Cities South - April 2024

HOME BY HAPPENSTANCE

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres co-owner

Tamara Kangas Erickson cultivates creativity in Prior Lake

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APRIL/MAY 2024

“Make your home your happy space.” —Kimberly Kiger, owner KSK Designs in Prior Lake

DEPARTMENTS

12

Designing the Easy Life

Ross Lazarov’s lawn care company inspired his second career as an inventor.

14

Home by Happenstance Chanhassen Dinner Theatres co-owner Tamara Kangas Erickson cultivates creativity in Prior Lake.

16

Outdoor Appreciation

Eagan apparel company

Storm Creek focuses on sustainable practices.

FEATURES

18

Picklers Unite

With more outdoor courts and support from local entrepreneurs, pickleball is growing.

22

Keep it Simple

Update your living space with small changes.

TASTEMAKERS

26

Dog Foodies

An Apple Valley bakery serves up freshly made baked goods and other delights for your pup.

IN EVERY ISSUE

4 Editor’s Letter

9 Noteworthy

28 On the Town

32 Last Glance

Photo: Little Saints Photography of Savage

Kimberly Kiger page 22

Your health care, simplified.

The care you need, when you need it – it really should be that simple. HealthPartners is the largest multi-specialty care group in the Twin Cities, with care teams and services all connected to give you a streamlined experience. And every day we’re offering more ways to make it easier to get great care:

• 300+ clinics and hospitals across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin

• System-wide health record so your care team is on the same page

• Virtual services including hybrid preventive care, video visits and Virtuwell

• Online scheduling and mobile check-in

• Save My Spot for Urgent Care

Confession: I have been threatening to take a sledgehammer to our living room wall for years. When we moved into our house almost 12 years ago, we loved it for its location and general layout but had pretty big dreams when it came to the kitchen, primary bedroom and bathrooms. And we would’ve dove into those projects head first, except we moved with a 6-month-old baby and then quickly added another baby to the mix and then another one. Then came COVID-19 and the requisite puppy, and … well, you get the idea.

Big house projects have been back-burnered, and my frustration continues to simmer, which is why I eagerly read designer/architect Kimberly Kiger’s advice in Keep it Simple (page 22). Her ideas have me pondering some easy fixes—like addressing the lighting situation in our living room and rethinking our art choices throughout the house—to tide me over until the stars align, and I can finally swing that sledgehammer.

In the meantime, I might have to swing a pickleball paddle instead. After researching and reading about pickleball for this issue, it feels like there’s two types of people: Those who have never tried pickleball and those who LOVE it. I have yet to try the sport, although I’ve definitely watched its growth these past 15 years with interest. Turn to page 19 to discover how Fuyei Xaykaothao’s quest to be a “cool dad” inspired him to launch a line of pickleball paddles and take a peek at Chip’s Pickleball Club, a new private indoor pickleball club in Eagan.

Whether it’s a newly refreshed living space or a new sport, I hope you get to enjoy the renewal of spring these next few months!

FROM THE EDITOR On the Cover

Photo: Chris Emeott

Tamara

VOL. 2 NO. 2 citiessouthmags.com

PUBLISHER

Susan Isay

EDITOR

Liz Potasek

MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Renée Stewart-Hester

MANAGING EDITOR

Hailey Almsted

DIGITAL EDITOR

Madeline Kopiecki

COPY EDITORS

Kellie Doherty, Sherri Hildebrandt

STAFF WRITERS

Kelly Cochrane, Mollee Francisco, Emily Gedde, Meredith Heneghan, Daniel Huss, Jennifer Pitterle, Rachel Schuehle, Josie Smith

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Erin Holl, Kristie Smith, Katie Tomsche

DIGITAL INTERN

Zoe Baden

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Findlay Drabant, Grace Knapp

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Melissa Ferlaak, Valleyfair ; Sandi Fleck, Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce ; Stephanie Goldfarb, The Divine Living Space ; Eve Heeralall, City of Apple Valley ; Michelle Sharp, Meet the Minnesota Makers ; Tina Goodroad, City of Lakeville

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

Cynthia Hamre, Mary-Catherine Hartel, Sara Johnson, Abbie Kinn, Kathie Smith

PRESIDENT

Pete Burgeson

To subscribe to Cities South Magazines , please visit localmedia.co.

For customer service inquiries, please contact hello@localmedia.co, or call 612.208.6248.

©Local LLC 2024. All rights reserved.

Photo: Chris Emeott

PURE HOPPINESS

AFTER LIVING IN A NURSING

HOME while recuperating from an illness, Jennifer Smith wanted to improve the experience for others. In 2012, Smith officially founded Bunny Besties, a Minnetonkabased nonprofit dedicated to providing impactful animal-assisted interactions (by way of rescue rabbits) to support emotional wellness. “Our rescued rabbits have a unique ability to lower stress of the humans around them and bring joyfulness to those in challenging life transitions,” Smith says.

The nonprofit has 18 rescue rabbits, which undergo hundreds of hours of training over the course of a year before they interact with the public. Together with a 50-member volunteer crew, Smith has served more

than 26,000 people in educational settings, homeless shelters, hospices, libraries and senior living locations throughout the Twin Cities, including The Fountains at Hosanna in Lakeville. “The rabbits bring smiles … holding them is calming, and you can reminisce with residents as it reminds them of good memories they have with pets,” says Kari Harrison, activities director at The Fountains at Hosanna. “A lot of our residents in memory care are unable to leave, and so bringing this experience of engagement to the residents is great for them.” —Mollee Francisco

Bunny Besties; 15612 Highway 7 Suite 234, Minnetonka; bunnybesties.org Bunny Besties @bunny.besties

These are great books published in 2023 that might have slipped under your radar.

Strange Sally Diamond

by Liz Nugent

Sally is a middle-aged, neurodiverse woman who has recently lost her father. Her father used to joke that upon his passing, he wished to be incinerated and “taken out with the garbage.” Sally takes instructions literally, so she does exactly this. This sets off a chain of events with both the authorities and the press getting involved. It turns out Sally has a secret past that she has repressed, and her being in the spotlight brings some of these memories to light. Fans of psychological fiction won’t be able to put this title down.

Cold People

by Tom Rob Smith

Liza and her family are on vacation in Portugal when alien spaceships suddenly appear in the sky. The aliens have decided to claim the planet for their own. They order all humans to relocate to Antarctica within 30 days. Even if Liza and her family manage the trek to Antarctica, how will they live in such a harsh environment? And how will humanity continue to survive into the future? Smith, the author of the popular Child 44 series, is back with an extremely readable science fiction thriller.

Erin Holl is an adult services librarian at Galaxie Library in Apple Valley. Read more at dakotacounty.us/library.

SIP

Raise a Glass

There’s much to celebrate this season with bridal and baby showers in the offing, as well as Mother’s Day and the opening of the picnic season with Memorial Day in May. Lunds & Byerlys offers some seasonal sips that are ideal for any springtime gathering.

Lillet Spritz

Lillet (pronounced lil-lay) is an aperitif wine made with Bordeaux grapes and citrus liqueurs, and if you haven’t tried it, you’re in for a treat. It’s mellow and smooth with hints

of honey and herbs—perfect in a refreshing, low-ABV spritz.

Gin and Jam Cocktail

Pucker up, buttercup! This tart, boozy cocktail is so good, you’ll want to serve it for every gathering.

Katie Tomsche is the content manager for Lunds & Byerlys. Find the recipes at citiessouthmags.com and taste more at lundsandbyerlys.com.

Photos: Lunds & Byerlys; Minnesota Race for the Cure

Gin and Jam Cocktail

Lillet Spritzl

MOVE STEP UP FOR WOMEN

The 32nd annual Minnesota Race for the Cure returns to Viking Lakes for the second time—and moves to the Saturday before Mother’s Day. The 1-mile walk and certified 5K honors breast cancer survivors and serves as a fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, which has given more than $1.1 billion to breast cancer research since the early 1980s. Money raised at the event helps support research, patient care, advocacy and the race. Find information and register at komen.org. Liz Potasek

EXPLORE

A HEALTHY ROUTINE FOR DOGS

Scenthound, a new dog grooming and health company in Lakeville, helps pups look and feel their best through routine care. Memberships offer monthly care for dogs, including a wellness check, a bath, ear care and nail care. Add-ons are available for various health treatments. Scenthound staff routinely checks for issues in areas that most frequently lead to veterinary appointments, providing pet owners with a report on the health of their dogs’ skin, coat, ear, nose and teeth. Since its opening in December, Scenthound has more than 200 members. Emma Mehl

Scenthound, 17702 Kenwood Trail, Lakeville; 952.395.3352, scenthound.com

Runners and walkers gather at Viking Lakes for Minnesota Race for the Cure.

Designing the Easy Life

Ross Lazarov’s lawn care company inspired his second career as an inventor.

By Kristie Smith

PRIOR LAKE’S ROSS LAZAROV has built a career of making things work. As the inventor behind Keyfit Tools, Lazarov has developed more than 80 products for automotive applications, lawn care and more. And as the owner of Lazarov High Quality Lawn Treatments, he oversees a lawn care team providing services to Prior Lake and the surrounding areas.

His life’s work found him as much as he found it. Lazarov left high school early, saying school just wasn’t a place for him. But not before a class in advanced auto mechanics sparked his fascination for how things work.

At 17, he started his own auto detail shop. One of his first clients was the Jaguar Dealership in Minneapolis. But the less-than-profit-margin success in

his first business encouraged him to start a lawn care company in the late 1990s in West St. Paul.

It was Lazarov High Quality Lawn Treatment that eventually brought him to Prior Lake, where he has a few acres and a warehouse. “People had money; my company took off,” Lazarov says. “During that time, I started designing tools to advance the work we were doing in the lawn care industry. In 2015, I had an idea to improve underground sprinkler systems. The Keyfit Tools Sprinkler Head Wrench, which removes and replaces sprinkler heads with little or no digging, was my first design with large market appeal. Almost every new building or home was being built with sprinkler systems and naturally would need repair.”

Lazarov says it took him nearly three years, enhanced design, daily education on manufacturing, patent development and “total nightmare stress” before he landed on a Chinese manufacturer and eventually brought his wrench, a product of his company Keyfit Tools, to market via a seller’s site on Amazon. “My lawn care company was my safety net,” he says. “If I hadn’t had that, I would have failed at tool design and would be broke.”

After a couple of years of traction selling his wrench on Amazon, Lazarov’s success prompted him to start thinking like an engineer. “Every time I saw a problem, I would start designing and drawing,” he says. “I now have 14 patents and eight more pending. Keyfit Tools has a line of specialty tools, and now I’m

Photos: Chris Emeott

versed in copyright, as well.”

Lazarov says he enjoys designing things that make something easier. He describes his designs as “ergonomic-centric” and focused on enhancing processes or existing products.

Lazarov’s advice to promising young inventors is to be open minded and adaptable to change with market fluctuation. “If you’re in unchartered waters with zilch experience, you have to think about what the problem could be to solve,” he says. “Mine is the Cinderella story, the American

Keyfit Tools; keyfittools.com

Lazarov High Quality Lawn Treatment, 2957 179th St. E., Prior Lake; 952.440.6900; lazarovlawncare.com

Left: Keyfit Tools

Sprinkler Head Wrench

Below: Ross Lazarov

dream.”

Home by Happenstance

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres’ co-owner Tamara Kangas Erickson cultivates creativity in Prior Lake.

By Liz Potasek

TAMARA KANGAS ERICKSON and her husband, Peter Erickson, didn’t mean to move to Prior Lake. It all started about 16 years ago before they were married and when they were looking for a lake cabin with water access within driving distance of their Minneapolis condo. Erickson’s husband wanted to waterski, and they were looking for somewhere simple—it didn’t even need electricity.

After idly looking at properties all over the Twin Cities, they went to an open house in Prior Lake just to get a feel for the area. “We walked in, and we just fell in love with the house,” Erickson says. As they walked out, they looked at each other and asked, “So, are we moving?”

They did end up moving into that home, which sat on a quiet little bay on Prior Lake. They got married on the property. They brought home two daughters, Chloe Lou and Lexi, who are now 15 and 11.

And that house that had been so perfect for a couple, suddenly felt small. They brought in an architect to consult on an addition, and she walked in and said the words no homeowners ever want to hear: “I think you have a mold problem.”

The house had been water damaged during the Prior Lake flood in 2014, and they discovered mold in the crawl space under their house. “We lost the home to mold, which was really tragic and sad,” Erickson says.

But there was a silver lining: The family built their dream home, designed to meet the specific needs of their family of four, with special touches like a dance studio for Erickson, who is a choreographer, vice president and co-owner of the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. “We fell in love with this property,” Erickson says. “We didn’t really think it was an option to just sell it and move.”

Photo: Chris Emeott

Tamara Kangas Erickson

CAREER IN THEATER

Tamara Kangas Erickson got her start in theater at the age of 10 on the stage of the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, and today she’s the coowner and choreographer at the beloved dinner theater.

Erickson choreographs most shows, including Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, which is currently running. She’s also taken the lead on a lot of the recent interior design projects at the theater, and she books and manages the concert series, as well. “I’m involved in a little bit of everything,” she says. “There’s always something different going on. There’s so many components to that space with the music and the plays and the food and the bars. It is really wild how many hats we all kind of wear.”

In reimagining the house, they moved its footprint farther back from the lake and out of the flood plain, and designed it with the lake in mind, wrapping the house on the angle of the property to play up stunning views. They brought some of the quirky charm, like the multilevel main floor, from the original house into the new home.

Erickson, who previously worked for Ralph Lauren Home in New York City, designed the interior of the house, which she describes as a bit eclectic with European and industrial components, as well as traditional elements.

“We like mixing some vintage and modern,” Erickson says, noting that she and her husband both love design, so there’s always a conversation when it comes to working on their home. “I definitely bring some of my Ralph Lauren sensibility because I worked for the company for so long.”

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, 501 West 78th St., Chanhassen; 952.934.1525; chanhassendt.com

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres @chanhassendt @ChanhassenDT

Outdoor Appreciation

Eagan apparel company Storm Creek focuses on sustainable practices.

By Jennifer Pitterle

IF YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED A CORPORATE GIFT —maybe a jacket or a polo shirt with your company’s logo on it—it might’ve originated at Storm Creek, an Eagan-based lifestyle apparel business that sells shirts, jackets, vests, athletic wear and more to (mostly) promotional products distributors. “Those distributors buy Storm Creek, embellish a logo and then sell it to the corporations or retailers,” says Teresa Fudenberg, Storm Creek chief executive officer. Vail Resorts and the National Park Service, for example, are two of Storm Creek’s notable customers.

Photos: Kelsey Lee Photography

But Storm Creek is more than just well-made jackets and tees. The company has a major focus on responsible and sustainable sourcing practices. “The apparel industry is the second largest polluter in the world,” Fudenberg says. “We wanted to make sure we were doing something with recycled materials and building a product that lasts and is meant to be worn year after year. And we needed to make sure we were aligned with factories and producers who would use sustainable practices.”

One example of that ethos in prac tice is a Storm Creek woven dress shirt. “Ours is made using 13 gallons of water,” Fudenberg says. “A typical white cotton shirt [from a traditional pro ducer] uses 700 gallons.” Storm Creek also uses fibers made from recycled plastic bottles. “We’ve upcycled 32 mil lion bottles, just at our little company,” Fudenberg says.

And the company practices sustainability inside its Eagan office, too. The employee kitchen is stocked with reusable silverware and plates and a Bevi water dispenser means no singleuse plastic bottles.

Fudenberg’s husband, Doug Jackson (whose nickname is, aptly, Jacket Jackson), founded Storm Creek in 2006. In 2014, Fudenberg joined the organization with a goal to grow the reputation of the brand as eco-focused and high quality. In 2017, Storm Creek set a goal to have every product sus tainably made by the end of 2020. “We reached that goal,” Fudenberg says. “A shirt that was 37 percent recycled—we kept pressing. How can we make it bet ter? Now it’s 92 percent recycled. We don’t stop. We’re helping educate our customers on why it’s important to source clothing sustainably.”

Storm

Storm Creek @storm.creek

Top left to right: Sidekick Hoodie, Artisan Shirt Jacket and Aviator Bomber Jacket; Shoreliner Quarter Zip and Traveler Vest Matte with Belt Bag; Traveler Jacket and Vests pack into a pocket.

Bottom left to right: Visionary II Polos and Shoreliner Quarter Zip; Idealist Windbreaker; Sidekick Quarter Zip and Artisan Shirt Jacket.

Written by Liz Potasek, Emily Gedde and Daniel Huss

PICKLERS UNITE

With more outdoor courts and support from local entrepreneurs, pickleball is growing.

Pickleball has been gaining traction at senior centers and with active older adult groups for at least a decade, but in the past couple of years, the sport has officially leaped into the mainstream, and local cities have responded with new pickleball courts in parks, tournaments, clubs and more.

“It’s kind of exploded in the last couple of years,” says John Hennen, Lakeville’s Parks and Recreation director. Lakeville currently has 16 pickleball courts in four locations, and once the new Avonlea Community Park is completed in 2025, there will be 10 more courts available for pickleball players. The Lakeville Parks and Recreation Department offers lessons, adult leagues, a new adult/child league and a youth camp, and the city offers three pickleball tournaments in the spring, fall and at Pan-O-Prog in the summer.

In March, the Life Time Fitness in Lakeville hosted the Carvana Professional Pickleball Association

Indoor National Championships for the third time in three years on its 16 indoor courts. The fitness club offers yearround pickleball lessons, clinics, tournaments, open play and court rentals to its members. Life Time in Eagan also has indoor pickleball courts for its members.

The City of Apple Valley offers yearround pickleball play on the six courts in its community center, and the parks and recreation department also offers lessons, leagues and tournaments.

Prior Lake added eight pickleball courts to Spring Lake Park in 2021, and the Prior Lake Pickleball Club (plpclub. org) meets there Saturday mornings from May through September for ladder play (an ongoing tournament). “Our club has a reputation for being really friendly and welcoming to new players,” says Vic Noer, club president.

Eagan is also abuzz with the sport. In addition to PikNinja Sports, a company that specializes in pickleball paddles and accessories (see The “Cool Dad,”

page 19) and the much anticipated spring opening of Chip’s Pickleball Club (see Exploring New Courts, page 20), the city of Eagan has 21 designated pickleball courts in its parks and offers lessons, camps and leagues through its parks and recreation departments.

Lakeville resident LaRae Templeton picked up the sport as a way to meet people and make friends, and now she teaches classes and coordinates tournaments and leagues throughout the area. She’s watched the sport’s huge growth in the past few years and has noticed that the sport, which has a reputation as an activity for older adults, is attracting younger players now, too. “It’s such a good family activity,” she says. “It’s got a really easy learning curve.” —LP

Find a list of outdoor pickleball courts in Apple Valley, Eagan, Lakeville and Prior Lake, as well as some upcoming tournaments organized by LaRae Templeton, at citiessouthmags.com.

THE “COOL DAD”

An Eagan pickleball business that ships products worldwide began when the owner’s daughter was in search of a kid-friendly paddle.

PikNinja Sports, founded by Fuyei Xaykaothao (Si-kow-ta), is a pickleball accessory and apparel company that began in the early days of the pickleball craze. “When we first started playing pickleball, it wasn’t popular yet,” Xaykaothao says. “There were very few paddle options out there, and my kids wanted something cool.”

Time was something Xaykaothao had a lot of when the idea came to be. It was during the early months of COVID-19. Having to stay home and stay safe, the Xaykaothao family was in search of something to do. “My daughter pointed out I had nothing else to do, so I should make her a paddle,” Xaykaothao says with a laugh.

The businessman is no stranger to racket sports. As a teenager, his father introduced him to tennis, something the Hmong American says helped him find his voice. “My life became everything

tennis,” Xaykaothao says. “I loved it.”

When the pandemic hit, Xaykaothao suggested his children try tennis. Much to his dismay, the kids didn’t take to it. “It kind of broke my heart,” he says.

Still, Xaykaothao admits he couldn’t blame them. With a difficult scoring system and a challenging technique to learn, he understood why it didn’t catch on. So, the family set up Xaykaothao’s portable tennis net in their cul-de-sac and began playing pickleball. It became an instant hit. “My kids loved it,” Xaykaothao says. “Pretty soon, others

“We make sure everyone feels included and part of our team. I want my kids to experience pickleball like what I experienced as a kid with tennis. I want them to be empowered to have a voice and just really be themselves.” Fuyei Xaykaothao, owner and founder of PikNinja Sports

Photos: PikNinja Sports; Grayson Wolfe

Top left: A team from PikNinja Sports helped raise money and awareness for Myasthenia gravis, a condition that causes muscle weakness and fatigue, at Pickling for a Prayer in 2023. PikNinja created a limited edition paddle for the event, and donated $10 from each paddle sale.

Bottom left: A pickleball game at a local park. Right: Fuyei Xaykaothao in action at the 2023 CT Pickleball Minnesota Summer Send Off tournament.

“We’re offering more than just court space. We’re going to be a community.

We’re going to be active. We’re going to be healthy, and we’re going to be social.”

Jack Eickhof, owner and founder of Chip’s Pickleball Club

started joining in, too. I was the cool dad all of a sudden.”

Xaykaothao admits he didn’t anticipate pickleball gaining the popularity it has, but knowing the variety of benefits associated with the sport, it doesn’t surprise him. He credits its popularity to the ease of learning this game, the joy players get on and off the court and the health benefits.

Wanting to share his love of the sport with the world, PikNinja Sports became a hobby turned profession with the launch of the website in April 2021. “I’m not reinventing the wheel,” Xaykaothao says. “I’m just taking things I was attracted to and pushing it over to pickleball. Our initial goal was to hit the younger generation, but then all ages started buying our stuff.”

Xaykaothao learned people felt young again using PikNinja gear. Now, he says

there’s no set demographic for PikNinja paddles. They’re for everyone. “We make sure everyone feels included and part of our team,” he says. “I want my kids to experience pickleball like what I experienced as a kid with tennis. I want them to be empowered to have a voice and just really be themselves.” —EG

EXPLORING NEW COURTS

Chip is a pickleball player. He’s social. He’s positive. He cares about his health.

He’s also a fictional character.

Chip’s Pickleball Club, branded under the friendly persona by owner Jack Eickhof, is set to open this spring in Eagan. The indoor pickleball complex, featuring 12 tournament-sized courts, is housed in a repurposed warehouse space. In addition to the courts, the facility features cold plunging pools, a sauna, a wellness center and a food/

drink space that flips between café and bar depending on the time of the day.

Eickhof was first exposed to pickleball at a friend’s birthday party. To say he was smitten is an understatement. “It was incredible,” he says. “I wanted to create that same experience and make it even better.”

And he did, finding an ideal location in Eagan. “Eagan is where pickleball landed when it first came to Minnesota,” Eickhof says. “The area has a huge player base and as many outdoor courts as anywhere in the Metro.”

But indoor pickleball—is there really a demand?

“Outdoor courts are being built, but there’s been a lag in indoor-court development,” Eickhof says.

As a testament to said demand, Eickhof says he’s received more than 2,800 emails requesting information

Photo: Chip’s Pickleball Club

Rendering of Chip’s Pickleball Club, scheduled to open in May in Eagan.

and updates on the club and its opening. Plans call for construction to finish the first week of May, and the club to open sometime in mid-May.

Chip’s Pickleball Club will feature both member and public play. Member-only pickleball will be played daily from 6 to 10 a.m. Public play is slated from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Private court reservations are expected to be in the $40 per hour range. Open play, penciled into the middle part of the day, is expected to fall between $10 and $20 per session. “Players drop in and cycle through,” Eickhof says.

League play at all ability levels is expected to be the biggest draw. “Leagues are seven weeks long, and you’re playing two hours per week,” Eickhof says. “Most leagues will be doubles, but that can change.”

After a competitive game, pickleball members can use the on-site, co-ed cold plunge pools and saunas as recovery tools. In addition to reducing inflammation, cold plunging is said to delay the onset of muscle soreness. At Chip’s, a cold plunge into 42-degree water could last three minutes.

While a sauna is the polar opposite of a cold plunge, its benefits are similar. It aids in recovery and can reduce stress and improve heart health.

Wellness-only memberships, which include unlimited cold plunge and sauna access, are priced at $50 per month.

“We’re offering more than just court space,” Eickhof says. “We’re going to be a community. We’re going to be active. We’re going to be healthy, and we’re going to be social.” —DH

Written by Emily Gedde

Kiger updated this bathroom by swapping outdated cabinet pulls for a modern design and changing the wall color to create the feeling of a bigger, brighter space.

Prior Lake designer/architect Kimberly Kiger has a knack for finding easy fixes without tearing everything down to the studs. We asked Kiger, owner of KSK Designs, to provide us with a fresh perspective for fixing outdated kitchens, unattractive fireplaces and cramped living rooms without committing to cumbersome renovations.

Dated Kitchens

Depending on your kitchen’s biggest problem areas, it’s possible to get a new look with a few strategic swaps:

• Backsplash: Adding or lengthening a backsplash to reach the upper cabinets can make a big impact. You can retile or go for an even easier option: “If you have a tile backsplash, you can do it yourself, and buy a peel-and-stick tile to go on top,” Kiger says. “Don’t forget to cut the edges to look more authentic.”

• Cabinets Configuration: Consider removing one or two upper cabinets.

• Microwave Swap: If your microwave lives above your range, maybe it’s time to find it a new home, Kiger says. Try taking it down and replacing it with a range hood and a good backsplash to create a focal point in the kitchen.

Hardware Switch: Swapping outdated cabinet pulls or knobs with something more modern offers an almost instant upgrade. “If you have knobs, a handle is a good option for a change,” Kiger says. “If you have a handle, you will want

to look for options in that same size—measure center of hole to center of hole—for replacement if you don’t want to have a fill point.”

Minor Changes: Update light fixtures and outlet covers.

Out-of-Place Fireplaces

If the fireplace doesn’t fit the style of the home— or the homeowner’s style—there are some options, Kiger says. Tile or brick fireplaces can get a facelift by covering the facade with a different tile or brick. There are also painting and sealing techniques to change the color of brick, Kiger says.

Tired Gathering Spaces

When it’s hard to pinpoint the problem in a room, don’t immediately jump to adding or replacing furniture. First make sure that the room’s color, artwork and accessories are creating balance, Kiger says. “Well-balanced spaces appear more luxurious and inviting,” she says. “Balance can be achieved by minimizing the use of colors, tones and textures.”

Think about the placement of art in the room, and consider moving favorite pieces or using them as inspiration for color throughout the room.

“Neutral palettes are very popular right now because they are easy to transition between holidays and appear more timeless,” Kiger says. “The right solution is what makes you happy, not necessarily following a trend.”

Photo: Kimberly Kiger

Cramped Corners

If a space is feeling small, the first step is to clear the clutter, Kiger says.

Next consider the colors in the room. Color, especially wall color, can make spaces feel smaller or larger. In general, lighter colors make spaces feel larger. “Your wall color or locations could be making your space feel smaller by itself,” Kiger says.

After clutter and color, the next big issue is furniture. Make sure there’s not too much furniture in the space, and then look at its layout. Don’t be afraid to play with furniture placement. “Removing or reorienting furniture can make spaces feel larger,” Kiger says.

Finally, review the the height and location of light fixtures. “If lights are too low, it changes the lighting quality,” Kiger says. “Lights that are too high don’t provide enough lighting as a primary source, so people are inclined to increase their secondary lighting with floor or table lamps. Removing some of these and making lighting more accurate for your space can be a simple fix.”

Worrisome Walls

Think beyond paint and wallpaper when it comes to walls and ceilings. “Molded fiberglass or plasticized ceiling tiles that resemble copper or tin ceilings can be used on the wall or ceiling,” Kiger says. “Simplified wainscoting with wood trim pieces can be laid out in simple, elegant ways.”

Adding fabric is another option. “Hanging curtains from a ceiling track or a wall-mounted track the length of a space can improve sound issues while also changing the mood and feeling in the space,” Kiger says.

When updating any part of your living space, Kiger says comfort is key. “Make your home your happy space,” she says. “If you are finding weaknesses in doing so, ask a professional and get a few opinions before settling on the one person to help you.”

KSK Designs; 952.583.514; ksk-designs.com

KSK Designs | Prior Lake MN

Photo: Kimberly Kiger

Commit to a backsplash by tiling up to the ceiling or upper cabinets.

Making a House a Home

For more information or to make a donation, contact:

Homeward Bound, Inc.

12805 Hwy 55, Suite #400, Plymouth, MN. 55441

Lori Merriam, Director of Development

Cell: 612-419-4549 or lmerriam@hbimn.org

PROVIDING INNOVATIVE AND LIFE-ENRICHING SERVICES TO CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS & ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES.

Homeward Bound currently operates 22 Residential Homes for persons with severe disabilities. We provide services to individuals who through no fault of their own find themselves waking up each day to extraordinary challenges.

We strive to exceed the expectations of the people we serve and their families by finding better ways of delivering care, housing and programmatic services.

Each person is encouraged and empowered to develop skills and capabilities needed to increase self-reliance and enhance quality of life. We are asking for your support with donations for new homes, community activities, staff training and recruitment, necessary medical equipment and transportation. Individuals can sometimes be forgotten, please choose to help and show the community everyone is important.

Thank you for your kind consideration.

Dog Foodies

An Apple Valley bakery serves up freshly made baked goods and other delights for your pup.

Written by Liz Potasek

NICOLE FANDRICH is describing one of her regular customers, and she’s about half-way through the story when it becomes clear that the customer is a Siberian husky and not a human.

It should come as no surprise that some of the most loyal customers at Three Dog Bakery in Apple Valley have four legs. The shop specializes in freshly made baked goods, as well as a thoughtfully curated selection of dog treats, toys, collars, bathing products, clothes and more. Although the humans make the purchases, it’s clear that the dogs are what drive the business.

Not surprising, considering Fandrich’s own pack is ultimately what inspired her to open the business.

As a former director of enterprise sales for a logistics company, Fandrich traveled frequently for work and often sought out treats to bring home to her dogs. Through those explorations, she discovered the Three Dog Bakery franchise, and after more than 20 years in corporate America, she decided to take the leap and open her own shop—the only Three Dog Bakery location in Minnesota. “I wanted to do something different that I enjoyed,” she says. “I wanted to work for myself.”

And a shop dedicated to the enjoyment and enrichment of dogs’ lives felt like the perfect fit. “They’re full of love,” Fandrich says, explaining her passion for dogs. “They bring so much

quality to our lives … so much enrichment to our lives.”

As a lifelong dog owner, Fandrich keeps dogs’ health and safety at the forefront as she makes decisions about what to carry in the shop. Since Three Dog Bakery is part of a franchise, Fandrich uses recipes developed at the corporate headquarters by a team that includes a food scientist, a safety engineer and a culinary-trained pastry chef. Whether she’s making Easter brunch or a birthday cake, Fandrich uses humangrade ingredients with no added sugar, butter or salt.

The bakery features birthday cakes and a cake of the month, which is sold by the slice, as well as smaller cakes

Photos: Chris Emeott

A selection of dog treats from the bakery case.

and cookies that are decorated for the season. Cakes are available for pick-up or special order, and the bakery has even made gender reveal cakes and other creative custom orders.

From Growl-o-ween, a dog-centered Halloween celebration, to the annual Easter Egg hunt at Cobblestone Lake Park in Apple Valley, Fandrich creates fun ways to include dogs in holiday celebrations. Plus, its holiday meals— an Easter brunch, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners—are popular.

Besides the bakery treats, the shop carries an astounding assortment of dog toys, packaged treats, flavored peanut butters (plus lick matts for serving it), cheese chews, unhide (a mix of antler powder and cheese), buffalo bones (to keep dogs’ teeth clean and white), rawhide and more.

Fandrich also stocks her Three Dog Bakery with high-quality products that are often tested by Fandrich’s boxers, Fergus and Linden, as well as Dixon, also a boxer, who helped Fandrich open the shop and was a fixture at the store but passed away last fall.

“One of the things that’s really important to me is dog nutrition,” Fandrich says, noting that the right nutrition can really improve a dog’s quality of life. “We’ve got a small place, so I’m very specific about what I picked and for what reasons,” she says.

Most of the food Fandrich carries comes from smaller companies and was selected for the health benefits it offers. The shop has a selection of dry food and frozen raw food, and Fandrich says she’s always available to help customers find the best food for their budget. “It’s really getting to know the dog and what their likes are and what the goals of nutrition are,” she says. “It’s really, really important to make sure that they have good kibble.”

While Fandrich seeks out fun, unusual products for dogs, she’s careful not to stock novelty products for the sake of novelty if they don’t benefit dogs. “If they feel better, their quality of life is better,” she says.

Three Dog Bakery, 15624 Pilot Knob Road Suite 300, Apple Valley; 952.456.0090; threedogstores.com

Three Dog Bakery - Apple Valley, MN @threedogbakeryapplevalley

Three Dog Bakery’s birthday cakes are a popular item at the bakery.

Bakery owner Nicole Fandrich

RIDE IT FORWARD

Rick’s Bike Sale benefits two local charities.

WHETHER YOU’RE SEARCHING FOR A NEW BIKE or looking to part with an old one, you’ll want to check out Rick’s Bike Sale in Apple Valley. The 16th annual sale features more than 350 refurbished bikes. Rick Anderson, along with help from volunteers and businesses, refurbishes donated bikes and sells them to benefit Kids ’n Kinship, a nonprofit that connects kids in need with mentors, and DARTS, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the qual-

ity of life for senior citizens. In 2023, the sale raised almost $63,000 for these charities, with 4 percent of sales proceeds going to purchase bike parts for refurbished bikes.

—Emma Mehl

Rick’s Bike Sale is held 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m. May 11 at Dick’s Valley Service Impound, 5905 Upper 147th St. W., Apple Valley; ricksbikesale.com. Donations are also accepted year-round.

Photo: Bree Becker

Compiled by Findlay Drabant and Hailey Almsted

LOCAL EVENTS

Lauren Alaina at Mystic Showroom 04/11

Grand Ole Opry member and country singer Lauren Alaina brings her tour to Minnesota. All ages. Ticket prices vary. 8 p.m. Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd., Prior Lake; 800.262.7799; mysticlake.com

Brick Convention 04/13–04/14

Everyone is welcome at this LEGO fan event, which includes experiences for builders of all skills and interests. A portion of proceeds is donated to Creations for Charity All ages. $15 online, $18 at the door, children 2 and under free. Times vary. Eagan Civic Arena, 3870 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan; brickconvention.com

Soaring ’20s Speakeasy 05/03

The Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce hosts the roast of chamber president Ed Kearney alongside casino games, a raffle, cocktails and dinner—don’t forget to dress as a gangster or a flapper! Ages 18 and older. $125/person. 6–10 p.m. Lost Spur, 2750 Sibley Memorial Highway, Eagan; 952.432.8422; applevalleychamber.com

Lakeville Citywide Garage Sale 05/18

Join the City of Lakeville in its citywide garage sale. Submit the address of your garage sale to be included on a map of locations. All ages. Free. 8 a.m.–4 p.m. 952.985.4400; lakevillemn.gov

We provide flexible hours, personalized care and 98% patient satisfaction. Schedule an appointment today!

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showcase local people, places and events.

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APPLE VALLEY HOME AND GARDEN EXPO

Attend this annual home and garden event to feel inspired about your home projects, including interior design, landscaping, renovations, remodels and more. All ages. Free. 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Eastview High School, 6200 140th St. W., Apple Valley; 952.432.8422; applevalleychamber.com

Spring Festival 05/19

The Historic Holz Farm hosts an afternoon of old-fashioned fun. Enjoy live music, go on a hayride and tour the house while learning about life on the farm. All ages. $3/ person. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Holz Farm, 4665 Manor Drive, Eagan; 651.675.5000; cityofeagan.com

AREA EVENTS

Art Club 04/04–04/25

Every Thursday, Walker Library invites you and your creative kiddos to its Art Club where it hosts new activities every week. Ages 4 and older. Free. 5–9 p.m. Walker Library, 725 Vineland Place, Mpls.; 612.375.7600; walkerart.org

www.EspeciallyforChildren.com | 952.857.1100

CREATE. LAUGH. LEARN.

local things to see and do

Goldy’s Run

04/07

Join everyone’s favorite gopher for this fun run around the University of Minnesota campus. Participants can choose between running 10 miles, a 5K or Goldy’s Gallop, a kid’s race around Huntington Bank Stadium. All ages. $20.50–$69.50. 8 a.m. Huntington Bank Stadium, 420 SE 23rd St., Mpls.; 612.412.4378; goldysrun.com

Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival 04/11–04/25

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul is back with its annual film festival, showing over 250 films from filmmakers around the world. All ages. Prices vary. Times vary. The Main Cinema, 115 SE Main St., Mpls.; 612.331.7563; mspfilm.org

citiessouthmags.com

April Music and Mindfulness 04/18

Take time for yourself with the Minnesota Orchestra as it explores the intersection of music and mindfulness through performance, presentations, meditation and discussion. All ages. This event is a chooseyour-own-price, with a minimum price of $5. 7 p.m. Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Mpls.; 612.371.5600; minnesotaorchestra.org

To have your event considered: email citiessouthmags@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.

Since 1986 we have been serving students from Kindergarten through 8th grade. We offer a rigorous curriculum in a safe environment with no hidden agenda, building leaders with a heart to serve their community.

Christian Heritage Academy

7320 175th St. W., Lakeville

952.953.4155

chacademy.com

A New Leash on Life

Meet a rescue dog who is up for fresh experiences.

Duke Silver is a dog that loves adventure. After being adopted by Mary Mittelstaedt in 2020 from Wags and Whiskers, he has experienced many new things, such as motorcycle riding, dock diving, jumping in snow banks and having his picture taken. Duke has grown to be a bit of a model. You can see more of Duke’s adventures by following @duke.silver20 on Instagram. —Emma Mehl

To view other Focus on Cities South photo contest winners, visit citiessouthmags.com.

Photographer: Mary Mittelstaedt

Title: Duke Silver

Equipment: iPhone 13 Pro Max

Location: Apple Valley

Category: Pets

Award: First Place

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