Woodbury - September 2023

DOWN TO A FINE ART

KELLEY GALLERY SHOWCASES

ORIGINAL PIECES BY LOCAL ARTISTS

PHYSICAL THERAPY

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SEPTEMBER 2023

“I would sum [Woodbury] up as home. It’s a beautiful city, and I think it’s a great place to raise a family.” —Caitlin Thielen, page 36

DEPARTMENTS

16 — Alex Braun Reigns on 44-year Drought 48-0 record capped with state championship.

18 — Sew Loved

Heather Baldridge helps brides alter and reimagine the wedding gowns of their dreams.

22 — Passion Behind the Lens

Pat Donaghy strives to capture the perfect moment to create long-lasting memories.

Photo: Midwest LifeShots Photography

Adam and Caitlin Thielen

Cycling Without Age Program at Saint Therese of Woodbury

WHAT IS CYCLING WITHOUT AGE?

Cycling Without Age is a movement started in 2012 by Ole Kassow. Ole wanted to help the elders get back on their bicycles, but he had to find a solution to their limited mobility. The answer was a trishaw and he started offering free bike rides to the local nursing home residents. He then got in touch with a civil society consultant from the City of Copenhagen, Dorthe Pedersen, who was intrigued by the idea and together they bought five trishaws and launched Cycling Without Age, which has now spread to all corners of Denmark, and since 2015 to another 50 countries around the world.

OUR DREAM

“We dream of creating a world together, in which the access to active citizenship creates happiness among our fellow elderly citizens by providing them with an opportunity to remain an active part of society and the local community. We do that by giving them the right to wind in their hair, the right to experienece the city and nature close up from the bicycle and by giving them an opportunity to tell their story in the environment where they have lived their lives. That way we build bridges between generations and we reinforce trust, respect, and the social glue in our society.”

HOW IT WORKS

Volunteers (pilots) sign up for bike rides with the elderly as often or as rarely as they want to. It’s all driven by people’s own motivation. At present more than 2,200 chapter locations around the world offer Cycling Without Age from well over 3,000 trishaws – and the numbers are still growing. More than 33,000 pilots ensure that the elderly get out of their nursing homes, out on the bikes to enjoy the fresh air and the community around them. They give them the right to wind in their hair.

Can you give up a couple of hours a month?

You can make a real differenece by becoming a trishaw pilot- and you don’t have to be an expert cyclist! We are looking for Volunteer Pilots!

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO VOLUNTEER, SCAN QR CODE BELOW OR CALL US AT SAINT THERESE OF WOODBURY.

FEATURES

26 — Uniting as One Woodbury celebrates its diverse community through an all-new inclusive event.

30 — Down to a Fine Art Kelley Gallery showcases original pieces by local artists.

36 — Life with Mrs. T Caitlin Thielen reflects on life in Woodbury as she and her husband, Adam Thielen, embark on a new adventure.

TASTEMAKERS

58 — Sweet Talent

Katie Hill shares the inspiration behind her baking talents.

Photo: Belwin Conservancy

FROM THE EDITOR

HAILEY ALMSTED — HAILEY@LOCALMEDIA.CO

This September 23 marks the first day of fall—I, for one, will be celebrating life as a newlywed with my husband while enjoying the crisp air, pumpkin goodies and cozying up in my favorite blankets and sweaters.

This issue features the themes of art and fashion, both of which you’ll find scattered throughout these pages. Find both topics in our departments: On page 18, meet Heather Baldridge, an experienced seamstress specializing in wedding dresses. Bride Savannah Brausen says, “... She always made me feel special, and I felt like she became family.” Flip a few more pages to page 22 to see what drives photographer Pat Donaghy to capture the shot for high school athletics—and find his award-winning photograph in our Last Glance on page 64, too.

Perhaps you’ve driven past Kelley Gallery located in Woodbury’s City Centre Plaza, or maybe you’ve stepped inside the art gallery and frame shop to peruse. No matter your familiarity, go to page 30 to hear from gallery director Kyle Shanahan and local artists about what makes this artistic mainstay such a special place.

Whether you’re a football fanatic or a casual viewer, you’ll want to go to page 36 as we connect with Caitlin Thielen, lifestyle blogger and wife to former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen. She delves into their life in Woodbury and their recent move to Charlotte, North Carolina, her passion for fashion, mom moments and more.

And finally, later this month, on September 30, multiple community organizations are gathering together for One Woodbury—a first of its kind event celebrating Woodbury’s diverse community, backgrounds and experiences. Find more information and details about the event on page 26.

How are you spending this September, readers? Send me a line at hailey@localmedia.co.

Photo: Rachel Nadeau

publisher Susan Isay editor Hailey Almsted president Pete Burgeson

PIZZA

Build Your Own Pizza

10" - $11 | 14" - $15

Thin Crust (Joey’s favorite) or Hand tossed. Make any 10” pizza crust Rice or Cauliflower for $4.

Classic cheese or create your own pizza. Small 10" pizza toppings $2 each. Large 14" pizza toppings $3 each.

Italian sausage

Pepperoni

Ground beef

Diced chicken

Canadian bacon

Meatball

Breakfast bacon

Red onion

Fresh mushrooms

Green peppers

The Pizzarelli

10" - $19 | 14" - $27

Jalapeno peppers

Green olives

Black olives

Banana peppers

Sauerkraut

Tomatoes

Fresh garlic

Artichoke hearts

Fresh spinach

Pineapple

Italian sausage, pepperoni, Mushrooms, green peppers, red onions, black and green olives and of course extra cheese.

Deluxe 10" - $18 | 14" - $25

Italian sausage, pepperoni, Mushrooms, green peppers and red onions.

Veggie 10" - $18 | 14" - $25

Fresh mushrooms, garlic, red onions, green peppers, tomatoes, black and green olives, fresh spinach and extra cheese.

Taco Pizza

10" - $19| 14" - $27

Mexican seasoned ground beef or chicken, mozzarella and cheddar, topped with diced lettuce, fresh tomatoes, onion, black olives and salsa.

Joey's Hawaiian 10" - $18 | 14" - $25

Canadian bacon, green peppers, diced garlic, onions, fresh tomatoes and pineapple.

Chicken Alfredo

10" - $20 | 14" - $28

Grilled diced chicken, garlic, mushrooms, fresh spinach, tomatoes all sitting on top of our house made alfredo sauce.

APPETIZERS

Wings

$13

1 pound Bone in wings, cooked to perfection with a crazy crunch, your choice of Buffalo, BBQ, Korean and Garlic Parm, served with a generous amount of ranch or blue cheese.

Boneless Wings

$9

10-12 Boneless breaded wings with your choice of Buffalo, BBQ, Korean and Garlic

Parm, served with a generous amount of ranch or blue cheese.

Pizza Fries

10" - $10 | 14" - $14

Hand tossed thick crust with olive oil, roasted garlic and herb seasoning, mozzarella and Joey C’s pizza sauce for dipping.

French Fries

Small - $5 | Large - $7

Cooked golden brown and lightly salted.

Garlic Toast

2 pc $2 | 4 pc $4

Garlic Toast with Cheese

2 pc $3 | 4 pc $6

Thick Sliced fresh baked Vienna bread covered in butter, roasted garlic and herb seasoning, toasted with or without cheese and served with a generous side of our pasta sauce.

Boneless Chicken Tenders

$12

Crispy breaded chicken tenders served with any of our wing sauce, ranch or blue cheese. Make it a basket with fries, add $3.

Meatballs, Sauce and Vienna Bread

$6

Two of Granma C’s house made meatballs in our red sauce, served fresh Vienna bread.

SALADS

Dressing choices: French, Ranch, Blue Cheese or Italian.

Italian Salad

$11

Fresh mix of Romain and Iceberg lettuce, topped with pepperoni. Fresh tomatoes, red onions, green peppers, black olives, and parmesan cheese.

Garden House Salad

$10

Mixed greens with fresh tomatoes, red onion, fresh mushrooms, and green peppers.

Mediterranean Salad

$12

Fresh mix of Romain and Iceberg lettuce, marinated artichoke hearts, black and green olives, red onion, Fresh tomatoes, and parmesan cheese.

Caesar Salad

$10

Fresh hearts of Romain and Iceberg lettuce, grated parmesan, classic Caesar dressing and our crunchy croutons.

HOAGIES

House Made Pepper Cheese Steak

$12

Tender ribeye, sauteed green peppers, onions and mushrooms in a house blended steak sauce served in a toasted 8” hoagie roll topped with melted mozzarella.

Hot Dago

$12

Italian Sausage right from Chicago made into a patty, sauteed green peppers, onions, and banana peppers, served in a toasted 8” hoagie roll covered in our pasta sauce and topped with melted mozzarella.

Chicken Alfredo

$12

Diced grilled chicken, mushrooms, onions and fresh spinach, cooked to order and in our house made alfredo sauce, served in a toasted 8” hoagie roll topped with melted mozzarella.

DINNERS & PASTAS

House Made Lasagna

$17

Made from scratch using fresh ricotta cheese, eggs, mozzarella, parmesan, our mild Italian sausage topped with our red sauce and melted mozzarella. Served with garlic toast and caser salad.

Baked Mostaccioli $15

Perfectly cooked noodles served in our red sauce, topped with melted mozzarella, served with two of grandma C’s house made meatballs, garlic bread and Caesar salad.

Chicken Alfredo $15

House made alfredo sauce, served over penne noodles with sauteed mushrooms and spinach topped with melted mozzarella, served with garlic bread and Caesar salad.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

$13

Traditional thin spaghetti with our red sauce and two of Grandma C’s homemade meatballs served with garlic bread and Caesar salad.

KIDS MENU

Served with applesauce and two Mini Doughnuts.

8” Pizza $7

Cheese, pepperoni or sausage

Kids Spaghetti and Meatballs

$7

Kids Chicken Strip Basket $7

Served with fries.

DESSERTS Mini Doughnuts

$7

Chocolate Fudge Lava Cake $7

THINK AHEAD

FALL IS HERE, which means it’s time to get to planting! That’s right: Fall is a great time to get out in the yard, see what’s missing and fill in those holes before the snow comes. Your new plants will love it, too, as it’s still warm enough for roots to establish while the mild temps will be easier on the plants.

When tackling fall planting, I recommend thinking ahead to spring. While this type of planting might not give you instant gratification, think of how thrilled you’ll be in spring. After a long Minnesota winter, you’ll be treated to a landscape full of spring blooms.

As for the plants, I’ll recommend quite a few. Spring blooming perennials—like tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and

irises—are fabulous. You also can’t go wrong with spring favorites like lilac, azalea, forsythia or crabapple.

Other shrubs like ninebark and dogwood might not be your first thought, but these are amazing shrubs that have fabulous spring blooms. But, if you’re wondering what my absolute favorite plant is for spring, it’s Lotus Moon™ Pearlbush. Maturing at 4–5 inches tall and 3–4 inches wide, this shrub absolutely stuns with pearl-like buds that form along each stem and eventually open into bright white blooms.

Photo: First Editions® Shrubs & Trees

Gretchen McNaughton is the communications and content specialist at Bailey Nurseries. Grow more at firsteditionsplants.com.

First Editions® Lotus Moon™ Pearlbush

SIP

Royal Pour

Crisp gin and bitter Campari are perfectly balanced with tangy grapefruit juice and rich Concord grape juice in this supremely sippable cocktail.

Royal Sour

» ½ oz. Campari

» ½ oz. Hendrick’s gin

» ½ oz. fresh grapefruit juice

» 1 ½ oz. Concord grape juice

» ½ oz. simple syrup

» ½ oz. egg whites

Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker; shake for 30 seconds. Add ice; shake for another 10 seconds. Double strain the mixture into a coupe or martini glass.

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

EXPLORE

Hike a New Trail

There’s a new way to enjoy the natural beauty of the east Metro. Belwin Conservancy’s newest trail system, Oxbow Trails, officially opened for public hiking in June. The idyllic 1.25-mile chipped trail in Afton takes visitors through wooded ridges, under shaded groves and along Valley Creek.

“Part of what, in my mind, is so beautiful about Oxbow Trails is the way that, between the wetlands, the forest and the river, you get this really unique, lovely ecosystem living together in a relatively small area,” says David Freeman, communications specialist. “... You can just see so many different kinds of life and nature.”

The creation of the trail and purchase of the 19-acre site was made possible by a partnership between Belwin Conservancy, the Minnesota Department

of Natural Resources, the City of Afton and Washington County. Funding from the Outdoor Heritage Fund allowed restoration on the land to begin in 2022.

The community came together on social media to name the trail, with the result coming from the area’s oxbow wetland—a U-shaped meandering pool that has been cut off from a river. The wetland filters and stores water, preventing flooding and providing wildlife habitat.

“My favorite part of the trail is the chipped path that runs along the river,” Freeman says. “It’s really gorgeous, especially in the morning when the sun is coming up; the sun hits the water in a really beautiful way just coming over the ridge through the trees.”

The trail is open dawn to dusk, from spring until the first major snowstorm of winter. For more information about Oxbow Trails and other ongoing projects visit belwin.org. —Zoe Yates

Oxbow Trails, 2398 St. Croix Trail S., Afton; belwin.org

Photos: Lunds & Byerlys; Belwin Conservancy

Thank you, Sponsors!

READ

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

France, 1714; Adeline (Addie) LaRue, desperate to be free from an arranged marriage, makes a bargain with the Dark for freedom. What Addie doesn’t realize is that she’s now immortal—and will be forgotten by everyone who meets her. Thus begans Addie’s enchanting life.

Centuries later—while melting into a sea of faces and scraping her way through life unknown—she meets Henry in a New York bookshop. For the first time in hundreds of years, someone remembers her, and Addie seems to have found a loophole in her endless existence.

V.E. Schwab’s novel features a fantastical tale of lust and love with dark, romantic twists, and ends as if it was a simple magic trick. And, each chapter features a work of art accompanied by descriptive text, as if being sold at auction.

—Hailey Almsted

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On behalf of the Woodbury Days Council, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our event sponsors. We could not succeed in putting on a vibrant community event without your support!

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Alex Braun Reigns on 44-year Drought

48-0 record capped with state championship.

By Daniel Huss

JUSTIN SMITH, head coach of the Woodbury High School (WHS) wrestling team, calls Alex Braun a mat rat.

Alex’s competition might use different names, but mat rat is most fitting. “He never stops moving, and he’s dangerous in every spot,” Smith says. “You don’t want to scramble with Alex.”

“By dedicating himself to the weight room, he wants to be the strongest wrestler in his class,” Smith says. “Combine that with an ability to score, and, well, you’ve got something pretty special.”

In March, Alex, then a Woodbury junior, capped a perfect 48-0 season with

his school’s second-ever individual state championship. WHS opened in 1975, and just four years later, Mark Mueller won the Royals’ first state title. Alex, wrestling at 138 pounds, would win No. 2, 44 years later.

Yes, he reigned on the drought.

Alex has an overall record of 205-36. His 205 wins, with No. 200 coming in the semifinals of the section individual tournament, includes 100 pins. “Lots of wrestlers would be happy with 100 wins,” Smith says. “Alex has 100 pins.”

To date, Alex owns or shares at least eight of the 10 Woodbury wrestling

records. This past year, he broke his brother’s takedown mark. “He’s an assistant coach,” Alex says of his older brother. “When a move gives me trouble, he’ll wrestle me through it.”

For the record—there’s that word again—Alex’s brother was part of the only Woodbury wrestling team to wrestle in the state team tournament. The younger Braun has plans to change that.

Early Start

Alex began his competitive wrestling career in first grade. “I got right into it,” he says. He’s been wrestling on the WHS

Alex Braun

team since the seventh grade. Again, he got right into it.

As a ninth grader, Alex’s state tournament run ended with a two-point loss to the eventual state champion. His sophomore campaign ended with a broken bone in his foot during a state semifinal match. He would then default to sixth place. His junior year was one of redemption. “I wanted to prove to people that that’s not how my sophomore season should have ended,” Alex says.

He opened his junior-year state tournament with three convincing wins. “I won my first three matches by technicality, fall or pin,” he says. In the finals, he won 6-1. “I’m scrappy and willing to get after it, and leave everything on the mat,” he says.

Between the ears, he’s undefeated. “I didn’t feel there was anyone who could beat me,” he says. With a record of 48-0, he was right.

Next Chapter

Alex followed the high school season with the folkstyle season. “Folkstyle is high school wrestling. [Alex] qualified for the national tournament in Fargo, North Dakota, in July,” Smith says. He’ll follow folkstyle with weights and tournaments.

“He’s embraced being a leader,” Smith says. “This summer, he’ll be the Pied Piper, and everyone will follow.”

His far-future plans include college wrestling, preferably at a Division I school. “I’ve had quite a few schools reach out,” Alex says.

A 48-0 record will do that.

Photo: Alex Braun

“I’m scrappy and willing to get after it, and leave everything on the mat.”

Alex Braun, WHS wrestler and state champion

Bride Savannah Brausen worked with Heather Baldridge in perfecting her wedding gown.

Photo: Whitley Sander

Sew Loved

Heather Baldridge helps brides alter

reimagine the wedding gowns of their dreams.

By Jennifer Pitterle

AS THEY SAY , necessity is often the mother of invention. And, in this case, it was necessity—plus a lot of love and passion—that inspired Woodbury’s Heather Baldridge to launch her boutique sewing business, Custom Sewing by Heather. She’d been sewing for years, having learned at age 8 from her own mother, who was a sewing instructor. Baldridge says, “My oldest child was about to enter daycare. Just a few months into my nearly full-time job away from home, I realized that what I really wanted to do was stay at home with my daughter.” She adds, “I decided I would figure out a way to make money another way. I turned my knowledge and love of sewing into a new career.”

Fast-forward a couple of decades later, and Baldridge is now a soughtafter seamstress, who focuses on wedding gowns. (Baldridge has been a seamstress for more than 35 years but has specialized in wedding gowns for the last 12 years.) After years of doing a variety of alterations, she connected with Bella Bridal Boutique in Woodbury, which started referring clients exclusively to Baldridge for work on their gowns. “I realized what I really liked most was working with brides,” she says. “I decided to go exclusively bridal and have never looked back.” Now, multiple boutiques across the Metro refer their clients to Baldridge.

Baldridge helps brides with everything from small size alterations and bustling

Photo: Revitup Media Productions

Heather Baldridge

to more substantial dress redesigns. “A bride falls in love with a dress she has dreamed about for years,” she says. “But most dresses need at least some tweaking for the dress to be a custom fit to her body for her special day.”

Baldridge works out of a studio at her Woodbury home and makes each client feel welcome and involved in the process. “There’s nothing more rewarding to me than seeing the joy on a bride’s face when she tries on her dress for her last fitting, and she catches a glimpse of what she will look like when she walks down the aisle,” she says.

One bride who still remembers that feeling is Savannah Brausen, who worked with Baldridge on her gown for her July 2021 wedding. She says, “I nearly cried when I left my last appointment, because I enjoyed my time with her that much ... She always made me feel special, and I felt like she became family.” Brausen says the ambience of Baldridge’s studio is part of the experience. “There are large windows, allowing natural light to shine on your dress while she works, love songs playing in the background and elegant details throughout ... It’s a space where you instantly feel so special and get all of those wedding day butterflies every time you enter,” Brausen says.

We asked Baldridge about the advice she’d give to newly engaged brides who are starting to plan for their wedding dresses. “It takes six to eight months for a dress to come in from a designer, so order your dress as soon as you can,” she says, noting that she works on 550 dresses per year. And as soon as you order your dress—or as soon as you purchase it off the rack—schedule your appointments with Baldridge. “We are often booked out about eight months, so booking right away will give you more options.” Best of all? Brides can trust Baldridge to share every inch of her expertise. She says, “After working on thousands of wedding gowns, I have a pretty good idea of what can be done.”

Custom Sewing by Heather, 5637 Garden Drive; 651.337.2251; customsewingbyheather.com

Custom Sewing by Heather @customsewingbyheather

With

our patients meet their health goals and

more out of life every step of the way.

Now we’re expanding our care options even further with the addition of four experienced Family Medicine doctors to our team. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Dr. Maria Vu, Dr. Christina Werman, Dr. Kristin Lockhart, and Dr. Jihan Abbott. We are delighted they’re here!

Christina Werman, DOKristin Lockhart, MD

Maria Vu, MD Jihan Abbott, DO

Focused & Individualized Healthcare for Women

Photo: Pat Donaghy

Passion Behind the Lens

Pat Donaghy strives to capture the perfect moment to create longlasting memories.

By Emily Gedde

PATRICK “PAT” DONAGHY is a wellknown face and name among East Ridge High School (ERHS) athletes. The team photographer for ERHS football, volleyball and basketball, plus Stillwater Area High School girls’ lacrosse, is passionate about his role behind the lens. He takes great pride in knowing that the moment he presses the shutter button, lifelong memories are created.

Taking sports photos started as a hobby and a favor for friends and family. Eventually, positive feedback on social media about his work—and a few awards—inspired Donaghy to take photography more seriously. “There’s nothing like a sports event that brings out the emotions of so many people,” he says.

Donaghy says he enjoys immersing himself in those emotions to get the best shots he can during an event. He notes his favorite photos are the celebrations after a big play from the players on the field and on the sidelines, as well as the fans’ reactions in the stands. He admits oftentimes hoping games stay close to create a big, celebratory moment at the end.

“There is no daily occurrence where you see so much energy in life,” he says. “I love being in the environment and capturing the moment.”

In addition to the energy created during sporting events, Donaghy says he also enjoys opportunities to set up a memorable shot. “I’m typically standing in areas where no parent, player or coach sees what I am able to see because of

Photo: Pat Donaghy

where I set up,” he says. “As an example, in basketball, I sit under the basket where no fans are allowed. What I see is completely unique to the photographer.”

Donaghy says he enjoys the uniqueness of every team and makes it a point to learn the group’s dynamics and treat each one differently.

“Each team has its own unique story and its own life,” he says. “It takes a lot of effort to find out about the teams I shoot to try to get these pictures. It’s hard to do that without being on the sidelines for a game before taking pictures. If I know I’m taking a picture of a team, I’ll try to attend a game as a fan and just observe what’s going on and visualize where I should be standing. The first time taking a picture of a team, I’ll miss many shots but keep notes on what they do, so that I am more prepared for the next game.”

The photographer credits the time, effort, energy and dedication put into sports by players and their families. Donaghy says he is proud to play a role in the lifelong memories made at these events. “If these emotions aren’t captured, they become a memory and perhaps lost over time,” he says. “By capturing the photos, I can keep these memories, so they are never forgotten.”

Flip to page 64 to read more about Donaghy’s award-winning photograph, Raining Raptor.

patrickdonaghy.smugmug.com

Pat Donaghy Pictures @patdonaghypics

“Angela was amazing to work with!! She was very responsive, so knowledgeable, and helped us get a wonderful house! We will definitely work with her in the future!”

-Craig and Kaitlyn

UNITING AS ONE

written by HAILEY ALMSTED photos by CHRIS EMEOTT

WOODBURY CELEBRATES ITS DIVERSE COMMUNITY THROUGH AN ALL-NEW INCLUSIVE EVENT.

This September, Woodbury residents have the opportunity to celebrate the faces and cultures that make up our diverse community at the new One Woodbury event.

“The idea for the event came to be through a city-led community engagement planning process last summer where a diverse group of community members and staff gathered to create the Community Engagement Resource Guide,” says Shelly Schafer, community engagement and equity coordinator for the City of Woodbury, noting that the guide serves as a resource to build equitable community engagement. “In our discussion, it was identified that there was a desire to create a better feeling of belonging and connectedness within our community.”

Woodbury resident Temmy Olasimbo brought forward the idea for One Woodbury, an event similar to one that she created for her employer, Best Buy. “I was able to create an event a few years ago at the Best Buy corporate offices … [I wanted to create] a sense of people feeling like they truly belong and the celebration of community,” Olasimbo says.

Alongside, but separately from, Olasimbo dreaming up this event, the Woodbury Community Foundation and local YMCA gathered community members to work on racial equity; that group identified the need of hosting more culturally diverse events in Woodbury. Now, One Woodbury has more than 40 people on its planning committee and has been a collaborative effort between the City of Woodbury, Washington County, South Washington County Schools, the Woodbury Community Foundation, YMCA and several residents. And Olasimbo, who also serves as a commissioner on the Community Development Agency and as a member of the Washington County Board’s Board of Commissioners, has put forth her insight in creating the event.

“My vision for the event is everyone being able to see themselves. When you come to

Roger Green

Temmy Olasimbo

the event, I want you to feel a great sense of belonging and have a curiosity to learn about other people,” she says. “It’s really a great opportunity for us to be able to do that.”

According to Schafer, One Woodbury will include diverse performances, food trucks, vendors and educational opportunities—all with the goal of celebrating different cultures, faiths and identities within the community.

Headlining One Woodbury is the city’s own Nunnabove—a positive alternative pop group made up of four siblings. “They have always wanted to perform in Woodbury, and this felt like a great opportunity to give them that platform and for the city to be able to enjoy their music,” Schafer says.

“My hope is that the impact will be something where we are able to truly and positively interact with each other and engage with each other. One thing that prohibits that from happening is a sense of unknown—the first gut reaction is to be fearful of it,” Olasimbo says. “I’m hoping this creates that dialogue to bring that intentional curiosity of ‘What is this about? I want to learn more. What kind of music do they listen to or food do they eat?’

“… I really, truly, want it to be something that everyone [will] belong. Where you can feel that energy that, ‘This is the place for me, and I can grow and thrive.’ It’s a place where we have curiosity to learn more about each other,” Olasimbo says.

Pictured in this story are several—but not all— of the of the planning commitee members from differing community organizations. Find the City of Woodbury’s Community Engagement Resource Guide at woodburymn.gov.

Tim Brewington

Reed Smidt

Christie Denson

One Woodbury is scheduled for 11 a.m.–4 p.m. September 30 at Ojibway Park, 2695 Ojibway Drive. More information can be found at onewoodburymn.com.

Dawan Propps

Cheryl Jogger

Paul Huffman

Joy Coker

Shelly Schafer Murugi Mutiga

DOWN TO A FINE ART

Kelley Gallery showcases original pieces by local artists.

written by MOLLEE FRANCISCO photos by CHRIS EMEOTT

Scott Lloyd Anderson was embarking on a second career as a plein air painter in Minneapolis when he first met the late Donald Kelley, former co-owner of Woodbury’s Kelley Gallery. “He was fun, affable, charismatic and he was interested in what I was doing,” Lloyd Anderson says. “I liked him quite a bit, and he liked my work.”

That meeting would mark the beginning of a fruitful relationship that would last until Kelley’s death in 2018. It was also the beginning of a relationship between the painter and Kelley Gallery. Today, Lloyd Anderson is one of the more than 35 local artists represented at the gallery.

“They support and show working artists’ original art,” Lloyd Anderson says. “That’s a big thing. That’s a great thing.”

Kelley Gallery has been a Woodbury mainstay for more than three decades. Located in the City Centre Plaza, it offers

prints, posters, home décor and custom framing in addition to original art.

History

Kelley Gallery’s history dates back to 1985 when father-son duo Ed and Donald Kelley opened the first location in Hudson, Wisconsin. Four years later, the two added the Woodbury branch. Both locations are still in operation, and the business also maintains a production facility in Roberts, Wisconsin.

Though Ed and Donald have passed away, their legacy remains—as does their appreciation for art and artists. “We pride ourselves on impeccable customer service, strong relationships and quality,” says Kelley Gallery director Kyle Shanahan.

Shanahan has been with Kelley Gallery for 24 years. While his high school contemporaries were scooping ice cream or lifeguarding at the beach, Shanahan was

following his passion for the arts to a job at the gallery, and he’s been there ever since. Shanahan takes great satisfaction in maintaining the gallery’s positive reputation and loves that they can offer customers a wide variety of art to choose from—especially original works.

There was a conscious decision in the 1990s to “promote and show local artists within the gallery,” Shanahan says. “There is a phenomenal amount of talent in the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin.”

Top: Modular Art VIII and Modular Art IV by Lisa Fertig

Middle: Modular Art II and Modular Art VI by Lisa Fertig

Bottom: Modular Art VII and Modular Art I by Lisa Fertig

Oak Tree in the Cornfield by Scott Lloyd Anderson

Sundown at the Lake by Scott Lloyd Anderson

Artists

Lisa Fertig has been selling her work at Kelley Gallery off and on for the better part of 20 years. Though she creates both abstract and realistic fine art, it’s the Arden Hills’ artist’s nonobjective work that can be found at Kelley Gallery.

“I love the spontaneous nature,” Shanahan says of Fertig’s art. “The color, texture, composition. It’s fun, and there are great pops of color.”

“I think I filled a void at Kelley,” Fertig says.

The gallery finds its artists through various channels, including reaching out to artists whose work they’ve run across at art fairs and such, as well as taking meetings with artists who have contacted them. The goal is to find a variety of art that appeals to their customers.

“Kyle is very aware of what his audience wants,” Lloyd Anderson says.

“What seems to work best for them is some connection to Minnesota.”

“There is a lot of Midwestern scenes,” Shanahan says, noting that lakes remain their most popular subjects among customers.

Lloyd Anderson has painted his fair share of lake scenes in the course of his career. His collection of oil paintings also contains many instantly recognizable locales, from the North Shore of Lake Superior and the Gunflint Trail to Minnehaha Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge.

“Scott has a fantastic way of capturing the light of the season,” Shanahan says. “There’s a lot of warmth in his winter scenes [and] little splashes of color.”

Lloyd Anderson also offers some unexpected subject choices from the reconstruction of the I-35 bridge in Minneapolis to a local gas station scene

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We are a community of care – dedicated to you.

Kelley Gallery features work created by local artists, as well as custom framing.

to a trio of pontoon boats, covered and out of the water. “He has a way of finding beauty in things that are laying around every day,” Shanahan says.

Such works offer great variety for customers coming into Kelley Gallery. “There’s such a diverse range of styles in the gallery,” Lloyd Anderson says.

Fertig agrees. “The displays are beautiful, such a nice assortment of diverse work in all mediums,” she says.

Framing

While art sales make up a portion of the gallery’s revenue, framing is Kelley Gallery’s bread and butter. “It’s truly custom,” Shanahan says. “You can create almost anything. We like to say no challenge is too big or too small.”

Shanahan says framing is important for those pieces you want to preserve, be it an annual school picture or a priceless painting. Their designers walk customers through the whole process from selecting the type of glass to matting to the style of frame. “We use the best materials,” Shanahan says. “All you have to know is what you like and don’t like.”

Woodbury Senior Living

Woodbury Senior

A full spectrum of care options in a campus setting for 37 years.

At Woodbury Senior Living, we serve seniors and their families by encouraging them to thrive – by o ering a wide variety of wellness-focused services and activities while empowering them to live as independently as possible.

Shanahan says they do a lot of framing for corporate businesses, including Midwest One Bank, the Xcel Energy Center and the Minnesota Wild. Among the pieces he’s done, Shanahan says he’s proudest of the concert memorabilia they’ve framed for the suite level of Xcel Energy Center—specifically the frames used for the Minnesota Wild captains’ jerseys and a frame he designed for the saxophone played by Clarence Clemons of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. The frame was created to look like the inside of a saxophone case complete with velvet background, a leatherwrapped frame and brass corners. “That’s what keeps this job interesting,” Shanahan says. “There are so many possibilities. If 10 people bring in the same art, we can frame it a thousand different ways.”

Transitional Care

Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy

At Woodbury Senior Living, we serve seniors and their families by encouraging them variety of wellness-focused services and activities while empowering them to live

Transitional Care

Integrative erapies to Support the Healing Process

O ered for those who need to regain strength and independence after surgery, injury or illness and are in transition from home or hospital. Our experienced clinical team provides a spectrum of rehabilitation and therapy services on-site to restore individuals to their fullest potential. Also included in transitional care are customized integrative therapies, wellness and spirituality programs, including social activities, educational and intellectual programs, physical wellness activities, vocational programs and spiritual services. Visit our website for a full list of services and special features included in rehabilitation/therapy!

Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy

Woodbury Senior Living is pleased to o er a variety of Integrative Therapies to enhance your well being. Integrative therapies, also known as complementary therapies, are a wide array of healing practices that fall outside purely pharmaceutical or surgical treatments but are intended to complement medical care. Due to their proven results, their use is growing rapidly around the country. The following therapies are free of charge.

Integrative erapies to Support the Healing Process

Memory Care

Memory Care at Woodbury Senior Living is available in both Woodbury Estates and Woodbury Health Care Center.

O ered for those who need to regain strength and independence after surgery, injury or illness and are in transition from home or hospital. Our experienced clinical team provides a spectrum of rehabilitation and therapy services on-site to restore individuals to their fullest potential. Also included in transitional care are customized integrative therapies, wellness and spirituality programs, including social activities, educational and intellectual programs, physical wellness activities, vocational programs and spiritual services. Visit our website for a full list of services and special features included in rehabilitation/therapy!

• Guided Imagery: Using your imagination to direct your thoughts towards healing.

• Energy Based Healing Modalities: Gentle, non-invasive treatments that work to restore the natural ow and balance of the body’s energy system. In times of stress, injury or illness this energy system can become congested, blocked or unbalanced.

Woodbury Senior Living is pleased to o er a variety of Integrative Therapies to enhance your well being. Integrative therapies, also known as complementary therapies, wide array of healing practices that fall outside purely pharmaceutical or surgical treatments but are intended to complement Due to their proven results, their use is growing rapidly The following therapies are free of charge.

• Essential Oils: Extracts of plants that are used to restore balance to the body and emotions primarily through the sense of smell. The essential oils used at Woodbury Health Care Center are extracted from high quality, organically grown plants and blended by a certi ed aromatherapist.

Healing Music erapy

• At Woodbury Estates, this living option o ers comfortable, specialized care for individuals with memory impairments such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, while giving their families support and peace of mind.

Memory Care

• At Woodbury Health Care Center, this living option o ers comfortable, specialized care for individuals with memory impairment as well as complex medical needs. It includes the same level of support found within our skilled nursing care, with the added bene t of customized activities tailored to memory care individuals.

Memory Care at Woodbury Senior Living is available in both Woodbury Estates and Woodbury Health Care Center.

Each memory care unit is located in a monitored area within the building. Our licensed sta is trained to understand the unique needs of the memory and work with each resident and their family members to customize a personal plan to maximize both self-motivation and functional independence.

Kelley Gallery, 8320 City Centre Drive Suite C; 651.738.7776; kelleygalleries.com

Kelley Gallery Art & Frame @kelleygalleryhudson @kelleygalleries

scottlloydanderson.com

lisafertig.com

• Guided Imagery: Using your imagination to direct your

• Energy Based Healing Modalities: Gentle, non-invasive and balance of the body’s energy system. In times of stress, become congested, blocked or unbalanced.

• Essential Oils: Extracts of plants that are used to restore the sense of smell. The essential oils used at Woodbury organically grown plants and blended by a certi ed aromatherapist.

• Gives the resident control in a situation

• Enhances attention, memory, speech,

• At Woodbury Estates, this living option o ers comfortable, specialized care for individuals with memory impairments such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, while giving their families support and peace of mind.

o ers comfortable, specialized care for individuals with memory impairment as well as complex medical needs. It includes the same level of support found within our skilled nursing care, with the added bene t of customized activities tailored to memory care individuals. Each memory care unit is located in a monitored area within the building. Our licensed sta is trained to understand the unique needs of the memory and work with each resident and their family members to customize a personal plan to maximize both self-motivation and functional independence.

Healing Music erapy

• Creates an outlet for emotional expression

• At Woodbury Health Care Center, this living option o ers comfortable, specialized care for individuals with memory impairment as well as complex medical needs. It includes the same level of support found within our skilled nursing care, with the added bene t of customized activities tailored to memory care individuals.

• Alleviates pain, stress, decrease symptoms of depression, enhances overall well-being

• Motivator and reward for physical activity

• Gives the resident control in a situation where they seldom have control

• Enhances attention, memory, speech,

• Facilitates positive socialization

Each memory care unit is located in a monitored area within the building. Our licensed sta is trained to understand the unique needs of the memory and work with each resident and their family members to customize a personal plan to maximize both self-motivation and functional independence.

• Creates an outlet for emotional expression

• Alleviates pain, stress, decrease symptoms

Call

Bene ts of Music Therapy

• Increase self-esteem &

• Gives the resident control where they seldom have

• Enhances attention, memory, and orientation

• Facilitates positive socialization

• Creates an outlet for emotional

• Alleviates pain, stress, of depression, enhances

• Motivator and reward

• Addresses spiritual needs

• Decrease disruptive behavior

Call us today to schedule a tour and learn more!

001560802r1

651-287-6505

Or schedule a tour online at www.WoodburySeniorLiving.com 7012 Lake Road, Woodbury, MN

life with Mrs. T

Caitlin Thielen

CAITLIN THIELEN REFLECTS ON LIFE IN WOODBURY AS SHE AND HER HUSBAND, ADAM THIELEN, EMBARK ON A NEW ADVENTURE.

written by ZOE YATES

On the day the Minnesota Vikings stunned the nation with the biggest comeback win in NFL history, Caitlin Thielen watched, riveted, from the stands. Mic’d up and surrounded on either side by her parents, with her three young kids taking turns in her lap, Caitlin cheered and chanted, pointing out her husband, wide receiver Adam Thielen, to her children. When the game turned and was then bolstered by a touchdown pass to her husband, Caitlin leapt from her seat, the picture of fierce loyalty and competitive spirit.

It’s a life she never expected, but it’s one she feels entirely blessed to be living. “We just feel like [God’s] given us this platform and this position for a reason. Everything that happens, negative or positive, we try to make it into something positive,” Caitlin says. “It’s been a crazy few years!”

If you’ve lived in Woodbury long enough, chances are you’ve seen Caitlin and her family around town. Maybe your paths crossed at a local gym or you passed by the family on a stroll at a local park. Perhaps you remember her as a classmate at Woodbury High School (WHS) or as a star player on the WHS soccer team.

For more than a decade—and for Caitlin, even longer—the Thielens have called Woodbury home. Though Adam recently signed with the North Carolina Panthers after a lengthy career with the Minnesota Vikings—with the Thielen family now settled into life in Charlotte, North Carolina— home will always be synonymous with Woodbury in Caitlin’s eyes.

“I would sum [Woodbury] up as home,” Caitlin says. “It’s a beautiful city, and I think it’s a great place to raise a family.”

And she would know. Born in Appleton, Wisconsin, Caitlin was a born-and-bred Green Bay Packers fan for much of her life—even after moving to Woodbury at the age of 7. The youngest in a family of highly competitive athletes (Her dad played baseball at University of Wisconsin-Madison.), Caitlin grew up being the bat girl at her older brother’s games and quickly found a home and identity on the soccer field. Alongside her two older brothers, Caitlin attended Middleton Elementary, Lake Middle School and WHS, where she played all four years on the varsity soccer team. Simply put, she grew up here.

“I loved Woodbury High School. It was awesome,” Caitlin says. “Those were the years Woodbury was good at soccer. We went to state all four years.”

It was soccer that led her to Iowa State University’s NCAA Division I program (that she signed onto as a high school sophomore). And it was soccer that led her back to Minnesota. “I ended up not really liking the soccer aspect [at Iowa State] ... I was going to transfer to the University of Minnesota, but I ended up choosing [Minnesota State University,] Mankato, something a little less intense,” Caitlin says.

At Minnesota State University, Mankato, she officially met Adam. (They were Facebook friends long before. “People probably thought I [transferred] because of him, but I really didn’t know him very well actually,” she says.) Though Adam’s intentions were obvious, Caitlin friend-zoned him for months before deciding to give him a chance during her junior year. “He was really after me for a few years, so I was like, ‘Alright, I’ll give you a chance.’ And then I realized we actually had a lot more in common,” Caitlin says.

A year later, they were engaged. “Wait, actually let me think,” Caitlin says, pausing to do mental math. “Did I get engaged in college? That seems weird right now, but OK, yeah, that was right.”

Photos: Gabriella Lynn; Brenda Graboski

Caitlin Thielen and her children, Hudson, Cora and Asher, support husband and father Adam Thielen on the field.

Thielen Foundation strives to create programs to serve, educate and inspire individuals to reach their fullest potential in life.

“We were best friends, and we just knew that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together,” she adds.

Upon her graduation, Caitlin decided to pause her graduate school plans (to study speech pathology) as Adam found his footing on the Minnesota Vikings practice squad. “That’s what’s so hard that I think people don’t understand, is the wives or significant others … they can have a job, but you almost have to be at a flexible job … because you can move. No contract is guaranteed,” she says.

With Adam’s trajectory as an athlete—football at a NCAA Division II school, undrafted, fighting for a place on a professional team—the future was uncertain. “For an undrafted free agent like Adam, it’s very hard to make it as your position. You kind of have to work your way up, and if you don’t, you’ll just get cut,” Caitlin says. “... I didn’t know if Adam would play anymore or not. An NFL career is so short, so I was like, ‘Oh, I’ll just enjoy this year with him because he probably won’t be back next year. We really didn’t think it would last long. We didn’t know.”

Then it happened, for Adam—and for Caitlin. A wedding. A record-making NFL career. A family. And life hasn’t stopped since. “We just got thrown into it, and it’s just a different world, a different lifestyle,” Caitlin says. “It just happened, and then every year we’re just like, “Oh, my gosh, another year.”

Over the last decade, Caitlin has worked toward creating her own identity in an often limiting environment. “A lot of the girls talk about it, too, like your husband or significant other is this [professional athlete and public figure], and like who are you as the significant other? That’s been, especially the first few years, that was really hard for me. I didn’t know. I was just his wife, and I was just a mom. So, that was really hard for me,” Caitlin says.

Launching her blog, Life with Mrs. T, allowed Caitlin to reflect on her identity and passions. She started to share pieces of herself: her love of cooking and baking, her journey into motherhood and her fitness regimen.

“I have so many different passions. I’ve never been like, ‘I’m going to be a doctor’ ... I’m kind of all over. That’s why I started the blog a while ago,” Caitlin says. “I wanted to … showcase our life and what it’s like as an NFL family, and that it’s honestly, at least for us, it’s not very different than normal families.”

On her blog, Caitlin covers topics like potty training, traveling with her young kids (Asher, 6, Hudson, 4, and Cora, 2), recapping big Minnesota Vikings moments and goings-on with The Thielen Foundation. Her posts are sincere, insightful and, at times, vulnerable. Through sharing, she’s found a group of supporters.

“Life with Mrs. T is a really great group of moms, who will help each other out and ask questions,

Photo: Caitlin Thielen

Dr. James Erlandson

Dr. Marc Roehrich

and I’ll ask questions a lot, too. It’s pretty cool to have that community on social media, and it’s also cool that people want to know certain things about my life,” she says.

Even so, Caitlin says there’s a risk to being so open on social media. “I think it can be so negative sometimes and hurtful. Honestly, it’s scary for my kids. I’m scared in the next 10 years what it’s going to look like, I really am. But I hope that the way we talk to them about it and stuff, that it can definitely be used for positive,” she says.

Since her daughter, Cora, was born in 2021, Caitlin hasn’t been able to be as active on her blog. “The man-to-man was good for us, but the three is like, ‘Phew,’” she says. In full on mom-mode, made especially difficult during football season when Adam only has one day off, she often finds herself making multiple meals a night (“Everyone wants not what I make,” she says.) and using naptime to accomplish necessary tasks, like putting away the dishes or folding laundry. When Adam’s away for long periods, she makes sure to take time for herself, hire a sitter and go for dinner out with friends.

It’s a balancing act, but one she loves.

“I always had hoped to be a stay-at-home mom if it was in God’s plan … I just think it’s so cool, if you’re able to, to see your kids grow up,” she says. “It goes so fast. Even Asher right now, he will be in first grade, but he’s just so tall. And I get all the flashback pictures on my phone, and I’m like, ‘How did that happen?’”

With the move to Charlotte at the end of July— and with it a few days per week at a Pre-K program for the youngest Thielens, Hudson and Cora— Caitlin sees the unexpected upheaval as an opportunity to recalibrate.

“It’s so sad, but it’s also exciting,” Caitlin says. “I know Adam is really excited about this new opportunity, but it’s hard when you’ve been on a team so long, and we know everything about it and now you’re just starting over. So, it’s kind of scary and nerve wracking, but we’re all so excited. Like I said, it’s a new adventure.”

Life with Mrs. T; lifewithmrst.net @bloglife_with_mrst & @mrs_t_19

Caitlin Thielen with her children. From left to right: Cora, Hudson and Asher.

Photo: Midwest LifeShots Photography

RAPID FIRE Q&A:

Closet essential: Yoga pants

The last show you binged/book you read: Adam and I watched The Night Agent [on Netflix] and then for a book, The Wife Upstairs [by Rachel Hawkins].

Three words a friend would use to describe you: Fun, competitive and loving.

Favorite way to be active: I love running, lifting, strength ... A couple top ones in Woodbury are definitely Basecamp or CorePower, and I go to Life Time, too, just because they have daycare. And I have a Peloton, and I love it, which I never have biked ever, but I love it.

Favorite Woodbury memory: Woodbury Days. Growing up, me and one of my best friends would always ride our bikes with my mom to the parade. We would go to the same spot every year. We’d get the V’s [a style of face paint] and all that fun stuff. It’s just so fun now bringing the kids. They get so excited for it, and seeing them watch it brings back those memories from my childhood. And even like last year going to a couple Friday night Woodbury High School football games. It was so fun. I feel like I was just here playing on this field.

Favorite place to eat in Woodbury: Probably Hazelwood [Food + Drink] nowadays, me and Adam both love that spot or probably The ’Wick, too.

What you will miss most about Minnesota: Probably just the people … Especially the Vikings fans, too. It was just so fun to interact with them and show them behind-the-scenes stuff of our life at least ... it’s so sentimental with Adam being [Minnesota] born and raised, and him being like a huge Vikings fan growing up. I just feel like we really connected with fans here … But, yeah, mostly the people and the friends I’ve made along the way. Not the snow!

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HOME & GARDEN Collection

BIRTHPLACE OF THE HOME TOUR

In 1948, Minneapolis and St. Paul became the birthplace of the Twin Cities Parade of Homes. What began as a single trend home presented by the then-Minneapolis Builders Association, has been transformed through the years into the largest home tour in the United States. At Housing First Minnesota, we’re proud to be celebrating 75 years of presenting the Parade of Homes in the Twin Cities.

The builders who participated in the early Parade of Homes events were shocked that the community lined up around the block to explore the stunning new construction homes that had the latest designs and technology. Today, the widely recognized and respected regional event continues to draw thousands of tour-goers to connect with builders and be inspired.

Adding the Remodelers Showcase® in 1984 and the Artisan Home Tour in 2014, our home tours are truly the ultimate community celebrations of homeownership.

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PARADE OF HOMES TWIN CITIES @PARADEOFHOMESTC

Since the Parade of Homes’ inception in 1948, hundreds of thousands of people have enjoyed the tour with their families, flocking to the now-biannual event to gather inspiration and see firsthand the latest offerings from local builders.

THE TWIN CITIES PREMIER KITCHEN & BATH SHOWROOM

At The Cabinet Store + Culina Design public showroom, you will find over 6,000-square-feet of American-made products including SHOWPLACE Cabinetry and CAMBRIA Quartz. Our experienced team is ready to work with you each step of the way to help you feel comfortable throughout the design and installation process of remodeling. We offer a SIMPLE, straight-forward approach to your cabinetry and countertop needs: We design, sell, and install cabinets and countertops. Contact us today to learn more about a free showroom tour and complimentary design consultation!

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Chazin Interiors Your Source for Great Design YOUR HOMEYOUR STORY

At Chazin Interiors, we strongly believe that the art of crafting a home is really about storytelling: Who you are, who and what you love, and how you choose to move through the world.

Wherever you might be in that story, let us take you through an exciting process of discovery and together we can create the home of your dreams!

Complimentary design services available. Your source for great design,

CHAZIN INTERIORS, 1250 E. WAYZATA BLVD., WAYZATA; 952.935.0300; CHAZININTERIORS.COM

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TAILORED INTERIOR DESIGN

The team at Zimmer Design provides spatial planning and interior design, working directly with clients, contractors and builders. “We create 3D renderings and/or CADS, selection schedules, as well as the interior sourcing from plumbing fixtures to furnishings,” says Kelly Vickers, owner.

At Zimmer Design, we encourage our clients to share all their ideas. Individualized design allows me to be the most creative, which is what my clients deserve. I follow my clients’ visions for their spaces, adding my signature elements and pragmatism along the way. I deliver a genuinely curated design no matter the genre.

ZIMMER DESIGN, 612.470.5660

ZIMMER.DESIGN ZIMMER DESIGN @ZIMMRDESIGN

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

• Unmatched craftsmanship and attention to detail

• Superior quality materials for lasting results

• Dedicated team of skilled professionals

• Transparent communication and exceptional customer service

• Commitment to community involvement

Why Choose Hoffman Weber Construction?

Exteriors Storm Restoration Award-Winning Designs

SpaceTurtle Construction is an award-winning designbuild residential remodeler. Our services include basement finishing, kitchens, baths, additions and whole home upgrades. Before a client even pays or signs a contract, they’ll receive free design services, detailed estimate and even selections and a personalized mood board. Spending so much time up front not only builds trust with our clients, but it ensures we avoid surprises during the construction phase of the project. We pride ourselves on being open and honest with our prices. We are unlike any other remodeler in the industry and we love it!

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THE FINE ART OF CREATING EXCEPTIONAL EXTERIORS

For more than 45 years, builders, remodelers and homeowners have counted on Allstar Construction for all their exterior construction needs. We specialize in:

• New Construction: Single & Multi-Family

• Remodel: Exterior Renovations & Additions

• Storm Damage & Insurance Claims Management

It’s our mission to set the industry standard in terms of outstanding value, uncompromising quality, continuous innovation and exceptional client experience. We want to provide you with the right service at the right price at the right time—every time.

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WE’RE A DIFFERENT KIND OF REMODELER AND THAT’S SOMETHING WE’RE PROUD OF!

BUILDING LUXURY FOR YOUR LIFE.STYLE

Hartman Homes lends over 35 years of expertise to assist in lot selection, architectural planning, meticulous craftsmanship and the interior design of your home. Our custom design-build experience is the perfect blend of your vision and our design talent. Our award-winning team takes pride in the long-standing relationships with superior quality trade partners. This ensures your future home will meet the same standards of excellence you’ve seen in any Hartman model. Enjoy the experience as your ideas transform into your extraordinary new home! Proudly serving the Twin Cities, Western Wisconsin and Big Sky, Montana

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YOUR LOCAL HOME EXPERTS Obsessed?

GRADY STEPHENS

Chief Executive Officer

Q: How Can I Prepare My Roof for Winter?

A: Here are five steps to take to get you roof ready for winter:

1. Remove debris and leaves that have accumulated in gutters to prevent water from backing up and causing damage.

2. Repair or replace damaged shingles to prevent water infiltration during winter snow or rain.

3. Trim overhanging tree branches to prevent them from falling on your roof during winter storms.

4. Ensure proper attic insulation and ventilation to prevent ice dams from forming.

5. Remove snow promptly to prevent excessive snow accumulation to avoid structural damage and leaks.

Allstar Construction, 6500 Carlson Drive, Eden Prairie; 952.295.3425; allstartoday.com

JAMES VAGLE

Parade of Homes

Q: What’s the best way to find a new home or connect with a builder?

A: The Parade of Homes has a proud history of presenting the leading homeownership event in Minnesota. Touring is a great way to discover what features you want to incorporate into your home. It’s your chance to explore different floor plans, check out neighborhoods, and see the latest styles. This year, we’re celebrating 75 years of home tours and invite you to join us in special events throughout the tour—all while finding your next home!

Housing First paradeofhomes.org

Parade of Homes Twin Cities @ParadeofHomesTC

LOCAL EVENTS

Yoga HIIT with Crisp & Green

09/09

Join Flostate, and get out your energy with an hour-long Yoga HIIT workout. Attending the class includes a BOGO salad or grain bowl. Bring your own mat and water. All ages. Free. 9:30–10:30 a.m. Crisp & Green, 7030 Valley Creek Plaza Suite 104; 651.321.1905; crispandgreen.com

Just Between Friends

Woodbury Fall Sale

09/14–09/16

Expect up to 90 percent off retail prices

BIG TRUCK DAY

Children are encouraged to explore all types of vehicles.

THE CITY OF WOODBURY PARKS AND RECREATION is partnering with Woodbury Public Safety and the Washington County Library for the 13th annual Big Truck Day event from 9 a.m.–noon on September 23.

“At this event, we get different types of vehicles such as school busses, snowplows, tractors, mowers, garbage trucks, tow trucks, mail trucks, ice cream trucks, [a] trolley, cement mixer, police cars, fire trucks, ambulances and more,” says Anna Kemper, recreation program specialist for the City of Woodbury. The vehicle owners allow all ages to climb on the vehicles and take photos; many will stay and explain what the vehicle does and how it works, too.

And keep an eye out for a furry friend, too. “We will have our city emotional support dog, Otis, there,” Kemper says. —Hailey Almsted

For more information and to register, visit woodburymn.gov.

of high-quality name brands all under one roof at the annual Just Between Friends sale. Get your ticket to access the event for free or treat yourself with early access—early entry prices vary by time. All ages. Free. Times vary. M Health Fairview Sports Center, 4125 Radio Drive; 651.321.3969; woodbury.jbfsale.com

Woodbury’s Annual Kickball Tourney

09/15

Show your competitive side in the fifth annual kickball tournament. The event also features food trucks and prizes for winning teams. Ages 18 and older. $395 for teams of nine to 15 and $30 for individual entry. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. M Health Fairview Sports Center Fields 10–12, 4125 Radio Drive; 651.842.9480; woodburychamber.org

Stitch and Chat

09/15

Join American Sewing Guild’s Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter at its Stitch and Chat event. To celebrate September being national sewing month, community service for the surrounding area will be the theme for this stitching event. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Jerry’s Foods, 7760 Hargis Parkway; 612.201.5917; asg-mpls-stpaul.org

Suicide Prevention 5K Race

09/30

Join this year’s 12th annual suicide prevention race, where participants can walk, run or jog at Colby Lake Park. The Suicide Prevention Collaborative’s hope through this race is to increase awareness about mental health and the warning signs of suicide. All ages.

Compiled by Macy Berendsen and Lily Schlobohm

to see and do in and around Woodbury

Photo: City of Woodbury

09/22–09/23

FALLFEST

Saint Ambrose’s 2023 sixth annual FALLFEST includes carnival rides, bingo, a silent auction, a bucket raffle, beer garden, kids games and food. New this year will be a family trivia challenge testing knowledge in a variety of categories. Plus, don’t miss the live music including Rizer on Friday night and Good for Gary on Saturday night. All ages. Free. 5:30–10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Saturday; Saint Ambrose Catholic Community, 4125 Woodbury Drive; 651.768.3030; saintambrosecatholic.org

$25. 8:30 a.m. Colby Lake Park Pavilion, 9715 Valley Creek Road; 801.851.5520; suicidepreventioncollaborativemn.org

AREA EVENTS

Minneapolis Public

Art Bicycle Tours

09/01

Join local artist and landscape architect Greg Ingraham for a mellow-paced bike ride touring some of the art throughout Minneapolis. The 10-mile bike ride will start and end at La Dona Cerveceria Brewery and will focus on art around the

three Minneapolis stadiums. All ages. $30. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. La Dona Cerveceria Brewery, 241 Fremont Ave., Mpls.; bikemn.org

BOB

09/01

Spend your Labor Day weekend with the quintet BOB. This lively band is known for their performance in singing covers of Bob Dylan. All ages. Free.

7:30–9 p.m. Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 W. Lake Harriet Parkway, Mpls.; 612.230.6400; reverbnation.com

Cocktail Class

09/09

At this class, attendees will create six

cocktails with paired charcuterie. Expect to leave with fresh recipes and impressive new knowledge. Ages 21 and older. $85. 12:30–2:30 p.m. Flying Dutchman Spirits, 6801 Flying Cloud Drive, Eden Prairie; 952.406.8286; flyingdutchmanspirits.com

Open Streets West Broadway

09/16

This street festival allows the community to explore the neighborhood in a new way. View city streets in a public festival with food, drink, music, art and so much more. All ages. Free. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Various locations including W. Broadway Ave. from Penn Ave. N. to Lyndale Ave. N., Mpls.; 612.568.6227; openstreetsmpls.org

Pet The Stress Away

09/17

Pet away your stress at Healing Hearts Rescue’s monthly adoption event. Cuddle, play and maybe adopt a puppy right in the taproom of Lakes & Legends Brewing Company. Outside food is welcome. All ages. Free. 2–4 p.m. Lakes & Legends Brewing Company, 1368 Lasalle Ave., Mpls.; healingheartsrescue.org

Twins Cities Veg Festival

09/17

This year’s theme for the Twin Cities annual Veg Fest is Healing People, Animals and the Planet. Expect over 100 vendors and artists and thousands of participants. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harriet Island Park, 151 Water St., St. Paul; 612.276.2242; tcvegfest.com

Beetlejuice: The Musical

09/19–09/24

The 1980s film classic makes its way to the stage in a musical reimagining of Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice. Follow teenager Lydia Deetz and the new ghosts haunting her house as they meet the demon known as Beetlejuice. All ages. $49–$159. Times vary. Hennepin Theatre Trust, 910 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; 612.455.9500; hennepintheatretrust.com

To have your event considered: email woodburymag@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.

A Better Way to Pay.

Mystery On the Mississippi

09/21

Solve a murder mystery taking place in the 1980s while cruising down the Mississippi on a memorable riverboat experience. All ages. $30. 6:30–9 p.m. Padelford Packet Boat Company at Harriet Island Park, 205 Doctor Justus Ohage Blvd., St. Paul; 651.291.8164; parkconnection.org

Can Do Woofaroo

09/23

Bring your furry friend to the annual Can Do Woofaroo 1-mile walk and fundraiser that benefits those in need of an assistance dog. You can expect live music, costume contests and more. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Can Do Canines, 9440 Science Center Drive, New Hope; 763.331.3000; candocanines.org

Medtronic Twin Cities

Marathon Weekend

09/29–10/01

The fifth decade of the Medtronic weekend will feature runs for all ages and paces in the Twin Cities area. Live art, course entertainment, The Summit Beer Garden and more will be open to all community members—for those who are running and those who are cheering. All ages. Prices vary. Times vary. U.S. Bank Stadium, 401 Chicago Ave., Mpls.; 651.289.7700; tcmevents.org

Twin Cities Veg Festival

Woodbury’s Community Garden Launches for a Second Year

Thanks to a grant from Washington County and land donated by the City of Woodbury, the second annual Community Garden was launched on May 9. This year, 48 gardeners were granted plots to grow produce, flowers and shrubs. The Woodbury Community Garden is located near Andy’s Bark Park, 11664 Dale Road, just east of Woodbury Drive.

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

Sweet Talent

Katie Hill shares the inspiration behind her baking talents.

Written by Emily Gedde

KATIE HILL admits she used to hate baking. The Woodbury resident said it wasn’t something she found interesting and didn’t understand the science behind it.

Now, the owner of Mama Bear’s Sweets, an in-home cottage bakery, turned a hobby into a business and discusses the talent she loves sharing with others.

We asked Hill what got her started in the trade, what inspires her and what her most unique request has been since she started baking about seven years ago.

HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU STARTED BAKING?

It wasn’t until after my second child was born that I took an interest in baking. I started a journey to become a healthier person, both physically and mentally. Creating foods from scratch and knowing what I was consuming and what my family was eating became very important to me. I started a little hobby and passion of making healthy toddler foods for my kids and some of my friends’ kids. But I felt something was missing in my passion. It wasn’t until I had a request to make a healthy cake that I discovered the art of decorating the things I baked. I fell instantly in love. I went on to later create my business, Mama Bear’s Sweets, which has two sections: My main page, which has indulgent sweets, and Healthy Bear, which has healthy- and nutritionpacked treats.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST THING YOU BAKED? HOW DID IT TURN OUT?

The first things I started baking were muffins. They were always hit or miss for a while. But it was a great way to play with recipes and begin to understand the interactions different ingredients have with each other.

The first cake I baked at my business was a two-tier casino themed cake. It turned out well and was very tasty. However, it had no cake supports. It’s a miracle that it didn’t collapse.

DESCRIBE HOW YOUR PASSION FOR BAKING PROGRESSED THROUGH TIME?

Fear often keeps us from taking steps toward our goals. I’ve been paralyzed by fear before and it’s hard to make progress

Photos: Katie Hill

when feeling this way. Facing these fears has allowed for me the biggest growth, and in turn … a greater passion. There were many times I wanted to end my business, as I thought it would be easier if I did. I decided to keep preserving and developing it into something I can be proud of. I am so glad I did. I know the rest of my journey won’t always be easy, but it’s encouraging when you discover that you can do hard things.

WHAT INSPIRED THE NAME OF YOUR BUSINESS?

My business name was formed from the love and compassion I have for being a mother. My three kids are my world. If you look closely at my logo, you can see three hearts in the bear representing each of them.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO BAKE?

I am continuously inspired to bake by all my amazing customers. The ability to share with others a little piece of my heart through food keeps me going and striving to do better. I am so blessed to have such support from so many people. In addition, the baking community is

such a loving and welcoming group to be a part of. We became family. I am also inspired by my own personal growth. As someone who experiences a lot of anxiety, I have found that baking really helps me to be present and grounds me. I am thankful for this outlet.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ITEM TO BAKE?

I like baking a lot of things. But in all honesty, it’s the decorating and packaging, and creating new flavors and ideas that I love the most about the actual baking part. Cakes and cupcakes are the main thing I do, and the creative freedom and excitement I get is why I love it so much. I also really enjoy creating menus for sales and events.

WHAT IS ONE OF THE MOST UNIQUE BAKING/ ORDER REQUESTS YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

The most unique order I had was a gender reveal cake for a cockatiel. These birds need a blood test to determine their gender. So, the vet called me after the blood test was run and gave me the

Easy and Delicious Chocolate Buttercream

» 2 sticks butter (softened)

» 4 Tbsp. cocoa

» 5 cups powdered sugar

» 1 tsp. vanilla

» water, milk or heavy cream to thin

Place butter in stand mixer with a paddle attachment, and beat until the butter becomes white and fluffy. Add vanilla, and mix. Add powdered sugar, cocoa and a few tablespoons of water, milk or heavy cream, and mix. Keep adding a little bit of liquid at a time until you get a fluffy and spreadable buttercream.

news that it was a girl. I filled the cake piñata style with pink sprinkles. When the customer cut into the cake at their party, pink sprinkles came pouring out revealing the gender.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR BAKING SETS YOU APART FROM OTHERS?

There are so many amazing bakers in Minnesota. I feel blessed to be able to observe and learn from them. I pride myself in using quality ingredients, carefully creating each item and offering delicious and unique flavors—I offer over 50 different options of cake flavors, frostings and fillings. My customers are important to me, and I want to be able to help cultivate a whole experience from taste to packaging.

Mama Bear’s Sweets also highly prioritizes eco-consciousness. I strive for extremely minimal waste and the use of Earth-friendly products both in my business and in my personal life.

mamabearssweetsmn.com

Mama Bear’s Sweets

@mamabearssweetsmn

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Your Photo Here.

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Are you looking for a night out with friends to DIY a fun new project without having to buy all your own supplies and make a mess at your house? Book a workshop today!

Board & Brush Creative Stuido 2230 Eagle Creek Lane Suite F 612.234.5257

boardandbrush.com/woodbury

30 years of experience to help you navigate the changing market!

“Sparks” will move you! Experience the difference.

Terri Sparks | Edina Realty terrisparks@edinarealty.com 651.230.0660 terrisparks.edinarealty.com

You give us a vision and we handcraft it into reality. Custom, handcrafted kitchens, vanities and furniture you want and can afford for your home.

Farmhouse Style Furniture 5350 Highway 61 N. Suite 3, White Bear Lake 651.528.8527 putnamfarmhouse.com

MINNESOTA VEIN CENTER

Full-time Realtors with over 40 years experience.

We enjoy helping people move.

The Joy Erickson Real Estate Team Edina Realty 612.802.7150 JoyTeam@EdinaRealty.com JoyErickson.com

Orthodontic treatments for all ages. We offer comprehensive corrections as well as cosmetic improvements.

Schedule a complimentary consultation now.

We love smiles!

Henseler & Kocian Orthodontics 1000 Radio Drive Suite 220 651.739.1555 hkortho.com

The Minnesota Vein Center is a highly specialized medical practice dedicated to providing the most advanced chronic venous insufficiency, varicose vein and spider vein treatment in Minnesota.

Minnesota Vein Center 731 Bielenberg Drive #208 651.765.8346 mnveincenter.com

Offering Midwest grown craft hemp education, and products to help relieve, relax, rest and recover; for all ages ... and pets!

The Midwest Craft CBD Center 9000 Hudson Road Suite 616 651.340.3706 woodburycbd.com

THIRD PLACE: PEOPLE & FAMILIES

Friendly Competition

Photographer captures the spirit of football.

“THIS IS A PHOTO of Logan Larson, who was a senior football player at East Ridge [High School]. It was taken at the Woodbury-East Ridge football game at Woodbury High School in October 2021,” says Pat Donaghy. “... In the middle of this game, it started pouring. As many people scrambled to shelter, I stayed even though I wasn’t prepared for the rain. On this play, East Ridge had just recovered a fumble and was celebrating.”

Although the players had gone to the sidelines, Logan stayed on the field. “For a moment, with all the excitement, I was fascinated at this hulk of a player standing by himself for a moment in the rain catching his breath. It was like five seconds of solitude for Logan in this crazy atmosphere between two intra-city rivals,” Donaghy says.

Photographer: Pat Donaghy

Title: Raining Raptor

Equipment: Canon 1DX II, 70–200mm f2.8 lens; settings were 1/1,000, 5,000 ISO, at 200mm

To view other Focus on Woodbury photo contest winners, and to vote for your 2023 Readers’ Choice winner, visit woodburymag.com.

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