Edina - December 2024

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The Diamond of Legend.

All in the family Heidi Capozzi came to love the University of Minnesota through her mother’s and grandmother’s stories.

The University had always been part of Capozzi’s life. Growing up in the Twin Cities, she remembers trips to campus: taking flute lessons from U of M professors, going to concerts, and bringing family pets to the Veterinary Medical Center.

Her grandmother, raised by immigrant parents who placed a high priority on education, earned a degree in education in 1931 and taught school for many years.

“At a time when women weren’t getting educated, she had a degree, was a professional, and was a single mother of two children. I found her to be quite an inspiration,” Capozzi says.

Her mother got a master’s in education from the U and also taught. Capozzi and her sister graduated from the University on the same day in 1998. Capozzi earned a master’s in human resources and industrial relations (HRIR) from the Carlson School of Management (CSOM); her sister received a doctor of veterinary medicine degree.

Capozzi says she felt “incredibly prepared” heading into the work world. “The respect the U of M had in the realm of major employers gave me lots of

By naming the University of Minnesota or M Health Fairview in your will or other estate plan, you will have a tremendous impact on students, faculty, research, and outreach efforts well into the future.

A bequest to the University of Minnesota is a belief in tomorrow. Visit give.umn.edu/giving/future-giving, email us at plgiving@umn.edu, or call us at 612-624-3333.

opportunities for internships … It set me on a path for success just like it did for my sister, my mother, and my grandmother.”

That path led her to major corporations, as well as a start-up.

Today, she serves as Chief People Officer for CVS Health.

Capozzi credits her mother, Norma J. Baker, with inspiring her to give back to the University. Baker made a gift in her will that will support students studying education.

“She wanted to give someone else the opportunity to have a great education,” Capozzi says.

After getting involved in CSOM’s strategic advisory board, she began to think about ways she could give back as well. In 2021, she and her husband established the Heidi and Brian Capozzi Scholarship for undergraduates studying business at CSOM, funding it with current gifts, including grants from a donor-advised fund and appreciated securities, and an estate gift.

“This university has been so important to the careers and independence and confidence of the women in our family,” she says. Establishing the scholarship is “a very meaningful way to give back to the world.”

Inspiration Begins in Our D

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EDINA DESIGN SHOWROOM

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D E S I G N B U I L D R E N O VAT E

DECEMBER 2024

“How can I best create a positive impact? What does it look like to create more flourishing? What does it look like for society, individuals and organizations to flourish?”

Photo: Chris Emeott

Jeff Dykstra, former CEO of Partners in Food Solutions (page 22)

D E PA RT M E N TS

14 A Bear-y Merry Christmas Shop in the City brings back a beloved piece of Dayton’s history for a new generation of holiday shoppers.

16 Serving Those Who Served Nonprofit helps veterans connect to programs.

18 Small Business Saviors Discover how to shop local for delectable lastminute holiday gifts.

F E AT U R E S

20 Season’s Eatings Area experts share delicious recipes for a joyful and flavorful celebration.

22 Global Change With Local Roots Two Edina residents with different paths share motivation to give generously.

30 Keeping the Faith Normandale Lutheran Church celebrates its 75th anniversary.

TAST E M A K E R S

36 Crêpe Expectations A delicious new French dining experience brings sweet surprises.

IN E V E RY ISS U E

6 11 43 46 48

Editor’s Letter Noteworthy On the Town Gallery Last Glance

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from the EDITOR

As the year draws to a close and we enter the season of giving, our December issue is dedicated to celebrating the spirit of generosity that thrives within our community. In this edition, we highlight the remarkable efforts of two Edina residents whose philanthropic endeavors have made a profound impact across the globe. Their stories remind us that the power of giving knows no boundaries (page 22).

Closer to home, we commemorate a significant milestone for Normandale Lutheran Church, which marks its 75th anniversary this year. For decades, the church has been a cornerstone of our community, offering support, comfort and a helping hand to those in need. Its unwavering commitment to service is a testament to its devotion to our city and its people (page 30).

This issue also takes a nostalgic turn as we revisit the cherished tradition of Dayton’s Santa Bear and how one Edina shop has brought back this beloved icon that has brought joy to countless families over the years (page 14). And as you prepare for festive gatherings, don’t miss our list of delicious hostess gifts from local small businesses—perfect for sharing the warmth of the season with those you hold dear (page 18).

December is a time of reflection and gratitude. We hope these stories inspire you to find your own ways to give back, whether within our community or beyond. Thank you for being a part of our journey this year, and we look forward to continuing to bring you the stories that make Edina such a special place to call home.

Happy Holidays,

Fero z a Mehta feroza@localmedia.co

O n t h e C o ver Oh Crêpe!, Photo by Chris Emeott, page 36

See what we’re do ing b ehind the s cenes and aro und to wn!

Edina Magazine

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Photo: Chris Emeott

C E L E B R AT I N G T H E E D I N A A R E A S I N C E 2 0 0 4 .

@edinamag

@edinamag

December 2024

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JUST SOLD by the Stephanie Chandler Group.

5404 Stauder Cir, Edina, MN 55436 The creators of this stunning new home, located in a scenic neighborhood in Edina, envisioned a blend of sleek, contemporary lines with the rich, timeless elements of Mediterranean architecture for an abode both modern and classic. Designed by architect Kathy Alexander, built by Urban Edge Homes, and with interior design by Kimberly Niosi, the home exudes comfort and warmth for everyday living as well as entertaining, while remaining stylish and relevant for years to come Inside, soaring ceilings and wide arches create an open, airy atmosphere and effortless flow. Applied moldings, color drenching, and curated lighting choices contribute to the home’s refined aesthetic. A multitude of black-framed windows and doors and darker wood ceiling beams add contrast and texture to the neutral color palette, which features a series of bright whites and soft creams, accented by pale wood cabinetry, shelving, and flooring. Luxurious stone selections including Calacatta Monet, a unique lot of black soapstone, and an indoor-outdoor stone made in

Belgium provide a sophisticated backdrop. The hardwood flooring is hand-scraped white oak to evoke old European charm, while custom cabinetry and metalwork and handmade tiles add interest and character to the living spaces.

Other standout features include the custom floating staircase, intricately crafted scallops, a state-of-the-art golf simulator/theater, and athletic court with authentic gymnasium maple flooring. 2 garages, heated and cooled.

Office overlooking pool and landscaped backyard. Every detail was designed for luxury and function.

Urban Edge does new custom builds and renovations and currently has to-be-built lots and spec homes available.

Looking to buy, sell or build in Edina, the Stephanie Chandler Group are your real estate experts.

612.599.7107 stephanie.chandler@compass.com Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed.

Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

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Dewey Hill Neighborhood!

7313 Schey Dr Minneapolis

VOL. 20 NO. 5 edinamag.com

PUBLISHER Susan Isay EDITOR Feroza Mehta MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR Renée Stewart-Hester MANAGING EDITOR Hailey Almsted DIGITAL EDITOR Madeline Kopiecki COPY EDITORS Kellie Doherty and Sherri Hildebrandt STAFF WRITERS Mollee Francisco, Emily Gedde, Meredith Heneghan, Daniel Huss, Jennifer Pitterle and Rachel Schuehle CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alison Perrier Briggs, Sarah Davis, Taylor Ellingson, Daniel Green, Megan Maynor, Twila Singh, Maureen Millea Smith, Kelly Smith, Jasmine Brett Stringer and Laura Westlund

Beautiful classic Edina two-story home in the highly desirable Dewey Hill neighborhood steps from Braemar Park. This home offers a spacious and well-designed floor plan with bright open spaces. The updated kitchen flows seamlessly into the dining area and the inviting family room, complete with a cozy brick fireplace. The expansive finished basement features a bedroom, additional family room and extra storage, offering versatility for all your needs.

Outside, enjoy the privacy of a fully fenced backyard with mature trees offering serenity and privacy, perfect for outdoor gatherings and relaxation.

Huge backyard goes beyond fenced area. All of this in the top-rated Edina School District!

DIGITAL INTERN Alexandra Tostrud EDITORIAL INTERNS Tia Benson, Findlay Drabant, Amy Holmberg and Mikayla Vo EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Alison Perrier Briggs, Edina Community Foundation; Daphne Edwards, Edina Public Schools; Greg Hoyt, Gather Venture Group; Shelly Loberg, Edina Chamber of Commerce; Rebecca Sorenson, 50th & France Business Association; Jasmine Brett Stringer, Carpe Diem with Jasmine; and Kelly Vickers, Zimmer Design SENIOR MANAGING ART DIRECTOR Sarah Dovolos ART DIRECTOR Allison Nolden ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR Jamie Klang GRAPHIC DESIGNER Yaz Lo LEAD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Chris Emeott

Please contact us for more information.

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Brittni Dye

612.703.5130

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 Edina 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.

ZDERCHUK + SMITH

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J Y When you put as much food on as many tables as we do, you learn a thing or two about giving thanks.

Thanks to our customers for choosing us.

Thanks to our employees for sharing your talents with us.

Thanks to our partners for producing amazing products for us to sell.

Thanks to all for your friendship and loyalty. It is an honor to be your grocer at this time of year and all year long.

In all the ways that you make us part of your lives, thank you.

May your holiday season be full of happiness, kindness and, most of all,

the joy of good food.

11 Twin Cities Locations 10

KOWALSKIS.COM

lo c al tip s, tidb its & insi ght s

N OT E WO RT H Y

ORGANIZE

MAKE CREATIVE REUSE A HOLIDAY TRADITION

iStock.com/Bogdan Kurylo

MANY OF U S have memories of Christmas

mornings and bulging trash bags of wrapping paper. While wrapping paper is beautiful, it’s mostly nonrecyclable, single-use, full of harmful microplastics and easily replaceable.

My favorite reusable wrapping is fabric.

Scarves, bandanas or festive tea towels can double as part of the gift, making the wrapping a present in itself. This method, inspired by the Japanese art of furoshiki, adds an elegant touch and can be easily sourced from secondhand shops.

I also love reusable gift bags, including cloth totes and repurposed rice bags. Everyone can use an extra reusable bag now that we have to pay for them at stores in Edina. These are a durable and practical alternative to paper.

Another inventive idea is to repurpose old maps, calendars or magazines. These items can

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give your gifts a unique, nostalgic charm and provide a good laugh. Similarly, children’s artwork can be repurposed for wrapping paper and finally give you back some fridge space.

For those who enjoy crafting, consider using newspapers or brown paper bags. These can be jazzed up with hand-drawn designs, stamps or sprigs of greenery tied with twine. Just keep in mind that what you decorate with will change the compostability or recyclability of the paper.

It’s time we rethink what is worth saving and buying during the holidays. By thinking creatively about gift wrapping, we can start a new tradition while having less of an impact on the environment and our wallets.

Twila Singh is the organics recycling coordinator for the City of Edina.

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N OT E WO RT H Y

HEAL

Soothing Holiday Anxiety

As a meditation teacher, one of the most common requests I get for topics this time of year is anxiety. A few minutes of meditation each day might be the perfect micro habit to add to your day for living with less anxiety and more freedom.

Meditation is such a powerful tool because it helps to soothe anxiety in the moment. Over time, it can actually rewire your brain for less anxiety in the long term.

According to Sara Lazar, Ph.D. and researcher at Harvard University, as little as 10 minutes a day of meditation for eight weeks can begin to shrink your amygdala, which is the anxiety center of the brain.

This means that over time, you

VIEW

will begin to have smaller fight or flight responses to anxiety triggers and begin spending more time in the relaxed restful state of the parasympathetic nervous system. Plus, it will

Stage Star Celebrates 100 Years of Betty Crocker

begin to quiet your fear center you begin to meditate. Why

Did you know we have a Broadway actress living in our midst? Tiffany Cooper moved to

not try a few minutes of deep

Edina a year ago. She returns to the stage this holiday season in I Am Betty: The Betty

breathing or listening to a

Crocker Musical, an all-female cast production that celebrates 100 years of Betty Crocker’s

guided meditation today

history through true stories and original music. “We play multiple characters, including some

to start easing your anxiety?

of the men,” Cooper says. “I personally portray characters like Zelma, the mother of Barbara Jo (the creator of Hamburger Helper and the second African American woman to work at

Contributed by Kelly Smith, the author of You Are Not Your Thoughts: An 8-Week Guided Meditation Journal.

General Mills) and Ken Davis, Barbara Jo’s husband and the creator of Ken Davis Barbecue Sauce, which is still available at Cub grocery stores today.”

Following its critically acclaimed debut at the History Theatre last year, I Am Betty is back by popular demand from November 23 through December 29—perfect for anyone looking to celebrate the holiday season with a dose of Minnesota history. Tickets are available at historytheatre.com. —Feroza Mehta

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Photo: Rick Spaulding

of the brain immediately when

lo c al tip s, tidb its & insi ght s

READ

Whipping up Memories T R AV E L

From Perfection to Adventure My job at Sunnyside Gardens provides

The Truman Show—everything was too

ample opportunities for winter travel

perfect, too controlled. He realized that

and adventure. Recently, I had an expe-

true living wasn’t about maintaining a

rience that truly stood out. During a

flawless façade or obsessing over the

winter trip, I had the pleasure of meet-

minutiae of an immaculate home.

ing a distinguished gentleman from

His family decided to sell their

Sweden. He and his teenage daughter

possessions and embrace a new life

were exploring the same mountain

characterized by spontaneity and

trails in Patagonia as me. By chance,

unpredictability. They sought joy in

On first reading, this picture book is

I ended up having breakfast with him

the adventure of living, moving away

the story of Minnesota twins, making

and hearing his fascinating story.

from their meticulously crafted life to

sweet potato pie with mama. They

What struck me immediately was his

embrace something more authentic

shop at the farmers market—and

unpretentious attire, warm smile and

they peel, mix, taste and try to guess

the genuine interest he showed in those

mama’s secret ingredient.

around him. He was a man with a gen-

and his aversion to the perfect life

But like a sweet potato pie itself, this

and imperfect.

His reference to The Truman Show

erous heart and an engaging presence.

he had once strived for left a lasting

story is more than it appears. It’s also an

What captivated me most about his

impression on me. I admire his coura-

invitation to bake together, serve others

story was the reason behind his family’s

geous decision to reset his family’s life

and remember to have a good laugh.

move to a Spanish-speaking country in

and find fulfillment in a less predict-

Playfulness and family coziness come

Central America. Despite his success-

able existence. I am deeply grateful for

through in the text and in the warm illus-

ful career and the luxurious life he had

the valuable life lessons I gained from

trations by local artist Christopheraaron

built in Sweden—with its grand home,

our encounter.

Deanes. After reading the story, families

flourishing business and pristine cars—

can use the recipe in the back of the

he found himself disillusioned. One day,

book to make Sweet Potato Pies. Or,

he felt his life mirrored the 1998 film

Sarah Davis is an Edina resident and is the manager of Sunnyside Gardens.

in the spirit of Minnesota author Rose McGee’s Sweet Potato Comfort Pie organization, invite children to think about who else could use some pie. Do they want to invite someone to come share the pie or make a special delivery to someone in the community?

As we roll into a holiday season, this story also offers an invitation to discuss your own traditions. What food has brought hope and comfort to your family or community? Is there a dish that brings everyone together?

Photos: Sarah Davis

Is there a recipe that is passed down through difficult times? Can you ask relatives for the recipe or their memories related to it?

Happy reading, and happy eating.

Contributed by Megan Maynor, an Edina resident and children’s book author.

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Dayton’s and Santa Bear merch at Shop in the City this year. Fun Fact: The image on the T-shirt is a photo of Shop in the City’s Linda Getchell in 1953 at Dayton’s visiting Santa.

VENTURES

A Bear-y Merry Christmas Shop in the City brings back a beloved piece of Dayton’s history for a new generation of holiday shoppers.

By Jennifer Pitterle

AT SHOP IN THE CITY , near 50th and France in Edina, holiday traditions are alive and well, thanks to the return of a beloved Minnesota icon: Dayton’s Santa Bear, a plush teddy that appeared annually on Dayton’s shelves in Minneapolis from 1985 to 2007.

Shop in the City’s Jake Sanders owns the locally focused boutique. He runs it with the help of his mother, Linda Getchell. Sanders worked closely with Dayton’s to first bring back the Santa Bear for the 2022 holiday season.

“We’re a retail partner with Dayton’s, so we provide Dayton’s merchandise, and we also collaborate with them to help with the Dayton’s [winter] market,” Sanders says. But the connection runs deeper. “My mom worked

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there. My dad lived downtown forever, shopped there. My wife and I met at Dayton’s.” It made sense for Sanders and his family to pick up the furry, bear-shaped torch.

The limited run of 2022 Santa Bears sold out, both at Shop in the City and at Dayton’s Winter Maker’s Market. The market returns again this year at The Dayton’s Project’s downtown space and will feature Shop in the City’s booth full of bears among its 75 local vendors.

The market is open until December 28.

For many customers, the Santa Bear isn’t just a toy; it’s a connection to holiday seasons gone by. Some families collected a bear every year, starting in the mid-’80s and are excited to restart the tradition with kids and grandkids. “You

see it, and you have that nostalgia built in,” Sanders says. “You think about your grandparents. You think about your parents. You think about yourself.

Then, as you get older, you start thinking of the generation below you.”

The 2022 bear had a classic red and green hat and scarf, and last year’s bear sported a knit sweater and hat, featuring a state of Minnesota shape.

The 2024 Santa Bear was officially released in mid-November and features a ski ensemble, complete with goggles, an oversized red coat and a hat with a pom. “We wanted to amp up the cute factor,” Sanders says. As this issue goes to press, Sanders says they’re still finalizing whether the bear will appear in two size options this year; the original Santa Bears were larger than the latest incarnations. Also new this year, Shop in the City will ship the Santa Bears to customers outside of the Metro, so folks farther afield can take part in the magic.

Getchell says the Santa Bear represents an important piece of Minnesota culture. “Our family is very sentimental about simple traditions that keep the spirit of the holidays,” she says. “Paul Bunyan and Babe have been widely

December 2024

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Photos: Chris Emeott

Santa Bears through the years. From left to right: 1991, 2023 and 1985.

Trunk Show Dec 6–7

Illustration: Shop in the City

The 2024 Santa Bear is dressed in an adorable ski outfit.

recognized, and our family felt that the Dayton’s Santa Bear should be included as an iconic part of our folklore.”

Dayton’s itself still holds a special place in the hearts of Minnesotans.

“The whole Dayton’s experience that we want to recapture is a sense of community, tradition and an annual event that celebrates simple pleasures,” she says. And now, her family is excited to see how the next generation will embrace the Santa Bear.

Santa Bear is available at Shop in the City and at Dayton’s Winter Maker’s Market.

Shop in the City, 3921 Market St.;

PO er In business the word “power” gets thrown around a lot – from power brokers and power moves, to power lunches and power players.

At Crown Bank the power we value most is the power of possibilities.

Because working with a client to get to know their business is how we discover what ideas are possible, and then marshal the power to bring them to life. It’s how we make the possible, possible.

What can we make possible for your business?

952.800.4178; shopinthecity.com SHOP in the City

@shopinthecitymn

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PHILANTHROPY

Serving Those Who Served Nonprofit helps veterans connect to programs.

“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.”

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.

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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.

Jeff McHenry, an Edina resident and a former noncommissioned officer

in the U.S. Marine Corps, heard about Project Got Your Back while on a hunting trip with friends. One friend, Galon Miller, would always bring along the veterans he was mentoring.

“A lot of these were younger guys. I’m 60. I’m not a spring chicken,” McHenry says. “A lot of these guys had served in Iraq or Afghanistan. They were a part of this project I kept hearing about.

We’d talk, tell stories because most of us were veterans, it was easy for them to talk to and understand some of the things they’ve gone through.”

McHenry decided to volunteer as a navigator in 2017. The Project Got Your Back model works by pairing

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iStock.com/SDIProductions

By Daniel Huss

navigators, like McHenry, with clients (veterans), including some in Edina.

This professional relationship lasts for an entire year. To date, over 50 navigators have served nearly 150 clients.

“The crux of the organization is we get introduced to a veteran that has some needs. If you turn the TV on, if you open a newspaper, there’s all kinds of resources for veterans. There’s the [Veterans Administration], many organizations out there that are willing to help. But for a veteran who’s maybe dealing with PTSD or other issues to know who to call or where to turn, it’s overwhelming to them,” McHenry says. “They don’t know where to start.

We connect them.”

Funding has to come from 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.

There are multiple donors from the Edina area, 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.”

READY, SET, BAKE! When it comes to holiday baking, we have you covered. For our favorite festive recipes, visit: LundsandByerlys.com/HolidayBaking 7 1 7 1 F R A N C E AV E S , E D I N A , M N 5 5 4 3 5

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1875 TROY LANE  PLYMOUTH, MN

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

Project Got Your Back, 5123 W. 98th St., Bloomington; info@pgyb.org

Project Got Your Back

Photo: Project Got Your Back

CLASSIC MIDCENTURY MODERN

4 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | 2 Car Garage | 4,325 Sq. Ft.

If you are looking for quietude, beauty, privacy and elegance on a gorgeous lake with panoramic views, come home to 1875 Troy Lane on majestic Mooney Lake. Minutes to trails, Wayzata and Excelsior for restaurants and retail, you will not believe this uniquely, remarkable property exists within the Twin Cities! This home is beautifully updated with main floor primary and 3 additional bedrooms, all with lake views on lower level. Updated kitchen and spacious 3 season porch, completely delightful. Darling library nook off living room and a handsome main floor office. Please do not miss this absolute treasure of a home, this is it!

Matthew S. Baker Some of the organization’s efforts include the Sponsor A Family program.

Global Luxury Specialist 612-860-4222

Ellyn Wolfenson

Global Luxury Specialist 612-644-3033

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THE MENU

Small Business Saviors Discover how to shop local for delectable last-minute holiday gifts.

By Tia Benson

Top: Num Nuts Bottom: Sprinkle It Sweets Shop

THE HOLIDAY season gets so hec-

tic that sometimes we might forget someone on our list. With teacher gifts, stocking stuffers, hostess gifts and more, we sometimes end up needing more than what we initially bought. In such situations, it’s necessary to stock up and even keep extra gifts on hand. We reached out to three small businesses that have brought sweetness to Edina over the years.

Simple and Sweet

Aunt Norma’s Toffee

Nancy Kluge had her aha moment in the late ’60s at a University of Wisconsin–Madison football game.

Right before the game, her husband’s aunt, Norma Benninger, hosted them for lunch. Benninger always had some homemade sweet treat for the meal.

That year, she prepared little chocolatecovered toffee candies.

“She served it to us, and I loved it,” Kluge says. “I asked her for the recipe … and that was it.” She then began making the toffee for neighbors and friends, bringing them as a hostess gift to most parties. “And it just sort of over time snowballed,” she says.

Her husband, Richard Kluge, retired in 2005 and said to Kluge, “If you keep making this candy and giving it away, you’re going to cost us a lot of money …

Why don’t you think about selling it?”

That’s when Aunt Norma’s Toffee was rolled into action. After selling the toffee at various holiday boutiques in Edina, Kluge takes orders over the phone and via email.

Traditional and Special

Janna Kleineman's husband, Dan Kleineman, also encouraged her to start her business, Sprinkle It Sweets Shop.

“I have always loved treats and sweets. I have a really big sweet tooth,” Kleineman says. “I love when things look visually really exciting … and makes you say, ‘Wow. That’s so cool!’”

Sprinkle It Sweets Shop was born in 2023 through Kleineman’s passion for baking and making different recipes.

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Her tool belt has a wide range of baked goods, including chocolate-covered chocolate sandwich cookies, pretzels and marshmallows, and crispy treats.

Kleineman’s favorite tool is her edible printer, which prints custom photos and designs that are placed on her creations.

She enjoys the reactions of customers when they pick up orders. “They’re so excited because it’s something different,” she says. “You really don’t go into a store and find these things offered to you [because] they’re very, very custom.

It’s a nice little niche that I can fill when somebody wants something that’s really perfect for their event.”

For the holidays, she offers a variety of baked goods, including Christmas and Hanukkah options. Her specialty is coming up with different cookie designs and putting them together in a wrapped box, working with chocolate and creating treats that lend themselves to being decorated.

Photos: Num Nuts; Aunt Norma’s Toffee; Sprinkle It Sweets Shop

Nutty and Witty

Num Nuts began in Chika Griswold’s home kitchen based on her need to find clean, healthy snacks for her new health journey.

“I would look for mixed roasted nuts and I would never be able to find something that I really liked,” Griswold says. “I thought ‘How hard could it be to make it?’”

Once she prepared her first whole nut mix, she would take it to parties as something to share, and she received great feedback. Her friend, Jamie Carl, asked if she could sell it in her boutique, now called Serge + Jane.

Flash forward to 2024, Griswold and her husband, Jeff Griswold, operate in a shared commercial kitchen in Plymouth, selling the Original Recipe Mixed Nuts, offering subtle hints of maple and rosemary; Nut Gravel, with crunchy texture; and Cocoa Gravel, with texture and a semi-sweet chocolate flavor.

The City of Edina applauds the Minneapolis Area Realtors (MAR) for being a Green Business!

MAR models the organization’s green values at its own campus in the Londonderry Office Park. Over the past couple of years, MAR has used its property to showcase practices such as rain gardens and native plantings.

The City of Edina is committed to reaching its Climate Action goals and is interested in recognizing businesses like the Minneapolis Area Realtors for doing its part. For more information or to apply to be a Green Business, visit EdinaMN.gov/GreenBusiness.

Aunt Norma’s Toffee; 612.723.0079; auntnormastoffee@gmail.com Sprinkle It Sweets Shop; 561.315.8920; sprinkleitsweetsshop.com @sprinkle_it_sweets_shop Num Nuts; chika@numnuts.biz; numnutz.biz

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Written by Tia Benson

Season’s Eatings Area experts share delicious recipes for a joyful and flavorful celebration.

With the holiday season in full swing, figuring out what to cook can be a daunting task. Sometimes, the best recipes are those that can’t be found in a cookbook. Edina Magazine is supported by our very skilled and devoted Editorial Advisory Board (EAB) members, who are residents and business owners from throughout the city.

We asked our EAB and our Noteworthy Taste columnists to share their favorite holiday recipes. For the complete recipes, visit edinamag.com.

Beef Wellington

“I prepare this dish just once a year, preserving its tradition and anticipation. It evokes memories of every Christmas and Boxing Day I’ve spent in England—it’s my ultimate favorite indulgence.” —Daniel Green, Noteworthy Taste columnist

Balsamic Brussels Sprouts With Cranberries

Brussels Sprouts • 2 lbs. Brussels sprouts, halved • 2 Tbsp. olive oil • 1 Tbsp. maple syrup • 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 tsp. salt • 1/2 tsp. pepper • 1/2 cup dried cranberries • balsamic glaze for drizzling

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iStock.com/bhofack2; Roxiller

“I love Brussels sprouts on a regular basis, so around the holidays, I like to elevate them for a special side dish.

Balsamic Brussels Sprouts With Cranberries are packed with flavor, from the maple balsamic vinaigrette … to the sugared walnuts and dried cranberries that get tossed in at the end.” —Taylor Ellingson, Noteworthy Taste columnist

Candied Walnuts • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped • 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar • 1 Tbsp. butter Preheat the oven to 425 F. Add the Brussels sprouts to a large bowl. In a separate, small bowl, create the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the Brussels sprouts; toss well to combine. Spread out this mixture evenly onto a large baking sheet; bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until the Brussels sprouts are tender and a little crispy on the outside. While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, make the candied walnuts. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sugar and walnuts; stir to combine, stirring frequently to prevent it from burning. This should take about 5 minutes. Immediately transfer the walnuts to parchment paper, separating the walnut pieces so they don’t stick together, and let cool. Once the Brussels sprouts have finished, transfer them to a serving bowl. Add the candied walnuts and dried cranberries, and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Serve, and enjoy.

Apple and Pear Crisp (Dairy-, gluten- and nut-free)

“For fall and winter there’s nothing like a fruit crisp for an easy dessert, especially for my family with food allergies.”

—Rebecca Sorensen, EAB member Fruit Filling • 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced thin • 2 Yellow Delicious apples, peeled and sliced thin • 1 red pear, peeled and sliced thin • 4 Tbsp. unsweetened apple juice • 1 Tbsp. agave syrup • 1/2 tsp gluten-free apple pie spice (cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice, mixed) • pinch of sea salt Crisp • ¾ cup brown sugar • ¾ cup gluten-free flour mix or pancake mix • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon • 3–4 Tbsp. shortening or vegan butter

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

“This is special to my family because I only make it for holidays. It’s also special because it is a very traditional, super common ‘soul food’ eaten by Black families across the U.S. for the holidays and special occasions.”

—Daphne Edwards, EAB member

Holiday Vegetable Salad

“This is a favorite recipe. My ‘second mother,’ Momma Connie, makes it every Thanksgiving, and I make it for Christmas dinner. This marinated salad combines various vegetables with a sweet oil and vinegar dressing.”

—Jasmine Brett Stringer, Noteworthy Travel columnist and EAB member

Illustrations: Jamie Klang

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Coat a deep 9-inch pie plate with oil or vegan shortening. In a medium to large bowl, toss the apple and pear slices in apple juice, agave, apple pie spice and a small pinch of sea salt. In a separate bowl, stir togeth-

er the brown sugar, gluten-free flour mix and cinnamon. Add shortening or vegan butter in dabs, and rub between your fingers until moist crumbs form a crumble topping mixture.

Sprinkle a handful of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared pie plate. Spoon in the apple and pear slices, and add all the liquid. Top with the remaining crumble mixture. Bake for 35–45 minutes or until the fruit is fork tender, the filling is bubbling and the top is golden brown. Enjoy with a scoop of ice cream. (Dairy-free is delicious.)

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GLOBAL CHANGE

Blaine Caton

Two Edina residents with different paths share motivation to give generously.

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Whether it’s a person’s skills, time, resources or attitude, there are many different ways to show up. For some people, the act of showing up generously and giving back comes naturally.

It’s these people who inspire us, remind us that there’s goodness in the world and set an example for others.

Edina has many such residents— good neighbors, inspiring friends and impactful leaders. Here, we highlight two community members, Blaine Caton and Jeff Dykstra, who have different paths, skills and stories yet leave indelible marks on the people they serve and inspire.

WITH LOCAL ROOTS

Jeff Dykstra

Photos: Chris Emeott

Written by Meredith Heneghan Caton is a sonographer at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park. Years ago, when a co-worker did a presentation on Foundation for African Medicine & Education Hospital (FAME) in Tanzania, Caton told her, “Next time you go, I want to come with you.”

FAME is a transformative hospital,

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which was started over 20 years ago by Frank Artress and Susan Gustafson. “They have built a hospital where the goal is for it to be run entirely by Tanzanians,” Caton says. “Doctors and volunteers from all over the world go in and train the doctors and practitioners, so that

they can serve the rural population of Northwest Tanzania … Working with an organization that empowers the people of a country to assist their population is just very rewarding.”

After several delays, Caton’s first trip to FAME was in late 2023. He says he felt an immediate connection

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“Working with an organization that empowers the people of a country to assist their population is just very rewarding.”

BLAINE CATON

Top: Blaine Caton teaching at FAME in Tanzania.

Below: Blaine Caton with a baby whose life he helped save after addressing growth challenges.

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Photos: Blaine Caton

to the place and to the work he was about to do there.

“It was climactic because I had waited for so long, and I didn’t know what to expect,” he says. “You can only look at so many pictures, but until you actually get there, you don’t know. The first day there, I was like, ‘Oh, my god. I’m home.’”

FAME has grown from a very small traveling clinic, and now, as Caton says, “It’s a high-functioning medical complex in rural Tanzania. And they’ve also built a middle class now in that region, because they also employ Tanzanians.

It’s just an incredible story.”

It’s clear that Caton has a penchant for work that is mutually beneficial—he feels good about being an educator in service of a bigger cause, and the people he’s working with at FAME benefit from his expertise as a technician.

“It’s always very rewarding to educate people and empower them to help people within their population. That’s what drives me to do the work,” he says.

Caton was the first sonographer to go to FAME, and it hopes to have him back for additional training opportunities.

He specifically remembers one baby who had been having trouble growing since birth. Caton was able to easily identify an issue that could be surgically resolved within a day or two. He reflects, “Two months later, I received a beautiful picture of the boy. He’s just growing and developing wonderfully.

It’s that type of thing that I’m most proud of, the patient that I helped.”

Dykstra is another inspiring Edina resident. He and Caton don’t have professional similarities, but they share something very meaningful.

Both Dykstra and Caton are motivated to empower people to use their own gifts, communities and skills to improve and grow.

Dykstra was CEO of Partners in Food Solutions (PFS) until July, an organization he helped start 16 years ago that leverages the expertise of corporate experts (originally from General Mills, where Dykstra worked) with the know-how of African-based food companies to create a self-sustaining food system in Africa.

At the helm of PFS, Dykstra ushered work that is now strengthening food security, improving access to nutritional food and promoting economic growth across Africa by activating its food sector through partnerships between corporate volunteers from major food companies and entrepreneurs in African countries. Dykstra says of this work, “If you have African food companies sourcing locally from farmers there, ultimately the continent can feed itself and feed the world.”

Dykstra’s departure from PFS came from a sense that it was time to pass the baton. “You can leave too early, too late or on time. I wanted to leave on time,” he says.

Dykstra was part of the process of finding a successor, who they ultimately found in Zimbabwean Mandla Nkomo.

“I feel grateful that I was able to see that and feel grateful about the next leader.

It’s good all around,” he says.

One of Dykstra’s strengths is his clarity of vision. Like Caton, he sees that it’s important for people to be the stewards of their own futures. “I bridged our work from this side to the African side. Now, we have an African leader

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Jeff Dykstra enjoying the Four Corners Exploration couples trip along the scenic Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho.

who can effectively bridge back to this side,” he says. “Africa’s challenges and problems and opportunities are best addressed by Africans, so to now have an African leader is smart and strategic for the future of PFS.” At the end of the day, Dykstra is more than his work at PFS. He has some other projects that reflect his overall vision to help people reach their full potential.

“I think for me, from the beginning, there was an understanding that we’re called to be stewards of whatever we’ve been given,” he says, “How can I best create a positive impact? What does it

look like to create more flourishing?

What does it look like for society, individuals and organizations to flourish?”

For the last few years, Dykstra and Edina resident Matt Norman have been facilitating transformative experiences through their organization, Four Corners Exploration.

“It’s rooted in the idea that leaders are far too busy, far too distracted, and many of us need intentional time to slow down,” Dykstra says. “We take cohorts of leaders into beautiful wild places that will help them reflect.”

Dykstra and Norman have harnessed a universal truth: When we’re given

time to really reset, transformation can occur. Dykstra described a rim-to-rim Grand Canyon experience with one of their first groups. “That was one of the most unique experiences. It was the combination of the physical beautiful place we were in but also getting to questions that matter,” he says.

They’ve also done backcountry ski trips in Telluride, Colorado, mountain biking in Moab, Utah, and a rafting trip on the Salmon River in Idaho.

“If you can help people get to the heart of the matter, that’s where some cool, interesting transformation can occur,” he says.

“If you have African food companies sourcing locally from farmers there—ultimately, the Photo: Jeff Dykstra

continent can feed itself and feed the world.”

JEFF DYKSTRA, FORMER CEO OF PARTNERS IN FOOD SOLUTIONS

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Keeping the Faith Normandale Lutheran Church celebrates its 75th anniversary.

Written by Mollee Francisco As Pastor Paul Pettersen readied for retirement last summer, he couldn’t help but reflect on what he would miss most from his 14 years at the helm of Edina’s Normandale Lutheran Church, and it all boiled down to one thing: the people.

“I’ll miss the sound of people together having coffee and doughnuts,” he says.

“The sound of people’s voices sharing life.

It’s fellowship, but sometimes fellowship doesn’t seem like a strong enough word.

This is a powerful community of God’s people loving each other through all that life brings.”

In the 75 years since its inception, people have been at the heart of Normandale Lutheran’s mission and the key to its longevity. Through worship, the church has nourished its members’ souls and then sent them out in the world to serve.

“There is a passion here for making a difference in the world,” Pettersen says.

History

The idea of Normandale Lutheran Church took root in 1948 when the Rev. Dr. P.O. Bersell, president of the Augustana Lutheran Church, suggested a congregation for Edina. A community survey revealed that there was enough interested families in the area, and a location at the southwest corner of Normandale Road (now Highway 100) and Valley View Road was identified. At

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the time, Edina was a suburb of less than 10,000 residents, but as one of the last stops on the streetcar line from downtown Minneapolis, the city was poised for rapid growth.

By 1950, the Board of American Missions advanced funds for the purchase of 60,000 square feet of land in Edina, and Normandale Lutheran was readying for its first service. That service, with 84 people in attendance and the Rev. Donald C. Carlson serving as charter pastor, took place on May 14 at the church’s temporary location of Grange Hall.

On October 15, a groundbreaking for the first church building was held, and after eight months of furious construction, services were moved to the new building.

That building would eventually become church offices, classrooms and the first chapel. Construction on the current sanctuary began in 1959 with the first services held there in September 1960.

Architect Carl Graffunder described the building as “frankly contemporary and functional. A sense of strength and permanence is given through the very straightforward use of materials.”

Brent Malcom, the church’s director of operations and finance, says the sanctuary’s interior is reminiscent of the inside of a ship. The two-story, open design lends itself to outstanding acoustics that are a consistent draw for the musically inclined. “Choirs sound amazing in there,” Malcom says.

Photo: Chester Fredon

The sanctuary in 1960 shortly after it was completed and dedicated. The interior is reminiscent of a ship’s hull with its sweeping, open design creating a spacious, two-story effect. The unique architecture not only evokes a maritime feel, but also enhances acoustics, making it an ideal venue for music enthusiasts.

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“We promote and provide the history of Normandale Lutheran,” Swanson says.

“We take the past and look at it with a view to the future.”

While it can be challenging to condense 75 years of history and artifacts into a room the size of a generous walkin closet, Swanson relies on her master’s degree from Luther Seminary, as well as her more than 50 years as a member, to help them be concise and systematic. “I know the story (history) can tell,” she says.

It’s that can-do attitude that the church has displayed over its decades of growth and development in Edina. “We can think big and dream big,” she says.

Top left: The congregation gathers outside its temporary home at Grange Hall on September 24, 1950.

Bottom left: The church’s exterior in the early 1960s.

Top right: The church’s exterior today is a blend of classic architecture with contemporary lines. This sight greets those who pass by on Valley View Road.

Bottom right: The evening lights illuminate Trinity Commons.

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In the ensuing years, Normandale Lutheran would balloon to a 64,000square-foot facility with the additions of an educational wing as well as an office building, gymnasium, fireside room, chapel and offices for the Normandale Center for Healing and Wholeness. The church’s latest addition, the Trinity Commons, was completed in 2023 and consists of a new playground, a yard for outdoor gatherings and a columbarium. “The church grew with the suburb,” Pettersen says.

Joanna Swanson heads up the church’s five-member Heritage Committee, charged with documenting and preserving Normandale Lutheran’s history.

Last fall, Normandale Preschool celebrated its 50th anniversary. Some 3,000 children have gone through the school’s doors in that time. Between the preschool and the Blessing Place, Normandale Lutheran offers programs for children from 18 months to 5 years of age. The church also offers Spanish immersion at 3-and-a-half years and a High Fives program for kids not quite ready for kindergarten.

“It might not be the most new and shiny, but you can feel the love and care,” Kari Warnke says. Warnke has served as the preschool director for the last three years after spending nine years as a teacher. “This place is so warm, [and] the staff is so caring. It goes toward the mission of making sure each child feels safe, loved and accepted,” she says. “If they feel that, the learning is easy.”

The notion of feeling safe, loved and accepted continues at the other end of the age spectrum with the Normandale Center for Healing and Wholeness. The center was founded in 1998 with a focus on supporting seniors and their caregivers and has served more than 10,000 people to date. What started as a ministry of the church has since evolved into a community-based nonprofit, receiving its 501(c)(3) designation in 2000. (The center was named one of Edina Magazine’s editor’s picks in 2020.)

The Normandale Center for Healing and Wholeness is powered largely by dozens of volunteers and offers a team of social workers, group/home respite and a handful of support groups focused on healthy aging and caregivers.

“We’re relationship-based,” says Jennifer Monroe, executive director. “We walk through the journey with people.

Photos: Normandale Lutheran Church Archival Collection; Dick Palen, Edina

Ministry

Photos: Normandale Lutheran Church Archival Collection

We’re getting to the tail end of the baby boomers, and we’re busier than ever.”

Monroe says they would love to replicate the center’s model outside of Edina to expand accessibility to their services.

“We’re always looking for opportunities with partners to spread this,” she says.

Welcoming

Normandale Lutheran has endeavored to be a church for all, from young children to the elderly and everyone in between.

Its commitment to that notion has been reaffirmed time and time again, from the launch of its racial equity and justice committee to its efforts to become a Reconciling in Christ Church, welcoming people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.

“It was critical to our understanding of who Jesus is,” Pettersen says. “We chose to build bridges instead of walls.”

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Pastor Paul Pettersen, Normandale Lutheran Church

Top right: A Christmas Eve service.

Bottom left: The Center for Healing and Wholeness offers a Second Saturday for Caregivers program with free education sessions and a support group.

Bottom right: Preschool students take a break on their favorite log in the playground.

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Photos: Normandale Lutheran Church Archival Collection; Center for Healing and Wholeness; Normandale Preschool and Blessing Place

“We chose to build bridges instead of walls.”

Top left: Normandale Preschool opened in 1973. In its 51 years, more than 3,000 children have attended.

This photo is from October 1996.

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Through its welcoming statement, Normandale Lutheran affirms that “all people are created in the image of God and as beloved children of God, all are worthy of God’s love and grace.”

“It was a significant movement,” Pettersen says. “We had three years’ worth of discussion on it,” Malcom says.

“It was a very difficult issue for us, but in the end, we came out stronger.”

“It became a congregational blueprint for how to deal with conflict,” Pettersen says.

The message resonated with new members like Carl and Carol Wall. “We were very impressed with Normandale’s visible welcoming statement when we were first visiting various churches in our area,” Carl says.

Bradley and Bridget Beale came to Normandale Lutheran for the music but quickly fell in love with all the church had to offer. “After attending a few services, we were impressed with the music as well as the church’s mission, alignment with our values and commitment to inclusivity, which was evident in things such as their welcoming statement and the existence of the racial justice and equity team,” Bradley says.

For longtime members like Swanson, there was appreciation for the church laying out a path that members could take at their own pace. “Society is complex, and we respect its complexity,” she says. “That covers wherever the future draws us.”

Now, as the church looks ahead to the next 75 years, Normandale Lutheran heads into the future with open eyes and open hearts. “We can love each other and disagree,” Malcom says. “If we can keep that in mind, the congregation will be served well.”

Ready to find your new best friend?

Normandale Lutheran, 6100 Normandale Road; 952.929.1697; normluth.org Normandale Lutheran Church in Edina @normluthchurch

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TA S T E M A K E R S

Crêpe Expectations Oh Crêpe! is known for its crêpe cakes. Flavors change frequently since chef Claire Corvaisier bakes with whatever ingredients she has on hand at a given time.

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Written by Rachel Schuehle — Photos by Chris Emeott

A de licious new French dini n g ex p e r i e n ce b r i n g s swe e t s u r p r i s e s .

Claire Corvaisier

T

here are 4,039 miles between Edina and Brittany, France. The region is best known as the birthplace of crêpes.

But you won’t need to hop on a plane to get an authentic crêpe because Edina has welcomed an adorable and authentic creperie to France Avenue, born of nostalgia and cultural pride of a Brittany native, Claire Corvaisier.

Corvaisier grew up in Brittany, along with her five siblings, and much like other places in Europe, they walked everywhere, including home from school for lunch every day. With a larger family, cooking at home was essential, and she watched her mom provide countless meals for her family.

“I was always in the kitchen. I would sit at the counter and do my homework quickly, so I could cook,” Corvaisier says. With her mother

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by her side, she learned to hone her skills. “I love how sharing a meal brings people together … It’s a shared experience that is so special.”

Located in northwestern France, Brittany is known for its coastal charm, culture and cuisine. Crêpes are a crowd pleaser for breakfast, lunch or dinner because they are delightfully versatile and capable of satisfying anyone, from savory seekers to sweet tooths.

“It’s such an easy food; it’s something we eat weekly in Brittany,” Corvaisier says. But once in Minnesota, she had difficulty finding authentic crêpes, especially savory versions made with buckwheat. “The distinction is that savory crêpes are always made on a buckwheat crêpe,” she says. “I love the taste and texture of it because it’s unique and adds a lot to the other savory ingredients and balances

37

it well.” Armed with the knowledge of the gap in French cuisine, Corvaisier set her sights on the food industry, a long-standing dream since her mother’s impact. Starting first by making crêpes for family and friends and at fairs and festivals, she whet her appetite for the business. Keying in on a storefront, Corvaisier knew in her heart that a permanent location would be the new iteration of her American Dream. Oh Crêpe! came to life.

Aside from the traditional crêpe recipes and ingredients, Oh Crêpe! also entices visitors to

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try a slice of its towering crêpe cake. Its flavor often changes, depending on what Corvaisier has on hand. She hadn’t explored crêpe cakes until 2020, when she embraced the time quarantined at home by getting creative in the kitchen. “I had seen the crêpe cakes before.

I was hesitant … but for six months, I made a new cake each week, inventing new flavors and posting them on social media for fun,” she says.

Celebrated with enthusiasm for their beauty, those 20 some crêpe cakes in 2020 unknowingly paved the way for the menu

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From left to right: The Roasted Bell Pepper is one of the many savory crêpes on the menu. It features cheddar, roasted bell pepper caramelized onions, tomatoes, spinach and chipotle mayo.

For those with a sweet tooth, try the Dark Chocolate and Almond crêpe which has a delicious chocolate ganache and roasted sliced almonds. Oh Crêpe! also has a variety of coffee, including a matcha latte. All these delectable treats on the menu are creatively displayed on the shop’s wall.

spotlight they hold at Oh Crêpe!. For those unfamiliar, this style of cake features 25 layers of sweet crêpe, alternating with 25 layers of sweet cream. It is a time consuming effort that requires immense skill.

It’s safe to say the community of Edina is thrilled to have such deliciousness in its backyard, but Corvaisier was intentional about where Oh Crêpe! landed. Beyond adorable neighborhoods and great restaurants, the vibe of the area felt right to her. “Our kids go to [Normandale Elementary’s French

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Left: Hot chocolate is served with a dollop of whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

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Bottom right: The Affogato is topped with a La Mère Poulard butter biscuit.

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“I love how sharing a meal brings people together … It’s a shared experien ce that is so special.”

Claire Corvaisier, founder of Oh Crêpe!

immersion program in Edina], and the influence of the area feels French. It feels homey because you can walk or bike everywhere,” she says. “I knew if I opened a place, it would have to be in a neighborhood with a community that feels like this.”

The support of Normandale Elementary and the community has since impacted Oh Crêpe! in meaningful ways. Teacher Isabelle Skoog worked with Corvaisier to custom design and paint art that is displayed in the restaurant.

Inspired by Brittany, the modern, colorful pieces give subtle nods to her origin, images of a fisherman, a market and the Brittany landscape. In addition, fresh flowers are brought in by a family friend and parent of one of the employees, an avid gardener who offers to beautify the space with blooms.

And if those factors weren’t enough, the ambiance of Oh Crêpe! is approachable and cozy, making it easy for time to pass and conversation to flow. With whimsical wallpaper, live plants on the windowsill and a variety of gold, wood and marble accents, Oh Crêpe! is as delightful as it is delicious. “You don’t realize the value and richness of your culture until you leave it,” Corvaisier says. But with Oh Crêpe! in town, we can all embrace both the culture of Brittany and the cuisine born from it.

Oh Crêpe!

4408 France Ave. S.; 612.440.8998; ohcrepemn.com Oh Crêpe @ohcrepemn

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lo c al things to se e an d do

O N T H E TOW N

Tim O’Neill and Ryan O’Neill sing and play on two grand pianos such as Great Balls of Fire by Jerry Lee Lewis.

GIVING BACK WITH THE GIFT OF SONG

Photo: The Piano Brothers

T H E P IA N O BROTH E RS have music in their blood.

Tim O’Neill, an Edina resident, and his brother, Ryan O’Neill, perform a charity concert every year at the Edina Performing Arts Center. This year’s show features the O’Neill Sisters from Ireland.

All revenue from the concerts go to the O’Neill Foundation of Hope, a 501(c)(3) charity that helps families and individuals across the country who otherwise fall through the cracks.

“We help an individual or family each week with something that gives them hope and tries to get them back on their feet,” Tim says. “Most recently,

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a woman whose husband died of cancer, they have two sons, and she just felt so bad they weren’t able to mow the lawn. It was something her husband did.

We worked with a local lawn mower shop to give us a deal on a riding lawn mower and donated it to her, and now their boys mow the lawn.”

Last year’s concert series raised $100,000. This year they hope to raise $200,000. —Feroza Mehta All ages. Prices vary. Times vary December 20–22.

Edina Performing Arts Center, 6754 Valley View Road; pianobrothers.com

43

O N T H E TOW N Compiled by Amy Holmberg and Mikayla Vo

LOCAL EVENTS

Series. All ages. Free. 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Edinborough Park Amphitheater, 7700 York Ave.; 952.833.9543; edinamn.gov

Merry Mingle: Holiday Speed Dating for Seniors

Dazzlin’ Dave Yo-yo Master

12/12

12/19

Meet and make new friends at the Senior

Enjoy an impressive performance

Center’s holiday speed dating event. Ages

from national yo-yo master Dazzling

must preregister. 10 a.m. Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Square Suite 101; 952.833.9570; edinaseniorcenter.com

AREA EVENTS

European Christmas Market

55 and up. $10, must preregister. 3–5 p.m.

Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Square Suite 101; 952.833.9570; edinaseniorcenter.com

Dave. All ages. Free. 10:30–11:30 a.m.

Turning Red Movie Night

Holiday Bingo

anniversary market will have something

12/13

12/19

for everyone, from live music to kids

Grab a blanket and some friends to spend

Play for prizes and celebrate the sea-

crafts and more. All ages. Free. Times vary.

a cozy movie night watching Turning Red,

son with the Senior Center’s holi-

part of the Edinborough Entertainment

day bingo event. Ages 55 and up. Free,

Edinborough Park Amphitheater, 7700 York Ave.; 952.833.9543; edinamn.gov

11/29–12/17 Take a trip across the globe and experience Christmas in Europe. This 10th-

Union Depot East Plaza, 240 E. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul; stpaulchristmasmarket.org

Guatemalan Holiday Market 12/01 Clothing, chocolate and food, art and fun return to La Doña Cervecería for a second year. Browse a unique selection of handcrafted goods straight from artisans in Antigua, Guatemala. Every purchase supports Common Hope families and local artisans. All ages. Free.

Noon–5 p.m. La Doña Cervecería, 241 Fremont Ave. N., Mpls.; 612.315.4613; dameladona.com

Christmas in Germany 12/07–12/08 Hosted by the Germanic American Institute (GAI), guests are invited to enjoy the thoroughly decorated venue with music, beer, Glühwein, homemade soup, German cake and more. Seasonal goods will be available for purchase. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. GAI Haus and grounds, 301 Summit Ave., St. Paul; 651.222.7027; gaimn.org

Twin Cities Holiday Princess Ball 12/15 Enjoy performances, photo opportunities and the chance to meet and greet favor-

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

Christmas With a Whole Lotta Soul

Ring in the new year with family fun, music, a photo booth, a kids talent show

Get ready to snap your fingers and tap

and more. Preregistration is required and talent show participants must sign

your toes as musician Ginger Commodore

up in advance. All ages. $5 adults, $10 kids, $13 each additional child. 9 a.m.–noon,

takes the stage, bringing the holiday sea-

2–5 p.m. Edinborough Park, 7700 York Ave.; 952.833.9543; edinamn.gov

44

12/15–12/16

son to life with soul-infused renditions

December 2024

edinamag.com

Photo: City of Edina

DECEMBER 31

ite familiar characters. All ages. $20–$30, infants under 12 months free. 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan; dreampartyforyou.com

l o ca l t h i n g s to se e a n d d o

Holiday Bingo

of timeless Christmas classics. All ages. $44 concert only, $66 dinner and a show.

7 p.m. December 15 and 7:30 p.m. December 16.

Chanhassen Dinner Theater, 501 W. 78th St., Chanhassen; 952.934.1525; chanhassendt.com

Holiday Music Festival 12/29 A family-friendly festival will fill your days with holiday cheer, featuring live music performances from talented local

iStock.com/SeventyFour

and national artists. All ages. Free. Times vary. Huntington Bank Rotunda Mall of America, 60 E. Broadway, Bloomington; 952.883.8800; mallofamerica.com

To have your event considered: email edinamag@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

Comfort Keepers® is here to help seniors thrive safely while living independently at home.

Our empathetic caregivers are specially trained to provide uplifting care and support.

We’re here to help!

The Goddard School’s safe, flexible and caring environment gives your child the space to take chances, make connections and experience authentic learning so they can become school-ready, career-ready and life-ready.

Comfort Keepers 5798 Lincoln Drive 763.273.4207 comfortkeepers.com

The Goddard School in Edina 7201 Washington Ave. S. 612.438.2288 goddardschool.com/schools/mn/edina/edina

these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.

45

GALLERY

Amplify Mission Network Amplify Mission Network, an Edina-based nonprofit, raised $106,200 at its annual fundraising gala. With keynote speaker Bob Goff, author and life coach, the event successfully leveraged matching funds to reach this impressive total.

Founded in 2018, Amplify Mission Network connects Christian business professionals with nonprofit leaders to help solve challenges and boost impact.

Edina’s version of Shark Tank has five annual meetings where local business leaders collaborate to offer their expertise, connections and solutions that help nonprofits overcome obstacles and achieve sustainable growth.

For more information about this nonprofit, see our story at edinamag.com.

Photos: Steve Siewert

Amplify Mission Network, 5201 Eden Ave. Suite 370; 612.210.6049; amplifymission.org @amplify_mn

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

46

December 2024

edinamag.com

47

LAST GLANCE

Serene Winter’s Path The snowy boardwalk of Nine Mile Creek is picture perfect.

A favorite walking spot for Edina’s Judy Fulk is the stretch of Nine Mile Creek Trail near Heights Park.

“I walk there frequently, and it’s particularly peaceful after a recent snowfall,” Fulk says. “I am always interested in the lines formed by the path’s railing, and on this day, I was attracted to the sunlight on the tree in the distance and on the railing. I like the path the light creates for your eyes … I also like the many patterns of light and dark formed by the railing and the snow, the snow and boardwalk and the snow on the branches.”

Photographer: Judy Fulk

Title: Nine Mile Creek Magic

Equipment: OM-1 camera with an Olympus 12–100 Pro lens Category: Places in Edina

—Feroza Mehta

To view other Images of Edina photo contest images, visit edinamag.com.

48

December 2024

edinamag.com

life. at your summit.

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3

Gift Joyfully

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