Plymouth - August 2023

Meet a few of the Plymouth high school seniors who are making an impact on their schools and community

Leaving a LEGACY

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“I [initially] had no intention of teaching people about farming. But people were very curious about where their food comes from. I loved that.”

DEPARTMENTS

10 — The Technology Gap

Senior Community Services is helping older adults learn, stay connected and remain independent.

12 — Gearing Up

Providence Academy’s FIRST Robotics Team prepares students for futures in STEM.

14 — A+ for Wayzata Central Middle School Teachers

Meet two 2023 Minnesota Teacher of the Year nominees.

FEATURES

16 —Bringing Home the Bacon

Feathered Acres Learning Farm & Inn offers a chance to experience agricultural life.

18 —Leaving a Legacy

Meet a few of the Plymouth high school seniors who are making an impact on their schools and community.

TASTEMAKERS

28 —Ceviche Seafood

House Makes a Splash

New restaurant invites patrons to travel through taste.

IN EVERY ISSUE

4 — Editor’s Letter

7 — Noteworthy

26 — On the Town

32 — Last Glance

Photo: Mataya Creations

—Trisha Zachman, Feathered Acres Learning Farm & Inn

FROM THE EDITOR

New Location, Same Great Care!

One of my absolute favorite things about writing stories for Plymouth Magazine is learning something new in the process. Prior to interviewing Cindy Xu, owner of the new Ceviche Seafood House, I was intrigued by the concept of a Peruvian/Japanese fusion restaurant. Little did I know that the pairing wasn’t without precedent.

Through my interview with Xu, I learned that expat Japanese and Chinese communities have been hugely influential to the cuisine of Peru, resulting in a rich culture of adaptations, fusions and new creations.

Looking over Ceviche Seafood House’s menu prior to the interview brought me back to when I first began visiting sushi restaurants. I was lucky to go with others more familiar with the menus who could explain, say, the differences between sashimi and nigiri, who knew how to steer me toward items I’d like and, at the same time, guide me toward menu items outside my perceived wheelhouse.

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.

Guides are important when experiencing something new. These days, when I’m trying out an unfamiliar cuisine, I find my thumb twitching for my phone and a few quick answers from the internet. Hopefully, our Tastemakers (page 28) will help guide your foray into Nikkei and Chifa cuisine and keep your phone off the dinner table.

In our education, family and senior living issue, you’ll see that learning doesn’t come with an age cap. From local high school seniors looking to their futures in our annual Senior Spotlight (page 18) to a nonprofit helping senior citizens bridge the technology gap (page 10), I don’t think it’s ever too late to learn and experience something new. As Albert Einstein is quoted as saying, “The pursuit of knowledge is more valuable than its possession.”

Here’s to a life spent in pursuit of knowledge.

Until next time,

Photo: Chris Emeott

MADELINE KOPIECKI — MADELINE@LOCALMEDIA.CO

publisher Susan Isay editor Madeline Kopiecki

president Pete Burgeson

AFTER SCHOOL BOOST

IT IS NICE to have a healthy snack on hand for the kids after school or to eat in the car when driving between activities. Quick and easy to make, these protein bites fit the bill. You can also substitute crispy rice cereal for the puffed quinoa.

Puffed Quinoa and Peanut

Butter Protein Bites

» 1/2 cup all natural peanut butter

» 3/4 cup puffed quinoa

» 1 1/2 cups almond flour

» 1/3 cup honey

» 1/4 tsp. sea salt

» 1/2 tsp. vanilla

» 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate

In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients except the chocolate chips. Mix together well until it forms a soft dough. Mix in the chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate. Roll the mixture into balls. Place the protein bites in the freezer until set. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or in the freezer for a month.

Emily Maxson is a Plymouth food blogger and author of Emily’s Fresh Kitchen Cookbook. For more recipes, visit emilysfresh kitchen.com or follow her on Instagram @emilysfreshkitchen.

Photos: Belén Fleming of Belu Photography

Over 35 years ago, a group of nine hospital co-workers began having regular dinner gatherings every one to two months. One of these co-workers served this slush during those early years, and it’s been on my “must make” list ever since. Our dinner group is still going strong today.

Rhubarb Slush

» 12 cups rhubarb, sliced

» 9 cups water

» 2 cups sugar

» 1 small box raspberry gelatin, sugar free

» 6 oz. lemonade, frozen concentrate

» 1 1/2 cups vodka

» lemon-lime soft drink

Cook first three ingredients for 30 minutes or until the rhubarb is cooked. Run through a colander, saving the juices. Add gelatin, lemonade and vodka to the rhubarb juice. Freeze overnight. Mix half slush with half diet or regular lemon-lime soft drink.

Vicky Todnem-Miller of Plymouth is described as the neighborhood go to for all foodand drink-related questions.

HEAL

Nutrition Needs as We Age

We go through many different stages in life, and, with age, comes a change in nutritional needs. There are a variety of elements that can affect those needs, including medications, medical conditions and lifestyle choices. Plymouth Hy-Vee dietitian Alea Lester Fite highlights some important information.

» Fiber is important for regulating blood sugar and improving gut health and digestion. The recommended amount for adults is 25–38 grams per day.

» Calcium plays a critical role in bone health as well as nerve and muscle function. We need to focus on maintaining bone health as we age, and older adults should aim for 1,000–1,200 milligrams of calcium per day.

» Vitamin A is a primary nutrient involved in eye health but also has a part in cell growth, making it important for maintaining healthy tissues. Adults should aim for 700–900 micrograms per day of vitamin A.

» Vitamin D has important roles throughout the whole body, including maintaining bone health through increasing calcium absorption, improving immune function and increasing cognitive function. The recommended daily amount of vitamin D is 600–800 international units per day.

Just remember the best way to make sure your body is getting what it needs is to eat well-balanced meals throughout the day with plenty of color and variety.

Fite represents Hy-Vee as a nutrition expert, promoting healthy eating throughout the community. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Find more online at hy-vee.com.

This information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual needs.

SIP SUMMERTIME SLUSH

READ BEST INTENTIONS

All the Lonely People by Mike Gayle

So often we forget the lives of those around us because we are too consumed by our own. This novel made me stop and realize that, yes, this moment in life is busy, but this moment in someone else’s life may be lonely.

Hubert is an elderly man who prefers to be alone, but his daughter regularly calls to ensure he is getting out of the house and making friends. To avoid disappointing his daughter, Hubert creates fictional friends, which works until she says she is coming to visit. Hubert is such a lovable character, it makes the twist all the more emotional.

Home or Away by Kathleen West

Leigh is a former Olympic hockey hopeful, whose young son now plays hockey in Minnesota, where Leigh’s old teammate, Suzy, is a youth coach. Leigh and Suzy have a complex relationship, each knowing the extremes the other was willing to take in an attempt to make the Olympic team.

Leigh is a fiercely competitive woman, driven to win, who feels the pressure of men with influence. This book delves into the politics and intensity of youth athletics. It also grapples with the choices parents make for their kids and how much kids want to please their parents. West manages to weave together these heavy topics with wit and charm. This is the perfect Minnesota novel.

Amy Sundet and Katie Timcho are local book reviewers. They can be found @overbookedmoms on Instagram.

GENERATIONS

“POST-COVID , MOST AMERICANS would say technology is essential, yet more than half of Minnesotans aged 65 and older still do not have broadband internet,” writes Deb Taylor, CEO at Wayzata-based nonprofit Senior Community Services.

In her column, Bridging the Technology Gap in an Aging World, Taylor notes that technology is built in all around us, but seniors in particular aren’t in a position to benefit from its advantages. “This isn’t for lack of awareness or interest,” she writes. “They’re willing to learn, but ageism has created barriers to equitable technology resources and education for older adults.”

By Madeline Kopiecki

The services of Senior Community Services are manifold, but the purpose

The Technology Gap Senior Community Services is helping older adults learn, stay connected and remain independent.

at the heart of it all is the same: helping seniors continue to live independently in their homes. To this end, Senior Care Services offers a number of programs, from senior outreach and caregiver services to its Household and Outdoor Maintenance (HOME) Program, which includes housekeeping, minor home repairs, lawn care and personal technology support and training.

Judy Durkee has lived in Plymouth for around 20 years and, at the age of 63, found herself needing some help around the home. “[Senior Community Services is] a great resource for senior people that need assistance with anything,” Durkee says. “I’m in a wheelchair, so I can’t change a light bulb or do easy things that normal people can do.”

Through the HOME program, Durkee connected with repair person Brenda Cornell, who helped with everything from changing furnace filters to exchanging light bulbs. “She’s awesome,” Durkee says. “I’ve used her for a couple of years now.”

Recently, Durkee also dabbled with the technology support and training, connecting with Jim Villars for help connecting her printer to both her computer and her phone. “I showed her how to utilize the printer so that she could print an email, print a document,” Villars says.

Villars, a staff member at Senior Community Services, has a background in IT that spans over 40 years. A senior himself at 70, Villars has a personal connection with the organization. His mother used its services for years.

“I have a little bit of knowledge that I can share with people,” Villars says. “And most seniors just are afraid of technology and just need a little help to walk them through whatever their issue might be. I’ve been doing it for a long time with my family and friends, and I’m happy to do it for Senior Community Services as well.”

So, does Durkee have any future plans for technology training?

“Oh, I’ll learn whatever you teach me,” she says. “Yeah, I love learning new stuff.”

Senior Community Services, 10201 Wayzata Blvd. Suite 335, Minnetonka; 952.541.1019; seniorcommunity.org

Senior Community Services @seniorcommunityservicesmn

Gearing Up Providence Academy’s FIRST

create their robot as part of Providence Academy’s FIRST Robotics Team 4511.

“It’s easier to say I don’t meet Friday/ Sunday,” says Maggie Ludlow, a 2023 Providence Academy graduate and longtime robotics team member.

Team prepares students for futures in STEM.

By Zoe Deal

Robotics

ROBOTICS IS JUST LIKE ANY OTHER VARSITY SPORT at Providence Academy. Each winter, a team of around 15 students join forces to build a dishwasher-size robot capable of competing in a predetermined game of skills. For two hours most weekday afternoons (and a good chunk of Saturdays), students gather in a metal shop to

Long recognized by major universities, FIRST Robotics Competition is put on by the international youth organization FIRST. The competition provides an opportunity to dig into science and engineering, with the organization reporting that 81 percent of alumni declare a STEM major in college. Many participants also have the chance at scholarship opportunities tied to FIRST.

At Providence Academy, Upper School physics and engineering teacher Mike Plucinski helped found the robotics team during his first year at the school in 2012. Since then, the team has developed and expanded, with two new faculty members with mechanics and physics backgrounds joining this past season to support and mentor students.

Providence Academy's FIRST Robotics Team at a competition held in Duluth this past March.

Providence Academy's FIRST Robotics Team queing before a match at the Duluth competition.

From kickoff day in January—when the competition is unveiled and teams are given their game manual—to competition day in early March, students work together to strategize, research, prototype and test their robot.

“We go from sketches on the whiteboard with pro [and] con lists to a functioning robot in two months, which is really amazing. And it’s fun. It’s a lot of fun,” Ludlow says. “I really like the team experience. Knowing that this is not a one-person project, it’s going to take all 15 of us to get this to work.”

Though many students come into robotics with engineering or mechanical skills, no prior experience is needed. “As long as you have an interest and a want to be down there, we’ll take you and make this happen,” Plucinski says. For less experienced students, upperclassmen and school staff take on the role of mentor and support skill development.

Ludlow has been working on robots since seventh grade, when she joined the school’s middle school robotics team. “I wanted to build robots,” Ludlow says. “[I had] no previous experience, but I was really excited because I love all things robot-related, and then I got to do it for real!”

Plucinski shares that many of his robotics students over the years have gone on to enroll in prestigious engineering programs around the country at schools such as Carnegie Mellon University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of Minnesota and University of Notre Dame. Ludlow is currently enrolled at MIT to study mechanical engineering with a goal to continue to work on robots in her career.

“It’s definitely a proud moment on my side, too, to see the success that they’ve been able to have,” Plucinski says.

Learn more about Providence Academy’s FIRST Robotics team by visiting plymouthmag.com.

Providence Academy FIRST Robotics Team; providenceacademy.org

Providence Academy @team_4511

Photos: Providence Academy Robotics Team

TWO DESERVING TEACHERS were nominees for the 2023 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award. Polly Laugen—sixth-grade earth science teacher—and Lauren Sobota-Paxton— seventh-grade math teacher—say they are proud to be nominated.

“I was surprised when I found out,” Laugen says. She received an email last December including the nomination letter from the parent of a former student. “It was a nice surprise email to get,” she says. Being nominated is an honor, but it also comes with its own set of homework. Accepting the nomination meant that both Wayzata Central Middle School (CMS) teachers needed to assemble a portfolio that captured their teaching philosophy, as well as secure letters of recommendation. “It was a fair amount [of work],” Laugen says.

While reflecting on her teaching philosophy, Sobota-Paxton compares what she wrote for her nomination to when she started her teaching career 13 years ago. “The reasons are all the same, so I know I chose my career correctly,” she says.

Sobota-Paxton was also nominated by the parent of a former student, one who opted for distance learning in 2021. Post-pandemic, Sobota-Paxton had accepted the opportunity to represent seventh grade as a distance learning teacher, teaching purely by Zoom. “It was an awesome change of pace,” she says. “It provided a whole new perspective on something I’ve done for so long.”

Both Laugen and Sobota-Paxton say they approach teaching holistically and go beyond the letter grade. “Grades incorrectly tell them what kind of student they are,” Sobota-Paxton says.

PORTRAIT

A+ for Wayzata Central Middle School Teachers

Meet two 2023 Minnesota Teacher of the Year nominees.

By Jody Carey

Photo: Chris Emeott

Polly Laugen and Lauren Sobota-Paxton

SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT

This upcoming school year, SobotaPaxton will be a teacher on special assignment as a peer coach for the Wayzata School District.

MINNESOTA TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Laugen and Sobota-Paxton were among 132 candidates selected for the 2023 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award. An independent panel of leaders across education, business, government, nonprofit and philanthropy reviewed the teachers’ portfolios.

The 59th Minnesota Teacher of the Year, math teacher Michael Houston of St. Paul’s Harding High School, was awarded the honor at the recognition banquet on May 7.

In her seventh-grade math class, mistakes are embraced and are part of growing. “We all make mistakes. It’s what we do next that really helps define our character,” she says.

Laugen’s sixth-grade earth science students get the same homework assignment every night. “I don’t really assign homework other than to look for science all around you,” Laugen says, noting she uses photos that students email her to guide classroom discussion. Pictures of the night sky are a class favorite and create a shared experience outside the classroom.

The portfolio process also asked the two teachers how they address issues in education today.

Burnout is a topic Laugen was able to tackle during a class she took summer of 2022. Now, she shares strategies and tips to avoid burnout with fellow teachers and staff to help prevent teachers from leaving the profession.

Being nominated invigorated SobotaPaxton. For her, it was an opportunity to “reframe what are my next sets of goals for myself,” she says.

Nolan and Trisha Zachman and their children, Esther and Burke.

Written by Mollee Francisco

Feathered Acres Learning Farm & Inn offers a chance to experience agricultural life.

Bringing Home the Bacon

As a little girl growing up on a dairy farm in Elrosa, Minnesota, Trisha Zachman has many fond memories of childhood. From looking for kittens among the hay bales to racing her siblings to finish feeding the calves, it’s experiences like these she now aims to give visitors to Feathered Acres Learning Farm & Inn.

“I take these simple memories and show my guests the joy and fulfillment I got from them,” Zachman says. Visitors, who may have never set foot on a farm before their visit, walk away with handson farming experiences along with a new understanding of what it takes to bring food from farm to table.

Zachman and her husband, Nolan, acquired a 13-acre plot of land in Belgrade, Minnesota, in 2020 and rented an additional 13 with plans to farm the land and raise a family. But, after restoring the barn on their property, a new idea started to emerge. “I [initially] had no intention of teaching people about farming,” Zachman says. “But people were very curious about where their food comes from. I loved that.”

And so, the educational concept behind Feathered Acres Learning Farm & Inn began to take shape.

The Zachmans, who both studied agronomy at North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota, are in the process of becoming a fully regenerative farm. “Regenerative farming is a type of farming that focuses on soil health,” Zachman explains. “Nurturing the soil back to health leads to providing more nutrient dense food. We nurture the whole ecosystem and strive to get it all back in working order. Once our soil and plants are healthy, that leads to healthier animals, water preservation, organic food and helps fight climate change.

“It’s kind of like the old way of farming,” Zachman says. “For me, it just feels so right.”

It’s a notion that resonates with customers, as well. “Feathered Acres Farm is a local favorite in our household,” Jonathan Farr says. “It’s important for our family to support local businesses that prioritize sustainable and ethical practices.”

The Plymouth resident is a regular customer of the farm’s bacon and sausages. “Feathered Acres Farm is the perfect example of a small business that cares about their customers, their animals and the environment. We appreciate their commitment to providing top-notch products that are also environmentally conscious,” Farr says.

But achieving a regenerative farm can be a slow and arduous task. “Farms can’t just become regenerative,” Zachman says. “It’s a five-year process. And the first years tend to be the hardest years.”

After starting the farming process, Zachman looked to the property’s old milking barn. “One part was renovated like a hunting shack,” she says. “So, I fixed it up and put it on Airbnb.”

It wasn’t long before they had their first guests. Though she expected to just offer a unique type of lodging, Zachman soon found that their guests wanted more. “We’d be doing chores, and they’d be following us around, asking questions,” Zachman says. “That’s when I started doing tours. People just really loved it.”

Now, Zachman offers visitors a farmto-table education. “We provide a fun, hands-on farm tour to our guests, which helps explain what regenerative farming is,” she says. “They get to actually take part in some chores and see the why and how of what we do. We also teach them about the farm life that not many people get the chance to experience—the precious opportunity to care for animals and the land with your family.”

Zachman loves that people are taking

an interest in agricultural life and want to know more about where their food comes from. Kathy Halloran hasn’t stayed at the farm yet, but the Wayzata resident is a regular customer of the farm’s pork chops, sausage and eggs. She says she appreciates the vision the Zachmans have.

“I love knowing that the products come from healthy, well cared for animals, and I appreciate that Trisha and Nolan are creating a regenerative farm with educational classes offered to the public as well as vacation rentals where you can relax and wind down,” Halloran says. “Feathered Acres Farm has a vision that I am happy and excited to support.”

That vision includes the eventual addition of sheep to their existing menagerie of pigs and chickens, a second rental and a future community space in the renovated barn where Zachman hopes to hold larger classes. “I love how we’re starting to do something different on our farm,” Zachman says.

The farm tour remains its most popular offering, although it also hosts composting and gardening classes. In addition to a standard stay in their lodgings, Feathered Acres Learning Farm & Inn offers packages for everything from birthday parties and celebrations of life to bachelorette weekends and family photos.

Looking for something they don’t offer on the website? “Just ask,” Zachman says. “We don’t have it [fully] figured out yet. We’re trying our best for that perfect harmony.”

Learn more about regenerative farming by visiting plymouthmag.com.

Feathered Acres Learning Farm & Inn, 38975 County Road 32, Belgrade; 320.429.1913; featheredacresfarm.com

Feathered Acres Learning Farm & Inn featheredacres_farm_inn

Photos: Mataya Creations

What three words describe your future?

FULFILLING, IMPACTFUL, JOYFUL

LEAVING A LEGACY

Meet a few of the Plymouth high school seniors who are making an impact on their schools and community.

Written by Madeline Kopiecki Photos by Chris Emeott

Every August, we kick off the upcoming school year by celebrating a few of the Plymouth students who will soon spread their wings beyond the halls of their high schools. Our Senior Spotlight seeks out students who have had a positive impact on their classmates, teachers and community over the course of their academic career.

For help identifying these individuals, we turned to the administration of each school for nominations that highlight a group of outstanding high schoolers. Senior Spotlight wouldn’t be possible without the efforts of each schools’ administration, and we would like to thank them for their efforts.

Now, without further ado, we’re pleased to present our 2023 Senior Spotlight students.

ELLERY CLARK, 17 BENILDE-ST. MARGARET’S

“Ellery Clark’s drive for success aligns with Benilde-St. Margaret’s (BSM) mission, ‘To lead lives of faith, achieve academic experience and contribute meaningfully to a global society.’ You will never find Ellery sitting on the sidelines, especially as it relates to her passion for volleyball. Ellery has always flourished as a young leader through her involvement with the BSM volleyball program, as well as her Mizuno M1 club team. Ellery’s commitment to those around her is not only found in the hallways of BSM or on the volleyball court, but is seen through her service to the greater Twin Cities community. While juggling a demanding school and co-curricular schedule, Ellery remains steadfast in her weekly volunteering at Methodist Hospital as a discharge escort. Patients who come in contact with Ellery are likely drawn to her friendly and warm personality and will remember her smile for a lifetime.”

Betsy Van Cleve, director of Senior High Admissions

IN ELLERY’S WORDS:

What’s a pivotal experience that has shaped your high school career thus far? Throughout my high school experience at BSM, I have had the opportunity to learn from incredible teachers in the areas of math and science. These teachers have helped shape my academic interests and have developed my passion for STEM. My experience in these classes has motivated me to work toward a career in the medical field.

What can you be found doing outside of school and schoolwork?

When I am not focused on my schoolwork, I love to spend my time playing volleyball and traveling to tournaments with my teammates. I have been

What three words describe your future?

HOCKEY, FAMILY, FUN ALSTEAD

What three words describe your future?

DETERMINATION, CONSISTENCY, HARDWORKING

AHKIRRAH COLLIER

passionate about volleyball and the competitive nature of the sport since I first began playing in elementary school, but this past high school season elevated my excitement for the game. In the 2022 season, we were section champions and earned our place as Class 3AAA runnersup, the first time that BSM made it to the State Volleyball Tournament in 43 years.

BRITTAN ALSTEAD, 17 WAYZATA HIGH SCHOOL (PAGE 19)

“Brittan’s kindness and commitment to doing the right thing are evident in all of his interactions. As his teacher, I noticed during our first week together that he has empathy for others and a drive to make positive contributions. Brittan is supportive and has a keen sense for who needs a partner or a friend. Brittan showcases these qualities through his relationships with peers and adults and his drive to perform on the hockey rink. Brittan not only takes critical feedback well, but he solicits it regularly. With every assignment in our class, Brittan did more than the requirement and submitted early to ensure he could receive timely feedback.”—

Dawn Johnson, English language arts teacher

IN BRITTAN’S WORDS:

What’s a pivotal experience that has shaped your high school career thus far?

I don’t know if there has been one pivotal experience, but so far I have been committed to maintaining a high GPA, working hard on hockey, as well as developing and maintaining relationships with friends, teachers and faculty.

What can you be found doing outside of school and schoolwork?

Outside of school you can find me playing hockey. Whether that’s practicing on the ice or just shooting pucks in my basement. I’ve had a dream of playing professional hockey ever since I was 4 years old. So any free time I get, I play hockey.

AHKIRRAH COLLIER, 17 ARMSTRONG HIGH SCHOOL

“Ahkirrah is an absolute joy to have in class. I would describe Ahkirrah as independent, dedicated and sociable. When given a task in class, Ahkirrah will swiftly

and efficiently complete said task. We work weekly in small groups in AVID, and Ahkirrah fits in with any group she gets put into. She often volunteers to present first and will always help other students when needed. In addition to her academic dedication, Ahkirrah has been involved in the Armstrong community. She is a member of the AVID program, Falcon Leaders, National Honor Society and College Possible. All of these activities and organizations represent the type of person Ahkirrah is. She is service

oriented, she cares about others and she makes Armstrong a better place.”

Lee Spohn, AVID teacher

IN AHKIRRAH’S WORDS:

What’s a pivotal experience that has shaped your high school career thus far?

Stepping into high school, I was a very shy girl. If I didn’t know you, I most likely wouldn’t speak to you. Becoming a Falcon Leader and being part of the AVID program has really brought out a different

What three words describe your future?

ADVENTURE, PROMISING, BRIGHT

MARCUS STRONG

side of me. I started doing things that I thought I could never do, like speaking in front of a group of freshmen about my high school journey or telling middle schoolers about AVID. Even though they are around my age, it was a big step for me. I went from letting others speak for me to leading my own group discussions.

What can you be found doing outside of school and schoolwork?

In my free time I enjoy coloring. I know most people think it’s childish, but it

keeps me calm and allows me to get my mind off things going on in my busy life. One hobby I’ve developed over time is doing nails. I try to express myself through my nail art by trying different designs, getting myself out of my comfort zone. If I’m not at home doing any of those things, I’m most likely at work at Mini-Hops Gymnastics, teaching preschoolers gymnastics. I love being able to watch my students grow into wonderful kids and developing an everlasting connection with them.

MARCUS STRONG, 18 ROBBINSDALE HIGH SCHOOL

“[Marcus] is in choir and has perfect pitch. He was an athlete in the Robins Adaptive Athletics program, scoring many goals and being a top team player. Marcus completes his assignments without complaint. He’s a good listener and good at following directions. Marcus is a straight-A student. He’s a good friend and comrade to his classmates. Marcus’ laugh lights up the room! Marcus gets up on time every morning, looking forward to school.”—Dian Johnson, special

education teacher

IN MARCUS’ WORDS:

What’s a pivotal experience that has shaped your high school career thus far?

I’m lucky I get to go to the Crystal Learning Center to work on my job skills. My teacher, Ms. Johnson, worked hard to get us there after COVID-19. There weren’t many buses or drivers.

What can you be found doing outside of school and schoolwork?

I like spending quiet time at home. We always have a puzzle on the table. Liberty Puzzles are the most interesting with their cool-shaped pieces. It relaxes me, and I like the challenge. When it’s warmer out, I like to go for short walks and go to the pool, beach or the driving range.

What three words describe your future?

SANDRA ALB, 17 PROVIDENCE ACADEMY

“I have had the pleasure of being Sandra’s teacher in middle school and her principal the last two years. Sandra is a student that embodies our mission of faith, knowledge and virtue. She has a love of learning and has always been a student that has sought to be challenged. Sandra immerses herself in our program, being a part of extracurricular offerings, such as band, speech and cross country. She is a leader in our community, serving as a member of the National Honor Society, and is one of our junior house leaders. In short, she is an outstanding member of our community!”—Kurt

Jaeger, Upper School director

IN SANDRA’S WORDS:

What’s a pivotal experience that has shaped your high school career thus far?

My 10th grade moral theology class with Arthur Hippler was the most influential high school experience for me. His class was run like a college course: challenging, without a concrete study guide, without guided notes, but full of engaging discussions that forced all of us to interact and think outside the book and course material … Every essay, paper, project I write now, I write through Dr. Hippler’s lens. I just received [an] acceptance letter from Notre Dame Leadership Seminars, a highly selective full-ride summer program … I’m almost certain that the difference was made by the fact that Dr. Hippler was still whispering in my ear about how to write my application essays.

What can you be found doing outside of school and schoolwork?

In cold Minnesota winters, you will find me with my nose buried in books, far away, fully immersed in whatever universe the author has created. Otherwise, I will be playing anything from Franz Liszt to Harry Styles on my beautiful Kawai piano. If there is no snow outside, I will most likely be on a 15-plus mile bike ride on the beautiful greenways of Plymouth and Wayzata, or I will be volunteering at the Y Adventure Lab, an organization that changed my high school years.

LIMITLESS, JOY, COMMUNITY

New Location - New Look

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things to see and do in and around Plymouth

OLDIES BUT GOODIES

Senior chorus celebrates summer with a concert featuring classic hits.

JOIN THE PLYMOUTH ROCKERS

as they light up the stage at the Hilde Performance Center. The signature red-jacketed Plymouth Rockers will run through a repertoire of classics from the ’50s–’60s, plus a few patriotic tunes for good measure.

The Plymouth Rockers is a chorus of more than 65 singers, all 55+, whose members originate from the Twin Cities

Metro Area. Since its humble beginnings as an eight-member group singing in assisted living homes, the Plymouth Rockers has made it its mission to bring joy and music to those who are limited in seeing live performances.

Plymouth Rocker and board member Lynne Ferguson says that she and her fellow members get as much out of it as they put in. “We all volunteer our time to bring

enjoyment to others, but we also get a lot of sociability out of the group,” Ferguson says. “It’s friendship, and it’s doing things for the community.” —Clare

Greeman

The Plymouth Rockers will be performing a free, live event 7–8:30 p.m. August 10 at the Hilde Performance Center, 3500 Plymouth Blvd. Find more at plymouthrockers.org.

Photo: The Plymouth Rockers

LOCAL EVENTS

WSCA Game Show

08/19

Horse enthusiasts gather for a game show at the Silver Buckle Saddle Club. Winners will receive prizes and concessions will be offered. All ages. Ticket prices vary. 9 a.m. Silver Saddle Buckle Club, 16700 Chankahda Trail; 612.819.9296; silverbucklesaddleclub.com

Fabulous Armadillos Concert

08/25

The Fabulous Armadillos, featuring Tim Haussner, play from their wide repertoire of everything from Motown to Metal. All ages. Free. 6–9 p.m. Hilde Performance Center, 3500 Plymouth Blvd.; 763.509.5000; plymouthmn.gov

5K and 10K Beer Run x Luce Line Brewing Co.

09/09

In an effort to be active and give back to the local community, the Minnesota Brewery Running Series is inviting runners of all ages and skills to join their Run for Beer! All participants get free swag and a drink at the finish line— you must bring a valid, 21 and older ID to enjoy the beer. All ages. $35–$55. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Luce Line Brewing, 12901 16th Ave. N.; breweryrunningseries.com

To have your event considered: email plymouthmag@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.

Compiled by Hailey Almsted and Clare Greeman

Written by Madeline Kopiecki

Photos by Chris Emeott

WHEN YOU HEAR OF SUSHI , gyoza and edamame, where does your mind travel? Would you be surprised to hear the reply, “Peru”?

In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, people might not be aware of the vibrant mélange of cuisines occurring in Peru, but one Plymouth restaurant is looking to change that.

“There’s a variety of different food from different countries,” says Cindy Xu, owner of Plymouth’s Ceviche Seafood House. A worldwide traveler, Xu explains that the Japanese and Chinese diaspora greatly influenced the Peruvian cuisine of today. In fact, there are even specific terms for both influences—Nikkei cuisine, which is derived from the Japanese word for emigrant, and Chifa cuisine, which denotes Cantonese fusion with traditional Peruvian ingredients.

“I tried to find a really good Peruvian restaurant in Minnesota, but I couldn’t,” Xu says. The University of Minnesota biochemistry and nutrition major saw her opportunity and has been planning the debut of Ceviche Seafood House for the past four years. In January 2023, Xu’s dream came to fruition.

“I’m very interested in nutrition, and I also love to travel,” Xu says. “The one place I visit, where I really love their food, is Peru. Their food is really fresh. They require really fresh ingredients.”

The restaurant’s eponymous dish, ceviche, is a classic example of Peruvian cuisine’s emphasis on freshness. The Latin American appetizer is traditionally prepared with fresh, raw fish cured in a citrus marinade (also known as tiger’s milk or leche de tigre) and garnished with spices.

BRINGING PERU TO PLYMOUTH

Wondering what the reaction from the Plymouth community has been like? “A lot of Peruvian people come here from all around town,” Xu says. “Some people, they drive two hours to come here. I was so surprised.”

But Xu also wants to bring Peruvian food to Plymouth at large. “Maybe we still need some time because [many] people have no clue about Peruvian food yet, so they need some time to try it,” she says.

When asked what the overall characteristics of Peruvian food are, Xu highlights the healthiness of it. “We use the best quality of everything, seafood, beef and chicken. Everything’s really healthy.”

Pasta a la Huancaína

Jalea

Lomo Saltado

So does Xu plan to go back again and visit Peru?

“Yes, [I’m going to] stay there for two months to try all kinds of food and choose what I want to bring here,” she says.

IN THE KNOW

Trying out new cuisine often comes with its own set of vocabulary to decode. This menu glossary will help you keep your phone in your pocket before your thumbs can start twitching for answers.

• Ají de Gallina: This popular Peruvian comfort food roughly translates to chicken stew. “[It has] a creamy taste with some aji amarillo, that’s a yellow pepper from Peru,” Xu says.

• Arroz Chaufa: Arroz, or rice, may be more recognizable, but the dish itself is a Peruvian/Chinese take on a classic. Chaufa, derived from the Chinese chaofan, translates to fried rice. “That’s a really famous dish in Peru,” Xu says.

• Causa: Or, for a Minnesotan analogy, Peru’s potato casserole. “It’s a yellow potato tartar, mixed with lime juice and also some spices,” Xu says, adding, “It’s really healthy for you.” Between the two potato layers, Ceviche Seafood House adds either seasoned prawns or crab.

• Jalea: Try this classic Peruvian dish of mixed fried seafood. At Ceviche Seafood House, the dish includes crispy fish and other mixed seafood soaked in buttermilk, coated with seasoned flour and deep fried, served alongside yuca fries, chalaquita (simi lar to pico de gallo) and tartar sauce.

• Lomo Saltado: Meet the steak frites of Peru but with a stir-fry twist, which adds steak, tomatoes and red onions to a side of rice and hand-cut fries. “We are the only restaurant to use filet mignon for this dish,” Xu says.

• Pasta a la Huancaína: Consider this pasta served with a huancaína cheese sauce that uses a queso fresco base. Xu describes the sauce as “a yellow Peruvian sauce with garlic and onion and yellow peppers.” The sauce is served on top of Peruvian yellow pasta and topped with filet mignon and shrimp, flambéed with the Peruvian spirit Pisco.

Ceviche Seafood House, 3500 Vicksburg Lane N. Suite 500; 763.898.3008; cevicheplymouthmn.com

Shawn Sailer D.C., Caroline Brost-Sailer D.C., Ryan Elton D.C., Barbro Brost D.C., Tyler Knutson D.C., Aarti Goyal D.C.

FIRST PLACE: PEOPLE & FAMILIES

Picture Plymouth

An unexpected performance at the Hilde.

“WE HAD ACTUALLY GONE TO THE HILDE specifically to take some family photos that night.

My daughters had been extremely patient and cooperative, so we were letting them run wild a bit before heading home. They climbed up onto the stage to play but were fascinated by the tiny ladybug. It really made me think about how

childhood functions on a completely different time frame. They were both absolutely willing to stop everything and spend 10 minutes watching a tiny bug crawl across an enormous stage … Family photos can be a stressful time for some, but there are usually a few moments of peace and beauty to be captured ...”

—Rebecca Shamblin

Photographer: Rebecca Shamblin

Title: Ladybug Takes the Stage at the Hilde

Equipment: Sony Alpha 7R III Mirrorless

Camera, Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA lens

Location: Hilde Performance Center

Submit your photos to the Picture Plymouth 2023 photo contest through August 31!

To submit photos and view other photo contest winners, visit plymouthmag.com.