Lake Minnetonka - August 2023

LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS BRING THE BEST OF THEMSELVES TO THEIR SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES

More specialists ready to go.

Ready with more doctors. Set with more specialty services and orthopedic urgent care locations open 8 — 8 daily. Go for more of what you need to keep your body moving. No referral or appointment necessary. TCOmn.com

Convenient online scheduling now available.

“My smile has always been my biggest insecurity and now I can’t stop smiling. I’m a whole new confident me. Thank you for creating a beautiful smile while keeping me looking like myself!”

Welcome to the education issue: “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” —Martin Luther King Jr.

DEPARTMENTS

16 — Experience is Everything

Minnetonka High School offers programs with students’ success in mind.

18 — Herbal Bundles

Bouquet Garni can offer just the right flavor boost to recipes.

20 — Sharp Business Model

Vivront offers knife sharpening services and strives to take a cut out of school lunch debt.

22 — Hats off to Millinery

Hatmaker creates custom toppers for clients and sells her wares at this month’s Twin City Polo Classic.

FEATURES

27 — Senior Spotlight

Local high school students bring the best of themselves to their schools and communities.

34 — Hashtag Authentic

Emily Carriveau shares her hobby farm, garage sale escapades, craft room exploits and more with a growing number of fans on social media.

TASTEMAKERS

46 — Lucky Number 7

Family-owned Casa Amigos features extensive menu options.

Photo: Shelly Mosman

RENÉE

FROM THE EDITOR

STEWART-HESTER — RENEE@LOCALMEDIA.CO

It’s time. Fresh crayons. Unmarked notebooks. New shoes ready for adventures. Backpacks loaded with supplies. The rumble of school buses practicing their routes. And lists, upon lists of final appointments to make, supplies to find, clothes to purchase and schedules to memorize.

By the time this issue appears in mailboxes, the 2023–2024 academic year will be close at hand. For many, it’s a fresh start. For fewer, it’s the beginning of an ending. Incoming seniors in high school are weeks away from their final first day of school in our local school districts.

While it might be cause for a few tears, there are even more reasons to celebrate. Reaching senior year is a milestone, and it’s one we like to mark by running our annual Senior Spotlight (formerly Prep Elite ) in our August issue—which happens to focus on education. The feature is an opportunity for us to highlight some emerging leaders, students from local high schools who are embarking on their senior years.

One of my favorite parts of this process is reading the nomination section where schools are asked to articulate why a student should be considered for the feature. Administrators, coaches, counselors and teachers provide incredible insight into nominated students. It’s clear that our local schools include some amazing people who truly care about supporting students. These responses are thoughtful, generous in praise and bring forth a spirit of genuineness. For those reasons and more, while we stand impressed by all the nominated students, we’re equally impressed by their nominators!

Visit page 27 to meet our featured students, and file their names away in your mental Rolodex; we’re confident that you’ll be hearing these names again in the future.

Keep learning ( and don’t forget to submit your photos to our Lens on Lake Minnetonka photo contest, which is open on lakeminnetonkamag.com until the end of the month).

Karla Fernanda Arreola-Lucio, photo by Chris Emeott, page 27

Photo: Chris Emeott

publisher Susan Isay

editor Renée Stewart-Hester

president Pete Burgeson

VIEW ART REIMAGINED

ARTIST AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ART

TEACHER KY MCDONALD has embarked on a new series inspired by taking females created by the great historical masters and fast forwarding them to the present. I appreciate the serenity and enjoyment I feel from these women, enjoying each other’s company. McDonald educates her students that the world of art is not black and white but is comprised of many brilliant colors.

Title: Summer Renaissance

Artist: Ky McDonald

Scale: 24”x30”

Medium: Oil on Canvas

Hollie Blanchard is a founder and art concierge with The Art Girls. View more at artgirlsmpls.com.

Art Girls Minneapolis @artgirls_mpls

Charity Classic

When a day promises Champagne sipping and divot stomping—all for a good cause—we want to learn more.

Since 1989, The Polo Classic has been held in support of This Old Horse Inc., located in Hastings, with other venues around Minnesota and Wisconsin. “We give horses a safe harbor for life where they may age in place, [be] loved, honored and respected to the end or move on to a happily ever after in a loving new home,” the organization notes on its website (thisoldhorse.org).

The fundraising event is set for 11 a.m.–5 p.m. August 6 at 6755 Turner Road in Maple Plain and includes entertainment, food trucks and beverages, a classic car show, equine events (jump event), a color guard and the polo match. Halftime entertainment includes a hat parade. (Visit page 22 to learn about a local milliner Karen Morris, who will have more than a few “hats in the game.”)

General admission tickets are $35; tailgate tickets are $250 for four attendees and include upto-the field car access and food trucks. Tickets for the private, reserved tent area start at $1,500.

—Renée Stewart-Hester

For up-to-date information, visit poloclassic.com.

Photos: Hal Tearse; Toni Thomas

College Days

New Location, Same Great Care!

NOW OPEN!

10150 Niagara Lane N, Suite 100 Maple Grove, MN 55369

As the Twin Cities’ largest and most experienced cancer treatment provider, we know that treating cancer calls for more than compassion. It means giving our patients access to more than 100 cancer care experts, evidence-based treatment paths, close-to-home locations and comprehensive services to support the whole person.

Our compassionate team works tirelessly towards one common goal –fighting cancer.

The Lake Minnetonka area offers students a variety of educational opportunities. In the past, it also offered a unique college. Long a community dream, the Excelsior Academy was organized in 1884. It prepared both genders for college and was a feeder school for Carleton College in Northfield.

Excelsior residents attended this private, Christian preparatory school tuition free. The academy’s Galpin Hall stood between present-day Academy Avenue, Water Street and Highway 7, overlooking College Lake and College Avenue. This major attraction drew over 800 people from around the Twin Cities to witness the laying of its cornerstone in 1885. But due to its local scope and “meager patronage,” it did not survive beyond its 1888–1889 session.

The building was sold and reopened as the Northwestern Christian College in 1891. An early college catalog shows the school’s novel initial structure: “The little ones entering the kindergarten can remain in this school, taking the successive studies as they are qualified to do so, until they have obtained their master’s degrees.”

The building mysteriously burned on December 6, 1896, ending Excelsior’s stint as both a college town and a “dry” town. The students and faculty moved on and took their pro-temperance votes with them, leaving Excelsior to go “wet” by just five votes the following year.

Kirsten Pardoe serves as the secretary of the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society’s Board of Directors. Discover more at elmhs.org.

Photo: Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society Archives

Artist’s rendering of Galpin Hall, Excelsior Academy (1885).

Read More, Learn More

When We Had Wings comes by way of bestselling historical fiction authors Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris and Susan Meissner, who work together for the first time on this World War II novel, which explores women serving in the South Pacific, a side of the war you may never have heard about before reading this book.

A U.S. Army nurse, a U.S. Navy nurse and a Filipina nurse meet while stationed in Manila, looking for fresh starts and becoming fast friends. As the tides of war change, their friendship and their lives are tested to the limits. Based on the true story of the Angels of Bataan (members of the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy Nurse Corps, who were stationed and served in the Philippines), this historical fiction provides insight into a lesser-known group of inspirational women.

As a bonus for Minnesota readers, one of the three main characters hails from Minnesota, and there are multiple local references that will be very familiar to Twin Cities readers.

Raela Schoenherr works in marketing at a publishing company and is a lifelong lover of books and reading.

Experience is Everything

By Hanna McDaniels

LEARNING STRATEGIES can travel down so many avenues. At Minnetonka High School, there are programs in place to help students explore and navigate a host of career destinations through some targeted and hands-on experiences.

Founded in 2012, Vantage is an advanced professional studies program, creating innovative, experiential learning opportunities for students. It spans 10 career paths with strands focusing on business analytics, design and marketing, global business, global sustainability, health sciences, international relations, multimedia communications, public policy, user experience (known as UX) design and education.

The Momentum program highlights design and skilled trades, and it includes pathways in construction systems,

manufacturing, design and transportation. “The program provides opportunities for students with a passion for real-world, hands-on learning to take courses that can lead to careers in the skilled trades,” says David Law, superintendent of the Minnetonka Public School District.

“Both programs are enriched by deep, meaningful real-world connections,” Law says. “Guest speakers bring industry knowledge, and students are also connected to mentors, who work with them on developing professionally and personally.” Vantage students meet with their mentors on a monthly basis, which means more than 550 local professionals volunteer their time to the program.

In addition, Vantage students participate in two partner projects, working to find solutions to real business

challenges shared by local and national businesses and organizations. Students in Momentum’s physics/mathematics of home renovation classes participate in mini youth apprenticeships and visit companies, exposing them to community businesses related to their areas of interest. “Students in both programs spend a lot of time learning from and engaging with professionals, and participation in these programs develops their professional confidence as they consider their opportunities after Minnetonka High School,” Law says.

“Both programs thrive through rich partnerships with community businesses and organizations,” Law says. “Whether they’re located right here in the west Metro or connecting with us from across the country, the knowledge

Minnetonka High School offers programs with students’ success in mind.

Photos: Minnetonka Public Schools

156 Lake Street, Excelsior, MN 55331

Left: Physics in Home Renovation students work with their teacher to put physics concepts into practice. Local professionals advise them on electrical wiring and other technical aspects.

Right: One-on-one mentorship is a signature element of the Vantage program. Patrick Horner (2023) meets with Kallol Mandal, director of Supply Chain with Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate North America.

and resources these partnerships provide are unparalleled.”

Some Vantage partnerships include Best Buy, Gale Woods Farm, Habitat for Humanity, NBC Universal, UnitedHealth Group and more.

Momentum partnerships include Automotive Unlimited, Bonfe, Northern Tool and Equipment, RJM Construction and others. “There are many opportunities for businesses to become involved in the programs, as mentors, guest speakers, hosts of site visits and more,” Law says.

Any student can register for a Vantage or Momentum course. There are some grade level requirements and prerequisite courses needed for some classes/strands. Learn more by visiting minnetonkaschools.org.

4 Bedroom / 4 Bath

3185 Finished Sq. Feet

$1,699,000.00

Unique and rare opportunity for park front, panoramic lake view property in the city of Excelsior. Turn of the century home loaded with vintage charm and sun filled spaces. Wood floors, high ceilings, wainscotting & crown molding add to the charm. Three generous bedrooms on the 2nd floor and a 3rd story loft currently enjoyed as a family room/o ce. Enjoy the location on the wrap around porch or firepit. Fantastic candidate for a remodel, addition, or build your dream home! Located on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, in historic Excelsior.

• Awarded top producer and established expert in the Lake Minnetonka community

• In-depth understanding of today’s market and trends

• Experience and creativity for all real estate needs

• Unmatched service and results

THE

Herbal Bundles

Bouquet Garni can offer just the right flavor boost to recipes.

By Renée Stewart-Hester

AS GARDENS CONTINUE to offer their bounties, fresh takes on recipes utilizing the harvests seem to be in abundance, answering, “What can I make with insert vegetable here?” But what about all those herbs that continue to fill planters and smaller gardens?

How many dips, garnishes and salsas can one make? Have you tried creating a bouquet garni with some of your fresh herbs to elevate a recipe’s flavor profile? Spencer Olson, local food blogger and regular contributor to our magazine, provides some insight into the savory bundles.

What is a bouquet garni? “It is a collection of herbs tied together with string that usually includes parsley, thyme, a bay leaf and celery,” Olson says. “But it can and should be altered based on when you are cooking. It is not to be confused with a sachet d’épices, which usually consists of parsley, thyme, bay leaves and peppercorns. The main difference is that a sachet d’épices has the herbs tied together in a cheesecloth. Think: tea bag of herbs for your cooking.” For determining what herbs go best with a recipe, Olson recommends The Flavor Bible by Karen A. Page and Andrew Dornenburg. “It has nearly every ingredient and food you can think of and lists the best herbs, meats and flavorings to go with each,” he says.

What combinations of herbs marry well together? Olson says, “A few herbs that pair well with one another: bay leaf, marjoram, parsley and thyme; parsley, rosemary and sage; and basil, marjoram and oregano.”

TWO TO TRY

If you’re interested in giving bouquet garni a go, Olson recommends using it in Chicken Wild Rice Soup (one of his favorites) and French Onion Soup (a classic). Find the recipes at thewoodenspoonchefs.com.

What should cooks know about how NOT to use herbs in their bouquet garni? “Refrain from using dried herbs,” Olson says. “To quote the late chef Anthony Bourdain, he relates it to ‘dried sawdust.’ Fresh herbs, especially ones you’ve grown yourself, will always give the best flavor. It’s also important to note how you use them. Don’t chop them up; leave them whole and allow them to infuse in your cooking. If you aren’t getting enough flavor from them, add more herbs to your bouquet or allow them to infuse a bit longer. Also, don’t use herbs that seem to have turned color or become a little dark around the edges. This could change the dish’s flavor and make it more bitter.” Good to know!

How do you make a bouquet garni?

1. Gather ingredients.

2. Lay out the largest/widest herb or flavoring you use, likely a bay leaf or a piece of celery.

3. Place the remaining herbs in the center of the item chosen in the previous step.

4. Hold the herbs together, and wrap a piece of cooking string around the herbs, tying together the ends.

5. Follow your recipe’s instructions for using the bouquet garni

When you’re searching for the very best way to maximize your shoreline, our piers are the perfect choice. Crafted with durable, sustainable, and maintenance - free materials, a Lifetime Pier offers you a contemporary design, and the beautifully functional space for the perfect day on the lake. All you need to do is

Sharp Business Model

Vivront

By Daniel Huss and Renée Stewart-Hester

ONE COULD ARGUE about what deserves to be tagged Most-used Kitchen Tool, but there’s no argument when it comes to naming kitchen knife sets as contenders. But knives might hit the top spot for Least Tended to Kitchen Tool.

Joseph Rueter, founder of Vivront in Wayzata, says 90 percent of kitchen knives are never sharpened. “When you ask people about their sharpening habits, they drop their shoulders,” he says. Rueter knows that some knives come with emotional histories. “When I asked about the backstory behind an older knife, a customer said she had bought it on her honeymoon,” he says. “A knife came in with a yellow Post-it note. It read: ‘This my favorite. Don’t mess it up.’”

Vivront got its start by processing all of its business by mail. A customer would contact Vivront, and it would send specifically made packaging materials to the customer, who would, in turn, send Vivront dull knives. “You just mail them off,” Rueter says. “It doesn’t get more convenient than that.” (Full instructions are on the website.)

In November 2022, Rueter opened the Wayzata location. The store not only serves as a dull-knife drop-off spot, but offers high-quality German and mostly Japanese knives for sale in singles and sets. Don’t know how the trick to cutting garlic or opening an avocado? Vivront offers on-site knifeskill classes (90 minutes) on Fridays and Saturdays.

How often should knives pay a visit to a sharpening service? “Sharpening

offers knife sharpening services and strives to take a cut out of school lunch debt.

Vivront offers an ideal space for learning (left) and shopping (right).

MAKING A POINT

Food is the great unifier, except when it’s not.

“My memory of school lunch was that food was a separator,” Rueter says. Kids fell into categories: hot lunch or bag lunch. Sadly, there is another category—kids who go without a midday meal.

Rueter started his business before Minnesota’s legislature debated universal lunch law proposals. Regardless of the final legislative outcome, he donates 5 percent of revenue from Vivront to improving school lunches, starting with eliminating student account debt.

“After [and if] Minnesota joins a small handful of states to provide meals to all, we’ll shift efforts toward other improvements in the state, as well as continuing to eliminate debt in other states,” he says.

frequency is a like tires on a car,” Rueter says. “If you’re driving a race car and performance is important, you’ll likely swap tires a few times a day. [In terms of sharpening kitchen knives], it depends on how often and how hard they’re used.”

When in doubt, Rueter says, “Try the paper test to test a knife’s sharpness. Knives don’t often dull uniformly. There will often be dings in some areas or flat spots in others. Attempt to cut some thin paper with the knife. Does it cut more than it tears? Does it hang up in certain spots, or does it cut uniformly all the way across the blade? If it hangs, tears or is not uniform, then it would likely benefit from service.”

Don’t forget about maintenance.

“Extend the sharpness of kitchen knives by honing regularly, protecting edges when cleaning and storing them, and cutting on cutting boards vs. plates, pans, glass or marble,” Rueter says. (Remember: Boxcutters are for boxes; kitchen knives are for food.)

Keeping knives in working order isn’t only about securing a finer slice-anddice method. It’s also about safety. A dull knife typically requires more and more force to cut something; a sharp knife will simultaneously require less force and be more predictable. Rueter says, “That predictability often translates to safety.”

Vivront, 3408 County Road 101, Wayzata; 952.222.5336; vivront.com

Vivront @vivront_ @vivront

Photos: Vivront

“My hats are lighter, more occasion-wear,” Karen Morris says.

STYLE

Hats off to Millinery

Hatmaker creates custom toppers for clients and sells her wares at this month’s Twin City Polo Classic.

By Jennifer Pitterle

Photo: Shelly Mosman

IF YOUR IMAGE OF MILLINERY

the art of hat-making—is one of towering Victorian numbers dripping with taxidermized birds and ridiculous ruffles, a quick visit to the studio of Twin Cities milliner Karen Morris will instantly disabuse you of that perception. Morris’ hats are contemporary and sculptural, perfectly walking the line between understated and attention-grabbing. “I like to go to art or science museums, and I get a lot of inspiration from there,” Morris says. “And I travel a lot. I’ll stop in London or Tokyo and see different things—I love seeing sculptures.”

Morris herself has a story that traverses the globe. “I was born in Hong Kong and moved to Minnesota in 2008 with my husband,” she says. “I didn’t have any friends or family here, so I needed some hobbies to fill my time.” Morris’ degree is in business management, but she’d always loved fashion and design. She took the opportunity to dive headfirst into millinery. “I’m basically self-taught,” she says. “I bought a lot of books and did Google searches and tried to find my tools and equipment step by step.” But a lot of the tricks of the trade, she says, aren’t available in books—you need an in-person tutor. Morris sought out millinery mentors and traveled to England and Australia to work with experienced hatmakers who shared their wisdom with her.

The craft was one thing. The business was another. “In the beginning, it was quite hard. Many ladies in Minnesota want something practical instead of fashionable,” Morris says with a laugh. “My hats are lighter, more occasionwear.” She applied to various art and fashion shows and was a vendor at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival in Shakopee. Slowly but surely, her clientele began to grow, including several local clients around Lake Minnetonka, who wear her millinery confections to galas, horse racing events, private parties on the lake and more.

Morris now has a showroom where clients can stop by or schedule an appointment, and her hats are featured in local fashion shows and art markets, sometimes as partnerships with clothing designers. Her true trade is in custom hats, she says. “Most of the time, clients don’t buy the existing stock. They’ll bring their outfit to my studio, and we’ll talk about colors and designs to match,” she says.

Local content creator and influencer

Even in uncertain times, growth isn’t something you hope for it’s something you plan for. And the best growth plans are based on what’s possible – to anticipate, to create, to achieve. At Crown Bank we specialize in being partners for what’s possible.

What can we make possible for your business?

Hats and Horses

Guests at this month’s Polo Classic at the Twin City Polo Club in Maple Plain can find Morris’ hats and meet the designer herself. She’s an official sponsor of the event, which benefits This Old Horse, an organization that supports horses that are retiring or rescued. Morris says the mission means a lot to her; growing up in Hong Kong, she knew horse racing well—the region has a thriving horse racing scene with events on the scale of the Kentucky Derby or Royal Ascot. She’s looking forward to the Polo Classic. “I love the event,” she says. “It’s lots of fun and so good to see all the horses.” For additional details about the Polo Classic, turn to our Noteworthy section on page 12.

Karen Morris has a showroom where clients can stop by or schedule an appointment.

Photo: Erin Smith

Carla Anderson says her connection with Morris happened around an event they both love: the Polo Classic, hosted every August by the Twin City Polo Club in Maple Plain. Anderson heard about the event and, as a lifelong horse-lover, decided to check it out. “I love the art of fashion and have a lot of respect for it— and for any festivities around it. I love to dress up,” she says. At the boutique where she found her dress for the Polo Classic, the salespeople asked if she was familiar with Morris’ work. “I just fell in love with Karen,” Anderson says. “I knew she had an eye for it. Right away, I reached out and said, ‘I need to meet you.’”

Anderson went to Morris’ studio ahead of last year’s Polo Classic to collaborate on her hat. “I told her about the design I wanted, the size, the colors—and she just nailed it,” she says. “We made this beautiful hat, and she was just outstanding.” Anderson received many compliments on her hat at the Polo Classic and was eager to work with Morris again. For Fashion Week MN this past spring, Anderson says, “I don’t mind repeating an outfit; I wore my dress somewhere else. But I needed to make a change elsewhere, and I decided on a hat.”

Another of Morris’ lake area clients is Jenny Verner, who met Morris at the marketplace of a business luncheon. “First, she made a mauve felt hat for me—I saw it at the marketplace, and by the time I went back to buy it, she had sold it!” Verner says. “Then I was able to go to her showroom, get fitted and have her make the hat. It matched my coat perfectly.” Verner says she loves working with Morris. “She is a professional and an artist,” she says. “She’s very creative and knows what a good fit is.”

Karen Morris Millinery, 1500 Jackson St. NE Suite 210, Mpls. (by appointment only); kmhats.com

Karen Morris Millinery @karenmorrismillinery @kmhats

Carla Anderson; @thecarlaanderson

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

Local high school students bring the best of themselves to their schools and communities.

Part of what makes a community great is its commitment to education and offering its youth opportunities to explore their worlds by way of academics, the arts, athletics, other extracurricular activities, leadership opportunities, service programs and more.

To recognize some student leaders from the Class of 2024 in our annual Senior Spotlight article, we asked local

schools to nominate students who best exemplified their school community.

We heard from their nominating school officials, who provided us with some wonderful insight into these young people. But we wanted to learn a bit more. Clearly, these students spend a lot of time hard at work, and we wanted to lighten things up a touch by asking a few not-so-series questions (along with other

queries). We hope you enjoy the lighter side of these academic heavyweights.

NATALIE MINER Mound Westonka High School

“Natalie’s kindness radiates in every space she enters. She approaches challenges with grace and, even more

Written by Renée Stewart-Hester — Photos by Chris Emeott

Natalie Miner

importantly, encourages her peers to do the same. She is willing to stand against the crowd for what she believes is right, and I genuinely admire this quality in her. She is constantly offering support and encouragement to her peers, leading others to succeed alongside her. I believe that Natalie views collective success as being just as important as individual success. This type of leadership, one that is thoroughly unselfish, thoughtful and supportive, is a rare and appreciated trait that Natalie possesses. Natalie is an outstanding leader who undeniably changes and betters

the community around her.”

—Wendy Richards, science teacher

• What’s your all-time favorite school lunch? Caprese pasta salad

• What one item is always in your backpack? AirPods or something to listen to music with

• What three words describe your high school experience? Exciting, challenging and inspiring

• What person in history would you most like to invite to your graduation? Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She is an inspiration to me because of her

determination and the difference she has made in our society.

• Speaking of graduation, what’s next after high school? I am planning on going to college outside of Minnesota. I am interested in studying math and business.

DANIEL ARGENTO Wayzata High School

“Daniel has demonstrated character and scholarship through his achievement, involvement and leadership

Daniel Argento

at Wayzata High School (WHS). Daniel is involved in many facets of WHS, also taking a variety of rigorous coursework, including eight Advanced Placement [AP] courses, multiple accelerated math courses, business and IT courses and more. Daniel proposed our Course Ambassador Committee … and this program has since grown to over 50 students and was established to help families navigate course registration [300 options] at WHS ... Daniel’s efforts have assisted families during our open house evenings, virtually, at middle schools, with counselors and one on one with students … His committee has been instrumental in adding course testimonials to our course catalog. He is looking to expand this idea to surrounding schools. Education is super important to Daniel. He has volunteered in many aspects, including high school, middle school and elementary school. He is studying linguistic support for multilingual students on the math MCA for his Honors Mentor Connection research project (in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Education). Daniel is interested in pursuing education in his future; he aspires to be a college professor in a STEM-related field, particularly math and linguistics.”

—Tyler Shepard, associate principal

• What’s your all-time favorite school lunch? Southwest salad

• What one item is always in your backpack? Apple Pencil

• What three words describe your high school experience? Enriching, challenging and inspiring

• What person in history would you most like to invite to your graduation? Steve Jobs

• Speaking of graduation, what’s next after high school? Attend a four-year college and pursue a degree in STEM

MARGARET (MAGGIE) LUNDELL Orono High School

“Maggie Lundell is an amazing leader on and off the soccer field. I have observed Maggie lead a group of youth players at camps, I have watched her interact with her soccer teammates, I have watched

Margaret Lundell

her on the basketball court, and I have heard from Maggie’s teachers. In all of these observations and reports, Maggie is mature, selfless, humble, empathetic, integrous and virtuous. She seeks out ways to connect with younger players in the program and has a keen eye for finding ways to include everyone. Maggie has a strong moral compass. In any situation, Maggie is not afraid to stick up for what is right. Maggie is one of the most trustworthy players I have ever coached. Recently, Maggie reached out to me after she volunteered for Humanity Alliance and wanted to organize a volunteer opportunity with this program for our entire soccer program. This is Maggie in a nutshell, she puts her community and teammates on the forefront and is always looking for ways to leave her community better and seeking ways for others to have experiences that make them grow as individuals.” —Erin Murray, Varsity Girls’ Soccer head coach

• What’s your all-time favorite school lunch? Orange chicken

• What one item is always in your backpack? … chargers, one for my computer and one for my phone, just in case. :)

• What three words describe your high school experience? Exciting, fast and enjoyable

• What person in history would you most like to invite to your graduation? Carrie Fisher or Georgia O’Keeffe

• Speaking of graduation, what’s next after high school? After high school, I’m looking forward to attending a fouryear college and, most likely, majoring in some sort of social science.

CURTIS YING

The Blake School

“Curtis is a student who personifies a love of learning and has demonstrated a high commitment to improving the community both in and outside of Blake.  His achievements in music, mathematics and numerous volunteering and leadership experiences paint the picture of a true renaissance person. His creativity manifests itself in the arts and sciences and allows him to make crosscurricular connections that deepen his understanding of complex concepts to

Curtis Ying

help guide other students toward mastery. Throughout the school, Curtis is extremely respected by his peers and teachers for his commitment to service and his ability and desire to collaborate to find the best solution to problems. His work tutoring younger students in Bear-to-Bear Tutoring and his President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award recognition emphasize the impact Curtis makes on students in our school and people in our community. They value his ability to communicate and the care he takes with all of his interactions. He is an excellent example of a Blake student, who is inquisitive, engaged at a deep level and committed to being a servant leader.”

—Brian Lukkasson, advisor and Upper School instrumental music teacher

• What’s your all-time favorite school lunch? Grilled cheese, tomato soup and a brownie

• What one item is always in your backpack? Wite-Out pen

• What three words describe your high school experience? Excitement, challenge and learning

• What person in history would you most like to invite to your graduation? My great-grandparents

• Speaking of graduation, what’s next after high school? Major in applied mathematics in college and get a master’s degree

KARLA FERNANDA ARREOLA-LUCIO

Minnetonka High School

“When Karla (Fern) Arreola-Lucio arrived from Toronto after her ninth grade year, I knew we had a real firecracker on our hands. Full of energy, Fern takes on all challenges with aplomb, never wavering even when the demands of multiple AP and IB classes become extensive. A speech and debate captain for two years, Fern quickly saw a need to foster these programs in the middle school setting. Within a year, Fern developed and implemented speech and debate teams at East and West Middle Schools, working with 55 students. Fern values a strong sense of community, too, so

Karla Fernanda Arreola-Lucio

she helped develop a summer experience for the speech and debate students … Fern also volunteers at myHealth, a community organization that helps teens and families in the west Metro, including Minnetonka. [She presents] to middle school students, as well as the Boy and Girl Scouts, about vaping cessation and prevention. Fern works with Youth Day on the State Capitol, promoting community health to our legislators … all this while managing the most challenging course load and a 4.3 GPA to boot.”

—Brad Burnham, school counselor

• What’s your all-time favorite school lunch? My comfort lunch meal, going 12 years strong, is leftover lentil soup in a bright pink thermos. (Bonus points if I packed apple sauce pouches!)

• What one item is always in your backpack? I always carry an extra pair of clean, fuzzy socks with me everywhere! My feet are constantly aching for some reason, so having cozy socks with me is a must!

• What three words describe your high school experience? Spontaneous, healing and rewarding

• What person in history would you most like to invite to your graduation? Antonia Novello, [M.D.], the first female and first Hispanic U.S. Surgeon General. She has been one of my biggest inspirations since I was in fifth grade and wrote a paper on her. I think having her at my graduation would continue to motivate me to embody her ideals in my future endeavors, whether through helping others succeed or showing others that hard work does pay off.

• Speaking of graduation, what’s next after high school? I am currently in the process of being a licensed EMT and will likely pursue a premed track in college with a minor in math. I hope to continue volunteering along with building a community wherever life leads me next.

To learn more about the students, visit lakeminnetonkamag.com.

Lori Serum and Beth Ulrich

Emily Carriveau’s enviable energy and creativity highlight her “small town” life in Delano.

Written by Jennifer Pitterle — Photos by Chris Emeott

Hashtag Authentic

Emily Carriveau holds her phone in her hand, camera on and stands in front of her full-length mirror. Carriveau is about to do a quick check-in with her one million-plus social media followers. Her Minnesota accent is instantly recognizable (with fast vowels and a hard “s” on the “you guys”), and she looks into the camera with an engaging earnestness that makes the viewer feel like they’re talking with a friend.

Next, she might chat about her recent fashion finds—her signature looks include chic designer items right alongside staples from Target—or give an update on her latest craft project. Then she might take her followers along as she checks on her chickens, alpacas, cats or her donkeys, Lucy and Ethel.

Carriveau, who lives in Delano with her husband, Jeff, and their three sons (ages 19, 16 and 13), is, frankly, pretty new to social media. A couple of years ago, she set up Instagram and TikTok accounts on a whim and started posting pictures of her outfits and the occasional video about her garage- and estatesale hauls. “I had gotten this Prada purse that I’d had my eye on forever,” Carriveau says. “I decided to do an unboxing of this Prada purse and talk the entire time, and it went pretty well.” She flouted the norms of popular “unboxing” videos, where influencers use curated background music and picture-perfect setups. Carriveau’s authenticity—her Upper Midwest Chatterbox Craft Mom vibe—turned out to be a hit. “All of a sudden, I had 100,000 followers on TikTok,” she says. “Now, I’m a lifestyle influencer.”

Carriveau invites her followers on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok into her everyday life: tending the livestock on her hobby farm; organizing and decorating around the house; visiting the construction site of her family’s new cabin; running errands with her 13-year-old, Brady, who is game to be an occasional guest host; and working in her beautiful, fully-stocked (understatement) craft room, where she makes viral videos about scrapbooking and (next level) gift wrapping. “I was trying to

“Okay, seriously, you guys.”

Emily Carriveau shares her hobby farm, garage sale escapades, craft room exploits and more with a growing number of fans on social media.

Emily Carriveau expertly wraps a gift for one of her subscribers.

come up with things to share,” Carriveau says about her craft videos. “I was wrapping up a gift for my niece, and I set my tripod up in my art room, talked the whole time, and it kind of took off.” The comments started pouring in: “We could watch you wrap gifts all day!”

So what is it exactly that makes Carriveau’s content so appealing? “I think it’s because I try to be as authentic as I can,” she says. “That is so important to me. If I can be real, and if I can be as authentic in everything, that’s what I want to do. I love the comments I get [from fans] who say, ‘You brighten my day.’”

And, Carriveau adds, her lifestyle content is relatable. “I live in the same small town I’ve always lived in—I moved away very briefly for college,” she says, getting a degree in marketing from the University of St. Thomas. After graduation, she got her real estate license and worked in commercial leasing for a while.

When Carriveau’s oldest son was born, she became a

stay-at-home mom full time. She volunteered in her kids’ schools, something she still does a lot of (bringing a megaphone to playground duty) and kept crafting. “When your children are young, you’re giving so much and doing so much,” Carriveau says. “But it’s also important to stay true to yourself and be fully authentic. When I started on social media, it didn’t work until I stepped out of the comfort zone of trying to be what everyone else was.”

Carriveau is a bona fide influencer now. Her TikTok account, @emilycarriveau, has 772,000 followers and counting as of this publication; her Instagram account, @smalltownme, has more than 130,000; her Facebook page, Small Town Me, has more than 187,000. She gets recognized almost every day—in the Dairy Queen drive-thru, at the grocery store or at the coffee shop. “It’s really fun,” she says. “I love meeting all these people. I always ask why they follow my page, and everyone has something different to say and I think that’s awesome.

Followers can keep tabs on Emily Carriveau’s hobby farm exploits, even viewing her chickens swinging or feasting on watermelon at their specially crafted picnic table. Learn

Never miss an issue of Lake Minnetonka Magazine with free, anytime access to our digital editions. Full screen viewing on your digital device allows easy cover-to-cover reading. Share your favorite Lake Minnetonka Magazine articles with friends and family.

Top: Emily Carriveau brings on the silly with her sidekick and “occassional guest host” her son Brady.

Bottom: Daily activities provide plenty of content for Emily Carriveau’s social media platforms.

ONE ON ONE

Carriveau’s favorite backto-school tradition is taking each of her kids on a shopping day, just with Mom, at the end of the summer. “It’s all about making it fun,” she says. “You can’t burn them out trying on clothes and shoes all day long.”

Here’s how to treat your kiddo to some quality time, Carriveau-style:

Start with breakfast out, and let them choose the restaurant.

Give your child an amount of “fun money” that they can spend during the day— maybe that’s on treats, a toy or a special piece for his/her wardrobe.

Bring back window shopping! Carriveau says she and her son, Brady, love to wander around toy and game stores, even if they don’t plan to buy anything.

Sprinkle in the necessities for back-to-school (shoes, clothes and supplies) without making it feel like a chore.

Add a fun activity to create some memories, and let your child choose what to do. Carriveau suggests classics like mini golf, a stop at Legoland or a jaunt to the pool or playground—just the two you!

Eco-friendly lake weed removal and shoreline restoration services for residential and commercial clients.

Certified scuba divers provide immediate and 100 percent chemical free results!

Call for a free estimate!

Scuba Weed Control

612.968.8764

scubaweedcontrol.com

scubaweedcontrol@gmail.com

Top Shave Lounge has got you covered. Book your appointment online or stop in for quality products.

The Top Shave Lounge 12993 Ridgedale Drive Suite 134 612.284.7227

thetopshavelounge.com

Improve your water quality, restore water oriented activities and increase the value of your property by controlling aquatic nuisance weeds this year. Aquacide products will help manage your recreational lake or pond to make the most of your property’s potential.

Aquacide Company

Serving Minnesota Lakeshores

1.800.328.9350

killlakeweeds.com

Wayzata Bay Car Wash is locally owned and operated in the heart of downtown Wayzata. We strive to lead the industry in top-of-the-line equipment and exemplary customer service.

Wayzata Bay Car Wash 143 Lake St. E. 952.473.4033

wayzatabaycarwash.com

things to see and do around Lake Minnetonka

GET IN TUNE

Minnetonka presents its annual entertainment series.

THE CITY OF MINNETONKA hosts the Music in the Park series with free, family friendlyevents from 6:30–8 p.m. Tuesdays through August 29 at Civic Center Park’s outdoor amphitheater, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd.

• August 1: Start the month with Jeff Dayton, the former leader of the Glen Campbell Band.

• August 8: The River City Jazz Orchestra will bring its big band classics to the amphitheater.

• August 15: Sawyer’s Dream will hit the stage with its Americana/pop/folk vibe with splendid vocal harmonies.

• August 22: Groove to the tune of the nine-part Latin salsa group Salsa del Soul.

• August 29: The Dirty Shorts Brass Band closes out the series with its New Orleans-style jazz performance.

Attendees are invited to bring their own food and nonalcoholic beverages. To learn more about the entire Entertainment in the Park series, visit minnetonkamn.gov. —Clare Greeman

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, part of the Movies in the Park event, will be shown at 8:15 p.m. (or 15 minutes after sunset) on August 31 at Civic Center Park, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd. Future movies are set for September 8 with Puss in Boots: the Last Wish and September 15 with Minions: The Rise of Gru.

Photo: Salsa Del Sol

Salsa del Soul performs in Minnetonka.

WOMEN’S HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN THE TWIN CITIES

At OBGYN West we are passionate about delivering high-quality women’s health care. No matter what stage of life you are in, our physicians are here to provide individualized, compassionate care. Our physicians and physician assistants provide a variety of services including adolescence care, pregnancy care, screening mammograms, infertility, menopause, urinary incontinence, sexual health, pelvic pain and genetic cancer screening.

Whether it’s your teen’s first annual exam, a new baby’s on the way or you’re facing the special challenges of middle age, OBGYN West is with you ever step of the way.

Compiled by Hailey Almsted and Clare Greeman

LOCAL EVENTS

Minnetonka Farmers Market

08/01, 08/08, 08/15, 08/22, 08/29

Every Tuesday, indulge in locally grown and organic produce, shop locally made wares and get something tasty to eat all while supporting the community. All ages. Free. 3–7 p.m. Ridgedale Commons, 12590 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka; 952.939.8200; minnetonkamn.gov

Tour de Tonka

08/05

Thousands of riders from all around the Metro gather for a beautiful ride around the area. All ages. Ticket prices vary. Rides begin at 7 and 7:30 a.m. Locations vary. 952.401.6800; minnetonkaschools.org

Inside and Out Craft/Gift Show

08/12

This event includes many crafts, gifts and artwork to choose from provided by local artisans. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. American Legion, 2333 Wilshire Blvd., Mound; legion.org

Westwind Swing Band

08/13

As a part of Wayzata’s free Music in the Park series, the Westwind Swing Band is set to perform. All ages. Free. 4:30 p.m. Great Lawn, 851 Lake St. E., Wayzata; 952.404.5300; wayzata.org

Corn Days Festival

08/13

Kick off with breakfast, then enjoy live music, a parade, a classic car show, food, a race and much more. All ages. Free. 8:30 a.m.–10 p.m. The Church of St. George, 133 N. Brown Road, Long Lake; corndays.com

AREA EVENTS

Summer Music Clinic

08/01

obgynwest.net

952.249.2000

Ourprovidersofferpersonalizedcompassionate careforallyourwomen’shealthcareneeds.This includesadolescentcare,infertility,obstetrics, gynecology,incontinenceissues,weightloss, ob/gynphysicaltherapy,andmenopause. Maintainingstrong,caringrelationshipswithour patientsisimportant.AtOBGYNWest,youwill findaproviderthatwillbewithyoueverystepof theway.

952-249-2000

· obgynwest.net

Weofferconvenienteveninghours atallofourlocations.

Chaska Minnetonka

This clinic conducted delves into the power of music in scripture and the joys of music sung in church and features two workshops and lunch. All ages. Free. 8:30 a.m–2:45 p.m. First

Lutheran Church, 1555 40th Ave. NE, Columbia Heights; augsburgfortress.org

Minneapolis Fringe Festival

08/03–08/13

The fringe festival celebrates culture, expression and artists. With 1,000 performing artists, this is one of the largest performing arts festivals in the Midwest. All ages. Price TBD. Times vary. Minnesota Fringe Festival, 79 13th Ave. NE Suite 112, Mpls.; 612.872.1212; minnesotafringe.org

Minnesota Irish Fair

08/11–08/13

Join the Irish gathering in the Metro area. Hundreds gather to celebrate with food, beverages, song and dance. All ages. Prices vary. 3–11 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.–11 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Sunday. Harriet Island, 175 W. Water St., St. Paul; irishfair.com

St. Paul Gangster Tour

08/12

A bus tour takes you through the world of 1930s St. Paul gangsters, and the tour guide will take you past the most infamous hideouts and nightclubs. All ages. Tickets start at $40. Noon–2 p.m. Wabasha Street Caves, 215 Wabasha St. S., St. Paul; 651.292.1220; wabashacaves.com

Minneapolis Mile Automotive Festival

08/12–08/13

Welcome to a festival celebrating everything on wheels. Enjoy car, truck and motorcycle shows, food trucks, drifting, autocross and more. All ages. Price TBD. Times vary. Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave. S., Mpls.; minneapolismile.com

To have your event considered: email lakeminnetonkamag@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.

lakeminnetonkamag.com

Black Gown Gala

The Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of commerce held its annual Black Gown Gala fundraising event. Attendees and community members mingled throughout the evening and supported a great cause. The highlight of the night was a fashion show, featuring the latest clothing from local retailers. In addition to the fashion show, there was a silent auction and plenty of photo opportunities. The evening was topped off with live music.

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

Lucky Number 7

Family-owned Casa Amigos features extensive menu options.

Written by Mollee Francisco Photo by Chris Emeott

TAKING THE PLACE of a beloved community restaurant is never easy, but the owners of Casa Amigos didn’t shy away from the challenge when they opened their latest restaurant in the former Scotty B’s space this winter. For owners Luis and Heidi Ortiz, opening Casa Amigos was the culmination of a multiyear search to find a building for their restaurant in the Mound area. “I really like this area,” Luis Ortiz says. “We tried to open a restaurant for three to four years, and finally, we found a spot.”

Casa Amigos quickly slipped into the Scotty B’s location in the Mound Marketplace Shopping Center after owners Scott Bjorlin and Scott Price announced their intention to retire from the restaurant in December 2022. For many, it was the end of an era as Scotty B’s had operated at that location for over two decades.

For the Ortiz’s, it was the chance to bring their Mexican food to the Mound community. “This is our seventh location,” Ortiz says. They also operate Mexican restaurants in Becker, Coon Rapids, Elk River, Maple Grove, Rogers and Thief River Falls.

Ortiz says he and Heidi have worked in Mexican restaurants for the last 15 years. “It was my first job,” he says. “I like the people. I like the industry. It makes me happy.” He goes on to say, “It’s stressful but fun. I don’t see myself doing another job.”

Ortiz says there has been a lot of interest in their restaurant since they took over the space, including several curious onlookers who came in to check out the remodel as they worked to ready for the opening. “People have been very welcoming to us. They have been very friendly,” he says. “At the moment, we’re doing great.”

As with many restaurants, there are plenty of challenges. Ortiz has concerns that the existing Casa Amigos restaurant space is too small. As of the writing of this article, they are working with the city to see about adding patio space to expand their seating options during warmer weather. But the biggest hurdles to overcome at the moment are staffing and skyrocketing food prices. He believes that those issues may eventually force

Quesa Birria Tacos

the restaurant industry to change. “I would have to downsize,” Ortiz says. “No wait staff, no servers [and] more of a fast-food environment.”

For now, Ortiz is focused on doing what they do well—serving up good Mexican food to their customers. The Casa Amigos menu is extensive and includes everything one would expect to find at a Mexican restaurant from guacamole and queso to tacos and enchiladas to tamales and fajitas.

Among the most popular dishes is the Quesa Birria Tacos with corn tortillas, filled with slow cooked beef, cheese, onion and cilantro, grilled to a golden brown and served with consommé for dipping. The Pollo Azteca is another favorite, featuring chicken breast with shrimp and vegetables topped with cheese sauce and served with rice, beans and tortillas.

But Ortiz says that few dishes can beat the Carne Asada, which includes a ribeye steak, topped with grilled onions and jalapeño and served with rice, beans, pico de gallo and tortillas. “The plate has so much color. It looks pretty fancy,” he says. “When you see it, you want to eat it.”

Ortiz hopes that their attention to detail and commitment to quality shows in their food. “We make everything from scratch,” he says. “We try to do everything very well.”

Visitors will also notice a sprinkling of names among the dishes on offer, from Isabella’s Fries and Alexander’s Burrito to Isaiah’s Platter and Matias Fajitas. “Those are my kids,” says Ortiz, proudly. “We like to incorporate them into the menu.”

Though the children are still too young to work at their restaurants, Ortiz says they are chomping at the bit to join their parents in the family business. “They are ready right now,” he says, noting that they love coming in to the restaurants and helping the hostess clean the menus. “My oldest, she says she wants to be the chip girl,” Ortiz says. “I would love to see them follow us into the restaurant business.”

Casa Amigos, 2195 Commerce Blvd., Mound; 952.472.0111; casaamigosmex.com

Casa Amigos Mound, MN

FIRST PLACE: COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

Lens on Lake Minnetonka

Winning photo makes a real splash.

“I WAS TAKING A PHOTOGRAPH of someone doing a backflip off the back of our boat and decided to take one of the splash afterwards, as well,” Gabrielle Watson says. “I loved the blue of the lake, the clear, cool spray of water and the slightly bemused expression of the pink flamingo! For me, it summed up so much of what we love about summer on the lake.”

Photographer: Gabrielle Watson

Title: The Splash

Equipment: Nikon D5100 55-300mm lens

Location: Black Lake

To view other Lens on Lake Minnetonka contest winners, visit lakeminnetonkamag.com.