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URBAN DANCE PRODUCTIONS BEGINS A NEW CHAPTER
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“What
if, today, we were grateful for everything?” —Charlie Brown
Food,
From Stage to Screen Filmmaker and speech phenom Mariam Elias-Danjuma is just getting
Photo: Chris Emeott
Olive Branch Oil & Spice Company, page 32
from the EDITOR
For many families throughout the world, food is what brings us together. That has always been the case in my home, and I look forward to the holiday season for the togetherness that it will undoubtedly hold. Much of the delight of the season comes from preparing recipes—those passed down through generations as well as some new finds that will add a fresh twist to the holiday table. In recent years, I’ve tried gruyere mashed potatoes, hassleback squash and even made my own bread rolls and hot chocolate!
As you flip through this issue, you’ll find a great selection of recipes curated for the holiday season. On page 32, Jenny Ramseth of Olive Branch Oil & Spice Company offers a few of her favorite ways to elevate your seasonal feast—including a recipe for Balsamic Short Ribs with Apple Mashed Potatoes that is bound to surprise your taste buds.
We especially love to highlight ways locals are giving back to the community during this season of giving. Head to page 18 to learn more about a new scholarship that will benefit standout 5th grade students at Willow Lane Elementary upon their high school graduation. The Minnow Tank Effect Scholarship is the effort of three area residents and educator Leigh Anderson, and it’s currently open to continuing donations.
We are also excited to shine a spotlight on the great philanthropy and community service shown by 7 Vines Vineyard & Winery. The family-owned winery celebrated its seventh anniversary last month. You can read more about 7 Vines’ origins and the ways the team is giving back on page 20.
From all of us at White Bear Lake Magazine, have a wonderful holiday season. We look forward to greeting you in the new year!
Until next time,
Zoe Yates zoe@localmedia.co
CELEBRATING THE WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SINCE 2012.
On the Cover
Callie Donoghue, Photo by Sarah Dovolos, page 24
See what we’re doing behind the scenes and around town!
White Bear Lake Magazine @whitebearlakemag @whitebearlakemag
Photo: Chris Emeott
WhY bE A bEAR?
• Student-centered instruction. We believe all students grow and learn in different ways and at different rates, all can achieve.
• More academic opportunities to explore interests, excel and design your future.
• Students are agents and owners of their own learning in an environment that is safe, supportive and challenging — with high expectations for student success.
• Our educators inspire, facilitate, and challenge students, nurturing curiosity and confidence. We provide a window to their future.
• We are transforming learning. Our flexible learning spaces and learning studios ignite opportunities for communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking.
VOL. 12 NO. 2
PUBLISHER
Susan Isay
EDITOR Zoe Yates
MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Renée Stewart-Hester
MANAGING EDITOR
Hailey Almsted
DIGITAL EDITOR
Madeline Kopiecki
COPY EDITORS
Kellie Doherty and Sherri Hildebrandt
STAFF WRITERS
Kelly Cochrane, Mollee Francisco, Emily Gedde, Meredith Heneghan, Daniel Huss, Jennifer Pitterle and Rachel Schuehle
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Alexandra Eve, Ellie Fuelling, Kelly Neeb, Katie Tomsche and Kia White
DIGITAL INTERN
Alexandra Tostrud
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Tia Benson and Findlay Drabant
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Lisa Beecroft, Beecroft Marketing ; Kevin P. Donovan, White Bear Rotary ; Kelly Neeb, Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation ; Lexi Munson, White Bear Center for the Arts ; and Russ Reetz, White Bear Lake Area High School
SENIOR MANAGING ART DIRECTOR
Sarah Dovolos
ART DIRECTOR
Allison Nolden
ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR
Jamie Klang
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Yaz Lo
LEAD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Chris Emeott
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Brittni Dye
PRODUCTION MANAGER Lisa Stone
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Mimi Coz
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Laura Bjorgo, Cynthia Hamre, Mary-Catherine Hartel, Sara Johnson and Lauren Warner
PRESIDENT Pete Burgeson
To subscribe to White Bear Lake Magazine , please visit localmedia.co. For customer service inquiries, please contact hello@localmedia.co, or call 612.208.6248. ©Local LLC 2024. All rights reserved.
A WINTER SCENE
CHARLIE , a pastel painting by Wendy Peterson featured in the 2023 Members’ Exhibition at White Bear Center for the Arts, reminds me of what I love about Minnesota winters. You can practically feel the frigid air coming through the open window, while the viewer is safe and warm, cuddled in a blanket with the cat presumably purring away. The window offers an escape for Charlie, but we know he will stay put in the comfort of his home.
Ellie Fuelling is the communications manager at White Bear Center for the Arts. Learn more about classes, programs and events at whitebeararts.org.
GIVE
Remembering Carol McFarlane
Many of you know that we lost an invaluable community member earlier this year, Carol McFarlane.
McFarlane lived her life with a commitment to making the White Bear Lake community the best place it could be. If there was a community issue needing attention, she would listen and find a solution. Her involvement in countless civic activities made her a pillar of the community, and her list of accomplishments is as extensive as it is impressive. Being a founding member of the Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation (GWBLCF) is one of those accomplishments and one that she held very dear.
“Carol’s heart and passion is everyone working together to make this community great,” says Bill Foussard, a dear friend of McFarlane and founding member of the GWBLCF. “There isn’t an event in town that she has not touched or been involved in.”
She is, and will continue to be, greatly missed by us all.
Kelly Neeb is the business manager at the Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation. To learn more, visit gwblcf.org.
The Forest Feast
When I think of the type of cook and host I strive to be, The Forest Feast series of cookbooks by Erin Gleeson is the first thing that comes to mind. I use at least one of her recipes on a weekly basis.
Each of her books is a work of art by itself, combining Gleeson’s own photographs and watercolor illustrations. The all-vegetarian recipes are delicious and very simple, often using ingredients you will already have at home.
Many of the books also include great tips for hosting gatherings of any size,
as well as some sections that act as a travelogue of food-focused trips the author has enjoyed. These cookbooks are just as fun to sit down and page through as they are to cook from; they inspire me to be more thoughtful and creative about each meal, whether I’m cooking for just me or hosting a get-together.
Kia White is an employee at Lake Country Booksellers. Visit the shop on the corner of Fourth Street and Washington Avenue to find your next great read.
Photo: Kelly Neeb
Carol McFarlane and Scott Olson
Make your holiday presents stand out this year with these creative and unique wrapping ideas.
» Pick a Theme: Choose a cohesive theme, like rustic, vintage or modern, to tie all your gifts together to look pretty.
» Start Simple: A versatile base, like brown craft paper, allows you to add personalized touches and decorations.
» Mix it Up: Select a few different wrapping papers within your theme for a vibrant and eclectic look. Add fun and whimsical elements, including tiny ornaments, bells, candy canes or metallic papers and ribbons.
» Introduce Textures: Use various ribbons, such as twine, lace or fabric scraps, to add depth and interest. Decorate with pine cones, sprigs of holly or dried orange slices for rustic charm.
» Go Interactive: Wrap smaller gifts within larger ones for a fun surprise.
» Personalize: Attach handwritten notes or photos to make each gift extra special.
With these ideas, your wrapping will be as memorable as the gift inside.
Alexandra Eve is a local stylist and wardrobe consultant. To learn more or for help shopping this season, visit alexandraeve.net.
Food, Family and Fourth Street
Young’s, a Korean barbecue restaurant, is the realization of a lifelong dream.
By Findlay Drabant
Photo: Chris Emeott
THE MENU
Sami and Young Lim
IF THERE’S BEEN ONE CONSTANT throughout Sami and Young Lim’s relationship, it’s food.
The pair first met in the aisles of Festival Foods in White Bear Lake. Sami worked in the deli, and Young ran the sushi bar. Their friendship grew over nearly a decade, and they began a relationship in 2018.
Through those years, Young’s passion for cooking blossomed. “His mom made all these wonderful meals for him growing up, and that sort of translated to him,” Sami says. “[When we were] dating, he would cook all these fancy dinners and just experiment with food. He’s always cooking.”
Now, two years into their marriage, they own and operate Young’s, a Korean barbecue restaurant, on Fourth Street. “[It’s] been one of Young’s dreams to open up his own restaurant,” Sami says. “He has been always wanting to share his talents and his food with everyone.”
Opening the restaurant was a bit of a whirlwind for the couple. Last December, Young’s long-time customer, Leonard Pratt, approached him with an opportunity. Pratt was the co-owner of the Burger Bar on Fourth Street, which was looking to make a change. The restaurant space was available. Did Young want it?
Sami recalls Young coming home that night to share the news. “[I was] waiting for the other shoe to drop,” Sami says. But it didn’t take long for the couple to realize this was the right place and time to pursue Young’s dream.
The Lims signed the papers to lease the space on February 19, and opened the doors of Young’s to the public on March 15. “It sometimes still doesn't feel real that this is our journey,” Sami says.
Since the restaurant opened, the Lims have been supported on all sides by friends and family. Young’s best friend, Dan, and fellow Festival employee Jeremy “Little J” Bringgold dropped everything to help. Both Young’s and Sami’s parents, EunSoon and Hangil, Kim and Sid, worked for free while the couple got on their feet. “It’s such a big venture that we’re doing, and to bring our family with and share that with them is great,” Sami says.
Young’s offers a fast-casual dining experience. Fairy lights illuminate the patio seating in the evenings. Inside, the intimate space includes dining tables and a small bar. Photos of landscapes hang on the walls, depicting
places where the Lims have shared special moments with each other and their family. “[The photos are] just small reminders of who we are and why we’re here,” Sami says.
The limited menu created by Young, who was raised in Seoul, South Korea, pays tribute to traditional Korean cuisine. The Kalbi Bibimbap, featuring Korean barbecued beef, vegetables, rice and gochujang sauce (homemade like all Young’s sauces) has become a customer favorite. Other main dishes include Burnt Ends, Katsu and Soy Garlic Tofu. Anju—a Korean term for food consumed with alcohol—is another offering at Young’s; these bar snacks include juicy Beef Short Ribs,
Photos: Chris Emeott
Left: Young’s offers carry-out and dine-in service, with patio seating and beer on tap.
Right: Tuna Tataki (front) and Kalbi Bibimbap (back).
Tuna Tataki, crispy Tempura Shrimp and Chicken Wings.
The community has rallied around Young’s from the start. “We just love White Bear Lake; It’s such a friendly town,” says Sami, who grew up nearby in Maplewood. “Everyone’s so nice and welcoming.
“We have a sign when you walk in that says, ‘Stay humble. Be kind. Work hard,’ and that’s really how we are as people too … you never know what other people are going through,” Sami says.
Young’s, 2125 Fourth St.; 651.417.1336; youngswbl.com
From Stage to Screen
Filmmaker and speech phenom
Mariam Elias-Danjuma is just getting started.
By Rachel Schuehle
IN THE SPRING OF 2024, thousands of students across the Metro celebrated years of dedicated learning as high school came to a close. At White Bear Lake Area High School (WBLAHS), Mariam Elias-Danjuma graduated as a four-time national speech champion, an advocate for representation and a voice for Black women in the arts.
Crossing the stage was just the start for Elias-Danjuma, who has been using her creativity to uplift her community since she was a child. This June, EliasDanjuma and fellow WBLAHS graduate
Sanyu Mwassa took first place in the duo category at the National Speech and Debate Tournament, becoming the first Black women to win the duo category in the tournament’s history. It was the culmination of a remarkable speech career for Elias-Danjuma, who joined the team as a sophomore after the debate team dissolved. From the start, she focused her speeches on prose and oral interpretation of Black authors. “My very first speech was The Color Purple by Alice Walker,” EliasDanjuma says. “Sharing the stories of women before me and women who look
like me, representing Black women authors is something I’ll always hold near and dear.”
During this time, Elias-Danjuma also sought new experiences to broaden her network. The summer after her sophomore year, she enrolled in RYSE (Representing Youth Stories and Experiences) MPLS Summer Media Camp, which supports teens in developing short stories. “It’s a growing experience with Speak Minneapolis,” Elias-Danjuma says. “It’s a creative environment working with so many other people from across
Photo: Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival
Mariam Elias-Danjuma, now a freshman at Temple University, plans to pursue degrees in public policy and film.
the country. It inspired me to represent my own community.”
From the experience was born a short documentary film, Sincerely, Black Women, which aimed to showcase what it means to be a Black woman in the 21st century. EliasDanjuma and RYSE participants Gloria Ngwa and Marylove Ogunro interviewed Metro residents in varying professions to ask, “What does being a Black woman mean to you?”
In her junior year, Elias-Danjuma found a mentor in Anita Ukpokolo, an assistant speech coach and 2015 graduate of WBLAHS. “I wanted to mentor someone who was ambitious and wanted to go far in speech, and that was one of her goals,” Ukpokolo says. The two went on to collaborate and train side-by-side, and Elias-Danjuma performed Beloved by Toni Morrison, which garnered state and national awards. She continued forging her path in speech and filmmaking throughout her high school career, taking home nine wins across multiple events.
In spring 2023, Elias-Danjuma released the short documentary film Her Eyes Spoke. The film focuses on the distorted and inaccurate representattion of Black women in the media. It received an Award of Excellence at the 2024 Best of the Midwest Media Fest.
“We are always looking for ourselves in situations, whether actively or subconsciously, trying to find ways to fit in,” Ukpokolo says. “If you don’t see anybody who reminds you of yourself, it starts to feel like those things aren’t for you. It’s isolating.”
Now a freshman at Temple University in Philadelphia, EliasDanjuma is pursuing a double major in public policy and film. She has her eyes set on law making and policy change— always with a lens of representation. And her journey in filmmaking is just getting started.
“I have undrafted screenplays in my Google Docs,” Elias-Danjuma says. “I want to continue making media while being in it, and I’m hoping to make a coming-of-age comedy next."
PHILANTHROPY
The Minnow Tank Effect Service-oriented
scholarship sets Willow Lane Elementary 5th graders up for success.
By Meredith Heneghan
THE MINNOW TANK is a wellknown local program for Willow Lane Elementary students. Lessons on teamwork, perseverance, gratitude and service encourage 3rd and 4th grade students to develop thoughtful value systems and empower them to advocate for charities of their choice. Through a process inspired by the entrepreneurial show Shark Tank and with mentorship from community members, the top three student groups receive $3,000 to be split between their chosen causes.
“The goal is to create empowering learning and leadership opportunities. I want every student to realize that their presence on this earth matters— realize their gifts matter and to use them to make the world a better place,” says Leigh Anderson, an educator who also serves as student and community outreach coordinator.
Anderson piloted the program in 2021, and it’s grown in popularity and impact in the years since. The Rotary Club of White Bear Lake helps coach and fund the program each year. And now, thanks to generous donors, standout 5th graders will be nominated by teachers each year to receive the Minnow Tank Effect Scholarship.
The scholarship looks to support postsecondary education opportunities for Minnow Tank participants and will award at least $15,000 to up to four students annually for the next five years. This spring, the first three recipients were chosen to recieve $5,000 scholarships based on their demonstration of the four principles of the program:
Top: Holly Halverson-Vue, a 2024 scholarship recipient.
Bottom: Marty Rathmanner, a donor and coach, with students at Willow Lane Elementary.
teamwork, perseverance, gratitude and service to others. The funds will be held (and grown) by the Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation until the students graduate high school.
Mark Kraemer and Marty Rathmanner have served as Minnow Tank coaches for three years and were the ones to approach Anderson with an offer of financial support for students’ postsecondary education, which inspired a third donor to get on board. The group has committed to contribute more than $75,000.
“What’s happening at that school is just magic,” Kraemer says. The Minnow Tank Effect Scholarship involves more than financial support. It prioritizes mentorship for the awardees at regular intervals with people in their community over their next seven years of schooling.
“I think when kids learn the power of serving others at a young age, and there are intentional opportunities to learn how to do it, it becomes part of their identity,” Anderson says. “This is going to change the trajectory of these kids’ lives.”
The Minnow Tank has made a big splash in the White Bear Lake area— creating a powerful synergy among adults and students that Anderson is quick to credit for the program’s growing impact. Kraemer says, “I’ve never seen an environment like Willow [Lane Elementary], where everybody—from the front desk to the principal to the teachers—just surrounds these kids, I mean, it’s just amazing."
The hope of Anderson and the donors is that more people are inspired to give to this worthy cause, either in the form of time spent coaching or mentoring, or on a financial level.
“It’s not about what you get, it’s about what you give,” Anderson says. “I feel so connected to these community members, how wonderful the community is, how willing they are to love and wrap their arms around our students.”
STAY CONNECTED AND CELEBRATE
Contributions to The Minnow Tank Effect Scholarship Fund can be sent to: White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation Attn: Minnow Tank Effect Scholarship 4855 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Grapevine
Nestled in the countryside of Dellwood is 7 Vines Vineyard and Winery, a space both social and viticultural that’s been nurtured by two generations of the Peltier family. “The goal was to be a place for celebration,” says winery president Janée Peltier Katz, the daughter of founders Arlie and Ron Peltier. “We settled on a motto: We’re a destination for all good things .”
The story of the winery goes back to the 1980s, when Ron and Arlie first approached the property owners (members of St. Paul’s James J. Hill family) about buying the land. The Peltiers, who were in real estate, planned to create a new housing development on the site, but the property wasn’t available to sell. “It was probably meant to be that they didn’t acquire it when they first hoped, because years later, when they did purchase it, they wanted to leave a gift for the community and a legacy for their kids and grandkids,” Katz says. In 2010, the Peltiers finally bought the 188 acres and decided to transform the land into a vineyard, celebrating a passion for wine they’d cultivated during trips to Europe.
They knew winemaking was gaining prestige in the Midwest, including new technologies and a growing pool of talented vintners in the region. “They felt that by having the right people and a state-of-the-art facility, they could strive to make some of the best wine from our area,” Katz says. The first vines were planted in
2012, and the winery opened to the public in 2017 after several years of labor and love.
“The family was smart, and they invested in the best equipment up front,” says Matt Scott, 7 Vines’ head winemaker, who joined the vineyard in 2019. A refrigerated truck keeps the grapes fresh; then, they’re hand-sorted by a small team. “Nobody in the Midwest really sorts their grapes,” Scott says. “But if you go to Napa Valley or parts of Oregon, it’s really common. You’re taking out leaves and stems and anything that shouldn’t be there.”
Details like that help set 7 Vines’ wines apart from others in the region and even in the country. It’s taken home major accolades, including many Best in Class awards in Sonoma County, and high point ratings for wines like the True North Rosé. “True North is all estate-grown,” Scott says. “It’s only grapes from Dellwood, Minnesota, competing on the West Coast at a really high level.”
After the winery opened, there was a learning curve. “We definitely hit some bumps in the road and tried to figure out who we were,” Katz says, as they found a balance between hosting private events (The winery is popular for weddings.) and being open to the public. “We wanted to be a place where people could gather and create memories.”
Having a place for memory-making became infinitely more important to the Peltier family
7 Vines Vineyard and Winery celebrates its seventh anniversary.
WRITTEN BY JENNIFER PITTERLE
“We wanted to be a place where people could gather and create memories.”
JANÉE PELTIER KATZ, PRESIDENT OF 7 VINES VINEYARD AND WINERY
when Arlie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016. “Often, it’s a disease that people don’t want to talk about,” Katz says. “Because it’s something that takes a little bit of dignity away from somebody.” In the fall of 2020, 7 Vines released its first special red blend in honor of Arlie and her journey. “We called it Reminisce,” Katz says. “When you open a bottle of wine, you start reminiscing about memories, which are really the essence of who we are as human beings.”
Arlie passed away in 2021, and the winery helps keep her memory and her generous spirit alive. In gratitude for the care Arlie received at the Mayo Clinic, 7 Vines donates 50 percent of all proceeds from the annual Reminisce wine release to Mayo’s Alzheimer’s Research Center.
In addition to Reminisce, 7 Vines also produces an annual State of Hockey wine that benefits the Herb Brooks Foundation. “They’re helping communities and kids who maybe don’t have the resources to try the game,” Katz explains. “We have a love affair with hockey in
my family.” Ron played under Herb Brooks— the legendary coach and Minnesota icon—in the Bantam level and then at the University of Minnesota. The two families became lifelong friends, and the Peltiers looked for ways to honor Brooks’ memory after his death in 2003. “The day Herb passed away, my dad had played golf with him,” Katz says. “We feel so strongly about the love of hockey.” The State of Hockey wine, in addition to being available directly at the winery, is exclusively poured in all suites at the Xcel Energy Center throughout the 2024–25 hockey season.
And you might have already guessed Ron’s jersey number: 7.
As 7 Vines celebrated its seventh anniversary last month, the winery hosted a big celebration that was open to the community, featuring food, music, anniversary cake and some special bottles of wine. “I don’t know how many people celebrate seventh anniversaries, but we do,” Katz says. “It’s a really special number.”
Founders Arlie and Ron Peltier. Arlie passed away from Alzheimer’s disease in 2021.
Photos:
7 Vines
Vineyard and Winery
Seasonal Sips
As the weather grows colder, try one of 7 Vines’ fall and winter wine releases that are tailored to the temps.
State of Hockey. The 2024 State of Hockey wine, which benefits the Herb Brooks Foundation, is red and lush. It’s available at the winery, online and in suites at the Xcel Energy Center during hockey games.
Reserve Cuvée du Peltier sparkling. This blend of estate-grown Frontenac Blanc and Frontenac Gris makes for perfect holiday bubbles and adds glam to any occasion. FInd it at the winery and online.
Una Bella Vita. With a name that means “a beautiful life” in Italian, this wine captures—you guessed it—the good life in a red blend made just for the winery’s seventh anniversary season. It’s available at the winery and online while supplies last.
Wine enthusiasts can also sign up for Club 7; members receive a curated box of four bottles, twice a year, to sample the best in seasonal sips from Matt Scott and his team. Members are also invited to two release parties each year, with special access to wine only available to Club 7 members.
7 Vines Vineyard and Winery, 101 Highway 96 E., Dellwood; 651.478.6300; 7vinesvineyard.com
7 Vines Vineyard and Winery Dellwood, MN @7vinesvineyard @7VinesDellwood
INSPIRED MOVEMENT
Jazzy Rankin
URBAN DANCE PRODUCTIONS BEGINS A NEW CHAPTER.
WRITTEN BY KELLY COCHRANE
Living is a dance—flowing from one state to another, stretching through challenges and leaping in triumph. For siblings Ben Madrigal and Tessa Madrigal Gusmer, a shared passion for dance in all stages of life has built an award-winning competitive and recreational dance studio. Now, that program, Urban Dance Productions (UDP), has found a new home in White Bear Lake.
“We are so thankful that we ended up in White Bear Lake,” Tessa says. “We want to create with purpose and give back to the community.”
One of the unique aspects of UDP is its intentionality. Early on, Ben and Tessa decided to choreograph their business like a novel—with infinite chapters and potential. Each year would be a new chapter, with a theme to guide it.
The duo turned the first page in 2016 when they opened UDP. Both brought years of competitive dance and coaching experience to the table. Ben has a passion for creative entrepreneurship and choreography. Tessa is often referred to as a “child whisperer” and, with a bachelor’s degree in special education, has experience meeting dancers where they’re at.
“The chapters were created because we wanted the year to feel like a book. At the end of the season, we close the book, and then reopen it in the new season,” Ben says. “Each year, we choose a word to give motivation and a push when we need it.”
Chapter I was titled Urban Army . “We wanted to signify that we were small but mighty,” Tessa says. As they built up the
studio—originally located in Coon Rapids— they held firm to their goals. “We wanted to create this cross-brand studio with a large studio’s big goals and dreams but still keep the smaller niche boutique with an intimate studio setting,” Ben says. Today, with the book open to Chapter IX: Inspire , class sizes are still kept to around 10 to 15 dancers; this allows the studio to really get to know and nurture each dancer.
“We set our standards really high for our dancers because of the fact that we know that kids are incredible. We give them a goal. We know that they are going to reach it, meet it and exceed it,” Tessa says.
White Bear Lake sisters Bella and Libby Butters found their way to UDP as young dancers, looking for something new. Their mother, Crystal Butters, says, “We saw the artistry Urban Dance Productions put on stage, and it was phenomenal. And how they all supported each other … it was something my girls wanted to be a part of.”
Beyond the dance aspect of the studio, Ben and Tessa take pride in being coaches as well as dance instructors. “We look at all aspects of the dancer. We do journaling, mental health check-ins and have an open-door policy no matter the topic or time,” Tessa says. “It’s a safe place to be a dance family. We are there for our dancers for all aspects of life, not just dance.”
After joining UDP in 2020, Bella and Libby are now in different stages of their dance journey. Bella is a sophomore at Berklee College of Music in Boston, obtaining her
Urban Dance Productions
Chapter VIII Recital at North Saint Paul High School
Photos: Laura Sukowatey
bachelor of fine arts degree in commercial dance. Berklee is one of only two colleges in the country to offer this major, which prepares dancers for industry work in television and film, Broadway or performing on cruise lines and in circus arts. “Tessa and Ben believed in me, and that allowed me to believe in myself and get where I am today,” Bella says.
Libby is a senior at White Bear Lake Area High School and has been involved with UDP since 8th grade. “I am so happy to be here for my senior year,” Libby says. As she prepares to graduate in the spring, Ben and Tessa are working with her to figure out her path beyond graduation.
“We work through the big life shifts from losing a tooth, to getting a driver’s license, to choosing a post-high school pathway and even through college graduation and marriage,” Tessa says. “There are so many life shifts that happen through the studio.”
The studio trains dancers in Progressing Ballet Technique, an exercise approach that prioritizes safety and longevity in dancers through a focus on building muscle memory, flexibility and strength. Precompany,
recreation-based classes for young dancers include creative movement, basic tumbling, Hip Hop Crew and seasonal Storybook Camps. Offerings to company members include dance intensives and even a two-day Path to Pro workshop to help dancers figure out their post-grad dance plans.
“We provide encouragement that there is life beyond the dance studio. We say to our dancers, ‘Here are your options. What avenue do you want to go down?’” Ben says.
The studio will continue to offer open houses and community classes each month for interested dancers. As Ben and Tessa continue to create, dance, coach and evolve their niche studio, they are staying true to their original mission and keeping their love for dance at the forefront. “The passion part of working together has always been what we want to do,” Ben says.
Urban Dance Productions 3519 Commerce Blvd., White Bear Lake; 763.767.0738; urbandanceproductions.com
Urban Dance Productions @urbandanceproductions
Libby Butters (left) and Jaylah Hudy (right).
HolidayGift Guide
DISCOVER HUDSON WISCONSIN
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2. HUDSON HOLIDAY MAGIC
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3. TRACKSUIT
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Paul and Jenny Ramseth
TASTEMAKERS
bringing new flavors
to the holiday table
Jenny Ramseth of Olive Branch Oil & Spice Company brings simple ways to spice up seasonal feasts.
For the holiday feasting season, generationsold dishes hit the table year after year. Often, taste comes second to nostalgia. Introducing a new dish can be a delicate balance of attempting to induce wide-eyed first bites without compromising the closed-eyed sighs of comfort food.
For Jenny Ramseth, co-owner of Olive Branch Oil & Spice Company in downtown White Bear Lake, it’s possible to do both.
“What I like to do around the holidays is make things that taste really great, that are unique but aren’t too labor intensive,” Ramseth says. “I want to put it together, take it out of the oven and have people be impressed—but it didn’t take all day.”
For 12 years, Olive Branch has built a loyal customer base with its high-quality kitchen staples. Ramseth and her husband, Paul, took over ownership of the store from Bruce Bushey and Janet Richards in October 2023. They are intent on maintaining the shop’s legacy while bringing in a fresh perspective. Ramseth now develops and mixes all of Olive Branch’s spice blends.
“We are making the store our own, building our legacy while really listening to what
customers want,” Ramseth says. “How do we continue to bring things that help people entertain? That’s why we love what we do—having great food with friends and family around the table together.”
The philosophy is simple: Keep the good stuff on the table—and bring a little something new for people to try, too.
Ramseth offers two recipes for the holiday season that can shake up the routine. The Balsamic Short Ribs with Apple Mashed Potatoes might sound fancy, but she assures that it’s actually a simple stunner with a new twist on classic mashed potatoes. “What’s nice about this is, you can do one short rib per person; you don’t have to slice anything and can scale up or down easily,” she says.
Baked Feta and Olives is great for a potluck, and is flexible with its flavors. (Find the full recipe on whitebearlakemag.com.) “You can use a varietal olive oil, or you can mix it up with an infused olive oil for different flavor combinations. You can also use a different seasoning if you want to highlight a different region of the world,” Ramseth says. A varietal olive oil is the purest form of olive oil—Olive Branch carries varietals from Greece, Italy and Spain, as well as California.
These recipes, as well as the tasty products at Olive Branch—spice sets, oil and vinegar sets, and curated gift baskets—will make you a celebrated guest at any holiday table this year.
Written by Meredith Heneghan — Photos by Chris Emeott
Balsamic Short Ribs with Apple Mashed Potatoes
These tender short ribs are braised in a luscious balsamic red wine sauce and served over creamy apple mashed potatoes. This recipe serves four and takes about two-and-a-half-hours from start to finish.
Short Ribs
» 4 bone-in short ribs
» 1 Tbsp. Olive Branch Prime Rib Rub
» 4 cloves garlic, smashed
» 1 onion, peeled and quartered
» 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
(Jenny Ramseth recommends Nocellara del Belice.)
» 1/2 cup dark balsamic vinegar
» 1/2 cup red wine
» 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
» 2 cups beef broth
» 3 sprigs fresh thyme
» 2 bay leaves
Apple Mashed Potatoes
» 2 lbs. yukon potatoes, peeled and quartered (about 6 potatoes)
» 1 large Honeycrisp apple, peeled, cored and quartered
» 4 Tbsp. butter
» 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese
» 1/2 cup buttermilk
» 1 tsp. salt
» 1/2 tsp. ground white pepper
Heat oven to 350 F. Season the short ribs with Prime Rib Rub on all sides. Heat olive oil in a large dutch oven over medium heat. Sear the short ribs for about 2 minutes per
side. Remove; set aside. Add the onion, garlic and tomato paste and cook for 3 minutes. Add the vinegar and wine, mix well and simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened. Mix in the broth, thyme and bay leaves. Add the short ribs, cover and cook in the oven for 2 hours until the short ribs are fork tender and the sauce has reduced and thickened. While the short ribs cook, make the Apple Mashed Potatoes. Add the potatoes and apple to a large pot of salted water; bring to a boil. Cook for about 15 minutes until tender. Drain, and use a ricer (or mashing tool of choice) to mash to the desired consistency. Mix in the butter, buttermilk, mascarpone, salt and pepper. Once tender, remove the short ribs from the oven, and discard the thyme, bay leaves, onion and garlic from the sauce. Serve the short ribs over the mashed potatoes, and spoon the sauce over the top.
FESTIVAL OF TREES
It’s a winter wonderland at the White Bear Lake Armory.
CELEBRATE THE JOY and community of the season with the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society at the Festival of Trees. This second annual event gives local businesses and organizations an opportunity to deck the halls of the White Bear Lake Armory by decorating their own tree. The result is a festive display of adorned holiday trees that the public may view for two weeks in December.
The grand opening of the Festival of Trees is on December 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free to the public and coincides with Winterfest. Visitors may enjoy hot cocoa, holiday treats, activities and Santa sightings. A second open house is scheduled for December 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “The goal really is for this to be a big community gathering event,” says Allison Lincoln, director of community engagement at the historical society.
“It’s such a fun opportunity for … people to meet
their neighbors and be around the organizations that they frequent,” Lincoln says, adding that it provides a great way to give back and engage with the broader community.
Last year, the one-day event drew nearly 3,000 attendees. Now, the trees will be on display through December 21, and the public may walk through this tinseled forest scene during the armory’s open hours. —Zoe Yates
All ages. Free. Times vary. White Bear Lake Area Historical Society, 2228 Fourth St.; 651.407.5327; whitebearhistory.org
White Bear Lake Area Historical Society
@whitebearhistory
White Bear Lake Area Historical Society
WHITE BEAR LAKE MAGAZINE: TREE LEVEL SPONSOR
Compiled by Tia Benson and Findlay Drabant
TALL SNOWMAN PAINTING CLASS
Put brush to canvas at this guided painting class, and create your tall snowman masterpiece. All ages. $40. 10 a.m.–noon. White Bear Lake Senior Center, County Road F East; danusink@usfamily.net; cheerfulheartspaint.com
DECEMBER 19
LOCAL EVENTS
Vadnais Heights Food Shelf 11/16
Every third Saturday of the month, join the Vadnais Heights Lions Club and help distribute food to those in need. All ages. Free. 9–11 a.m. Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 County Road F East, Vadnais Heights; 651.204.6000; cityvadnaisheights.com
Holiday Open House 11/21
Kick off the holiday season with a wonderful evening of shopping and dining in downtown White Bear Lake. All ages. Free. 5–8 p.m. Downtown White Bear Lake; downtownwhitebearlake.com
Coffee With Creatives 12/14
Enjoy free refreshments courtesy of Cajeta Coffee while getting to know fellow local artists. All ages. Free. 9–10 a.m. Oldies & Goodies, 4717 Clark Ave.; 612.888.4520; oldiesandgoodiesmn.com
Winterfest 12/07, 12/14
For the first two Saturdays in December, enjoy Santa sightings, carriage rides, carolers and an elf hunt downtown. All ages. Free. 11 a.m.– 3 p.m. Downtown White Bear Lake; info@downtownwhitebearlake.com; downtownwhitebearlake.com
AREA EVENTS
First Fridays Art Crawl 11/01
On the first Friday of every month, tour the galleries, studios and artist lofts that make up St. Paul’s historic Lowertown. All ages. Free. 5–9 p.m. Calendula Gallery, 275 E. Fourth St., St. Paul; 612.849.8083; calendulagallery.com
Havoc at the Pavek 11/02
The Pavek Museum of Electronic Communication hosts a spooky,
monster-filled escape room with STEM activities for everybody. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Pavek Museum, 3517 Raleigh Ave., St. Louis Park; 952.926.8198; pavekmuseum.org
Ghost Walk
11/02
Hear stories of paranormal activity, legends and more while you take part in a walking tour of a former prison warden’s haunted mansion. All ages. $25. 8 p.m. Stillwater Farm Store, 401 Main St. S., Stillwater; 833.446.7813; americanghostwalks.com
Filmmaker and Composer Pairings
11/21
Enjoy showings of various short films accompanied by music from a live orchestra. All ages. $30–$50. 7 p.m. Northrop Auditorium, 84 Church St. SE, Mpls.; 612.624.2345; northrop.umn.edu
Turkey Day 5K
11/28
Race through the streets of downtown Minneapolis at this festive fun run. All ages. $54–$60. 8 a.m. Fourth Street and Hennepin Avenue, Mpls.; 651.289.7700; tcmevents.org
Lighting Festival
11/29–12/01
Taylor’s Falls hosts the 39th annual Lighting Festival with a craft fair, caroling, children’s activities and a Santa Parade procession down Main Street. All ages. Free. Times vary. Taylors Falls; lightingfestival.com
Discovery is a local, family owned child care. Our mission is serving families through the exceptional care and education of children. Discover the difference, today!
To have your event considered: email whitebearlakemag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. Please note that some events/dates and even some business operations may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.
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A Winter’s Morning
An award-winning photo captures delicate frost in downtown White Bear Lake.
Some photographs are candid; some are planned. In the case of this image by Davin Brandt, it was a bit of both. A week before the photographer captured Downtown on the corner of Fourth Street and Highway 61, the area had experienced similar hoarfrost conditions. “You’ve got to get on it right away in the morning because it doesn’t stick around,” Brandt says. With the composition already in mind, Brandt made his way downtown when the hoarfrost returned one winter morning.
“The hoarfrost against that blue sky—that’s intoxicating,” Brandt says.
“... It’s like a sunset; it doesn’t last.” —Zoe Yates
To view other Lens on the Lake photo contest winners, visit whitebearlakemag.com.
Photographer: Davin Brandt
Title: Downtown
Equipment: Nikon D850 with Nikkor 24–70mm lens
Category: Places
Award: First Place
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