Woodbury - November 2024 by Local.

A Place of Her own

CELEBRATED CHEF DIANE

OPENS HER FIRST RESTAURANT

MOUA

Coming soon HealthPartners Specialty Center Woodbury

More care, close to home

Soon, you’ll be able to get specialty care for all your needs right down the road in Woodbury. Our specialty center is opening March 2025, with 13 specialties all under one roof. And with our nearby primary care, urgent care, dental and eye care clinics, you won’t have to go far to get care for your whole family.

233 Radio Drive, Woodbury

Opening March 6, 2025

This issue celebrates the flavors of the world. “I think food, culture, people and landscape are all absolutely inseparable. —Anthony Bourdain, American chef

The Art of Storytelling

Stephen Michael Shearer adds to his impressive resume with the release of a new book. 16

Thanksgiving To-Go

Take the stress away from feast preparation. 18

Coaching to Change Lives

The Halvorsons leave their mark on the field and in the classroom.

Serving Those Who Served

A nonprofit helps veterans connect to programs.

A Place of Her Own

Celebrated chef Diane Moua opens her first restaurant.

Passion and Performance

Emma Lai shares how she formed a connection with the theater.

The Taste of Tradition

A family recipe rises to fame as a flavorful favorite.

Photos: Connor Siedow; Vickey Weiss Photography

Steve and Jamie Goette, page 38

Thai Tea French Toast, page 22

from the EDITOR

Readers, I am excited to welcome you to our table this month, where we are celebrating our annual food and entertaining issue. In these pages, I hope you feel inspired to take a bite of something new—figuratively or literally.

Now, as I began to plan this issue and looked at all things entertaining, I was reminded of the time I visited New York City in high school. It was a group of 100 or so students, and we had the wonderful opportunity to attend The Lion King on Broadway. It was a transformative experience—I’d never encountered the arts in that way before, and I had a newfound appreciation for all that goes into the world of theater. It inspired me to attend more local shows in our community, and the years following were spent attending performances around the Metro.

On page 28, meet Emma Lai, founder of Picnic Basket Theatre and Woodbury native, who shares how she landed in the arts and began her theater, and, with a recent move to the Big Apple, you may even see her land on Broadway someday.

Hungry for more? Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and I encourage you to explore all the tasty topics in this issue. First, why not take things easy on Turkey Day? On page 16, I round up a list of local restaurants eager to cater your meal. Then, on page 22, meet celebrated chef Diane Moua who shares her inspiring story of opening Diane’s Place; on the restaurant, she says, “I hope that Diane’s Place becomes a staple for Minnesota. We have one of the largest Hmong populations here in the Twin Cities, and this is a space where I can continue to showcase my culture.” Lastly, get a taste of a local tradition of page 38, where the Goette family shares recipes through their business, Kempston Farms.

Happy Thanksgiving,

On the Cover

Moua , Photo by Chris Emeott, page 22

See what we’re doing behind the scenes and around town! Woodbury Magazine @woodbury_mag @wburymag

Photo: Chris Emeott

Hailey Almsted hailey@localmedia.co

Diane

PUBLISHER

Susan Isay

Dr. Allison Kassen & Dr. Renee Kinney

Renee Kinney

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

Megan Koren, Amy Leferink, Gretchen McNaughton

Manali Shah, Patty (Stutzman) Paulus and Katie Tomsche

DIGITAL INTERN

Alexandra Tostrud

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Tia Benson and Findlay Drabant

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Matthew Johnson, Anew Real Estate Group at Keller Williams, Woodbury Lions Club, Woodbury Community Foundation, Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce ; Marni Kanne, South Washington County Schools, SoWashCo Community Education ; Elizabeth Kriel, Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce; Elizabeth Owens , City of Woodbury ; and Margaret Wachholz, Woodbury Heritage Society, Woodbury Community Foundation

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

THREE MEANINGFUL WAYS TO GIVE BACK AND MAXIMIZE YOUR LOCAL IMPACT

As we approach the end of the year, the Woodbury Community Foundation (WCF) invites you to reflect on how you can make a lasting impact in the community through the "Woodbury Cares" giving campaign. There are several ways to contribute, each offering unique benefits both to the donor and the community.

ONE TIME & RECURRING GIFTS

One option is making a one-time or recurring donation. These gifts directly support the Foundation’s various initiatives, from public safety funds to community health projects, helping residents in need while fostering a stronger, more connected Woodbury.

OPEN A DONOR-ADVISED FUND

For those looking for a more strategic way to give, consider establishing a donor-advised fund (DAF) through WCF. As Mayor Anne Burt explains, she and her husband Jeff set up a DAF with the Foundation to keep their charitable giving local. "We’ve lived in Woodbury for 20 years. It’s a great place to raise a

family, and we just love it. Jeff and I want to ensure Woodbury is a great place to live, work, learn, and serve," says Burt. A DAF provides flexibility and immediate tax benefits, allowing you to invest in the causes you care about most while growing your charitable dollars tax-free.

QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTIONS

If you're 70½ or older, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA. Once you reach 72, you’re required to take Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from your retirement account. Donating part of your RMD as a QCD allows you to reduce your taxable income while making a meaningful impact on local causes that benefit the Woodbury community.

Through these giving options, you can be part of something bigger, ensuring that Woodbury continues to be a vibrant, caring community. To donate or learn more, scan the QR code or visit our website.

“Jeff and I want to ensure Woodbury is a great place to live, work, learn, and serve"

- Mayor Anne Burt

Foundation volunteers packing meal kits for families facing food insecurity

OUR TRAIL

“... RUNNING THROUGH our backyard is a creek that flows west from Battle Creek Lake to the Mississippi River,” says hobbyist photographer Steve Porter.

Porter fills his backyard bird feeders three times a week all year round and is always sure to bring his camera along for the ride. “The deer are quite acclimated to humans and don’t just run away,” he says. “I happened to see these two does … walking toward me on a path they use that runs alongside the creek.

“I really liked the distance separating the two and the fact that one of them was still cautious and poking its head above a snowbank to see what was going on up ahead,” Porter says, noting he brings his camera nearly everywhere he goes—capturing more than 50 photos per day.

This interview was conducted in July, and, in August, Steve Porter passed away. He will be fondly remembered for his deep appreciation of nature, wildlife and photography. —Hailey Almsted

Photographer: Steve Porter

Title: This is Our Trail!

Equipment: Nikon

D5600 with a 70–300mm Nikon lens

Location: Ridge Drive near Battle Creek Lane

Place: Honorable Mention

To view other Focus on Woodbury photo contest winners, visit woodburymag.com.

A Historical Read

This month, I’m tackling a novel that has long been on my list: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.

Marie-Laure, a young girl living in Paris with her father, loses her sight at the age of 6. Her father, who works at the Museum of Natural History, builds a model of their neighborhood for her to navigate by memory and touch. As the Nazis invade Paris, Marie-Laure and her father escape to Saint-Malo, a coastal town where they seek refuge with her great uncle—along with them, they carry a mysterious and precious gem from the museum.

Meanwhile, in Germany, Werner, an orphan who grew up with his sister and is fascinated by radios, develops skills in building and repairing them. His talent gets him enlisted, and he must use his skills to track down the resistance.

Doerr expertly intertwines the lives of Marie-Laure and Werner, showcasing how, even against all odds, people are good to one another. I’m looking forward to diving head first into this award-winning book. —Hailey Almsted

Garden Updates

The update to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map was the talk of the garden community earlier this year. In case you haven’t heard about it, here’s a little background. The United States is separated into 13 hardiness zones, which are determined based on location, climate and weather. This helps home gardeners know which plants are most likely to survive in the garden, as each plant is rated for a certain zone range. The previous map from 2012 needed an update to reflect the current climate. That new map shifted about half of the country into the next warmer zone.

Woodbury, previously rated as Zone 4b, is now Zone 5a. What does this mean for you as you head into the planning season? You might want to consider adding some plants you may not have thought possible in previous years to your spring shopping list. But be aware of what thrives in your garden. Different microclimates or characteristics might mean those Zone 5 plants won’t

thrive in your space, even if that’s what the map says. The map determines zones, using the average temperatures over the past 20 years, looking at the average lowest annual temperature recorded. For Woodbury, the average listed is -15 F to -20 F.

While last winter was mild, we all know that temps can drop well below those numbers during weather events like the polar vortex in 2019.

My recommendation to you is this: Take time getting to know your space, and test out which new plants work in your garden. But don’t switch everything out with plants rated for Zone 5 and above. Keep those cold-hardy plants you know can withstand the bitter cold while sprinkling in Zone 5 plants here and there. And, of course, have fun with these new plant opportunities.

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

DISCOVER

Fruit Pie

There are times when I try to imagine what life was like for my sweet, hardworking German grandmother, Laura Schilling Stutzman, in the early 1900s in Woodbury. Along with all the other chores that were expected of farm women in those days, the family lore was that she made a pie every day! When my sister and I came from The Cities and stayed with our grandparents for a few weeks in the summer, we would be in awe, watching Laura make a pie in record time out of whatever fruit was in season. There were always a few leftover pie crust pieces that we would sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, which she would bake alongside her daily dessert creation. One day, it might be the traditional apple pie, hot out of the oven served with a slice of cheese. The next day, it might be a strawberry-rhubarb pie or a combination of various available fruits just picked from her garden. My sister and I both learned from her how to roll out the dough and make homemade delicious pies for our friends and families throughout the years.

The tradition continues from generation to generation.

DESIGN

Designing for Delicious Moments

As interior designers, we know that a thoughtfully designed space can transform any meal or gathering into an unforgettable experience. When it comes to food and entertainment, the setting is just as important as the menu. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner or a lively cocktail party, the right layout, lighting and décor can make all the difference.

Start with flow. Guests should be able to move comfortably between the kitchen, dining and living areas. Open-concept designs are perfect for this, allowing the chef to be part of the action.

Consider your lighting. Dimmable fixtures create ambiance. While task lighting over prep areas ensures functionality.

Furniture plays a key role, too. Think about flexible seating options that accommodate both large and small gatherings. A mix of seating styles (bar stools at the kitchen island and cozy chairs in the living room) encourages mingling.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of décor to set the mood. Whether it’s a statement chandelier, textured table settings or a carefully curated art wall, these details bring personality, conversation and warmth to any space.

With these design tips, your home can become the ultimate backdrop for delicious moments and memorable gatherings.

Amy Leferink is the founder and principal designer for Interior Impressions, and Megan Koren is the marketing director for Interior Impressions. Design more at interiorimpressions.org.

Patty Stutzman Paulus is a board member of the Woodbury Heritage Society. Discover more at woodburyheritage.org. During the season of entertaining, transform your spaces with simple touches from décor to lighting.

Dr. James Erlandson

Dr. Marc Roehrich

ARTS & CULTURE

The Art of Storytelling

Stephen Michael Shearer adds to his impressive resume with the release of a new book.

By Emily Gedde

WRITING A BIOGRAPHY is a journey. From discovering the subject to the art of storytelling, it involves research, structure and different forms of narrative techniques. It’s difficult—but rewarding work.

Woodbury resident Stephen Michael Shearer knows the process all too well. His latest book, Gloria Swanson: Hollywood’s First Glamour Queen, is set to debut in January 2025—and should be available in bookstores in midDecember for the holidays. The 400page book adds to Shearer’s impressive portfolio, which includes similar books, Beautiful: The Life of Hedy Lamarr (2010); Patricia Neal: An Unquiet Life (2011); Gloria Swanson: The Ultimate Star (2013); and Glamour and Style: The Beauty of Hedy Lamarr (2022).

“I chose to write about these particular subjects because I want to educate people why it’s important their work be looked at again, reevaluated and studied,” Shearer says. “I really enjoy talking about film, about the creative process and about my subjects.”

Aside from being an author, Shearer has quite the resume. His career began early with modeling, and he has endless stories based on his experiences with Hollywood’s finest residents.

Humble Beginnings

Born in Illinois, Shearer was raised on a small farm and comes from humble beginnings. Growing up, Shearer says he developed a true love of film, calling

motion pictures America’s one true art form. While Shearer’s parents also enjoyed movies, they didn’t necessarily encourage their son to become an actor, he says.

“I was hellbent on leather that I was going to act,” he says. “I got my degree in music and did post-grad work in theater art. I fell into professional modeling and acting.”

He modeled extensively in Minneapolis; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Dallas and New York City. He also had small roles in films such as Split Image,

Handgun and The Cotton Club, and acted in episodes of Dallas and Central Park West. Over the years, he also performed in numerous community and off-Broadway theatrical productions. Nowadays, he enjoys a quieter life in Woodbury. “I haven’t acclimated to Minnesota winters,” Shearer says with a laugh, even though he’s called the state home for about 15 years.

Trusting the Process

Writing fills Shearer’s creative bucket, leaving him proud of his work.

“The thing about writing, for me, is there is a creative process,” Shearer says. “... Eventually, you have to give it up at some point and let editors and publishers take over the project.”

While he didn’t know Lamarr or Swanson personally, Shearer was good friends with Patricia Neal, or Pat, as he calls her. “She’s my muse,” he says. “She asked me when I was going to write a biography about her ... and that’s what got me started.”

Shearer says when learning to write a biography, he had to ensure he wasn’t writing a fan book. Imagine fitting someone’s entire life between two covers. Consider how to include their experiences and the lessons they’ve learned. It can be daunting, and Shearer describes it as putting together a multimillion-piece puzzle.

“It’s pretty comprehensive, some times taking years to complete,” he says. “I’m glad I became an author. I feel a great deal of appreciation for this over acting.”

The Next Chapter What’s next for the man who clearly has a gift of writing and storytelling? “I have a lot of projects I want to do,” Shearer says. “I’m not getting any younger, but as long as I have the desire and the ability, I’m going to keep doing it.”

Shearer’s books can be purchased at most book retailers. Learn more at smsmybooks.com.

“When we sold our home in Wedgewood Shores in Woodbury, Hyounsoo Lathrop was our real estate agent, and we couldn’t have been more impressed! Over the past 25 years, we’ve bought and sold 9 properties, and she truly stands out as the best agent we've ever worked with. Hyounsoo is not only exceptionally organized, efficient, and honest, but she also provided cost-effective suggestions that made our home more appealing to buyers. Even while we were away, she seamlessly handled all the details, ensuring everything was taken care of. Hyounsoo makes you feel like her top priority, always caring deeply about your interests and guiding you through a stress-free process. We feel incredibly fortunate to have had her by our side and are thrilled to recommend her. If you're looking for the best, Hyounsoo Lathrop is the one to choose!”

- Esperanza and Andres Lacassie

Photo: Stephen Michael Shearer

Stephen Michael Shearer

This holiday season, enjoy more time with your loved ones and consider catering from your favorite restaurants.

Thanksgiving To-Go

Take the stress away from feast preparation.

By Hailey Almsted

IMAGINE THE DAYS leading up to Thanksgiving—you might be anticipating the stress of cleaning every square inch of your kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms for out-of-town guests; preparing the mains, side dishes and desserts; ensuring the turkey is perfectly ready to go for its shining moment. What if the months

of November and December could be a lot less stressful with the help of local dining establishments?

This holiday season, consider ordering your Thanksgiving—and other holiday meals—to-go from your favorite eateries. There are plenty of options in Woodbury and its neighboring communities. Here is a starting point for local

catering options. Confirm preorder and catering deadlines with each business prior to placing an order.

One of Woodbury’s favorite dining spots, Key’s Cafe & Bakery, is yet again offering its premade Family Style Thanksgiving Turkey Dinners for six diners, which includes roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, bread dressing, corn, sweet potatoes, cranberries, bread and butter, and pumpkin pie. Side dishes are available at an additional cost. There is a limited number of dinners available—so Key’s Cafe recommends calling ahead. 1750 Weir Drive; 651.731.5397;keyscafe.com

From the turkey to the side dishes and desserts, Kowalski’s Markets

THE MENU

SWEET TOOTH

The main dish isn’t the only thing being ordered this November. Sweeten up your table with these dessert options. Confirm preorder and catering deadlines with each business prior to placing an order.

• Switch up your dessert with pumpkin ice cream pie from Bridgeman’s, 2110 Eagle Creek Lane #200; info@bridgemans.com; bridgemans.com.

• Traditional pies, cake pops and paint-your-own cookies, dinner rolls and much more are offered from Dorothy Ann Bakery, 710 Commerce Drive Suite 100; 651.731.3323; dorothyannbakery.com.

• From quirky cupcakes to delicious pies, a variety of desserts are available at Nadia Cakes, 429 Commerce Drive; 651.314.4444; nadiacakes.com.

offers everything you need for the table—available for curbside pickup, in-store pickup or delivery. Mashed potatoes with gravy, dinner rolls and green beans, scratch-made sage and onion stuffing, maple-roasted sweet potatoes, cranberry relish alongside fresh-baked pecan and pumpkin pies top the list. 8505 Valley Creek Road; 651.578.8800; kowalskis.com

Visit the Lake Elmo Inn for its Meals INN a Box. The 2024 box, $330/box for 10–12 people, includes a roasted whole turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes and gravy, green bean amandine, cranberries, pullapart rolls and butter, and two house made pies—choices include Dutch apple, French silk, pecan and pumpkin. Meals are picked up hot and serveready on the morning of Thanksgiving. 3442 Lake Elmo Ave. N., Lake Elmo; 651.779.5994 (catering and event center); lakeelmoinn.com

Make takeout a tradition with yum! Kitchen and Bakery. Side dish options include: salads, acorn squash soup, classic stuffing, mashed potatoes, maple whipped sweet potatoes, veggie stuffed acorn squash, Brussels sprouts with bacon and onion, gravy and cranberry sauce. Dessert options include Patticake, coconut cake, Baker’s Man Cake, mini pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin bar, pecan or pumpkin pies. Items are picked up the day before Thanksgiving. 8340 City Centre Drive; 651.603.4444; yumkitchen.com

PORTRAIT

Coaching to Change Lives

The Halvorsons leave their mark on the field and in the classroom.

By Rachel Schuehle

WE ALL want to leave our mark, be remembered and make an impact.

Woodbury resident Gary Halvorson— known as Coach Hal to many—is admired on and off the football field. Halvorson played football in high school and landed at Gustavus Adolphus College, playing NCAA Division III football. He then returned to coach football and teach health, first in Wayzata, then to Park High School from 1976–1984. In 1987, he transitioned to Woodbury High School (WHS), where he was a physical education teacher, taught weightlifting and self-improvement, and served as head football coach.

Halvorson’s perspective on leading shifted dramatically after hearing a fellow coach speak on the subject of Coaching to Change Lives. Developed by Dennis Parker and D.W. Rutledge, the manual outlines various character lessons, including how to treat other people, build self-esteem and radiate positivity. Energized by what he had learned, Halvorson studied this national curriculum with hopes of implementing it at WHS. Soon after, the first 15 minutes of every practice were spent in the classroom before taking the field. “We changed the whole outlook of football,” Halvorson says. “We saw a magnificent change in the kids and in the community.” With this change in effect, football enrollment nearly tripled in the following years.

Current WHS head football coach Andy Hill remembers Halvorson fondly. “My whole life was impacted by Coach Hal,” Hill says. “The positive coaching helped me fall in love with the sport again.” After two decades of head coach

Photos: Gary Halvorson

Gary Halvorson—aka Coach Hal— worked in District 833 from 1976 to 2010. He led the Royals to their sole State Championship in 1998.

Gary and Barbara Halvorson

experience, Hill brings to the field what he garnered from Halvorson. “You have to put in the work and you may fail,” Hill says. “The value is not in a guaranteed outcome but who you become in pursuit of that goal.”

Hill continues to leverage his experience and knowledge of Coaching to Change Lives material, pushing the players to make positive daily decisions and hold each other accountable to be good citizens. “We’ll have 150 boys grades nine through 12 in football, close to 15 percent of the male population at WHS,” Hill says. “If you take them up, even one level, on how they treat others, it permeates the entire community.”

Halvorson’s late wife, Barbara, was no stranger to the importance of community. Deeply entwined in the University of Minnesota (UMN) community for 42 years before her retirement in 2014, Barbara was a dedicated champion for continuing education. The College of Continuing and Professional Studies (CCAPS) provides adult learners and degree-seeking, part-time learners with access to UMN resources. “Barb had that passion for people,” Halvorson says. “She watched how football became so important in my life. It’s about helping people become better versions of themselves. She had that same passion.”

Dental care for the entire family

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Bailey Road | 651-714-8237

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Woodbury | 651-714-5555

Schedule an appointment today.

Woodbury Senior Living

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

variety

Transitional Care

Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy

Before Barbara passed in February, a dear friend of the Halvorsons started the Friends of Barbara Halvorson Scholarship. Gifts to the endowment will support tuition, fees and books for those in CCAPS. Unlike traditional donations, gifts to the endowment are unique in that they are invested. Each year, only a portion of the monetary earnings are spent while the remainder is added to the principal for growth.

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

Woodbury Senior Living

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!

Memory Care

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.

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

• 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.

Halvorson continues to advocate for continuing education in honor of Barbara. “Coach Hal poured himself into the community for decades,” Hill says. “He was a rock and an inspiration, but without a supportive spouse, that couldn’t happen. Most people never met Barb, but he couldn’t have had the same impact without her support. Now, he can honor her area of passion because she honored his.”

Learn about the Friends of Barbara Halvorson Scholarship at makingagift.umn.edu.

The following therapies are free of charge.

• 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.

• 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.

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

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.

“I THINK it’s the perfect name, and I wished I would have thought of it,” says Paul Davis, executive director of Project Got Your Back. “It’s descriptive and matches what we do.” The nonprofit, based in Bloomington, connects veterans with services with the mission of “connecting the unconnected.” As Davis says, “Resources are available, but not everyone knows what’s available.”

Serving Those Who Served

A nonprofit helps veterans connect to programs.

By Daniel Huss and Hailey Almsted

What are our Minnesota veterans looking for when it comes to resources? Employment opportunities top the list. Davis notes the topics of mental and physical health concerns are real, as are needs for legal services. Questions regarding navigating the Veterans Administration are commonplace. “We don’t have all the answers, but we’re really good at directing and navigating,” he says.

Project Got Your Back is a rebranding of the Veteran Small Business Foundation, an organization founded in 2013. “It started as an organization that helped veterans start their own businesses,” Davis says. Veterans seeking other types of help altered that focus. “We had to do more and rebranded in 2020–21, just before the pandemic,” he says.

Douglas Ballinger held many unique duties over his 20-year military career, beginning with duty as a presidential security detail chief, working in conjunction with the U.S. Secret Service. He continued to serve in various roles, from North Dakota to Utah to Japan—where he met his wife, Sayaka, who is from Tokyo. Ballinger and his family, including Sayaka and two now-grown children, Justin (25) and Yuma (21), settled in Woodbury in 2005. “... It is the longest I have lived anywhere since growing up in a military family,” he says.

Ballinger was connected with Project Got Your Back in 2022. “Paul [Davis] and I met at a local restaurant, shared a meal while Paul just listened,” Ballinger says, noting the two were introduced by mutual friend Alan Hill, a mentor and advocate for veterans in Minnesota and Wisconsin. “I noticed Paul’s energy and passion to help me find my path, and I was quickly assigned a navigator to meet with and begin charting a course for employment and personal fulfillment.”

The Project Got Your Back model works by pairing navigators with clients, like Ballinger. This professional relationship lasts for an entire year. To date, over 50 navigators have served nearly 150 clients. “... My navigator walked with me, assisted in my thinking, planning and strategizing,” Ballinger says. “All the while being a reliable resource and motivator.”

Ballinger says learning the nuances of job hunting after decades of service isn’t always an easy journey, but notes that Project Got Your Back assists in finding the right position—and continues to check in after landing the job. Since first connecting with Davis 18 months ago, Ballinger has now guided other veterans to the organization— knowing that Davis will continue to serve the community.

Funding has to come from

Project Got Your Back connects veterans to services including employment opportunities, legal and health services.

somewhere to keep the nonprofit on its feet. Programming is funded by sponsors and fundraisers. “We’re self-supporting, and don’t charge for services,” Davis says. Last year, Project Got Your Back’s primary fundraiser resulted in a Guinness World Record for the number of individuals simultaneously floating on pool noodles. The memorable event, proceeded by a boat parade, was held on Lake Minnetonka’s Browns Bay in front of a contributor’s home. “We smashed the old record,” Davis says. “We needed 235 [floaters] and finished with 330. It was so much fun … We’re incredibly grateful to the Lake Minnetonka community for rallying together to break a Guinness World Record …”

This year’s main event, which happened in September, was billed as R&R on the Ramp. Held in south St. Paul, the day’s activities featured teams of four to six Project Got Your Back supporters, hand pulling a B-25 bomber down a runway. This is not an easy feat—empty B-25 bombers weigh 21,100 pounds.

There are donors from Woodbury, and Davis is grateful for their contributions. “Support from the local community is the single most critical component in being able to provide our life-changing services to local veterans and their families for absolute zero cost,” he says. “We truly appreciate their participation and support.”

To those in need of guidance and support during a transitional period, Ballinger says, “Regardless of your rank, service, length of service or specialty, if you are looking to transition out of the military and explore the depths of the civilian ocean, Paul Davis is your guy … It is not always easy for veterans to ask for help—and Paul gets that!

“He is connected to every veteran resource in the Twin Cities (and beyond), and if he doesn’t have an answer or resource for something you need, he will find it,” Ballinger says.

To learn more about receiving services, volunteering or donating, visit projectgotyourback.org.

Project Got Your Back, 5123 W. 98th

Bloomington; info@pgyb.org

Project Got Your Back

- a place of her own -

Celebrated chef Diane Moua opens

her first restaurant.

Walking in the front doors of Diane’s Place, a new Northeast Minneapolis eatery by chef Diane Moua, the vibes are immaculate. The warm blond wood everywhere—from the bar to the tabletops to the beams in the ceiling—is welcoming and serene, punctuated by deep blue linens and fresh greenery. Sunlight streams into the space, which is located in Northeast’s Food Building. The restaurant, which currently offers pastries, breakfast and lunch (with dinner coming soon), manages to feel humble and homey while not undermining its fine-dining credentials, of which Moua brings plenty. Moua, who has lived in Woodbury for more than a decade, has made her mark as a James Beard Foundation Award-nominated pastry chef and has worked with the big players in the Twin Cities food scene.

Most notably, Moua has worked with Gavin Kaysen of Spoon and Stable and Bellecour (serving as executive pastry chef at both), Demi and Bellecour Bakery at Cooks of Crocus Hill; and Tim McKee at La Belle Vie and Solera. She originally went to culinary school to focus on cake decorating and sculptural chocolate. “But I learned quickly that wasn’t for me,” Moua says. “I didn’t have the patience to make cakes.” She finished up her culinary school internship at fine dining restaurant La Belle Vie—her first introduction to that style— and fell in love.

Written by Jennifer Pitterle

by Connor Siedow

Photos

Though she has traveled to some of the best restaurants around the country, Moua says the Twin Cities food scene is unique. “We have two of the best bakeries I’ve ever been to, period,” she says. “Black Walnut Bakery and Patisserie 46? You can’t go anywhere else and get pastries like theirs.” The Metro’s diverse immigrant groups, including those who run restaurants featuring their native cuisines, add vibrancy to eating here. “You feel like you’re transported overseas,” she says. “And all the chefs help each other. We all want each other to succeed—it’s great for the Cities and for the state.”

Moua’s vision for Diane’s Place goes beyond phenomenal cooking. It’s also a place to highlight the

foods of her Hmong heritage and the locally grown ingredients that are near to her heart. “I grew up on my parents’ farm,” Moua says. “We’d get home from school and take care of the calves.”

Her parents, Choua Der Moua and Nhia Vang Moua, still farm in Junction City, Wisconsin, where Moua grew up, and the farm currently supplies some of the produce for Diane’s Place from its six greenhouses. “It’s important to know where our food comes from and support local farmers,” Moua says. “I love the seasonality here. It gives me a reason to look forward to changing the menu.” Her parents drive up to Minneapolis once or twice a week for a “veggie drop.” And as Diane’s Place

Photo: Chris Emeott

- Diane Moua -

- Papaya Salad -

- Hmong Sausage -

“It’s not named after me. When my mom and dad immigrated to the United States 42 years ago, the name of the sponsor who helped them was Diane. That’s hugely significant. It’s kind of like my roots.”

Diane Moua on naming Diane’s Place

launches dinner and expands its menu, Moua says she looks forward to adding other local farmers and producers to her vendor list. For now, it’s a family affair.

Diane’s Place offers Hmong-inspired cuisine, inspired by Moua’s family gatherings. “When you have large Hmong gatherings, you’re not just cooking for five or 10 people,” she says. “You’re cooking for 50 or more people. I always think, ‘If you went to any Hmong house right now, what would you see?’” The answers—from sweet pork to sticky rice—form the foundation for the Diane’s Place menu. “That’s mashed up with what I learned to do with pastry,” Moua says. The pastries are a beautiful blend of flavors, based on the French technical skills of Moua’s training blended with Asian flavors like pandan, coconut and Thai tea.

In addition to stopping by for a bakery item, guests can also sit down for a full breakfast or lunch. Moua says that folks who are new to Hmong cuisine should try the Hmong sausage with sticky rice, which comes with her special D’s hot sauce (sweet or sour). “Lowry Hill provisions makes our Hmong sausage,” Moua says. “After that, I’d say to get the sweet pork, made with pork belly and cooked in garlic, lemongrass, ginger, brown sugar and spices until it’s tender.”

Food has been a through line of Moua’s life. As the second oldest of her siblings (she was 10 when her parents bought their Wisconsin farm), she often helped her parents to prepare dinner for the family. “My mom worked two jobs; my dad was busy with the farm,” she says. “We’d always eat family style, and rice was part of every single meal.” Other fundamental ingredients of her childhood included pork and bitter melon.

This fall, Moua plans on incorporating some traditional autumnal Hmong veggies into the menu at Diane’s Place. “I’m looking at tea-infused creams. And my mom loves kabocha and Hubbard squashes, so I’m looking forward to using those,” Moua says. “I grew up eating them.”

After two decades in fine dining, what made this the right time to open her own restaurant? Moua says what most inspired her is a desire to honor her Hmong heritage and to share the culmination of her career. Additionally, she wanted to share her own love of exploring new spots for food and drinks. Moua says, “I wanted to create a space that I would want to go to.

It’s a breakfast spot, but we can also have cocktails.”

In Woodbury, she frequents Hazelwood Food + Drink (“They’re great—I live close by,” she says) and Angelina’s Kitchen, plus she is excited about Patti Soskin’s newly arrived Woodbury yum! Kitchen and Bakery location. “I love living in Woodbury,” Moua says, noting that it’s been a great place to raise her two kids, who are now young adults and work with her at Diane’s Place.

When asked about the trappings that come with being a celebrated chef in 2024—James Beard Foundation Award nominations, thousands of social media followers and a renewed attention on fine-dining kitchens thanks to pop culture phenomena like The Bear—Moua seems genuinely surprised. “I don’t see myself like that at all,” she says. “I own a business, and I’m working hard to make sure I can pay my staff. I still rotate from front of house to back of house, making sure everyone has what they need. How can I help them? How do I get them engaged and excited?”

More than anything, Moua’s vision for Diane’s Place is to share her Hmong heritage with the community, she says. Getting to share her success with her parents (who often feature, along with the farm, in Moua’s adorable Instagram snaps) is the proverbial cherry on top. She says, “To hear them say [they’re proud]—that’s a huge compliment. They’re really happy.”

Moua shares the story behind her restaurant’s name. Casual observers might assume the restaurant was named after the owner. “It’s not named after me,” she says. “When my mom and dad immigrated to the United States 42 years ago, the name of the sponsor who helped them was Diane.” Moua’s mom was pregnant with her first daughter at the time—Diane—and named her in honor of the woman who helped settle their family in a new land. “That’s hugely significant. It’s kind of like my roots,” she says.

Pride shines in her voice. “I hope that Diane’s Place becomes a staple for Minnesota,” Moua says. “We have one of the largest Hmong populations here in the Twin Cities, and this is a space where I can continue to showcase my culture.”

Diane’s Place, 117 14th Ave. NE, Mpls.; 612.489.8012; dianesplacemn.com Diane’s Place @dianesplacemn and @pastrydiane

PASSION AND PERFORMANCE

EMMA LAI SHARES HOW SHE FORMED A CONNECTION WITH THE THEATER.

WRITTEN BY EMILY GEDDE

For some people, discovering a passion and living a life surrounding it comes naturally. Perhaps, they identified that passion early on, developing a fast connection to it.

For others, it isn’t that easy. They make lists, journal or read books, helping to uncover true passion and how to pursue it. The connection isn’t always realized or discovered.

Emma Lai found herself somewhere in between. Lai once had her sights set on a career in chemical engineering. Prepared to have an adult life

surrounded by math and science, she graduated from Woodbury High School (WHS) in 2017 bound for the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities. Not long after arriving, however, she realized her passion was in theater— developing and design, in particular.

“I didn’t necessarily grow up around theater,” Lai says. “My parents really like musicals and would bring me to [Children’s Theatre Company] growing up, but it was just vaguely part of my life.”

Now, it’s her entire life. As one of

Emma Lai

the founders of Picnic Basket Theatre, a Minneapolis-based theater company that prioritizes developing new work, supporting early-career artists and making theater more accessible to marginalized communities, Lai says she was given a lot of opportunities and wants to do the same for others.

During her time at WHS, Lai recalls playing violin in the pit orchestra as one of the early connections to a theater passion.

“You’re in this deep, dark pit mouthing the words to a musical while enjoying what is happening on stage and enjoying the audience’s reactions,” she says, vividly recalling the memory. “Every angle offers a different perspective of the production. I really enjoyed being part of that.”

Once at college, Lai found herself surrounded by people who had grown up around theater. She says as freshmen, however, they couldn’t audition for any productions at the university. So, they took matters into their own hands, and she joined them.

“We created a student theater company,” she says. The theater company,

Firefly Musical Productions, focused on musical theater, and students found all the props and costumes themselves. They held their own auditions and started to get a taste for every part of what it takes to put on a show.

Lai, a self-proclaimed shy person, gravitated toward directing. “We did our first show—Spring Awakening and it was a very intense musical,” she says. “The process was really fulfilling. Creating something with other people and trying different things and different approaches to interpret that musical was a really enjoyable experience.”

Soon after, Lai declared theater as her major and dropped chemical engineering. “My parents were super supportive but warned me I would have to work really hard,” she says. “They believed in me.”

With a new focus, Lai says she had some catching up to do. Because theater hadn’t been as much a part of her life as it had her peers, she spent the summer before her sophomore year of college researching the art and reading Shakespeare.

“I felt so much imposter syndrome

because I haven’t loved this thing my whole life,” Lai says of theater. “I quite possibly over compensated in many ways but knew I needed some foundation and had to catch up to people who had fundamental understanding from doing these things in high school.”

Still working with the student theater company, Lai directed and produced most—if not all—of the shows. She says her confidence grew and felt immense pride for a show she directed and produced during her junior year.

Ready to take on the world and her senior year, Lai was excited about her future in theater.

Then, COVID-19 hit.

“Everything changed,” she says. “My time at university was cut short, and we couldn’t do live shows. We were just getting ready to debut a musical, and everything paused.”

While frustrated with the unprecedented situation, Lai says she was fortunate that her directing and playwriting classes easily transferred to Zoom. While she missed the camaraderie of the theater community, she was able to continue her studies.

Emma Lai discovered her true passion for theater during her time in college— seen here is the Next to Normal full cast, including Lai, and the team in 2019.

INTRODUCING PICNIC BASKET THEATRE

When Lai begins discussing the foundation of Picnic Basket Theatre, she credits mentors who had paved the way to her growing success. Joe Chvala, who runs Flying Foot Forum, a theater company in the Twin Cities, gave Lai opportunities for which she’s noticeably grateful.

“He became my first directing mentor and has continued to support my work,” she says. “He really opened the door for me in getting to understand the profession outside of college. He helped me get a directing internship at Children’s Theatre Company.”

As Lai prepared for college graduation during the pandemic, it was time to consider her next step. She collaborated with Rachel Brees, Julianne Escanan and John Patterson to develop Picnic Basket Theatre, a company that supports early-career playwrights by offering workshops and taking open submissions.

“The three of us really wanted

Photos: Shane Morgan

to put together a theater company that focused on contemporary, new work,” Lai says. “We wanted to give emerging artists a voice.”

As a sound designer, Brees had an interest in audio drama, and people who came to Brees’ apartment to rehearse audio were tested daily for COVID. The trio also took time to do Zoom workshops with new writers who hadn’t gotten a chance to have their work read out loud.

“We’d spend several hours a night reading the play and then talking about it,” Lai says. “The playwright would do some rewriting, and we’d come back together virtually to read the new version. That kind of new work development became something we really enjoyed.”

Lai says rather than having live performances, Picnic Basket continues to operate as a development theater.

“We really want to help artists like ourselves, who are just getting out of college, have a point to continue growing their careers,” she says. “It’s important we make theater and the experience of theater more accessible to people.”

Lai says while she’s always considered herself someone who works hard, she’s been lucky in her career and is grateful for the people and mentors who continue to push her out of her comfort zone into her next project. “I’ve been extremely fortunate and plan to continue working hard,” she says. With a desire to grow her career and develop her skills as a director and playwright, Lai moved to New York City earlier this fall.

“I’ll be back to Minnesota to work on stuff and have some exciting stuff coming up next spring,” she says. “I’m extremely grateful I’m able to do something I love and have such a strong passion for ... I encourage everyone to follow their dreams.”

picnicbaskettheatre.com

Picnic Basket Theatre @picnicbaskettheatre

Top: From left to right, Kaaha Kaahiya, Julianne Escanan and Rachel Brees recording for Picnic Basket Theatre in 2022.

Bottom: Two of Picnic Basket Theatre’s co-founders, Emma Lai and Rachel Brees, recording Somewhere Over the Paciﬁc in 2021.

Builds Self-Esteem

Practicing gratitude helps seniors stay grounded, reminds them that they are valuable, and reduces social comparison.

Improves Health

Practicing gratitude leads to better sleep, less depression, and helps with chronic illness.

Strengthens Relationships

Gratitude increases social connections and strengthens current relationships. Feeling connected socially, seniors feel less isolated and lonely.

Increases Spiritual Connection

For many seniors, practicing gratitude reminds them of their true identity and fills them with hope and faith.

Improves Memory

Grateful people are more likely to recall past experiences in a more positive manner. They savor the good times and are better equipped to cope when hard times come their way.

HolidayGift Guide

Maple Grove | The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes arborlakes.woodhousespas.com

Roseville | Rosedale Center rosedale.woodhousespas.com

Woodbury | Woodbury Lakes woodbury.woodhousespas.com @woodhousespa_minnesota

FARIBAULT MILL

THE NORTHFIELD PLAID THROW

A large scale plaid woven with the finest woolen fibers. $195. Use Promo Code “HolidayGuide10” for a 10 percent discount.

Faribault Mill, 1500 Second Ave. NW, Faribault; 507.412.5534; faribaultmill.com Faribault Mill @faribaultmill

DISCOVER HUDSON WISCONSIN

1. SEASONAL DINING EXPERIENCES

Enjoy exceptional local fare in heated outdoor igloos and pergolas.

2. HUDSON HOLIDAY MAGIC

Twinkling lights and festive events create unforgettable holiday memories.

3. FESTIVE FINDS AWAIT

Discover unique treasures in festively decorated boutiques this season!

Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, 219 Second St., Hudson, Wisconsin; 715.386.8411; discoverhudsonwi.org

Discover Hudson WI @discoverhudsonwi

1. ENEWTON BRACELETS

Create your own stack! Designed for everyday wear. Starting at $36.

General Store of Minnetonka, 14401 Highway 7, Minnetonka; generalstoreofminnetonka.com

2. SPALON MONTAGE GIFT CARD

Receive a $25 promo gift card complimentary with the purchase of a $175 gift card. Available for a limited time.

Spalon Montage, 600 Market St. Suite 270,Chanhassen; 952.915.2900; spalon.com

Unbreakable, portable FDA approved silicone drinkware for indoor/outdoor events and entertaining! $27-$48.

Serge + Jane, 4532 France Ave. S., Edina; sergeandjane.com

3. WOMEN’S LILA 1/2 ZIP SWEATSHIRT

Brighten up your winter days with the Women’s Lila 1/2 Zip Sweatshirt. $65. sota clothing, 6518 Walker St., St. Louis Park; sotaclothing.com

4. SILICONE DRINKWARE

for THE FOODIE

5. 127 BLEND

Experience the difference with our premium organic and savory 127 Blend. (net wt. 2.5 oz–72 g) $12–$15.

Here’s The Deal Spice Company; heresthedeal.co

6. MR. PAUL’S SUPPER CLUB GIFT CARD

Give a gift card to the vibrant supper club with the flavors and spirit of New Orleans located in the heart of Edina on the corner of 50th & France.

Give & you shall receive! Holiday special:

Buy a $100 gift card for a friend, receive $25 for yourself!

Mr. Paul’s Supper Club, 3917 Market St., Edina; mrpaulssupperclub.com

for THE HOME

7. PERSONALIZED DIY WOOD PROJECTS

Give the gift of a fun crafting experience! Create customized projects for any occasion. Small item $35–$38.

Regular $73–$78. Pictured $78.

Board & Brush Woodbury, 2230 Eagle Creek Lane Suite F, Woodbury; 612.234.5257; boardandbrush.com/woodbury

TASTEMAKERS

The Taste of Tradition

A

local family recipe rises to fame as a flavorful favorite.

Written by Rachel Schuehle

THEY SAY THE KITCHEN is the heart of the home, where families and friends gather. It’s central to connection, whether swapping recipes or stories, cooking, sipping or laughing.

For Jamie Goette, the kitchen has always been a place to create fond memories. “I remember being in the kitchen all the time because that’s where the grown-ups were,” Goette says. “They’d be telling stories or jokes … I always found an excuse to be in there, whether stirring something, washing dishes or licking the spoon.” And it’s not solely the kitchen that brings people together; it’s the food.

Over the years, Goette learned to nourish her friends and family with home-cooked meals, bring delicious snacks to parties and whip up shareable plates for potlucks. “Feeding the people you love feels really important and special,” Goette says. She filled the table with favorites like cheesy hash brown potatoes and green gelatin salad before taking on a family recipe from her mother. “I started bringing … pepper jelly to family functions,” Goette says. “It was simple enough, and I never had to bring home leftovers.” From there, Goette used the pepper jelly as a gift idea, tucking a jar into teacher gifts or toting it along to a holiday party.

There was no turning back after that As the years went on, Goette would preemptively set aside a few jars around the holidays for close friends but would receive a steady stream of phone calls,

requesting jelly as gifts.

As her list continued to expand, she came to realize the business opportunity knocking at her door. Goette jumped into action by learning everything she could about the cottage food industry, including attending cottage food shows. Armed with industry-level knowledge and an enthusiasm for cooking, there was no stopping her.

Her favorite part about starting her own business? “I love that the flavors are different from what can be found on the shelves in the store,” Goette says of her business, Kempston Farms. “It’s taking canning to gourmet level.”

Goette often finds inspiration for new flavors from the seasons, such as her summer berry habanero jam. Seasonal recipes often bode well, because of the availability, freshness and quality of ingredients in season. Kempston Farms also locally sources ingredients, supporting other business owners while holding each product to the highest standard guests have come to expect.

What started with pepper jelly expanded to other products, including the “cowboy candy,” a zesty condiment with jalapeño peppers which Goette says enhances the flavor of any dish, including burgers, tacos, quesadillas and more. Kempston Farms also offers a white chocolate hot cocoa mix, perfect for cold, Minnesota winter days.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Kempston Farms products is the versatility. While typically thought of

Photo: Vickey Weiss Photography

Kempston Farms’ Cowboy Candy adds unique flavor to a variety of dishes— including chili.

Pepper Jelly and Cowboy Candied Bacon Crackers

Contributed by Kempston Farms

“Serve these at any party, from a casual get-together to a fancy shindig, and watch the taste thrill spread right around the room.” —Jamie Goette

Servings: 24

• 1 package crackers

• 10 slices bacon, uncooked

• 1 jar pepper jelly

• 1 jar Cowboy Candy

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1 pinch black pepper, ground

Jamie Goette started gifting her family’s Pepper Jelly to friends—now it’s a bestseller for Kempston Farms.

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a wire rack onto the baking sheet. Place crackers on the wire rack. Make sure to leave a little bit of space between the crackers. Slice the bacon into quarters. Place a piece of cut bacon on each cracker. Sprinkle top with jelly, 1–2 Cowboy Candies and a touch of pepper. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the bacon becomes crisp.

as a breakfast condiment, the pepper jelly’s spicy kick creates a sweet and tangy flavor, perfectly pairing with a multitude of dishes from cheese and crackers to grilled meat.

With the business up and running, the entire Goette family contributes to ensuring products are prepped and stocked for every occasion. Especially when the holidays roll around— whether cutting produce, labeling jars or making deliveries—it’s all hands on deck. In moments like these, Goette is reminded why she started the business,

making memories together in the kitchen and bonding over food.

While Kempston Farms is not an “actual” farm, the Goettes hope to expand someday, including a transition from the cottage food industry into wholesale. “It would be fun to get into a commercial kitchen and be able to ship around the world—to see someone in Australia placing an order or seeing a jar on a shelf in Japan,” Goette says.

Kempston Farms; kempstonfarms.com Kempston Farms @kempstonfarms

Kempston Farms’ Vanilla White Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix is ideal for a chilly day.

Contact the Pink Wealth Management Group about creating a customized investment strategy for you.

Thomas Pink, CFP®, AAMS® Managing Director – Financial Advisor

Senior Consulting Group (952) 476-3725 | thomas.pink@rbc.com www.pinkwmg.com

Investment and insurance products offered through RBC Wealth Management are not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency, are not deposits or other obligations of, or guaranteed by, a bank or any bank affiliate, and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

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

WOBBLE, THEN GOBBLE

Enjoy an active morning prior to the big meal.

THE ANNUAL Woodbury Wobble 5K invites participants to indulge in physical activities before their beloved Thanksgiving feast. Participants are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to help the local food bank. Brooke Selb of Athena Clydesdale Racing, co-host of this event, says, “It’s a wonderful way to start the holiday, combining fitness, community spirit and charity.”

The event is held on Thanksgiving Day (November 28 this year) at Colby Lake Park. For ages 13 and older, the registration fee is $35 and comes with a stocking hat and swag bag. Ages 12 and under are $12, although they can participate for free without receiving the extra goodies. There is also a turkey scavenger hunt along the course for children.

“We’ve had people cross the finish line in tears, sharing that this is their first 5K and a huge milestone for them,” Selb says. “It’s touching to hear how the Woodbury Wobble has become a family tradition for many.”

In the last three years, Athena Clydesdale Racing has donated about $4,000 to the Open Cupboard Food Shelf in Oakdale. Selb says the goal is to raise even more this year. Participants can also donate directly to the Open Cupboard Food Shelf under the Woodbury Wobble website. —Tia Benson

Registration at runsignup.com. Prices increase after November 10.

Compiled by Tia Benson and Findlay Drabant

LOCAL EVENTS

Live Music at Brewery Fridays in November

Join 3rd Act Brewery every week for live music. All ages. Free. 5:30–8:30 p.m. 3rd Act Brewery, 4120 Radio Drive; 651.998.2337; 3rdactbrew.com

Business Networking Luncheon 11/21

Discuss all things Woodbury with Mayor Anne Burt. Bring questions, comments and concerns; lunch is provided. All ages. $29 for members, $39 for nonmembers. 11:30 a.m.–1:15 p.m. Eagle Valley Golf Course, 2600 Double Eagle Lane; 651.578.0722; woodburychamber.org

Gobble ’n Giggle Workshop 11/22

Children will explore interactive stations and create pies, turkeys, pumpkins and more at this Thanskgiving-themed sensory class. Ages 12 months–6. $20/ child. 9:30–10:30 a.m. Kidcreate Studio, 1785 Radio Drive; 651.505.8215; kidcreate.com

Kick off the annual event with a great photo opportunity.

Woodbury Wobble 2024 participants enjoy the course.

Race directors Brooke and Rob Selb.

Let Alloy Acupuncture help you to take charge of your health! Our licensed acupuncturist provides a variety of therapies to help reverse and prevent pain and disease, naturally.

PASTA FOR A PURPOSE FUNDRAISER AT TINUCCI’S

Join the Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce and indulge in a pasta buffet while providing for the local community. All money raised through tickets, silent auction, pop-up shop and pick-a-ticket cash boards supports the Food Market at Basic Needs. All ages. Adult tickets $20, children under 12 are free. 4:30–7:30 p.m. Tinucci’s, 396 21st St., Newport; 651.578.0722; woodburychamber.org

NOVEMBER 7

Koins for K9s Month 11/20–11/30

The Woodbury Police K9 Fund was established to honor Bruce Stafford and Woodbury’s Public Safety Department. From November 20 to December 20, donation boxes will be distributed throughout the community for opportunities to share thanks. All ages. Prices vary. Woodbury Police K9 Fund, PO Box 25812; woodburyk9fund@gmail.com; woodburyk9fund.org

AREA EVENTS

First Fridays Art Crawl 11/01

On the first Friday of every month, tour the galleries, studios and artist lofts that make 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

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

To have your event considered: email woodburymag@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.

woodburymag.com

GALLERY

Woodbury Days

Our community gathered together at Woodbury Days celebration this last August 23–25. The annual weekend-long event includes the Grande Parade, Taste of Woodbury, entertainment and demonstrations, a carnival, business fair, live music, fireworks and more. Woodbury Magazine is a proud Platinum Sponsor of Woodbury Days.

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

Egret Formations

An amateur photographer captures the great migration.

“My wife Sara and I walk our two dogs Opie and Sammie every afternoon,” Jorg Lueke says. “That day, I heard the calls of the egrets, looked up and saw them flying in formation and took the photo. The white of the birds on blue of the sky with puffy white clouds made it an instantly attractive subject.” —Tia Benson

To view other Focus on Woodbury photo contest winners, visit woodburymag.com.

Photographer: Jorg Lueke

Title: Egret Formation

Equipment: Sony a500 with a 70–300mm zoom lens

Location: Woodbury Evergreen

Neighborhood

Category: Wildlife Award: Second Place

life. at your summit.

At the core of our care lies the profound understanding that you are on a journey to reach your full potential, to realize your goals and dreams, to reach your summit——no matter what that summit may be. It is this understanding that drives us to provide the highest standard of excellence through every injury or aching joint and muscle that may stand in your way.

IMMEDIATE CARE AT OUR ORTHOPEDIC URGENT CARE LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE METRO