked hard to make your dream a reality. And we’re behind you — cheering you on as you set your sights on the next big goal. Let’s talk about your future plans and how I can help protect them.

Kelley Burnett, Agent Burnett & Associates, LLC

Middle: Young adventurers learn about the forest floor.

Right: Catching butterflies.

but Litecky also builds in opportunities for children to pursue their own curiosity by voting for their next activity. “Our Outdoor Survival Camps always cover getting lost safety and guidelines, shelter building, fire making, water filtering and orienteering,” she says. “Then we have several additional activities, like basic first aid, edible and poisonous plants, knot tying or wildlife tracking that the kids then vote on to pick what we will do next.”

When Litecky is not teaching, she spends her time outdoors, hiking, reading or just exploring. “One of the benefits of EcoElsa is I am always getting to explore new parks,” she says, noting that Arden and Walnut Ridge parks in Edina are two of her favorites.

EcoElsa; ecoelsa.com

EcoElsa @ecoelsa @ElsaLitecky

PORTRAIT

The

Kids a Voice Founders believe that storytelling in its simplest form boosts self-esteem.

Wildling Gives

By Jody Carey

Photo: Bethany Meister

Mekea Duffy and Megan Kaplan

THE WILDLING IS MENTORING KIDS to share their stories in meaningful and powerful ways. Sisters and Linden Hills residents Megan Kaplan and Mekea Duffy created the nonprofit in 2018 to help youth find their voices. Through its programs and curriculum, The Wildling aims to create safe spaces for young people to tell their stories, and build connections through lived experiences and feelings.

As a trained journalist and natural storyteller, Kaplan believes “sharing [a] personal experience is the most expansive and accessible way for human beings to connect.” But when she reflected back on a younger version of herself, she saw a middle school girl who didn’t know how to share her own story or find that deeper connection.

That was a lightbulb moment for Kaplan. The teenage years are tough, and youth need a safe outlet where they can learn “how to become true to [their] own story and be able to share that out loud, in community,” she says. “In those middle school years, there’s a need for that kind of development.” In the age of social media, this idea is more important than ever.

To help grow her concept into an organization, Kaplan recruited her sister to develop The Wildling’s curriculum. Duffy’s background made her the perfect choice to help create an evidence-based curriculum to facilitate storytelling and connection. She had spent most of her career as a literacy specialist and, at the time, was also teaching educators how to teach reading and writing at the University of Minnesota.

“Story has always meant a lot to both of us—and the power of sharing,” Duffy says, recalling the openness with which the sisters and their family shared stories when they were growing up. “In our family of origin and our [professions], both of us understand the importance of story and telling your own story ... And it didn’t feel like there was a lot of opportunity for young people to openly share their lived experiences … That idea is missing, especially with kids who are accustomed to sharing who they are behind a screen.”

Eventually, the duo launched the organization by hosting story workshops that culminated in a Story Jam, where a microphone was passed around, and

participants would share their stories freely, with a newfound confidence. Over time, they shifted their focus to training educators to implement their curriculum, so the vision of The Wildling could grow beyond the workshops it could individually host.

And in the middle of the pandemic, when in-person workshops weren’t possible, they launched The Wildling Story Booth in partnership with Maribeth Romslo—a filmmaker and Edina resident. The first Story Booth project, Growing up in the Pandemic, collected 34 stories from kids across the country and was featured on Minnesota Public Radio and in the New York Times. Kids can go to The Wildling’s website, pick a theme and share their story in their own voice through an audio recording. There’s no cost to participate.

Since then, community partnerships—like Morningside After Dark and TEDxEdina have helped grow awareness about the nonprofit. Last fall, The Wildling team hosted a workshop for

the TEDxYouth@Edina presenters, coaching them on public speaking techniques, community building and helping participants map out their stories in a more cohesive way.

Indra Khariwala is a junior at Edina High School and participated in TEDxYouth@Edina with help from The Wildling. “The first thing I worked on with my mentor was my hook,” she says. “I reached a standstill in my progress,” and the outside perspective offered a clear direction.

The Wildling mentors helped eighth grader Erik Brovold connect with the audience by using emotion, hand gestures and word choice. “They helped me feel prepared, confident and deliberate in how to convey my message,” Erik says. They also helped ease his nerves using positive affirmations. Repeating, “I am prepared. I have worked hard. I am ready,” helped Erik successfully connect with the audience.

Through all of The Wildling’s programs, Kaplan has watched youth open

Bottom: Erik Brovold on stage at TEDxYouth@Edina.

Top Right: Indra Khariwala on stage at TEDxYouth@Edina.

Bottom Right: One of The Wilding Mentoring Workshops.

up and grow in confidence, but the process isn’t always easy. She often hears students say they’re not a writer or don’t have a story. When she hears that, she knows how to flip the switch and say, “Yes you are. Let’s map it out and find the spark that excites you.” Once given permission to tell a story, a new world unfolds.

Duffy agrees. “Initially they don’t think they have any good stories to share, but they soon realize there’s a story in all of us. Kids can tell stories in all sorts of ways,” she says. The Wildling approach teaches participants to express themselves through spoken storytelling, where grammar and spelling aren’t an issue. Duffy says, by the end of a workshop, participants “feel celebrated and valued” as storytellers. “Very simply, it makes kids feel seen and heard,” Kaplan says.

The Wildling; thewildling.org

The Wildling

@thewildlingstories

Photos: Cheryl Gunness; Kayla Maring

Written by Amy Overgaard

CELEBRATE SOME OF OUR CITY’S CREATIVE, GENEROUS AND DRIVEN HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS.

When seeking nominations of outstanding rising seniors for this year’s Senior Spotlight feature, I asked local school administrators to nominate students who have left a positive imprint on their schools and/or communities while in high school. I wasn’t just looking for the students with the best grades or most activities on their college applications. Rather, I wanted to introduce our readers to local students who exemplify a spirit of curiosity and generosity—those with a nonjudgemental

passion to learn about the experiences of others, those who give of their time through school or community service and those who extend themselves and their talents for the benefit of others.

The students featured on the following pages are all that and more. I continue to be in awe of what our high school seniors have accomplished at such a young age. It’s inspiring to see their passion and generosity come through in so many unique and personal ways.

Photos by Chris Emeott

BEN SANDERSON, 17

Edina High School (EHS)

“Ben Sanderson is an example of a well-rounded person. He is the total package with his academics, athletics and the arts. He is the blend of true AAA student. He is an extraordinary student, and all teachers give accolades on his curiosity and engagement. He is an outstanding golfer and remarkable at the trumpet. He is a well respected member of every classroom and group he is a part of. Many teachers have wanted his service and leadership in the classroom. As a peer tutor, he is the first to help students with true enthusiasm! He is also an active member of Model United Nations, where he excels at working with other students tackling issues of global importance. Ben is the type of person that is respected by everyone that he comes in contact with.” —Brad Dahlman, EHS dean of students

WHAT EXPERIENCES HAVE YOU FOUND MOST MEANINGFUL OR SIGNIFICANT?

My experiences through the Edina Golf Team have been the most meaningful. Last year, our team won the state tournament, and we have a very close bond with each other. Golf has taught me to give my full attention to the present and the importance of repetition and practice. The service activity I have found the most meaningful is spending time with kids with disabilities through the Peer Insights program at South View Middle School because I have developed many close relationships that

SARAH HU, 16

Edina High School (EHS)

“[Sarah was] president of Edina’s Girls United group as an 11th grade student. She oversaw the effort to get free/accessible feminine hygiene products in EHS bathrooms. Sarah was at the forefront of student activism events throughout her high school experience. Specifically, she helped coordinate a student walkout in the ’21–’22 school year to specifically highlight the lived experiences of Asian students in the Edina community. Sarah has taken one of the most rigorous academic schedules available to Edina High School students—and she does so with grace and humor. Sarah also dedicates a significant amount of time to Skijammers, where she teaches younger peers.” —Dylan

Hackbarth, EHS counselor

WHO HAS HAD THE MOST SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE THUS FAR, HELPING SHAPE WHO YOU ARE TODAY?

My parents have had a large impact on my life, especially seeing the experiences that they went through as immigrants. I admire their determination in improving themselves and providing a better life for our family. Despite both having a Ph.D. degree, my parents are constantly finding opportunities to increase their skill set, abilities and mindset. Their resolve drives me to better myself. No matter where I am in life, I’ll know that there is always a way to improve myself.

AUDREY TAYLOR, 17

Benilde-St. Margaret’s School (BSM)

“Audrey Taylor’s commitment to academics, school activities and volunteerism is inspiring. She loves music and has used her talent to sing in the BSM Chamber Choir, in musical theater productions on and off campus and now is wowing audiences as a member of BSM’s award-winning acapella group, the Red Knotes. As a sophomore, Audrey landed a … role in Elf at Stages Theater, and the role required her to be away from school on and off for several weeks. This was not a problem for Audrey. She managed her heavy honors and AP workload with excellent time management and a lot of communication with teachers. This [past] spring, she [was] shining on stage as a lead in Mamma Mia here at BSM. Audrey also loves staying physically fit and was honored to be a captain for the Red Knight Ladies’ Swim Team this [past] fall. Finally, Audrey is very driven toward volunteer and mission work—she is selfless and truly enjoys helping others. She helps her family’s foundation, Abbey’s Hope, with their mission of working ‘toward a world with safer pools by providing education and advocating for comprehensive safety standards for all pools.’ Most recently, she is spending her time at Loaves and Fishes, where she interacts with people and serves them meals. BSM has been blessed by having Audrey Taylor as a student.” —Amanda

Anderson, BSM Senior High guidance and college counselor

WHO HAS HAD THE MOST SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE THUS FAR, HELPING SHAPE WHO YOU ARE TODAY?

My parents have both helped raise me into who I am today and taught me so many valuable lessons, but my friends and advisers at my annual church camp, which I have attended every year since before I could read, have helped me shape my values and realize who I truly am as a person. I would not be the woman I am today without their influence, and I have them to thank for getting through many hard times.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNEXPECTED OR IMPACTFUL THING THAT YOU’VE LEARNED DURING YOUR HIGH SCHOOL YEARS?

The most impactful thing that I have learned in high school is sometimes you have to put your head down and keep working hard, even if it’s tough.

SAM BRUMBAUGH, 17

Academy of Holy Angels (AHA)

“Before Sam even set foot in the halls of Academy of Holy Angels, I read a letter he wrote in the Opinion section of the Star Tribune. I was impressed that he was reading the paper and took time to comment on the news of the day and to publicly voice his opinion. It was my first inkling of what a special young man Sam Brumbaugh would be. Sam is a strong student, who has challenged himself with 13 AP or advanced classes by graduation; [he] is an active athlete, who will be a captain of his lacrosse team this spring; and [he] is a leader, who is in the process of completing his Eagle Scout project. But if you ask him about his most important achievement, he would likely say it is coaching his younger brother’s youth hockey team because of the time they get to spend together. Sam is a lovely combination of confidence, enthusiasm for learning and an earnest desire to have conversations to talk through differences.” —Ann

Kjorstad, AHA college counselor

SONJA HOLTEY, 17

Edina High School (EHS)

“During the pandemic, Sonja and some friends participated in the Student Solutions Project. The focus of the project was to give students a voice to find ways to improve educational equity in the Edina Public Schools. Following the return to post-pandemic, she continued to advertise the ‘Say Hey Hornets’ message and started a student club to help make someone’s day. This group has been visible trying to make a difference for all students to feel welcome and seen at Edina High School. She is a gentle, kind and intellectual soul. I believe she represents the core values of EHS.” —Jenn Carter, EHS assistant principal

WHO HAS HAD THE MOST SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE THUS FAR, HELPING SHAPE WHO YOU ARE TODAY?

A person who has significantly shaped who I am today is my older brother, Bjorn. I love his empathy and willingness to help me up when I am feeling down, but one of the qualities that I admire most about him is his perseverance. Bjorn is quite possibly the hardest worker I know—he is persistent in the face of setbacks, and he doesn’t turn away from a challenge. He encourages me to pursue my goals and supports me as I try, whether it’s giving me a pep talk or laughing with me through a rerun of The Office. I feel lucky to have him in my life.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS YEAR’S FEATURED STUDENTS, INCLUDING A Q&A WITH EACH ONE, VISIT EDINAMAG.COM.

WRITTEN BY ZOE DEAL

PHOTOS BY CHRIS EMEOTT

Local architects renovate their home with sustainability in mind.

THE ZEN BOX

Architects Rachel and Jonathan Bartling have resided on Tracy Avenue in the Countryside Neighborhood for more than a decade. It’s where they built their family, buoyed their careers and built a community. So, when they decided it was time to renovate their 1962 home, it was the realization of a vision years in the making.

With a desire to keep raw materials at a minimum, the pair worked within the existing foundation and turned a traditional split-level into an open, modern abode dubbed The Zen Box.

“As architects, we talk about sustainability, [asking], ‘What is sustainability? Does it just mean how we affect the Earth, or does it mean how we live as humans as well?’” says Rachel Bartling, a health care architect. She notes that every decision was made with sustainability in mind—specifically biophilic design, an approach that aims to bridge the gap between occupants and their natural environment, and the WELL Building Standard, a system used to measure and monitor aspects of a built environment according to how they impact human well-being.

We connected with Bartling to discuss four green architectural and building decisions she and Jonathan made in the remodel of their home.

1. REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

Early in their renovation process, the Bartlings knew they weren’t interested in starting from scratch. “We didn’t want to tear down. That’s kind of been the trend in Edina, especially … [with] these big houses, and we just didn’t feel it was right for the neighborhood,” Bartling says.

A product of the 1960s post-modern style with an open concept and timber beams, the home had “really good bones” and was “well-made,” she says. To further reduce the use of

raw materials, they remodeled within the existing foundation—updating the floor plan, building an owner suite (or “nest”) above the preexisting garage and expanding the home into the backyard with an addition.

“We used our entire house foundation and walls and everything,” Bartling says. “[Though] we did do an addition that’s just slab-on-grade on the back to help us get that really open concept of kitchen, living, dining [rooms] all in one space.”

All in all, the remodel and addition resulted in an additional 1,100 square feet, for a total of 4,300 square feet; the home went from three bedrooms and two and half bathrooms to five bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms. And, aside from noticing the obvious facelift from the front—a new roof, fresh white paint with black accents by way of the windows and doors, plus natural Douglas fir accent siding giving warmth to the facade—passersby would be none the wiser.

“It was really important to be on scale with the neighborhood,” Bartling says, noting that they wanted minimal disruption to the scale of the house from the street view.

2. TAKING IN THE VIEW

“We wanted to make the house much more sustainable,” Bartling says. “Within the walls, the insulation was pretty much down to nothing. The windows were old, all those things. In having to replace those, we decided we wanted to make sure to create this connection to nature more.”

To reduce cost and labor, they updated existing windows with larger, high-efficiency versions, many of which are nonoperable to create uninterrupted views of the property’s stunning mature trees. “[We] just wanted to have very clear, clean views of nature. In every direction you move in our house, you see nature. It kind of helps guide you through the house in that way,” Bartling says.

It’s all about creating “points of delight,” Bartling says. Around every corner is a wholly unique and spectacular

The window above the cooktop is one of Rachel’s favorite spots in the house.

view—if not natural, then architectural.

A wide window above the cooktop looking out to bird feeders has become one of Bartling’s favorite spots in the house. The former front living room with a window facing toward their busy street is now a home gym, with transom windows creating privacy while letting in light. Any southfacing windows add efficiency via tree cover in the heat of summer and direct sunlight in the winter. In the main room, or “sanctuary,” the ceilings rise to 11 feet, with an uninterrupted view of the yard via accordion doors that open to the patio.

“That sunlight and views of nature, those are sustainable in that they make us be sustainable human beings in our own way,” Bartling says.

3. RAZING THE ROOF

Who says you have to choose between style and substance?

To modernize the home and minimize the roof height, the Bartlings removed their hip roof and installed a flat one. The roof is made of thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), a sustainable roofing material. The white TPO is able to reflect the heat of the sun in the summer; when snow falls, the accumulation becomes a double insulator and helps to hold in the house’s heat; when it rains, runoff is collected from the roof in rain barrels to be used in yard maintenance. The flat roof also allows for easier access for repairs and winter check-ins and is a convenient home for a new, highefficiency air conditioner to further reduce noise for the Bartlings and their neighbors.

A narrow, rectangular backyard is transformed with a uniquely elongated pool. Accordion doors offer an unobstrutcted view of the suburban oasis.

Behind those accordion doors is the main room, a testament to the open concept with 11-foot ceilings.

4.EMBRACING THE NATURAL

The Bartlings didn’t just renovate the home with an eye for nature, they also looked to their suburban yard to create an outdoor oasis. Along with the addition of a pool and unique shipping container pool house, the Bartlings made use of their long, rectangular lot to attract pollinators and operate more sustainably. Two raised beds are used to grow vegetables in the summer; a large rain garden collects rainwater runoff from the sloped yard; and, on the fence line, the Bartlings are working toward an extensive native perennial garden to attract beneficial pollinators. A large amount of native grass and a fire pit that sits under a canopy of trees create a cozy, secluded feeling.

Much of the landscaping was completed by Jonathan’s children, Jack (19) and Presley (16), and their friends. And when the family lost their contractor midway through the renovation, it was all hands on deck. The entire family “put in our own blood, sweat and tears,” Bartling says to support the completion of the home. While it was frustrating at times, Bartling says she appreciates the lessons it taught the children about hard work and making a house and home.

CHRISTINA B. JOHNSON Artist

Refresh your home with custom artwork. Christina B. Johnson has been sourcing clients with her colorful paintings since 2018. Shop her work at Edina-based Foxwell Shoppe and At Home & Co., or contact Christina for a consultation.

@christina.b.johnson

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christinabergjohnson@gmail.com

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Rain runo from the flat roof is collected in these barrels and used for yard maintenance.

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The Goddard School’s safe, flexible and caring environment gives your child the space to take chances, make connections and experience authentic learning so they can become school-ready, career-ready and life-ready.

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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.

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things to see and do in and around Edina

DELECTABLE DELIGHTS AND PICTURESQUE SIGHTS

Centennial Lakes Farmers Market is a harmonious blend of nature and commerce.

THE CENTENNIAL LAKES Farmers

Market gracefully unfolds every Thursday on select dates during the twilight hours. Its stalls are artfully curated along a picturesque waterside vista that stretches out from either side of the Hughes Pavilion.

The market is known for growing in size with each passing week and features an array of fresh produce, fruits,

herbs, flowers and meat sourced from local growers. There are also artisanal and cottage foods, such as flavored olive oil and unique types of ice cream. Edina Liquor hosts a beer and wine garden. Families seeking a fun evening can rent paddle boats or play mini golf at the park. The market also hosts monthly free activities for kids. And for the young ones who find it difficult to wait

while their parents are browsing, there are always at least 20 pokémon to catch on Pokémon Go. —Feroza

Mehta

Centennial Lakes Farmers Market; 3–7 p.m. Thursdays through September 28. Free kids activities August 3 and September 7. 7499 France Ave. S.

Photo: Debbie Townsend

Compiled by Hailey Almsted and Clare Greeman

LOCAL EVENTS

Kids Book Club

08/07

Grades four through six will discuss Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega, a book celebrating the diversity of hair. Children in grades four through six. Free. 5–6 p.m. Southdale Library, 7001 York Ave. S.; 612.543.5669; hclib.org

50th Class Reunion

08/11–08/12

Bruce Mooty has arranged for golf on August 11, and pickleball on August 12 for the Edina East-West Class of 1973. Send your information to Mooty at bwmooty@gmail.com. Class of 1973 alumni. Free. Times vary. Braemar Golf Course, 6364 John Harris Drive; Facebook: Edina East-West ’73

Strange World

08/18

Centennial Lakes Park shows Strange World at dusk. All ages. Free. 8 p.m. Maetzold Amphitheater, 7499 France Ave. S.; 952.927.8861; edinamn.gov

Frank Pasquerella Memorial Esophageal Cancer Walk/Run

08/19–08/20

This third annual event raises funds for The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation, a nonprofit working to raise awareness, encourage early detection and fund research of esophageal cancer. Ages 18 and older. Ticket prices vary. 1–3 p.m. Saturday; virtual on Sunday. Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Ave. S.; salgi.org

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

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

Edina Honors Local Coach and Students for Community Service

This spring, the Edina Community Foundation held its annual Connecting with Kids Leadership Breakfast, honoring Edina football volunteer coach Thom Propson and students Abid Hasan, Emma Flaherty, Charlie Greene, Nick Presthus, Elsa Utoft and Molly Seidel for distinguishing themselves by serving or empowering youth in our community. The student winners’ activities ranged from founding a “vision for all” nonprofit, organizing the 2022 TEDxYouth@Edina and volunteering for Habitat for Humanity.

To have your event considered: send date, time, location, photos, contact information and a brief description of the event to edinamag@localmedia.co.

Restaurant Scene

Muddy Tiger Indian Bistro brings South Asian street food to our own backyard.

Written by Jamie Tjorenhoj Photos by Chris Emeott

Clockwise from top left: Sabudana Vada, Vada Pav, Tawa Chicken and Pav Bhaji.

FLAVORS OF AUTHENTIC INDIAN cuisine vastly differ every 100 kilometers in India. But, in Minnesota, it can be hard to find any native Indian cuisine at all within that distance, let alone the cuisine of a specific region in India. When Muddy Tiger Indian Bistro owner Jyotiee Kistner noticed this upon moving to Minnesota, she knew something had to change.

Until last year, Jyotiee was a software designer. She moved to the United States in 2012 for work, eventually meeting her now husband, Andy Kistner. After getting married, the duo visited Jyotiee’s hometown, Pune, located in the Western region of India.

“It was a feast for my husband. He was really surprised with all the food and culture,” Jyotiee says. When they returned to Minnesota, shock settled in. There were no restaurants serving food from the Western region of India, and the couple began feeling a calling to introduce this cuisine to the Midwest.

“In India, each region has their own specialty. It is not stereotypical [Indian-American] food,” Jyotiee says, noting that food styles and dishes differ immensely across India, and you will not find the same items on the menu in Mumbai as you will in New Delhi. “Language and food is so different every 100 kilometers in India,” she says. While some regions serve hot and spicy dishes, others specialize in more sweet and savory meals. In her hometown, Marathi cuisine is the specialty. “My [native] city has a balance of sweet, spicy, tangy [and] sometimes bitter—everything in one dish,” she says. “We wanted to share what Western India is doing, and especially Indian street food.”

Indian street food, or chaat, is essentially quick, accessible and affordable bites. Rather than sitting down, customers will order food from a stand in a larger marketplace and grab food on the go. Rather than fine dining, it’s the food locals eat on a daily basis. “At home, chaat is affordable for any economic level,” Jyotiee says. The people selling the food make everything fresh daily, serving food until they run out. She wanted to take a similar approach.

To introduce Marathi cuisine to Twin Cities residents, the couple decided to open a food tent in 2018 that would make appearances at the Centennial Lakes Farmers Market. Early on, they also did some restaurant pop ups at the Minneapolis Shake Shack, which was run by her restaurant mentors, who taught her everything she needed to know about running a commercial kitchen. Growing in popularity, the duo shifted gears, and, in 2021, opened a food truck. In February 2023, they opened a fast-casual restaurant in Edina.

Incorporating the sweet and spicy flavors from Jyotiee’s hometown into the dishes offered at Muddy Tiger, customers can find a variety of veggie-forward options—though proteins like chicken and lamb are also on the menu. Different textures and flavors flood the palate with each dish, making each menu item truly incomparable to another. “It just balances out that taste of everything in one bite,” she says, noting that there are no artificial flavors or preservatives in any of their dishes.

Most customers don’t know that the spices used are actually flown in from Jyotiee’s hometown about every three months. Her parents prepare the spice mix and send it over in bulk to use in the restaurant. “My dad used to have a catering business. I grew up helping him and learning from him, so all those recipes I grew up learning are from my home. All are family recipes,” Jyotiee says.

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Jyotiee often explains to visitors that Muddy Tiger doesn’t have stereotypical Indian items, such as curry and buttered chicken. She says these items are not served in her native city. While most menu items are new to her customers, she says the Tawa Chicken has been a customer favorite and a great way to experience some of the flavors of Marathi cuisine in a more familiar format. Most customers get more adventurous after that.

The name Muddy Tiger was Andy’s brainchild. They were looking for an unusual, catchy name for the business, and when Andy told Jyotiee about his idea, the name struck her heart; she used to work for Save the Tiger Project with WWFIndia. “When we are in college, most students get involved with the [Tiger] Project through our education system,” she says. Tigers are the national animal of India, and she liked the idea of having the animal associated with the restaurant.

Throughout her young adulthood, Jyotiee proactively fundraised for Save the Tiger. The more involved she got, the more she fell in love with the animal’s charisma. “Somehow today, I am still fascinated by the tiger,” she says. “[Muddy Tiger] stays with people.”

Not only does the name stick, but the delicious cuisine is unforgettable for many. “All my dishes are really close to [the] original experience. Many people keep telling me, ‘I used to eat this back home,’” Jyotiee says. She explains that this is what makes the late nights and early mornings worth it. “Me and my husband do everything from cooking to mopping the floors. We built the whole restaurant by ourselves. Whatever we have, we are putting in the restaurant,” she says.

Jyotiee’s ultimate goal is to bring India to Minnesota, so people can “feel like they’re home.” Her goal continues to be exceeded as the restaurant continues to grow in popularity.

SWEET ’N’ SPICY

Originating in the western region of India, Marathi cuisine is known for dishing up pleasure with a punch. Marathi dishes use minimal spices and incorporate an abundance of local ingredients, such as coconut and peanuts. Popular items include Sabudana Vada, Pav Bhaji and Tawa Chicken.

Vada Pav, one of Muddy Tiger’s specialties, generates an explosion of soft and crunchy accents all within one bite. Street food in this region is recognized for its complexity of textures and tangy essence.

The restaurant also adds occasional specials to its menu, featuring other regions in India, often in line with festivals and holidays.

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Muddy Tiger, 7015 Amundson Ave.; 952.600.7009; muddytiger.com

Muddy Tiger Indian Bistro @muddytigerindian

Top left: Tawa Chicken

Bottom left: Sabudana Vada

Above: Vada Pav Right: Jyotiee and Andy Kistner

RUNNER UP: PEOPLE

Summer Moments to Remember

Mother captures the pure joy of childhood summers.

LAST SUMMER , Edina resident Leah Steidl took a photo that beautifully captures the essence of a carefree summer day. The photo features her daughter Etta, with Etta’s best friend, Eva. “They’ve been the best of friends since they were 3,” Steidl says.

The two girls were splashing around with a hose while their mothers watched. “It was one of those super hot days, and myself and Eva’s mom were sitting on the deck chatting. I had brought my camera over to take pics of the girls for a project they were working on, and I noticed the sunlight was perfect, so I grabbed my big camera and took a few snaps.”

Steidl says she loves this photo for “the genuine joy” it portrays.

Photographer: Leah Steidl

Title: Summer Moments to Remember

Equipment: Canon R6 with a 24–70mm lens

To view other Images of Edina photo contest winners, visit edinamag.com.