Woodbury - December 2024 by Local.

Stories of hope

Filmmaker and globe trotter

Cristóbal Krusen reflects on his beginnings and shares insight into what’s to come

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

YJWhen 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

DECEMBER 2024

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.” —John Steinbeck, American writer

Holiday Gin and Tonic, page 38

Photo: Kowalski’s Markets

Arvilla Lang says each gift she makes is unique, making every child feel special.

Lifelong Passion

Kelly DeMorett brings a lifetime of musical excellence to the Minnesota Youth Symphonies Philharmonic Orchestra.

A Cozumel Connection One family gives back to their roots.

Coves Refreshes

Mindy Gray

from the EDITOR

Readers, welcome to our final issue of 2024. From planning and writing to editing and seeing the past 12 editions of Woodbury Magazine come to life—it has been a delight to bring you all the wonderful joy from our community. I’m excited to continue bringing this happiness to light, so it’s fitting that this issue is themed giving back and family.

In these pages, you’ll meet many local families who are sharing their gifts with the community. I welcome you to meet Arvilla Lang, also known as the Hat Grandma, who crochets more than 80 hats for local kindergarteners each year (page 16). Then, meet the Carachuris, a family who has donated thousands of pairs of shoes, clothing items, toys and more to their roots in Cozumel, Mexico (page 20). You’ll find that both families are deeply committed to making a positive impact— whether that’s right here in Woodbury or worldwide.

Now, I’ve shared some of my holiday traditions with you over the years—and I’m letting you in on another: When December rolls around, my husband and I always keep a lookout for the holiday house. You know the one—its holiday lights are usually visible from the corner of Valley Creek Road and Woodbury Drive.. We love driving past the house, oohing and aahing at the never-ending sea of lights. I’ve always wondered about the display—and now I know more. I had the pleasure of speaking with John Kaiser, who’s been decorating his Bridgewater Court home since moving to Woodbury in the ’90s. Learn more about the Kaiser home and its seasonal cheer on page 22.

From our team at Local to you, dear Reader, we wish you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season filled with warmth, peace and happiness.

See you next year,

On the Cover

Cristóbal Krusen , Photo by Chris Emeott, page 32 See what we’re doing behind the scenes and around town! Woodbury Magazine @woodbury_mag @wburymag

Hailey Almsted hailey@localmedia.co

Pre-cooked, ready to heat & eat

HOLIDAY

• Fully prepared party trays for your Holiday Events!

• Meat and Cheeses, Sushi, Charcuterie, Fruit, Desserts & More.

• Prime Rib or Ham Dinner

• Holiday Dinners that come complete with all sides and entrees ready for you and your family.

• Over 300 types of cheese from around the world, and a perfect pairing for any event.

VOL. 20 NO. 5 woodburymag.com

PUBLISHER

Susan Isay

EDITOR

Hailey Almsted

MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Renée Stewart-Hester

MANAGING EDITOR

Hailey Almsted

DIGITAL EDITOR

Madeline Kopiecki

COPY EDITORS

Kellie Doherty and Sherri Hildebrandt

STAFF WRITERS

Jody Carey, 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, Findlay Drabant, Amy Holmberg and Mikayla Vo

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

B ALLAST ADVISORS CARES ABOUT WOODBURY

Combining over 150 years of financial planning experience, the fiduciary team at Ballast Advisors offers financial planning and investment strategies customized for you.

"The advice we give at Ballast is the same advice we'd give our own family," says managing partner Paul Parnell, APMA®, CRPC®.

We understand how important it is to stay on top of rising interest rates and other factors that may impact family goals around retirement and estate planning."

Ballast Advisors gives back to Woodbury in many ways, and one is through the Woodbury Community Foundation.

"Local foundations are an important way to allow families to create donor advised funds and endowments that support their philanthropic passions in

the community," adds Paul.

Ballast Advisors also supports Woodbury Ambassador program, First Tee at Eagle Valley Golf Course and Children's Hospital.

In addition to my business, I live in Woodbury with my wife Gloria and our four children. We are proud and invested members of the community,” he adds.

"At Ballast Advisors we understand the importance of investing into our community; not only financially, but with our time as well. Our goal is to pass along the success that we’ve been able to achieve in our own lives with others within our community," he adds.

For more information, tools and education, see the Ballast Advisors blog by scanning our QR Code on the right.

"The advice we give at Ballast Advisors is the same advice we'd give our own family"

SHELTER AND STABILITY

WHEN A MOTHER of two needed a place to live, she walked into St. Andrew’s Community Resource Center (CRC) and found hope. Welcomed with open arms, the mother and her preschool-aged children became guests of CRC and were offered more than temporary housing.

“They’ve given me the comfort and assurance that I can believe in myself again,” the CRC guest says.

In 2011, CRC was launched as a response to the growing housing insecurity in Washington County. CRC’s offerings include a family sheltering program, employment mentoring program, rental assistance and a free food market and clothing store. Staff receive up to 50 calls a day from families needing assistance and hundreds of calls each year from families seeking shelter.

“We’re striving for long-term stability and not a BandAid fix,” Breanna Nichols, CRC director says. CRC helps more than 600 families a year. With 30 families a year living in the shelters, located in Hugo and Oakdale, other guests receive rental assistance to protect them from being evicted. Nichols says the most challenging part of her job is identifying the barriers guests encounter when looking for housing. “We can hit a lot of roadblocks, and there’s a lot of red tape,” Nichols says.

The aforementioned CRC guest has experience with these roadblocks. She was ready to give up but says with the support system at CRC, she has hope. Jody Carey

Learn more about CRC at woodburymag.com.

From left to right: Summer Ettesvold, Breanna Nichols and Jenelle Thorvilson

See the Holidays in a New Light

This abstract image showcases the beauty of a Christmas tree. Photographer Fred Manthey says he used a lens ball, “a clear acrylic sphere about the size of a tennis ball, positioned in the tree limbs,” he says. “And [it was] purposefully out of focus to give a warm, dreamy appearance for the season.” Hailey Almsted

Title:

Category: Abstract Place: Second

The Mother of Skoolie

Sue McKeown has been running youth programs for Community Education in District 833 for over 25 years. Most likely, you have met her at the Skoolie bus events. The colorfully painted school bus goes out into the community bringing

free food and fun to families, all summer long.

Skoolie is a mobile library for kids during summer at various District 833 schools and enables Community Education to offer convenient, affordable activities for kids on weeknights, nonschool days, summer vacations and weekends.

“For many, it’s the only kids’ activities parents take their kids to in summer,” McKeown says.

McKeown drives Skoolie to events like Woodbury Days, fall events in Afton and to collect winter coats and boots for District 833 students in need. She is adept at face painting and applying tattoos when Skoolie goes to neighborhood events.

McKeown also runs youth enrichment programs like chess camps, art classes and coding in the summer and on nonschool days.

“Our summers are very busy,” she says.

Learn more about the Skoolie program in our January 2025 issue.

Manali Shah is a board member of the Woodbury Community Foundation and has been volunteering in Woodbury and Washington County for over 20 years. Find more at woodburycommunity.org.

Photographer: Fred Manthey

Christmas Tree Equipment: Leica SL2, 90mm lens with a lens ball

TASTE

In the Meantime …

While hosting friends and family for holiday dinners, home cooks often need a go-to nibble to keep hungry guests at bay until the meal is ready for its glorious entrance to the dining table. Here are a few healthier options for appetizers.

Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Bruschetta

This is an ideal appetizer for your upcoming holiday spread. It’s quick and easy to make, looks beautiful on a plate and keeps in the fridge for a few days.

Delicata Squash Crostini

With creamy goat cheese, velvety squash and tart pomegranate seeds, this colorful appetizer features all your favorite cold-weather flavors.

Cranberry-Pomegranate Crostini

This vibrant appetizer is a wonderful way to kick off any holiday gathering, and it’s delicious when served with a cabernet sauvignon.

Visit woodburymag.com for the recipes.

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

Christmas Memories

It was a memorable Christmas Eve in 1955 for the little 5-year old blond-haired girl in the checked dress. My uncle Roy, his welldressed wife, Vivian, and their daughter had just traveled to Woodbury from Texas. After dinner, my uncle managed to convince all the grandchildren, who were huddled in one of the upstairs bedrooms, that Santa had arrived. That night, I remember looking out of one of the upstairs windows, and I was sure that I saw a sleigh with ringing sleigh bells fly by in front of the farmhouse. We had no idea that Roy had disappeared

outside for a short time and returned with snow-covered cowboy boots and actual sleigh bells in his hands … bells that he conveniently found in the barn.

The holidays continue to be a time for families to reconnect with one another, attend religious services, practice old traditions, like baking cookies, and perhaps make new traditions and memories for many years to come.

Patty (Stutzman) Paulus is a board member of the Woodbury Heritage Society. Discover more at woodburyheritage.org.

Top: Uncle Roy, aunt Vivian, grandparents Laura and Herbert Stutzman Bottom: Sister Susan, cousin Kathy and Patty (Stutzman) Paulus

Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Bruschetta

Meet the Hat Grandma

Arvilla Lang says each gift she makes is unique, making every child feel special.

By Emily Gedde

KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS at Woodbury Elementary won’t have to worry about a winter hat each year thanks to the generosity of a previous longtime Woodbury resident.

For nearly eight years, Arvilla Lang has crocheted hats for students in her daughter’s, Tricia Thissen, kindergarten classroom. The gesture became so popular, it eventually expanded to all four kindergarten classes, outfitting more than 80 youngsters every year.

“It keeps me busy,” Lang says. “I started making the hats, everyone liked them, so I kept doing it.” Thissen says that’s an understatement. “The kids absolutely love them,” she says. “They’re so excited when they receive their hats.”

When Lang’s husband passed away, she began crocheting hats on a regular basis to keep her mind and hands busy. Now, she says she can probably crochet them with her eyes closed. Each hat takes about one and a half hours, and Lang says she makes them throughout the year to maintain her inventory.

Unique Look

With so many hats to make yearafter-year, thinking they all have a similar look wouldn’t be an outrageous assumption. Lang and Thissen say that isn’t the case. Each hat is unique with some containing flowers, buttons, tassels or stripes. “I like them all to have a different look,” Lang says.

Thissen says the hats are distributed each December, and students sometimes have the option to trade, but they never do. She says it’s funny and almost ironic that the hat each child receives almost always matches his or her winter coat. “It seems to always work out that way,” she says with a laugh.

Lang visits the school when students receive their hats, and she says she’s filled with joy to see their faces. “That is the most rewarding part,” she says, adding she’s been referred to as the “Hat Grandma.”

Around Town

As the tradition continues through the years, the number of children around

Woodbury Elementary students with their uniquely handmade hats.

Woodbury who have one of Lang’s hats keeps growing. Once, Thissen and Lang were out for dinner and saw a child wearing one of her hats. “They get excited to see [my mom],” Thissen says.

And while the students and teachers are grateful—parents are, too. Thissen says she regularly gets comments on how much Lang’s gesture is appreci ated. “It’s pretty great what she does,” Thissen says. “We get a lot of compli ments from the parents on how special the effort is. They really cherish it.”

Lang takes her crocheting talent beyond kindergarten heads, too. She’s made blankets and hats for newborn babies in the hospital. The cost of mate rials for these projects is lessened by many people giving Lang unused and unwanted yarn. Some donations, she says, come in large quantities with a lot of different color options. “People know they can give me yarn they don’t want to use,” Lang says. “I rarely need to buy yarn. It’s wonderful.”

The women laughed at different hatrelated memories, and Thissen told her mother how proud she is of her. “I love the joy on the kid’s faces, and I love that she has something she’s so good at,” Thissen says. Talking to her mother, she adds, “You’re touching people’s lives. I am so proud of you.”

Lang, touched by her daughter’s words, says she’s 81 and plans to keep making hats as long as she’s able to.

“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!”

For the past eight years, Arvilla Lang has crocheted hats for her daughter’s, Tricia Thissen, Woodbury Elementary classroom.

ARTS & CULTURE

Lifelong Passion

Kelly DeMorett brings a lifetime of musical excellence to the Minnesota Youth Symphonies Philharmonic Orchestra.

By Meredith Heneghan

Kelly DeMorett

FOR KELLY DEMORETT , music is a lifelong passion. “I was kind of just born into it,” she says. With a musically talented mother, who was a junior high school orchestra teacher at the time DeMorett was born and participated in community bands and orchestras, DeMorett was exposed from a young age to the sounds of various musical ensembles. She started playing violin in first grade and picked up a new instrument every year after that: piano, viola, cello, alto and tenor saxophone, flute, clarinet and, finally, oboe.

DeMorett always knew she wanted to pursue music professionally. She has excelled as a performing musician, private teacher, middle and high school orchestra director, and is now onto an exciting new role: conductor of the Minnesota Youth Symphonies (MYS) Philharmonic Orchestra.

DeMorett, who will also continue in her role as the director of orchestras at East Ridge High School, succeeds MYS director of 27 years, Jim Bartsch. “I was thinking about the thousands of young musicians he’s worked with, mentored and inspired. It’s mind-boggling how many are playing in major symphony orchestras now who can look back and say Jim is the reason they’re there,” DeMorett says. “I want to be that person. That’s the legacy I want to continue.”

While the role at MYS is similar to other positions DeMorett has held, she’s keenly aware of some distinctions that make it a special place. Students commit their Saturdays to showing up and rehearsing. “Seeing them tired but ready on a Saturday morning makes me want to be better,” she says. “I don’t want to just walk in and see what happens. I want to be ready. I want to know the history of the music and get them excited about it. They inspire me to be more prepared and be a better musician myself.”

DeMorett has the impressive skill of being able to push students to their musical excellence, while also being relatable. She’ll often bring in

Photo: Chris Emeott

instruments to practice or problem solve alongside students. “Students enjoy hearing about my different experiences as a professional performer— at a holiday gig in a string quartet, at a women’s prison, at a volunteer dinner. It’s valuable for them to understand how they can find different things to play for in different situations,” she says.

An excellent orchestra requires a sense of community. “Musical excellence is the forefront goal for MYS, but equally important is the passion that I bring to them in bringing community and relationships to students. I want everyone to feel a sense of belonging, a purpose and willingness to take risks musically,” DeMorett says. “Kids have this idea that if they play second violin, they’re not as good, but the truth is that we need strength in all sections. Regardless of where they’re sat, they’re equally important, and we’re all a team.”

Another unique quality that DeMorett brings to her role is her experiences as a string and a wind player—she’s able to provide more specific feedback to both types of instrument players. “A lot of conductors tend to specialize, and I have the experience doing and teaching both, and I think that’s really going to be a positive experience for me and the orchestra,” she says.

Mark Mandarano, artistic director for MYS, is excited about how DeMorett will impact the organization. “In searching for a new director for the philharmonic orchestra, we wanted to choose a leader with a passion for orchestral music who would act as a role model for our students for years to come— and we found that in spades with Kelly DeMorett,” he says. “I couldn’t be more delighted to welcome her to our team.”

Minnesota Youth Symphonies, 790 Cleveland Ave. S. Suite 203, St. Paul; 651.699.5811; mnyouthsymphonies.org

Minnesota Youth Symphonies @mnyouthsymphonies

A Cozumel Connection

One family gives back to their roots.

By Rachel Schuehle

KNOWN FOR its turquoise water and light, sandy beaches, Cozumel, Mexico, is a destination of dreams, located in the Caribbean off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. For Woodbury residents Sara and Esteban Carachuri, Cozumel is a second home. Esteban grew up on the island (He was born in Acapulco.), and many family members and friends remain there. It made sense when Sara and her mother, Shari Hanson, decided they wanted to give back—and chose to do it for the people of Cozumel. What started as a casual conversation around the dinner table quickly turned into a dream, when Sara and Shari were brainstorming ideas on how to give back to the people of Mexico. “We had been visiting as a family once or twice a year,” Sara says. “People would come up to us and ask if we had shoes for them.” Importing certain items can become quite expensive for the island residents, so necessities often fall to the wayside when prioritizing expenses. Upon their return to the

states, they got to work on collecting shoes for their organization Loving Steps. “Making a difference, one loving step at a time” was their mission, and Shari hand crafted collection boxes shaped like shoes while Sara took inventory of every pair. They quickly outgrew their original goal of 100 pairs of shoes after seeing the community rally around the cause. In the end, they took over 500 pairs of shoes to Mexico in July 2012; and they did a second trip in February 2013. From pink cowboy boots to rain boots, the smiles exchanged for footwear were worth their weight in gold. “A child’s parents may choose to buy a pair of shoes for the year or put food on the table for a week,” Esteban says. “Getting shoes as a gift is a huge burden lifted.”

In 2018, the family returned from another trip to Cozumel, celebrating their community and spending time with loved ones. That June, Shari was diagnosed with stage four cancer. She passed away in July, only three weeks

after the Carachuris welcomed their second son, Felix, now 6. In 2019, they visited once again—but it wasn’t the same without Shari. Consumed by grief and busy with raising their two sons, they took a pause from their work in Cozumel. Five and a half years after Shari’s passing, the Carachuris were finally feeling restored enough to carry on Shari’s legacy and visit the island again—this time with a new plan.

“My mom and I used to do what we called Prize Patrol,” Sara says. “When we were at garage sales or saw people getting rid of toys, we’d buy them and give them away to local kids to bring them a smile.” Inspired by her mom and on a mission to honor her legacy, Sara put out a call to action to the Woodbury community for donations of small, gently used or new toys to bring to the island. “I felt a stirring in my heart,” Sara says. “Not all kids get Christmas presents, so I’m going to bring one suitcase and see what happens.” Met with a wave of generosity

Photos: Sara Carachuri

and optimism, Sara and her son Oscar, 11, drove to houses across the city to pick up donations, filling two suitcases in a matter of days.

Once in Mexico, the family connected with a local orphanage with kids from infancy to 17 years old and spent the day handing out prizes to each of the kids. “There were probably 50 kids of all ages,” Sara says. “It was important to us that the boys participated and gave to their peers. It warmed all our hearts.” Oscar played basketball with a few of the kids, while others connected through conversations.

In April, Sara connected with Sue Morris who began collecting clothing, shoes and houseware for their trip. “Her vision is for us to really team up together to do gift bags for Christmas,” Sara says. “She knows it’s in my heart to really help the kids.”

The community of Cozumel felt seen and loved by those all the way in Woodbury. And while the Carachuris don’t have their next trip planned yet, it’s safe to say Shari’s legacy will continue to live on through them, regardless of where they go next.

Loving Steps

Our dentists offer the utmost care to moms, dads and kids of all ages at three convenient locations near you.

Bailey Road | 651-714-8237

Radio Drive | 651-735-9057

Woodbury | 651-714-5555

Schedule an appointment today.

Left: Sara and Esteban Carachuri gifting toys to children in Cozumel, Mexico, in December 2023.

Right: Sara Carachuri (bottom left) and Shari Hanson (bottom right) gifting shoes to children in Cozumel.

LAND OF 10,000 LIGHTS

THE KAISERS CELEBRATE A LIFETIME OF HOLIDAY CHEER.

Written by Hailey Almsted

For over two decades, John and Barbara Kaiser have transformed their Bridgewater Court home into a spectacular display of holiday lights and joy. John Kaiser, who runs a home inspection company, has found a way to channel his passion for Christmas lights into a gift for the entire community—and their now-grown daughters, Jamie and Brooke, and their grandchildren, Sawyer, Abigail and Isabell, love the lights just as much as the rest of the neighborhood.

Kaiser’s love for holiday lights started when he was just 14 years old. Growing up, his parents didn’t put up outdoor decorations, so he took matters into his own hands. “I decided to take the bull by the horns and decorate their house on the outside,” he says. “Every year for five to six years, I kept increasing the lights … My dad was shy and thought it was silly, but he started to like it, too. My mother really loved them.”

In 1998, the Kaisers married and moved to a townhouse in Coon Rapids, where the homeowners’ association put a stop to his decorating. “That was

a big Scrooge moment,” he says with a laugh. “I told myself, ‘One day, I want a house to put as many lights on as I can put on it.’”

In 1999, when they build their Woodbury home, Kaiser began decorating for the holidays. He made a trip to a big box home improvement store to pick up lights and decorations. That first display was modest compared to what it would eventually become. Over the years, Kaiser became inspired by Clark Griswold from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and set out to make his house as festive as possible. This project grew into what it is today: A two-month endeavor that’s more than just a light display.

“My goal is to turn the lights on my Thanksgiving,” Kaiser says. “I start putting them up in early November, sometimes late October. I have a tendency to go out during the cold and rain … If it’s bad weather, I just have to work a little harder.” Over the years, the display has grown exponentially, especially since the advent of LED lights. “When I first

started, I had to run eight separate breakers and outlets outside. The older lights would heat up and trip the breakers all the time,” he says. “There were so many times I would come home to a dark house.”

On top of the thousands of lights, the couple’s display now includes 25 inflatables and over 40 stand-up LED decorations. One of Kaiser’s personal favorites is the Santa Claus display that has been with them since the beginning, surviving Barbara’s multiple repairs and motor replacements. “It’s hard to get rid of because it was our first one,” Kaiser says.

The tree in their front yard, aptly named Charlie from A Charlie Brown Christmas (“When we moved in, the girls and Barbara said it looked like the Charlie Brown Christmas tree,” he says.), boasts at least 5,000 lights. Inside, Barbara takes charge, turning their home into a winter wonderland with three Christmas trees, lights and other festive decorations, which delights those who visit the house, Kaiser says.

Photo:

Barbara and John Kaiser

“I’ve

loved and been amazed by Christmas lights since I was a kid. For me to do this and give back to the community … it’s paid back so much by everyone’s smiles and happiness.”

JOHN KAISER

In the spirit of the holiday season, the Kaiser home includes thousands of lights, 25 inflatables and 40 LED decorations.

The Kaiser’s holiday spirit extends well beyond the lights, however, as for the past six years, they’ve collected hundreds of gifts for Toys for Tots, with donations sometimes reaching up to 700 gifts in a season. “People are very kind and generous,” Kaiser says, noting he invites visitors to drop off toy donations at the end of their driveway throughout the month of December. Additionally, Kaiser embraces his occasional role as Santa Claus, appearing outside their home throughout December to greet families and hand out candy canes. Last year, Kaiser went out 10 times—and he expects that to be increased this December. “I couldn’t get enough of it,” he says.

They’ve even set up a special mailbox for letters to Santa—keeping each and every letter that’s been dropped off by hopeful youngsters. “I’ve got them all saved. It’s so cute, and I love reading the little notes and letters from kids,” Kaiser says. One memorable letter came from a young boy who also handed him a bag of cookies made by him and his mom. “He leaned over,

and said, ‘Santa, I also stuck one of my chicken nuggets in there for you because I know you’re hungry tonight,’” Kaiser says. “I couldn’t stop laughing; it was so darn cute.”

Each year, the Kaisers are rewarded with hundreds of smiles, laughter and heartfelt thanks from the community— and the display is evergrowing, too. Kaiser has started to decorate his nextdoor neighbor’s house, too. “I would love to do the whole cul de sac if everyone would let me,” Kaiser says. “But then I might run out of storage.”

Woodbury residents can expect this colorful display to continue over the years. “I’ve loved and been amazed by Christmas lights since I was a kid,” Kaiser says. “For me to do this and give back to the community … it’s paid back so much by everyone’s smiles and happiness.”

View the Kaisers’ holiday light display at 10161 Bridgewater Court. To see when Santa Claus might appear, join the Woodbury, MN - Neighbors group on Facebook, where his schedule is posted.

Coves Refreshes

Written by Kelly Cochrane — Photos by Chris Emeott

MINDY GRAY HONORS HER FAMILY WITH THE LAUNCH OF HER NONALCOHOLIC DRINK LINE.

Mindy Gray easily recalls her fond memories of sitting in the back seat of a wood-paneled station wagon during the annual Cover family road trips. They went west to California, south to Florida and everywhere in between. The family of five would all load into the now treasured station wagon with mom and dad in the front seat, and the kids, Lisa, Mindy and Jeremy, in the back seats. Sometimes, even grandma would join the fun and sit in the back with the

kids—with Jeremy capturing the fun spirit with silly pranks and jokes.

“On one of our trips, my grandma was his target. He gave her prank gum that made her mouth turn black, and he made us promise not to say anything,” Gray says. “He engaged her in conversation every chance he got so that everyone could see her black teeth. We laughed all day, and she had no idea why. She didn’t realize it until the end of the day.”

Mindy Gray started her nonalcoholic beverage line, Coves, to honor her brother Jeremy Cover.

Along the way to their destination, they often stopped to eat sandwiches at rest stops and always searched for their favorite treats at the local gas stations. “Jeremy would always look for the craziest beverages he could find. To this day, we still seek out his favorite find, Nehi peach soda,” Gray says, noting that Jeremy’s love for unique beverages is what inspired her to create her own brand down the line.

Prior to beginning her business, in 2019, all three siblings were grown with careers, families and traditions of their own, staying close to home living in Woodbury and Stillwater. That summer, the Cover family decided to do one more vacation with just the family of five. Gray’s mother, Linda, had always wanted to go to Sicily—so to Sicily they went. “Sicily was a sentimental trip. It was the first and only time as adults

The two flavors currently available, Juicy Pineapple with a Hint of Lime and Sweet Strawberry with a Hint of Lime, are bound to make your tastebuds jump for joy. Each is considered a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. If you are looking for a sip of Coves, visit drinkcoves.com.

that just my siblings and parents took a trip together,” Gray says. “... [It] was an amazing time to reconnect and bring us back to our childhood. We were packed in one car with my dad driving, and we went right back to our childhood routines, making fun of each other and making each other laugh.”

Not long after, the Cover family experienced a devastating loss when Jeremy passed away in February 2020. “Less than a year later, my brother was gone. I cherish the fact that we had that one last opportunity to spend quality time together,” Gray says.

“In the wake of my unexpected loss in 2020, when my vibrant 40-year-old brother’s life was tragically cut short, it ignited a profound desire in me to pay homage to his memory and to finally embark on a journey that has been simmering in my heart,” Gray says.

On February 21, 2021, Gray embarked on that journey by creating Coves: a spirit-free refresher beverage business named for her late brother, who’s nickname was JT Coves. She worked every night and all day on Fridays during the summer to make her dreams come true. Leaning on her local roots and teaming up with her personal and professional connections, Gray launched two flavors, Sweet Strawberry and Juicy Pineapple, on what would have been Jeremy’s 45th birthday. “I’m channeling Jeremy when I do tastings because he would just love

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Jeremy Cover, lovingly known as JT Coves to friends and family.

“I channeled my expertise into crafting a beverage that embodies love, remembrance and the commitment to making a positive impact, while ensuring that my brother’s legacy lives on through every sip.”

MINDY GRAY, COVES FOUNDER

them, and they just aren’t my thing,” Gray says. “Jeremy was also known to his friends as ‘Largee’ because his personality was larger than life. I think he was born to make people happy; he just loved to make people laugh.”

As Gray continues to grow the business and make a footprint in the nonalcoholic craft beverage industry, she is laser focused on her main goal with the products. “I want to make a difference in mental health support” Gray says. One percent of proceeds from each purchase is dedicated to supporting mental health awareness. “Anxiety and depression hits everybody at some point, and there is still so much to be done,” Gray says. “We are committed to making a positive impact on improved research, awareness, resources and care.”

Every aspect of the drink is dedicated to her brother—even the design of the can, which sports a small purple butterfly to represent her brother’s favorite Minnesota Vikings jersey he frequently wore. “This beverage is not just a libation; it’s a testament to love, remembrance and the commitment to making a positive impact,” Gray says. “With every sip of Coves, I am dedicated to ensuring that my brother’s legacy lives on.”

Gray’s goal for Jeremy’s next birthday (and all his birthdays thereafter) is to release a new, fun flavor refresher, honoring his legacy of joy.

Written by Rachel Schuehle

FILMMAKER AND GLOBE TROTTER CRISTÓBAL KRUSEN REFLECTS ON HIS BEGINNINGS AND SHARES INSIGHT INTO WHAT’S TO COME.

Stories of hope

Growing up, Cristóbal “Cris” Krusen recalls reading classical literature with the hope of someday becoming a writer. As a young man in college, he continued to be drawn to writing; however, the influence of photography

and filmmaking left its mark on Krusen, eventually leading to his shift from literature to film. With a BFA in film and TV and an MFA in film, Krusen was armed with the knowledge to jump-start his career and fulfill

his dreams. The Woodbury resident had the filmography trilogy—passion, purpose and a solid education—and now his resume overflows with experiences as an actor, director, filmmaker, producer and writer.

Benny, played by Nathan Barlow, with his father, Ben Whitmore Sr., played by Cristóbal Krusen, at the Piedra Herrada Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Mexico for Krusen’s acclaimed film, Let Me Have My Son

WHAT’S YET TO COME

While Cristóbal Krusen is certainly at the height of his career, he has big plans for the future. “I am hopeful this year to begin preproduction on a feature that tells the backstory of Paul the Apostle, when he was the persecutor of the church,” Krusen says. “I have a half a dozen film scripts I would like to produce.” With no shortage of ideas, it’s likely we’ll see his name on a marquee again very soon.

Worldy Views

Raised in Tampa, Florida, Krusen was well-traveled throughout his early adulthood and has since traversed the globe on his journey to tell stories through film. His early career was primarily spent in Latin America, often in Mexico, but evolved to a more global reach, including South Africa and Nigeria. With Spanish as his second language, these locations caused little to no difficulty in terms of communication barriers, however as the team’s reach broadened into places like Indonesia or Bosnia, Krusen learned to rely on other factors to ensure alignment with cast and crew.

“As a director, I rely on my instincts,” Krusen says. “A good performance is discerned emotionally … It is ‘felt.’” Aside from his unique visions for his film, these connections are what Krusen is most known for.

Entertainment attorney and film producer Bill Whitacre first crossed paths with Krusen in Tampa while working

on a project called 33 Hope 15 years ago. Since then, the two have collaborated on multiple films and have traveled to lesser-known and sometimes dangerous locations in the name of their art. “Cris has the ability to translate extremely complex human experiences into visual media, resulting in films of unusual beauty and sensitivity,” Whitacre says.

Prior to meeting Whitacre, Krusen established a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Messenger Films, in 1988, with a goal to “communicate in the universal language of cinema, addressing the deep needs of the soul through films of beauty, stories of hope.” Krusen says he aims to combine his education and experience alongside his beliefs to tell stories that touch the deepest part of an audience’s heart. Krusen leans on his faith through the trials of the industry. “Being a filmmaker is not for the faint of heart. There are so many obstacles to success,” Krusen says. “The main thing is to not lose hope and to stay persistent. And never surrender your dreams.”

Recent Accolades

Krusen’s most recent film, Let Me Have My Son, addresses the complex and timely topic of mental health. In 2022, Krusen took home an award for the film at the International Christian Visual Media Crown Awards, where the best films and filmmakers who have embodied and showcased examples of Christian values are honored. Krusen was named the Gold Crown Award Winner for Best Male Actor in a Leading Role for his role in Let Me Have My Son, and the film was nominated for a Silver Crown Award for Best Non-Theatrical Release. In addition, the film was shown at multiple global film festivals. It won Best Drama at CEVMA Jewel Awards (Netherlands); Best Inspirational Film at WSXA Barcelona, Spain; Best Feature Film at American Golden Picture International Film Festival (U.S.); Best Director at Sevilla Indie Film Festival (Spain); Best Original Screenplay and Best Producer at 8 &

A behind the scenes look at Let Me Have My Son shows Ben Whitmore’s daughter, Genevieve, played by Ladonna Craelius, in the camera monitor.

Cristóbal Krusen, serving as writer, director and actor, inspects video playback at the old Fergus Falls State Hospital.

Cristóbal Krusen directing and filming a scene from Let Me Have My Son shows him in the kitchen of Ben Whitmore’s American home.

Halfilm Awards (Italy) and was shown at Film Arts and Hearts (U.S.); Indie House Film Festival (Spain); and Lily Indie Film Festival (Ukraine). In total, Krusen has received over 25 awards and nominations, across multiple films, award ceremonies and years. Awards aside, Krusen finds the most joy when sitting in a theater incognito and seeing the organic reactions of the audience watching his film.

Krusen has also been a guest speaker on various podcasts since the release of his latest film to discuss the relevance of mental illness in today’s society. (Listen to episode 240: Let Me Have My Son on the Choose 2 Think podcast on Apple Podcasts.) “We all have mental health, just like we all have physical health, but we don’t want to talk about it,” Krusen says. “There’s a stigma, embarrassment, shame … There shouldn’t be.”

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental health condition. Through both the film and his media coverage, Krusen is opening doors to new conversations, bringing awareness and showing support for those who may be suffering. “The very best approach in dealing with mental illness is to love and be patient,” Krusen says. “If you have no exposure, open your eyes and heart. We can be quick to judge others without knowing what they’ve been through.”

cristobalkrusen.com

Cristóbal Krusen @criskrusen_official

Let Me Have My Son, released in 2023, is an internationally acclaimed feature film from Cristóbal Krusen.

TASTEMAKERS

SAY “CHEERS!”

Toast to the holiday season with uplifting cocktails.

Written by Hailey Almsted and Tia Benson

THERE’S SO MUCH TO LOVE about seasonal cocktails. These winter drinks can stir nostalgia and holiday spirit in just a sip. Made with seasonal flavors like gingerbread, nutmeg or peppermint—everyone is sure to find something they love from these local establishments.

Enjoy a taste of peppermint with the Candy Cane Cocktail, made with candy cane-infused vodka, white creme de cacao and cream. Southern Social, 1424 Weir Drive; 651.493.6804; southernsocialmn.com

Escape the weather outside with another snowstorm: Colorado edition. The Colorado Snowstorm has the perfect balance of flavors—with coffee, ice cream, cola and, of course, vodka. Black Rooster Bistro, 516 Second St., Hudson, Wisconsin; 715.808.0560; blackroosterbistro.com

Almost like eating a slice of apple pie, the Crosby cocktail encapsulates apple and cinnamon flavors with Buffalo Trace Bourbon and ground allspice. Matchstick Restaurant at the Hotel Crosby, 232 N. Main St., Stillwater; 651.571.0111; matchstickgrill.com

Nutmeg is a key ingredient in seasonal favorites—the Desperado from Marma included. Made with mezcal, orgeat syrup, nutmeg, egg whites with just a hint of lime. Marma, 11127 Stillwater Blvd., Lake Elmo; 651.370.1342; marmamn.com

A cookie in a cocktail—the Gingerbread Cookie White Russian is made with vodka, Kahlúa, gingerbread-cinnamon syrup and cream. Other specialty cocktails are served up weekly. Tamarack Tap Room, 8418 Tamarack Village; 651.330.2889; tamaracktaproom.com

Sip on an Oasis Old Fashioned while enjoying the chilled St. Croix River. This warm drink is made with bourbon, rich demerara syrups, black walnut liqueur and Angostura Bitters. Oasis Cafe, 806 S. Main St., Stillwater; 651.439.0928; oasiscafemn.com

Christmas is served in the Ornamentini a cranberry martini inside a clear ornament that is poured over sugar cranberries and rosemary. The Tavern Grill, 772 Bielenberg Drive; 651.578.3000; thetaverngrill.com

A sip of paradise—the Roman Holiday is perfect to escape the Minnesota chill. On the sweeter side, with hints of orange, pineapple and lime, rum, cappelletti and St. Paradiso aperitifs, and garnished with grated cinnamon. Olio, 338 Fifth Ave. N., Bayport; 715.964.3205; oliobayport.com

Warm yourself up this winter season with the Sweater Weather martini from Mad Capper. A blend of Fireball, Baileys Irish Cream and butterscotch, then topped with a whipped cream dollop and cinnamon sprinkles. Mad Capper, 224 S. Main St., Stillwater; 651.430.3710; madcappermn.com

Twinkling Holiday Lights

Merry Manhattan

If there’s an extreme chill in the air or the roads are just too icy, stay in and whip up your own beverage instead. Rachel Sitko from Kowalski’s Markets shares a couple of inspired cocktails perfect for an evening in.

HOLIDAY GIN AND TONIC

Makes 2

• ice

• 4 oz. orange juice

• 4 oz. fresh pomegranate juice

• 4 oz. gin

• 4 tsp. pure honey

• 4 oz. tonic water

• 2 fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish

• 2 small orange wedges, for garnish

Fill 2 lowball glasses with ice; set aside. In a 4-cup spouted measuring glass, combine juices, gin and honey; stir to combine. Pour evenly into ice-filled glasses; top evenly with tonic and stir gently. Garnish each glass with a rosemary sprig and orange wedge.

TWINKLING HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Makes 8

• 2 Tbsp. water

• 1 Tbsp. sugar

• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, plus more for garnish

• 1 cup pomegranate juice, cold

• 3 oz. orange-flavored liqueur (such as Cointreau), cold

• 750 mL dry sparkling wine, cold

• pomegranate seeds, to taste

In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar over medium-high heat; bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Add rosemary; remove from heat and let steep for 30 minutes. Remove herbs; cool for 30 minutes. In a 2 qt. pitcher, combine juice, liqueur and rosemary syrup; stir to combine. Slowly add sparkling wine, taking care to minimize fizzing. Pour evenly into 8 wine flutes; garnish with pomegranate seeds and rosemary sprigs.

MERRY MANHATTAN

Makes 1

• ice

• 2 oz. bourbon

• 1 oz. vermouth

• 1 tsp. Earl Giles Ceylon Cinnamon Cocktail Syrup (from Kowalski’s Wine & Spirits)

• 2 dashes bitters (Angostura, cinnamon, orange or a combination)

• 1 orange slice, for garnish

• 1 maraschino cherry, for garnish

• 1 cinnamon stick, for garnish

Chill a coupe glass. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add bourbon, vermouth, cocktail syrup and bitters to cocktail shaker; shake for 30 seconds or until well chilled. Strain into chilled glass; garnish with orange, cherry and cinnamon.

Kowalski’s Markets, 8505 Valley Creek Road; 651.578.8800; kowalskis.com

WELCOME WINTER

Belwin Conservancy invites you to join its annual event.

DECEMBER 21 marks the winter solstice— and Belwin Conservancy is celebrating the winter season the evening before (December 20) with its annual Winter Solstice Bonfire from 5–8 p.m.

To honor the longest night of the year, visit the Belwin Conservancy at Lucy Winton Bell Athletic Fields, 15601 Hudson Road N., Lakeland, for live music, storytelling, guided night hikes, cookies and hot cider, a prairie

labyrinth—plus the tremendous bonfire! Tickets, sold on a sliding scale ($10, $20 or $35 per car), must be purchased in advance. The event will take place regardless of weather, excluding the bonfire, which is weather dependent. No dogs or alcoholic beverages are allowed at this event. —Hailey Almsted

Tickets are available for purchase at belwin.org.

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.

Compiled by Amy Holmberg and Mikayla Vo

LOCAL EVENTS

King of Kings Holiday Boutique

12/07

Shop for the holidays with over 60 vendors at the 15th annual holiday boutique. Proceeds will support King of Kings Church’s youth trips. All ages. Free. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. King of Kings Church, 1583 Radio Drive; 651.738.3110; kingofkingswoodbury.org

Holiday Lockdown

12/07 and 12/14

Grab your loved ones, and enjoy

Alloy Acupuncture

7650 Currell Blvd. Suite 270 920.838.1526 alloyacu.com

an original holiday comedy play. All ages. $20 adults, $10 kids under 12. 7 p.m. East Ridge High School, 4200 Pioneer Drive; bigbluetheatre.org

Photos with Santa 12/08

Celebrate the season with a photo with Santa, enjoy singalong songs and finish it off with cookies and treat bags. All ages. Free. 4–6 p.m. 3rd Act Brewery, 4120 Radio Drive; 651.998.2337; 3rdactbrew.com

New Year’s Eve Family Celebration 12/31

Join in on the family fun and experience a night of inflatables, obstacle courses, bingo, a photo booth, crafts and much

SKATE WOODBURY

Hit the ice, and take part in open skating, games, a skating exhibition and more. All ages. $10 per family. 12:45–4:45 p.m. M Health Fairview Sports Center, 4125 Radio Drive; 651.714.3740; mhealthfairviewsportscenter.com

DECEMBER 15

Transitional Care

more. All ages, recommended for families with kids under 12. $15 preregister, $17 at the door. 6–9 p.m. M Health Fairview Sports Center, 4125 Radio Drive; 651.714.3740; mhealthfairviewsportscenter.com

Memory Care

AREA EVENTS

European Christmas Market 11/29–12/17

Transitional Care

Integrative erapies to Support the Healing Process

Woodbury Senior Living

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

Transitional Care

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!

for individuals with memory impairments such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, while giving their families support and peace of mind.

Memory Care

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

Memory Care

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.

Take a trip across the globe and experience Christmas in Europe. This 10th-anniversary market features live music, crafts for kids and more. All ages. Free. Times vary. Union Depot East Plaza, 240 E. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul; stpaulchristmasmarket.org

Christmas in Germany 12/07–12/08

Hosted by the Germanic American Institute, 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 favorite familiar characters. All ages. $20–$30, under 12 months free. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan; dreampartyforyou.com

Holiday Music Festival 12/29

This family-friendly festival features live music performances from talented local 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 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.

Healing Music erapy

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.

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.

At Woodbury Senior Living, we serve seniors and their families by encouraging them to thrive – by o ering a wide variety of

Vintage Baseball Game

The Woodbury Heritage Society hosted its first Vintage Baseball Game in September at Lake Middle School. The authentic event featured the St. Croix Baseball Club versus the Woodbury Barnstormers and was played by 1860 New York rules. It also had traditional ballpark food available and Cow Chip Bingo—an activity that invites participants to bet on where a cow will “drop” in one of the fields. The final score was 13–6, with the St. Croix Baseball Club claiming the win. All proceeds from the event benefitted the Woodbury Heritage Society.

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

Photos: Margaret Wachholz

Laura Bjorgo Senior Account Executive

Q: What’s the best part of your job?

A: The best part of my job is that I get to meet new people every day from all walks of life.

Q: How do you like to unwind?

A: When I like to unwind, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Todd, and 2 kids, Ben (13) and Becca (12). We like to be outdoors hiking, biking and ﬁshing. This year we bought a boat and spent many summer days cruising the St. Croix River!

Q: What are you listening, reading or watching right now?

A: Right now, I am currently reading The Wild Robot. It’s my daughter’s recommendation and her favorite book!

’Tis the Season

An award-winning image captures the holiday season.

“I like the sight of an abundance of snow, especially in the sun,” says hobbyist photographer Deepak Ravindranathan.

“I used to drive by Marsh Creek Park ... after picking up my son from preschool. And this day, the place looked bright, and the red was vivid in the afternoon sun. So I decided to stop and capture the memory.” —Tia Benson

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

Photographer: Deepak Ravindranathan

Title: ’Tis the Season

Equipment: Google Pixel 5

Location: Marsh Creek Park

Category: Seasons Award: Second Place